"So the publisher gave you thirty thousand dollars?"
During dinner, Martha looked at the thirty thousand dollars on the table, still somewhat in disbelief.
"Yes, generally speaking, authors can request an advance of ten, twenty, or thirty thousand dollars before publication. This money can be paid out before publication, and after publication, the sales revenue and the author's neighboring rights royalties will be credited to the author's account by the publisher," Eric explained to his mother.
"If the publisher doesn't make more than thirty thousand dollars, do you have to return some of the money?" Jonathan rationally offered his opinion.
"Currently, there's no such rule," Eric put down his cutlery and said to his father, "Generally, the advance amount is based on the publisher's comprehensive assessment. Even if they lose money, it just means their judgment was flawed. So we can use this money with peace of mind."
"I never thought my son would become a writer!" Martha happily stroked Eric's hair. "A writer from a Smallville farm, maybe everyone will be proud of you in the future."
"And Clark." Seeing Clark's slightly dim expression, Martha reached out and held Clark's hands. "Mom is just as proud of you, Clark."
Although Clark was a bit dejected, he quickly composed himself.
He was happy for his younger brother that Eric's work could be published.
"Perhaps you should consult a lawyer. After all, there are many parts of the publishing contract drafted by the publisher that we don't understand." Although Jonathan was also happy, he calmly considered Eric's interests.
"Ms. Niel knows a lot about legal clauses, and she checked the publishing contract and thought there was no problem," Eric explained to his parents.
"Niel has helped you a lot; we really should thank her properly." Jonathan took out two bottles of hard soda from the cupboard. "I think we should celebrate today. You two high schoolers can have a drink in moderation."
"No, Jonathan, they can't drink alcohol. The alcohol content in hard soda is over 5%, and I don't think it's suitable for teenagers." Martha immediately rejected Jonathan's suggestion.
"Alright, then just us two adults will have a drink." Jonathan shrugged his shoulders and winked at Eric and Clark. "The rule that teenagers aren't allowed to touch alcohol or anything that seems like alcohol—you two still have to abide by that for some time."
"I don't think the alcohol content in hard soda is over 5%; at least I've never tasted alcohol in it." On the Smallville High School campus, Pete expressed his opinion on hard soda to Clark. "Maybe it's not fermented directly like other alcoholic beverages, who knows! Anyway, I really like drinking hard soda."
"Hey!" Chloe, holding her books, asked helplessly, "Weren't we just discussing Eric's book?"
"Yes, it certainly sounds incredible, but when you think it's Eric Kent, everything seems to make sense," Pete said to Chloe. "After all, we saw with our own eyes that he could shoot lasers from his eyes and beat Clark to a pulp."
"Sorry, Clark, I didn't mean it." After apologizing to a slightly embarrassed Clark, Pete continued, "If you accept that he can shoot lasers from his eyes, then becoming a writer isn't surprising at all. After spending time with Clark, I've developed tough nerves."
"Pete, I guess the biggest reason is that you're not interested in writing; after all, you prefer football," Chloe replied.
"Maybe. When it comes to writing interest, I can't compare to you, Chloe. After all, you're the editor-in-chief of The Torch." Pete continued to argue with Chloe about "writing."
"Honestly, I've become interested in Eric's manuscript. Perhaps it could be published in The Torch?!" Chloe didn't follow Pete's topic but instead eyed Eric's manuscript.
"Many of Eric's manuscripts are with Lana. Perhaps you'd have more success finding Lana than Eric," Clark suggested to his best friend.
"Hmm," Chloe's eyes narrowed, revealing a half-smile. "Clark, aren't you nervous? After all, the girl you like has become Eric's exclusive literary agent."
"I don't know." Clark shook his head, looking a bit lost. "If I think too much, or try to stop what's supposed to happen because of fear and worry, I can't do it."
"Poor Clark, sometimes in love, you have to be a little selfish." Chloe showed a look of pity, but then a slight smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. "But you never know. Compared to believing that someone with Eric's personality can find a girlfriend, I'd rather believe in you, Clark."
Clark: "..."
Even though it's a compliment, why does it sound off?!
After parting ways with Clark and Pete, Chloe returned to The Torch editor's office.
She put down her school bag and was about to make a strong coffee when suddenly the editor's office door was violently pushed open.
With a "bang," Coach Watt of the football team stormed in.
The aggressive Coach Watt held a newspaper in his hand and threw it down in front of Chloe with a "thwack."
"Do you know what you did today? You openly slandered me in the newspaper, you despicable fellow, what are your intentions?!" Coach Watt gritted his teeth, glaring fiercely at Chloe, looking ready to resort to violence at any disagreement.
"I'm just reporting the facts." Chloe, however, was very calm. "Aren't there always rumors about your physical punishment of students in the football team? And I also know that recently, a student was harmed by you and is afraid to report to the team."
"So you're just reporting wildly without evidence?! I've been with the team for twenty-five years, winning countless honors for this school, and you, a student who only knows how to wield a pen, want to trip me up by complaining in the newspaper and writing a few veiled remarks? Dream on, you'll never succeed!"
"I will only report truthfully." Chloe's temper was also ignited. "If I were just writing veiled remarks, I'd put Principal Guan's death in there. I know Principal Guan was always investigating you for instigating players to cheat, and even wanted the board to fire you!"
"You..." Coach Watt's eyes were practically spitting fire. "I'm warning you one last time, I won't tolerate any obstacles between me and my role models! If you don't want to get into bigger trouble, shut up!"
His last words were practically shouted.
As his roaring words echoed in the room, the newspaper on the floor suddenly burst into flames with a "whoosh."
The leaping flames made Chloe's face change dramatically, and she recoiled in panic.