boyutpedia Chapter 35 Teacher Chen, it's a pleasure working with you!
Chapter 35 Teacher Chen, it's a pleasure working with you!
He frankly admitted that he was "short of money," and this candor made Wu Shuhan smile slightly. Even a young female editor in their team couldn't help but purse her lips and quickly cover them with her hand.
"The second option," Chen Zhiyuan continued, "can basically be considered a betting agreement, or more accurately, a 'tiered royalty agreement'."
"Tiered royalties?" Wu Shuhan certainly knew this concept. As the vice president of the publishing group, he was very familiar with various cooperation models.
His tone was much calmer: "Teacher Chen, please elaborate."
Chen Zhiyuan nodded slightly and clearly recited a series of numbers:
"Book sales of 1-10000 copies: royalty rate of 8%".
"Sales of 10001-30000 copies: royalties increased to 9%."
"Sales of 30001-50000 copies: royalty rate of 10%".
"Sales of 50001-100000 copies: royalty rate of 12%".
"...Sales of 500001 copies or more: royalty rate reaches 15%."
"If sales exceed one million copies: the royalty rate will rise to 18%."
He paused slightly, looked at Wu Shuhan with calm and confidence, and slowly said the last sentence: "If the total sales exceed two million copies, the royalties will be calculated at 20%."
If... sales really do exceed five million copies, then we can sit down again and renegotiate the specific royalty standards based on market conditions at that time.
Perhaps sensing the powerful, almost prophetic confidence in Chen Zhiyuan's words, Wu Shuhan unusually refrained from immediately refuting or questioning them.
He fell into deep thought, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth conference table.
After a long while, he slowly spoke, his tone carrying a cautious assessment: "Teacher Chen, in the current book market, a new book selling 100,000 copies is already a very good achievement."
Five hundred thousand copies... Forgive my bluntness, but it's unlikely.
Is it necessary to include sales increments like 500,000 or 1 million copies in the contract?
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhiyuan revealed a meaningful and confident smile.
You probably don't know how incredibly popular this book is in another time and space.
It brought the original author more than 50 million yuan in total revenue, and enabled the original author to rise rapidly within the system, reaching a high position at a young age.
Of course, he wouldn't say these words aloud.
But the calm, confident smile on his face, as if he knew the future, said it all.
That smile seemed to say: I am more certain than all of you of the book's potential.
What's half a million copies!
Chen Zhiyuan smiled confidently to himself.
Two million copies would be no problem, and even several million copies are possible!
Of course, he wouldn't say these words now.
Time will tell, but the relevant tiered royalty terms must be written into the contract in black and white.
Under Chen Zhiyuan's insistence, Wu Shuhan ultimately did not raise too many objections.
He felt that whether or not to include these high-level figures made little difference—after all, selling 500,000 or 1 million copies of a book? That was practically a pipe dream.
After both sides finalized the framework for tiered royalties, the focus of the negotiations shifted to the "signing fee".
This was a gentle yet subtly volatile tug-of-war, with both sides exchanging views for a long time.
Ultimately, the signing fee was set at 350,000 yuan.
Wu Shuhan added a condition: if the total sales of the book fail to reach 100,000 copies, this signing fee will be deducted from subsequent royalties.
Chen Zhiyuan had no objection and readily agreed.
Sales are far more than 100,000 copies; that's a foregone conclusion. Even if this discount clause is written into the contract, it will ultimately be nothing more than a piece of paper.
Finally, all the details were settled, and both sides reached an agreement.
At noon, in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere, Wu Shuhan hosted a banquet for Chen Zhiyuan and Zhou Shutang at the restaurant of the five-star hotel.
The dishes were plentiful and exquisite, and the atmosphere was lively and relaxed with laughter and conversation.
After a short rest, everyone chatted and drank tea while waiting for the formal drafting of the contract.
Soon, two copies of the publishing contract with clear terms were delivered.
Chen Zhiyuan and Wu Shuhan, representing their respective parties, solemnly signed their names at the end of the contract.
Wu Shuhan was in a good mood and extended his hand, saying, "Teacher Chen, it's a pleasure working with you!"
"It's a pleasure to work with you!" Chen Zhiyuan shook hands firmly, equally delighted.
Everything has finally settled down.
Next, he only needs to focus on writing the subsequent chapters and wait for the book to be officially published and released.
The first volume will be published soon.
Because he has already written nearly 300,000 words, and in another three to five days he will have enough to fill the required amount, Jiangnan Publishing Group can immediately begin typesetting, printing and distribution.
At the hotel's grand entrance, the two shook hands and said goodbye.
Wu Shuhan held Chen Zhiyuan's hand and said sincerely, "Teacher Chen, when you go to university in the provincial capital, please come to my office for a chat and have a cup of tea when you have time."
"Definitely! I will definitely pay a visit to General Manager Wu." Chen Zhiyuan replied politely.
Zhou Shutang also prepared to drive back to the provincial capital.
Before getting into the car, she extended her hand, smiling brightly, and said, "Zhiyuan, keep in touch."
Chen Zhiyuan looked grateful and held her soft, delicate hand: "Sister Zhou, I really owe you a lot this time. I'll treat you to a meal next time to thank you properly."
"Okay, I'll remember that," Zhou Shutang said with a smile. "Once you've registered and settled in at Jiangnan University, we'll find a place and have a good meal."
He waved goodbye and watched several cars slowly drive away, merging into the traffic on the street, until they were out of sight before Chen Zhiyuan looked away.
The joy that had been suppressed on his face for so long could no longer be hidden; it blossomed completely, and his lips parted in a wide grin, almost as if he were about to burst out laughing.
A signing fee of 350,000!
Tiered royalties can exceed 20%!
It is almost foreseeable that soon there will be a steady stream of funds being deposited into one's bank account.
My first pot of gold after being reborn is completely secured!
Feeling cheerful, even my steps felt lighter.
If you have money, why would you take the bus?
Despite the fact that there was a bus route that went directly to Shuguang Machinery Factory, Chen Zhiyuan still walked casually to the side of the road and waved down a red Xiali taxi with the "vacant" light on.
"Master, go to the residential area of Shuguang Machinery Factory."
The taxi drove smoothly and quickly, taking him directly to his apartment building.
After paying and getting out of the car, Chen Zhiyuan, carrying the heavy contract, hurried upstairs.
I pushed open the door to my home, and there were my parents in the living room.
........
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