A dual-track contest for short stories and novels benefits everyone, but it might affect Wen Ying’s interests.
Without this contest, Wen Ying is the star author of *Spark* magazine and Rongcheng Literature Press, her ace status unshakable.
The bigger the contest’s splash, the more likely it attracts talented authors. These authors, whether publishing short stories in the magazine or novels with the press, could challenge Wen Ying’s position. When the magazine and press shift their promotional resources away from her, what’s the point of her suggesting Rongcheng Publishing Group launch a new magazine?
Xie Qian lacked foresight.
He could plan three steps ahead but couldn’t predict a wildcard like Mrs. Wang, desperate to spend money.
Mrs. Wang boosted Wen Ying’s mum’s and his mum’s careers, yet put Wen Ying in a passive spot.
And the contest was Wen Ying’s idea for Mrs. Wang!
Xie Qian held back his doubts.
He could guess Wen Ying’s answer.
She wasn’t foolish, she knew the contest might shift her status at *Spark* and the press, yet she pressed on.
If she were scared, she wouldn’t have proposed the contest!
Like when she refused Wang Jun’s gifted shares, saying she’d buy them herself, that was Wen Ying’s confidence and pride. The contest was both a threat and an opportunity.
A small pond can nurture one big fish, but no matter how well-fed, it’s still a fish.
Wen Ying wouldn’t settle for being a big fish.
In a vast river or sea, with fiercer competition, Wen Ying’s writing would be like rowing against the current, progress or regress. She was a fish swimming upstream, from pond to river, aiming to leap the dragon gate and transform into a dragon!
When Xie Qian first met Wen Ying last year, his expectations were modest. But the longer they knew each other, the more he marvelled at her boundless energy.
Heroes don’t come from pedigree, Wen Ying’s qualities destined her for extraordinary achievements!
Xie Qian’s gaze held a unique emotion, making Wen Ying uneasy. Her cheeks flushed, her head clouded with an indescribable heat, her words stumbling, “W-what’s with me? You’re not one to leave things half-said!”
Seeing her blush, Xie Qian felt awkward too.
Talking business, why blush?
He shifted tone, voice slightly louder, “I’m saying, don’t just focus on the contest. The papers you didn’t do this morning, finish them this afternoon.”
Wen Ying, “…!”
What was she getting flustered for?
Why overthink Xie Qian’s emotions?
In a top student’s heart, what else could matter besides studies?
Never anything else!
Xie Qian turned and left, steps steady, his distinguished figure showing no hint of anything amiss.
Li Mengjiao, secretly watching, only caught his last words, marvelling softly to Wang Shuang, “How can someone express liking their girlfriend by supervising her studies?”
If Xie Qian weren’t so handsome and brilliant, such straight-laced behaviour would never land a girlfriend!
Wang Shuang thought seriously, whispering back, “Liking someone means wanting the best for them. To Xie Qian, making Wen Ying study is what’s best.”
Li Mengjiao had an epiphany, “Like when you saved pocket money to buy gifts for your girlfriend?”
“…!”
Wang Shuang felt this conversation was doomed.
Save what?
Gift what?
He didn’t win girlfriends with money, many chased him. With good-looking girls wanting to date him, how could he refuse?
In the living room, Mrs. Wang observed the teens, sipped her coffee, and her expression shifted.
“What’s wrong?”
Zou Weijun followed her gaze, smiling, “They’re great kids. You’ve read *Shh, Little Secret*, teenage crushes are normal.”
Mrs. Wang’s eyes glistened, shaking her head, “Sister Zou, you’ve got it wrong. I meant this coffee’s too bitter, I can’t get used to it. Next time, make me milk tea!”
Zou Weijun, “…”
Mrs. Wang wasn’t just a character, she was blunt. After a brief pause, Zou Weijun’s smile widened.
She had Sister Liu brew Mrs. Wang a milk tea, earning lavish praise. Mrs. Wang’s eyes squinted with joy, a woman who didn’t flaunt happiness but radiated it.
For likability, Zou Weijun ranked Mrs. Wang equal to Wen Ying.
Both were infectious, always considerate, making their friendship a rare fortune!
On impulse, Zou Weijun invited Mrs. Wang, “If you’re free tonight, stay to watch *The Princess’s New Clothes* finale. Sister Liu’s hooked on it, and I watch when I can.”
The 32-episode drama, barring work conflicts, Zou Weijun followed, only missing two or three episodes compared to Sister Liu.
Mrs. Wang, the type to climb without a ladder, leapt at the invitation, fearing Zou Weijun might retract.
Because Mrs. Wang stayed to watch TV, Xie Qian had to tutor Wang Shuang two extra hours. Wang Shuang shot his mum resentful looks, but she didn’t spare him a glance.
Wen Ying and Li Mengjiao escaped, heading home to watch the finale with their parents!
As they left, Li Mengjiao was puzzled, wondering when Mrs. Wang and Zou Weijun got so close.
Wen Ying thought, don’t ask me, even I, witnessing their friendship speed-run, haven’t processed it.
…
*The Princess’s New Clothes* reached its finale.
Fans who’d followed for over a month felt empty after.
Ratings weren’t out yet, but viewers called Hunan TV, bluntly hoping Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen would collaborate again.
“Is there a second season?”
“They didn’t even get together!”
“Will they act together again?”
Tianjiao had no plans for a second season, at least not yet.
As for whether Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen would collaborate or “get together” in a show, station staff felt that until Li Mengjiao was of age, fans shouldn’t expect her in romantic roles.
But such blunt truth couldn’t be said, keep viewers hopeful, urging them to check Hunan TV’s schedule for any new Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen dramas, which the station would air first.
Director Fan, learning of fans’ desire for another Li Mengjiao-Yun Chen project, grew eager for Tianjiao’s next drama.
“The station must secure Tianjiao’s new show, we can’t let rivals snatch it!”
Tianjiao’s new drama hadn’t started filming, but Director Fan was already determined to win it.
