Chapter 13

"Five hundred more copies of the April issue of 'Children's Literature' for our store."

"A thousand more copies of the April issue of 'Children's Literature' for our store."

...

Nationwide Xinhua Bookstores, other large bookstores, and individual bookstores were suddenly collectively out of stock. The phone lines of 'Children's Literature' Publishing House were bombarded like never before. The publishing house had to temporarily open dozens of additional phone lines, and the content editors were also called in to answer calls. At this point, they still hadn't figured out why the magazine had suddenly sold out.

'Children's Literature' usually sold around 70,000 to 80,000 copies per issue, so printing 100,000 copies would meet the demand. No one could have imagined that the 100,000 copies would be sold out within two days, and there was still a high demand for more.

Editor-in-Chief Yao refreshed various forums and microblogs but found no clues. Since the magazine's audience primarily communicated offline, she had to shift her focus from the screen and once again open the latest issue of the magazine. Could it really be the work of these two mice?

Editor-in-Chief Yao's question was soon answered. While the 300,000 additional copies were being transported by large trucks to various locations, the magazine received several letters. The envelopes all indicated that they were to be opened personally by Editor-in-Chief Yao. After reading the letters, she finally found the answer:

Editor-in-Chief Yao,

Hello, I am the parent of a six-year-old boy. The fairy tale 'Shuke and Beta' in the April issue of 'Children's Literature' is novel, with simple and vivid language and profound educational significance. My child loves it very much and asks to see the next part every day. I earnestly request that the editor-in-chief publish the subsequent parts as soon as possible. If it can be published as a standalone book, I will be the first to buy it.

I know my request may interfere with your work, but as a parent, I hope you can understand. Additionally, I was a loyal reader of 'Children's Literature' when I was a child.

Wishing you smooth work and thanks again.

A concerned parent

The content of the other letters was similar, all urging the magazine to publish the subsequent parts of 'Shuke and Beta.' It was not uncommon for parents to write to the magazine to urge the publication of stories, but never before had they been so urgent, even suggesting the idea of publishing it as a standalone book.

In the following days, similar letters flew to Editor-in-Chief Yao's desk like snowflakes. Looking at the pile of thick envelopes on her desk, Editor-in-Chief Yao resolutely called for a meeting in the work group. All editors, meeting!

...

"Before the meeting, I have a piece of news to share. The April issue of 'Children's Literature' has just been reprinted with an additional 100,000 copies, making a total of 500,000 copies for this issue. Now, only Xue Muliang's 'Ding Novel' can achieve such results. I don't know what you think about this."

While Editor-in-Chief Yao tried to maintain the dignity expected of a meeting, the joy and excitement in her eyes and smile were impossible to hide.

The editors' faces mostly mirrored similar expressions, as most of them secretly subscribed to 'Ding Novel.' The dominant position of 'Ding Novel' in their hearts was deeply rooted. Although they often joked about Xue Muliang, everyone had to admit and accept the fact that:

Even if it were a blank book, as long as the cover bore Xue Muliang's name, it would sell 150,000 to 200,000 copies.

Not to mention the magazine he edited, which featured many other popular writers.

However, now, the magazine they personally edited had reached the same level as 'Ding Novel,' and their excitement was evident.

"This success of the magazine is mainly due to the excellent selection of manuscripts by Editor Yao," an editor couldn't help but flatter, but since the facts were clear, everyone genuinely agreed.

Editor-in-Chief Yao smiled with a hint of pride and said, "This author showed his talent from the first submission. I thought the manuscript would cause some discussion, but I didn't expect such a huge impact. Now, let's discuss the issue of the letters from parents."

"I think the most pressing issue is to secure this author. I estimate that after our issue is released, other magazines and publishers will flock to find out about this author," said Mai Mai, Editor-in-Chief Yao's most capable assistant. "So, we need to quickly sign a contract with Liu Jingtong. We can pay him the fee for 'Mang Mang and Ti Ti' and bring the contract to him directly, rather than mailing it."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Mai Mai's suggestion. As editors, they understood the importance of a potential author, especially in an era of literary scarcity. A valuable author would become a sought-after treasure for publishers and magazines nationwide.

Editor-in-Chief Yao smiled and nodded, saying, "Mai Mai is quick-witted, but I have other plans. I already made an appointment with Liu Jingtong's mother for dinner tonight. She will bring Liu Jingtong along. Before this, Liu Jingtong will not meet with any publisher's representative because he has taken leave to return home. Also, the fee for 'Mang Mang and Ti Ti' has already been paid, not 300 yuan, but 30,000 yuan, including the advance for the contract for 'Shuke and Beta.'"

The editors looked at the chief editor in amazement, impressed by her shrewdness and respect for her.

Mai Mai smiled and said, "I am just a small fry compared to you, Editor Yao. Your decisiveness is truly admirable."

Editor-in-Chief Yao accepted her praise with composure and said, "For this type of work, our magazine is determined to succeed. Not only because 'Shuke and Beta' was first published in our magazine, but even if another magazine discovered the author first, we must still be given priority."

No one questioned this statement. Everyone knew the glorious history of 'Children's Literature' and the strong support from the government. Therefore, the chief editor's words were backed by solid confidence.

...

While Editor-in-Chief Yao expressed her determination to secure 'Shuke and Beta,' in a top-tier office building in the CBD of Jianghai City, another young magazine editor was holding a meeting. The young editor, dressed in a white shirt, black pants, a white belt, and a dark watch, wore nothing but high-end brands from head to toe. The spacious meeting room, from the furniture to the chandeliers, floor, and curtains, exuded a sense of luxury.

The young editor's expression was serious, but his speech was rapid: "I can't remember the last time our magazine's sales were caught up by another. I think everyone understands the principle that, no matter what, my magazine must not lose. Use whatever methods you can."

A tall, slim, and beautiful girl with long hair responded, "Mr. Xue, the content of the April issue is already finalized, except for your editor's note. We are focusing all our efforts on the Children's Day special issue. Jia You, Luo An, Adam, and Beige Tang are all preparing special articles, so this issue will still feature the ant series and Dou Shao's column. I estimate..."

"You estimate," Mr. Xue interrupted her harshly, "When will it be my turn to estimate? What do you mean by 'content finalized'? The content isn't finalized until it's in the readers' hands. As the chief editor, you should know this."

The girl, though clearly upset, nodded in acceptance of the criticism and didn't even shed a tear, whether due to her strong will or being used to the scolding.

"Remove the new author's article from this issue and have the editor get an article from Adam. Notify the readers that the magazine will be delayed by three days," Mr. Xue paused and continued, "Move the interview for my new book to this issue and have Jia You come to shoot the cover with me."

Mr. Xue issued these orders decisively and concluded, "If we lose this time, each of you will have 3,000 yuan deducted from your bonus. Meeting adjourned!"

Everyone stood up to leave, and Mr. Xue tapped the table and said, "Xiao Man, stay behind."

The girl who had just given the report stopped at the door with a stack of documents, looking at her boss.

"Come and sit down."

"Mr. Xue, if you have something to say, just say it. I need to notify the authors to change the articles."

"Sit down when I tell you to. The magazine can be delayed a few more days. Do you think the readers won't wait?"

The girl named Xiao Man reluctantly sat down in her seat.

"You know my temperament. When it comes to work, I don't mix personal feelings, especially with you and Ah Yin. You two are the most trusted people in the company. Don't blame me."

Xiao Man's expression softened, and she said, "I understand your pressure. I know the significance of the magazine losing its top position. I don't blame you."

Xue Muliang smiled and said, "That's good. You can go now."

...

The middle school student Liu Jingtong, who had brought 'Children's Literature' to the forefront and caused a stir in the upper echelons of 'Ding Novel' and captured the hearts of countless children, was sitting in his room, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen, his hands flying over the keyboard. He was writing the sixth chapter of 'Seven Swords Descend from Tian Shan': At this moment, the warriors under Wu Sangui were enraged, and seven or eight of them immediately surrounded Ling Weifeng, saying, "This brave warrior has defeated Fan Xin, and we have no complaints. However, this sword belongs to our leader, Chu Zhaonan. He stole this sword and came here to show off. Now that he has been defeated, you still want to cut his weapon. We would like to know what you have to say about this." Just as the commotion was getting intense, three drumbeats sounded from the back hall, and a middle-ranking officer holding a yellow flag shouted, "The King of Pingxi has arrived!"

"Knock, knock, knock" came three knocks on the door, and his mother's gentle voice called from outside, "Xiao Ting, have you finished your homework? Get dressed and come out with me."

Liu Jingtong, while responding to his mother, "I'll be right there," typed the closing sentence of the sixth chapter: "Thus, the fierce battle at the banquet, the hero's spirit surpasses the king."

[End of Chapter]