Agree or not?
Miss this chance, and there won’t be another.
Gong Sheng felt both urgency and a premonition: this was Xie Qian’s final invitation. If he passed it up, even if he later wanted to join, Xie Qian wouldn’t have him.
With plenty of time, Gong Sheng could’ve mulled it over slowly. He thought Xie Qian would bring it up tomorrow, but Xie Qian suddenly demanded an answer now. Even a seasoned player like Gong Sheng was thrown off. Under Xie Qian’s gaze, Gong Sheng found himself nodding almost unconsciously:
“Alright, I’m in!”
Snapping back to reality, he saw Xie Qian smiling and extending a hand, “Brother Gong, welcome aboard.”
The words were out, no taking them back.
But there wasn’t much to regret.
Gong Sheng had been wavering before, but once he made up his mind, his doubts faded. He didn’t need to invest money, Xie Qian was covering that. He was only investing time. If the venture failed, it’d just cost him a year or two.
Gong Sheng wasn’t entirely swayed by Xie Qian’s mind games. Today’s interviews with professional managers showed not only the candidates’ performance but also Xie Qian’s sharp, on-point questions.
So Gong Sheng knew Xie Qian’s logistics venture wasn’t a whim, he’d genuinely researched the industry.
A young boss this serious was far less likely to bail halfway.
Xie Qian worked with rhythm. Once Gong Sheng agreed, Xie Qian immediately pulled him into discussing the company’s initial plans: how much to invest, how many staff to hire, whether to buy second-hand trucks or lease them, all the details needed sorting.
Gong Sheng talked until his throat was dry, “Boss, how about changing the flight?”
Returning to Rongcheng tomorrow morning was too rushed. Xie Qian nodded reluctantly.
Gong Sheng had even switched to calling him boss, a sign he was truly committed. Xie Qian couldn’t just drop his own business and head back either, tomorrow evening would do. They could call the interviewed manager back tonight, sit down as a trio, and talk more.
Xie Qian glanced at the wall clock, it was 6 p.m. He wondered how far Wen Ying’s publishing contract talks had gone.
He hadn’t called to ask, and that hamster hadn’t bothered to update him?
Whether it worked out or not, she should let him know!
Wen Ying wasn’t negotiating a publishing contract. She and Xiao Ni had just finished visiting Du Fu Thatched Cottage.
Gong Sheng thought Xie Qian was moving too fast, and Wen Ying felt the same about Xiao Ni and Editor-in-Chief Han’s rushed business trip.
“If you could stay a couple more days, I’d be your guide and show you around properly.”
Though Xiao Ni was a new editor, she’d started working after university and was already 23. Being led around by Wen Ying, a first-year high schooler, didn’t feel odd to her.
Wen Ying called Xiao Ni Editor Supreme but saw her as a younger sister, looking out for her every step.
Xiao Ni was reserved around Han Qin but chatty with Wen Ying. More importantly, unlike Han Qin, Xiao Ni genuinely loved literature, which was why she became an editor.
Wen Ying’s warmth wasn’t lost on Xiao Ni, “There wasn’t enough time this trip, but next time I’ll come play with you. If you visit Shandong, I’ll be your guide, I’ll take you to see Daming Lake from Princess Pearl!”
Aige magazine’s editorial office was in Shandong, and Xiao Ni was a Shandong native. She’d studied Chinese literature at university, so becoming an editor was both a career fit and a passion.
“Emperor, do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?”
That meme, Wen Ying recalled, stayed popular until 2019.
Of course, years later, netizens had a field day, photoshopping Nanny Rong’s image onto it with the line, “This servant is Xia Yuhe,” which went viral on social media.
Wen Ying laughed at the thought, “Deal, I’ll definitely find you if I go to Shandong.”
Xiao Ni didn’t know what Wen Ying was laughing about, but seeing her laugh, Xiao Ni smiled too.
After the cottage, Wen Ying took Xiao Ni to Chunxi Road. Girls’ friendships blossom while shopping, and soon they were arm-in-arm, sampling street food.
It wasn’t until past 8 p.m. that Wen Ying walked Xiao Ni back to her hotel.
Xiao Ni hadn’t mentioned the publishing contract all day. As Wen Ying was about to leave, Xiao Ni suddenly called out:
“Little Fish, keep it up! You’re really talented, your book will sell big, but your potential goes way beyond being just a young adult fiction writer.”
Young adult fiction was too limiting.
Wen Ying should try other genres.
Writing young adult fiction in her teens was fine, but would she still be doing it in her thirties?
“Thanks!”
Wen Ying told Xiao Ni earnestly, “You’re my first editor. I don’t know what others are like, so I can’t say you’re the world’s best, but you’re dedicated and responsible. You’ll definitely become a top editor in the industry!”
Han Qin shouldn’t be Xiao Ni’s ceiling.
Xiao Ni was Xiao Ni.
One day, she might grow into a more seasoned editor, but she wouldn’t be a second Han Qin, she’d surpass her!
Xiao Ni grinned, waving at Wen Ying.
So Little Fish understood everything.
Since she got it, some things didn’t need spelling out.
Xiao Ni knew the editor-in-chief hadn’t stopped her from leaving the hotel, but not returning until evening meant Han Qin knew she’d met Wen Ying privately.
Xiao Ni was right. Not only did Han Qin know, she’d deliberately let Xiao Ni go see Wen Ying.
That afternoon, Han Qin’s words had been too harsh, and she couldn’t backtrack herself. Someone needed to smooth things over.
That’s why Han Qin brought Xiao Ni to Rongcheng, because Xiao Ni was Wen Ying’s editor, the one at Aige who knew her best!
Formal settings called for business, but just Xiao Ni and Wen Ying? Perfect for playing the emotional card.
When Xiao Ni returned, Han Qin raised an eyebrow, “How’d it go? Is she still hung up on tiered royalties? Zou Weijun wasn’t there when you met, right?”
Xiao Ni, summoning courage from who-knows-where, didn’t dodge or waffle but spoke plainly, “Editor-in-Chief, I didn’t bring up the contract. Little Fish may be young, but her writing shows she’s got a clear head. If you’re willing to compromise, she’ll sign with us. If you won’t budge on tiered royalties, she won’t sign.”
She didn’t even mention it?
Han Qin was livid, feeling Xiao Ni was disloyal.
“What was the point of bringing you? I don’t believe a newbie author could get such a sweet deal from Rongcheng Publishing Group! Fine, let her sign if she wants, Aige doesn’t need her. And she can forget about a manuscript fee hike.”
Han Qin’s stance was firm, and Xiao Ni’s expression dimmed.
She’d expected this, which was why she’d said goodbye to Little Fish earlier.
Looking at Han Qin, Xiao Ni said earnestly, “We’ve lost a highly talented author, that’s Aige’s loss.”
