fictionpage Chapter 16, First Royalties Received
Chapter 16, First Royalties Received
Her voice on the phone was clear and melodious, making one imagine that she must be pretty and capable, but he did not expect that she would be so beautiful and outstanding in person.
She is about 1.72 meters tall, which is quite tall for a woman from the South.
She has a beautiful face and delicate features, and her light makeup makes her even more radiant.
She wore a fitted white short-sleeved shirt that accentuated her slender figure; paired with a knee-length gray straight skirt, she wore sheer black stockings and simple black leather shoes.
She looks both professional and capable, yet retains a feminine grace and has an outstanding temperament.
"Hello, Editor Zhou." Chen Zhiyuan suppressed the turmoil in his heart and greeted him with a smile.
Zhou Shutang's gaze also fell on Chen Zhiyuan, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
The young man in front of me was tall and straight, and his short hair made him look even more energetic. He had handsome features, a sunny smile, and a maturity beyond his years, yet he still exuded youthful energy.
"Zhiyuan, you are younger and more handsome than I imagined." She extended her hand generously and greeted him with a smile.
"You flatter me, Editor Zhou." Chen Zhiyuan gently shook her hand; it was soft and warm to the touch. "You are much prettier in person than you sound on the phone."
"Thank you." Zhou Shutang smiled gracefully, displaying the poise and confidence of a successful career woman.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chen Zhiyuan gestured invitingly: "I wonder if Editor Zhou likes desserts? This shop is newly opened and has a good reputation. Shall we go in and chat?"
Most young women have no resistance to desserts, and Zhou Shutang was no exception, nodding happily.
The two entered the cozy-decorated dessert shop and sat down in a relatively quiet spot by the window.
We ordered two cups of their signature milk tea and a few exquisite pastries, and while enjoying them, we got down to business.
Because we had already communicated quite thoroughly over the phone, the face-to-face meeting went very smoothly.
The final payment was set at 100 yuan per thousand words, which was an ideal price that both parties could accept.
Zhou Shutang took out two copies of the "Exclusive Serial Agreement" that he had prepared in advance from his briefcase and handed them to Chen Zhiyuan for review.
Chen Zhiyuan took it and read it carefully, line by line.
The agreement is clear in its terms and responsibilities, with no hidden traps. It mainly stipulates the manuscript fee standard, serialization period, submission deadline, and copyright ownership (the copyright still belongs to Chen Zhiyuan, and the newspaper only obtains the serialization right).
After confirming that everything was correct, Chen Zhiyuan took out a pen and neatly filled in his bank account, ID number, and other information on the agreement. Then he solemnly signed his name and pressed the red inkpad on it.
"It's a pleasure working with you, Professor Chen." Zhou Shutang put away one of the agreements and smiled as he extended his hand again.
"It's a pleasure working with you, Editor Zhou." Chen Zhiyuan shook hands with her again, and couldn't help but think to himself once more: This editor is not only beautiful, but her hands are also soft and delicate.
With the business concluded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.
The two chatted for a while longer, exchanging views on the current literary and publishing market.
Chen Zhiyuan also benefited greatly from Zhou Shutang's eloquence and knowledge.
Before parting, Zhou Shutang shook hands with Chen Zhiyuan again outside the shop: "Teacher Chen, keep in touch, and I look forward to your next article."
"Don't worry, Editor Zhou, I'll submit the manuscript on time. Be careful on the road."
Watching the red Volkswagen merge into the traffic and gradually disappear into the distance, Chen Zhiyuan felt a surge of reassuring joy.
One hundred yuan per thousand words... This means that the first batch of 30,000 words' worth of royalties, three thousand yuan, will soon be deposited into his account.
Hmm, now that I have this money, should I buy a computer to improve my "productivity" first, or take advantage of the summer vacation to get a driver's license?
For a seasoned driver like him with twenty years of driving experience, getting a driver's license should be a piece of cake.
Before he could figure out how to use this "first pot of gold," Zhou Shutang called again the next morning.
She was extremely efficient. She informed Chen Zhiyuan that the 3,000 yuan manuscript fee had been wired, and an additional 2,000 yuan had been prepaid, making a total of 5,000 yuan. She told him to check his account.
The money has arrived!
Chen Zhiyuan immediately found the new passbook he had specially opened at the bank a few days ago, put it in his pocket, and went out excitedly.
Although the July sun was scorching, turning the ground white, it did nothing to stop him from heading to the bank.
A check at the bank counter confirmed that, sure enough, the five thousand yuan was quietly lying in the account.
Looking at the brand-new numbers on the passbook, an indescribable sense of accomplishment and joy filled my heart.
This is the first money I've earned since my rebirth, relying on my "foresight" and "skills".
In 1999, five thousand yuan was equivalent to several months' wages for an average wage earner.
Without hesitation, he took out 1,000 yuan in cash.
Holding a brand-new 100-yuan bill in your hand, thick and substantial, this tangible sense of accomplishment is far more exhilarating than any empty encouragement.
Returning home with a bulging wallet, perhaps because of the joy of good fortune, he was inspired and sat at his desk, his thoughts flowing like a spring, writing another three or four thousand words in one go.
In this way, I had tens of thousands of words of manuscript saved up, and sending them out would bring in several thousand yuan.
Learning to drive, buying a cell phone... the outlines of these plans are becoming clearer in my mind.
Having a mobile phone would make it much easier to contact Zhou Shutang and receive newspaper notifications.
Just as I was thinking about it, the phone on the coffee table in the living room rang again.
As soon as Chen Zhiyuan picked up the receiver, Jin Liang's familiar yet excited voice came through impatiently: "Zhiyuan! What are you doing? Want to go to the internet cafe? It's on me today!"
Chen Zhiyuan chuckled upon hearing this: "Wow, the sun has risen in the west! Boss Jin is being so generous today, have you struck it rich?"
"Hehe!" Jin Liang chuckled smugly on the other end of the phone. "My dad's been doing well at business lately, made a killing, and's in a good mood today, so he gave me a hundred yuan for spending money! How about that, buddy? Pretty good, right? Are you coming or not?"
Sensing his friend's pure smugness and joy, Chen Zhiyuan was also infected by it and readily agreed, "Sure! Boss Jin is treating, I have to give him face! Same place as always?"
"Yes! Same place! I'm going to grab two good machines first, hurry up and come over!" Jin Liang's voice was full of impatience.
"Okay, I'll be right there."
I'm really lucky today.
When Chen Zhiyuan walked into that familiar internet cafe, it was still bustling with noise and filled with smoke.
Jin Liang had already snagged two computer seats by the window, and was gesturing towards one of the empty seats with a smug smile: "Zhiyuan, quick! I've saved you a seat! How about we play Age of Empires today?"
"Sure," Chen Zhiyuan readily sat down, turning on his phone as he spoke. "You're treating today, so I'll leave it to you."
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