It wasn’t surprising that Mrs. Wang hadn’t heard of Elder Fu.
Elder Fu wasn’t a bestselling author thriving in the media spotlight but a scholar who’d taken the academic path.
Teaching since the 1950s, he’d remained active on the front lines of education for half a century. His numerous monographs were considered foundational works in their fields, and his students were scattered across the literary and academic worlds of the country, making him an undisputed titan.
However, Elder Fu’s academic world was walled off from ordinary life. Industry insiders revered him, but a housewife like Mrs. Wang had never heard his name… Unfazed, Mrs. Wang asked, and Zou Weijun, without mocking her ignorance, briefly introduced Elder Fu’s achievements. Mrs. Wang exclaimed in awe, “That’s incredible!”
“Sister Zou, how did you manage to get Elder Fu?”
Even someone as unversed as Mrs. Wang was astonished that Zou Weijun could persuade Elder Fu, given his stature.
It wasn’t that Mrs. Wang was belittling the writing competition, but Elder Fu’s credentials and status were so lofty that judging it felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Yet, the more so, the more it showcased Zou Weijun’s prowess!
“Honestly, I didn’t expect Elder Fu to agree,” Zou Weijun admitted.
She’d contacted the Fu family through connections but was rebuffed before even speaking to Elder Fu.
The reason wasn’t that he looked down on the modest writing competition but that, at his advanced age, he rarely left his city and might lack the energy to judge.
Zou Weijun hadn’t expected Elder Fu to review every preliminary manuscript—that workload was too much. The heavy lifting would fall to younger judges like Wen Ying and Zhang Guangzhen. Elder Fu’s role was to anchor the competition, serving as its guiding force and setting its direction.
Hoping to have Elder Fu as a judge without troubling him to travel to Rongcheng, Zou Weijun offered to send manuscripts to his city.
This considerate proposal showed sincerity, and after discussion, the Fu family left the decision to Elder Fu.
When Zou Weijun finally spoke to him directly, Elder Fu asked detailed questions about the competition, even mentioning *Hush, Little Secret* with praise before agreeing to judge.
The twists and turns, Zou Weijun recounted lightly now, but anyone else, no matter how eloquently they pleaded, would’ve been turned away by the Fu family. Neither Yuan Fenghui nor Mrs. Wang could’ve pulled it off. Yuan Fenghui might throw money to get pop diva Hu Man for *Star River and You*, but such tactics before Elder Fu would be an insult.
“Wen Ying and Teacher Zhang will do the initial screening, selecting quality manuscripts. We’ll send those to Elder Fu for review, and then we’ll finalise the shortlist for the semifinals.”
This was the process Zou Weijun had discussed with Elder Fu.
Mrs. Wang was curious how Zou Weijun secured such a figure, but Wen Ying understood. Zou Weijun’s family was rooted in academia, though marrying Xie Jinghu made her a “merchant’s wife,” limiting her family connections’ use. Now, in publishing, tied closely to “culture,” she was truly in her element.
Zou Weijun’s arrangements gave Wen Ying both pressure and reassurance.
Elder Fu didn’t need to read every submission. Having such a giant backing them gave the competition’s organisers confidence—this writing competition was undeniably authoritative!
Not convinced?
Elder Fu was the authority!
“Auntie Zou, when do you plan to announce this?” Wen Ying asked.
The competition had been bashed online for days, called “vulgar.” Once Elder Fu’s judging role was revealed, those online critics would be left red-faced.
A face-slapping moment was exactly what Wen Ying anticipated!
But for the slap to land perfectly, timing and technique were key.
Announcing too early would dull the thrill, wasting Elder Fu’s rare appearance.
Beyond online chatter, real-world media were about to cover the competition. If they knew Elder Fu was involved, fewer would dare criticise, leaving only praise, which could actually reduce the competition’s buzz!
“You little…” Zou Weijun doted on Wen Ying.
Those who disliked Wen Ying might call her suggestion “calculating,” accusing her of exploiting even Elder Fu’s appearance timing, questioning her respect for the senior. But to Zou Weijun, who adored her, Wen Ying was just a clever, sly little fox!
Mrs. Wang, while grumbling about Yuan Fenghui working her like a pack mule, couldn’t help analysing from a PR manager’s perspective.
With Elder Fu secured, they had to maximise the benefits!
“I agree with Wen Ying. We should keep Elder Fu’s judging role under wraps for now. No, it’s not hiding—it’s just that the biggest star should make a grand entrance last!”
Zou Weijun and Xiao Ni looked at Mrs. Wang, saying nothing.
Now it was Wen Ying’s turn to admire Mrs. Wang.
How did some people make shameless remarks sound so endearing?
No wonder she was from the Wang family, selling phones on Taisheng South Road!
Without a cunning mind, how could she keep Wang Jun in check?
Just then, Wen Ying’s phone buzzed. She checked it—a congratulatory text from Song Shao, calling her “Writer Wen.”
It wasn’t sarcasm, just playful teasing.
Wen Ying couldn’t help but smile, “Auntie Zou, you all carry on. I need to return a call.”
She stepped aside to make the call, snippets of light-hearted conversation drifting over, nothing special but brimming with a cheerful vibe even bystanders could feel.
Mrs. Wang sidled up to Zou Weijun, whispering, “Sounds like a boy. Sister Zou, don’t be too carefree… you know.”
Know what?
Zou Weijun laughed, amused by Mrs. Wang.
Did a mother have to help her son chase a girlfriend?
If he couldn’t even woo a girl, he’d stay single forever!
Zou Weijun shook her head gently, “They’re still young. At such a wonderful age, there’s so much they can do.”
Youthful feelings, so tender and touching, didn’t need to be exposed.
Zou Weijun believed in “letting things flow.” She adored Wen Ying but didn’t see her as anyone’s possession. Wen Ying could choose her path freely, not be claimed early!
Yes, exactly—not because Mrs. Wang’s influence made her want to tease her studious son to see when he’d catch on.
Mrs. Wang, unaware of Zou Weijun’s thoughts, felt a pang of shame.
Sister Zou was so positive.
That’s how a mother should be.
Should she be kinder to Wang Shuang?
But thinking of how far Wang Shuang lagged behind Xie Qian, she decided he’d earn her affection when he was half as good as Xie Qian!
