Chapter 22: Eight Yuan per Thousand Characters (Seeking follows and monthly votes~)

Zhou Yanru raised her head with a faint smile.

"I have finished reading it. For a first-time revision, it is so well done that there is no need for further changes."

Li Yousi nodded slowly and asked, "Does that mean my business here is concluded?"

Zhou Yanru nodded. "Oh, and let's talk about the manuscript fee. Once the final version is set, the magazine will process the payment."

"Comrade Li, are you familiar with our magazine's policy on manuscript fees?"

"I am," Li Yousi replied.

Generally, novice writers have no leverage to negotiate manuscript fees; simply getting published is considered a success for them. Demanding high compensation is usually the privilege of established authors. Therefore, when his manuscript was accepted, Li Yousi had not insisted on a high rate.

Zhou Yanru continued, "The state-mandated standard is between three and ten yuan per thousand characters."

"However, 'Beiping Literature' never pays less than five yuan per thousand characters to its authors. That is the standard for new writers."

"Of course, Comrade Li, your novel is different. The quality truly exceeds that of many veteran writers. So, I went to advocate for you with the editor-in-chief. How about eight yuan per thousand characters? What do you think?"

Li Yousi had no objections. For a first book by a newcomer, being offered eight yuan per thousand characters was solely due to the exceptional quality of his work. Manuscript fees are linked not only to quality but also to fame. Traffic equals money—a truth that holds at any time. As an unknown, his publication in the magazine would naturally not carry the same influence as a book by someone like Wang Zengqi. Moreover, the magazine could not be certain that even a high-quality story would necessarily attract a vast readership. Eight yuan per thousand characters was a compromise, yet significantly higher than the standard five.

"I have no objections. But when will the payment..."

Zhou Yanru smiled and said, "I understand! Come to the magazine's finance department on the first of next month, and your payment and stipend applications will be ready. Even though you aren't revising the manuscript these next few days, your stipend remains in effect."

"Also, we have arranged and reimbursed your train ticket back to the Cultural Troupe. It is for the second of next month."

Li Yousi nodded with a touch of gratitude. A veteran editor was truly thoughtful; the round-trip fare was twenty or thirty yuan, after all.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Besides, Li Yousi had to return to the Cultural Troupe after finishing the manuscript. Membership in the troupe was akin to military service; he only had a one-month leave. If he did not return on time, he would be considered a deserter.

Zhou Yanru tidied up the manuscript before slowly standing up.

"Then, Comrade Li, you can enjoy yourself and get some rest in Beiping over these next few days."

"Next time you have a novel, I hope you will prioritize our magazine. I will try my best to secure ten yuan per thousand characters for you!"

Under normal circumstances, a writer's output remains fairly consistent. Since Li Yousi's current novel was so well-written, his next one would likely be just as good. Zhou Yanru naturally wanted to secure such a loyal writer. Much like how Wang Zengqi had started at their magazine—even after becoming famous, he continued to publish there out of deep-seated affection.

Li Yousi did not give an immediate promise; a writer should never burn their bridges. "I understand, Teacher."

The two walked out of the office together.

They saw an elderly man walking toward them, puffing on a pipe. He was dressed in a loose blue uniform and wearing old-fashioned, round, light-tea-colored glasses. He looked incredibly gentle—almost like a pushover. Li Yousi had seen this man a few times in his later life.

Upon seeing the arrival, Zhou Yanru immediately smiled and called out, "Old Wang!"

It was none other than Wang Zengqi, the well-known eighties novelist who had made a name for himself with *The Initiation*. Over a decade ago, both had been editors at *Beiping Literature*; they were old colleagues with a strong relationship.

Wang Zengqi smiled. "Old Zhou, my, my! You have time to come to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles?"

"I'm the one who should be curious about you! How long has it been?" Zhou Yanru laughed helplessly.

Wang Zengqi replied, "I was invited to Dazhangkou last time and just got back! I'm here to report on my work."

After speaking, Wang Zengqi noticed the poised young man standing to the side.

Zhou Yanru immediately introduced him: "This is a new writer for our 'Beiping Literature.' I must say, his literary style has a bit of your flair."

"This is..."

Li Yousi smiled and said, "Teacher Zhou doesn't need to introduce him. I know—this is the author of *The Initiation*, Teacher Wang Zengqi!"

Li Yousi stepped forward to shake Wang Zengqi's hand. He was quite fond of Wang Zengqi; among the writers of the eighties, each had their own strengths, but he had always preferred reading Wang's essays—they were refined yet accessible to all.

"Hello, Comrade Li."

Zhou Yanru seized the opportunity to say to Wang Zengqi, "This young comrade has a great deal of spiritual insight in his writing. He recently wrote a piece of rural fiction that left our entire editorial board speechless!"

She was naturally singing the praises of the young man. In the literary circle, many established writers, like Lu Yao and Wang Zengqi, loved to support young talent.

Wang Zengqi smiled. "It seems our literary circle is about to welcome a new star."

"You are too kind, Teacher Wang," Li Yousi said immediately.

Zhou Yanru continued, "Who knows? He might just be the next Wang Zengqi."

Wang Zengqi nodded. "Then I truly hope the literary circle gains a writer who surpasses me."

"Is this young comrade's new book about to be published?"

Zhou Yanru said, "Not yet. He just handed in the manuscript today; we are finalizing it now, and it will be out next month."

"Would you like to take a look? Perhaps give him some advice?" Zhou Yanru held out the manuscript toward Wang Zengqi.

Even after achieving fame in his later years, Wang Zengqi never considered himself a "master" and was always patient with requests for guidance from young authors. For instance, A Cheng, author of *The Chess King*, was deeply influenced by Wang Zengqi during his early writing years, and Wang had offered him many suggestions on structure and language. Wang Anyi, who wrote *The Song of Everlasting Sorrow*, also mentioned that Wang Zengqi had provided detailed critiques of her novels.

Both Wang Zengqi and Zhou Yanru looked at Li Yousi.

Li Yousi felt a sense of gratitude. Zhou Yanru's intention was clear: she wanted Wang Zengqi to offer him some advice.

He nodded immediately. "It would be my honor to receive guidance from Teacher Wang!"

"Since he has said so, it would be rude for you to refuse, wouldn't it?" Zhou Yanru said.

Wang Zengqi took the manuscript and led the two back into the office. "Guidance is too strong a word, but let me take a look at your novel! It has been a while since I've read the work of a young writer."

"Novels written by the youth often possess a unique spirit; for me, that is also a source of inspiration."