Chapter 110 Diving into the Eyes of Money
"Legend" has its own collaborating authors, most of whom are regular authors, and very few new authors can get their submissions accepted.
However, one of the authors who made an appointment in the last issue didn't write it for some reason, leaving a blank space.
The editors had no choice but to find a decent article with a suitable word count to fill the gap.
That's how "The Sequel to Investiture of the Gods" was found.
The situation was urgent at the time, and a few people glanced at it and thought there were no problems before sending it for typesetting, without carefully reviewing and considering it.
The bespectacled editor pushed up his glasses and said earnestly, "The sequel to Investiture of the Gods is very well written."
"I looked at it carefully twice more afterward."
"This author is skilled in writing and has a unique style that is different from what is popular nowadays. He is particularly good at arousing readers' anticipation."
"This is the first time I've ever seen this kind of writing."
"I guess this author used to have a good standard of living, but he may be facing difficulties now, so he writes articles to earn some money."
"Besides, the readers' feedback is quite good now. Our magazine sales have been stagnant for the past two years, but now they've increased quite a bit."
"My suggestion is that as long as the author can guarantee the quality and speed of writing, we can raise his price."
"New, popular stories are always fresher and more interesting than those old, over-written stories."
"The Legend of Investiture of the Gods" is a long story featuring Erlang Shen Yang Jian as the main character.
Their magazine had previously published many stories about Yang Jian.
Short stories that either feature him as a supporting character or as the main character.
It only takes a few thousand or ten thousand words to finish.
People have become accustomed to the fact that the stories of these mythological figures are disjointed and incoherent.
Sometimes, there are two versions of the same character and the same story, which can even lead to an argument between elderly authors from different places.
This is the first time that all of Yang Jian's folk tales have been reorganized and innovated into a complete, full-length story with a beginning and an end.
The editor, who has only been in the industry for two years, has a very strong ability to accept new things and is very optimistic about this new story.
The editor-in-chief immediately became interested: "Really? You think so highly of this novel?"
The junior editor adjusted his glasses again and said seriously, "Editor-in-chief, you know I never lie when it comes to literary creation."
Other editors also commented, "Seriously, this is a really good story."
"I didn't look at it carefully when I was choosing it, but I looked back at it when I wasn't busy later, and it's really well written."
"The legend and innovation are blended very well, and the author really teases the reader's emotions. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the story goes from here."
"Not only are you looking forward to it, but I am too. Look at the letters we've received from readers recently; many of them are specifically asking about this story, which shows that it's quite touching."
An editor in his fifties pushed up his reading glasses and said with an air of nonchalance, "This author is remarkable; he knows how to seize opportunities."
"Have you forgotten what happened when 'Investiture of the Gods' first aired?"
"Investiture of the Gods" broke people's preconceived notions about TV dramas.
Every character in the film is dressed boldly and revealingly, and some parts of the plot are extremely ambiguous.
The character of Su Daji, in particular, is stunningly beautiful yet cunning and ruthless. Even though "Investiture of the Gods" has been performed several times, it is still talked about with great interest.
The character of Erlang Shen is also a rare example of someone with a handsome and refined appearance.
The author's choice of Erlang Shen as the protagonist is not surprising at all to the veteran editor.
As for the male lead, of course we need to find someone who's good-looking.
The editor-in-chief said thoughtfully, "It seems I'll have to read this 'Investiture of the Gods: The Unofficial History' again."
"Xiao Feng, you'll be following up on this teacher named Jiang Hai from now on. Remember to keep in touch with him. Since his stories are good, you should keep writing them and not leave any gaps."
"Oh, by the way, remember to tell Teacher Jiang that starting from the second issue, his fee is thirty per thousand words."
Editor Xiao Feng couldn't help but ask, "Isn't thirty yuan a bit low for a thousand words?"
Actually, there are quite a few.
New authors typically submit manuscripts in increments of 15 to 30 words per thousand words.
The editor-in-chief was willing to pay 30 yuan per thousand words, which is already the highest rate for a new author.
The editor-in-chief shook his head: "Xiao Feng, you're still too young."
"No matter how well 'Investiture of the Gods: The Legend' is written, we've only just begun to understand it."
"Who knows if he can guarantee this level of quality in the future?"
"It's not like we're unwilling to spend the money."
"If Teacher Jiang can finish writing the story in its entirety with high quality and quantity, I would be happy to pay him 100, 200, or 300 yuan per thousand words."
"Alright, go contact Teacher Jiang and see when his new manuscript will arrive."
What editors fear most is seeing a well-written story, only to have the author abandon it halfway through – that can drive anyone crazy.
Jiang Jiani was unaware that her royalties had doubled.
She's now living in a new house and is so happy she's forgotten to write.
He's constantly excitedly thinking about adding this and that.
On the day of the housewarming party, the Lu and Jiang families were surprised to find that the new house, which Jiang Jianni and Lu Xiangyang had only lived in for seven or eight days, had already changed.
Jiang Haibing was speechless: "You've turned this perfectly good wall into a mess of holes."
Jiang Jianni not only painted several simple decorative paintings and hung them on the wall, but also knitted a tapestry out of yarn.
One wall was specifically set aside as a photo wall, but now it only has a few scattered wedding photos of various sizes, as well as individual photos of the two of them taken a long time ago.
More photos will have to wait until Lu Xiangyang is fully recovered before they can be taken.
Other jars wrapped in hemp rope, with dry twigs randomly broken off outside inserted inside, also had a unique charm.
With just a few simple decorations, the house, which used to feel too simple, cold, and lifeless, suddenly became warm and inviting.
Ignoring his sarcastic remarks, Jiang Jianni asked happily, "Just tell me if it looks good or not."
Lu's mother was very satisfied: "It looks good, it looks really good."
"I think they're prettier than the paintings sold on the street."
Yang Yuemei muttered to herself, "What's the use of these? They can't be eaten or drunk."
I'm thinking of urging Jiang Jiani to have a baby soon.
When the children start school, wouldn't it be better to hang their award certificates on the wall than all this messy stuff?
Jiang Haibing pulled Jiang Jiani aside and whispered, "When my house is renovated, you should make me a few paintings based on yours."
Fearing that Jiang Jianni might be too lazy to refuse, he quickly said, "I'll pay."
Jiang Jianni immediately smiled broadly: "Hey, we're like siblings, why are you talking about money? Fifty a pair, no bargaining."
Jiang Haibing's heart was bleeding: "Are you robbing me? At most ten yuan, any more than that is fine, I'll just go outside and find someone to draw a few pictures for me."
Jiang Jianni sneered: "Can the ones you find outside match your house? It's thirty for a house. If you keep dawdling, I'm not going to help you anymore. Go ahead and find someone outside."
Jiang Haibing gritted his teeth in anger: "Thirty it is then! You brat, always so greedy for money, I'll just make you stingy to death."
He turned to Lu Xiangyang and asked, "Brother-in-law, are you not giving my sister any money? She's obsessed with money."
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