San Chi Niang gritted her teeth and said to Nian Jiaojiao,
"My greatest sincerity is to offer you the treatment of a third-class author. I will give you thirty taels of silver for this novel."
Nian Jiaojiao nodded. As a new author with no reputation, the other party had indeed shown full sincerity.
However, the more crucial aspect was the pricing of the sequels. Nian Jiaojiao patiently listened as the other party continued.
"For subsequent sequels, if they are no less exciting than this one in my hand, I will add twenty taels for each one released, with no upper limit. What do you think?"
Nian Jiaojiao was satisfied with the initial offer of thirty taels for this book. However, she had too much confidence in the classic novel "The Butterfly Lovers" and, despite the favorable offer for sequels, she still had her own considerations.
Nian Jiaojiao lightly tapped her index finger on the table, then paused. Her expression was unreadable as she calmly stated,
"I naturally see San Chi Niang's sincerity. This book will be as you proposed, but..."
She paused, seeing the other party's somewhat anxious expression, and continued,
"I have a different idea regarding the pricing of the sequels."
San Chi Niang furrowed her brow slightly.
"Oh? I'd be glad to hear it."
She believed she had already offered the utmost sincerity. If the other party still wanted to increase the price, even if the manuscript was truly rare, she would have to give up.
After all, she also had to bear the risk of the sequels not coming out or being mediocre.
Nian Jiaojiao smiled.
"San Chi Niang, please don't worry. My proposal is beneficial for both of us."
Hearing Nian Jiaojiao's words, San Chi Niang relaxed her posture slightly, waiting for her to continue.
"I want the treatment of a fourth-class author."
Nian Jiaojiao slowly extended four fingers.
San Chi Niang was taken aback. Fourth-class was a category only for master authors.
This was because if the calculation was based on royalties from sales, then the pressure and risk would fall back on the author.
If the royalty rate was suitable, she would naturally be willing.
"Nian Niangzi, what royalty rate do you think is appropriate?"
Nian Jiaojiao understood that the other party had implicitly agreed to her request.
"Let's go with the usual author's rate."
San Chi Niang inwardly guessed that Nian Jiaojiao might not be aware of the market rates. However, seeing her composed demeanor as she sipped her tea, she couldn't be sure. She offered a price that allowed for negotiation:
"I'll give you forty wen per book. How about that?"
Forty wen per book meant forty taels for four hundred books. Selling four hundred books would be considered a decent achievement.
Since she opened her bookshop, her best-selling book had sold less than six hundred copies.
Nian Jiaojiao knew there was room for negotiation and did not overstate her demand.
"Fifty wen."
"Deal!"
San Chi Niang readily agreed, afraid Nian Jiaojiao would change her mind.
"I'll go draft the contract. Nian Niangzi, please wait a moment."
With that, she turned and walked towards the nearby desk.
Fifty wen per book. Even if the quality remained the same, based on her experience, she could sell about five hundred copies.
The royalties Nian Jiaojiao would receive from her would be a mere fifty taels. In any case, she was profiting, and what's more, she bore no risk.
With this thought, San Chi Niang quickly handed over the contract.
"Nian Niangzi, please review it. Are there any additions needed to the contract?"
Nian Jiaojiao carefully read through the contract. Once she confirmed it was satisfactory, she signed her name with a flourish and pressed her thumbprint.
There were two copies of the contract, one for her and one for San Chi Niang.
After shaking hands, San Chi Niang enthusiastically escorted Nian Jiaojiao downstairs.
"Don't worry, I will definitely increase our manpower and first copy two hundred sets, aiming to start selling the books within three days."
Nian Jiaojiao nodded.
"Alright, I'll follow your arrangements. Also, I'd like to buy two novels to take back and study, to understand the market demand."
San Chi Niang didn't hesitate. She pulled out three books from the most prominent bookshelf nearby and handed them over.
"Take these, they're a gift for you. Please don't be polite with me. I'm counting on you to draw inspiration from them and write good novels that will make the bookshop a great fortune!"
"Oh, right, will your novel be published under a pseudonym or..."
"Hmm..."
Nian Jiaojiao pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled slyly.
"Then call me Qinglian Jushi."
"Qinglian Jushi? Haha, a good name. I believe this name will soon be known throughout our entire Shanshui Town."
"Then I appreciate your kind words!"
After a bow, Nian Jiaojiao bid farewell to San Chi Niang and departed.
Watching Nian Jiaojiao's receding figure, San Chi Niang's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
She believed that soon, the landscape of bookshops in Shanshui Town would change dramatically.
Last year, a rival had somehow found a master writer and published two very popular romance novels, drawing away many of their old customers from San Chi Bookshop.
...
Stepping out of the bookshop, it was just past noon. The rain had stopped and the sky had cleared. There were puddles of water by the roadside.
Despite the cold wind blowing, many vendors shivered, their bodies curled up, yet they still forced smiles and called out loudly. Traveling peddlers also shouted their wares while swinging their goods in their hands, hoping to attract the attention of passersby.
Nian Jiaojiao suddenly stopped, her gaze fixated on a stall displaying hairpins.
Hmm, this wooden hairpin was simple and elegant, suitable for Nan Qing.
This silver hairpin was simple and generous, suitable for Xuan Yi.
As for this jade hairpin, its emerald green and cuteness were truly fitting for Xing Yun.
Nian Jiaojiao's gaze shifted to a white silk ribbon hairband nearby. This... Yu Chuan...
Thinking of Yu Chuan, Nian Jiaojiao frowned.
Although everyone was getting along peacefully now, she couldn't guarantee what changes might occur later.
Seeing Nian Jiaojiao staring at the accessories on the stall in a daze, a middle-aged woman in a dark blue linen dress greeted her warmly.
"Madam, are you interested in anything? Our items are of good quality and low price. Why don't you buy something to make your husband happy?"
Nian Jiaojiao hesitated and pointed to the wooden hairpin in front of her.
"How much is this?"
"This, it's not expensive, eighteen wen." The middle-aged woman's smile became more genuine as she saw a potential sale.
"It's a bit expensive. It's made of wood. Give me a fair price."
The middle-aged woman handed the wooden hairpin over.
"Oh dear, this is a small business of mine. Please take a closer look at the craftsmanship and the quality of the wood. It's fine pear wood. This price is not expensive!"
Nian Jiaojiao did not move, and the woman's hand, held out in offering, remained in mid-air.
Seeing that Nian Jiaojiao was about to leave, the woman gritted her teeth, acting as if she was suffering a great loss.
"Oh, this way I'm making a loss. Fifteen wen, I'll sell it to you for fifteen wen. I really can't go any lower!"
Nian Jiaojiao knew that if she haggled further, she could get the wooden hairpin for ten wen. However, looking at the woman's reddened and swollen hands from holding it out, she sighed inwardly.
Life is not easy for anyone.
So, she said no more and promptly paid the money.
The middle-aged woman took the money and cheerfully packed it for her.
"Are there any other styles you fancy?"
Nian Jiaojiao patted her purse. Although she had the newly earned silver, still warm, she shook her head.
"No, thank you."