I Have a Dice Left by a God-Chapter 453 - 45: Beauty Pageant Masterstroke

Lin Fei and Kathy smiled knowingly as they watched Li Xin’s smug expression.

"Seems like you learned something in Hedan; it’s good to get out and see the world." Kathy nodded.

"You little rascal, I thought the same at first. It might be common sense in Hedan, but when Scholar Zhuang tentatively asked me several times what Heart Learning was, Ah Xin, what do you think Heart Learning is?" Lin Fei wasn’t foolish; on the contrary, she was very perceptive to details. Initially too excited to notice, she later felt something was off—the expressions from the Grand Scholars were not about deciding which newspaper to collaborate with, but about thinking, being shocked, being pleasantly surprised, and other emotions.

"Unity of Knowledge and Action is Heart Learning. I am the wise one who taught them this concept," Li Xin puffed up his chest. He toned it down, knowing his limitations, and considering how inquisitive scholars can be about their subjects. If they thoroughly questioned him, he’d get caught out eventually, so it’s better to maintain some mystery.

"You talk big, but still managed to hit the nail on the head. I’ll give you credit for that," Lin Fei said happily. Interaction with scholars from the Celestial Principle School was enjoyable; they had many enlightening ideas. It’s no surprise their devout followers are growing even in the low-profile situation in Dragon Capital.

"Deputy Editor Lin, collaboration with the Celestial Principle School boosts the newspaper’s tone, but it might not help much with sales," Kathy reminded.

"It’ll improve definitely, mainly in sales related to the Canon Law School. However, for the general public, attention might indeed not be that high, whereas the Flying Bird Daily has been growing rapidly. Even though much of it is made up, why do so many people enjoy reading it?" Lin Fei felt a bit frustrated, as did the entire newspaper.

"Aunt Fei, as newspapers develop, they will definitely subdivide. The Flying Bird Daily has benefited from sensationalism and will continue down that path. For most ordinary people, there’s a need for novel and entertaining stories to pass the time, entertain themselves, and satisfy curiosity and gossip. There’s a chance the Flying Bird Daily’s sales will further increase," Li Xin said while eating. Success, historically, hasn’t always meant being the best.

"I don’t believe it. What’s true is true, what’s good is good, and what’s fake can’t become real!" Lin Fei retorted.

"That’s right, but ultimately, the decision lies with the readers. Flying Bird Daily’s popularity doesn’t mean it’ll always be successful, but at a certain stage, it indeed reflects a particular demand," Li Xin said.

Kathy chuckled, finding Lin Fei and Li Xin’s debate rare and amusing. "Are you suggesting Citizen Daily should learn from them?"

"Not quite. When newspapers develop to a certain point, they all have similar strategies. Why would readers choose yours? It’s bound to have a clear niche positioning. Flying Bird Daily has identified itself as catering to curiosity and gossip, attracting readers who enjoy that style. Citizen Daily just secured a partnership with the Celestial Principle School, offering entertainment, but using Flying Bird Daily’s approach would lead to unclear positioning and chaos, which is not conducive to competition. I think maintaining a high-quality positioning is right. It’s not just the elegant and classical notes people appreciate—ordinary folks need content too. People don’t only enjoy the flashy parts; if they don’t watch, the content simply isn’t interesting enough."

The dining table quieted down briefly, with applause...

Xueyin clapped vigorously, "Well said!"

"Did you understand?" Kathy asked curiously.

"No, I just think Ah Xin’s serious nonsense looks impressive and I need to study more," Lin Xueyin proudly chuckled, but within half a second, Lin Fei knocked her head, causing the girl to huddle under the table in pain.

Lin Fei’s first instinct was to refute from both an emotional and rational standpoint, as she was the practitioner. But soon she calmed down, reflecting on Li Xin’s words, feeling a sense of... foresight. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

She wasn’t entirely sure since newspapers are about collecting good content—the more, the better. If it’s good, someone will read it. Positioning, this thing... is unpredictable, yet somewhere it seems to make sense.

"Collaborators like the Celestial Principle School establish stable positioning, which is why they immediately rejected Flying Bird, undoubtedly their primary consideration. Even if Flying Bird’s sales are the highest, it won’t help." Li Xin picked up a piece of beef and peeled a shrimp, placing it into the mouth of the pitiful Echo.

Echo was once again knocked into submission, yet it wasn’t necessary to worry; this one’s acting was almost perfected.

"Ah Xin, proposing a problem isn’t talent; solving it is what defines a hero," Kathy winked. How was this kid still holding back?

Li Xin wanted to mention his Utopia Mountain tale, but had been busy with cases these past days, barely penning anything. It needed revisions... primarily due to a lack of motivation. With some savings now, a stable job, promising prospects, and good leg development, sitting down to type just made him sleepy, forced typing felt wrong—no wonder good authors must endure the tests of poverty.

What method could quickly catch attention?

"I have a trick. If used, it will guarantee a massive sales boost," Li Xin suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

"Hurry up, don’t keep us in suspense," Kathy clinked a wine glass with Lin Fei. This kid surely could hold back.

"Beauty contest," Li Xin said. In the past life, numerous beauty contests drew widespread attention every time, particularly when they were first held at a high quality and were well-organized; it was a national focus. In Dragon Capital, due to a certain Grand Governor’s reforms, it seemed suitable, unless there was some unknown taboo, but the first to try it would certainly profit greatly.

"Beauty contest?"

Upon hearing this, Kathy and Lin Fei both knitted their brows; it didn’t sound like a good idea.

"Ah Xin, don’t take the wrong path!" Kathy said.

Li Xin could see they’d misunderstood, while Lin Xueyin had an intrigued, mischievous grin. "It’s not a crooked path, it’s properly creating a stage showcasing women’s beauty and talent. The title would be ’First Dragon Beauty Pageant,’ using cameras to take pictures of contestants and promote their attributes in the newspaper. Let’s hear from everyone—all the men enjoy it, and the women—who wouldn’t want to be crowned the first beauty? Of course, the details and processes require planning; put it this way, as long as it’s feasible, sales could multiply easily."

Li Xin peeled a shrimp into his mouth, while Lin Fei and Kathy contemplated.

"First beauty, can I participate?" Echo straightened up, full of interest.

"You can’t; you’re too young," Li Xin rejected immediately. "There must be age restrictions; too young won’t work!"

"Ah Xin, you’re targeting me—you’ve gone bad!"

"No, it’s not that; age certainly must be controlled. Otherwise, the event will be heavily criticized," Kathy thought for a moment. "There seems to be no law prohibiting it. Frankly, if it weren’t for my status, I’d want to participate and try."

"That’s right; our family’s three beauties, anyone could win first place." Li Xin’s words immediately brought smiles to the three women.