I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 386 Solo Tú
Back in the recording studio, Alizee was already out, listening to Yves's instructions.

Liu Jin didn't disturb them and sat down in the chair.

After discussing with Yves for a while, she walked over and sat down next to Liu Jin.

Liu Jin handed her the phone.

"Hansen just called and I gave him a piece of my mind."

I asked Leon to contact his agent to talk to Doug Morris; I expect we'll have a result soon.

Stop worrying about Christian and focus on practicing Solo Tú. As for Madonna's La Isla Bonita, I'll ask David Lynch to help me find out more about it when I get back.

They're all from the New York circle, so they must be connected.

I estimate this won't be too difficult.

Just focus on practicing your singing and don't think about anything else. We're going to Barcelona on the 16th, so your time is very limited.

"Don't worry, Liu Jin, I will definitely practice my singing well!"

Alizee clenched her fist and said confidently.

After a year of study and practice, her singing skills have improved significantly.

"Let's call it a day. The professors are all tired."

"Okay, then I won't go back today. I'll stay at school; it'll be more convenient."

"Anything works!"

Liu Jin had no objection to this.

……

The song he chose for Alizee was Solo Tú.

This song, released around 2022, is sung and written by Paula Rojo, a Spanish singer born in Olavido, Spain. While it may not be widely known, it has considerable influence in the Spanish-speaking world. The title translates to "Only You!" It's from Paula's solo EP album.

The reason for choosing this song is that Paula's voice is very similar to Alizee's.

Moreover, after undergoing professional training, Alizee is definitely stronger than Paula in terms of skills.

Since the performance will be at Shakira's concert, an original Spanish song is undoubtedly the best way to gain the approval of the Spanish people.

This can be considered a brand new attempt for Alizee after her success with Levitating.

As for Spanish?

Although the French disdain speaking languages ​​other than French, as languages ​​of the same Romance language family, they share many similarities.

Alizee's Spanish is actually quite good.

However, compared to Liu Jin, he is slightly inferior.

For the next few days, Liu Jin devoted himself entirely to writing.

Alizee spent all her time at school practicing singing and made rapid progress.

When Qianqian had free time, she would go to the music academy to play with Alizee, which gave Liu Jin a lot of peace and quiet.

On the 16th, Alizee finished her practice.

She arrived early at Rue Saint-Jacques and met up with Liu Jin and his group of four before heading to Barcelona.

However, Eva and her two siblings were once again fostered by Ottilie.

Ottilie was used to this and didn't complain at all...

"Liu, you really don't care about your new book at all!"

In the waiting hall, Liu Jin received a call from Mela.

He then remembered that Notre Dame de Paris was officially released on June 30, and it had been two and a half weeks since then.

However, he was busy writing a book at the time, so he didn't pay much attention to it.

"I really didn't pay attention. What were the grades like?"

"In the first week, 38,000 copies were sold, and in the second week, 51,000 copies were sold."

Mela said in a deep voice, "Currently, it's ranked eighth on the weekly bestseller list, not even as good as 'The Old Man and the Sea'."

The concurrently published "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" has already sold over 800,000 copies.

Liu Jin's heart sank.

"So, a crushing defeat?"

"It's not exactly a crushing defeat, but it's a world of difference compared to last year."

However, I consulted some critics in the field, and the praise for *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* is significantly higher than that for *Harry Potter*. Furthermore, I spoke with Carmen Balthazar and Ms. Schenkroll, who also held the book in very high regard. However, these positive reviews haven't yet translated into sales figures.

"Mera!" "Hmm?"

"don’t worry."

Liu Jin thought for a moment and comforted him, "The work is finished, and the book has already been published."

We've done all we can; now it's up to the market to decide. Actually, Harry Potter's success was entirely expected. Notre Dame and Harry Potter are not the same genre, so we don't need to worry about short-term successes or failures. Let's observe carefully; I believe Notre Dame will not disappoint us.

These past two years have been smooth sailing for Mela.

Thanks to Liu Jin's works, he has made a fortune.

However, none of Liu Jin's works this year have achieved the same level of success as last year, which has left her somewhat disappointed.

However, this is not Liu Jin's problem.

Rather, it's the subject matter and genre that are different.

To be precise, Notre Dame Cathedral is full of 18th-century literary style and can be considered a classic work of literature.

From a modern perspective, it might not be immediately accepted.

Not to mention that Harry Potter has already reached its fifth installment, and after a two-year wait, Harry Potter fans are already impatient.

In terms of popularity, Liu Jin is still no match for J.K. Rowling.

Mela was actually more worried that Liu Jin would suffer a blow.

"It's good that you're thinking positively!"

Mela said, "My main concern is that those writers who were suppressed by you for a year last year will take the opportunity to attack you as a group."

Liu Jin laughed and said, "Have you ever seen an eagle pay attention to the chirping of sparrows?"

"Okay, I'm glad you're alright!"

Mela called because she had received Liu Jin's article for Chicago.

After a brief discussion about the story of "Chicago" with him, Liu Jin called out urging him to board the plane.

"Liu, have a happy summer vacation."

Furthermore, Ottilie and Chloe both asked me to tell you that *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* is your finest work.

"Tell them I love them."

Upon hearing this, Mela couldn't help but burst into laughter.

……

"Xiao Jin, what happened?"

After boarding the plane, Mom sat next to Liu Jin and asked with some concern.

Liu Jin smiled and said, "The sales of the new book weren't ideal, so Mela called to comfort me."

"Was it not written well?"

"No, I think the new book is no worse than The Old Man and the Sea."

However, due to its subject matter and genre, it can't compare to *Harry Potter*. But I think we shouldn't rush into conclusions; let's just wait and see. Personally, I feel this book will far surpass *Harry Potter* in sales.

Liu Jin was full of confidence.

He wasn't blindly confident; rather, it was because in the original timeline, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables" remained bestsellers worldwide, even in 2020. In France, in particular, they still sold millions of copies annually.

Harry Potter has been a bestseller for ten years.

But Notre Dame de Paris has been a bestseller for two hundred years...

It was a classic work that had stood the test of time, so Liu Jin wasn't worried at all.

Seeing this, Mom breathed a sigh of relief.

"As long as you have confidence, I won't worry about it."

Even if this book isn't well-written, it doesn't matter. I'll just write a better one next time... After all, there's no such thing as a writer who can always win.

Every great writer is born after countless failures.

I'm at ease with my son!

"Hehe, I know."

Liu Jin replied with a smile.

……

(End of this chapter)