Chapter 19: Graceful and Delicate, Charming and Captivating

Since the higher-ups have someone supporting it, I can rest assured and boldly give it a try.

Wang Chaoyin learned the truth from Wang Meng, and felt much more grounded, "The Magazine Office has some elders who lived through the royalty era; I asked them how to proceed."

"The most important thing is Xiao Xu's own opinion; we may have to work hard to persuade him to accept."

"It's getting late; let's go inside to talk."

Wang Meng finished speaking, rose, and led Wang Chaoyin into the room.

Around the royalty matters for the book High Mountain, the two literary heavyweights held a candlelit night talk, dispersing only late into the night.

……

After a while, Xu Yuexin received Wang Chaoyin's telegram, inviting him to People's Literature to discuss important matters.

Upon arriving at People's Literature, Xu Yuexin was escorted by Wang Chaoyin to the reception room.

The reception room was decorated in fresh, simple elegance; the tables, chairs, and bookshelves were antiquely charming. The carved wooden desk held a warm‑hued blue‑and‑white porcelain vase, and every issue of the Magazine Office since its founding in 1949 was displayed on the shelves.

On the clean wall, cover photos of outstanding works from past years were arranged chronologically.

The Organization Department Got a Young Man, Great Man's Six Poems, Class Teacher…

The latest issue is "High Mountain's Flower Wreath", authored under the name Chunfeng.

"These have just been posted these past few days. I estimate that after a while, your interview with Reporter Li will also be published in People's Daily."

Wang Chaoyin pointed at the cover of High Mountain on the wall, smiling, "The higher‑ups have high hopes for your book and hope to achieve further breakthroughs with it."

"Wang Team Leader, please speak."

From the start, Xu Yuexin understood that Wang Chaoyin's special invitation today was certainly not for idle chit‑chat.

When he mentioned the word "breakthrough", Xu Yuexin felt a vague premonition about certain aspects.

"We want to experiment with implementing a royalty system on your High Mountain."

"In the past, authors were paid Manuscript Payment based on word count. Some senior leaders now wish to adopt a more flexible Manuscript Payment system, where authors share revenue based on sales."

"Previously this was called royalty, which has been absent for some years now. I wonder what you think about it?"

Wang Chaoyin gave a brief introduction, his gaze fixed on Xu Yuexin, awaiting his response.

At this moment, Wang Chaoyin felt a bit uneasy.

Having lived through a special era, many people harbor a sincere fear of new things, even when clear benefits exist they dare not accept. The reasoning is simple: everyone worries that if the wind changes one day, those who embrace the new will be held accountable and implicated.

If Xu Yuexin refuses to try royalty, that would be troublesome.

According to Wang Meng's instructions, Wang Chaoyin has already prepared for a hard persuasion effort.

Because few novels are suitable for mass publication, High Mountain is currently the best choice.

Royalty?

Xu Yuexin is not unfamiliar with the term; contemporary authors of physical books earn money from it.

In today's era, royalty is a concept long sealed away.

In 1960, the literary world announced the abolition of royalty; the author's sole income became Manuscript Payment, which has been 19 years now.

There was a period when even Manuscript Payment was cancelled.

According to Xu Yuexin's knowledge of literary history, we must wait until next year, the 20th anniversary of the royalty system's abolition, when the state will officially issue a decree to restore the royalty system.

Currently, there are about half a year left before the state formally issues royalty regulations, so it seems I will become the one to break the ice.

Realizing his participation in steering history, Xu Yuexin felt a strange sensation. Of course, it was not resistance but joy.

"I am willing to implement a royalty system on my book."

Xu Yuexin replied briskly, "I just don't know what the specific conditions are?"

Regarding Xu Yuexin's stance, Wang Chaoyin was overjoyed.

Young people adopt new things quickly, even saving the ideological work.

"This plan will print 30,000 copies, each priced at 2 jiao, with a Royalty Rate of 8% of the price, paid as an advance royalty. Do you agree to these terms?"

Wang Chaoyin inquired.

Xu Yuexin heard the series of numbers and quickly did the calculation.

An 8% royalty equals a full 480 yuan, and it's an advance; the terms are indeed generous.

"I agree to these terms."

Xu Yuexin replied, "May I ask if the office has plans for subsequent reprints?"

"You hit the nail on the head. We are planning subsequent reprint plans; each future reprint will follow the same Royalty Rate and the then book price, continuing to pay you royalties."

Wang Chaoyin, with a congratulatory expression, said, "As long as the book continues to sell, you will receive a steady stream of income."

"From now on, you will have a bottomless treasure bowl."

Xu Yuexin also smiled, "May High Mountain provide long‑term income for the Magazine Office and for me."

"Hmm, I hope so."

Wang Chaoyin said in an uplifting tone, full of hope for the continued sales of Xu Yuexin's work.

After discussing with Xu Yuexin, Wang Chaoyin took out the pre‑prepared Contract, signed it, and headed to the finance office to collect the advance royalty owed to him.

Currently, royalty is not yet listed among the invoicing items, but fortunately Wang Chaoyin had already, before today, arranged with Chief Editor Li Ji to list the reason as paying the author Manuscript Payment according to the number of printed copies and price.

In fact, this is the essence of royalty; it just needs a different phrasing in the early reform period.

After receiving the royalty, Wang Chaoyin returned to the editing room and handed the kraft paper money bag to Xu Yuexin: "A total of 480 yuan; all the receipts and the contract stamped with the official seal are inside."

The bag felt heavy and solid to the touch.

Xu Yuexin took the bag, counted the money, and glanced at the contract inside.

This is the first royalty contract since the Reform and Opening, and in later years it will become a precious historical souvenir in his hands.

After verifying the money, Xu Yuexin took a car back to Wudaokou.

Just as he was about to get off, he looked through the car window and saw Chen Qiaoqiao waiting for him outside the Faculty Building's perimeter wall.

At that moment, Chen Qiaoqiao also saw Xu Yuexin, immediately waved at him, and cheerfully walked quickly toward him.

Xu Yuexin waved back to Chen Qiaoqiao through the car window, and after getting out, quickened his steps forward, greeting her from a short distance: "How long have you been waiting?"

Today, Chen Qiaoqiao wore a pink‑white fitted dress; a delicate swan‑neck of pale skin was adorned with a piece of mutton‑fat jade pendant, and her pretty face showed a faint blush.

When the breeze blew, the hem of the dress swayed gently, making Chen Qiaoqiao look even more poised and radiant.

"Just arrived, not long ago."

Chen Qiaoqiao walked up to him, playfully blinked and said, "I'm treating you to a meal today to celebrate."

(End of chapter)