[Chapter 104: Sold Out]
"Link, you're amazing! Interstellar was incredible. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it yesterday. Even my dad and George Lucas loved it; they praised your talent!"
In the office, Link received a call from Sofia Coppola.
"They read my book? I'm thrilled they liked it!"
"It was my recommendation! My dad said the stories in the novel were fantastic and would be perfect for a movie adaptation. After reading it, Lucas said he found inspiration for the Star Wars sequel in your book. They also hope to chat with you sometime.
Link, you're just too great! I've never seen them shower a young person with so many compliments like this, except for you."
Sofia's voice brimmed with excitement.
"Thank you so much for recommending the book. You're amazing too; you're the most talented person my age I've ever met."
"Really?"
"Of course! I promised to let you join my crew not just because you're pretty but because you're talented and have a vibe that's different from other girls. I think we're going to have a great collaboration."
"Ha! If I asked you out, would you say yes?"
"When? Where are we going? Wait, no, I can't right now; I have to go to New York for a signing event, and the movie is about to start filming. You need to keep busy."
"Got it, Link! I'll make sure the movie turns out great. Oh, and by the way, your book is fantastic."
...
After chatting a bit longer, Link hung up the phone and flipped through a newspaper.
The front page of the Los Angeles Times featured a news article from the renowned science fiction author Larry Niven recommending Interstellar.
Larry Niven expressed surprise at the release of the book, calling it an incredibly imaginative and creative work. He noted it contained visions of the future, as well as profound reflections on what lies ahead, making it a must-read for fans of space and time travel.
...
Before he could finish reading the review, the phone on his desk rang again. Lily informed him that Liz Gorinsky, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief at Tor Books, was online.
"Good morning, Liz!"
"Ha! Link, guess how many copies of Interstellar sold this week?"
Liz Gorinsky laughed on the phone.
"How many?"
Liz shared the news with great excitement, "In its first week, all 50,000 copies of the first print sold out. Now, booksellers across the country are calling to rush orders, with preorders reaching 200,000 copies. The publisher is preparing a second print run of 500,000 copies. If all 500,000 sell out, Interstellar could make it into the top ten bestsellers of the year in sci-fi."
"Do you think 500,000 will sell?"
Sci-fi works often catered to a niche audience, so usually, it was tough for new authors to sell out that many copies. Books by famous sci-fi writers like Larry Niven and Edgar Rice Burroughs sold better than those of newcomers.
"Ha! No doubt about it! The response to Interstellar has been phenomenal since its release. We have been getting calls from readers every day praising this sci-fi collection. I reached out to Larry Niven and Arthur C. Clarke, asking them to write reviews, and they agreed right away, saying your book is fantastic. So don't be surprised if we sell not just 500,000 but even 5 million copies!"
"Ha! That's incredible news!"
After some discussion about the upcoming release strategy, Link learned that marketing a novel was similar to releasing a movie or album. It required funding for promotions to expand the novel's reach, including media interviews, book signings across various locations, fan meet-and-greets, and sci-fi author salons. A well-executed marketing campaign could significantly boost sales.
...
"Link, how many copies sold?"
Seeing him hang up, Lily eagerly asked.
"Last week, we sold out all 50,000 copies."
"That's fantastic, Link! You're amazing!"
Lily gazed at him with admiration, her bright eyes shining.
"It's not that big of a deal."
Link smiled softly, not expecting the sci-fi novel, which he had modified to be 40% original, would become such a hit.
"Lily, over the next two weeks, I'll be out promoting the novel. I'm leaving everything at the company to you and Michael. If anything comes up that you can't decide on, feel free to call me or wait until I get back."
"Understood! Should I come along? I can be there to take care of you."
Lily said softly, moving closer to him.
"No, it'll be a hassle running around for signings in various cities, so it wouldn't work for you. Besides, the publisher has coordinators and assistants lined up, so you don't need to worry."
"Alright, but take care of yourself. Don't overwork; you're the big boss now. Delegate tasks; you don't have to do everything yourself. Your health is the priority."
Lily spoke gently, showing her concern.
"You're the best, Lily."
Link looked at her rosy cheeks and couldn't resist pulling her into an embrace, feeling her heartbeat and warmth.
"Ah! What are you doing? Don't! If someone sees us..."
Lily's face turned bright red, and she quickly glanced at the door, softly punching his back in a playful manner.
"Lily, you're the closest person to me and the kindest. I'm getting more and more attached to you. Please don't leave me; let me take care of you. With me around, no one will bully you or Cici."
Link held her waist, resting his chin against her forehead, gently whispering in her ear.
Lily slowly calmed down, and the scent surrounding her became warm and subtle -- not just the fragrance of her perfume but an alluring scent that drew one in.
Lily raised her slightly flushed face, giving him an amused look. "You bad boy! Don't think you can sweet-talk me. Nobody here besides you would bully me."
"Mainly because you're too easy to provoke."
Link caressed her cheek with his hand, marveling at the softness of her skin. His fingers brushed through her hair, tucking it behind her ear and revealing her stunning face, exuding a shy allure.
When she blushed, her cheeks became more radiant, accentuating her delicate features. There was a hint of flirtation in her eyes, with every expression a tempting invitation that quickened one's heartbeat.
It was said that women like her had a charm that captivated men, leaving them wanting more -- whether that was true, he could not say.
Link leaned down and kissed her cheek, soft as a lotus flower, and then the corner of her rosy lips. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot from his foot; he let out a gasp and had to temporarily release the woman in his arms.
"Link, what did you just say? I'm easy to bully? Are you sure about that?"
Lily stood with her hands on her hips, a smirk dancing on her lips.
"Ow! I was sure before, but now I'm not so sure! Lily, that kick of yours was a good one; it almost wrecked my foot!"
"Ha! When dealing with a wolf like you, I have to be tough so you learn your lesson and think twice about taking advantage of me again."
Lily grinned, her eyes glimmering as if teasing him gave her a thrill.
"I wouldn't dare! You're like a superhero; you can bully others, but no one can bully you!"
Link sat on the sofa, rubbing his foot.
"Good to know," Lily said, crouching down to help him ease the pain.
Knock, knock, knock!
...
"Link, are you busy?"
Daniel DeVito asked from the doorway.
"Come on in!"
Lily opened the door and invited Daniel inside.
"Link, the set for The Blair Witch Project is ready. The extras are all lined up, and we can start filming anytime."
Daniel reported.
"Call Sofia and gather the crew. We can't delay any longer. If it snows, it'll make shooting difficult."
"Sure thing, I'll let them know shortly. Link, what happened to your foot?"
"Oh, it's nothing, just kicked the edge of the table."
Lily couldn't keep from laughing at that.
*****
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