How Dare You Oppose Me?!

"So, the publisher gave you thirty thousand dollars?"

At dinner, Martha looked at the thirty thousand dollars on the table, still finding it hard to believe.

"Yes. Generally speaking, before publication, an author can request an advance of ten, twenty, or thirty thousand dollars. This money can be paid before publication. After publication, the publisher credits the author with royalties from sales revenue and related rights."

Eric explained it to his mother.

"If the publisher doesn't make more than thirty thousand dollars, would you have to return part of the money?"

Jonathan offered his opinion more rationally.

"There's no such rule at the moment."

Eric set down his utensils and said to his father, "Generally, the advance is determined after the publisher has considered everything. Even if they lose money, that only means they made a bad judgment. So we can use this money without worry."

"I never imagined my son would become a writer!"

Martha happily stroked Eric's hair. "A writer who came from a small-town farm... maybe one day, everyone will be proud of you."

"And Clark."

Seeing Clark's somewhat dim expression, Martha reached out and held both his hands. "Mom is proud of you too, Clark."

Though Clark was a little downcast, he quickly pulled himself together.

Seeing Eric's work get published made him happy for his brother as well.

"Maybe you should consult a lawyer. After all, there are many parts of the publishing contract drafted by the publisher that we don't understand."

Although Jonathan was happy too, he still calmly considered things for Eric.

"Ms. Nell knows a lot about legal terms. She looked over the publishing contract and didn't think there were any problems."

Eric explained to his parents.

"Nell has helped you a great deal. We really should thank her properly."

Jonathan took two bottles of hard soda from the cabinet. "I think we should celebrate today. You two high schoolers can have a drink in moderation."

"No, Jonathan. They can't drink alcohol. The alcohol content in hard soda is over five percent. I don't think it's suitable for teenagers."

Martha immediately rejected Jonathan's suggestion.

"All right, then the two adults will have a drink."

Jonathan shrugged and winked at Eric and Clark. "You two still have to follow the rule against teenagers touching alcohol, or drinks suspected of containing alcohol, for a while longer."

"I don't think the alcohol content in hard soda is over five percent. At least, I've never tasted any alcohol in it."

At Smallville High School, Pete shared his thoughts on hard soda with Clark. "Maybe it isn't fermented directly like other alcoholic drinks. Who knows? Anyway, I like hard soda."

"Hey!"

Chloe, carrying a stack of books, asked the two of them helplessly, "Weren't we just talking about Eric publishing a book?"

"Yeah, it does sound unbelievable, but once you remember it's Eric Kent, everything seems to make sense."

Pete said to Chloe, "After all, we saw with our own eyes that he can shoot lasers from his eyes and beat Clark black and blue."

"Sorry, Clark. I didn't mean to."

After apologizing to the slightly awkward Clark, Pete continued, "If you can accept that he shoots lasers from his eyes, then becoming a writer isn't all that surprising. Being around Clark has toughened my nerves."

"Pete, I'm guessing the biggest reason is that you aren't interested in writing. After all, you prefer football."

Chloe replied.

"Maybe. No matter what, I can't compare to you when it comes to an interest in writing, Chloe. After all, you're the editor-in-chief of the Torch."

Pete continued arguing with Chloe about writing.

"To be honest, I'm interested in Eric's manuscripts. Maybe... maybe we could publish them in the Torch?!"

Rather than following Pete's topic, Chloe set her sights on Eric's manuscripts.

"A lot of Eric's manuscripts are with Lana. Maybe you'll have better luck going to Lana than going to Eric."

Clark advised his best friend.

"Hmm."

Chloe narrowed her eyes, revealing a smile that wasn't quite a smile. "Clark, aren't you nervous? After all, the girl you like has become Eric's exclusive literary agent."

"I don't know."

Clark shook his head somewhat blankly. "If I overthink things, or try to stop something that should happen because I'm scared or worried, I can't do that."

"Poor Clark. Sometimes, in love, you have to be a little selfish."

Chloe wore a sympathetic expression, but then a faint smile curled across her lips. "Then again, who knows? Compared to believing someone with Eric's personality could find a girlfriend, I'd rather believe in you, Clark."

Clark: "..."

Even though that was supposed to be a compliment, why did it feel so wrong?!

After parting ways with Clark and Pete, Chloe returned to the Torch editor-in-chief's office.

She set down her backpack and was just about to make herself a strong cup of coffee when the office door was suddenly shoved open.

With a bang, Coach Watt of the football team stormed in.

Coach Watt, bristling with rage, held a newspaper in his hand and slapped it down in front of Chloe.

"Do you know what you did today? You openly slandered me in the newspaper. You despicable little thing, what are you trying to do?"

Coach Watt gritted his teeth and glared viciously at Chloe, looking ready to strike at the slightest disagreement.

"I only reported the facts."

Chloe remained calm. "Hasn't there always been talk about you physically punishing students on the football team? And I also know that recently, students were hurt by you badly enough that they were too afraid to report to the team."

"So you reported nonsense without any evidence?! I've been with this team for twenty-five years and won countless honors for this school, yet you, a student who only knows how to wield a pen, think you can bring me down by venting in the newspaper and writing a few insinuating words? Dream on. You'll never succeed!"

"I only report the truth."

Chloe's temper flared too. "If I were only writing insinuating words, I'd put Principal Guan's death in there. I know Principal Guan had been investigating you for encouraging players to cheat, and he even wanted the board to fire you!"

"You—"

Coach Watt's eyes nearly spat fire. "This is my final warning. Nothing can stand between me and my legacy! If you don't want to invite even bigger trouble, shut your mouth!"

His final words were practically a roar.

As his roar echoed through the room, the newspaper on the floor burst into flames with a whoosh.

The leaping flames made Chloe's face change drastically, and she staggered back in panic.

Thanks to God's Red Dress for the tip. Much appreciated.

I saw everyone's votes too. Thank you.