Chapter Seven: A Smooth Publication

Hearing Wei Xiyue’s skeptical question, Zhou Xuan was not angered. Instead, he lifted the teacup before him, took a gentle sip, and spoke slowly.
“I wrote it, so of course I have confidence. If a person has no faith in what he writes, he might as well not write at all.”
Wei Xiyue arched his brow and chuckled, “Most novelists start off full of confidence, believing their work is the best. But after publication, whether a book sells well depends not on confidence, but on actual sales and reputation.”
Zhou Xuan nodded in agreement, “That’s why I offered you a proposal—a bet on sales. If sales are low, I take the minimum guarantee. If sales are high, naturally I should receive my rightful share.”
Wei Xiyue was noncommittal, saying, “You’re thinking too simply. High sales depend not only on the quality of the book, but also on robust marketing and promotion. If your book sells over one million copies, the promotional costs will be several million at least. Given that, the publisher can’t possibly give you such a high royalty percentage.”
Zhou Xuan looked at Wei Xiyue, realizing how tenacious this editor-in-chief was—arguing every point for the publisher’s benefit.
Yet Zhou Xuan was no pushover. “Your company didn’t expect much from this book, thinking it wasn’t worth so much. But now you want to take a large share if it becomes a bestseller? There’s no such good fortune in this world.”
“Alright, since the gap is so wide, let’s put this issue aside for now. In principle, we agree to the bet on sales, but some details still need to be discussed clearly.” Wei Xiyue set aside the unpleasant topic of the maximum royalty rate.
Zhou Xuan said, “You mean the specific terms of the bet, right? ‘Stories of the Ming Dynasty’ will be published in eight volumes, and I’ve already finished the first two. Each volume averages between 200,000 and 250,000 words, and one will be published every two or three months. The sales bet will be calculated based on each volume’s sales over one year, with royalties settled every three months. As sales grow, the next settlement will recalculate royalties based on the new total sales and rate, deducting previously settled amounts, and paying me the remaining royalties. After one year, royalties will be settled every six months based on new sales and the final royalty rate.”
Zhou Xuan finished his explanation in one breath, leaving Wei Xiyue and Wan Jinglin stunned by his proposal to base the final royalty percentage on each volume’s annual sales.
“Are you really sure you want to use each volume’s annual sales as the standard?”
After a long pause, Wei Xiyue set aside his usual composure and asked in astonishment.

Zhou Xuan’s expectations for the sales of ‘Stories of the Ming Dynasty’ were truly shocking. The two had originally thought Zhou Xuan referred to total sales, with a window of two or three years. But Zhou Xuan’s insistence on calculating royalties for each volume based on its one-year sales put Wei Xiyue at ease.
Though he had high hopes for the Ming Dynasty series, he believed that for each volume, a sales figure of 200,000 to 300,000 would be the best possible outcome. In that case, the royalty rate would only be six or seven percent, which the publisher could easily accept.
If the eight volumes’ sales were combined for calculation, and total sales surpassed 1.5 million, they would actually have to pay Zhou Xuan a twenty percent royalty, which would be a significant loss for the publisher.
“Of course!”
Zhou Xuan understood exactly what Wei Xiyue feared—he didn’t want the royalties calculated from the combined sales of all eight volumes.
“Ha, if only they knew the terrifying sales potential of ‘Stories of the Ming Dynasty,’ they would never agree to such a bet. Still, to prevent them from reneging on settlement, I have to insist on a minimum breach penalty of thirty million.” Zhou Xuan thought about the agreement, realizing he would need a lawyer present when signing, since he wasn’t an expert in such matters. If there were any hidden traps, it would be disastrous.
Wei Xiyue smiled at Zhou Xuan’s answer. “Good! Then here’s to a pleasant partnership.”
“To a pleasant partnership!” They shook hands again.
With the main framework of their cooperation settled, the conversation grew much lighter and more pleasant.
Learning that Zhou Xuan was only in his third year of middle school and had already published several articles, and that his long novel ‘Love Under the Hawthorn Tree’ was serializing in a magazine, Wei Xiyue and Wan Jinglin became even more optimistic and excited about his future.
Wei Xiyue made up his mind: a young, talented writer like Zhou Xuan was exactly what Xiling Publishing House needed. Using this opportunity to publish the Ming Dynasty series, he must bind Zhou Xuan tightly to Xiling’s cause.
At only sixteen, Zhou Xuan had already written several bestsellers. How could there not be more outstanding works in the future? With Zhou Xuan’s novels, Xiling Publishing would grow into a major publishing house in China within a few years. If sales for Ming Dynasty didn’t turn out as hoped, he would personally ensure Zhou Xuan received a ten percent royalty—thus forging a good relationship, which would surely benefit Xiling in the future.
They talked for two hours, settling nearly all matters regarding publication. The final contract would be signed in a few days, once the publisher had everything ready, and Wan Jinglin would bring the contract for Zhou Xuan’s formal signature.

Because Zhou Xuan was not yet eighteen, the contract required a guardian’s signature. Therefore, his parents would need to be present when signing, to render the contract valid.
With the publication of ‘Stories of the Ming Dynasty’ secured, Zhou Xuan felt as if a huge burden had been lifted, and relaxed significantly. Now, all that remained was to finish writing the remaining five volumes as quickly as possible, submitting each to the publisher every two or three months for printing. The rest was simply collecting royalties every three months—it was almost certain that by the end of 1998, Zhou Xuan would be a millionaire.
Thinking of this, Zhou Xuan felt delighted, his steps growing light and brisk.
It was already January 5th, 1998—three days until the final exams, followed by the much-anticipated winter holiday.
Xiling Publishing responded quickly; on January 7th, Wan Jinglin and the publisher's legal counsel arrived in Nanchang with the contract.
Because a parent’s signature was needed, the contract was signed in the family’s clothing shop. Zhou Xuan also asked Li Yunxi to find a renowned local lawyer to review the contract.
The lawyer examined it carefully, then consulted with the publisher’s legal team. The contract’s details were filled in—January 5th as discussed with Wei Xiyue, all the figures, and a breach penalty of thirty million.
Wei Xiyue had no intention of violating the contract, and so readily agreed to such a high penalty clause.
Zhou Xuan’s parents were overjoyed at their son’s impending publication, peppering him with questions. But when Zhou Xuan mentioned that this year’s royalties would exceed ten million, they were clearly incredulous.
With this major task accomplished, Zhou Xuan could finally devote himself fully to the next two days of final exams.
And in the coming winter holiday, one more crucial event awaited Zhou Xuan—one that would shape the foundations of his business empire.