, The Publication Contract for "Snow Country"

The next day.

Lin Ran took another day off today. Since the principal said he could "arrange his study time freely," he figured he might as well take advantage of it.

It was just past 9 a.m.

Lin Ran, who was trimming flowers and watering plants with Mingmei in the yard, heard shouts coming from outside the gate.

"Ms. Xia Mo, Ms. Xia Mo, we're here."

Upon hearing the sound, Mingmei quickly put down the scissors and kettle in her hand, walked over to help Lin Ran straighten his somewhat disheveled collar, and then casually tucked a stray strand of hair from his forehead behind his ear.

"Alright, young master, that's enough." She nodded in satisfaction, and then they walked together toward the gate.

Outside the door, there was not only editor Endo, but also the editor-in-chief of the Yomiuri Shimbun—Yuichi Matsumoto.

The other person is almost 60 years old this year, with half-white hair and a walking stick in his hand, but he looks very energetic, with sharp eyes and a straight back, and has the air of a literary bigwig.

"Editor Endo, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, it's been a long time. I'm sorry to trouble you again this time." Lin Ran stepped forward and greeted them warmly.

Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto can be considered his benefactor.

Back then, it was Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto who overruled the objections within the company, enduring pressure that "giving newcomers too high royalties would disrupt industry norms," ​​and gave Lin Ran the maximum newcomer royalty of 12% for her first book.

It turned out to be an extremely wise move—"The Devotion of Suspect X" became a huge hit, bringing the newspaper astonishing profits and prestige.

Moreover, Yuichi Matsumoto personally wrote a passionate review article for the culture section of the Yomiuri Shimbun, calling The Devotion of Suspect X "the best book of the year".

It can be said that this added a crucial spark to the explosive popularity of "The Suspect" and also laid the foundation for Xia Mo's high starting point in the literary world.

Looking at the increasingly composed and confident young man in front of him, Matsumoto Yu's eyes were filled with undisguised admiration and satisfaction.

"Mr. Xia Mo, you're too kind." Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto's voice was loud and clear, with the tone of an old-fashioned scholar. "It's my honor to be able to read your new work so soon. I've been eagerly awaiting this day!"

"Haha, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, please don't flatter me," Lin Ran said with a smile, welcoming the two into the living room. "Just call me Lin Ran, I can't be your 'teacher'."

The three of them sat down on the living room sofa, chatting and laughing.

Mingmei had already prepared hot tea. After a few brief pleasantries, everyone tacitly got down to business.

I moved to the study.

Lin Ran took out the stack of manuscript paper representing the final form of "Snow Country" from the drawer and handed it to Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto:

"Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, Editor Endo, this is the final version of 'Snow Country.' Please take a look and offer your feedback."

"Then I'll have to take a good look at it."

Matsumoto Yuichi took his glasses out of his pocket, put them on carefully, adjusted the angle, and then took the manuscript paper with great anticipation.

I couldn't wait to start reading from the beginning.

Editor Endo stared longingly at the "treasure" in the editor-in-chief's hand, rubbed his hands together, and wisely took out the earlier manuscript that Lin Ran had marked as "Eighth Edition" from the drawer. He sat down on the sofa next to him and began to read it intently, just as he had.

The study fell silent immediately.

The only sounds were the rustling of turning pages and the occasional, very soft exclamation of admiration.

Lin Ran winked at Mingmei, who was standing at the study door, peeking in with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, and gestured with her eyes:

"How about it? Isn't your young master amazing? Even big shots have come to pay their respects!"

Mingmei's face was filled with a little pride, her eyes curving into crescents. She secretly gave a thumbs up and mouthed silently, "Young Master is the best!"

As the editor-in-chief of a top newspaper, Matsumoto Yuichi's status and position in the Japanese literary and media circles are extremely high. Usually, people are begging him to read their manuscripts.

But so what?

Isn't she just captivated by her young master's book right now? She's so engrossed in reading it.

"Oh my, my little maid is so happy today!"

Mingmei hummed a strangely tuned Chinese song that Lin Ran had taught her, and went downstairs with cheerful steps to prepare ingredients for lunch.

The young master has made her so proud, so as a maid, she can't let him down!

Time flew by as I focused on reading.

From around 9 a.m. until nearly 1 p.m., the position of the sunlight outside the window changed noticeably.

After sitting in his chair reading for a long time without moving an inch, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto slowly closed the last page of his manuscript, took off his glasses, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and let out a long sigh.

He didn't speak immediately, but closed his eyes for a moment, savoring and digesting the memory, letting the lingering charm of that "snow country" settle in his heart.

After a long pause, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto finally opened his eyes, looked at Lin Ran who had been waiting quietly, and began to speak:

"Looks like I made a mistake in my previous comment~"

His tone was wistful, tinged with self-deprecation, but mostly filled with amazement:

"Snow Country should be the best book of the year, no, not just this year, it is enough to occupy a unique and lofty position for many years to come. It is a work that is destined to enter the history of literature."

These words were spoken.

Before Lin Ran could even feel smug, Editor Endo got excited first.

It's safe! It's safe! It's safe now!

Upon hearing such high praise from the editor-in-chief, Editor Endo knew that the newspaper would go all out for the publication and promotion of "Snow Country," and that as the editor in charge of Teacher Xia Mo, his future was bright.

Promotion and salary increase are no longer just a dream.

He absolutely had to cling to Teacher Xia Mo's coattails!

Being praised like this by an industry leader, Lin Ran was very pleased with the compliment, but on the surface, she still maintained a humble expression and said:

"Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, you flatter me. It is your and the readers' kindness that is appreciated. I am still young and there is still much for me to learn."

"No, it's not an exaggeration at all."

Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto waved his hand and said with a smile, "I'm a veteran editor. I've read more manuscripts than I've eaten rice. I know the difference between good and bad, excellent and inferior. The literary value, aesthetic pursuit, and intellectual depth of 'Snow Country' have transcended the scope of popular fiction."

As he spoke, the smile on his face disappeared, and he became serious.

"Mr. Lin, although you are Chinese, with the publication of this book, you are undoubtedly a master standing at the pinnacle of contemporary Japanese literature."

These words, spoken by a highly respected and well-read media and publishing magnate, carry immense weight.

This is a public "coronation" of Lin Ran's personal literary status.

Editor Endo had already quietly taken out his pen and written down this passage, so that when "Snow Country" was released later, he could use it directly for publicity, to generate buzz, and to set the tone!

……

Lunch was served at the villa.

Knowing that the guests were key figures in determining the fate of the young master's new book, Mingmei specially prepared a table full of delicious dishes to entertain the two of them.

Lin Ran also drank some wine with the two of them.

What scholar doesn't know how to drink? It's just a matter of how much they can drink.

However, his alcohol tolerance wasn't too bad; he could easily drink a few ounces or half a pound, at most his face would turn a little red.

During the meal, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, watching Akemi bustling about and constantly attentive to Lin Ran's needs, smiled knowingly and teased Lin Ran, "You've found the right 'personal assistant'; she only has eyes for you."

"yes."

Lin Ran readily admitted, turning to her maid with a gentle smile, "Sister Mingmei has been a great help to me. Without her, I probably wouldn't be able to concentrate on writing like this."

Mingmei felt a little embarrassed by what was said, her face turned red, and she kept putting food into Lin Ran's bowl with her head down.

We're all intellectuals; who doesn't understand whom?

Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto himself had been a womanizer in his youth and knows all too well how important a rich emotional experience and the companionship of a confidante can be to a writer's inspiration and penmanship.

In his view, Lin Ran's new book shows such a big change and has such profound and delicate writing, which is not only due to her own extraordinary talent, but also because she has such a gentle and considerate woman by her side.

Perhaps it's not unrelated.

For this, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto specially toasted Akemi with a glass of wine to thank her for taking such good care of Lin Ran, which gave them the opportunity to appreciate such an excellent work.

The little maid was so happy and dizzy from the praise that she felt like she had drunk honey.

Oh, so I'm that important?

Taking care of the young master herself is, in fact, a contribution to the great cause of literature?

Then I must work harder and take better care of Young Master Ran! So that he can write more and better books!

They are full of a sense of mission and motivation.

After dinner, the three men sat down in the living room, drinking green tea to aid digestion, chatting and boasting about recent events in the literary world—which writer had cheated on their wife, which award was rigged, which newcomer was gaining momentum…

After a short rest, the real highlight began.

Negotiations on the publishing contract for the new book.

In her previous book, "The Devotion of Suspect X," Lin Ran was a newcomer, and even receiving the maximum 12% royalty was an exception.

But times have changed. The name "Summer's End" has long resounded throughout the literary world. With works like "Snow Country" destined to become classics, the bargaining chips are naturally not the same as before.

Lin Ran held her teacup, leaned back on the sofa, looked relaxed and composed, and didn't rush to speak.

Seeing his composed demeanor, Editor Endo and Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto exchanged a glance, both seeing the "I knew it" look in each other's eyes. Young people naturally have confidence when they achieve something, especially a genius like him who is one in a century.

Fortunately, they had made thorough preparations beforehand.

Last night, the newspaper held an emergency meeting to discuss various plans and bottom lines, all in order to successfully acquire the publishing rights for "Snow Country" today.

Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto took out a draft contract that had been prepared in advance from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Lin Ran.

"Teacher Xia Mo, this is our sincere offer."

He pointed to the crucial royalty percentage section in the contract.

Lin Ran's gaze swept over the area—18%.

This figure is astronomical in the publishing industry, especially for authors who are not top-tier or have not achieved fame for decades.

The top royalties for most well-known authors hover around 15%, but Yomiuri Shimbun is offering 18%, which is incredibly generous, mainly because "Snow Country" is of such high quality.

The name "Late Summer" is pretty cool.

Furthermore, with the tacit approval of a certain conglomerate behind it, the Yomiuri Shimbun has offered the highest royalty rate since its founding.

Lin Ran did not immediately express her opinion, but instead picked up the contract and carefully read it from beginning to end, page by page.

This composure earned him even higher regard from Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto.

After a moment, Lin Ran put down the contract, a satisfied smile on her face, stood up, and extended her hand to Matsumoto Yuichi:

"Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, it's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you, Ms. Xia Mo!"

Matsumoto Yuichi also stood up with a big laugh and took Lin Ran's hand.

Editor Endo stood to the side, grinning from ear to ear, a huge weight lifted from his shoulders, his joy overflowing.

Although Mingmei didn't quite understand the meaning of the specific numbers, seeing the young master shaking hands and chatting happily with the two guests, she knew that things had gone well, and she smiled sincerely along with them.

Her eyebrows curved in a smile, full of joy.

With the agreement in place, the rest was simple.

Lin Ran signed her name and the pen name "Xia Mo" on the formal contract with a flourish, and Editor Endo, as the responsible editor, also signed and stamped it.

Finally, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto, representing the newspaper, solemnly affixed the official seal of the Yomiuri Shimbun.

"Snapped!"

The official seal is affixed, and the contract becomes effective.

The publication of Snow Country was thus finalized.

A work destined to shake the literary world is about to be published.