The operation mode of “Galaxy and You” is to launch the film and TV show and novel simultaneously. The TV series drives the novel’s sales, while the novel in turn expands the drama’s influence.
“Galaxy and You” started with a TV script, then filming, and finally adapted into a novel of the same name. Both the script and novel were independently created by Wen Ying, with no adaptation barriers at all. Facts proved this mode was extremely successful. Tianjiao, the publishing house, and Wen Ying herself all made quite a bit of money from it, and would continue to earn steadily!
With this reminder from Wen Ying, the smiles on Mrs Wang’s and Director Fan’s faces faded.
Director Fan frowned, “Little Wen, how sure are you about this?”
Wen Ying spread her hands, “It is a guess. Hard to say how sure. Still need to see your judgement. Truly did not expect Manager Guan to have such resilience. Defeated again and again, yet fighting on repeatedly.”
“Emerald Forest” against “The Princess’s New Clothes”, lost.
“Love Cruise” against “Galaxy and You”, lost again.
Did Manager Guan admit defeat?
No!
Now Manager Guan teamed up with Bao Lixin and Lan Jing. Indeed, unyielding to the end.
Whether Manager Guan admitted defeat or not had little to do with Wen Ying. It was more related to Director Fan.
Director Fan lost all interest in small talk. He lifted his foot to leave, then slapped his forehead, “Forgot to ask, which one is Lan Jing?”
As a busy VIP, Director Fan surprisingly did not know Lan Jing. Just from Wen Ying’s reminder, he took it seriously.
Mrs Wang understood instantly. She pulled out the documents and handed the one on Lan Jing to Director Fan.
Director Fan flipped through casually. His brows relaxed, “Scared me. This is far behind Little Wen.”
Lan Jing’s beauty had no effect on Director Fan. In his line of work, he had seen too many handsome men and beautiful women! What Director Fan valued more was Lan Jing’s popularity. He feared Lan Jing was a suddenly rising bestseller writer, or worse, one whose writing matched Wen Ying’s level. Such a writer teaming with Manager Guan would truly threaten Director Fan.
What “Her Gentleness”? Director Fan had never heard of this book. First print plus reprints totalled only 150,000 copies. Not even in the same league as Wen Ying!
Director Fan muttered a bit about Lan Jing’s pen name, “I see not only is she copying “Galaxy and You”‘s operation, even the pen name is targeted. You are ‘Fish Against the Current’, she is ‘Blue Whale’, the biggest fish in the sea, right? Anyway much bigger than your little fish. This is all-round suppression!”
Director Fan’s words hit Mrs Wang’s heart. She thought the same.
Wen Ying watched the two, wanting to speak but stopping.
“Little Wen, speak if you have something. We are old acquaintances. No need to hold back.”
Director Fan was forthright. Wen Ying looked serious, “Then I will say it… Blue Whale is not the biggest fish in the sea. Though it lives in the sea, it is a mammal.”
So no pen name suppression.
If Blue Whale thought that way, it showed her common knowledge was lacking too.
If Wen Ying made such a basic mistake, Xie Qian would definitely make her copy the error a hundred times!
Director Fan was stunned at first, then laughed, “Alright, your little mouth is quite glib. No use bantering with me. Save this skill for the show recording and shine. No matter if it is fish or mammal, do not let her steal your spotlight!”
Director Fan left after speaking.
Wen Ying and Mrs Wang were alone. In the distance, Bao Lixin, who had been holding back, walked over upon seeing this.
“Oh, what a coincidence.”
Bao Lixin looked Wen Ying up and down, “Little Wen, now signed with an agency, why not tidy yourself up a bit? As a public figure, need to watch your image.”
Wen Ying smiled and nodded, “You are right. I will reflect your opinion to the company later.”
Wen Ying, who travelled often, knew that no matter how good-looking clothes were, comfort mattered more on a plane. It was not recording time yet. Why dress up so much?
Seeing Wen Ying not provoked, Bao Lixin snorted and walked away.
Lan Jing kept her head down following Bao Lixin. Who knew what this girl truly thought.
Perhaps this was the kind of writer Bao Lixin wanted. No personal ideas needed. All creation just to cater to the market.
Manager Guan and Bao Lixin had much to discuss. They brushed past Wen Ying like the wind.
Mrs Wang told Wen Ying to return to her room first.
“Come on, I will ask around about Lan Jing’s new book.”
Finding out Lan Jing’s new book meant uncovering Manager Guan’s new project.
Mrs Wang took this very seriously.
Back in the room, in front of Wen Ying, Mrs Wang made several calls. Finally, Little Ning replied.
“Sister Dong, I asked around in the circle. Editor-in-Chief Bao kept it tight. Lan Jing’s new book is called “Thorn Crown”. First print 600,000 copies. Not yet officially launched…”
Mrs Wang nearly jumped up on the spot, “First print 600,000 copies? Can it sell?!”
Wen Ying knew why Mrs Wang reacted so strongly. Because Wen Ying’s “Searching for Yong” had a first print of 600,000 copies.
A first print of 600,000 copies was treatment only top bestseller writers enjoyed. Even slightly less popular ones did not get it. The publishing house bore the first print costs!
Lan Jing’s debut “Her Gentleness” sold so few copies. Normally, she could not get 600,000 first print treatment. Bao Lixin jumped to a new publishing house. What convinced the other leaders?
If Wen Ying’s earlier guess was just speculation, now it was nearly 100% confirmed. Bao Lixin was copying “Galaxy and You”‘s mode. Lan Jing’s new book “Thorn Crown” must have signed a film adaptation contract with Manager Guan’s company before official launch. With that heavyweight contract, Bao Lixin overrode objections to set “Thorn Crown”‘s first print at 600,000!
“”Thorn Crown” is Manager Guan’s company’s new project.”
Wen Ying took out her own phone and murmured, “This project targets Tianjiao’s new drama. But this book targets “Searching for Yong”. Director Fan was right. They want all-round suppression of me.”
Hunan TV’s variety show was the first stop for promoting Lan Jing’s new book.
Whether Wen Ying participated in this episode or not, Lan Jing would definitely be there.
Thinking deeper, why did Yuan Fenghui just want to promote Wen Ying, and Director Fan immediately arranged a variety show slot?
Wen Ying felt it was not Bao Lixin squeezing Lan Jing in last minute. Rather, Bao Lixin first coordinated with Manager Guan. This episode was originally to boost Lan Jing, to make her new book “Thorn Crown” explode. Wen Ying just happened to clash schedules by chance. The programme team, hearing Wen Ying wanted on, would not refuse for better effects.
Mrs Wang thought Wen Ying’s analysis made too much sense. She asked who Wen Ying wanted to call.
Wen Ying shook her phone, “Of course Editor-in-Chief Ding at Modu Literature Publishing House. Manager Guan’s side is Tianjiao’s old enemy. Leave it for Teacher Yuan to handle. Bao Lixin targeting my new book affects Editor-in-Chief Ding the most.”
Modu Literature Publishing House’s Editor-in-Chief Ding Chao used to thank Bao Lixin. Without Bao Lixin’s mischief, Modu Literature could not poach Wen Ying. Now, Ding Chao probably wanted to chop Bao Lixin to pieces!
