Chapter 8

[Recommendations and collections are welcome, thank you]

Lin Han stood in front of the toilet door, earnestly reading the electronic contract downloaded from his email using his mobile data. Although he didn't have expertise in law, he appeared to have no problem with it on the surface.

He believed that a big magazine like "Science Fiction World" wouldn't ruin its reputation for the sake of one copyright. That would be self-destructive behavior, and Lin Han believed that these people could see the pros and cons.

But in reality, it was only because he couldn't afford a lawyer due to lack of money. If Lin Han had money in his pocket, he would check every contract thoroughly, because signing a contract carelessly could lead to authors being taken advantage of in the long run.

After writing his electronic signature on the screen and pressing his fingerprint, Lin Han clicked "send," letting Wang Yifan handle the rest of the issues. Finally, after enduring the smell of ammonia in the toilet, he was able to leave.

Returning to his seat, Lin Han carefully observed the bookshelves next to him and the people carefully flipping through books at the surrounding tables. The heavy sense of history in this place gave everyone an indescribable feeling, as if making loud noises was a sin.

With different emotions before and after, Lin Han's reading became a bit restless. The once vivid words danced constantly, making it hard for him to calm down.

"It's just a little over 8000 yuan. I can't sit still now. What if the copyright is sold for several hundred thousand?" Lin Han self-mockingly thought. He stood up and took the two books in his hand, walking straight to the place to apply for a library card. He planned to borrow them and read them slowly.

For some reason, there was a long line waiting to register book borrowing information. Many people were holding books, waiting in line, and Lin Han had no choice but to become one of them.

Although the original owner of the body was a frequent target of ridicule in the entertainment gossip, as a director who soared like a shooting star in the entertainment industry, there weren't many people who could remember his face. There was no possibility of being recognized on the road.

But suddenly, someone behind him patted his shoulder, and at the same time, a familiar voice floated over, "Lin Han, am I not mistaken? I actually see you here at the library. It's so surprising."

Upon hearing that, Lin Han knew he had run into someone he knew, so he turned his head to take a look. The person in front of him with a big back-combed hairstyle was none other than Li Wenyuan, the author of the original novel "Breaking Through the Solar System"!

Although the original owner made a mess of Li Wenyuan's novel in his adaptation, it was strange that the two of them became friends. The original owner loved science fiction novels, and filming "Breaking Through the Solar System" was a dream come true for him. Li Wenyuan, as a contracted screenwriter and guide on the set, often chatted with the original owner since they had science fiction novels as a common topic, so they had some interactions.

Even when Lin Han was despised by thousands of people, Li Wenyuan, when facing the media interviews, stood up for his friend, stating that the film's poor result wasn't the director's fault and shouldn't put all the blame on Lin Han alone.

However, Lin Han, who indulged in self-pity and shut out the outside world, barely paid attention to anything. Now, seeing Li Wenyuan, the remaining memories in Lin Han's mind continued to affect him.

Lin Han tried to control his emotions. He raised the two books in his hand and said, "Mosquito..."

"You finally decided to come out. Let's go to the nearby café and sit," Li Wenyuan suggested as he spoke. He was pleasantly surprised by Lin Han's change, at least his friend wasn't as decadent and cynical as before.

After completing the registration for borrowing books, Lin Han and Li Wenyuan walked side by side to the café next to the library. The café appeared particularly quiet, with occasional couples sitting together.

Setting the books aside, Lin Han said seriously, "Mosquito, although I know it's a bit late now, I'm really sorry for adapting your novel into that appearance."

"It's fine. Being adapted is already good enough. How many people can adapt novels into movies now?" Li Wenyuan was quite understanding. He sighed and said, "It's not your fault. They didn't even give you the editing rights. After the release, they made you take all the blame."

Lin Han could only give a bitter smile to this. The failure of a film couldn't be attributed solely to him. When the film's reputation declined, the entire crew turned against him, making the rookie director who had just independently directed a blockbuster film a scapegoat.

Li Wenyuan felt something wasn't right and seemed to have touched a sore spot for his friend. He quickly changed the topic, "So what are you busy with now? Going to borrow science fiction novels to read is quite unexpected."

"All those things have already dispersed into thin air, but I still need to live, right?" Lin Han said nonchalantly. "No production crew or TV station wants me, so I wrote a novel and sent it to 'Science Fiction World' to make some money."

"Science Fiction World? I'm familiar with that. My novel 'Breaking Through the Solar System' was serialized in that magazine before it was published. What's the title of your novel? Let me call a familiar editor and ask him to take care of you," Li Wenyuan said, taking out his phone to find the number and help his old friend through this difficult time. A film director writing science fiction novels after falling from grace would be a huge blow if his manuscript was rejected.

Lin Han quickly stopped Li Wenyuan's actions and smiled, "No need, my manuscript has already been accepted. I just signed the electronic contract. It's 500 yuan per thousand characters. The total is just over 8000 for 20,000 characters."

"500 yuan per thousand characters? That's a good price. Among new writers, that's the highest. You're much better than me when I started. It seems like I have to read your masterpiece carefully when I get back." Li Wenyuan was surprised. He didn't expect Lin Han to be so accomplished, effortlessly achieving the highest price.

"Next month's 'Science Fiction World' will be published. Go buy a copy to boost the sales," Lin Han suggested.

"I haven't missed any issues. I always subscribe to the whole year. It seems that if you stop making movies, you can still become a bestselling author. Later, I'll add you to our science fiction authors' chat group so everyone can get to know each other," Li Wenyuan sincerely said, admiring Lin Han's ability to emerge from a huge shadow and achieve corresponding success. It was a quite difficult thing to do.

Lin Han took a sip of coffee and smiled, "My biggest hope now is to win the Galaxy Award. If I can get the award money, I won't have to worry about rent and can focus on creating as an art-loving youth."

Hearing this, Li Wenyuan couldn't help but smirk, "Haven't you cared about the lineup of judges for the Galaxy Award? Bribe me quickly, and I'll make sure you make it to the semi-finals."

"You're one of the judges?" Lin Han was completely astonished. But when he thought about it, it made sense. As one of China's most popular science fiction writers, several of Li Wenyuan's novels were bestsellers domestically and internationally, with a broad readership. He even received nomination for the Nebula Award in the United States, the highest honor for science fiction authors around the world. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to adapt "Breaking Through the Solar System" into a film.

"They specifically invited me to be a judge. I declined the past few years, but I had the urge this year. Unexpectedly, it worked out. I'll go read your novel later," Li Wenyuan beamed with a smile, revealing his enthusiasm. He reached out his hand to shake Lin Han's hand sincerely and said, "Welcome back."