Chapter 68 Today She Experienced Something New

Chapter 68 Today She Experienced Something New

These days, the first thing Lin Yufan does after getting up is to listen to the radio.

The most talked-about news on the radio all revolves around her.

One is the news about the huge success of the movie "The Gold Heist."

The other is Mi Xian's warning in the fourth issue of "Panorama," with radio news constantly urging the authorities to increase fire safety facilities in major wooden house villages to eliminate fire hazards.

This morning, she stayed upstairs and had breakfast in the living room while listening to the radio.

Lin Yuwu came up to find her.

"Why aren't you going downstairs for breakfast?"

"I'm listening to the radio."

Lin Yuwu was brimming with excitement: "Our movie's reputation has been rising these days, and the box office is increasing day by day. Yesterday, the single-day box office exceeded 20,000. It will still be showing for several months. I roughly estimated that our box office could reach several hundred thousand. This is truly a historical breakthrough."

Lin Yufan was eating xiaolongbao, "I just heard on the radio that several cinemas have increased their ticket prices, with some selling tickets for 2 dollars. Can we stop this?"

"Higher ticket prices work in our favor. After all, the cinemas split the ticket revenue with us 50-50. Moreover, I learned before that we, as the film's producers, can only set the minimum ticket price, while the cinemas have the right to set the maximum price. We have no right to prevent them from raising prices. Besides, the cinemas that raised prices are in good locations with excellent facilities. Price-sensitive customers will naturally avoid them, while those who have money and don't want to queue will go there just right. You know what this is called?" After his eloquent speech, Lin Yuwu chuckled, "This is called a free market economy. A term I recently picked up."

Lin Yufan wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, convinced.

"When you give interviews, clarify that the price hike is the cinemas' decision and unrelated to us."

"Got it. We can use this to have a journalist write a news piece." Lin Yuwu learned quickly. Before the movie's theatrical run ended, he had already mastered the media game.

Lin Yuwu added, "I think the box office will overtake last year's top film in the next couple of days. Should we hold a celebration?"

"We can plan a celebration, but it's too soon to pop the champagne. Let's wait until we hit 200,000 at the box office."

Lin Yuwu was full of confidence: "Maybe we can do it next week. The box office is skyrocketing, it's like printing money. Seeing the box office climb every day makes me want to sing in my dreams."

Lin Yufan laughed, "Singing in your dreams? You'll give my sister-in-law a fright."

After breakfast, Lin Yufan took a hot bath before heading to the publishing house for work.

There was a regular meeting today. Lin Yufan sat at the head of the conference room and asked about the lawsuit with Boss Xie.

Director Chen replied, "The lawsuit is scheduled for next Friday. Lawyer Yan is fully prepared and plans to wrap up the case in one hearing. That Xie Guixiang came again yesterday, wanting to settle for 2000 Hong Kong dollars in compensation. I refused him."

Lin Yufan instructed, "Next time he comes, just chase him away. To stop him from constantly showing up here."

They then started discussing business matters.

Director Chen opened his notebook: "Lately, we've shifted all our printing orders to Zhaoyang Printing Factory. After solving the printing issues, the earlier shortage of 30-cent novels has been resolved. A Yong, please report on the recent printing quantity and quality."

A Yong, responsible for printing, reported on the recent printing volume and quality.

After listening, Lin Yufan said, "We can't give all our orders to Zhaoyang. We still need to distribute some to other printing factories."

A Yong didn't understand: "Why?"

Why should we give business to others?

Lin Yufan thought more long-term, she said, "We still need to maintain good relations with other printing factories. We can place fewer orders, but we shouldn't have none at all. If Zhaoyang faces a breakdown or other problems, we wouldn't have a backup printing facility."

In the past, Lin Yufan's magazine, *The Language Grove*, had a long-standing partnership with a printing factory. Later, due to a machine failure at the cooperative printing factory, they were unable to print on time. They scrambled to find another printing factory, but at that time, almost every printing factory had its own regular customers and prioritized orders from existing clients. Temporary orders, such as those from *The Language Grove*, had to wait in line, causing their magazine to be delayed by three days before it was published.

This incident contributed to the downfall of *The Language Grove* magazine.

Wang Muxun also recalled similar difficulties and agreed, "We need to work with multiple printing factories."

Director Chen understood, "The President has a point. Then, we’ll arrange some small orders with other printing factories to maintain cooperative relationships."

A Tang compiled the sales data of 30-cent novels and magazines from booksellers over the last two weeks.

"30-cent novels sold a total of 120,000 copies, half of which came from *The Gold Heist*. The fourth issue of *Wanxiang Magazine* sold 12,000 copies."

In other words, in February, the 30-cent novels made a profit of at least 12,000 yuan, and the magazines made nearly 5,000 yuan.

If things go well, their publishing house is like a goose that lays golden eggs every month.

Although Lin Yufan didn’t make any promises to the employees, everyone was thrilled.

Once the boss profits, even a small share for everyone would significantly improve their lives compared to previous years.

Moreover, Lin Yufan is a generous boss. Even though the publishing house earned less last year, she shared all the profits with everyone at year-end.

The future looks even more promising.

So, hearing this good news, everyone’s faces were filled with joy.

Lin Yufan was also pleased and encouraged everyone to keep up the good work.

Next, Hui Yan reported on the progress of the 30-cent novel publishing work.

Hui Yan, who had a restless night, yawned slightly. "We’ve received a large number of submissions recently, and the quality varies widely. Some are quite good, and we can select at least ten 30-cent novels for publication next month. However, overall, there’s a shortage of standout pieces."

Lin Yufan remembered the author who wrote the first draft of *The Gold Heist* but whose manuscript wasn’t used in the end.

"The first draft of *The Gold Heist* could be revised and published under a new title. That author is talented in both writing and storytelling."

"Even with good writing, it won’t have the same impact as *The Gold Heist*."

Lin Yufan laughed. "Not every novel can be as sensational as *The Gold Heist*, a household name in Hong Kong. Such successes are rare and unpredictable."

Hui Yan smiled and looked at Lin Yufan. "President, why don’t you write another one for us?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Muxun objected, "I also want the President to write a serial novel for us. The President can’t always write 30-cent novels, right? It’s our turn now. Your 30-cent novels are flying off the shelves. I estimate that next month, you’ll meet your targets just by reprinting *The Gold Heist* and *The Passionate Tenant*."

Hui Yan smiled and retorted, "We aim high and must consistently produce quality works to stay ahead in the market. Now that Boss Xie is competing with us, other publishing houses will surely try to share the 30-cent novel market next month. We can’t just coast on our past successes, right?"

Lin Yufan said, "But even if I write another one, I can’t create another city-wide sensation. Select a few promising novels and have the authors revise them to meet our standards. *The Passionate Tenant* was also revised, wasn’t it?"

Hui Yan could see that Lin Yufan wasn’t keen on writing 30-cent novels for now and nodded. "Okay, we’ll communicate with these authors as soon as possible."

Lin Yufan noticed Hui Yan yawning repeatedly. "Do you need more staff?"

Hui Yan smiled. "Boss, I’ve been waiting for you to say that. It’s much needed. I need an editor and an editorial assistant."

Wang Muxun also raised his hand. "I’d like to add an assistant too."

Hui Yan yawned again, causing Lin Yufan to yawn as well.

Yawning spread like wildfire, and soon the meeting room echoed with yawns.

After yawning, everyone burst into laughter.

Once the laughter subsided, Lin Yufan said, "I'll take care of everything. Director Chen, you handle the recruitment for them."

"Alright. Send me your requirements later today."

After Hui Yan finished her report, it was Wang Muxun's turn. He said, "The manuscripts for the fifth issue are nearly complete. We previously put out a call for serialized novels, and we received one that's about 120,000 words. The writing and themes are quite strong, suitable for serialization. I'll show it to you later, Madam President."

Lin Yufan felt relieved to hear they had received submissions. "Good, bring it to me later."

"But having just one serialized novel isn't enough. Madam President, your current popularity shouldn't go to waste. How about you write a column for us? It could be essays or short stories, something to set our magazine apart. It's only one piece every two weeks, so it shouldn't be too much pressure for you."

Lin Yufan did want to contribute to Wanxiang Magazine. She agreed, "I'll think about it."

An Tuo, Wang Muxun's partner, added, "At the same time, we should invite renowned writers to join us and enrich the content. We've drafted a list, Madam President. Please review it."

An Tuo handed the list of potential invitees to Lin Yufan. It included several renowned writers, and Lin Yufan immediately spotted Lian Jin's name. Given the Zhao family's ties to Lian Jin, she wondered if they could get her on board.

Wang Muxun said, "We don't have any connections with the renowned writers on this list, so we'll have to write to them one by one. Only Xiao Ming is someone we've worked with before—we published his book, so we're acquainted. I'll try contacting him to see if he can contribute to our magazine in the future."

Wang Muxun had mellowed quite a bit recently, becoming more diplomatic. In the past, he would never have invited his rival Xiao Ming.

Just as Lin Yufan was marveling inwardly at this change, Wang Muxun couldn't resist taking a dig at Xiao Ming, "But Xiao Ming's fame is only middling. Having him alone isn't enough. Madam President, you have a wide network. See if there's anyone on the list you can invite."

Last week's premiere of *The Gold Heist* did attract many cultural celebrities. At the time, Gu Huiling hosted these celebrities. Lin Yufan nodded, "I understand."

After the meeting, Lin Yufan spent the whole day in her office reviewing manuscripts and didn't leave until around four.

When she returned to the Zhao family garden and stepped out of the car, she saw Ms. Guan at the entrance overseeing the lawn replacement.

Ms. Guan approached her, "Madam, we have a guest."

"Who is it?"

"They said they're a distant relative from the third branch of the family."

Lin Yufan immediately thought of Lian Jin. Sure enough, as soon as she walked in, she saw Lian Jin sitting in the living room, chatting with Wang Junyao and Liu Fang.

Lian Jin was also surprised to see Lin Yufan.

Wang Junyao turned around and smiled, "Yufan, you're back. Let me introduce you to a talented relative from the third branch, the granddaughter of the old aunt, Lian Ruifang. She's a famous writer in Haicheng, with the pen name Lian... um..."

"Lian Jin, right?" Lin Yufan took over with a smile, "We met last time."

Lian Jin stood up and greeted her, "Hello, I didn't know it was you last time."

Wang Junyao quickly introduced, "This is Lin Yufan, the wife of our Zhi Ao. Ruifang, who's older between you and Zhi Ao?"

Lian Jin replied, "We're the same age, but I'm a few months older. Let's just call each other by our names."

That made her several years older than Lin Yufan. Lin Yufan smiled and extended her hand, "Hello, Sister Lian Jin. I've read several of your novels."

"I just finished reading your *The Gold Heist*."

"The movie or the novel?"

"The novel. I haven't managed to get tickets for the movie yet."

Lin Yufan spoke, and Lian Jin responded in turn.

Wang Junyao asked curiously, "Where did you say you’ve met before?"

Lin Yufan replied, "Last time I went to Xi Gu's house, I happened to see someone moving in on the first floor. I thought to myself, this lady is really stylish. I didn’t expect we’d be relatives."

Lian Jin was slightly embarrassed. "I just found out too—the place I’m renting is yours, Yufan."

Everyone sat down to chat, with Wang Junyao doing most of the talking and Liu Fang chiming in occasionally.

Lin Yufan and Lian Jin quietly discussed recent works in the literary world, and to their surprise, their tastes aligned.

Lin Yufan had heard that Lian Jin was quite aloof, but today she found her to be quite normal, though she wouldn’t initiate conversation unless spoken to.

She had a bit of pride, but it wasn’t aloofness—just a lack of social ease.

After tea, Lin Yufan invited Lian Jin to step outside and visit the garden. By the fishpond, they started talking about Wanxiang Magazine.

Lian Jin said, "I’ve read some travelogues in it, quite interesting."

Her comment was a bit veiled, suggesting that aside from the travelogues, other parts of Wanxiang Magazine didn’t interest her.

Lin Yufan said, "Starting out is always tough. Wanxiang’s sales are decent now, but a lot of people buy it just for Mi Xian. We’re brainstorming ways to boost the literary quality and diversify the content. We want to invite some famous writers to join Wanxiang and contribute. You’re actually one of the writers we’d love to have on board. What a coincidence, right? May I ask, sister Lian Jin, are you interested in joining us?"

Lian Jin smiled, pursing her lips hesitantly. "It’s bad timing—I just signed with Splendor."

Lin Yufan was taken aback—she hadn’t expected Splendor to move so fast.

"Even if you’re with Splendor, you could still contribute to us."

Lian Jin had signed with Splendor because she needed the money—she’d even taken an advance on her manuscript fees—but she couldn’t say that outright.

"I signed for three years, during which I can only write for Splendor."

Right now, Splendor has a far higher standing in the literary world than Wanxiang.

Many traditional literati hold Splendor in higher regard, while Wanxiang is seen as a newcomer that took shortcuts, and its future success is still up in the air.

Lin Yufan didn’t want to make things awkward for Lian Jin, so she didn’t push. Instead, she smiled and said, "Well, when your contract’s up, maybe we can work together if the opportunity arises."

Lian Jin agreed, though the agreement didn’t really mean much.

By five, Lian Jin said her goodbyes. Wang Junyao urged her warmly to stay for dinner, but Lian Jin declined.

Lian Jin wasn’t one to impose on others. She’d only come because her mother had insisted in a letter that she pay a visit.

Given how wealthy the Zhao family was, Lian Jin was also worried people might think she was freeloading.

Lin Yufan could sense Lian Jin’s sensitivity and quiet pride, so she didn’t push.

Hong Kong Radio and Square Inch Pictures teamed up to host a fire safety awareness event in the shantytown of Wooden House Village.

*

Lin Yufan personally showed up to help spread awareness about fire safety and teach people how to self-rescue in emergencies.

She and He Xiaoqing handed out flyers on-site, while Tie Long led a team to put up fire safety and self-rescue posters around the shantytown.

Mrs. Peng, representing the Charity Welfare Association, also joined Lin Yufan to hand out flyers.

Once the flyers were handed out, everyone gathered in the promotional tent for some sweet soup.

Mrs. Peng said, "I heard from Mrs. Shen that you are inviting famous writers to join your magazine, is that right?"

"Yes, Huiling helped me find a few who agreed to contribute, but they haven’t set a timeline yet."

"Let me introduce someone to you. He’s strapped for cash right now, so you might snag him with a slightly higher offer."

Lin Yufan: "Who is it?"

"Xia Ye!"

Lin Yufan almost choked on her tangyuan, "Xia Ye is in Hong Kong?"

Xia Ye is a renowned northern writer, famous for his rural novels, and his reputation far exceeds Lian Jin’s.

Mrs. Peng whispered, "He just got here last week. He blew through his savings on rent and brought an unpublished novel, hoping to land a publisher."

Lin Yufan perked up: "You’ve got to introduce me to him."

Mrs. Peng grinned, "I knew you’d bite. When’s good for you?"

"I’m free anytime."

"I’ll set something up with him."

Outside, a woman in her forties, carrying a little girl on her back, hurriedly approached a staff member nearby: "Do you have any more promotional flyers?"

"No," the staff member snapped, "Didn’t you already grab one?"

Some shantytown residents grabbed flyers not to read but to use as kindling for their stoves at night.

Basically, they were just scrounging for freebies.

The woman kept smiling, "I lost the one I took earlier. I’d like another to show the kids."

As the staff started to shoo her off, Lin Yufan stepped in, "I’ve got one left."

Lin Yufan passed the flyer to her.

"Thank you, ma’am, you’re so kind."

The woman took it with both hands, her rough, cracked skin a testament to her struggles. The child on her back peered over with wide eyes, fixated on the cookies, her hunger plain to see.

Lin Yufan noticed and quickly handed over all the cookies.

The little girl shyly reached for them. She clearly wanted to eat but, young as she was, held back, clutching them tightly.

The woman thanked her over and over.

Mrs. Peng added all the oranges from the table to the pile.

After they left, Mrs. Peng remarked, "Most folks here are homeless. If they work hard, they can at least eat."

Lin Yufan was well aware of the situation.

Hong Kong’s housing prices are sky-high, way out of reach for most.

Wooden House Village is mostly refugees from the mainland who built makeshift wooden homes after having nowhere else to go.

Life’s tough here, but at least they won’t starve if they can work—better than back home.

The scene of Lin Yufan handing out biscuits to children was captured by a reporter and published in the newspaper.

Initially, her good deed was met with widespread praise, but it also sparked envy.

The recent issue of *Fenghua Magazine* saw a slight decline in sales. It is normal for magazine sales to drop after the Spring Festival every year, but Mrs. Muir, the owner of *Fenghua Magazine*, blamed it all on *Panorama*.

Mrs. Muir, a British national with Chinese and Indian heritage, runs a publishing house that produces English magazines as well as the self-proclaimed most culturally rich Chinese magazine, *Fenghua*.

In Hong Kong, she is revered as the cultural circle's patron saint.

No one in the literary world dares to cross her.

Lately, Lin Yufan has been stirring up the Hong Kong cultural and film scenes, which has made the self-important Mrs. Muir quite envious.

But Lin Yufan is not an ordinary person; Mrs. Muir couldn't easily bully her.

After *Panorama*'s fourth issue, Mrs. Muir found a flaw in Lin Yufan and initiated minor conflicts.

These conflicts were criticized by readers in letters to radio stations, and a furious Mrs. Muir launched attacks against *Panorama* and Lin Yufan in the press.

"*Panorama* is hyping 'Mi Xian' just for sales; the magazine content has no depth or substance."

"*Panorama*'s readers are nothing but small-town folks!"

"Overhyped by *Panorama*, Mi Xian appears to have ceased contributions. The last issue's 'Multiples of Three' was completely ambiguous and fake. Mrs. Zhao is adept at playing her readers."

"The fourth issue pushes the envelope with a vague fire warning, clearly playing it safe. Mrs. Zhao even brought reporters to the shantytown for a show, pretending to do charity. Ultimately, with no fire and everyone safe, Mrs. Zhao took the credit."

...

Facing Mrs. Muir's newspaper tirades, Lin Yufan felt not anger but a boundless surge of energy.

In her previous life, *Fenghua* forced *The Language Grove*, where Lin Yufan worked, to shut down. Subsequently, Mrs. Muir blacklisted Wang Muxun and others, trapping them in despair.

Mrs. Muir was no saint, and Lin Yufan sought her chance to take on *Fenghua*.

However, the Muir Family's roots in Hong Kong are deep, and it's not easy to bring them down.

Suddenly, Lin Yufan found a new purpose and sprang into action.

Right now, excelling with *Panorama Magazine* is paramount.

As for the fire in the shantytown, Lin Yufan had already done her best to promote it. She wasn't about to wish for a fire just to get back at Mrs. Muir.

The possibility of a fire remains a looming uncertainty.

Later that day, after taking a shower, Lin Yufan received a call from Gu Huiling.

"One good news, one bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

Lin Yufan smiled, "Good news first."

Gu Huiling excitedly said, "Total box office has surpassed 150,000!"

"Really?!" Lin Yufan was so happy she almost jumped up: "Congratulations, congratulations! The celebration party is being prepared."

It's only been ten days since the release! This speed is truly astonishing!

Gu Huiling: "We are breaking historical records every day. 500,000 box office in three months is not a dream! Fanfan, we have never achieved such results in Hollywood. Old Shen said this movie might be the pinnacle of his acting career."

Lin Yufan smiled and said, "Not necessarily. The waves of the Yangtze River push forward, and what if the later waves are even more powerful?"

"Hopefully, hopefully! We still need President Lin to look out for us," Gu Huiling said, fully engaged emotionally.

After chatting for a while, Lin Yufan asked, "What about the bad news?"

Gu Huiling replied, "Remember I helped you contact a few well-known writers? Two of them had initially agreed to sign with you, but now they've backed out. When I asked, I found out that Mrs. Muir had offered them a deal, luring them away with high royalties. She even boasted that the magazines under the Muir Family have a rich cultural heritage and great appeal. Isn't that maddening?"

Lin Yufan had braced herself. She asked, "Can these writers no longer work with us at all?"

"A few can still write non-fiction essays and travel pieces. Some can't contribute at all. I was thinking, should you spend a fortune to lure them back? If it comes to money, Mrs. Muir definitely can't compete with you."

Lin Yufan didn't want to disrupt the market or poach people in this way. "Forget it, we'll handle it ourselves."

Gu Huiling suggested, "Why don't you write it yourself? You're now the writer and screenwriter of the top-grossing movie. In terms of market value, those writers combined might not even come close to you."

Lin Yufan knew Gu Huiling was flattering her. She smiled and said, "I'm just starting out. I can try anything, and it's okay if I make mistakes."

"These writers are also narrow-minded. They don't realize that if they write a good novel, you could invest in adapting it into a movie, right? Maybe they're just too strapped for cash."

After hanging up, Lin Yufan leaned back on the sofa, lost in thought.

As she thought, she took out some draft paper and started sketching out a story. She wanted to write a martial arts novel that would be popular four or five years later.

She would write about a female demon who rules the martial world!

The sound of a door closing came from behind her. Zhao Zhiao entered and stood behind her, watching her outline.

"A female demon?"

Lin Yufan didn't turn her head. "A female demon who kills mercilessly."

She quickly finished organizing the outline and character profiles, only to realize Zhao Zhiao was no longer behind her. She turned around and saw him sitting on the sofa, reading.

Lin Yufan tidied up the desk and suddenly remembered Xia Ye, who hadn't yet signed. She was worried he might also be lured away.

Mrs. Peng had introduced Xia Ye to Lin Yufan at Sir Luo's party last night. Lin Yufan had essentially agreed on a collaboration with Xia Ye and scheduled a signing at the publishing house for the day after tomorrow.

Lin Yufan hurried over, picked up the phone, and called Mrs. Peng.

It was late, but Mrs. Peng wasn't home. She then tried calling Xia Ye directly.

Xia Ye answered the phone, enthusiastic. "President Lin! What's the matter calling so late?"

Lin Yufan smiled and said, "I was wondering if Mr. Xia has time tomorrow?"

Xia Ye replied, "I do have time tomorrow."

Lin Yufan said, "We have something the day after tomorrow. If Mr. Xia is available tomorrow, could we move the signing to tomorrow?"

Xia Ye agreed immediately, "No problem. Morning or afternoon?"

Not wanting to wait, Lin Yufan smiled and said, "Morning would be best."

"That works."

After hanging up, Lin Yufan clenched her fist and gave herself a little pep talk.

Fortunately, Mrs. Muir had left her one fish that slipped through the net.

"Be careful not to laugh so hard your teeth fall out," Zhao Zhiao said with a hint of sarcasm.

Last night, Lin Yufan was right in front of him, chatting happily with the so-called great writer Xia Ye.

Lin Yufan glanced back at him, "Would you get jealous even if a male mosquito bit me?"

"Male mosquitoes don't bite."

Lin Yufan looked down at the book in his hand, "What are you reading?"

"*The Lustful Widow*!"

"You took it from your desk. Are you secretly studying the moves in it?" He flipped the script.

Lin Yufan hadn't carefully read *The Lustful Widow* and didn't know the content was so wild. Before she could say anything, Zhao Zhiao picked her up by the waist.

"Let's try it."

Try a new move.

Lin Yufan wanted to struggle but was afraid of hurting the wound on his back, "Put me down, quick. Your wound hasn't fully healed yet."

Before she could figure out what was happening, she was pushed to the edge, the feeling was electric.

Her toes curled on their own, a whole new world opened up.

She had experienced highs inside and outside, but never both at the same time.

Today, she discovered something new.