Chapter 127: A Tug of War (Seeking Votes and Collections)

Jesse, the representative from the BBC in the UK, spread his hands and said, "We are the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes. The stories of 'Detective Sherlock' are set in modern London. Is there any better place than us to film this series?"

"Mr. Turner," another voice interjected, "CBS plans to invest tens of millions of dollars, including building studios and shooting on location. Zhang, considering CBS’s influence in America, entrusting us with the production would greatly benefit the sales of the English version of your novel in the U.S. We’ll help introduce it to the largest and best publishers there. The market is vast."

This is typical business competition. Why would a novel without an English version attract so much interest from television networks?

One reason was the flood of news reports everywhere; another was simply that the protagonist’s name was Holmes. The whole world knows the legendary detective Holmes. The final reason was the story’s freshness.

The complete Sherlock Holmes series has been adapted multiple times into film and television. All the content that could be filmed has already been done, and many viewers know the plots inside out. Revitalizing it is undoubtedly a challenge.

But this novel by Zhang Chu is different. It transports Holmes into the present day—an era when crime dramas are thriving and technology is advanced. Can such a detective still solve countless cold cases and bring criminals to justice?

Holmes himself is not the focus—the focus is Holmes living in the modern world!

“Joseph, you’re luring a young author with this tactic,” said Baker, the HBO representative, beginning to expose the harsh realities. “Do you know how much it costs to produce a TV series? These public networks care deeply about ratings and audience reputation. If ratings are poor, the show is cut immediately, without mercy. At HBO, we shoot an entire season at once and then air it gradually, unaffected by ratings.”

For a young author seeking fame, this is crucial. If the first adaptation gets canceled, the value of subsequent adaptation rights could plummet.

Zhang Chu knew this was true. He had often seen new American series get canceled mid-season due to poor performance—some rushed to a conclusion, others ended without any closure.

Who could guarantee that this adaptation of 'Detective Sherlock' would be as successful as the original?

Perhaps Baker’s words were a bit sensational. After all, networks pay high prices for rights and production costs. Cancelling outright would mean a loss, and no network would do so lightly.

“CBS has the largest audience base in the U.S., with tens of millions tuning in to each series. We believe this adaptation will perform excellently.”

“Wait a moment. When it comes to audience reach, who can compare to the BBC? Globally, few networks stand beside the BBC. If it airs on our channel, it will be broadcast worldwide.”

Just like the once mighty British Empire, the BBC now confidently stands rooted in Britain but radiates across the globe.

Yet these seasoned negotiators were all talk, none touching the true core question: how much were they actually willing to pay for the rights to 'Detective Sherlock'?

Discussing rights without mentioning the price is just posturing.

Zhang Chu was there more to broaden his horizons, while giving Zhou Kang, Wu Tong, and others time to prepare. These literary agents, inexperienced in international deals, needed to research foreign authors’ rights fees and contractual terms to avoid being taken advantage of.

The dream of instant stardom often follows this pattern—selling foreign rights before domestic ones. Zhou Kang and his colleague were eager, already thinking beyond their borders.

“Gentlemen, I believe any of your networks have the capability to produce this series. But I’m curious: at what cost are you willing to purchase the adaptation rights?”

Since 'Detective Sherlock' contains several cases, filming a movie would only capture one. A TV series would be more suitable.

Baker, Joseph, Richard, and others exchanged glances, wary of their bids being overheard.

Zhang Chu then realized Zhou Kang’s lack of English proficiency was a hindrance, and relying on a single translator was unreliable.

So he calmly proposed, “I see everyone’s sincerity, but this is a business matter, and I must be responsible to myself. How about tomorrow you bring your translators to discuss terms with my agent?”

“Of course, we’d be happy to.”

“An excellent suggestion. Today we’re just here to feel things out.”

“Then we’ll meet again next time!”

These representatives were merely making initial contacts before reporting back to their headquarters in the U.S. or UK.

Perhaps they all underestimated the allure of 'Detective Sherlock,' which drew several major TV production companies. It was clear now that acquiring the adaptation rights cheaply was unrealistic—they weren’t prepared for a price war.

...

Just as the representatives from the foreign networks arrived, media swarmed like sharks sensing blood. Even film companies that had once sought to buy rights to 'Psychological Crime' dropped their tasks and joined the crowd.

Compared to them, the BBC, CBS, HBO, and FOX are top-tier players in the global entertainment industry. When such heavyweights suddenly appear in a rookie village, their intentions must be significant!

“What are they here for?”

“Who knows? Probably for the rights. Not sure if it’s for 'Psychological Crime' or 'Detective Sherlock.'”

“Old Wu, what’s going on with you guys? Are you quietly transferring the rights abroad?”

“At least give us a clear answer. What’s your target price?”

Wu Tong of Dream Dragon Culture was puzzled. He once thought five million for a single right was the peak for a newcomer. Now with foreign networks involved, raising the price seemed inevitable.

He reassured everyone, “Rest assured, I will provide a satisfactory explanation. Zhang Chu’s works haven’t been authorized yet, so please don’t worry.”

At the entire film and television rights trading meeting, all media, authors, and production companies focused on Dream Dragon Culture. Who would have thought an obscure small company could become the center of attention because of a newcomer’s work?

But this was no ordinary rookie—it was a superstar newcomer known worldwide.

Famous but with few works, Zhang Chu’s current situation was urgent. He needed a breakthrough piece to establish himself, and that required the right opportunity.