1987 My Era

Chapter 53: What is a noble person?
Li Heng turned to look at Zou Ping: "Editor Zou, what about you?"

At this critical moment, Chen Xiaomi and Wang Runwen looked at each other straight.

Facing three pairs of eyes, Zou Ping sighed and said, "30 per thousand words is already the highest standard for manuscript payment in China, and Harvest Magazine can only give this much."

Hearing this, Chen Xiaomi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then moved her gaze to Li Heng, wanting to see what decision he would make.

Li Heng knew what the woman was thinking when he saw her look, but he ignored her and asked tentatively:

"Editor Zou, what about royalties? What percentage does your publishing house set?"

Chen Xiaomi was a little confused.

Zou Ping was also clueless and asked subconsciously: "What royalties?"

No wonder he asked that.

Because in his ten-year career, this was the first time an author had asked about royalties.

Before this, Zouping had no idea of ​​this in his subconscious mind at all.

The two's confused reactions did not surprise Li Heng. After all, the first person in later generations to receive royalties was Wang Shuo, and as far as he remembered, that happened two years later.

But he continued, “Gentlemen, I remember that the country introduced a policy a few years ago, setting a royalty ratio of “5% basic remuneration for every copies”.

If I say I don’t want royalties, but reach an agreement with your publisher on royalties based on the number of copies printed…”

Having said this, he deliberately paused and looked at the two of them meaningfully; his meaning was already very clear.

He was very ambitious. Even though he knew it was impossible and the possibility of getting royalties was almost zero, he still wanted to give it a try.

In other words, even if it doesn’t happen this time, with the preparations made today, maybe it will happen next time?
After all, he had seen a lot of money in his previous life, and his vision and ambition were far greater than those of his peers.

Wang Shuo was able to accomplish this in his previous life, so he wanted to see if there was any chance of doing it two years earlier?

If so, then he has done a great thing. With this identity, he can charge freely in the literary world in the future, and all writers will have to thank him.

If we fail, that's no big deal. We can just hunker down in disgrace. If it really doesn't work out, we can just switch to another magazine and earn some honest money.

Hearing this, Chen Xiaomi and Zou Ping looked at each other in shock. Their first reaction was that Li Heng was young and arrogant, and had no idea of ​​how high the heavens and how deep the earth are!
It's ridiculous!

It is true that the country has this policy, but every policy has its countermeasures, and in reality no one has ever received any royalties.

Even Mr. Ba, the editor-in-chief of Harvest magazine, who holds a high status, made no exception and received his royalties in accordance with the rules.

Chen Xiaomi and Zou Ping both agree that "To Live" is good and remarkable, but it is not so good that Li Heng can surpass the publishing house by virtue of his status as a new writer.

The two editors looked upset and remained silent.

This scene made the English teacher nervous. She wanted to persuade Li Heng, but because of the wrong occasion, she didn't say anything.

Seeing that Chen Xiaomi and Zou Ping tacitly did not express their opinions, Li Heng looked up at the alarm clock on the wall, stood up and said, "You two, class is about to start. I have to go to class first. See you in the afternoon."

Seeing that he was really leaving, Zou Ping couldn't help but say, "Teacher Li, there is no precedent for the issue of remuneration based on the number of copies printed. I can't give you an answer right away. I have to ask the publishing house for instructions."

Li Heng smiled and said, "Sure, I'm not in a hurry. Please keep my identity secret for me. See you later."

After saying that, he opened the door and really left.

Chen Xiaomi looked at his departing back and frowned, feeling that all her efforts had gone to waste.

After a while, Zou Ping, who had calmed down, thanked Wang Runwen and said, "Teacher Wang, I'm sorry to bother you today. I have to contact the leaders of the society now, so I'll leave first."

Wang Runwen walked him to the door and said, "This is a piece of cake. Editor Zou is so polite. Please take care."

Two people left at once, and the room suddenly became deserted. Chen Xiaomi looked at Wang Runwen, especially her plump breasts, and finally said goodbye.

...

"Dingle bell...Dingle bell..."

Shanghai Stock Exchange, editor-in-chief's office of Harvest magazine.

After the bell rang three times, the editor-in-chief stopped chatting with Mr. Ba on the other side, stood up and picked up the receiver. "Hello, who is this?"

"Editor-in-chief, it's me, Zouping."

Hearing that it was Zouping, Editor-in-Chief Liao glanced at Mr. Ba next to him and asked quickly, "How is the situation? How about the follow-up part of "To Live"?"

Zouping replied: "The situation is a bit complicated. But the subsequent part of "To Live" is very good! Very good! It is a step up from the previous 4 words..."

Having said this, Zouping paused, feeling that he was a little incoherent, and then he continued after some thought:
"I haven't seen work of this level in a long time. This is the highest level of submission I've received since I entered the industry. I guess it will be hard to see it again in the next few years."

Editor-in-Chief Liao knows Zouping well. He has a calm personality, doesn't like to brag, and is a practical person. He has said good things repeatedly, so the subsequent parts of "To Live" will definitely be good.

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked immediately: "If that's the case, then why didn't you take it down as soon as possible? Did People's Literature snatch it away?"

"not yet…"

This was a request for instructions from the agency, and Zouping did not dare to hide anything.

He immediately told the whole story about Li Heng's age, his knowledge and conversation, where his inspiration came from, his second uncle, how he had read hundreds of books, and his requirements for print run and remuneration.

Not a single word is omitted, no exaggeration, and no omission, the focus is on a true restoration.

Editor-in-Chief Liao listened patiently, his facial expression was no better than Chen Xiaomi and Zou Ping's, he was completely stunned.

After a while, he looked at Mr. Ba and asked, "Teacher, did you hear that?"

It was such a quiet room, so of course he could hear it. Mr. Ba nodded with a smile.

Editor-in-Chief Liao was surprised: "17 years old! Less than 18 years old! He wrote "To Live". How much do you believe it?"

Mr. Ba was silent for a long time, then said with emotion: "Some things are there and cannot be faked. Didn't you hear that his father was an educator? Didn't you hear about the hundreds or thousands of books he had in his bank?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao said: “But…”

Mr. Ba interrupted with a wave of his hand: "Xiao Zou said that the competitor and December came from the same place. People did not suspect Cun Shu and Second Master on the spot, so it is most likely to exist and most likely to be true."

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked, "Do you want Zouping to investigate?"

Mr. Ba shook his head. "The person who wrote 'To Live' is a genius. It is not appropriate to disturb him rashly."

Editor-in-Chief Liao nodded after hearing this.

In fact, the investigation would not reveal anything. Even Zouping would develop a sense of inferiority due to self-shame. Then this "December" may not be said to be a well-read person, but at least he is a person with great knowledge and real talent.

After figuring out the key point, Editor-in-Chief Liao asked for advice: "Teacher, what about the royalties...?"

Mr. Ba asked back: "What do you think?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao shook his head: "There is no precedent!"

Mr. Ba took the teacup, took a sip and said, "Then we will have no chance of reading To Live."

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked: "Are you talking about 'People's Literature'?"

Mr. Ba said: "Under the same conditions, who would you take care of first?"

Of course he is from the same hometown. Editor-in-Chief Liao understands this: "The royalties can be printed..."

After saying the words "printable royalties", Editor-in-Chief Liao did not say anything else, but looked at the teacher steadily.

This inexplicably reminded Mr. Ba of the past when many scholars were penniless and committed suicide. After a long while, he put down his teacup and said:

“It is not easy to be a writer. The sky of literature in the new era should be broader and more dazzling.”

What is a noble person?

This is!
A hammer!
Editor-in-Chief Liao was stunned for a moment, then realized what to do, and later instructed the person on the other end of the phone:

"We can agree to some of the demands made in December, but after all, it is a precedent and must be limited..."

(End of this chapter)