"Who is this Master Zack? I don't know either."
Before entering the general manager's office, Waite had already guessed that this meeting was probably about Master Zack's matter.
After all, in this country's largest novel website, he was just an unknown editor. Normally, the editor-in-chief was the one who would summon him, never the general manager.
The only thing that had changed recently was that he had started handling Master Zack's works.
Upon hearing Waite's words, Mr. Hans remained expressionless, as he had already anticipated this response.
Waite was just a small editor; he couldn't possibly know anything significant. Mr. Hans had only asked out of habit.
"Hmm, I see. You've been handling Master Zack's book for a month now, and you two haven't had any conflicts. Continue to maintain a good relationship with him."
"... The publisher has also sent an update. Although the recent online incident caused some initial trouble, as you can see, Master Zack and his book have become even more famous because of it."
"There are rumors online that this was our marketing strategy."
At this point, Mr. Hans chuckled.
Although Zack's book was expected to bring substantial profits from an industry insider's perspective, the company wouldn't invest heavily in promoting it before it actually generated significant revenue.
Moreover, this incident caused significant losses to a popular marketing account. How much marketing funds would be required to achieve such a result?
So, it was obvious to anyone with discerning eyes that this incident could not be a marketing strategy.
"Alright, you can go back to your post now. You can put other tasks aside but focus on maintaining your relationship with Master Zack."
"... Regarding the contract and revenue split, you can offer Master Zack the same contract as our top authors for his next publication."
After giving a few instructions, Mr. Hans issued the order to leave.
"Okay, Mr. Hans, I understand."
Waite quickly stood up, seriously agreed, and carefully left the general manager's office.
After Waite left, Mr. Hans picked up the teacup on his desk and took a sip of tea.
Mr. Hans hadn't investigated Zack's background and connections; it wasn't necessary, and it might cause unnecessary trouble if others found out.
Initially, he treated Zack as a new author.
After discussion, the company believed that this book had high potential for future IP development.
He had intended to try to reduce Zack's earnings share as much as possible.
But now, it seemed unnecessary to provoke such an unknown person. Even though the company was backed by a major domestic group, it didn't need to be so extreme.
In domestic business, sometimes it's all about social skills, not fighting and killing.
Of course, as the general manager of this company, Mr. Hans wouldn't let go of too many profits to the author. He still needed to maximize the company's revenue.
So, offering Zack the same percentage of his book as top authors was already a gesture of goodwill towards this new author.
...
In Webb City, in the one-bedroom apartment where Zack lived.
He sat in front of the computer, watching the sudden shift in online public opinion. He was a bit confused.
Although Zack didn't care about online public opinion, as long as he got paid, everything was fine.
However, seeing all the online abuse directed at him, as a young man in his early twenties, he felt somewhat upset.
And now, those abusive comments were gone, replaced by praise for him.
Various marketing accounts were riding on his popularity, praising his book so much that even Zack couldn't stand it.
"If you keep praising me like this, I'll have to win the Nobel Prize in Literature this year."
Zack muttered to himself and opened the book comment page of his book on the novel website.
Two days ago, people from various platforms had registered accounts here and flooded the book review section with abuse, prompting Zack's book fans and readers to fiercely counterattack.
At that time, Zack had joked that this was a successful reverse marketing strategy, deeply understanding the essence of traffic.
What was the essence of traffic? It didn't matter if people praised or cursed you; as long as people knew about you and you had traffic, you were successful.
What did traffic stars fear the most? It was being ignored, neither praised nor cursed, becoming ordinary people.
And now, the book review section was so harmonious that Zack didn't know what to say.
"I came here from Weibo. I read Master Zack's book, and it's really good. The recommendation on Weibo was right."
"I was recommended here by theonline QA community called Zhihu. I was so engrossed last night that I didn't sleep at all. Today, I fell asleep in class and almost got scolded to death by the teacher."
"Me too, me too. I fell asleep in class today."
"My phone was confiscated!"
Forget it, kids. You should focus on your studies. If someone takes your comments out and causes trouble, I'll be accused of poisoning the flowers of the motherland again.
Zack thought to himself, amusement in his heart. Seeing all the praise in the book review section, his mood improved, and he smoothly posted a few more thousand words of his draft.
"Tomorrow noon, the first life simulation will end."
Zack stood up and stretched, his tone much lighter.
Today, he had finally finished typing the last word, and this author's life would end tomorrow.
The remaining drafts could be slowly released over the next month or two as subsequent income.
Now, Zack was excited because he finally had the capital to start the second simulation of his life, transforming into an asset management tycoon and striving for financial freedom.
"So, when will the manuscript fee be paid?"
What Zack was most worried about now was the manuscript fee. As long as the money wasn't in his hands, he felt uneasy.
He opened the chat software, ready to ask the editor Waite, but unexpectedly, Waite sent him a message first:
"... Master Zack is really amazing, directly defeating the marketing account. How did you make them back down? Can you share your secrets?"
Although Waite's message was in text, there was an implicitly excited tone.
Upon seeing these words, Zack was momentarily stunned.
Wasn't it the website and the publisher who helped make the marketing account confess and surrender?
But if it wasn't the website and the publisher, what happened?
Zack was puzzled but remained calm.
He was smart enough to know when to say what and when not to. He immediately replied ambiguously, "... Don't ask about that. Let's talk about the manuscript fee instead."
"... The manuscript fee will be paid tomorrow. Will it arrive in my account?"
Indeed, Zack's mysterious response made Waite think that Zack didn't want to say more, so he didn't ask further but replied instead,
"... We wouldn't dare to owe anyone's manuscript fee, especially yours, Master Zack. Don't worry, it will definitely arrive tomorrow. If it doesn't, I'll go straight to the finance office and block the door."
Waite's words carried a hint of flattery.
Although Waite had always been accommodating in their previous conversations, this time the flattery was a bit too obvious.
Zack pondered for a moment and guessed whether the issue with the marketing account had made Waite think that he was actually very influential and powerful deal with this incident.
But in reality, Zack said he was equally confused. He had been focused on typing these past few days and hadn't had time to deal with any marketing accounts.
Just then, Zack's phone vibrated. He picked it up and saw that the person he noted as "Auntie Annie" had sent him a WeChat message.
Wow, this aunt hasn't deleted me yet? Could this be an address, telling me that I don't have to struggle anymore and she'll support me?
Hmm, should I agree or not?
Cough, cough. If she offers enough and is pretty, it's not a bad deal, right?
Muttering to himself, Zack opened the WeChat.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]