Chapter 4: Huge Royalties!

"Publication, of course, is not an issue; a good work should be made public for the world to appreciate."

Li Ji set the manuscript down, closed his eyes to steady his mind, and leisurely said, "The only thing to consider is, after this article is published, how to deal with any possible repercussions."

"Just like earlier, you argued with someone in the editing room over this work. Once the novel reaches the public, countless differing opinions will arise."

"That's his own fault. He knows nothing yet likes to interject everywhere and criticize recklessly."

Wang Chaoyin lifted his head and said nonchalantly.

"You, you—sigh."

Li Ji couldn't help but smile and said, "Now think carefully about a question for me."

"Traditional military-themed literature tends to portray characters as lofty and perfect. This novel goes the opposite way, not shying away from human flaws."

"Moreover, readers are used to happy endings; can they accept the ultimate sacrifice of people like Liang Sanxi, Jin Kailai, and Xiao BJ?"

"Therefore, some people will inevitably find the content uncomfortable. Even though they are few, they can generate a lot of noise and public opinion. How do you plan to handle that?"

Faced with the Chief Editor's question, Wang Chaoyin fell into contemplation.

If the novel's content sparks controversy, the impact hits not only the work but can easily involve the author himself.

At the mild end it affects the author's creative mindset; at the severe end it can cause the author to collapse, sinking into self‑doubt.

When encountering an outstanding author like Xu Yuexin, one must protect him well.

Wang Chaoyin resolved and said.

"I intend to attach an editor's commentary when the novel is published, stating our stance and expressing support."

"That way, even if there is controversy, it will all be directed at me and will not disturb the author."

Wang Chaoyin said firmly, "He is a young fellow, only in his early twenties; we cannot let him be affected."

"Oh? Aren't you afraid?"

Li Ji said with interest.

Wang Chaoyin beamed a smile, showing a mouth full of white teeth: "If I can't protect the author, my role as Editor Group Leader would be in vain."

"Fine, after the editor's commentary is written, give it to me to edit and add my name as well."

Li Ji suppressed his smile and said calmly.

The superior's statement surprised Wang Chaoyin; he hurriedly waved his hand: "You… perhaps not? I'm enough."

"You're still young; I'm an old bone, it doesn't matter."

In Li Ji's weathered gaze shone wisdom and resolve, "We run a stance‑driven publication. What is stance? It is daring to speak up at critical junctures and major issues, refusing to muddy the waters or fence‑sit."

"The reform's spring breeze has already blown, the literary world cannot lag behind; we must ride the tide, stride forward bravely."

"Our way of forging ahead is to continuously publish works with fresh ideas and fresh content, called forth by the times."

"Look, the piece 'The Wreath Under the High Mountain' clearly differs in style from traditional military literature; its purpose and content also do not avoid sharp issues."

"It ruthlessly exposes some ugly social phenomena, such as cronyism, back‑door dealings, and the like."

"At the same time, the author uses the characters' mouths to voice a distinct personal viewpoint."

"For example, can someone flawed like Jin Kailai be called a hero? The text says absolutely yes. The sun has sunspots; people with flaws can also shine brilliantly."

"Another example is Zhao Mengsheng's mother; the novel fully reveals her fall from nobility to baseness, and her eventual education and sudden repentance."

"This points to a method for reforming many present‑day negative phenomena. Whether effective in reality or not, it is at least an attempt."

"From my decades of experience in literary work, the piece 'High Mountain' will not only transform military-themed literature but will also usher a fresh breeze into the entire literary world."

"My signing is not only to further protect the author, but also to clarify the Magazine Office's stance and secure more development space for the publication. Do you now understand the reason?"

"I understand; you truly have a benevolent heart."

After hearing Li Ji's words, Wang Chaoyin seemed enlightened and gained more insight into running the publication.

【9】 Since publishing 'Class Teacher' in 1977, People's Literature has always been bold in its content, playing the role of a pioneer of literary reform, receiving enthusiastic praise from a wide readership and establishing a vast market.

Since the 1977 publication of "Class Teacher", People's Literature has consistently been bold in its content publishing, playing the role of a pioneer of reform in the literary world, receiving enthusiastic praise from a vast readership, and establishing a broad market.

Bold exploration and daring innovation are precisely the secrets that have allowed the Magazine Office to grow.

Superiors have taken notice and value People's Literature. This is the confidence that allows Wang Chaoyin and Li Ji to endorse Xu Yuexin's work.

"What do you think about the royalty?"

After discussing how to handle possible situations, Li Ji asked.

"My personal opinion is to calculate it at the highest standard: 7 yuan per thousand characters."

"May I ask what amount you think is appropriate?"

Wang Chaoyin inquired.

"I agree. I'll take this and go to the finance office to collect the money later."

Li Ji, after speaking, opened a drawer, took out paper and pen, scribbled a line, stamped it with the official seal, and handed it to Wang Chaoyin.

Wang Chaoyin took the slip, said, "After you're done here, you may leave the office," and briskly walked toward the finance office.

Inside the editing room, Xu Yuexin waited for Wang Chaoyin's return, feeling uneasy. Why is he taking so long? Does the Chief Editor have objections to the novel? If it were just a request to edit the content, that would be fine; I'm afraid they think the ideological stance is problematic and will kill it outright.

Xu Yuexin's worry stems from a problem he just considered: the original 'The Wreath Under the High Mountain' was published in 1982, but now it's 1979.

Since the reform and opening, people's thoughts change yearly; in 1979 the public mindset differed greatly from that of 1982.

What readers can accept three years later may not be acceptable three years earlier. Moreover, when the novel 'High Mountain' was published in 1982, a minority found it hard to accept and strongly demanded the removal of the episode where Jin Kailai failed to receive a medal.

Forget it, the more I think the more annoyed I get; I won't think about it.

Xu Yuexin forcibly halted his thoughts; after all, sticking one's head out or pulling it back is just a single cut.

"Comrade Chunfeng, your royalty."

Only when Wang Chaoyin's jubilant voice reached his ears did Xu Yuexin finally snap out of his daze.

Royalty paid?

Xu Yuexin now truly felt as if heavenly music had briefly brightened his ears, his spirit instantly invigorated.

He quit his job to type full‑time; wasn't it just to earn money and become famous? Xu Yuexin stood up, followed the voice, and saw Wang Chaoyin holding a bulging large envelope, striding briskly toward him.

Wang Group Leader, thank you for your hard work.

Xu Yuexin stepped forward and took the envelope from Wang Chaoyin's hand.

This heavy feel, really nice!

"We have decided to pay you manuscript payment at the rate of 7 yuan per thousand characters; the envelope contains a total of 651 yuan 6 jiao 8 fen. Please count it in person."

"The Manuscript Fee Slip is also inside."

Wang Chaoyin's face bore the two characters for congratulations, and he patted Xu Yuexin's shoulder with a cheerful smile, saying.

Over six hundred yuan?

Xu Yuexin's breath paused for a moment; he could not believe it was real.

In 1979, the average salary for workers in Jingcheng was just a little over 600 yuan; this means that in half a month's work he earned what others earned in a year.

"Don't just stare, start counting quickly."

Wang Chaoyin was not surprised by Xu Yuexin's reaction; with a kindly smile he said that this was also the highest single manuscript payment he had issued in recent years.

"Alright."

Xu Yuexin opened the envelope, counted everything to confirm not a single fen was missing, and, at Wang Chaoyin's request, wrote down his home address.

When the novel was published, People's Literature would send a Sample Issue to his home.

After recording the address, Wang Chaoyin confirmed it with Xu Yuexin and, without forgetting to make a request, said, "Next time you have a manuscript, keep sending it to me."

"Sure, if I have manuscripts of a similar style, I'll give them to you."

When Xu Yuexin made the promise, he added a specific condition.

It's not that he's playing tricks on Wang Chaoyin; rather, People's Literature itself leans toward a serious style—essentially a straight drama—and has certain requirements for the overall ideological content of works.

Some of his later creations will differ in material selection from this one and may not be suitable for publication in People's Literature.

"Then it's settled."

Wang Chaoyin said, and escorted Xu Yuexin down the stairs all the way.

After leaving Courtyard No. 166, Xu Yuexin placed the large envelope containing the manuscript payment into his cloth bag, thought it over for a moment, and then hired a three-wheeled cart to go home.

Nowadays, more and more returning Educated Youth are heading back to the city; many cannot find assigned work, and some, having developed petty thieving habits while in the countryside, have fallen to become Buddha Masters.

If he took a bus home, he might be robbed halfway and end up working for a Buddha Master.

Just as Xu Yuexin got on the three-wheeled cart, Chen Qiaoqiao's mother Zhou Zhifeng had already returned to the Three-Room-One-Hall house and began chatting about what she had just seen.

"Hey, that's really new. Xu Yuexin has been resigned for half a month, and his mother doesn't even know; I was the one who told her."

"If you ask me, this kid really is useless. Mining coal may be hard, but it's still a job; how can he just say he doesn't want it?"

Zhou Zhifeng replied with a dismissive look, "These days, so many returning Educated Youth are banging their heads trying to find work. I've heard some will work as long as they get food and lodging, even without wages."

"Mom, Yuexin saved my life, and his quality is good; I won't let you speak about him like that."

At that moment, the bedroom door was pushed open with a creak from inside, and a girl dressed in a plain white long dress, whose beauty surpassed most, stepped out, her face showing displeasure.

Zhou Zhifeng saw her daughter and immediately with a Chunfeng smile said, "Qiao Qiao, why are you wearing the skirt? Who are you going to see?"

Chen Qiaoqiao is Zhou Zhifeng's pride; she ranked ninth in the entire Jingcity in the College Entrance Exam and was smoothly admitted to the Yanjing University Chinese Department.

Moreover, with Chen Qiaoqiao's outstanding looks, Zhou Zhifeng has always hoped she could marry into a family of higher social standing and live an affluent life.

"Go see Yuexin. I couldn't write him a letter earlier, I need to explain to him in person."

Chen Qiaoqiao walked to the doorway, put on her shoes, and said without turning her head.

Going to see Xu Yuexin? The daughter is clearly dating him!

Zhou Zhifeng suddenly felt the world collapse: who else could she be with, and why that unemployed drifter? (End of chapter)