Chapter 203: 4,000 words a day, 15 yuan per thousand words
The grass is green and the birds are singing by the Weiming Lake! As the summer heat continues to hit, more and more people are gathering by the lake.
Some people read, some gather together to appreciate poetry, but in addition to these, there are now some people gathering together to practice Tai Chi.
Among these people, except for Professor Zhu Guangqian who was still practicing his own Tai Chi, the others were following Cheng Xuyuan's movements, move by move.
Originally, Cheng Xuyuan was bored and thought Professor Zhu's Tai Chi was quite interesting, so he came here to practice when he had nothing to do.
But the students at that time had a very strong desire for knowledge.
In addition, Cheng Xuyuan himself has a halo, so a group of people quickly gathered here to practice Tai Chi.
Cheng Xuyuan didn't pay much attention to this naturally formed small circle. They could come or not, and leave at will.
Anyway, everyone is exercising.
Although everyone was still wearing mainly black and blue at this time, and there was no so-called Tai Chi uniform, but everyone gathered together to practice Tai Chi, which still gave people a pleasing feeling.
There are quite a few girls here.
For example, Fang Yuqing, she came here mainly to accompany her boyfriend.
As for Kim Won-young, he loves to join in any fun.
There was also Li Yufei. She didn't know why she ran over.
Cheng Xuyuan didn't care too much about Li Yufei's joining.
In his eyes, Li Yufei was just his classmate.
However, Fang Yuqing didn't think so, and she became more alert.
In her opinion, how can there be pure friendship between classmates? Even if the two of them deliberately keep their distance, it cannot cover up one problem: Li Yufei still covets her boyfriend, and no male classmates around her can replace him.
After the boxing match was over, most of the students dispersed, but some stayed to chat.
Tai Chi is relaxing and soothing, and it is difficult to make you sweat, but half an hour a day can make you feel refreshed and invigorated.
Zhu Guangqian looked at Cheng Xuyuan with a smile and said, "I went to the Literary Association to attend a meeting a few days ago. You have become famous recently!"
"Oh, Professor, you're too kind!"
Cheng Xuyuan has always remained calm towards Professor Zhu, who has a strange temper.
Zhu Guangqian chuckled and said, "In Hong Kong, you don't want 20 yuan per thousand words, but you insist on asking for 3 yuan per thousand words. You are really confident."
"You know, some people are already saying that you are young and frivolous!"
Cheng Xuyuan smiled and said, "I am still young now, if I am not a little frivolous, will I be frivolous again when I reach your age?"
"Hahaha!" Zhu Guangqian laughed and said, "You, that's quite true."
"When you get old, you can no longer be frivolous."
At this point, he seemed to have thought of something, and said with a smile: "Do you know what people are saying about you now?"
"What do you mean?" The one who asked this question was not Cheng Xuyuan, but Fang Yuqing.
She still cares a lot about her boyfriend.
Zhu Guangqian did not keep us in suspense: "He is young and frivolous, but he has great talent."
"You finished the script of 'The Pursuit of Happiness' for Xie Jin in just three days. Now many people are praising you for it!"
Cheng Xuyuan waved his hand and said, "I just wanted to save some postage."
"Because of this, I didn't go to class for three days and was called in for a talk by the counselor."
Zhu Guangqian was about to continue speaking when he saw three people who did not look like students hurried over.
The one walking in front was Qin Wenhui.
Fang Yuqing was very surprised to see Qin Wenhui. Her brother-in-law usually didn't come to school. What happened today? "Brother-in-law, why are you here?"
Qin Wenhui nodded to Fang Yuqing, then said to Cheng Xuyuan: "Xuyuan, Editor-in-Chief Lin of Jinwanbao wants to see you."
Cheng Xuyuan smiled at Qin Wenhui and walked towards Lin Gengsheng.
However, before he took two steps, the extremely enthusiastic Lin Gengsheng took the lead and held his hands tightly.
"Hello, Mr. Cheng!"
"I traveled all day just to see you!"
Looking at the extremely enthusiastic Lin Gengsheng, Cheng Xuyuan smiled and said, "Editor-in-Chief Lin, if there is anything, we can communicate over the phone. You don't have to come here in person."
"Mr. Cheng, if it were someone else, I could certainly communicate over the phone, but for you, I have to come here in person to show my respect for you."
As he spoke, he opened his handbag and took out a stack of newspapers.
"This is the sample copy of 'Those Things About the Ming Dynasty' published in our newspaper. It has been published for a month. We published 4,000 words every day. Now we have published a little over 120,000 words."
Cheng Xuyuan looked at the newspapers printed with "Today Evening News" and a smile appeared on his face.
Although the gift Lin Gengsheng brought was very ordinary, it was thoughtfully given.
After all, for an author, what could be more fulfilling than seeing his work turned into mimeographed words? Cheng Xuyuan expressed his gratitude while gently flipping through the Jinwanbao. He slowly discovered that although the layout designs of these newspapers were similar, judging by the date, the later the editions, the more exquisite the printing was.
Cheng Xuyuan did not say anything about this little discovery.
After Cheng Xuyuan had read it, Lin Gengsheng smiled and said, "Mr. Cheng, I have already remitted your manuscript fee to you through our Bank of China before I came here."
"I believe you will receive the remittance slip soon."
"This time, your royalties are a total of 1,800 Hong Kong dollars."
One thousand eight hundred Hong Kong dollars, what's going on? Cheng Xuyuan asked in confusion: "Editor-in-Chief Lin, is this too much?"
Lin Gengsheng said: "Mr. Cheng, according to the agreement between us, I should calculate your royalties based on the sales of each issue."
"However, with the publication of your "Things about the Ming Dynasty", our newspaper sales have soared. So our editor-in-chief immediately decided that your royalties this time will be settled according to the highest sales volume of the month."
"Three yuan for a thousand words is too little. I'm sorry for the quality of your writing."
Lin Gengsheng spoke very sincerely, as if he would be sad if he paid you less for your royalties.
Cheng Xuyuan calculated silently, then smiled and said, "Editor-in-Chief Lin, please thank your editor-in-chief for me, and congratulate you too, the sales volume has exceeded 50,000 copies!"
Hearing Cheng Xuyuan's words, Lin Gengsheng smiled even more.
He smiled and said, "Mr. Cheng, we can achieve such results only with your support."
"I should have come to visit you a long time ago, but various things delayed me, so I came only now."
"Please forgive me, Mr. Cheng."
While Cheng Xuyuan and Lin Gengsheng were chatting, Qin Wenhui, Manager Wang and others stood aside and listened.
When they heard that Lin Gengsheng and his newspaper actually paid Cheng Xuyuan 15 yuan per thousand words as royalties, they were stunned for a moment.
More than a month ago, they thought it was a pity that Cheng Xuyuan refused the buyout offer of 20 yuan per thousand words, but now they realize that Cheng Xuyuan is really foresighted. This guy's judgment and choice are really wise! In just one month, the sales of Jinwanbao have increased fivefold. What will happen in the future? It can only be more and more! "Mr. Cheng, this is not the place to talk. Why don't we find a place to have a good chat? I have also read a lot of your Ming Dynasty Stories. I hope to discuss some questions with you in person."
Lin Gengsheng looked at the increasing number of people gathering around him and said to Cheng Xuyuan.
Cheng Xuyuan smiled and said, "Okay, let's go to my dormitory."
"My classmates have all gone to the library. It's quiet there."
Manager Wang didn't say much, but he was paying attention to the conversation between Cheng Xuyuan and Lin Gengsheng.
No matter what, Lin Gengsheng was a distinguished guest they invited, so he naturally could not be neglected.
Cheng Xuyuan's invitation at this time left Manager Wang speechless.
Going to the student dormitory to discuss things, doesn't this seem a bit inappropriate?
Although he had never been to the student dormitory of Yenching University, he could still imagine what it was like inside.
"Haha, Xuyuan, Editor-in-Chief Lin, I am familiar with Teacher Ma from the school. How about this, I'll borrow the school's reception room so you two can talk."
Cheng Xuyuan naturally had no objection to being able to go to the school's reception room.
Editor-in-Chief Lin glanced at Cheng Xuyuan before saying to Manager Wang, "Then I'll trouble you, Manager Wang."
What Manager Wang promised was to be carried out by Qin Wenhui.
Fortunately, they had dealt with each other a month ago, and Editor-in-Chief Lin had a different identity, so the matter was quickly settled.
Sitting in the spacious reception room and drinking hot tea, Manager Wang breathed a sigh of relief.
If Cheng Xuyuan really lets him take the person to the dormitory, it would be a bit disrespectful to Editor-in-Chief Lin.
The conversation was mainly conducted between Lin Gengsheng and Cheng Xuyuan, and the main content of the discussion was naturally the subsequent writing issues of "Things about the Ming Dynasty".
Lin Gengsheng was not fighting an unprepared battle this time. Before he came, he had already read the History of Ming Dynasty roughly.
He is even more well-informed about some important events in Ming history.
What he discussed with Cheng Xuyuan was how Cheng Xuyuan would write next.
Cheng Xuyuan was naturally well-prepared for all of this, and the two of them had a very pleasant conversation, both the host and the guest.
After chatting for more than half an hour, Lin Gengsheng said solemnly: "Mr. Cheng, I believe that our cooperation will become more and more pleasant in the future."
"I came here this time to ask Mr. Cheng for a favor."
"I know that you give 'Learning from History' magazine 40,000 words per month, but for our newspaper, it is a bit too little."
"So we hope that Mr. Cheng can deliver 120,000 words of manuscripts to us every month while ensuring the quality."
Having said that, I seem to feel that my requirements are a bit high. After all, Cheng Xuyuan writes history, not novels. Twelve thousand words a month is really not a small amount.
So he said solemnly: "Of course, if Mr. Cheng finds it difficult, 100,000 words will also be fine."
"After all, we have to publish it in every issue of our newspaper. It has at least 3,000 words. I'm afraid readers won't buy it!"
Cheng Xuyuan looked at Lin Gengsheng, who looked anxious, and said with a smile: "For "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty", I already have the content in my mind, I just wrote it down."
"Then I will do as you said, Chief Editor Lin. I will submit 120,000 words every month."
When Lin Gengsheng said 100,000 words, he was mentally prepared that Cheng Xuyuan might bargain. His expectation was 60,000 words.
Because newspapers have to be published every day, although the small chapters of 2,000 words are not many, they can attract readers and maintain the sales of newspapers.
However, what he didn't expect was that Cheng Xuyuan actually agreed to 120,000 words.
This means I have to write 4,000 words every day.
He was thinking about the workload, but Qin Wenhui was thinking about the money Cheng Xuyuan could earn.
Four thousand words a day, at the current price of fifteen Hong Kong dollars per thousand words, that would be sixty Hong Kong dollars. It seemed that the money Cheng Xuyuan earned in a day was almost as much as half a month's salary for himself.
This is too much!
Today's first update, thank you all for your support, (End of this chapter)
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