Chapter 57

When the chapter "Falling Flowers and Flowing Water" was published, it was mid-lunar December 2005, the last showdown between the two martial arts magazines for the year.

Three days later, most readers had already bought the magazines, and the annual subscription reports for both martial arts magazines appeared on the desks of their respective editors-in-chief.

At the Martial Arts Publishing House, many employees were on edge, afraid of offending their boss.

The annual sales champion had changed hands, and at this critical moment, who dared to make a mistake and give the boss a reason to vent his anger?

However, the editor-in-chief Cheng Xiong did not seem particularly angry. He even maintained his usual confident demeanor, chatting and laughing with everyone.

Seeing that their boss was not faking it, everyone heaved a sigh of relief and began to feel the joy of the approaching New Year.

...

In contrast, the atmosphere at the Martial Arts Story magazine, which had just won the annual sales championship, was gloomy.

Most employees were even busier than usual, as all the work for the New Year had to be completed before the holiday. Coupled with the disappointing year-end bonus, almost no one in the entire magazine, except for Zhu Zhengting, was happy.

Even Lin Shuiqing, sitting there, was silent as he looked at a printed document in his hand.

This was a document that had just been delivered to him. As the New Year approached, it was customary to give gifts to authors who had contributed to the magazine throughout the year.

There were both gifts and money. For those who contributed less, a small gift worth a few dozen yuan was given, just for good luck.

For those who regularly submitted articles, most received cash, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand yuan, depending on their contributions.

The year-end bonuses for other authors had already been distributed, but what made Lin Shuiqing hesitate was the bonus for Lin Mu...

2000 yuan...

Yes, this was the year-end bonus Zhu Zhengting had prepared for Lin Mu.

It seemed like a lot, but Lin Shuiqing felt a burning sensation on his face.

Lin Mu had single-handedly turned the tide at the most critical moment for the magazine, pushing Martial Arts Story to the top of the annual sales chart. He was undoubtedly the biggest contributor of the year, a fact recognized by countless industry authors.

Even the veteran contributing authors, who might still be reluctant to admit it verbally, had long acknowledged Lin Mu's strength.

But!

The second biggest contributor, an old author, received 5000 yuan, while Lin Mu only got 2000?

Even though the old author had been collaborating for many years, it wasn't excessive for him to receive that much, but giving so little to the biggest contributor, Lin Mu, was unfair, wasn't it?

Lin Shuiqing couldn't help but curse inwardly. He had already talked to Zhu Zhengting, but the other party was clearly unwilling to budge.

"Shuiqing, it's not that I'm being stingy, but the magazine is also in a difficult situation. We need money everywhere. Lin Mu, the author of 'One Page Book,' is indeed a good author, and I know this better than anyone. However, he only started collaborating with us in the second half of the year, so he's still a new author. This amount is already quite generous!"

"But..."

"No buts! Don't worry, it's just because he's too new. Next year, when he continues to work with us, he won't be a new author anymore. You should communicate with him and explain our difficulties. He should understand. Go ahead!"

"No, I..."

"Shuiqing! We've been working together for many years. Why don't you understand? Fine! Let me be clear. Don't you think 'One Page Book' has become famous too quickly? Ha, in just a few months, he went from an unknown high school student to a top-tier author in short and medium-length martial arts novels. I remember you gave him my number a long time ago, right?

But that kid hasn't even called me or sent a text message! Young people, becoming famous too quickly isn't a good thing. We need to keep him grounded for his own good!

Why don't you understand?

Fine!

Let me put it this way. You've read 'One Page Book's' work. The overall setting and planning are very mature. Such an author won't be satisfied with the current situation. Long-form martial arts novels are where he can truly shine. I estimate that he will only work with us on one or two more projects next year.

If he switches to another magazine next year, his reputation and popularity will definitely be affected. He wouldn't be so unwise.

Since we can't have a long-term collaboration, we should prioritize the magazine's interests. You're an old employee, don't you understand this?

Alright, alright. Communicate more with him. The other martial arts magazine will definitely try to poach him. Explain the pros and cons to him so he understands what's best for him.

By the way, ask him if he has any new works. Recently, many famous authors have submitted their works, and some are quite good. If 'One Page Book's' next work isn't up to par, he might lose this last chance to collaborate with us..."

...

Thinking about his conversation with Zhu Zhengting, Lin Shuiqing felt helpless. But no matter how helpless he felt, Zhu Zhengting had paid him well, and he had to do some unpleasant tasks.

On QQ.

Lin Mu was browsing aimlessly when he received a message from Lin Shuiqing.

Lin Shuiqing: Little Lin, as the New Year approaches, the magazine has given a small red envelope to each author. The amount isn't large, just for good luck. It's already been transferred to your bank account. Don't mind the small amount.

Lin Mu picked up his phone and indeed saw a bank notification of 2000 yuan being credited.

Lin Mu: I don't mind, I don't mind. I've heard that websites give birthday gifts to their top authors, but I didn't expect magazines to do the same.

Lin Shuiqing breathed a sigh of relief: Great! Have you prepared your new book? If you have, send me the first two chapters so I can apply for next year's publication slots. You know, many veteran authors are vying for the serial publication slots.

New book?

Lin Mu patted his head. Recently, he had been so focused on practicing "Fishing for the Golden Toad" that he hadn't thought about what his next work would be.

"City of Ten Thousand Treasures" has twelve chapters, excluding the epilogue, and it's currently on the seventh chapter.

The remaining five chapters will be published until early March next year, which is just two and a half months.

Lin Mu: I do have a few ideas. Do you have any suggestions, Editor Lin?

A few ideas? Not decided yet?

Lin Shuiqing couldn't help but frown. He still had high hopes for Lin Mu, but how could a hastily prepared work compete with those of veteran authors?

"I suggest you focus more on internal energy. After all, your concept of internal energy caused a sensation in the martial arts world, and many fans are looking forward to stories in this area. 'City of Ten Thousand Treasures' is of good quality, but it lacks depth in the portrayal of internal energy..."

Lin Mu rubbed his chin: Internal energy... Yes, that makes sense.

Lin Shuiqing: Have you decided? Good, then think it through carefully. Write the outline and the first few chapters as soon as possible. By the way, since you have Editor-in-Chief Zhu's phone number, send him a text or make a call when you have time. A little courtesy never hurts, right?

PS: It's the last day of the new book period. Although we can't make it into the top ten in the urban category, let's see how far we can go. Brothers, please give your recommendations!

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