From editing and finalising drafts to typesetting and printing, newspaper publishing follows a set process.
Morning, daily, and evening papers have slightly different timelines. Some critics’ articles could be recalled, but others couldn’t. Unfortunately, the veteran writer who had criticised Wen Ying before *Teen Idol*’s release fell into the latter group. When Old Fu’s article hit the stands, this writer’s latest piece had already been printed, just half a day behind Old Fu’s.
In this new piece, the veteran writer thoroughly dissected the chaos of current essay competitions.
Admittedly, aside from some overly subjective descriptions, the article raised issues worth industry reflection. But his unfair remarks stood out more, overshadowing any balanced points.
So, when his new piece was published, it sparked a huge “reaction.”
With Old Fu’s article as a foil, the veteran writer seemed stubborn and narrow-minded. His age and credentials grew, but not his openness or tolerance for young writers. His perspective appeared limited, especially since Old Fu had indirectly refuted his points one by one. The veteran wasn’t pitiable; Old Fu, without naming him, left him some dignity. But the veteran had named and shamed Wen Ying!
He was particularly unlucky. During the anti-Fish wave, he was the most prominent critic. After Old Fu’s article, he couldn’t retract his new piece, and its publication turned him into a clown.
“Every trait matches.”
“So Old Fu was actually talking about…”
“Shh!”
“Shh what? Old Fu didn’t name names to save face, but some people insist on claiming the spotlight. Can’t blame Old Fu!”
Wen Ying’s readers were the most animated in discussions.
They’d been tirelessly defending her online.
It wasn’t for lack of effort, but the anti-Fish wave was fierce, with heavyweight critics joining in. Her readers, young and less erudite, couldn’t outargue them.
The critics’ barrage was relentless, and Wen Ying’s supporters lacked ammunition. At this moment, Old Fu stepped in.
His article was a timely rain for Wen Ying’s camp, each word a bullet, each sentence a weapon, a silent spring shower nourishing parched land!
Readers were nearly in tears from excitement. Old Fu’s endorsement of Wen Ying, *Teen Idol*, and the competition was validation for them. Their steadfast support for their beloved author from the start was worth it!
Old Fu’s article won over many young fans who hadn’t known him before. After reading, they searched his background online, growing more admiring. They desperately wanted to cheer for him!
It wasn’t just Wen Ying’s readers; neutral netizens were also won over.
People usually banter online without much thought for older writers, who rarely use the internet.
This time, with the critics as contrast, Old Fu earned widespread goodwill. As some netizens put it, the difference was stark.
As for who was “high” and who was “low,” no names needed mentioning. The effect was as clear as flashing someone’s ID number!
Old Fu’s article was quickly reposted online, on Rongshu, Tianya Forum, and even major portals.
Anti-Fish posts on Rongshu were quietly deleted.
Some diehards kept their posts, sticking to their views, but were soon overwhelmed by readers flooding in, cursing them into silence.
“Who’s greater, you or Old Fu? He embraces young writers, but you exclude peers!”
“Yeah, show your real identity if you’re so bold. Don’t be a sneaky coward, worse than those critics!”
“This is just jealousy, right?”
“Definitely jealousy. Old Fu said to compare sales with Fish. If you’re not a coward, take the challenge!”
A challenge was impossible. Criticising was fun, but being criticised? Not so much!
These folks wouldn’t reveal their identities. While bashing Wen Ying online, they didn’t hesitate to join the essay competition.
Rongshu teemed with literary youths, but none could match Old Fu. Standing up to him? They wanted to keep their place in the literary world. Who’d dare be the sacrificial lamb?
Look at that veteran writer, now vilified as public opinion turned.
Can’t afford to mess with that!
As the saying goes, there’s no “best” in literature. For true acceptance, Wen Ying needed to climb higher.
Of course, she wasn’t a coin, pleasing everyone. Even at Old Fu’s level, some would still nitpick.
Tianya Forum’s sentiment shifted more thoroughly than Rongshu’s.
Old Fu’s points made sense.
If you don’t like the competition, don’t join. Chasing it to complain was pointless.
“This is normal. A few days ago, it wasn’t discussion but one-sided criticism. Upstream Fish got unfairly targeted, right?”
“Who targeted her…”
“Maybe the competition, but she was the easy target.”
“Or some folks, failing in their own work, got jealous of a young, famous, and profitable writer like Upstream Fish!”
That’s true.
Which popular youth literature writer hasn’t been bashed?
As Old Fu said, some refuse to accept the changing times. His article shamed them, not just for its truth but because their status couldn’t match his, and they didn’t dare retort!
For Wen Ying, this was enough.
Their thoughts didn’t matter if they kept quiet. Critics fumed in silence, and Wen Ying was delighted.
Old Fu wasn’t alone.
He had many friends and students in the literary world. His voice would be echoed. In the coming days, many would publish pieces supporting him. Wen Ying foresaw a lively few days of public discourse.
The critics Wu Chunqin found were slow, publishing after Old Fu. They missed the initial spotlight, which Old Fu claimed, a bit disappointing but safer.
Aligning with Old Fu guaranteed no loss!
Since the veteran writer was the “anti-Fish pioneer,” the two critics Wu Chunqin recruited naturally targeted him. No prior arrangement, just professional instinct to take down the opposition’s leader. So, the veteran got another round of criticism.
He didn’t write again. After learning the online sentiment, the veteran checked into a hospital the next day.
When told, Old Fu was surprised. “So petty? Youngsters can handle this pressure, but he can’t? Alright, send him a fruit basket on my behalf, wishing him a speedy recovery.”
