Chapter 80

A girl who was injured saving your life, a girl who lost her job and cried because of you—no man could bear to refuse them, at least Liu Meng couldn't. He had a very soft side, but it was wrapped in a hard shell, and most people could only feel that shell.

Perhaps, he and Donggua were a bit alike, both of the type who are cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Only, Liu Meng's shell was even colder and harder, and in contrast, his heart was even warmer and softer.

"Signing a contract with your website isn't impossible, but I have some special requirements. If you can agree to them, I can consider it." Liu Meng finally softened his stance.

Donggua, who was still shedding tears, didn't react immediately. Her big eyes blinked for a while before she finally understood what San Pang meant. Overjoyed, she grabbed San Pang's hand and confirmed, "Really? As long as you are willing to consider it, we can discuss any conditions. Before coming to Bingcheng, I had already confirmed with the chief editor that we could make special arrangements for you."

Donggua felt wronged. She had come with great sincerity, but San Pang's firm attitude left no chance for her to express it. Now that San Pang had softened, she was so happy that she cried even harder.

Liu Meng felt helpless and wiped away her tears, smiling, "We're talking, so why are you still crying?"

Donggua shot him a glare and couldn't help but punch his shoulder, "It's all because of you, always bullying me."

After saying that, she noticed that her words sounded too coy, which was very different from her usual cold demeanor. She blushed deeply, twirling her hair with her small hand, and said nothing.

"Are we still talking? If not, I might change my mind again." Liu Meng saw her expression and felt amused, teasing her.

Donggua quickly opened her eyes wide and stared at him, saying, "Talk, talk, let's talk now."

Seeing San Pang's smile, she blushed again, realizing he was deliberately teasing her. This time, she didn't blush but bravely looked at San Pang without blinking, afraid that this hateful San Pang would change his mind again.

When it came to the main topic, Liu Meng had to be serious, "The exclusive publishing rights for 'Return to Ming' can be given to you, but the revenue split is 80% for me and 20% for you. After signing, you need to advance me 200,000 yuan. Other rights, such as comic adaptation, film and television adaptation, and game adaptation, I want to retain."

Given Donggua's personality, after regaining her composure, she almost retorted when she heard San Pang's high demands. But she quickly realized they were not on equal footing. After some thought, she felt it was acceptable. The most important thing for Point Lady Chinese Network now was to secure funding, and they needed 'Return to Ming' to lead the historical fiction category, not expecting it to bring significant profits.

After some thought, she asked in a serious tone, "What about the publication of the simplified and traditional Chinese versions?"

"Let you handle it, but the revenue split remains 80% for me and 20% for you. These conditions were already in my mind." Liu Meng explained, not trying to raise the price, as he had this plan when the book was first released on the two websites.

Donggua thought about it and could accept it, but to be safe, she said, "I can't make this decision. I need to consult our chief editor."

"Sure, but do it quickly. I might change my mind again." Donggua had regained her composure, and Liu Meng did as well, not taking the matter lightly with this shrewd girl, and had to push hard.

Her words made Donggua nervous again. She wanted to call Yan Hui immediately but felt embarrassed with San Pang beside her.

Seeing her hesitate with her phone, Liu Meng knew what she was thinking and went to the bathroom to give her some space.

Donggua quickly called Yan Hui. It took a while for the call to be answered, and a very tired voice said, "Donggua, are you back?"

She understood the impact of her previous text message about the failed contract on Yan Hui. Not wanting to make him anxious, she quickly got to the point, "I'm still in Bingcheng. After some effort, things have turned around. Now San Pang agrees to sign, but..."

Before she could finish, Yan Hui became excited, "Complete the contract as quickly as possible to avoid any delays. You have the company seal, sign it there."

Yan Hui, being a man of action, quickly recovered and made urgent arrangements.

"But he has some requirements!" Donggua explained, detailing San Pang's demands.

On the other end, Yan Hui thought for five seconds and firmly said, "Agree to them. I'll transfer 200,000 yuan to your account immediately. Complete the contract there." He then added, "Xiao Xueqiang from Phantom Blade Alliance somehow found out about our funding agreement with Shengshi Group. He's a shrewd person. Do whatever it takes to secure the contract quickly and inform me as soon as it's signed."

The recovery of the lost opportunity excited Yan Hui, but it also made him more worried about any changes. He hung up, feeling uneasy.

Donggua hung up, and Liu Meng just came out of the bathroom, smiling, "How did it go? I had some other ideas while peeing. I can be very fickle."

"San Pang, don't be like this, be serious! How can you change your mind so easily?" Donggua was really anxious, forgetting their roles and sounding a bit whiny.

Liu Meng put on a serious face, "So, are we signing or not?"

"Sign! Of course, sign! Get my computer, I'll revise the contract right away. The Zhou family has a printer, and I'll transfer the money to your account this afternoon."

While Donggua was drafting the contract, Xiao Xueqiang was also in a hurry, trying to reach Ye Lang. He called several times without success and had to go to Phantom Blade Alliance in person, finding him in the technical department. He asked, "Why is your phone always off? What are you doing in the technical department? Can't you do your job properly?"

Ye Lang, not knowing why Xiao Xueqiang was so angry, replied with a smile, "What's the matter? The server had some issues, so I came to check. I forgot my phone."

Xiao Xueqiang quickly pulled Ye Lang into the office and asked, "Have you contacted the author of 'Return to Ming,' San Pang? I just heard that Shengshi Group has reached a funding agreement with Point Lady Chinese Network, with the condition of signing 'Return to Ming.'"

Ye Lang was indifferent, "Oh, that. I've already sent him the contract information and all my contact details. When San Pang is ready, he'll contact me. No need to rush, it's annoying to be rushed."

Xiao Xueqiang was really angry. Ye Lang always had this attitude. Some might call it good-tempered and loyal, but others would call it foolish, unambitious, and lacking initiative. He said, "Why are you waiting? You should take the initiative."

Ye Lang, though good-tempered, was stubborn. He still smiled, "No rush, no rush. If it's meant to be, it will be. If it's not, no amount of rushing will help."

Xiao Xueqiang almost cursed but held back, knowing Ye Lang's personality from years of working together. He had to be patient, though he was still very anxious.

Ye Lang poured him a cup of tea, smiling, "Calm down, have a cup of tea. How's our funding going?"

Xiao Xueqiang took the cup and drank it in one gulp, rolling his eyes, "It's rare for you to care about our funding. These country bumpkins don't understand web novels. They ask about profits and how much, completely unreasonable. We've faced many rejections, with no results."

Ye Lang comforted him, "You've worked hard. I'm not good at communicating, so I leave it to you. Have another cup." He poured another cup for him.