"'Strange Tales'… so it really was 'Strange Tales' that made the difference."
After the release of the 302nd issue of 'Midnight Talk', another surge in sales finally led Editor-in-Chief Zhou Qing to see the truth.
It turned out that the recent spike in magazine sales wasn't due to a rebound from rock bottom, nor was it because of the addition of supernatural master Sanyue; it was all thanks to that inconspicuous 'Strange Tales'.
At first, Zhou Qing didn't believe it. Even after receiving dozens of reader letters about 'Strange Tales' following the release of issue 302, his naturally skeptical nature made him suspect some kind of behind-the-scenes manipulation, just like how Lin Hao had used Sanyue to bluff his way into a better fee. But when Zhou Qing saw his own grandson earnestly reading a few stories from 'Strange Tales', a grandson who had 'never' shown any interest in 'Midnight Talk', he finally understood.
"Sigh, I really dropped the ball on this. Only after three issues do I realize how exceptional 'Strange Tales' is, utterly irresponsible."
Still, fortunately, there was time to make things right.
While reflecting on this, Zhou Qing made an internal call and summoned Dong Xiaoyu to his office.
"Xiaoyu, what's this about 'Strange Tales' getting an 80 yuan per thousand words rate?"
Pointing to the 'Manuscript Fee Standards' section in the data sheet, Zhou Qing asked.
"Chief Zhou, I just thought 'Strange Tales' was really well-written, so I gave the author a slightly higher fee."
Dong Xiaoyu didn't sound very confident. The author of 'Strange Tales', Fanchen, was just a newcomer, and the piece had only appeared in two or three issues. Raising his fee already might not have been inappropriate, but it was still quite fast. In a faint voice, she added, "Chief Editor, should I lower it again next issue?"
"Lower it? Xiaoyu, I think you're backsliding. If we've realized 'Strange Tales' is good, then we must raise the author's fee. 80 yuan per thousand isn't nearly enough. Prices are going up; just eating out costs a few hundred. A story this good isn't even worth a dinner? No way, I think we need to raise his fee again. How about 500 yuan per thousand?"
"Ah…"
"500 per thousand?"
Dong Xiaoyu thought she'd misheard. "Chief Editor, please don't joke with me."
"What, 500 too low? You're right, it's still not much. A manuscript this good is way too rare. Fine, make it 800 per thousand. Reach out to the author, Fanchen, and ask him to submit more stories like these when he has time. Also, let him know, if he thinks 800 is still too low, we're willing to raise it further. As long as the work is good, 'Midnight Talk' will never shortchange him. Alright, that's it. You can head back."
Zhou Qing waved her off, then suddenly added, "Hold on. Xiaoyu, you've been with the magazine for a while now. Technically, your probation period isn't over yet, but with your outstanding performance, I'm approving your full-time status ahead of schedule. Let's go, we'll announce this at the editorial meeting."
A few minutes later, Zhou Qing had gathered the editors in the conference room.
Dong Xiaoyu, still stunned, hadn't fully recovered.
"Everyone, the first matter today concerns Dong Xiaoyu's official appointment. I believe Xiaoyu has been diligent, professional, and has met our editorial standards. Therefore, she's now officially a full editor. Any objections?"
Since the chief editor had spoken, no one dared object.
"Good. That's settled."
With that confirmed, Zhou Qing continued, "Now for the second matter. As you've all likely noticed, 'Midnight Talk''s recent issues have seen a significant increase in sales. Headquarters is very pleased with the editorial team's efforts. So this month, bonuses will be doubled, and base salaries will be increased by 200 yuan. Any issues with that?"
No one had any objections to a raise; everyone in the department cheered.
"Alright, that's all for today. Meeting adjourned."
Zhou Qing clapped his hands.
"Chief Editor, wait."
Just then, editor Lin Hao raised his hand.
"What is it, Lin Hao?"
"Chief, our magazine's sales have clearly risen thanks to content quality, not just market rebound. I used my personal connection to bring Sanyue on board; he saw value in 'Midnight Talk'. But his manuscript fee is still too low. Didn't you say we'd raise his rate once sales stabilized?"
"Lin Hao, Sanyue is already at 500 per thousand. That's not low. What do you want it raised to?"
"Chief, Sanyue isn't some average writer. He used to be on par with Zhang Yun, a true master of supernatural fiction. I heard Suspense World offered Zhang Yun 3000 per thousand, that's 3 yuan per word. Meanwhile, Sanyue's getting only 500 per thousand? That's insulting. Plus, Suspense World is actively trying to poach him, offering 2000 per thousand. I managed to hold him off, told him to wait while I brought this up here."
"So, he doesn't want to serialize with 'Midnight Talk' anymore?"
"I wouldn't say that, but with such a low fee, it's hard to keep top-tier supernatural authors happy. I've got a good relationship with him, but friendship doesn't pay the bills. The fact that he's willing to write for us at all is already giving us face. If we don't raise his rate this time, he's ready to move to Suspense World."
Lin Hao spoke confidently, certain that his pressure play would force Zhou Qing to agree.
But Zhou Qing simply replied, calmly, "Lin Hao, if Sanyue wants to go to Suspense World, then let him go."
…
Lin Hao's author group chat.
Editors usually had their own TT author groups, part of their professional network and resources.
Right now, Lin Hao's author group was buzzing.
"Sanyue, you're incredible! After 10 years away, you're still killing it."
"Yeah, sales at 'Midnight Talk' are booming thanks to you. Bet they gave you a raise, huh?"
"Sanyue, I want to be your apprentice!"
Naturally, Sanyue was the hottest topic in the group.
Seeing the flood of admiration, Sanyue was thrilled. He felt like a supernatural master again.
It was back, that feeling.
I knew it. With my writing skills, even after ten years, I can still rival top-tier authors.
Give it two more years, and I'll be stepping over Zhang Yun.
"Haha, everyone flatters me too much. 'Midnight Talk' said they'd raise my rate, but I'm guessing not by much. Probably 2000 per thousand. Suspense World already offered me 2500. But since Lin Hao brought me back to the genre, I'll take the loss for him."
Sanyue replied proudly.
Then came another wave of praise.
"2000 per thousand?! Damn, 2 yuan a word, that's insane."
"Poor me, still stuck at 50 per thousand, and that's if my stuff even gets accepted."
"Sanyue, you're loyal. That's how a person should be."
"Respect, Sanyue. One day, please teach us a thing or two."
"Yeah, don't be too high and mighty now. We failed authors could use some love."
All the flattery made Sanyue float with pride. He nodded, "Alright, alright, one day when I'm free, I'll definitely give everyone a lecture."
But just then, a message popped up from Lin Hao.
"Sanyue, small issue. Your next chapter of 'Even Ghosts Despair' won't be running in the next issue of 'Midnight Talk'."
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