Chapter 104: The Millionaire

Sun Xiaomei immediately recalled the earlier controversies surrounding *Detective Sherlock*. The publishing house could legally counter the Conan Doyle Foundation’s grievances within China, but what about overseas? She muttered to herself—why did every book by Zhang Chu seem to stir up trouble? He was certainly no easy figure to handle.

Film companies were reluctant to take on such a hot potato; who knew if they bought the rights only to be barred from filming or screening it? “In that case, let’s focus on *The Mentalist*,” Sun Xiaomei quickly shifted gears. She gave up trying to persuade anyone and decided to quietly reap the profits, for now avoiding putting *Detective Sherlock* in the spotlight.

Deep down, Zhang Chu sensed something amiss. So many days had passed, and considering the Savior System’s incredible efficiency, the lawsuit should have progressed significantly by now. It was unlikely to drag on for years. If that were the case, he’d have to demand a refund from the system.

In fact, in his previous life, *The Mentalist* had already been adapted into two web series seasons. The film version starred Berlin Film Festival Best Actor Liao Fan alongside popular star Li Yifeng. *The Mentalist: City of Light* had also been successfully adapted with stars like Deng Chao, Ethan Juan, and Liu Shishi. However, due to delays in obtaining its public screening permit, the film was pulled from release without a confirmed date.

Still, these details clearly showed that *The Mentalist* was well-suited for adaptation. Promoting the book at the grand “China Book Fragrance” exhibition and the Suspense Literature Summit posed no problem.

After exchanging pleasantries with Sun Xiaomei, Zhang Chu hung up and glanced at his parents on the sofa, feeling a bit troubled. How was he going to convince them?

“Is there a problem with your book again?” Zhang Bowen asked bluntly, genuinely unsure what fuss his son had caused this time.

Lately, Zhang Bowen had been riding high in life. His son was gaining recognition, his own work *Basic Deduction* was serialized chapter by chapter in *Years of Reasoning* magazine, and his bookstore business was flourishing—he was even contemplating opening a branch.

Before Zhang Chu could answer, Chu Lan, busy mopping the floor, interjected, “Why do you always assume it’s trouble? Can’t it be good news for once?”

“It is good news. The Nanhai Publishing Company invited me to attend this year’s Suspense Literature Summit and promote *The Mentalist*,” Zhang Chu said calmly.

Now that his body was that of an eighteen-year-old, traveling alone thousands of miles to Yanjing might worry them.

Zhang Bowen’s eyes lit up. “A Suspense Literature Summit? You’ve really come a long way, haven’t you!”

Any literary summit was no small feat; only the best made it in. Despite the decline in suspense and detective fiction’s popularity, it was still not an event open to just anyone.

“When and where is this summit?” Chu Lan asked, concerned. If it was held after the semester started, would he need leave?

Zhang Chu understood and replied quickly, “It starts on August 29th, in Yanjing. I’ll go there first, then prepare for school afterward.”

“Will you be okay going alone? School won’t have started yet. Where will you stay?” Chu Lan’s worry showed; a mother’s concern never fades, even though she trusted her son.

Zhang Bowen chimed in, “Yeah, you can’t go alone. I’ll accompany you there and return after your semester begins. Society’s chaotic, kidnappers abound—you definitely need to be careful.”

Mother and son quickly formed a united front, scoffing, “Your intentions are obvious. Everyone knows you just want to tag along to that summit.”

“I’m accompanying my son in case he gets scammed!” Zhang Chu finally realized where he got his shamelessness.

“I’m used to going solo to Nandu; going to Yanjing won’t be a problem. Besides, you two are busy—mom has work, dad has the store. I can manage on my own!” Zhang Chu asserted.

Going alone to Yanjing meant boundless freedom—he’d been waiting for this moment a long time.

Zhang Bowen sighed when thinking of his bookstore. The start of school was the busiest season. Having stocked many new reference books, and with Zhang Chu’s status as a top exam scorer, those books were sure to sell well.

Chu Lan, having already registered for school, waved her hand decisively. “Give me your editors’ phone numbers. Once you arrive in Yanjing, call every day to report your safety. After the summit, I’ll contact the admissions office at Yanjing University to see if they can let you start early.”

“Got it!” Zhang Chu eagerly agreed and picked up his phone to book a flight.

“Also, keep your money and phone safe. Carry as little cash as possible. Protect your bank cards. If you lose them, report to the bank immediately. Buy bedding, quilts, and clothes locally over there.”

Having lived into his thirties in his previous life, Zhang Chu had some self-care skills. He wasn’t annoyed but felt warm inside.

...

Now earning his own money, all royalties went into his own account, though the prize for the *Detective Sherlock* writing contest hadn’t been paid yet. He planned to visit Warner Brothers’ China branch in Yanjing to press for payment—after all, it was half a million yuan before tax!

This amount exceeded the royalties from book sales. Nanhai Publishing’s slow payment cycle was frustrating. *Detective Sherlock* had sold hundreds of thousands of copies, yet no royalties had arrived.

Conversely, *The Mentalist* serialized on Weibo earned nearly 100,000 yuan because each chapter charged a fee, and thousands followed the story.

Calculating everything, Zhang Chu was shocked to find his total assets had surpassed one million yuan, though much of it was pending payment.

The physical book royalties for *The Mentalist* would be partially paid by Nanhai Publishing, roughly 30,000 yuan.

*Detective Sherlock*’s first batch of electronic sales would settle in September, with physical royalties arriving as late as October or December, potentially netting him 500,000 yuan before tax.

Add in earlier bonuses from Longsha Town and Jiangcheng No. 2 High School, totaling several tens of thousands more.

After deducting taxes, his income still exceeded one million yuan. Despite rampant inflation, Zhang Chu was very satisfied.

In his past life, he had been a freeloader at home. This time, with the Savior System’s help, he might not become the world’s richest man, but at least he was assured of a comfortable livelihood.

The new millionaire thought of Yanjing’s exorbitant property prices, and any illusions of grandeur vanished. One million yuan might only buy a place far out in the tenth or eighth ring.

The revolution was far from over; comrade, there was still work to be done!