Huayu: Tianxian Qianmeng

The Dragon Emperor is a big-budget production, with a guaranteed investment of 3000 million. The big-bearded director is good at hype and had already released the news a long time ago. Therefore, not only the female lead, but also the male lead candidates are highly sought after and have generated a lot of discussion.

Along with the gossip posts, Ling Yuan's novel "Ling Dong: The True Story of Ghostly Shadows" also became a viral sensation.

The response from netizens was overwhelming, with many urging for more updates.

Who would have thought that this was written by that rather famous, goofy Xu Zhu?

"Author, please update soon! I got chills reading this in the middle of the night, and I'm too scared to even go to the bathroom!" (ID: Afraid of the Dark Kitten)

"Grilling! The poster is brilliant!" (ID: Midnight Horror)

……

My inbox is almost overflowing with messages.

One private message in particular stood out:

"Hello, I am Zhou Ming, the chief editor of the Cultural and Art Publishing House (QQ: XXXXX, mobile: 13XXXXXXXXX). I greatly admire the creativity and atmosphere created by 'The Ghostly Records' and look forward to discussing publishing cooperation in detail."

Ling Yuan raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips, and then added the other person on QQ.

"Hello, Editor-in-Chief Zhou, I am the author of the novel 'The Ghostly Records'."

"Hello, hello." The other person was online and replied instantly, "Is our novel finished yet? Or are we updating it little by little?"

Ling Yuan: "The novel is complete, approximately 12 words."

"That's great!" Zhou Ming sent an excited emoji. "We have two options: a buyout, with a one-time payment of 5 yuan; or royalty sharing, with an 8% royalty on the first print run of 1 copies. Subsequent print runs will increase in tiers based on sales volume, up to a maximum of 12%."

After a moment's thought, Ling Yuan naturally chose to split the profits.

He has confidence in himself.

As for the 8% royalty, it's within the normal range for a newcomer. Back in 02, newcomers typically earned 6%-8%, so the offer of 8% clearly indicates that the publisher has high hopes for the novel.

He's also currently writing "My Brother, Disappear," and he initially wanted to inquire about publishing it together, but then he thought that selling it now would fetch too low a price. He'd rather wait until he's made a name for himself.

Moreover, filming for "The Haunted House" hasn't even started yet, and "My Brother Disappeared" is scheduled for an even later date, so there's no need to rush.

"I choose revenue sharing," Ling Yuan replied decisively. He thought to himself that when his movie was released, the IP collaboration would also boost the novel's sales.

"A wise choice!" Zhou Ming gave a thumbs up. "How about we meet at the Sculpting Time Cafe in Wangfujing at 2 PM the day after tomorrow to discuss the details and sign a letter of intent?"

"No problem," Ling Yuan confirmed.

He happens to be free the day after tomorrow.

Soon, the appointed time arrived, and Ling Yuan arrived to meet the other party.

The other person was a refined-looking man in a plaid shirt and glasses. Upon seeing Ling Yuan, he was immediately surprised, his glasses almost slipping off: "You...you're that...Xu Zhu from 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'?! Ling Yuan?!"

Ling Yuan smiled and shook hands with the other person: "Editor-in-Chief Zhou has a good eye, it's me. I just play small roles to make a living."

"Wow! This is no small role!" Zhou Ming was very excited, holding Ling Yuan's hand tightly, unwilling to let go. "The official photos are going viral online, everyone's saying you're the 'most handsome Xu Zhu in history'! I never knew you were so good at writing horror novels! You're truly... a master of both literature and martial arts!"

He was beaming with the excitement of finding a treasure. He thought to himself, "When the time comes, the cover must proclaim that the author is the most handsome Xu Zhu! Ideally, there should also be a still from the show."

Imagine, a simple-minded Xu Zhu in a high-quality horror novel—such a contrast, how could it not sell well?

The two parties sat down, the aroma of coffee filling the air, and the contract details were discussed smoothly.

The letter of intent was signed, agreeing to publish the physical book at an opportune time after the online serialization gains further popularity.

As they parted, Zhou Ming shook Ling Yuan's hand vigorously, saying, "Teacher Ling, it was a pleasure working with you! When the book comes out, I'll definitely ask you for a signed copy!"

Ling Yuan sighed with emotion. He was so busy with everything that he felt his energy was running out. He thought to himself how great it would be if he had a system so he could just transfer all sorts of novels and scripts from the future world. That would save him a lot of trouble.

However, being able to live a second life is already a great blessing from heaven, and that is enough.

He has a good memory, so having a system or not makes little difference. It's just a bit more work, but it's actually more interesting and fulfilling.

……

Liu Yifei celebrated her 15th birthday (August 25th) while filming the TV series "The Story of a Noble Family," which is nearing completion.

As for the Tianlong series, filming started on August 23rd. Whether it's Miss Wang, Xuzhu, or Tonglao, since they appear later, it doesn't matter if they join the crew a few days later. In her previous life, Shu Chang joined the crew more than twenty days late.

However, they still made time to attend the opening ceremony.

Unbeknownst to Liu Yifei, the production team had prepared a birthday surprise for her.

Originally, she was still wearing her costume, holding the script, and reciting her lines in the corner, just like always.

"Cut! That's a wrap!" the director shouted.

The lights suddenly dimmed. Suddenly—

"Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~~" The cheerful song rang out!

Shu Chang pushed a small, exquisite two-tiered strawberry cake, decorated with fresh strawberries and cream roses, as she sang along as she emerged from behind the prop cart.

Ling Yuan and several familiar staff members clapped their hands and surrounded him with smiles.

Although Chen Kun wasn't very close to Liu Yifei, he was later moved by her professionalism and the tension between them lessened. For Ling Yuan's sake, he smiled and came over to celebrate her birthday.

Liu Yifei was completely stunned, her mouth slightly open, staring blankly at the flickering candle flames on the cake.

"Xixi! Happy birthday!" Shu Chang parked the cake cart steadily in front of her, her big eyes sparkling.

"How...how did you know..." Liu Yifei's voice choked a little, surprise bubbled up like bubbles, and her eyes instantly reddened.

After all, she has never told anyone when her birthday is. She has been very busy lately and has not given many interviews to reporters, at most allowing them to take some photos.

Shu Chang leaned close to her ear: "It was Brother Ling Yuan who said it."

"Huh?" Liu Yifei glanced at Ling Yuan in surprise. This guy, secretly finding out someone's birthday? Did my mom tell him?

That's impossible.

Standing in the crowd, Liu Xiaoli watched her daughter being surrounded as she blew out candles and made a wish. A rare gentle smile appeared on her face. When her gaze swept over Ling Yuan, she paused for a complex moment.

Liu Xiaoli didn't think much of Ling Yuan, even though he got the role of Xu Zhu.

When cutting the cake, Liu Yifei herself didn't notice that the piece she gave to Ling Yuan was bigger than the others.

Thank you. Happy birthday!

Ling Yuan took it, looked at the girl's bright profile, took a bite of the strawberry, and thought, "It's so sweet."

……

All good things must come to an end. Filming for "The Story of Gold" has finally wrapped up!

September 9, Huairou Film and Television Base.

"Congratulations on wrapping up filming for 'The Story of a Noble Family'!"

Under the banner, fireworks exploded with a "bang," showering everyone with confetti.

Director Li Dawei, holding a megaphone and with slightly reddened eyes, announced, "Thank you all for your hard work! Tonight, Donglaishun is on me! We'll drink until we drop!"

"Oh—!" The cheers were deafening.

The lighting technicians, stagehands, and actors huddled together. Dong Jie held flowers, her smile impeccable. Chen Kun put his arm around Ling Yuan's shoulder and shook him vigorously. Liu Yifei and Shu Chang held hands and jumped around, their faces flushed with excitement.