FWTS Chapter 155: Authorization and Work Plan

Hou Muyun had high hopes for the overseas market of "Chronicles of Future Wars." Compared to his other books, this one was naturally more suitable for foreign readers. For Hou Muyun, this meant influence and points. As for other things, while he had prospects, he knew it was too early to think about them—the first step hadn't even been taken yet!

"Who was that?"

"Xiaoyun, the one you were just talking to was a girl, right?"

"She said she's also in Sanya. Is she coming over now?"

"Xiaoyun, is she your girlfriend?"

"Is she a celebrity too?"

"..."

After putting down the phone, Hou Muyun heard the questions from his mom, aunt, cousin, and Ahua Grandma at the table. Seeing their expressions, even his uncle and aunt had similar looks. He felt a headache coming and quickly waved his hand to explain, "No, no. She's just a friend. I had something to ask her to do, and now that there's progress, she's coming over to discuss it."

Hou's mother was a bit disappointed, "Oh, just a friend!"

Aunt laughed, "Sis, don't all relationships start as friends?"

Cousin joined in, "Yeah! And for Xiaoyun to ask her for help, she must be very capable and kind!"

Hou's mother's eyes lit up again.

Hou Muyun felt helpless and quickly stopped them, "Really, she's just a friend. You all, sigh! Alright, alright, I'll find someone soon, okay? You guys go ahead and eat. I'll find a place to wait for her."

He got up and went outside, found a spot, and called a waiter to order some food. Not long after, Chu Qing entered the resort hotel. Seeing her, Hou Muyun stood up and waved. Coincidentally, his cousin's son Xiaolong and his uncle's two daughters had just returned from outside. Thinking that Hou Muyun was waving at them, they walked over.

"Cousin."

"Brother, where are Mom and Dad? Haven't they come back yet? Are we four having dinner together?"

As the three approached and were about to sit down, Hou Muyun waved them away, "Your parents are in the private room inside. I have some business to discuss with a friend."

Just then, Chu Qing arrived, smiled, and greeted the three.

The three looked surprised and then dumbfoundedly went to the private room.

"Mom! Guess who we saw with Cousin!"

"Your cousin said he was discussing something with a friend. Did you see them? Is she pretty? Do you know her? Who is she? Is she a celebrity?"

...

"Truly a family affair."

Chu Qing sat down and asked, "Your parents are here too? Should I go say hi?"

Hou Muyun smiled bitterly and naturally said, "Please don't. When I took the call, my parents were next to me. They thought it was my girlfriend. They were more excited than anyone. If you go over..."

Chu Qing shrugged and smiled, "Then you should hurry up and get a girlfriend."

Hou Muyun said, "It's not something you can just find whenever you want."

"True."

The food arrived quickly, and while eating, Chu Qing got back to the main topic, "I've shown your novel to my classmate. He was impressed and very optimistic about it, saying it can definitely be published. I'll send you the details later. Publishing in the United States is generally more straightforward than here. For your situation, after authorization, publishing is simple, but post-publication is more complicated. The royalties and taxes in the U.S. are more detailed and complex... that's about it."

Chu Qing explained a lot and finally said, "If you're not very free and don't want to go to the U.S. market yourself, I suggest entrusting these matters to a law firm. Although the fees are high, it will save you a lot of trouble."

Hou Muyun thought for a moment and nodded, "That's doable. But you'll have to find the law firm."

Chu Qing expected this and was already prepared. She took out a stack of documents from her bag and said, "All the necessary authorization forms are here. Take them to your legal advisor for review and sign them as soon as possible. I'll pass them to my friend and get this sorted out quickly."

Hou Muyun smiled and asked, "Did you review them?" Seeing her nod, he said, "No problem, I'll sign them right away."

Chu Qing said, "If you're not afraid there's a contract for selling yourself in there, go ahead."

Hou Muyun smiled, took the pen, and signed each agreement after a quick glance.

Chu Qing put them away, "Don't worry, these are just authorization agreements. Once these are sent, the publisher will definitely send someone to sign a formal contract with you."

After packing up, Chu Qing continued eating and chatting casually. Then she asked, "By the way, how long will you be staying here?"

"Let's go back around the seventh. On the eighth, we start work officially. Also, isn't the film crew resuming on the eighth as well? Costume fitting on the tenth, and shooting begins on the twelfth. Should I be there too?"

"No kidding. Tomorrow night, I need to attend a party. Do you want to join in the fun?"

"Is it the entertainment circle or the rich circle?"

"Consider it the rich circle, but there will also be quite a few people from the entertainment industry."

"Is it the legendary Hainan Rendezvous?"

"What do you think!"

"If it's not, then I won't go. It's boring!"

"…You cook so well, but your words are so unappetizing! I'm done eating!"

Chu Qing, having almost finished her meal, stood up and glared at Hou Muyun, chuckling, "Looks like I should go meet your parents!"

"Sis, I was wrong! Please go back and keep the elders company!"

Hou Muyun hurriedly sent Chu Qing off. The more he interacted with her, the more he realized that Chu Qing had a mischievous streak. Of course, if Hou Muyun knew that the account named "Face Blind Monarch" was Chu Qing, he would know how accurate his observation was.

By noon on the fourth, the first volume of "Future War Chronicles" had surpassed fifty thousand pre-orders online and in physical bookstores. Changjiang Publishing House was determined this time, setting the second reprint at 800,000 copies, aiming directly for a million sales.

On the fifth, Hou Muyun and his group went to Wuzhizhou Island and stayed there for two days and one night. This allowed their parents to switch from a hectic sightseeing schedule to a real vacation mode—basking in the sun and enjoying spa treatments. His father and uncle went fishing, while his cousins went diving...

On the evening of the sixth, they returned to Yalong Bay and watched a performance of "Sanya Eternal Love" together.

The sixth, also February 2nd, was payday for Qichuang and TT, with combined earnings exceeding ten million. Last month it was 7.4 million, and this month it was 10.5 million, an increase of 3 million.

This increase was partly due to the substantial rise in subscriptions for novels and comics, and the significant tips for the new book. Additionally, just like last month, the income from royalties on physical books had not yet been settled. Since the first volume of "Future War" was released on the 30th, all settlements would be done this month.

Regarding the live broadcast contract renewal, Hou Muyun agreed to discuss it with TT after resuming work. Previously, he was holding out for the best offer, but now he cared more about gaining greater freedom.

Despite the high income, this month’s expenses were also substantial. Investments in the studio, member signing fees, additional investments in film and TV, and buying a car, not to mention the red envelopes and other minor expenses, totaled well over 8 million.

The next day, on the seventh, after waking up naturally, they returned to Ruicheng. After sending his parents home, Hou Muyun drove back to Ruicheng non-stop, met Xiaopang’s parents to pay New Year's greetings, reassuring them to leave Xiaopang in his care. After all, Xiaopang was different from other employees; he was someone Hou Muyun had personally mentored and brought into the industry.

By the time he reached Shanghai in the evening, he found that Lao Fu and the others had already arrived.

"Everyone, you're here early!"

Hou Muyun greeted everyone and naturally handed out red envelopes, wished them a Happy New Year, and after a few pleasantries, held a brief meeting to finalize the music studio's work plan for the coming month.

The two most important tasks for the music studio this month were: producing twelve songs based on Ci poetry forms, and creating Hou Muyun’s first official solo album.

"Monkey, are you writing your album yourself or inviting others to write for you?"

"I’m doing it all myself, original compositions, lyrics, music, and arrangement."

"How's the preparation going?"

"Well, I’m starting now!"

The six members nearly fainted upon hearing this. So, the plan was to release an album this month!

Though shocked, they didn't find it impossible, considering they had all witnessed Hou Muyun's musical talent. Producing an album in a month wasn't out of the question!


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