Chapter 085: Simply Willful

Zhang Tan was not one to accept losses lightly; he was the type who would flip the table in front of the boss if he felt slighted.

But that didn't mean he was reckless. On the contrary, Zhang Tan was quite calculating and knew how to gauge the situation. When faced with someone of real power, or if there was too much to lose in a confrontation, he would choose patience. But now, he had nothing to lose. He had already offended Li Wei, who was blocking the publication of his novel, so there was nothing left to hold back. If he was going to fight, he might as well go all in.

What more could he possibly lose at this point?

With this mindset, Zhang Tan decided to make a bold move in Wuhan.

Of course, he wasn’t capable of orchestrating any intricate schemes; he only possessed a certain reckless spirit. After inviting Zhao Shijie out for tea, Zhang Tan didn’t bother with small talk and went straight to the point: “Director Zhao, Li Wei is really out of line. He invited me to discuss the publication of ‘The Four Great Constables in the Capital,’ but right away he asked for a kickback—half of it, at that.”

“That’s outrageous.”

Zhao Shijie sipped his Longjing tea with evident pleasure, clicking his tongue in agreement. He felt a bit guilty about taking advantage of a young man. But then again, this was no ordinary youngster; in just over six months, he’d earned more than a hundred thousand in manuscript fees—more than Zhao himself had made in several years.

So, he felt justified in taking from the rich.

A young man like that—taking a little from him and then offering a few perfunctory words of sympathy seemed fair enough. After all, in these times, wasn’t everyone hustling just to make a living?

Zhang Tan noticed Zhao Shijie’s leisurely attitude and felt dissatisfied; he didn’t seem like someone with ambition. Still, since they’d already met, Zhang Tan pressed on, “I just can’t swallow this. I want to report it to the higher-ups at your publishing house. Director Zhao, can you help me with that?”

“Huh?” Zhao Shijie was momentarily startled, but soon regained his composure. “Well, in principle, what Li Wei did is serious and should be punished severely… But these things require evidence. Words exchanged at the dinner table can’t be taken seriously, and since you didn’t reach an agreement or exchange any money, it’s a tough case.”

“So Wuhan University Press is just going to let Li Wei ruin its reputation and harm its interests? Director Zhao, can you tolerate someone like that being in charge of your publications?” Zhang Tan’s attempt to sow discord was clumsy and a bit too obvious.

But Zhao Shijie only shook his head and sighed, whether he’d fallen for the ploy or seen through it was unclear. “Zhang, every industry has its gray areas. What Li Wei’s doing is just that—a gray area. If you catch him red-handed, you can bring him down, but rocking the boat isn’t easy.”

“Could you explain a bit more? I’d like to understand the details.”

“Well, you’re still young and talented, so I’ll tell you a bit about the publishing business,” Zhao Shijie said, sipping his tea. “Wuhan University Press doesn’t actually handle martial arts fiction. What Li Wei does is simply resell ISBNs. Their channels aren’t even as good as some other presses…”

In 2002, online novels were just beginning to emerge, and the market was still dominated by physical books. The industry was far from standardized, with rampant piracy—and the trading of ISBNs was also widespread.

The government had strict regulations on publishing, especially regarding content involving sex, violence, or politics. Publishers had to meticulously carry out a triple-review and triple-proofreading process before an ISBN could be issued. This meant that publishing a legitimate book required significant resources, something not every publisher could manage.

Many independent authors and book dealers had works ready but couldn’t obtain an ISBN—the string of numbers on the back cover’s barcode.

Without an ISBN, a book was illegal.

There were strict prohibitions against trading ISBNs, but what could people do if they couldn’t get one? Many aspired to publish not just for fame but to enhance their credentials for future promotions. As a result, the illegal trade in ISBNs became rampant, with many legitimate publishers involved.

It was a huge industry driven by profits, and the authorities largely turned a blind eye.

Through Zhao Shijie’s explanation, Zhang Tan began to form a vague understanding of publishing.

Li Wei’s help with his earlier book was simply an instance of ISBN trafficking.

It wasn’t that Wuhan University Press really wanted to publish martial arts fiction; Li Wei acted as a broker, obtaining ISBNs from the press and then funneling them to smaller publishers or book dealers, thus circumventing the rules.

In other words, they were exploiting the system—though the authorities tolerated it.

Even publishers needed to survive. If they didn’t make some extra income on the side, in an era of widespread layoffs, they couldn’t even pay their staff. Li Wei was clearly one of those people, trafficking ISBNs and operating in the gray areas.

“So, reporting him won’t do much. Everyone is eating from the same bowl; no one wants to smash it. That’s why Li Wei is so brazen, and there’s nothing I can do to help you. It’s just the way things are!” Zhao Shijie finished with a long sigh.

He thought back to how, perhaps, he had lost out to Li Wei in the past because Li Wei dared to trade ISBNs for the press’s profit while he did not.

After hearing Zhao Shijie’s words, Zhang Tan sat in silence for a long time.

Only now did he truly understand why Li Wei was so confident—he was a broker in the ISBN trade. With those connections, he could easily make friends with many dealers in Wuhan and perhaps all of Hubei’s publishing world. The intertwined interests meant most people had to give him face.

That was why he could demand half the kickback without blinking.

Still, no matter how bold Li Wei was, Zhang Tan was determined to bring him down!

“Director Zhao, even if Li Wei is protected from above, there must be plenty of people eyeing his position. Over the years, he must have pocketed quite a few kickbacks—you know that. He asked me for half, and even complained it wasn’t enough, saying he was fishing for bigger gains in the future. If he’s squeezing me, he must be squeezing others even harder. Can the press really afford to let him keep fattening himself?”

Zhao Shijie replied with a hint of resentment, “There are plenty, but all they can do is watch. No one can take him down.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Maybe if people work together, you could bring him down. If you succeed, you’ll all get a bigger share of the pie, won’t you?”

A spark flickered in Zhao Shijie’s eyes, but it quickly faded. “No one wants to make enemies unless they’re sure of success.”

Noticing Zhao Shijie’s wavering, Zhang Tan pressed further, “What if you catch him red-handed?”

“Red-handed?”

“Yes. If you catch him taking a kickback in the act, surely no one could protect him then?”

“That would mean burning all bridges… It’s too risky. Besides, I’m just a deputy director in the office. Even if he’s brought down, I won’t be the one to benefit.” At the critical moment, Zhao Shijie shrank back.

Lack of resolve.

That was Zhang Tan’s assessment of Zhao Shijie. If he didn’t even dare to fight, it was no wonder he was stuck on the sidelines. His vision was too narrow; if there was no immediate gain, he wouldn’t act. If Zhang Tan were in his shoes, he’d go for it regardless of the outcome—after all, what was there to lose?

Of course, that was just bravado in Zhang Tan’s mind. It was easy to talk big; actually doing it was another matter.

Zhao Shijie’s hesitation was only natural.

“Maybe I need to throw out some bait.”

With that, Zhang Tan made his pitch: “Director Zhao, what do you think of my ‘Four Great Constables in the Capital’? If Li Wei sees its potential, the market can’t be bad. My first book, ‘The Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast,’ sold over thirty thousand traditional Chinese copies in Taiwan. Now, in ‘Legends Past and Present: Martial Arts Edition,’ my serial is the most popular. Doesn’t that show promise?”

“Of course. Zhang, you’re extremely talented,” Zhao Shijie replied, though somewhat dispiritedly.

He didn’t know Zhang Tan well, but being noticed by both Li Wei and Wang Conglun spoke volumes about Zhang’s writing skills.

“If I say that, once Li Wei is out of the way, I’d like your help publishing my book—and that the profits Li Wei would have taken can go to you instead? For one book, making tens of thousands is no problem. ‘The Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast’ earned me well over a hundred thousand in Taiwan’s small market!”

Money moves people. When sowing discord fails, heavy rewards make heroes.

Zhang Tan didn’t really care about money; he just couldn’t stomach Li Wei’s outrageous demands and condescending attitude. He’d rather spend the money to bring him down than endure humiliation.

That’s the luxury of having money.

Besides, if his first simplified Chinese edition, ‘The Four Great Constables in the Capital,’ became a hit, others would be begging him to publish after that. This time, he’d use it as a stepping stone.

――――――――――――

Today’s update is a bit late; another update is coming. This section is a little rough, not handled very well. I’ll polish it and try to smooth out the plot. Also, this Sunday, the novel will be featured in the Three Rivers Recommendation. I hope my brothers will give their full support and vote for me!