What he didn't know was that Shi Chuanfeng and Yan Kangxiao had almost publicly confronted each other over "Those Ming Dynasty Things."
"Editor Shi, I believe that no matter when, we should not lose our basic ability to judge. Look at this now, a high school student's article, and it's written in such a way about history. You actually signed it? Fine, signing it is one thing, but you even gave 80 yuan for it! Are we a publishing house that gives scholarships to high school students?"
Yan Kangxiao, with a red face and a swollen neck, was making things difficult for Shi Chuanfeng.
Shi Chuanfeng had long anticipated such a challenge. He thought for a moment and said, "Editor Yan, both of us have the power to approve manuscripts. I am just exercising my power. I believe this manuscript is worth that much! I also believe this manuscript has great potential."
"But that's just your guess, and it's too irresponsible," Yan Kangxiao said. "After all, it's a new writer, and such a high price, it doesn't make sense to others."
In fact, Yan Kangxiao had read the manuscript of "Those Ming Dynasty Things" and found it to be a very magical book with the potential to become popular. However, the greater possibility was that it would be lost in the sea of books. The most important thing was that this book was signed by Shi Chuanfeng, so Yan Kangxiao, out of spite, thought it was just so-so.
Now he also wanted to speak loudly to draw the attention of others, making many people think—oh, so Shi Chuanfeng gave such a high price to a new writer!
"Editor Yan, we each have our own responsibilities, and I don't need to explain to you! In the end, the book's sales will speak for themselves!"
After saying this, Shi Chuanfeng made a gesture inviting Yan Kangxiao to leave the room.
Yan Kangxiao angrily grunted... Seeing that Shi Chuanfeng had already lowered his head to read a book, he could only leave, not wanting to embarrass himself further. However, before leaving, he turned around and said, "Editor Shi, just wait and see! If the book's sales don't even reach 1,000 copies, I want to see how you explain it to the higher-ups!"
After saying this, he walked out of the office and slammed the door.
"Bang!"
The sound echoed, isolating Shi Chuanfeng in the room.
Many employees outside had heard the argument between Shi Chuanfeng and Yan Kangxiao and had a general idea of the new book.
"What, Editor Shi signed a new writer for 80 yuan per thousand words? What was he thinking?"
"Maybe the book is really good!"
"No matter how good it is, 80 yuan is a bit too much and breaks the rules!"
"Wait and see..." A more gossipy employee lowered his voice and whispered, "If the book's sales don't even reach 1,000 copies, Editor Shi will have a lot to answer for!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, knowing what was at stake.
1,000 copies is the standard for a book to be considered successful. Generally, if a new writer's book can sell more than 1,000 copies, there is still a chance for them to continue writing.
If the new book signed by Shi Chuanfeng doesn't even reach 1,000 copies, he will definitely lose face, and his influence in the publishing house will greatly diminish.
It might even become a laughingstock!
Selling 1,000 copies may not sound like much, but it's not easy. These days, more people are writing books, and fewer people are reading them. Selling 1,000 copies is actually a decent achievement.
Many people were also waiting for the drama to unfold.
In the office, Shi Chuanfeng's face was ashen.
Yan Kangxiao's rude attitude made Shi Chuanfeng very angry. Although he couldn't hear the employees' discussions clearly, he knew what they were expecting. The thought of being criticized behind his back made him even angrier.
"Li Chencan... this time, I've bet a lot on you... don't let me down."
Yan Kangxiao returned to his office with a slight sneer on his face— "Shi Chuanfeng, you're an old hand, how could you stumble over a new writer?"
The sound of the college entrance exam was getting closer.
Ye Huanxue was almost always studying, while Li Chencan was writing "Those Ming Dynasty Things." So far, over 16,000 yuan had been credited to his account, but Li Chencan had not yet made it public.
Suddenly, a female classmate walked to Li Chencan's desk and said, "Li Chencan, Teacher Yu wants you to go to his office."
"Oh, okay."
Hearing this, many people were guessing what Yu Feng might want from Li Chencan this time. Last time, Yu Feng and Wu Chuan came to the class specifically to find him because of "Twilight Return to Zhou." This time, could there be more good news?
Some girls' gazes on Li Chencan gradually returned to their previous adoration, while some boys envied and resented him.
Li Dong, with his head on his desk, clenched his fists tightly, a sense of humiliation rising in his heart... He then threw himself into the sea of problems, determined to outperform Li Chencan in the college entrance exam!
Li Chencan knocked on the door and entered Yu Feng's office. Yu Feng looked at Li Chencan warmly and had him sit directly across from him.
"Teacher Yu, what did you call me for?" Li Chencan asked, sitting on the stool.
Yu Feng smiled and said, "Actually, it's nothing major. Principal Wu has already recommended your two poems to the Imperial Ancient Poetry Competition. He specifically asked me to tell you to study well, and he will handle the competition for you!"
Li Chencan nodded. If these two poems could win an award in the ancient poetry competition, it would be a benefit for him. So if this could happen, he would be happy to see it.
"Thank you, Teacher Yu, and please thank Principal Wu for me," Li Chencan said politely.
Yu Feng chuckled, finding the young man very impressive and well-mannered.
He continued, "There's no need for that. Actually, I wanted to ask if you have any other good poems stored away? If you do, you can bring them out as well." He rubbed his hands in anticipation, "I would like to see more."
Li Chencan thought for a moment and temporarily shook his head. Although he had many poems in his mind, revealing classics right away would be too conspicuous, so he decided to wait: "I don't have any more for now, but if I do, I will let Teacher Yu know."
"Is that so." Yu Feng was a bit disappointed but then smiled again, "Go back to class. I will let you know if there's any news."
"Okay, thank you, Teacher Yu, goodbye."
Li Chencan left the office, thinking that if his two poems could win an award in the ancient poetry competition, it would be a good thing. Moreover, he still had many poems to prove that he was not a one-hit wonder.