Only Xie Jinghu himself knows if his brain was ever caught in a door.
Zou Weijun’s brain might have been caught in a door once, but now it’s absolutely fine.
The novel *The Galaxy and You* hit the market and received positive feedback from sales channels nationwide. It was snapped up as soon as it was released, with frequent good news and high praise, though it’s hard to say exactly how high. The sales, however, are certainly impressive.
Though Wen Ying only earns a 6% royalty, if the book sells a million copies, the royalty payout would be no small sum.
What thrilled Zou Weijun even more was signing Wen Ying’s new book, *Seeking Yong*. Zou Weijun had high hopes for it. After *Teen Idol* and *The Galaxy and You*, Wen Ying’s growth as a writer was particularly evident in *Seeking Yong*.
Zou Weijun had privately remarked to Xiao Ni more than once, “Wen Ying is genuinely talented, but she needs someone to guide and push her to keep challenging herself and refining her craft.”
A smart person like Wen Ying has many options. If she chose another path, she could easily succeed elsewhere. Without someone to spur her on, she might one day abandon writing altogether.
Zou Weijun didn’t care if other fields needed Wen Ying. As a publisher, she wanted to see a literary star rise and shine brightly for years to come.
After the writing contest ended, Zou Weijun seized the momentum and published a collection of outstanding entries. Several long-form winning works were also set to be published. This year was a bountiful one for Rongcheng Literature Press.
These achievements were all Zou Weijun’s doing since transferring to the literary press.
Starting with the bestseller *Teen Idol* by Wen Ying, followed by *Spark* magazine and the writing contest, this series of moves propelled Rongcheng Literature Press into the spotlight, carving out a share of the “youth literature” market.
Having succeeded with youth literature bestsellers, the press could branch out into other genres. With newfound fame, it could attract more talented authors.
Zou Weijun’s accomplishments not only earned her acclaim within the Rongcheng Publishing Group but reportedly caught the attention of out-of-province publishing groups, who were trying to poach her with very generous offers. There was much private chatter at the literary press, with some saying that since most people work for better pay, Editor-in-Chief Zou might actually leave.
Zou Weijun seemed oblivious to the gossip, tackling her daily work with boundless energy and passion.
Song Foxiang quietly checked with Xiao Ni, only to be met with an eye-roll, “Others might talk nonsense, but why are you joining in? Sister Zou is doing so well here, why would she leave?”
Song Foxiang also felt Zou Weijun wouldn’t jump ship.
High salaries wouldn’t sway her. If Zou Weijun cared about money, she wouldn’t need to work at all. To be fair, that crude, vulgar man surnamed Xie might be nouveau riche, but his wealth far surpasses the average person.
Hmph, what’s the use of money? He’s still just a nouveau riche with no intellectual connection to Xiao Zou!
Song Foxiang wanted to dig deeper, but Xiao Ni changed the subject, “Song Chan submitted two new manuscripts to *Spark*. Want to take a look, Editor Song?”
Last month’s contest results were out, and based on reader votes, Song Chan won third prize.
The short story category had 12 authors in the finals, ranked among themselves. One first prize offered 200,000 yuan, three second prizes offered 100,000 yuan each, three third prizes offered 50,000 yuan each, and five excellence awards offered 20,000 yuan each.
Song Chan won 50,000 yuan.
In the past, the proud Song Chan would never have accepted this result, but now she was quite content.
Abroad, Song Foxiang’s influence didn’t carry weight. Without his protection, Song Chan gained a clearer understanding of her own abilities. Making the finals was a nod from the judges, but her third-place finish, determined by reader votes, meant her story wasn’t captivating enough.
The debate over whether writers should stay true to themselves or write for the market has long existed in literary circles. Young Song Chan had plenty of time to ponder her future creative path.
Song Foxiang, however, was furious. Only third place!
The contest’s winning authors were long-term contributors to *Spark*. Xiao Ni, wary that Song Foxiang might not review Song Chan’s submissions fairly, personally handled them. Song Foxiang had been itching to see them but couldn’t, and Xiao Ni’s diversion predictably shifted his focus.
“Can I look?”
“You can, but you can’t comment because I won’t listen.”
“…Forget it then.”
Song Foxiang waved dismissively, “If I can’t comment, what’s the point of looking?”
He gazed out the window with a melancholic air, as fathers must face their daughters’ growth.
His melancholy lasted less than three seconds before Xiao Ni shooed him off to review manuscripts.
No choice, his position was lower than Xiao Ni’s. Under someone’s roof, you bow your head.
Just as Xiao Ni sent Song Foxiang away, Wen Ying arrived.
*Teen Idol* had sold over a million copies. Considering Wen Ying’s academic priorities, the press hadn’t held any signings. Now, with *The Galaxy and You* selling like hotcakes, booksellers nationwide suggested organizing signings and fan meet-and-greets.
Yuan Fenghui thought the more such events, the better, but Zou Weijun sought Wen Ying’s opinion.
Wen Ying had learned her lesson and reported to Chen Ru in advance.
Perhaps it was Wen Ying’s 102nd place in her year-end exams, or Chen Ru’s growing perspective, seeing Wen Ying’s unstoppable career trajectory in *The Galaxy and You*’s ratings, or maybe Wen Ying’s proactive reporting made Chen Ru feel respected. Surprisingly, Chen Ru told Wen Ying to cooperate fully with the signings.
The press was heavily promoting Wen Ying’s work, so she should support their publicity efforts.
Seeing his wife so agreeable, Wen Dongrong seized the chance to request new clothes, only to be ruthlessly shot down by Chen Ru. Wen Dongrong was crestfallen—did he, the head of the household, rank lower than lint in this family?
Wen Ying was here to discuss the signing details.
Zou Weijun had tentatively selected five cities.
Rongcheng, Wen Ying’s home base, was a must for a signing.
Beyond Rongcheng, there were Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangcheng, and Hangzhou.
“Rongcheng can be the first or last stop. For the other four cities, where do you want to start?”
Was that even a question?
Wen Ying blurted out, “Shanghai.” Xiao Ni stifled a laugh, and Zou Weijun said naturally, “Starting with Shanghai is fine. Xie Qian’s been there so long, we can visit him too.”
Wen Ying snapped back to reality, quickly denying, “That’s not what I meant…”
Then what did she mean?
Wen Ying didn’t elaborate. Xiao Ni suppressed her laughter, saying seriously, “Shanghai it is, to fulfill Sister Zou’s wish to see her son.”
These young folks’ feelings were practically written on their faces, yet they played coy. So adorable!
Wen Ying’s ears turned slightly red, “Right, let Aunt Zou visit Xie Qian. Shanghai’s the perfect first stop!”
…
Xu Mei reached Shanghai before Wen Ying.
With Gong Sheng’s help, Xu Mei successfully terminated her contract.
Fed up with Hunan’s environment, Xu Mei packed her bags for Shanghai the moment her contract ended. Finally free, she wanted nothing to do with rotten people like Manager Guan ever again.
