Chapter 252

Gongcheng Heyu tried to make his tone gentle and earnest:

"Natsume-kun, regarding the specific ratio of royalty splits, I think we still have a lot of room for communication."

"Please don't be in a hurry, sit down, we can talk slowly until we find a plan that both sides are satisfied with."

Huang Mu Jie nodded immediately:

"Exactly!"

"If you are not satisfied with the ratio we just proposed, we can continue to negotiate."

"Such an important decision really doesn't need to be rushed."

He probed cautiously:

"Then... Natsume-kun, what is the ideal split ratio in your mind? Why don't you say a number as a starting point for our discussion."

Natsume Chikage heard this and sat back in the chair.

He looked up at the two group leaders with different expressions in front of him, a trace of "confusion" belonging to a teenager appeared on his face, and he began to play dumb:

"This... I don't know the market very well, I don't know how much I should ask for."

"However, if I can get a higher one, of course it's the best."

The two heard this, and their faces instantly became subtle.

They are now absolutely convinced that the teenager in front of them is not like an ordinary high school student at all.

Under normal circumstances, when asked about their psychological price, the other party would either give a specific number or make a request based on previous discussions.

But this Natsume Chikage, who pointed out their price suppression accurately a few minutes ago, suddenly "doesn't understand" now, putting on a pure, innocent appearance of letting others name the price.

This acting, this psychological quality...

Simply a cunning little fox!

The two exchanged a look, and both read trouble and helplessness in each other's eyes.

This boy is really hard to deal with.

For a mystery novel with excellent expected sales, the highest approval authority they hold as group leaders is indeed a 30% royalty split.

The 25% to 27% given just now was indeed a probe, trying to fight for a higher profit margin for their group while ensuring the author is signed.

After all, the lower the split given to the author, the higher the profit left for the publishing house and their group.

However, the premise of all this is being able to sign the author.

If Natsume Chikage really turns around and goes to Xinji Society, then forget about profit, he won't even get a hair.

Natsume Chikage keenly captured the subtle changes in their expressions and decided to take the initiative.

His tone was gentle, but carried a clear logic that could not be questioned:

"Two group leaders, take a step back, your publishing house is a publishing house that specializes in mystery and reasoning after all."

"Compared to other comprehensive publishing houses, I am indeed more inclined to publish here in terms of professionalism, reader channels, and industry resources."

"So, I sincerely hope that in the next negotiations, the two of you can show real sincerity."

"We treat each other with sincerity, and the efficiency will be higher."

Hearing these words, the last trace of luck in Gongcheng Heyu's heart disappeared.

The maturity of this Natsume Chikage far exceeded expectations; from entering the door to now, facing various pressures, temptations, and even chaotic scenes, he remained calm and could even move step by step, mastering the initiative.

This is not something that an ordinary family can cultivate.

If not, then there must be an expert pointing him behind the scenes!

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glare fiercely at Huang Mu Jie again.

It's all because this idiot intervened, muddying the water, otherwise how could he be so passive in front of a high school student!

Now, the arrow is on the string.

Given the impeccable super-high quality of "The Devotion of Suspect X," he, Gongcheng Heyu, must never let it go.

Taking a deep breath, Gongcheng Heyu decided to show his cards.

"Teacher Natsume, since you've said it to this point, I'll give you the bottom line."

"In our publishing house, the highest split ratio for a new book within the group leader's authority is 30%."

"Exceeding this ratio, we are really powerless."

Huang Mu Jie on the side also nodded hurriedly, his tone carrying a bit of "confiding":

"Yes, Teacher Natsume."

"Anything above 30% is the editor-in-chief's approval range."

"And those who can get more than 30% royalties are usually famous writers who already have bestselling representative works and whose market appeal has been verified."