Ulfilas Löwe is an exceptionally talented writer, yet he's constantly strapped for cash – the bailiff is his most frequent visitor. Löwe refuses an advance from his publisher because he simply isn't capable of being truly assertive. So, in the publisher's office, Löwe seeks advice from Mr. Knöllchen on how to be truly assertive and get his way. And lo and behold: Löwe receives an unusually large advance! He's become a real master of assertiveness. Perhaps a little too much so: when Knöllchen gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder as he leaves the office, Löwe firmly forbids such familiarity...