noveltune Chapter 42 What kind of magical fairy tale is this? The publisher urgently sought authorization over
Chapter 42 What kind of magical fairy tale is this? The publisher urgently sought authorization over
Director Yan Min's efficiency is astonishing.
Or rather, he has an amazing sense for money.
Early the next morning, before dawn, a low, rumbling engine roared from the end of the only dirt road in Peach Blossom Village.
A black Mercedes-Benz van with a "京A" license plate ignored the muddy road and came to a steady stop at the village entrance, seemingly out of place with its surroundings.
The car door opened, and a middle-aged man wearing a well-tailored Armani suit, gold-rimmed glasses, and slicked-back hair stepped out.
His expensive handmade leather shoes touched the yellow earth, and he frowned slightly, but quickly regained the composure characteristic of an elite.
"Director Yan, I've long admired your name."
The man saw Yan Min, who was already waiting at the village entrance, and extended his hand with a professional smile on his face.
"My name is Wang Hao, and I am the editor-in-chief of Sunshine Children's Publishing House. I flew here from Beijing last night just for... Mr. Lin Zhou's story."
Yan Min's heart skipped a beat.
Goodness, their speed of action is incredible!
Last night, he had his men search all night, turning every domestic and international children's story database upside down, but they still couldn't find the source of "Stars and Meteorites." The only possibility is—it's an original work.
How could a gigolo possess such terrifying original creative abilities?
This is even more outrageous than a sow climbing a tree.
"Editor-in-Chief Wang, you're too kind. Please come in."
Although Yan Min was shocked, she remained outwardly calm and warmly led the people into the village.
At this time, the other families had just gotten up as well.
Lu Ming was styling himself in front of the mirror, Chen Kai was practicing his singing in the yard, and Wang Lei was boxing.
Lin Zhou, on the other hand, remains the same "old cadre" whose painting style is out of place.
He was wearing a loose white martial arts uniform and was standing under the old locust tree in the center of the courtyard, slowly practicing Tai Chi. His movements were fluid and graceful, each move exuding an air of otherworldly elegance, which contrasted sharply with his young and handsome face.
Su Qingge and Nuonuo moved two small stools and sat down next to them, each holding a fried dough stick, watching with great interest.
"Daddy is so handsome, just like Superman on TV!"
"What's so handsome about him? All show and no substance." Although Su Qingge said disdainfully, her beautiful eyes were fixed on Lin Zhou's back, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.
Just then, Yan Min walked in with the man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
"Ahem, Lin Zhou, let's stop for a moment."
Yan Min interrupted Lin Zhou's "morning exercise," pointed to Wang Hao beside her, and introduced him with a mysterious look: "Let me introduce you, this is Mr. Wang Hao, the editor-in-chief of 'Sunshine Children,' the largest children's publishing house in China. Editor-in-chief Wang... came especially for you."
Lin Zhou withdrew his attack, slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, and looked at the newcomer with some doubt.
The publishing house editor-in-chief? What do you want with me?
Wang Hao strode forward, completely disregarding the sweat on Lin Zhou's body, and tightly grasped Lin Zhou's hands, his expression one of excitement as if he had met his idol.
"Mr. Lin! Hello! I've heard so much about you! Last night I heard the story you told my daughter, 'The Star and the Meteorite,' and it was simply... simply breathtaking!"
"To be honest, in my twenty years as a children's literature editor, I've never heard such a gentle, healing, and philosophical fairy tale! It's not just for children; it's also a balm for adults!"
"Mr. Lin, you are a genius born for fairy tales!"
This barrage of flattery left everyone around them completely bewildered.
Lu Ming forgot to spray his hairspray, and Chen Kai stopped shouting. Everyone craned their necks, their faces full of disbelief.
The story about putting the child to sleep yesterday?
Is it really necessary? Flying all the way from Beijing overnight to praise it?
"so……"
Wang Hao excitedly took out a pre-prepared contract from his briefcase and handed it to Lin Zhou with both hands, his tone extremely sincere:
"Mr. Lin, our publishing house sincerely hopes to publish your story. Regarding the copyright fee, we are willing to pay... one million! To buy out the exclusive global rights to your story!"
One million!
The moment this number was announced, the entire audience gasped.
A bedtime story, a million?
This money is too easy to make!
Su Qingge was so shocked that she dropped the fried dough stick in her hand. She knew publishing could make money, but she didn't expect it to be this profitable!
"Mr. Lin, I know this price may not be commensurate with your talent."
Seeing that Lin Zhou didn't speak, Wang Hao assumed he thought the amount was too small and quickly added, "This is just the initial print run! We can discuss revenue sharing for subsequent animation and film adaptations! As long as you agree, we guarantee to turn it into the next world-class IP like 'The Little Prince'!"
These conditions are incredibly generous.
However, Lin Zhou only glanced at the contract, which was enough for an ordinary person to struggle for a lifetime.
He shook his head.
"Editor-in-Chief Wang, you're too kind."
Lin Zhou waved his hand, his face showing no excitement whatsoever, but rather an expression of utter nonchalance:
"What copyright stuff? It's just something I made up to lull my daughter to sleep, it's worthless."
"If you think this story is alright, feel free to use it; you don't need to pay."
"If I absolutely have to sign my name..."
Lin Zhou pointed to Nuonuo, who was eating a fried dough stick next to him and looked completely bewildered, and smiled:
"Let's just write 'Nuonuo's Dad'."
Quiet.
A deathly silence.
If the offer of one million was shocking, then Lin Zhou's current remarks, which treat money like dirt, are like a nuclear bomb.
Wang Hao was stunned.
Yan Min was stunned.
The millions of viewers in the live stream were completely stunned.
"Holy crap! A million! You're just going to give it up like that?"
"Is this the vision of a true leader? I don't understand it, but I'm deeply impressed!"
"'Made-up stuff'? Brother Lin, which floor of Versailles are you on now?"
"So cool! That kind of attitude of treating money like dirt! That's a true artist!"
"Lu Ming is still haggling over a few million in endorsement fees, while Lin Zhou has already started giving away IP rights. The difference in their abilities is obvious!"
Su Qingge looked at Lin Zhou's nonchalant demeanor, but her heart was in turmoil.
This man...
Does he really not care about money, or... does he simply not lack money at all?
Wang Hao is clearly a persistent person.
He looked at Lin Zhou, and pressed on, unwilling to give up:
"Mr. Lin, won't you reconsider? A genius of your caliber surely has more than just this one story, right? Are there other works as well?"
"Other works?"
Lin Zhou scratched his head, as if he had suddenly remembered something, and casually replied:
"Oh, yes."
"When I have nothing to do, I like to write in my diary."
"That diary seems to be... full of these made-up stories."
The voice just fell.
Standing to the side, Su Qingge's heart skipped a beat.
Journal?
He even has a diary?!