The next afternoon, New York's weather was unusually clear. Sunlight spilled into the building, forming a patch of concentrated light on the long corridor ceiling.
Sean followed Jenny through the monthly editorial department, heading toward the weekly editorial office, glancing around along the way.
"The weekly editorial office is just ahead... I've already organized a third of Tori's stories. Once I finish, I might need to find him and discuss revisions with him. After all, this isn't just one story; I need to respect the original author's opinions."
Jenny led the way, talking as she walked.
In this era, print media was in its golden age, and editors had unprecedented power. Even in the parallel world of Mark Twain in a previous life, his first novel had been ruthlessly edited.
Sean was amazed at Jenny's efficiency. She had organized so much in just one night. Had she stayed up half the night?
The clerks he had dealt with at big publishing houses before never treated new authors this way.
"Okay, I'll go back and tell him to prepare."
"Honestly, this is the first time I've been let in here. If it weren't for your advice, when would I ever..."
Jenny interrupted Sean, knowing he was nervous, and comforted him.
"Our editor is very interested in buying your story. He'll just ask basic questions. Don't be too nervous. You're here to negotiate the price now. Stay calm to raise your value."
"Don't worry. I'll be there to help you speak. Do you need to use the restroom? It's over there."
Sean nodded and thanked Jenny again before leaving.
"If there's a chance to make a request later, I'll definitely ask the chief editor to include your name. This story wouldn't have gotten this far without your guidance."
Sean was a loyal person, always fair and practical. He had never met a clerk like Jenny who kept her word.
Many people promised but couldn't get the deal to this stage.
Over time, authors became resistant to clerks at big companies, believing they didn't understand stories or have ability.
Jenny smiled.
"Alright. Then, happy cooperation."
When Sean returned from the restroom, having straightened his clothes and taken a few deep breaths, he followed Jenny directly to the meeting room the editorial department used for signing contracts.
Eliot was already waiting there. Beside him, Clare had prepared two contracts.
Jenny slid open the partition door and invited Sean in, careful not to appear too familiar with him.
She went to the tea room, fetched a pot of hot water, brewed tea, took two porcelain cups, and brought them into the room to pour for them.
Mr. Eliot had already started chatting with Sean, first asking about his creative inspiration.
Sean, having just been advised by Jenny, began by saying that the original version wasn't so tight; someone had given him suggestions, so he could revise it.
Eliot nodded. He professionally assessed Sean's background, ensuring he had his own creative chain of thought for the story and wasn't a ghostwriter or plagiarist. Then he asked Sean about his thoughts on a buyout versus royalties.
Just as Sean was about to answer, Frank knocked on the door and walked in. He looked like he had something to say.
Eliot raised an eyebrow at Frank.
"Is there something?"
Jenny was still standing in the corner pretending to be busy, and Clare was also in the room holding documents. None of them knew what Frank wanted.
Frank first turned to Clare and Jenny.
"Could you step out for a moment?"
Jenny and Clare had no choice but to leave the meeting room looking bewildered. Frank was indeed qualified to intervene in such matters.
After leaving the office, Jenny stood outside the door listening, and Clare did the same.
They heard Frank introducing himself to Sean inside and then mentioning Sean's story.
Frank said he had glanced at the manuscript and thought it was well-written.
Though in reality, he hadn't read it.
Then Frank proposed adjusting the royalty model for the story's content.
He suggested signing a 6% royalty share, but first paying Sean an advance of one hundred dollars. After all, it was within their authority.
Sean was pleasantly surprised. He felt incredibly lucky.
This way, he could solve his immediate financial problems, and if sales were good, he could earn more money.
But on reflection, only Jenny knew his situation. This gentleman must have been helping him out of consideration for Jenny.
Eliot knew this author seemed poor and likely needed the money urgently.
He calculated briefly and thought the total cost wasn't much different, so he agreed.
Frank didn't stay long after handling this. He stood up.
"Then you two continue. I have things to do."
Eliot nodded, called Clare to draft a new contract, and said to Sean:
"Although the long-form fiction slot in the weekly is currently occupied, I'm unwilling to refer you to the upstairs people. So I plan to have it debut in Century Weekly six months from now. Do you have any objections?"
Sean quickly shook his head.
"I have no objection. However, I have one small request regarding my story."