Chapter 255 Signature
Nan Zhiyi was somewhat surprised. The previous book had a 8% approval rating, but this time it had increased by two percentage points, which was indeed a great recognition.
She took the contract, carefully read the terms, and without much hesitation, picked up a pen and signed her name.
Lin Yuan carefully put away one of the contracts, his smile widening, and said, "Comrade Zhiyi, the publishing house has a new promotional plan for your book."
Nan Zhiyi sat up straighter, her expression serious: "Editor Lin, please go ahead."
"That's right. Considering the high reader engagement and the enthusiastic responses, the publishing house wanted to do something different to increase reader participation. We plan to release a limited edition of the first volume with the author's autograph. At the same time, we will create a set of 'December' bookmarks themed around elements from the novel, which will be included with the autographed book."
He explained, “The first print run of the signed edition is 5,000 copies. The publishing house will deliver the books to your home in batches after the summer vacation. You can sign your name on the title page according to your own schedule. There’s no rush, take your time.”
Knowing that Nan Zhiyi had to write articles and also had a family, he specifically emphasized the flexibility of her schedule.
Nan Zhiyi nodded. Five thousand copies sounded like a lot, but if they were sent in batches and signed gradually, it wasn't impossible to complete.
She was more interested in the bookmarks: "Were the bookmark designs handled by the magazine's graphic designers?"
Lin Yuan smiled and said, "Design is naturally the main force of our art team, but if you have any good ideas or suggestions, please feel free to bring them up for their reference."
Nan Zhiyi pondered for a moment and asked, "Editor Lin, can I provide some drafts of the bookmark designs?"
Lin Yuan's eyes showed obvious surprise, and he subconsciously asked, "Comrade Zhiyi, do you mean you can draw it yourself?"
It's quite rare to find that Comrade Zhiyi is also skilled in painting.
Nan Zhiyi smiled slightly, "I know a little bit about it. I studied traditional Chinese painting and sketching for a few years, and I also draw for fun in my spare time. If the club thinks it's feasible, I can draw a few bookmark sketches to see."
"Oh my! This is wonderful!" Lin Yuan slapped his thigh. "Comrade Zhiyi, you're truly a hidden talent! We were originally planning to hire an outside artist! If you were to paint it yourself, the significance would be completely different! This would be a true 'author's work,' authentic and original!"
He rubbed his hands excitedly. "How about this? You don't need to draw all twelve months' worth of bookmarks; that would be too much of a burden. You'll mainly be responsible for drawing six, choosing six themes that resonate with you the most. Our graphic designer will complete the remaining six based on your drawing style. This way, we can showcase your own creations while ensuring a consistent style across the entire set of bookmarks. What do you think?"
Nan Zhiyi nodded happily: "That's a good idea. Let's do as you say, Editor Lin. I'll be responsible for drawing six pictures."
"Great! It's settled then!" Lin Yuan was beaming, feeling that the gains from this visit far exceeded his expectations.
"Once we've prepared the special autograph book and drawing materials, we'll send them over to you. Comrade Zhiyi, this is a wonderful surprise for our magazine and our readers!"
After discussing some details about the manuscript and reader feedback, Lin Yuan got up to take his leave.
After seeing Lin Yuan off, Nan Zhiyi returned to the living room and looked at the thick stack of readers' letters on the table, feeling a sense of unreality.
Writing started as a way to relieve stress, but it has now taken me down an unexpected path.
As evening approached, Nan Zhiyi checked the time, then took Xiaoman's hand and slowly strolled towards the main building of the headquarters.
The summer heat had not yet subsided, and the air was filled with the fresh, green scent of plants.
The army compound covers a large area, and Gu Xiao's office building is quite a distance from where they live, about a ten-minute walk away.
She wasn't sure if Gu Xiao would be able to leave work on time today, but she missed him so much that she came to try her luck.
The mother and son walked and stopped frequently.
Xiaoman was holding her mother's hand and jumped around happily.
His attention was quickly drawn to the clusters of hydrangeas in full bloom in the roadside flowerbed, and he tiptoed to touch the bunches of blue-purple flower balls.
Nan Zhiyi stopped and bent down slightly to protect him, watching her son touch the petals with his chubby fingers.
Gu Xiao and several colleagues had just come out of the building when he was immediately drawn to Nan Zhiyi.
She stood there, her skirt swaying gently with her movements, spreading a soft halo in the afterglow.
The surrounding noise subsided, and he felt as if all the light was falling on her with special favor, making him yearn for her.
He paused for a moment.
His colleague next to him followed his gaze, smiled knowingly, and left first.
Xiaoman, with her sharp eyes, spotted her father first. She immediately abandoned her exploration of the hydrangeas, cheered "Daddy!", and, holding onto her mother's hand, jumped down from the edge of the flower bed, stumbling and rushing towards Gu Xiao.
Gu Xiao took two quick steps, scooped up his son, and held him firmly in his arms.
The little guy immediately hugged his neck.
Gu Xiao looked at Nan Zhiyi, who was walking slowly towards him, and smiled slightly: "Waiting for me?"
Nan Zhiyi nodded, wanting to hold his hand, but after looking around, she put it down.
It was rush hour, and there were many officers and their families passing by on the road. Many comrades greeted the family of three with smiles.
Nan Zhiyi responded with a smile.
Ignoring the stares of others, Gu Xiao freed one hand to take hers and led her toward the less crowded playground.
Once the surroundings had quieted down a bit, Nan Zhiyi spoke up, "Editor Lin came this afternoon."
"Hmm, how did the talks go?"
"The royalties have been settled, and a new contract has been signed. The royalty rate has been increased to ten percent."
She then went on to explain in detail the book that the publishing house was going to release with the author's autographed copy, and the bookmarks.
Gu Xiao frowned: "Five thousand copies is no small number. Won't it be too tiring?"
"Take your time signing, it's okay. As for painting, I haven't picked up a brush in a long time."
"Go ahead and paint if you like, don't force yourself. I'll take you to buy paints this weekend."
At this moment, Xiaoman wriggled in her father's arms and pointed to the parallel bars by the playground, wanting to play.
Gu Xiao put Xiaoman down, and the little one ran off to entertain herself.
Nan Zhiyi gripped Gu Xiao's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined. "The paints, Editor Lin will send them over, no need to buy them."
“Then let’s go out and have some fun this weekend, eat some good food to replenish your energy. You’ve been busy for a long time, and you’ve lost weight.”
Gu Xiao's gaze swept over her from head to toe, and the inexplicable heat he exuded made her feel embarrassed.
"I haven't lost weight, it's just that the clothes are thin in the summer."
She didn't know what Gu Xiao whispered in her ear, but Nan Zhiyi raised her hand and punched him twice, "Bastard!"
Gu Xiao looked at her flushed cheeks and leaned closer. "Zhiyi, seeing you happy makes me happy too."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its last golden rays, the evening glow was magnificent. The couple stood side by side, gazing at Xiaoman, which was not far away.
The little guy struggled to climb the parallel bars, and when he failed, he didn't get discouraged. He used both his hands and feet to try to climb up again.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
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