After much consideration, Zela finally managed to get Kevin's contact number at the University of Edinburgh using her connections.
However, she held the piece of paper with Kevin's phone number written on it, but she hesitated to make the call. She was still conflicted, still hesitating. One was about pride, the other about work. What should she do?
The beautiful woman, at this moment, felt sweat starting to trickle down her forehead. She knew deep down that if she hesitated for too long, other publishing houses might beat her to it. (Of course, she was unaware that Kevin's "Jane Eyre" had already been signed by the London Literary Publishing House).
"Hello, may I ask if you are Mr. Kevin?"
In the end, Zela managed to get through to Kevin's phone number. At that moment, Kevin was inside the London Literary Publishing House. When he saw an unfamiliar number calling, without much thought, he answered the call.
"Sure, may I ask who's calling?" Kevin politely inquired.
"Oh, hello, I'm Zela, an editor from Dehay Publishing. We've met before, I believe you remember."
"Oh, it's Editor Zela. Quite unexpected to receive a call from you. Is there something you need?"
Kevin is not a stingy person, although he was very angry when Zela threw his manuscript into the trash. But isn't it necessary to have such people in life to stimulate us so that we can become stronger?
"It's like this, first of all, congratulations on winning the championship of this year's London Literature Competition. Second, I would like to discuss signing a contract with you. Oh, I think I can review your 'Jane Eyre' again. Or if you have other manuscripts on hand, our publishing house can also discuss with you," Zela said, putting aside her pride.
"Oh, and also, our publishing house can offer you a long-term publishing contract. Of course, as a newcomer, the price may not be very high, but Dehay Publishing is a well-known publishing house in the UK. Once you sign a long-term contract with us, we will definitely have the confidence to make you a bestselling author in the UK," Zela continued.
"Is that so? But dear Editor Zela, I must say, I have already signed a publishing contract with the London Literary Publishing House for 'Jane Eyre.' As for the long-term publishing contract you mentioned, I don't think I will sign with any publishing house," Kevin spoke frankly.
"What? London Literary Publishing House really wants to sign a publishing contract with you? They are that fast? It hasn't been long since you won this literary competition, and they have already signed you for publication? Does it mean they signed your 'Jane Eyre' without even reading it?" Zela said in astonishment.
"No, respected Editor Zela, you are mistaken. They signed a publishing contract with me just a few days ago."
"What? They are willing to publish your 'Jane Eyre' before you even win this literary competition?"
"Yes, may I help you? Dear Editor Zela."
"No, surprisingly, the London Literary Publishing House has already signed your 'Jane Eyre.' I think you can consider signing a long-term contract with our publishing house, which means that all your future works will be published by Dehay Publishing House. What do you think? We can discuss the details in person," Zela said.
"I'm very sorry, as I just mentioned, I won't sign a long-term contract with any publishing house. So, thank you." Kevin's attitude remained unchanged.
If it's a newcomer, being able to sign a long-term contract with the famous Dehay publishing house is indeed a very good thing. This includes the previous literary competitions.After winning the championship, he also signed long-term contracts with some famous publishing houses after the competition ended. Because signing long-term contracts means that any future works can be published no matter what. They no longer have to worry about publishing matters.
So, for a newcomer, such a good opportunity is usually not refused. But Kevin is different, he possesses the memory of British literary masterpieces on Earth, all of which are classics. He doesn't worry about publication at all. A good work, in this literary-focused country, is destined not to be buried.
"I think you don't need to rush into making a decision. You can think it over and then get in touch with me. Here is my phone number, feel free to call me anytime."
"I think I don't need to consider, what I'm saying now is my decision for the future. Oh, thank you for your appreciation. Goodbye."
After saying that, Kevin hung up the phone.
Zela felt extremely displeased when she heard Kevin unhesitatingly reject her.
"Hmph! So what if you're a champion? You're still a newcomer after all. Being able to sign with our publishing house is something many authors dream of. Acting recklessly will only ruin yourself."
Zela had already called Kevin. Regardless of whether it was successful or not, at least she had explained herself to him.
For Kevin's refusal to cooperate with their publishing house, it was his loss. Zela only needed to report the situation above.
After winning the championship of this literary competition, Kevin, the London Literary Publishing House, the organizer, will hold a celebration banquet that evening according to the usual practice. Of course, all the contestants who made it to the finals can attend.
Ennie also introduced Kevin to many literary celebrities at the banquet, who all expressed strong support for Kevin's future works.
Especially Mr. Cory, when he announced the list of winners, he promised in front of many media people that no matter who the person is, he will do his best to help with the champion's future works and the person himself.
For a moment, this night seemed to belong to Kevin, to this literature-loving child.
On this night, Kevin was the protagonist of his own life. On this night, in England, Scotland, Great Britain, a literary genius was born, and his name was Kevin.
Ennie has been feeling happy ever since Kevin won first place, as it proves she didn't misjudge him. She was convinced of the potential of this author ever since she read "The Rose of Love" written by Kevin. Today's award is the best proof of that. So, feeling joyful, she naturally got a bit tipsy tonight. This woman in her thirties, after drinking red wine, had her skin looking even rosier, under the light, she appeared so charming and full of feminine charm.
Kevin helped Ennie into her assistant's car, and then they drove off in different directions.
But at this moment, Kevin also felt a bit down because it meant he had to take a taxi back by himself. According to the previous arrangement, the publishing house had vehicles to pick up the contestants for the finals, but because Kevin had to help Ennie get into the car, they missed the pick-up.
Fortunately, taxis in the UK are not very expensive, usually just a few pounds will do. Their taxis are mostly small Austin cars, mostly in black.
After returning to the hotel, Kevin gently touched the champion's trophy once again with his hands.
"I want to become a literary giant." That voice shouted loudly in his heart once again.
"Brother, don't worry, you are a literary giant," Kevin said confidently.
