The editor-in-chief of Random House shared the sa sighs.
And then there was Koya, who once published works on the Internet and later threw himself into the arms of Candlewick Press.
Once his work passed through the publishing house and got published, he remained in a state of great excitent.
He had dreamt countless tis about becoming a bestselling author, famous across the entire United States and even the world.
But the reality of royalty settlents was like a heavy slap in the face, jolting Koya awake.
He left Candlewick Press with a staggering gait.
Is this the advance for my book?
Koya looked at the 100 US dollars in his hand.
Was this the amount the finance departnt coughed up without bothering to make change, sticking in less than 1 dollar to make up the sum?
What right did he have to falsely claim to be a writer?
He wandered back to his apartnt in a daze, opened the Amazon website, and wanted to take one last look at his work.
But the glaring "5" in the sales records was almost unbearable to look at.
Forget it, forget it, let’s just consider it a dream.
While he was still young, he could return to Texas and be a contented farr, and marry a country girl.
Then, like his forebears, he’d spend his days dealing with cow dung and farm machinery.
He stood up and began to slowly pack away his once-treasured notes and drafts, reminiscing about every mont along his literary journey.
Koya thought again about that website that had once offered him hope.
He logged on, opened his work, and prepared to hit delete.
But his trembling hands just couldn’t bring themselves to do it.
Let’s read it one more ti. His youth, his literary dream.
While he wallowed in self-pity, a comnt caught his eye.
"Not bad writing and well-researched, but where’s the story?"
The comnter was...
Wang Jian?
The well-known writer, website owner, Wang Jian?
He had paid attention to Koya’s work?
A surge of hope welled up in Koya’s reluctant heart.
If only a famous author could ntor him.
Perhaps he could still turn things around.
But would...
The other party be willing to engage with him?
Koya’s trembling hands clicked on Wang Jian’s na.
Then he saw the most recently updated "Extre Heavenly Demon."
Koya thought about it and decided to leave a comnt on every Chapter of this book, hoping to catch the author’s attention.
And the comnts had to be more than just idle chatter.
So, he’d have to read the book properly.
He cald his mind and began to read "Extre Heavenly Demon" intently.
Huh, Greek mythology as well?
Koya picked up his own manuscript curiously, comparing it and leaving thoughtful comnts.
Uh...
It seed like so settings of the Greek gods were a bit off.
Koya shook his head doubtfully, thinking that Wang Jian must have opted for storytelling at the expense of accuracy.
The thought that Wang Jian might be unfamiliar with Greek mythology didn’t even cross his mind.
Ignoring that point, though, this book was just... so thrilling!
Gradually, Koya forgot his original purpose.
The content of "Extre Heavenly Demon" was more coherent than "I’m a Great Mage" and had more direct thrills than "Arcane Throne". It perfectly matched his current mood.
To hell with the publishing house editors;
Amazon, to hell...
And so, without realizing it, Koya kept leaving comnts up to the latest updated Chapter.
anwhile, Wang Jian, who was insecure about adapting the original work, was checking reader comnts.
Hmm, so far, the adaptation seed to be a success.
Readers left many comnts, most of which were positive.
Wang Jian nodded in satisfaction.
Then...
"Koya? Seems like I’ve seen this na sowhere."
He clicked on the avatar and then laughed wryly.
This person is back again?
Wang Jian looked through Koya’s various questions and thought for a mont.
He still sent over the "Enhanced Guide to Writing Novels for Beginners," intended for Sarah, through email.
After all, his works had helped him too.
"Wang, Random House is holding a banquet," Tom said as he pushed open the door to the office and handed over a beautifully crafted invitation.
"They want to invite all the authors of bestsellers published in the first half of the year. Will you go?"
Another banquet?
When he had just crossed over, there had been parties every day. And the higher the level, the more banquets there were.
Aricans really are party animals!
"Did you ever organize such gatherings back when you worked at Random House?" Wang Jian asked.
"To my knowledge, no," Tom replied, noticing Wang Jian’s irritable expression and persuading, "But I still suggest you go."
"After all, they have the first right of refusal for the publication of the ’Arcane Throne’ sequel."
"That’s if all else is equal," Wang Jian noted. "I could be my own boss and get a 100% royalty. Can they offer that?"
Tom shrugged, "Random House would have to sign off on the reprint agreent and relinquish rights before we could publish it ourselves."
Wang Jian picked up the invitation and shook his head helplessly, "Do I have to bring a date?"
Tom laughed, "A male companion is also fine."
After Tom left the room.
He hesitated, but then still decided to call Lily.
"Wang?" Lily’s voice ca through, filled with surprise, "Where are you now? I’ll co to you. Gene’s at boarding school today."
Wang Jian considered whether it was necessary to break this simple "running buddy" relationship.
But as for a female companion, besides Lily, there was only Lynn, that crazy woman.
"It’s like this, I have a banquet to attend tonight," Wang Jian tried to be succinct, "I need a date."
"A banquet? The kind where you wear evening gowns?" Lily hesitated, "I don’t have an evening gown. Maybe you should ask Lynn?"
"No, no, no." Wang Jian, rembering the last incident, felt that in contrast to Lynn, Lily was obviously more ladylike.
"I have been taken care of by you during community service. To express my gratitude, I’ll gift you an evening gown."
"That’s too valuable. Besides, you’ve been a great help with Gene’s schooling," Lily said modestly.
"So now, I need your help," Wang Jian didn’t want to refuse any longer and delayed his departure, "Are you at the apartnt? I’ll co pick you up."
"Okay, okay," Lily responded.
Half an hour later.
Wang Jian looked at Lily in the passenger seat.
And Lily also sneaked glances at Wang Jian, suited and booted.
Today, to appear younger, she had specifically tied her golden hair into a ponytail, then wore tight jeans and white sneakers.
But for so reason, upon seeing Wang Jian, she still felt sowhat inferior.
After all, this man had beco a renowned bestselling author.
He had fa and fortune.
While she was just a single mother nearing 30.
"Wang, where are we headed?" Lily asked anxiously.
"Fifth Avenue, to get you an evening gown."
"It doesn’t have to be so expensive; a regular gown shop would do for a rental," Lily said, clutching her purse and mumbling.
But Wang Jian acted as if he hadn’t heard, and parked the car in a lot not far from a cluster of luxury brand stores.
Lily followed Wang Jian out of the car, feeling resigned.
But as she saw the signs of Hers, Chanel, Louis Vuitton before her eyes, she was still sowhat intimidated.
It wasn’t that she didn’t own items from these brands.
But gloves, sunglasses, costics—how could they compare to an evening gown?
Such an item could cost tens of thousands of US Dollars!
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