Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 14. The phenomenal masterpiece *The Lord of the Rings* (Seeking votes during the new book release period)

The days that followed were peaceful and monotonous, with daily routines consisting of studying, researching potions, and training.

The difference is that Dudley is more serious and focused on potions, and even asks Mrs. Figg to buy him some profound magic books on potions and herbs. He is also becoming more serious and hardworking in physical training.

It's like something triggered him, turning him into a study fanatic.

Until we cross into the new year, this has been a memorable and very important year.

This year is 1991, the year Dudley and Harry turn eleven.

Anyone who turns eleven may be accepted into Hogwarts.

"Harry, I have something to do today, you go home first." One day after school, Dudley suddenly said to Harry, "If your family asks, just say I made plans to play ball with my classmates."

"Okay, Brother D."

Harry nodded obediently, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and headed toward Little Huiglin. Having spent so much time with Dudley, he knew better than to ask questions he shouldn't.

After parting ways with Harry, Dudley found a secluded alley where no one was around. He first changed into a suit that he had prepared beforehand, and then began to apply something to his face.

A short while later, an ordinary-looking young man walked out of the alley.

The art of disguise, or rather, the art of makeup, was unlocked by Dali through the system, and is currently only at LV1.

That system really has every kind of skill except for magic.

Dali is going to meet with the publisher today, and he's using this disguise to conceal his identity.

While it's true that Master Jerry is a minor, that would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. Dudley doesn't like trouble, and keeping a low profile has always been his principle.

The meeting place that Dali and the publisher agreed to was a coffee shop.

Because Dudley told the publisher that he wrote the book in a coffee shop, ordering only one cup of coffee each time and sitting there all day.

"Jerry, it's been a long time." As soon as Jimmy, a staff member at the publishing house, saw Dali, a formulaic smile immediately appeared on his face.

Her smile was absolutely radiant.

Thanks to Mr. Jerry, their publishing house is now rolling in money.

It's no exaggeration to say that Dali is their provider.

After a series of formulaic pleasantries, we got down to business.

"As expected, the second book of The Lord of the Rings also sold very well."

"Your payment for this issue has been deposited into your account. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions."

The second book, Lord of the Rings: Dudley, adopted a revenue-sharing model, and even the first book was changed to a revenue-sharing model due to its previous success.

It's normal for it to sell like hotcakes, given how scarce Western fantasy works are in this world. The appearance of "The Lord of the Rings" is undoubtedly a shock to fantasy lovers in this world.

"I wonder when Mr. Jerry will be able to give us the manuscript for the third book."

This is the publisher's real goal. The huge success of the first two books of "The Lord of the Rings" has made countless people envious, and the publisher is also anxious. After all, given the current popularity, it's like making money out of thin air, and nobody wants their money to slip away.

Seeing that Dudley was not answering, Jimmy became a little anxious: "Are you worried about the profit sharing? Don't worry, that's negotiable."

Even if the profit-sharing ratio is reduced, the sales volume is still there, so it's still profitable in the end.

If the God of Wealth runs away, that would be a real huge loss.

Dudley didn't rush to discuss profit sharing, but instead asked, "Mr. Jimmy, we've been working together for two years now, haven't we?"

"Yes, Mr. Jerry."

Jimmy looked quite emotional as he spoke, remarking that his initial attempt had yielded such great success.

"I think you're quite capable. Would you be interested in working with me?"

Without wasting any time, Dali got straight to the point: "I want to start a company."

Jimmy neither immediately refused nor immediately agreed, but instead asked, "What for?"

"Selling merchandise."

Many things don't require complicated high technology to make money. As long as you can establish a brand, you can make a fortune just from copyright fees and sales of various derivative products.

For example, Dudley's previous incarnation, Harry Potter, and Pokémon, a world-class IP whose ability to generate revenue is arguably the best.

As long as the hype is maintained, and the topic is brought up and "hyped" from time to time, one can make money hand over fist even while lying down.

The simplest and most convenient way to make money.

Writing novels—selling them—building a brand—selling merchandise—this was the path Dudley had planned from the very beginning, a plan he devised in case he couldn't go to Hogwarts, even though he really wanted to go to Hogwarts to learn magic.

In my past life, I was always busy making a living; I can't be worried about money in this life.

Even if I can't get into magic school, I should at least achieve financial freedom.

Especially in the technological age, the productivity of the Muggle world is in no way inferior to that of wizards.

Technology poses a significant threat to spellcasters like wizards. Take other worlds as an example, such as Fate in the Type-Moon universe, where Kiritsugu Emiya, with a sniper rifle, a pack of bombs, and an Origin Bullet, forces elite magicians to flee in terror.

Dudley had always been curious about one question: could firearms kill wizards?

At least in the Type-Moon universe, bullets can kill magicians.

I'll give it a try if I have the chance.

Jimmy didn't immediately agree to Dudley's request, but tentatively asked, "Mr. Jerry, could you give me some time to think about it?"

In truth, he was very willing, since he was just working for the publishing house. Even if the publishing house made a lot of money, he would only receive a slightly larger bonus, while the lion's share would still go into the pockets of those above him.

Following Teacher Jerry is a completely different story. Judging from the current popularity of "The Lord of the Rings", even a small share can lead to the pinnacle of life.

But he couldn't be sure if Dudley was serious or just saying it.

Dali nodded, giving the other party some time to consider, and that they would eventually agree.

Nobody turns down money.

The two then engaged in a heated but amicable negotiation regarding the revenue sharing for the third book of "The Lord of the Rings".

The final profit-sharing ratio was determined.

Both parties were very satisfied with the result, and the negotiations ended happily.

Dali: "It's a pleasure working with you."

Jimmy: "It's a pleasure working with you."

Watching Jimmy get up, Dudley drank the milk in his glass in one gulp.

Dudley doesn't really like the taste of coffee, whether it's Italian or Americano.

So this guy went to a coffee shop and ordered a glass of milk.

According to him, he is still growing and needs to eat more meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Yes, this guy who is nearly 1.8 meters tall is only 11 years old, and he is indeed still growing.

A few days later, Dudley received a reply from Jimmy, who was willing to go with Dudley.

So, one contributed money and the other contributed labor, and they quickly acquired a factory and started selling Lord of the Rings merchandise.

As Dudley predicted, the products sold out in just one month. The most popular items were the derivative products featuring the Hobbit trio, while the Elf Prince was especially popular with girls.

The already popular work has gained even more attention from people who were previously unaware of it thanks to the booming sales of these related products.

Complementing each other, The Lord of the Rings quickly became a phenomenon.

Dear readers, please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)