Chapter 87

Two days later.

The promotional activities for "Ghost Blows Out the Light" were already in full swing. Zhang Ye casually opened a few large forums, and out of three forums, one might have a banner on the homepage promoting "Ghost Blows Out the Light" — the pioneer of tomb-raiding novels, "Ghost Blows Out the Light," officially landing in major bookstores on October 1st.

Today was already the 29th.

There were only two days left before it would be on the shelves for sale.

The reason it was so fast was that Zhang Ye had also asked the middle-aged man from the publishing house. The man's response left him speechless. He said that their publishing house had actually already negotiated with the Beijing Radio Station and had even drafted the contract, prepared for the promotion and printing, and everything was ready. However, the radio station suddenly went silent because Zhang Ye didn't agree to sell the copyright cheaply to Deputy Director Jia. Thus, the printing and promotion plans had to be put on hold. Now that they finally obtained the copyright for "Ghost Blows Out the Light," they just needed to resume their previous plans, which naturally sped up the process, unlike some publications that might take several months.

Of course, there was another important point: the Beijing Education Publishing House was also very anxious. The six million yuan copyright fee was not a small amount. Fairy tales were fine, as Zhang Ye's few fairy tales didn't have much competition. However, "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was different. Because it wasn't published in a timely manner, a lot of similar works had already flooded the market, occupying resources. If they delayed any further, the situation could become unpredictable. If the tomb-raiding novel market became saturated, the publishing house might not recover its costs. This was their concern, so they were eager to get the copyright and proceed with the relevant matters, showing more urgency than Zhang Ye, the author.

It was a good thing that the publishing house was so dedicated.

Zhang Ye didn't have to worry either. Since it was a one-time copyright purchase, he didn't need to be concerned about sales. He just relaxed at home, watching TV.

Ring, ring, ring, the phone rang.

Seeing an unfamiliar number, Zhang Ye answered, "Hello."

"Hello, may I ask if this is Mr. Zhang Ye?" It was a female voice.

"Yes, who is this?" Zhang Ye asked.

The woman smiled sweetly, "I am a staff member from the copyright department of Beihé Province Radio. I heard that Beijing Radio has stopped broadcasting 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' for two days. Later, I saw that there was already a promotion for the publication of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' online. Did you stop 'Midnight Ghost Stories' to ensure sales? I would like to ask, how many more episodes of the audio version of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' are there? Can you reveal that?"

Zhang Ye replied, "About ten more episodes."

The woman said, "Then, could you consider selling the audio rights for the remaining ten episodes to our radio station? The price is negotiable. How about we meet and discuss it in detail?"

Zhang Ye understood, "No need. The audio version won't be broadcast until the publication of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' is complete. I've already discussed this with the publishing house."

The woman insisted, "That's fine. We can wait. 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' will be published in a series of five or six books, right? We can start broadcasting after the last book is published. We can offer you a copyright fee of 100,000 yuan, as there are only a few episodes left. What do you think?"

"Thanks, but no thanks," Zhang Ye shook his head.

"If you think the price is too low, we can negotiate further," the woman refused to hang up.

"Thanks, but I'm not selling for now," Zhang Ye hung up the phone.

Not long after, several more calls came in. It seemed that his contact information had just been leaked by the publishing house or other channels, and people from various provincial and municipal radio stations were contacting him to buy the audio rights for "Ghost Blows Out the Light." The prices they offered were not low, and they were willing to wait for the publication before broadcasting. The most ridiculous part was that someone from Beijing Radio even called.

"Mr. Zhang, this is Xiao Li from the logistics department," a young man said. "We met in the elevator once and chatted a bit. Do you remember?"

Zhang Ye, of course, didn't remember, but he said, "Oh, Xiao Li, I know."

The young man sighed, "The higher-ups asked me to talk to you about the authorization of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light.' I know you had some conflicts with the station, but 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' is your program, your child, and you've nurtured it. It has already taken root in our station, and the listeners recognize the brand. When it was stopped, many listeners were unhappy, and our official website was flooded several times. I believe you don't want to see this situation. The listeners want 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' to return."

Hearing this, Zhang Ye laughed, "Yes, I don't want to see it, but I didn't leave voluntarily. If there was any way, if the station leaders had given me a chance, I would have wanted to see 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' finish. But I have no choice. You don't need to flatter me or pressure me with the listeners. Those who like my novel can buy the book. Those who prefer to listen to the radio can wait until the last book is published and then they will hear it on the radio, but I guarantee it won't be on Beijing Radio!"

He hung up the phone without further ado.

Zhang Ye thought, "You guys are really funny. You forced me out, and now you want my authorization and copyright? How thick-skinned can you be?"

Other radio stations had also issued a ban on Zhang Ye. Although he hadn't submitted his resume to any radio station, he could imagine that if he did, no one would dare to accept it. But now, they had banned him and still wanted his copyright? You guys are really taking advantage of me!

No way!

Zhang Ye rejected all of them!

However, if he thought about it seriously, the fact that other radio stations and even Beijing Radio were desperately trying to buy the remaining audio rights for "Ghost Blows Out the Light" showed that the industry had high hopes for this novel. They knew how excellent "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was. Zhang Ye had broken the listening rate record for late-night programs with "Ghost Blows Out the Light"! It was the top-rated program in the country during the same time slot, and it had set a historical record for the midnight time slot, even surpassing the Central Radio Station's late-night programs! What a legend! All radio colleagues knew that with "Ghost Blows Out the Light," they would have high listening rates. Even with only a few episodes left, even if it was just a late-night program, "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was still "Ghost Blows Out the Light," incomparable to other late-night programs! That's why they were all vying to buy the rights, and even Beijing Radio had come with a red face!

Soon, the phone rang again.

Zhang Ye didn't want to answer, knowing it might be someone from a radio station, but when he saw the number, he had to answer with a bitter smile.

"Hello, Xiao Zhang," it was Zhao Guozhou, the director of the cultural frequency at Beijing Radio. "What are you doing? Why did it take so long to answer? Hehe, don't tell me you were still sleeping?"

Zhang Ye coughed, "No, Director Zhao, I woke up early. I was on the phone for an hour just now."

Zhao Guozhou understood, "They were all trying to buy the audio rights, right?"

"Yes," Zhang Ye said. "You guessed it?"

Zhao Guozhou said calmly, "I didn't guess; I know. I'm calling you about this. You just rejected the person from the logistics department, right? The higher-ups are not willing to let go of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light,' so they asked me to talk to you. They know you and the station leaders don't get along, so they asked me to discuss the price with you. It's a market economy, and they want to let money speak."

Zhang Ye was about to speak, "Director, I..."

Zhao Guozhou laughed, "Let me finish. I know what you're going to say. They don't understand you, but I do. If you could sell 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' for a little money and swallow your pride, you wouldn't be Zhang Ye. You wouldn't have recited 'Dead Water' in front of so many people. They still underestimate you, Xiao Zhang. I didn't come to persuade you to sell the rights. I just wanted to check on you and see how the publication is going. I'm relieved to see you're doing well. After all, you are someone I brought in, and I bear the majority of the responsibility for not protecting you."

"Director Zhao, you're too kind," Zhang Ye said, not liking the tone. "How can this be your fault? I know who is to blame." He paused and said, "Actually, I already told Xiao Li from the logistics department that I won't sell the copyright to Beijing Radio, but... if you say the word, I'll give you the audio rights for free, and I won't ask for a penny. After the last book is published, it can continue to be broadcast on the cultural frequency!"

Zhao Guozhou was silent for a moment, deeply moved. To be honest, Zhao Guozhou had only introduced Zhang Ye to the station and hadn't helped him much in other aspects. Yet, Zhang Ye still showed such loyalty and remembered old favors. The words Zhang Ye had said in the office about repaying a drop of water with a spring of water were not just empty talk; he had truly lived up to them!

But Zhao Guozhou couldn't accept it!

He wasn't a man without principles!

"Xiao Zhang, your words are enough. I didn't misjudge you," Zhao Guozhou said. "Don't sell the audio rights to us. I've already received word that if 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' gets the rights again, it will be broadcast by Jia Yan. The remaining ten episodes you recorded will be deleted, and Jia Yan will record them. The station will use all its resources to promote him."

"I understand, thank you, Director Zhao," Zhang Ye suddenly remembered. "By the way, how is Tian Bin? I heard his program was canceled?"

"Why are you suddenly concerned about Xiao Tian?"

"Just asking."

"Xiao Tian has already left the station. He left the day before yesterday and is probably jobless at home now. I heard the situation isn't good, and no radio station wants him. After all, he doesn't have much experience or achievements. Sigh, you two fought so much, and in the end, someone else got the position."

"Can you give me Tian Bin's phone number? I don't have it saved."

"Why do you need it? Never mind, I won't ask. I'll send it to you later."