Chapter 117: A Gathering of Media

The two of them were still in the phase of getting to know each other and adjusting. When Zhang Chu heard the news about the new book, he couldn’t help but shake his head; he truly didn’t know what to write next. After all, The Journey to the West Diary was still being serialized online. Was he supposed to run two series simultaneously?

In truth, managing two wasn’t difficult for him—he could even handle three or four—but that would scatter his readership and seem rather unnatural.

Zhang Chu didn’t give a direct answer. Instead, he glanced at his watch and said, “It’s about time. Let’s head over to the Nanhai Publishing Company. We can’t be late for the appointment.”

“Is it far? Do you want me to drive?” Zhou Kang asked. Though familiar with the publishing world and acquainted with some people at Nanhai Publishing, he didn’t know the exact location of their branch offices.

“It’s just in that building over there, very close. We can walk.”

Zhang Chu emptied the trash from the McDonald’s tray and then walked with Zhou Kang toward the high-rise buildings ahead.

…

Inside the lobby of Building D at Qingdong Tower, more and more media personnel gathered upon hearing the news. The information about Zhang Chu’s involvement with Nanhai Publishing was spreading like a storm through media circles.

Passersby returning to work after lunch, riding the elevator, were startled by the commotion. Was there a celebrity coming to their office building?

“What’s going on? Why are there so many reporters here?”

“Who is it? Are they filming something?”

“This is a bit over the top. Look, Sina, iQiyi, Tencent, and those TV stations are all here. Could it be a government official inspecting work?”

“I’m a bit uneasy. Someone who has inside information, go ask them.”

The crowd waiting for the elevator whispered among themselves. Different companies occupied each floor of the building, and no one knew exactly who was arriving.

A talkative person stepped forward, offering a cigarette to a nearby reporter. “Hey, buddy, what’s all this about? Which superstar is here?”

Li Yun, a reporter from Xiangnan Television, accepted the cigarette and shook his head. “Not a superstar, a young writer. This guy is incredible—he’s suing an inheritance fund in the United States. People say he has a very high chance of winning. The whole world is talking about him. Some say he’s come here.”

“Ah, so it’s that guy from the news! I’ve heard about him. This kid’s no ordinary person—top scorer in the college entrance exam, a writer, and capable of doing some unbelievable things.”

“So you’ve seen the news too. It’s a pity no one knows the details. Everyone’s waiting for him to speak. But he’s been dodging the media, making us run all the way from the book expo to here.”

It was already the peak time for elevator use, and with so many media reporters added to the mix, the line was even longer.

On the 15th floor at the Nanhai Publishing branch, the reception area was packed with reporters. The branch manager had never imagined so many journalists armed with cameras and microphones would show up. The lounge was nearly insufficient to accommodate them all.

…

“So soon you’ve found an agent? Is he reliable?” Gu Xinxue whispered into Zhang Chu’s ear. He had intended to introduce an agent to Zhang Chu but found that Zhang Chu had already found one himself—and yet he remained uneasy.

Zhang Chu nodded. “He’s a literary agent and a classmate of my father’s. Even if he’s not very capable, his character should be trustworthy. Besides, there’s a one-month probation period. If he doesn’t perform, we part ways—simple as that.”

“He seems to handle reporters pretty well. Not sure how he does on the specifics.”

With an agent in place, Zhang Chu could delegate some matters. After all, Gu Xinxue was essentially an editor, overseeing many contracted authors.

At this moment, Zhou Kang stood outside the small reception room, politely addressing the crowd: “Sorry, Zhang Chu is unavailable for interviews today. If you want to interview him, there will be a dedicated session tomorrow at the Book Fragrance China Exhibition Center during the launch event for The Psychological Crime. You can ask any questions you want there.”

“Who are you? Why are you speaking for Zhang Chu?”

“I’m Zhang Chu’s literary agent. I have full authority to handle all media matters.”

“Since you’re here, let Zhang Chu say a few words. How did he contact those top lawyers? Why sue the Conan Doyle Inheritance Fund?” a reporter from Tomato TV said impatiently. Having searched several places without finding any news, she was not willing to give up.

At that moment, a man and a woman struggled through the crowd and showed their press badges to Zhou Kang. “Sorry we’re late. The elevators have been really slow today, so we took the stairs.”

The reporter was out of breath, her clothes soaked with sweat.

“That’s fine. There are still over ten minutes before two o’clock. Please come in,” Zhou Kang said after confirming their identities, allowing them into the reception room behind him.

This preferential treatment infuriated the other reporters.

“Why can they go in?”

“Which newspaper are they from that they get direct interviews?”

“Isn’t that Wu Qun from Southern Weekend? They somehow snagged an exclusive interview with Zhang Chu without anyone noticing?”

“Our Jiangdong Satellite TV wants an exclusive too. Can we get one later?”

Zhou Kang maintained a stern expression and shook his head. “Southern Weekend booked the interview a long time ago, not just now. After Zhang Chu’s interview, he will leave directly. Please come to the launch event tomorrow. If you like, here are samples of the two books, take a look.”

Since these were from the publisher, The Psychological Crime and Sherlock the Detective samples were handed out to avoid reporters leaving empty-handed.

News thrives on timeliness. Many envied Southern Weekend for their luck in securing the interview so early.

Many decided that if Zhang Chu did not speak elsewhere, they might get some information from those two Southern Weekend reporters to report back.

…

Inside the reception room, Zhang Chu looked at the two reporters, who were sweating profusely, and kindly handed them some tissues on the coffee table. “You’ve worked hard. Wipe your sweat, have a drink, and rest a bit.”

Wu Qun didn’t put on airs. After wiping the sweat from her forehead, she slowly took out her voice recorder and notebook, ready to begin the exclusive interview.

When the magazine sent her to interview Zhang Chu, Wu Qun initially thought it was a result of Zhang Chu’s public relations efforts. After all, Southern Weekend was the most widely circulated weekly in the country, and an exclusive wasn’t something any ordinary writer could secure.

So she hadn’t prepared much in advance. But the overwhelming news coverage shattered her preconceived notions about Zhang Chu, and she quickly gathered relevant information and background to prepare thoroughly.

Especially now, arriving at the Nanhai Publishing branch office, so many peers had failed to secure interviews, making her exclusive all the more significant. Wu Qun was extremely serious and careful.