FWTS ### Chapter 154: Physical Sales of *Future Chronicle*
Online, a humorous map had been circulating among netizens, depicting the varying degrees of cold across different regions of China during winter. Each region was characterized by unique and amusing descriptions. For the province of Hainan, the description stood out the most—it was depicted as “the place where parents go for the New Year.” Due to its climate, Hainan has become a prime destination for many people during the Spring Festival holiday.
Before returning to Ruicheng, Hou Muyun had already planned an outing and had contacted his aunt and three other families in advance. He asked Xiaopang to book the tickets and hotel rooms early. Otherwise, by the twenty-ninth day of the lunar month, even if flight tickets were still available, finding rooms would be difficult.
On January 26, the twenty-ninth day of the lunar month, at around three in the afternoon, Hou Muyun and the group of twelve people from four families arrived at a resort hotel in Yalong Bay, Sanya, Hainan Province. After checking in and settling down, they had dinner at the hotel and then took a stroll along the beach, later visiting a few nearby attractions.
The next day, on New Year's Eve, the group woke up early. The hotel had arranged vehicles to take them to Tianya Haijiao. For tourists, this was a must-visit spot, though it was crowded and not much to see during the peak season.
Returning to the hotel in the evening, they had a lavish New Year's Eve dinner in a private room. They then watched the Spring Festival Gala in the largest suite and went out to watch the fireworks at midnight, celebrating the New Year joyfully.
Time flew by, and it was soon the second day of the lunar new year. After a few days of traveling, Hou's parents and Uncle Hong Jiang and his wife had gotten used to the pace of the trip. With Xiaoyi and her husband, and Biaoshu and his wife, communication was smooth. Both Xiaoyi’s husband and Biaoshu were businessmen and quite knowledgeable. Moreover, the hotel provided a dedicated tour guide, so Hou Muyun naturally didn’t join the subsequent outings. Being recognized everywhere wasn’t convenient.
Additionally, Xiaoyi's son and Biaoshu’s two daughters didn’t join the group either. The three young adults, around twenty years old, preferred exploring on their own. Biaoshu’s eldest daughter, a college junior, was sensible and considerate, so the adults were reassured with her leading the group.
As for expenses, Hou Muyun entrusted them to Xiaoyi’s husband and Biaoshu. Hou’s parents and Uncle Hong Jiang and his wife, having never traveled before, led very frugal lives and couldn’t bear the costs of tourist spots, especially during the peak season in Sanya. The expenses could be so high that even Xiaoyi and Biaoshu’s wife wouldn’t dare to spend recklessly, let alone venture far.
In peak season, it was impossible to enjoy the trip and cover meals without spending around a thousand yuan per person per day, excluding accommodation. Hou Muyun hadn’t disclosed the hotel room rates to his parents to avoid being scolded for extravagance.
This vacation also aimed to change his parents’ frugal habits.
Comfortably lounging in the hotel, writing, and occasionally wandering around with sunglasses, enjoying the sea breeze and the sight of bikinis, life was very pleasant.
After months of constant travel and a hectic schedule, these days felt like paradise.
Of course, Hou Muyun knew that one must experience the hardships of hell to appreciate the scenery of paradise.
On the third day of the lunar new year, January 30.
At noon, Hou Muyun uploaded the second part of the first volume of *Future Chronicle*, titled "Shooting Down the Mothership (Part 2)." At the same time, Changjiang Publishing had already printed the first volume. With an initial print run of 200,000 copies, 180,000 were delivered to Good Book Network, and the remaining 20,000 were distributed to physical stores.
Unlike previous physical releases, this time, the promotion was extensive. Qi Yue Chinese Network, Changjiang Publishing, and Good Book Network all promoted it, not to mention Hou Muyun’s social media and live streams.
A 200,000-copy initial print run was undoubtedly enormous for a long novel, especially in the era of rapidly developing e-books. Although it wasn’t the highest, it certainly shocked the industry.
However, the truly astounding part was the sales that followed.
Even though Changjiang Publishing had anticipated the book’s success and increased the initial print run to 200,000 copies, they soon realized they had underestimated the book and its author.
In less than two hours, all 180,000 copies on Good Book Network were sold out!
This news sent shockwaves through the entire industry and the internet!
Selling 180,000 copies in a day would be enough to astonish the industry for any author!
Subsequently, Good Book Network started accepting pre-orders.
By 6 PM that day, pre-orders had surpassed 200,000 copies in just four hours!
And this number continued to grow over time!
The industry was left speechless!
The industry is speechless, and the internet is buzzing with excitement, but many people are not surprised by this number.
First, everyone knows that Hou Muyun is not an ordinary writer, but a celebrity writer. He is both a writer and a star, quite literally a "celebrity writer" with a large fan base.
Second, the reputation of "Future War Chronicle" has been fermenting for the past ten days, so when the physical book hit the shelves, it exploded immediately! Although the latest chapters are available on QiYue Chinese Network, the complete first volume is only available in physical form, and not many people are willing to wait!
Third, online shopping and logistics are so convenient nowadays. With a price of just 28.8 yuan, too many people don't mind spending that little money. Order today, and at the latest, you can read it by tomorrow or the day after. Moreover, many people have found out which physical bookstores are stocking it and rushed over there.
Bookstores in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where the book is stocked, sold out quickly and have been ordering more from the publisher. Unfortunately, they soon ran out too and could only accept reservations. Bookstores that didn't stock it soon ordered from the publisher because too many people were asking for "Future War Chronicle."
As of 6 PM, the pre-orders from physical bookstores accepted by Changjiang Publishing House reached 150,000 copies! In six hours, 200,000 copies were sold out, and there were 350,000 pre-orders! This achievement is undoubtedly the best in the publishing market for novels this year!
No one can question Hou Muyun's title as a "bestselling author" anymore! If we include Hou Muyun's other novels and comics, at this rate, excluding regular reprints like "Xinhua Dictionary" and series books, Hou Muyun is undoubtedly the king of physical book sales this year, not just in the novel category!
Around 6 PM, Hou Muyun's parents and others returned to the hotel. After browsing through a series of data, Hou Muyun went to have dinner with his parents.
Just as he sat down after ordering, Hou Muyun received a call from Chu Qing.
"Are you in Sanya?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"You mentioned it during your live stream at noon! Which hotel are you at?"
"What's up?"
"I just received news from America. I’ll come over to discuss it with you."
"That fast!"
"Tell me the address."
"Resort Hotel."
"That's close. I'll be there in ten minutes. By the way, order something for me."
"…You're also in Sanya?"
"You dare say that! I have to accompany the elderly in my family for vacation, and I still have to work for you during my holiday!"
"Well, it's just that... the Americans are so inconsiderate, not letting us enjoy the New Year properly!"
"They don't celebrate the Spring Festival!"
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