Chapter 198: Xia Yu's Scheme, Someone's Misfortune

"Boss, everything is arranged. We can definitely complete the proofreading of the remaining manuscripts today and start formal printing tomorrow," Gavin Peters reported directly upon entering the office.

"Good, sit down and tell me more!"

Xia Yu smiled with satisfaction and gestured for Gavin Peters to sit.

The previously unpublished 300,000 words had already been given to Gavin Peters, and they had all been reviewed and proofread.

Since the newly provided manuscript was not extensive, completing the proofreading today was quite normal.

"How is the progress now?" Xia Yu asked, leaning back in his chair and staring directly at Gavin Peters.

Gavin Peters, understanding what the boss was asking about, began his report.

"Boss, in terms of printing, we've already printed one million copies each of the third and fourth volumes of the regular edition. Additionally, the first and second volumes have each been reprinted with an additional 100,000 copies."

"As for the fifth volume, since nearly three-quarters of the content is unpublished, its sales are expected to be higher. I plan to print 1.5 million copies directly. To expedite the printing process, I've coordinated with Zhang Lei and Ma Tengdong to utilize Jiuding Animation Limited's printing factory, and Jiuding Newspaper's printing factory will also share some of the tasks."

"Moreover, after investigating, we found that many readers are willing to buy a complete set of *The Search for the Qin* for collection. So, I've also printed 10,000 sets of the deluxe collector's edition, which are now all printed and stored in the warehouse."

"The retail price for the deluxe collector's edition is set at 40 Hong Kong dollars per set, with a factory price of 32 Hong Kong dollars, leaving an 8 Hong Kong dollar profit for distributors. Excluding equipment and factory investment costs and only considering labor and raw materials, our production cost is an average of 10 Hong Kong dollars per set, resulting in a 22 Hong Kong dollar gross profit."

Xia Yu nodded in acknowledgment.

He had already seen the sample of the deluxe collector's edition, which was exquisitely designed with a high-quality exterior box, making it ideal for collectors. He was very satisfied with it.

Additionally, the deluxe collector's edition of *The Search for the Qin* included some beautiful wallpapers and accessories, which were exclusive to the collector's edition and not sold separately. This was a small tactic to entice readers to buy.

The 40 Hong Kong dollar price was also considered appropriate by Xia Yu, as it was meant for a small group of high-end consumers, so only 10,000 sets were printed.

With the regular editions costing 21 Hong Kong dollars for five books, the deluxe edition wasn't much more expensive, making it reasonable.

As for utilizing the printing factories of the other two companies, it was a minor issue. Especially since Jiuding Animation Limited's factory, although still waiting for the release of *Zhiyin Manke* magazine, was already established and could be used by the publishing company without issue.

These minor details didn't require Xia Yu's concern.

"What's your sales plan? How do you plan to operate it?" Xia Yu asked again.

"Boss, to create a record for our first-day sales, I plan to conduct a pre-sale."

Xia Yu's interest was piqued, and he signaled Gavin Peters to continue.

"My plan is to notify all distributors, conduct unified marketing promotion, and open pre-orders. Readers can place a pre-order by paying half of the amount as a deposit. The pre-sale quantity will be included in the first-day sales."

Gavin Peters explained.

Xia Yu nodded. Pre-sale systems were very common in later years, especially in the internet era, where many variations were introduced. However, in this era, and for the hot-selling *The Search for the Qin*, it was quite suitable.

Firstly, it could ensure that the company quickly grasped market trends, determined printing quantities, and avoided stock shortages.

Secondly, it would protect distributors' interests, preventing them from making blind purchases or under-purchasing and losing money. This system would be very agreeable to distributors.

Readers willing to pay a deposit were almost guaranteed to make a purchase, which would reassure distributors to stock up.

"Your plan is good, but there is one issue: deposits. If there are loopholes, it could lead to problems. How do you plan to address this issue?" Xia Yu asked, looking intently at Gavin Peters, waiting for his response.

"I've considered this. Distributors will collect the deposits but must issue our prepared special receipts to customers. The final payment will be made when the book is collected. If any issues arise due to missing receipts, it will be the distributors' own negligence, and they will be responsible. This ensures maximum protection for readers and avoids disputes."

"Distributors must pay in full when ordering, which guarantees the safety of the deposits. If they run away with the deposit, they'll lose money, and we will fully compensate the readers."

"Also, collecting deposits puts less pressure on distributors to pay the full amount upfront, encouraging them to stock more books, which benefits both parties."

Gavin Peters explained his thoughts truthfully. Xia Yu nodded in approval.

"Alright, we'll proceed with your plan. The official sales start in seven days. You can execute the plan now."

Satisfied, Xia Yu confirmed the sales date.

Although only six days were left to print the final volume, Jiuding Publishing's own printing factory could handle 1.2 million copies at full capacity. With the assistance of the other two factories, printing 1.5 million copies would be straightforward.

Xia Yu was confident that seven days would be sufficient!

News had already been released earlier, creating some buzz. Now, a little more hype would be enough. By posting a message in the martial arts section of *Jiuding Daily* and targeted marketing, it would be more effective than any advertisement.

After the plan was approved, Gavin Peters happily went to implement it.

As Xia Yu stood up, intending to visit Jiuding Animation Limited in the same building, his phone rang. Upon seeing the caller ID from Jiuding Newspaper, which had recently been left, he furrowed his brow and answered the call.

"What? … Okay, I'm coming over right away!"

After hanging up, Xia Yu rushed to Jiuding Newspaper.

On the way, Xia Yu frowned in thought: "The Xingdao News Group wants to establish a news agency too? It seems this newspaper queen is quite determined to go head-to-head with us…"

Arriving at the company's entrance, Xia Yu went straight to the office and found Yan Wenhan waiting.

"Wenhan, what's the specific situation?"

As soon as he sat down, Xia Yu asked.

"Boss, after you informed me five days ago, I had someone monitor the movements of several major newspapers. I discovered that the Xingdao News Group also plans to set up a news agency and is currently integrating its company. I also found out that Xingdao News Group has taken a loan from the Hong Kong branch of Thailand's Pangu Bank specifically for establishing the news agency. It seems Xingdao News Group is serious about this."

Yan Wenhan reported immediately, then waited for Xia Yu's instructions, having relaxed slightly after delivering the news.

"Are you sure it's a loan?" Xia Yu squinted his eyes and asked for confirmation.

"I'm sure it's a loan, but the exact amount is still unknown."

Yan Wenhan nodded seriously, though he regretted not finding out the loan amount.

Xia Yu nodded slightly, relieved that it was a loan.

"A loan for establishing a news agency?"

Xia Yu pondered with narrowed eyes.

"It seems the Xingdao News Group is struggling too, if they need to take out a loan for a news agency. Is Hu Xian really that effective…"

Xia Yu stroked his chin, lost in thought, as a sudden idea flashed in his mind. His eyes brightened, and he felt it might be plausible, a smile curving at the corners of his mouth.

"Wenhan, don't be in a hurry. This might actually be a good thing!"