Chapter 14: Phenomenal Work "The Lord of the Rings"

The following days were calm yet monotonous, with every day spent either studying or researching potions and exercising.

What differed was Dudley's increased dedication and focus on potions. He even went so far as to ask Mrs. Figg to help him purchase some profound magical books on potions and herbs. His commitment to physical exercise also intensified, as if stimulated by something, transforming him into a study maniac.

Until the turn of the new year— a year worth commemorating and, more importantly, a crucial one.

This year was 1991, the year Dudley and Harry turned eleven.

Turning eleven meant the possibility of being accepted into Hogwarts.

"Harry, I have something to attend to today. You go home first," Dudley suddenly said to Harry after school. "If anyone at home asks, just say I made plans to play basketball with a classmate."

"Okay, Brother D."

Harry obediently nodded and walked towards Little Whinging. Having spent a long time with Dudley, he knew not to ask what he shouldn't.

After parting ways with Harry, Dudley found a secluded alley with no one around. He changed into a suit he had prepared in advance and began applying something to his face.

Before long, an average-looking young man walked out of the alley.

The Disguise Charm, or rather, the art of makeup, was activated by the system for Dudley and was currently at level 1.

That system had everything except magic-related things. Dudley chose this appearance today to meet with the publishing house and conceal his identity.

Although Master Jerry would be a good gimmick even for a minor, it would bring unnecessary trouble, and Dudley didn't like trouble. Keeping a low profile was his usual principle.

The meeting point Dudley agreed upon with the publishing house was a coffee shop.

Because Dudley told the publishing house that he wrote this book in the coffee shop, ordering only one cup of coffee each time and then sitting for the entire day.

"Master Jerry, long time no see." Jimmy, a staff member from the publishing house, immediately put on a typical trained perfect smile upon seeing Dudley.

The smile was radiant.

Thanks to Master Jerry, their publishing house was now incredibly wealthy. Calling Dudley their parent in terms of livelihood was not an exaggeration.

After some pleasantries, they got down to business.

"The second volume of 'The Lord of the Rings' is expected to be a big hit."

"The royalties for this issue have already been transferred to your account. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions."

Dudley adopted a profit-sharing model for the second volume of "The Lord of the Rings," and even the first volume changed to profit-sharing due to its earlier success.

Big hits were normal. Given the scarcity of Western fantasy works in this world, the appearance of "The Lord of the Rings" was undoubtedly a shock to fantasy enthusiasts.

"I wonder when Master Jerry can provide us with the manuscript for the third volume."

This was the publishing house's goal. The fiery sales of the first and second volumes of "The Lord of the Rings" made countless people envious, and the publishing house was in a hurry. Judging from the current popularity, it was like picking up money for free, and no one wants the money to fly away..

Seeing Dudley not responding for a long time, Jimmy became anxious. "Are you worried about the profit-sharing issue? Rest assured, we can negotiate that."

Even if the profit-sharing ratio is reduced, with the sales volume, it's still a profit. If the cash cow runs away, that would be a real loss.

Dudley was not in a hurry to discuss the profit-sharing issue. Instead, he asked, "Mr. Jimmy, we've been working together for about two years now."

"Yes, Master Jerry."

Jimmy felt sentimental at this point. Who would have thought that a mere attempt at the beginning could yield such great success?

"I think you have good abilities. Are you interested in partnering with me?"

Without much ado, Dudley went straight to the point. "I want to establish a company."

Jimmy didn't immediately refuse or agree but asked, "Do what?"

"Sell merchandise."

Many things don't require complex high-tech to make money. As long as you can promote the brand, just the copyright fees and sales of various derivative merchandise can bring in a lot of money.

For example, Harry Potter from Dudley's past life, and Pokémon, the world's top IP with unparalleled money-making ability.

Later on, as long as he maintained the popularity, he could casually "hype it up," even making money effortlessly while lying down.

The simplest and most convenient way to make money.

Write a novel – become a bestseller – build a brand – sell merchandise. This was the route Dudley had planned from the beginning, designed for the case of not being able to go to Hogwarts, even though he really wanted to learn magic there.

In his past life, he always hustled for a living. In this life, he couldn't worry about money.

Even if he couldn't enter a magic school, he at least aimed for financial freedom.

Especially in the age of technology, the productivity of the Muggle world is not inferior to that of wizards at all.

In fact, technology poses a significant threat to spellcasters. Taking another world as an example, in the Fate universe, Emiya Kiritsugu with a sniper rifle, a pack of explosives, and an origin bullet could easily drive elite magicians to flee in panic.

Dudley was always curious about one thing – can firearms kill wizards?

At least in the Fate universe, bullets could kill magicians.

An opportunity to try it out.

Jimmy didn't immediately agree to Dudley but said tentatively, "Master Jerry, can you give me some time to consider?"

In fact, he was very willing. After all, he only worked for the publishing house, and even if the publishing house made a big profit, his bonus was only a small part of it. The big chunk went into the pockets of those higher up.

Following Master Jerry was different. Judging by the current popularity of "The Lord of the Rings," even a small share could lead to the pinnacle of life.

But he couldn't be sure if Dudley was serious or just talking.

Dudley nodded, giving the other party some time to think. He would eventually agree.

No one would have trouble getting along with money.

Next, the two engaged in a fierce yet friendly negotiation on the profit-sharing issue of "The Lord of the Rings" third volume.

The final profit-sharing ratio was agreed upon.

Both parties were very satisfied with the results, and the negotiation ended on a happy note.

Dudley: "Happy cooperation."

Jimmy: "Happy cooperation."

Watching Jimmy leave, Dudley finished the milk in his cup in one gulp.

Dudley didn't really like the taste of coffee, whether it was Italian or American.

So, this guy ordered a glass of milk in the coffee shop.

According to him, he was still growing, and he needed to replenish with meat, eggs, and milk.

Well, this guy, close to six feet tall, was only eleven years old, indeed still in the growth stage.

In just a few days, Dudley received Jimmy's response. He was willing to follow Dudley.

So, with one providing money and the other providing effort, they quickly acquired a factory and started selling "The Lord of the Rings" merchandise.

As expected, it only took a short month for the products to become bestsellers, with the most popular being the derivatives of the protagonist Hobbit trio. Of course, the Elven prince was even more beloved by girls.

Originally a hot work, the explosive sales of these merchandise made more people who were unaware of the original work aware of it.

Complementing each other, "The Lord of the Rings" quickly became a phenomenal work.

(End of this chapter)