"I'm just a regular worker, no one's better than anyone else, and ever since I came here, the newspaper has treated me well. Others are others, I am me," Li Xin said, spreading his hands.

"Worker?" Christie hesitated for a moment, then smiled and sat down at her desk, crossing her legs. It might have been just an offhand gesture, without any other meaning, but her natural charm was undeniable.

Being warned, Li Xin also felt embarrassed to look, but there was still a touch of regret in his heart, missing out on a billion.

"The fifth branch had it rough early on, exploded in the middle phase, and in recent years, personnel have become excessive, and expenses haven't gone down. Then there's high taxes, and now Hedan has more newspapers, so competition is fierce. Losses are inevitable, and it'll only get harder in the future. We might all lose our jobs one day," Christie said, sipping from her delicate coffee cup, her beautiful eyes showing comfort and ease.

"Aren't you an Earth Mother Goddess person? Seems like you don't need to worry about this, right?" Li Xin said.

Christie shook her head, "That's not how it works. Belief is belief, work is work. I'm part of the newspaper staff, and honestly, it's hard to find such a high-paying job in Hedan."

"Hex Bird Report is the most well-known. Seems like everyone's putting in their best effort, why is the sales getting worse?"

"The newspaper was foreign after all. At first, there was no competition, life was good, now there is competition, and content restrictions have increased. Hedan Daily can report anything they want, people started making choices, and recently a 'Viscera Plunderer' case appeared in Hedan. We can't report on it, but Hedan Daily did, which is why their circulation soared, while ours dropped dramatically," Christie explained. She also briefly mentioned the Viscera Plunderer situation, "The Funeral Attendant has been investigating, but we haven't seen any results, and we've been asked to assist in the investigation."

"Can we look into the motives?"

"That's the right thought, but it hasn't been effective. At first, we thought they were targeting the heart; several consecutive cases had missing hearts, but then it switched to other organs, incredibly skilled, seemed like they were taken alive. All victims were Awakened, indicating the organization's strength is incredibly strong, likely preparing for some kind of ritual by a cult," Christie said. "The Church worries the most about these things, while people love to read it. Hedan Daily reports it, and our newspaper can't sell. We're losing big time."

Li Xin nodded, it really is a troublesome matter, and once people think the newspaper isn't as good as Hedan Daily, it's hard to change that perception. Circulation continues to drop, he thought he had a job for life, but it's looking like it could be over soon, and his 600 lira might be cut.

"Since we can't compete with Hedan Daily in this area, maybe we can switch lanes, focus on other things people are interested in."

"Sounds easy, gossip about nobility, celebrities' daily lives—we have it, they have it. We have editors who dare to write big stories, they have what we don't," Christie said with a wry smile.

"Who's the boss behind Hedan Daily, that good?"

"Prince Oliver, who's Your Majesty's older brother," Christie replied.

This really isn't something we can compete with. The fact they haven't outright crushed our newspaper is already showing us some mercy, no wonder the chief's been irritable lately.

"If it's about making money, I actually have an idea," Li Xin said. "We can leave advertising spaces in prominent places in the newspaper, a place to praise merchants or celebrities, let them pay for fame. With the influence the newspaper has now, it can earn quite a lot."

Originally a bit indifferent, Christie paused for a moment. The newspaper mainly made money from selling papers, "What do you call this?"

"Ad space, or celebrity spots, they pay, we help promote, everyone earns money together."

Christie's eyes lit up, "Interesting, definitely worth a try, but if we can do it, so can others."

"There's no other way, competition is inevitable. You have to be genuinely strong to survive," Li Xin nodded. "I have an immature idea, want to try it out. Back in Celestial Capital, I was a literature enthusiast, loved writing novels. Wonder if we could serialize them in the newspaper?"

"Novels? Stories? You?" Christie laughed, she knew Li Xin had spent some time at Celestial Capital Canon Law School, was also a newcomer to Night Patrol, might even have exceptional talent and strength, but writing novels?

"Sis, not that I don't want to help you, the newspaper's standards are very strict, and space is limited, short texts can't form a story, long texts haven't got room, short yet captivating can be effective, can you do it?" Christie said, feeling it was getting less serious.

Li Xin shook his head, "Sister, short can't be powerful, if writing, write long, lasting, that way feels always good. I'll write a bit, you take a look, let the editors check it out, if it doesn't work, then forget it. If it's good, then let's talk."

"Oh, when?"

"Now's good, the story's in my head, I can write here," Li Xin said, mainly because the environment was comfortable, there were papers, pens, coffee, and a lovely lady to keep him alert, and frankly, he had thought the story out. In his past life, he read plenty, yet there's only one suitable for Dao Yuan because the overall world perspective is similar, and human nature aspects are interconnected.

"You're really doing this?" Christie incredulously looked at Li Xin, … this kid's quite special.

Li Xin nodded, "Could you please find me a desk, pen, paper, is there a typewriter?"

"Yes, there is, you can just write here with me." Christie pointed to a table beside her, "I'll tidy it up and get a desk here, I'll report this to the chief, if approved, it'll count as a great achievement."

"What do you mean my idea, this is our idea," Li Xin corrected.

Christie chuckled, "You little trickster, no need for Sis to take advantage of you."

Li Xin looked at the sexy Christie, thinking to himself, you can take advantage if you wish.

Christie put action to words and immediately had the tables arranged, even brought over a typewriter. Li Xin hadn't used one before; the editor he knew, Wusu, enthusiastically taught him how to operate the typewriter. Li Xin tried it out, wasn't very comfortable, needed time to get used to, but that was a minor issue. First, draft an outline, synchronizing the world setting and character setting.

Count of Monte Cristo... Count crossed out, Duke of Monte Cristo, feels like Duke's a bit more powerful, definitely can't use Moncalleta, sorry, Mr. Dumas, Edmond Dantes' legendary journey will bloom on Dao Yuan Continent.

Dao Yuan Continent, French Empire, as for any possible leakage, no matter how much change, those who know will know, back in the day Luthor didn't do much either. Justice and vengeance—each civilization loves these simple yet satisfying tales. Naturally, Seafaring nations like Moncalleta will accept it, no issues, just adjusting the power system to fit Dao Yuan, that's quite easy; he's also professional.

Once Li Xin focused, he was extremely dedicated. He couldn't be more familiar with the story, but there were a lot of adjustments to make. Before he knew it, a few hours had passed. Li Xin had written an opening; the name of the Count of Monte Cristo transformed into Duke of Utopia Mountain, just to be cautious, a subtle change, for peace of mind.

Storywise, well, Luthor's experience is somewhat like Napoleon's, kickstarted a great revolution, has commonalities with Napoleon's Hundred Days era at its peak, which is sufficient. The novel's most delightful aspect is allowing readers to find traces.

What Li Xin didn't know was outside there was quite a debate among editors about what Li Xin was up to, but nobody really dared to taunt Christie. Anyway, Christie was the chief's person, and her status was special. Behind their backs, they might gossip, and though their eyes may desecrate, face-to-face everyone's calling her 'Miss Christie' respectfully.

Christie had already reported to the chief. The chief was lazy to bother over such trivial matters, but the idea of advertising seemed promising; yet finding advertisers is also a matter. The chief would have to meet this task personally.

Ma Zhe, the chief, wasn't exactly afraid; he rapidly identified several potential clients, just mildly annoyed that once there's an effect, Hedan Daily will inevitably follow, their resources being fuller, watching competitors earn opposed to losing money oneself is more aggravating.

Li Xin wrote attentively, using Dao Yuan common language, there was an outline on paper, not to mention the script was quite beautiful, Christie had been watching for a while, this kid was serious.

Christie found herself idle, so she picked up the script and started reading, gradually becoming engrossed...

Unintentionally, the afternoon passed by, Li Xin stretched lazily, feeling slightly refreshed, once familiar, typing speed would quicken, his thoughts flowed like a spring.

"Finished writing?" Christie asked with a smile.

Li Xin nodded, "Completed the opening, there's still some editing left."

Christie scrutinized Li Xin, "I read it, it's interesting, might really work. You keep writing, I'll discuss it with the chief, aim for the weekend edition with a large section. Remember to add a climax, make it thrilling!"

"Thank you, Sister."

"Sweet-talker, but you can't write here anymore. I'll lend you the typewriter, take it home."

Li Xin did not mind nor inquire about fees, as they were all in this together, surely wouldn't be shortchanged. Even for the sake of job security, he couldn't let the newspaper down. Plus, he fully believed in the sale, this was a miracle witnessed by history.

Pen name shall be Utopia Mountain.

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