Chapter 129: The New Talent Awards
After returning home, Yu Linna sat at her computer desk, lost in thought, then opened a new document. Since Nangong Ying claimed she didn’t understand, she would… show her.
Learning about her past and encountering Nangong Ying had left her emotionally drained. But she had to keep living, to live well. She had to prove herself, to earn respect.
The only person she could rely on was herself; waiting for others was unrealistic. Yu Linna finally understood this.
She began typing, immersing herself in her imagination. Writing allowed her to escape reality, to find solace. She discovered the joy of creation.
Yu Linna started a new story, titled Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, a title that lacked immediate appeal but held a special meaning for her.
The protagonist, Tang Yu, was a despondent man in his thirties. Laid off from his job, he drowned his sorrows in alcohol, watching his friends achieve success while he wallowed in self-pity. Then, his ex-wife passed away, leaving him with their seven-year-old son, Tang Zixuan. With Zixuan’s mother gone, Tang Yu, a father who had been largely absent from his son’s life, had no choice but to take responsibility. And so, his life began to change…
She wrote this story seeking the familial connection she had always craved, portraying the ideal family she had always longed for. She had no parents, no home, so she created one in her story.
It was a story about family, about a father and son, about love and connection. The overall tone was heartwarming, focusing solely on the father-son relationship, without a female protagonist. It was her most heartfelt work.
No parents? She could write. No home? She could write. No family? She could write. Since she had none of these, she would find them in her stories.
Her previous novel, Ballad of the Enchantress, had followed commercial conventions, but this one was different, more of an emotional outpouring than a calculated commercial piece.
But it didn’t matter; she simply wanted to write this story.
Soon, it was time for Wenqing’s annual New Talent Awards. The finalists would be ranked, and the winners would receive publishing contracts. While everyone anticipated the results, most were curious about who would win first place. Historically, the winner had always been an established author using a pen name, except for last year, when Zhao Yuyan, with her exceptional talent, had taken the top spot, becoming the youngest winner ever.
She had been only nineteen.
What would happen this year? It was exciting.
“You’re saying what?”
Ye Zhiyun’s expression was a mixture of surprise and amusement after receiving Yu Linna’s call. She listened patiently as Yu Linna explained.
“Shion… That pen name… is yours, right?”
“Yes, I understand. Okay.”
“Okay, you can use it. I’ll be back later.”
Hanging up, Ye Zhiyun sighed. While she was away, Nana had started writing, and her work had even been shortlisted for the New Talent Awards. It was completely unexpected.
She hadn’t thought Yu Linna would recover so quickly. The Chenghe incident had been devastating, but somehow, she had found a new direction, a new passion. Ye Zhiyun had read Ballad of the Enchantress after Yu Linna shared the file with her.
She had to admit, it was a good novel. While not a masterpiece, it was undoubtedly a well-written piece.
And knowing it was Yu Linna’s work made it even more special. Hearing that Yu Linna was writing another novel was even more surprising. Yu Linna had been moving forward without her even knowing.
As an invited guest, Ye Zhiyun dressed formally, wearing an elegant dress, her hair styled in an updo, a necklace adorning her neck.
At the awards ceremony venue, banners were hung, cameras pointed at the stage, staff bustling about, making final preparations. The doors opened, and people began to arrive. Within an hour, the hall was filled. The curtains were drawn on stage, several senior editors were present, and the chief editor, Tang He, stood on stage, eager to witness this year’s event.
The invited authors began to arrive, the finalists looking nervous, standing stiffly, their anticipation palpable. Zhao Yuyan, dressed formally for the occasion, entered with a look of resignation. Instead of an elegant dress like Ye Zhiyun, she wore a white shirt, a black skirt, and small leather shoes, her long hair tied in a single braid hanging over her left shoulder. She looked more like a corporate employee attending a business meeting than a renowned author.
She had worn the same outfit last year when she won, and the video of her acceptance speech had circulated online. Female authors were a rarity, and Zhao Yuyan’s beauty had earned her a considerable fanbase.
“Hello, Air.”
“Hello.”
“Hello, Air.”
“Hello.”
“Hello, Air.”
“Hello.”
Ugh, this is why I hate these events, Zhao Yuyan thought, plastering a smile on her face.
Since becoming famous, she was constantly greeted at formal events. Though well-intentioned, she disliked the attention. She just wanted to go home and play games.
“Has Shion arrived?”
With the ceremony about to begin, Chen Xi inquired with the security guards at the entrance. They hadn’t seen anyone named Shion with an invitation. Chen Xi had specifically instructed them to look out for Shion, but they were nowhere to be found.
This was frustrating.
Did Shion think they wouldn’t win and decide not to come?
It was possible.
After all, their novel was controversial. But to have emerged from so many submissions meant they had talent. And this year, there weren’t many outstanding works.
Chen Xi was anxious. She didn’t want to lose Shion, a potential star author.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, everyone in attendance! I’m Qian Jiaxuan, also known as Rabbit Princess, a new editor at Wenqing, and your host for tonight’s awards ceremony. Another year has passed, and tonight, we’ll reveal who will be the chosen ones. Now, I declare the annual Wenqing New Talent Awards officially open!”
Music filled the air, followed by applause. The lights dimmed, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
The New Talent Awards had begun.
But Shion wasn’t there.
Though Chen Xi didn’t know who Shion was or what they looked like, they were absent. The author she had such high hopes for hadn’t shown up.
The ceremony had started; it was too late to enter now.
Though disappointed, there was nothing she could do. She would have to find someone else to accept the award.
“Miss Chen Xi.”
A voice called from behind. Chen Xi turned.
Ye Zhiyun, elegant in her formal attire, stood there, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes held a predatory glint, a natural aura of dominance.
Having returned from her trip to England with her family, she was eager to get back to work. This event was an opportunity. Since she had been invited, she might as well make her presence felt.
“Miss Ye, is there something I can help you with?”
Ye Zhiyun was an invited guest, expected only to observe the ceremony and attend the dinner afterward. Nothing more.
But Ye Zhiyun had other plans.
“Shion asked me to inform you that they couldn’t make it.”
“What? You know Shion?”
“Yes. They’re working on a new novel and didn’t want to interrupt their flow, so they couldn’t come tonight.”
Chen Xi almost choked.
What could be more important than the New Talent Awards?!
It was a major event, livestreamed to the public, where the most promising newcomer was crowned, earning Wenqing’s full support for the following year. Though not as influential as Qidian, Wenqing still held considerable power, using the New Talent Awards to showcase their strength.
And Shion… simply decided not to come? How casual!
Just like Air!
“Achoo!”
Zhao Yuyan sneezed. Was it cold in here, or was she underdressed?
Chen Xi, though surprised, accepted Shion’s absence. She wondered about the relationship between Miss Ye and Shion. She knew nothing about Shion, their appearance, their gender, nothing. Yet, Miss Ye had relayed their message, suggesting a close connection.
But it didn’t matter; everything would be revealed during the contract signing. Only the author themselves could sign a contract; what was unknown now would eventually come to light.
More importantly, she had gained a new perspective on Ye Zhiyun. Her decision to befriend Miss Ye seemed to be the right one. She was more than just a businesswoman; she was a woman of considerable influence.
To be close to Shion… she wasn’t a simple person either.
“After intense competition, thirty novels have emerged from tens of thousands of submissions. Tonight, these thirty works will compete for three coveted awards.”
The host’s voice filled the hall, the excitement building.
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