Chapter Thirty-Eight: Astonishment! Who Are They?

February 8, 1998. The so-called tactics of Wei Xiyue and Yan Ling appeared in quick succession, dazzling everyone. Newspapers such as South China Evening News, New City Express, and Sanjiang Daily, which had previously supported "Stories of the Ming Dynasty," suddenly ceased their coverage and turned to other news. People had expected these papers, along with several northern newspapers, to criticize the book for a while, but after just one day, they abruptly retreated, leaving everyone bewildered by the sudden shift.

To make matters worse, several newspapers from central China, such as Central Plains News Weekly and Yangtze Business Daily, joined the northern camp, reprinting the opinions of northern papers. This angered many readers who loved the Ming Dynasty stories. What was happening? It seemed as if all newspapers across the country had stopped supporting "Stories of the Ming Dynasty," claiming it distorted history and wasn't worth buying. Yet those who had read it knew how well it was written—it helped even those uninterested in history understand the face of the Ming, a heroic dynasty of "no marriage alliances, no indemnities, no ceding territory, no tributes, the Son of Heaven guards the gate, and the king dies for the nation."

Meanwhile, the promotional campaign for the Ming stories by West Ridge Publishing seemed to halt abruptly. Only the original advertisements remained, weakly crying out, while some previously arranged publicity plans were replaced by other companies offering higher prices.

Sales, which had been steadily rising, began to slip. A famous book critic predicted that sales on the 7th might not reach sixty thousand copies.

“We’ve agreed: the film rights for 'Love Under the Hawthorn Tree' can go to you. However, the royalty split will only give Zhou Zixuan ten percent, and the remaining five percent will go to West Ridge. Also, the publishing and film rights for 'Ten Miles of Spring Wind Are Not as Good as You' will belong to us, and Central Plains will cooperate with us in publicity.” Wei Xiyue looked out at the surging Yangtze River, feeling a sense of triumph.

This was the power of a chief editor, holding the livelihoods of hundreds in his hands, as well as the channels through which authors hoped to become famous. Originally, out of respect for Zhou Xuan's genius, Wei Xiyue had set aside his usual schemes. But as Zhou Xuan became more assertive, Wei Xiyue teamed up with Yan Ling, ready to bring Zhou Xuan under his control, as he had done with other authors before.

Yan Ling chuckled, “Of course. What we promise, our publishing house stands by. In the future, West Ridge and Central Plains can help each other, and together we’ll deal with the Northern Publishing House.”

Compared to Northern Publishing, a prestigious first-rate publisher, both West Ridge—on the verge of entering the top tier—and Central Plains—already among the first-rate—were formidable opponents.

Northern Publishing was one of the largest publishers in the country, while Central Plains ranked only eighth. In terms of distribution channels and resources, it was still a step behind. With West Ridge soon joining its ranks, Central Plains might have a chance to compete nationwide with Northern Publishing.

The battle for the copyright of "Love Under the Hawthorn Tree" had indirectly fostered cooperation between the two houses—a development both Wei Xinyu and Yan Ling had not anticipated.

Just then, Wei Xiyue’s phone rang. As expected, it was Zhou Xuan calling.

Wei Xiyue signaled to Yan Ling, then pressed the answer button. “Hello, Zhou Xuan.”

On the other end, Zhou Xuan’s voice was calm. “Chief Editor Wei, I understand the meaning of your previous call. Let me ask you again—is this the final stance of your publishing house? I suppose you’re with Yan Ling from Central Plains right now?”

Wei Xiyue hadn’t expected Zhou Xuan to deduce things so quickly; clearly, their alliance with Central Plains was already exposed. He didn’t bother to hide it, replying openly, “Ha, it was too late yesterday afternoon, so I didn’t return to Rongcheng immediately. While staying in Jiulong, I ran into Chief Editor Yan from Central Plains, and we chatted for a bit. Now, yes, I’m with Yan Ling. I’m inquiring about why Central Plains switched from neutrality to supporting Northern Publishing.”

“Oh, and did you find anything out?”

“Well, it’s all about the film rights for 'Love Under the Hawthorn Tree.' Central Plains showed such sincerity, but you refused to sell, insisting on a twenty percent royalty split—which no publisher could agree to. They just seized the opportunity to teach you a lesson.”

To Zhou Xuan, Wei Xiyue’s words sounded increasingly unpleasant. He hadn’t expected Wei Xiyue to be this kind of person—teaming up with Yan Ling against him, yet speaking as if he were some benevolent figure.

By now, Zhou Xuan had made up his mind: after the first volume of the Ming stories was published, he would find another publisher for the second. West Ridge was truly out of line, resorting to tactics used against newcomers.

Thinking of Jiang Yun and others, Zhou Xuan mused: since he had given them a chance to prosper, they ought to help him in return. Mutual assistance was the best way forward.

“Tomorrow morning at ten, at Riverside Tower—I’ll be waiting for you,” Zhou Xuan said, then hung up.

“Beep…beep…beep…”

“Damn, hung up on me again.” Wei Xiyue, seeing the call ended, couldn’t help but curse. “Let’s see how cocky you are tomorrow.”

Yan Ling agreed, “No problem. We’ve cornered him, so it’s normal for him to vent a little.”

February 9, clear skies.

At ten o’clock, Wei Xiyue arrived at Riverside Tower, a three-story building by the river. He saw a Range Rover worth over a million parked at the entrance and exclaimed, “I didn’t expect such a luxury car in a small county town.”

He walked into the lobby and saw no one. Just as he was puzzled, a waiter approached. “Are you Mr. Wei?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Zhou and his guests are on the second floor. Please follow me.”

“Guests?” Wei Xiyue muttered in confusion. “Wasn’t it just Zhou Xuan inviting me? Who else is there?”

He slowly walked up to the second floor. Ahead, a balcony was filled with fresh flowers and greenery, as if spring had arrived early.

Turning past a tall dragon blood tree, Wei Xiyue’s eyes lit up. At the tea table sat several young men, with the overly youthful Zhou Xuan smiling at Wei Xiyue.

In that moment of surprise, Wei Xiyue’s mind jolted—weren’t the two opposite Zhou Xuan familiar faces?

“Damn!”

That was Deng Cheng, only son of Deng Ting’an, chairman of Blue Sky Group. And the man beside him was even more impressive: Wang Ximing, son of the provincial party’s organization minister. As chief editor of West Ridge, Wei Xiyue had certainly gathered information on the province’s prominent figures—he could not possibly be mistaken.

Seeing Wei Xiyue’s expression, Zhou Xuan laughed, truly delighted.

What followed needed no explanation. Zhou Xuan didn’t even bother introducing Jiang Yun and the other two, simply informing Wei Xiyue that the publication of "Love Under the Hawthorn Tree," "Ten Miles of Spring Wind Are Not as Good as You," and the second volume of "Stories of the Ming Dynasty" would have nothing further to do with West Ridge Publishing. Zhou Xuan’s friends had introduced him to University Press, and he would be working with them from now on.

It should be noted that University Press was a top-tier publishing house in China, state-owned, and far superior to Central Plains or West Ridge. Yet Wei Xiyue had no way to meet Zhou Xuan’s demands—he knew some people could not be opposed by him or his publishing house.

If Wei Xiyue wanted anything now, it was to find a box of regret pills and take them all.