Chapter 132: Signing Her, No Matter What
Chen Xi had hoped Yu Linna would write a collection of short stories for easy publication. After all, as the winner of the New Talent Awards, she had the opportunity, and it would befit her status.
However, Yu Linna had no intention of writing short stories, having already started another novel. This displeased Chen Xi.
A novel rushed out in such a short time was unlikely to be of high quality, likely just a hasty effort. Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna could produce another good novel so quickly.
But recalling her ability to write a complete novel in seven days and six nights, she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, she was the Gold Award winner.
“Alright, let me see the manuscript.”
Despite her words, Chen Xi remained skeptical. A novel was different from a short story, requiring more time and a more complex world.
Yu Linna removed Chen Xi from her blacklist and sent her the manuscript for Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, which she had finished in the past few days.
This novel was different from Ballad of the Enchantress, abandoning the grand world-building and complex relationships for a simple, heartwarming everyday story.
Initially, Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna’s ability, but as she read, she realized she had underestimated her.
The protagonist, Tang Yu, a man in his thirties, surprised her. Current trends favored young male protagonists with harems; older protagonists were rare.
And then, the introduction of Tang Yu’s son, Tang Zixuan, surprised her even more. With a son, there likely wouldn’t be a romantic interest; the protagonist was already married. But then, with the death of his ex-wife, and Tang Yu left to care for his seven-year-old son, Chen Xi anticipated the introduction of a new female protagonist.
However, there wasn’t one. The story focused on the developing relationship between Tang Yu and Zixuan, from initial awkwardness and resentment to gradual understanding and connection. When Zixuan expressed a desire for a new schoolbag, envious of his classmates, Tang Yu, the ultimate slacker, decided to take on manual labor, working long hours to earn money for his son.
Chen Xi was hooked.
Other characters appeared, like Zixuan’s wealthy classmates and Tang Yu’s old friends, but the core of the story remained the evolving bond between father and son.
In the end, Zixuan got his new schoolbag, and Tang Yu, through his son’s smile, rediscovered the meaning of family, reflecting on his years of wasted potential and resolving to be a better father. He decided to find a stable job to support his family, and the story concluded.
It was a heartwarming story about family, devoid of romance or drama, a simple, yet powerful narrative.
Chen Xi hadn’t expected it to be so moving, so relatable.
It made her think of her own parents, who had supported her through university, while she, after graduating, rarely visited them, always busy with work. She felt a pang of guilt. She should make more time for them; their hair must be even grayer now.
“This is a wonderful story.”
Having finished the manuscript, Chen Xi couldn’t help but praise it, the portrayal of family so beautifully rendered.
She didn’t know that the depiction of family was actually Yu Linna’s own idealized vision, a longing for the family she had never had. The family she craved was brought to life through her words, a family like Tang Yu and Zixuan’s, imperfect yet finding connection and building a future together.
Yu Linna, having no family, no relatives, yearned for that connection, that sense of belonging. This yearning became Zixuan and the Paper Airplane. The first gift Tang Zixuan received from his father was a handmade paper airplane, a simple gift that Yu Linna herself longed for.
The paper airplane symbolized dreams, a gift of love and aspiration from a parent. Its flight symbolized the child growing up, venturing into the world, carrying the love and support of their family.
“Shion-sensei, I’ve changed my mind. You’re truly a one-in-a-million talent. You’re exceptional.”
Chen Xi believed that if she signed Yu Linna, her talent would shine, potentially becoming a pillar of Wenqing, a thorn in Qidian’s side. To produce two distinct, high-quality novels with unique personal styles in such a short time was a feat even Zhao Yuyan hadn’t accomplished. Back then, she had only one novel and a few short stories to her name.
With proper guidance, Yu Linna could become an author even greater than Zhao Yuyan. Chen Xi was convinced of this.
“So, what do you propose?”
“We’ll sign you. Zixuan and the Paper Airplane is a wonderful story. I’ll discuss it with the team and see if we can make an exception and publish it. But Shion-sensei, if we do, you’ll be serializing two novels simultaneously. Can you handle it?”
“As long as you give me the chance, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Yu Linna had endured so many failures; she wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. No matter how difficult, it couldn’t be worse than going hungry.
“Alright, as you wish. Starting today, I’m your editor. Submit all your manuscripts to me. Let’s sign the contract. You just turned eighteen, right?”
Chen Xi presented the revised contract, offering Yu Linna a pen. Once signed, she would officially be a Wenqing author. Ye Zhiyun, observing silently, smiled faintly. Yu Linna deserved this.
Picking up the pen, Yu Linna recalled the contract she had signed with Chenghe. This contract was different, far more equitable.
She signed her name, “Yu Linna.”
From this moment on, she was no longer just Yu Linna; she was Shion, a Wenqing author.
She was finally making her debut.
One day, her name would be known throughout the country, her existence acknowledged. One day, she would reach the pinnacle of success.
She had once sought fame to escape poverty; now, she would strive for her dreams.
She would keep moving forward, never stopping.
Because she had found her purpose.
Having signed Yu Linna, Chen Xi was elated. Though Yu Linna’s second novel had been unexpected, she wouldn’t let this opportunity pass. She had to sign her.
She didn’t want a repeat of the Luo Nan incident.
Back then, Luo Nan had submitted her first novel to Wenqing. Chen Xi had seen its potential, believing it would be a success, and wanted to sign her. The standard royalty rate for newcomers was 5%, but Luo Nan wasn’t satisfied, demanding 9%.
She had also offered to write two novels simultaneously, demanding better terms and priority publishing, requesting the same treatment as Air.
As a newcomer, her demands were considered arrogant. The entire editorial department disapproved, despite Chen Xi’s insistence on signing her, even with reduced terms. The other editors, deeming her too presumptuous, refused, even refusing to read her manuscript.
Infuriated, Luo Nan took her work to Qidian, and within months, her novel was published, the initial print run of five thousand copies selling out on the first day, followed by a reprint of thirty thousand. Now, her second novel was in preparation, fulfilling her promise of serializing two novels simultaneously.
Luo Nan was now Qidian’s treasure, a newcomer with the potential to become a literary giant. Wenqing regretted their decision; if they had signed her, things might have been different.
But there were no ifs.
Chen Xi didn’t want to repeat that mistake, so this time, no matter the demands, she would ensure Yu Linna stayed with Wenqing.
“Shion-sensei, I’ll be going now. I’ll find an illustrator for your novel as soon as possible.”
“Okay.”
With Chen Xi’s departure, the apartment fell silent.
Ye Zhiyun sat beside Yu Linna, their shoulders touching, a smile on her face.
“Nana, congratulations.”
“I’ve already heard that~”
“I wanted to say it again. You’ve worked so hard. I’m so happy for you.”
“I should thank you too, Zhiyun. Thank you for supporting me, helping me all this time. Without you, I would have been splattered on the train tracks.”
It was true. If Ye Zhiyun hadn’t intervened, Yu Linna would have ended her life at the train station. She was eternally grateful to Ye Zhiyun, grateful for her help in leaving the entertainment industry, which had led her to find a new path, a new direction.
She wasn’t cut out for the entertainment industry. Though she had a pretty face, she wasn’t meant to be in front of the camera.
Her true stage was the literary world, a place where she could unleash her talent.
She had proven her abilities with two novels, a talent she had kept hidden. Now, she would spread her wings and soar.
And none of this would have been possible without Ye Zhiyun.
“Zhiyun, thank you for taking me in, for giving me a home. I don’t know how to thank you. I’m so happy. I can finally do what I love. Zhiyun…”
“Don’t say anything. Now, you need to celebrate your victory. Where should we go?”
Holding hands, their hearts connected, the atmosphere warm and intimate.
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