With only punishment and no reward, this was a losing deal Editor Wan would have never agreed to before. Yet, under the boss’s gaze, he nodded reluctantly.
Leaving the office, Wan was still dazed.
What drove him to accept such an unfair demand?
The boss’s authority?
A genuine desire to mend ties with Xiao Zou?
Or his friendship with Old Song?
But Xiao Zou might not appreciate it!
And his bond with Song was not that deep!
So, was he just being an idiot?
Youth Idol was not even his project. Two million copies sold would not count toward his record.
Wan slapped his own face, You idiot!
He swore on his dwindling hair this was his last time playing unsung hero!
Buzzing with inexplicable excitement, Wan rolled up his sleeves to stir things up.
Song Foxiang offered his network for Wan to use freely.
Song decided to read Youth Idol first, then craft some provocative reviews to spark controversy. Unable to get the manuscript from Zou Weijun, he collected Aige’s January to July 2005 issues.
Song Chan, seeing her dad with youth literature magazines, was puzzled, Is your magazine pivoting?
Rongcheng Publishing Group had multiple magazines but none for youth literature. The group had considered it, but the market was too competitive.
Song Chan could have been a star author.
Was her book slightly lacking, or was luck not on her side? She never took off.
Interrupted, Song looked up, confused, Pivot to what?
Song Chan pointed at the Aige issues.
Oh, those, Song said, explaining briefly, Xiao Zou’s eye is sharp. Youth Idol stands out from current youth literature, with its own unique charm.
Or is it that you are still Zou’s fan, so everything she does is right? Song Chan thought, exasperated.
But she knew Youth Idol.
Song Chan usually skipped youth literature magazines, finding their stories shallow.
A fan recommended Youth Idol to her.
It was a standout work, almost out of place in Aige.
Good work shines anywhere, and Youth Idol’s reputation grew, leading to a standalone book.
Fresh from exams, Song Chan had not read Aige’s July issue and was unaware of the termination statement.
So Aunt Zou signed Youth Idol, she said, impressed by Zou’s taste.
She felt a pang of regret.
Had she known the publishing department had someone like Zou, she would not have asked Uncle Wan to handle her novel’s reprint. With Zou’s planning, would sales have been better?
At least it would not have clashed with Whispering Secrets.
Dad, what is your plan with Uncle Wan? she asked.
Song hesitated, I was going to trash the book to draw attention, but now—
It is actually good, and he could not bring himself to do it.
He did not dwell long.
Some would criticize, others would praise—how else to start a fight?
He would let Old Wan handle the trashing. They were close enough to divvy up roles. Wan could bash, he would hype, and they would sync perfectly.
Song Chan said, Uncle Wan might not agree.
Song waved it off, Do not sweat the details. The outcome is what matters.
It sounded right at first, but on second thought, something felt off.
Wen Ying was oblivious to the outside storm, unaware of the unpaid supporters ready to charge for her, ready to crash into walls.
While awaiting her grades, she locked herself at home, writing. In three days, she churned out 60,000–70,000 words, inspiration gushing like oil from a struck well.
Her dedication misled Chen Ru.
Chen Ru, unable to hold back, asked, Did she bomb the exam and cannot face us?
Wen Dongrong disagreed.
On exam day, Wen Ying said top 300 was doable.
How about you go with her to pick up the summer report? he suggested.
No way! Chen Ru denied caring about Wen Ying’s grades.
Fine, I will go, Wen Dongrong volunteered, but Wen Ying refused.
She was not a kid needing parents to fetch her report.
If you think I would fake my grades, check with Teacher Lin. She would not cover for me!
With that, even Wen Dongrong could not tag along.
Before heading out, Wen Ying texted Xie Qian, admitting she was nervous about her grades.
Come to school first, Xie Qian replied.
Knowing she was focused on writing, he had not mentioned Aige’s termination. But she would find out soon—he could not buy every July Aige to hide it. Why boost their sales when they had stopped paying her?
She needed to know.
She would have to face it eventually.
At school, Wen Ying found Li Mengjiao waiting outside the classroom with a magazine.
Did not you go to Hunan? I thought your mom would pick up your report, Wen Ying said.
I was worried about you! Li Mengjiao said, fists clenched. You have not seen Aige’s July issue. Xie Qian told me not to tell you.
She looked aggrieved.
She wanted to defy Xie Qian but feared his homework threats.
Only Wen Ying understood a slacker’s pain.
Wen Ying took the magazine and skimmed the termination statement.
First thought: Han Qin is up to something!
Second: Bring it on! They are asking for it, not me bullying them with my two-lifetime edge.
So, they reserved the right to pursue legal action?
Should she play scared for effect? Nope—she could not help laughing, startling Li Mengjiao.
Has she lost it from anger?
Xie Qian stepped out, seeing Wen Ying’s unmasked smile.
You already know my mom has hired a lawyer to sue them? he asked.
Wen Ying’s smile froze. What?
My mom is suing Aige for defamation.
Is this love?
Aunt Zou, why did not you wait for me?!
