Chapter 154: Sudden Wealth Overnight [Fourth Update, Subscriptions Requested]

Zhou Kang patted his own face. In his mind, images of Zhang Chu's new work being torn to shreds by the critics were already flashing repeatedly.

"Can you really not change genres? Short stories are quite good!" Zhou Kang said earnestly. "You are considered somewhat famous now. If the quality of your new work turns out poorly, it won't just be within your school—even the media will hype it up, and your commercial value will take a massive hit."

Zhang Chu replied somewhat disgruntedly, "Uncle Zhou, when two armies are at war, you're the one dampening your own side's morale. Once I finish writing it, you'll know what the content is actually like."

Zhou Kang was merely a literary agent. He depended on Zhang Chu and didn't have the kind of tight control over his clients that regular talent managers did, especially since they were only in a temporary partnership for now.

"All right, all right. Have it your way. If you need me to help with public relations, just say the word."

Zhou Kang handled PR for Oscar-winning actors and actresses. Although he had never done PR for literary works, he figured it was much the same principle. Still, he sincerely hoped Zhang Chu could produce a work of unquestionable quality.

After saying goodbye, the two hung up the phone. Zhang Chu immediately seized the time to enter the system, needing to use its ten-fold time dilation to read the books he had borrowed.

All of these books could be searched within the system, eliminating the need to flip through physical copies and saving a tremendous amount of time!

His understanding of the doctrines of Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam was progressing slowly. Although this acceleration function consumed a fair amount of prestige points, it was definitely worth every bit.

Early the next morning, Zhang Chu was woken up by his alarm clock. Since he had no classes this morning, it was the perfect time to head over to Dream Dragon Culture Media Co., Ltd. to sign the contracts.

Last night, he had spent over thirty hours reading books within the system, taking a few breaks in between to rest his eyes and clear his mind. By now, he had grasped the contents of *Life of Pi* fairly well.

Of course, trying to replicate the original author's mindset was extremely difficult, but it was still far better than knowing nothing at all. He had already arranged his schedule and planned to go straight home to write after signing the contracts.

Changing into relatively formal attire, he hailed a car using his phone to pick him up at the residential compound's entrance. Zhang Chu had no desire to ride a bicycle across the entire city; that would probably have exhausted him to death.

Morning traffic in Beijing was somewhat congested, and the streets on the navigation map were glowing red, with green—representing smooth traffic—almost nowhere to be seen!

Upon arriving at Dream Dragon, Zhang Chu immediately noticed that most of the staff were already present. In particular, the employees of the legal department had practically stayed up all night studying the final contract terms.

Only after their confirmation could the signatures be placed, so as to avoid leaving any lingering risks.

"The representative from the BBC has already arrived, and they are hoping to sign the contract as soon as possible," Zhou Kang whispered in Zhang Chu's ear. Of the copyright fees paid by the BBC to Zhang Chu, 10% belonged to him and the company. This was no small sum, so naturally, he was paying close attention.

Zhang Chu nodded. He knew that since the BBC was spending a hefty sum to buy the copyrights, they would definitely take production seriously. He was rather eager to see Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman appear on his television screen.

The following moments felt almost mechanical. The two parties signed the contracts under the witness of lawyers, and Zhang Chu received three film and television copyright authorization agreements. These were strictly exclusive licenses, not outright sales.

The contract Zhang Chu signed with the BBC was pre-tax, while the ones with Director Xu Ji's studio and Huace Film & Television were post-tax.

This meant that no matter how much tax was generated from these deals, Zhang Chu wouldn't have to pay a dime; those two companies had to shoulder the responsibility and provide tax-paid certificates before the matter was concluded.

However, before the works were actually released, he would only receive 50% of the relevant fees, another 25% after the films or TV series were completed, and the final 25% only after their release and broadcast, split into three installments.

In other words, for now, he would only receive 500,000 RMB from Director Xu Ji's studio and 3 million RMB from Huace Film & Television. Dream Dragon Culture Media would take its 10% cut from that, leaving Zhang Chu with a final net amount of 3.15 million RMB in his hands!

Fortunately, the BBC was paying the copyright fee in a single lump sum, though the screenwriter fees would not be paid immediately—he wouldn't get that money until the script for *Sherlock* passed review.

Two million British pounds was roughly 17 million RMB. That was the sheer advantage of currency exchange rates!

It was a pity that a 20% tax had to be deducted, leaving only 13.6 million RMB, and after Dream Dragon Culture Media took its 13.6-percent commission, Zhang Chu's final take-home amount would be 12.24 million.

While a massive chunk seemed to have vanished, Zhang Chu was already more than satisfied. Without the help of professionals, he might have sold these copyrights for an even lower price—how else could he have become a quasi-multi-millionaire?

Together, the three copyrights would bring Zhang Chu an income of 15 million RMB, the vast majority of which was provided by a foreign television network.

"No wonder those authors all want to sell their copyrights. It turns out copyrights are this lucrative!"

After calculating the money he could expect to receive in his head, Zhang Chu felt a surge of excitement akin to a country bumpkin striking it rich.

While he couldn't compare to those big shots with tens of millions at every turn, his advantage lay in his ability to go international!

Even if domestic copyright prices were relatively low, after selling to foreign buyers, the foreign exchange earnings were worth far more than RMB. Zhang Chu was already pondering whether he should convert these pounds into RMB or continue holding them.

What if the exchange rate dropped, rendering those pounds worth less? But what if the exchange rate rose instead?

A person always had to have dreams; otherwise, how would they ever know if they could be realized?

Writing those two physical books through sheer sweat and toil to sell tens of thousands of copies couldn't even compare to casually selling off a single copyright.

This money did more than just double Zhang Chu's net worth—it was practically overnight wealth!

He hadn't even gotten used to being a millionaire for a few days before he became a multi-millionaire, and Zhang Chu was already starting to ponder how he should spend all that cash.

Just as the contracts were signed, Dream Dragon Culture Media, Director Xu Ji's studio, Huace Film & Television, and the BBC couldn't wait to leak the news.

Whether it was a television series or a movie, a certain level of hype was necessary. Not properly utilizing the signing news would be a complete waste.

Consequently, news reports began popping up across various media outlets, and Zhang Chu, as the party involved, managed to ride the wave of publicity as well.

"Latest News: Zhang Chu's work *Profiler* has signed with Director Xu Ji's studio! Directed by Xu Ji, who previously crafted classic crime-suspense films like *The Dead End*, it will invite top-tier domestic actors to star. A lineup well worth anticipating!"

"BBC Official Article: *Sherlock* will have its original author Zhang Chu serve as screenwriter, crafting a modern-day Sherlock Holmes!"

"Dust Settles: Zhang Chu's derivative work *Sherlock* falls to the BBC with a seven-figure transaction fee!"

"Group Photo Released: Zhang Chu is guaranteed a spot on this year's Writers' Rich List!"

"Huace Film & Television Weibo Official Announcement: The television series adaptation of *Profiler* is officially greenlit!"

"The turbulent copyright battle draws to a close, with Zhang Chu emerging as the ultimate winner!"

"Houses of gold are found within books: cumulative copyright fees for three projects exceed ten million; within a few months, Zhang Chu completes a legendary leap!"