How Can We Steal Other People's Things?

In the 1980s, intellectuals who enjoyed literature were given a complimentary title: "literary youth," or wenqing.

Among them, there were genuine wenqing and fake wenqing.

The former truly loved literature and the joy of freely imagining within the ocean of literary works.

The latter, however, were drawn to the various benefits that came with being a literary figure, such as elevating their social status, or being able to receive admiring glances from attractive female wenqing without spending a dime.

Some even invented such extreme phrases as "lustful yet chaste."

Teacher Ke was a genuine wenqing, and her literary proficiency was not low. However, the literary works she had read were basically pure literature, or what could be called serious literature.

The writing requirements for this type of literary work are very high, but its readership is also quite discerning.

Some people say that this kind of literary work is actually written by a small group of people for another small group of people. Those who understand it find it more flavorful the more they read, but those who don't understand it don't feel very good about it.

For example, an essay like "Moonlight over the Lotus Pond," without a teacher's explanation, how long would it take a primary school student to appreciate its perfect artistic conception?

In contrast, popular novels are much more down-to-earth. A fifth-grader can read The Legend of the Condor Heroes and understand it immediately.

Online literature has taken this a step further.

It no longer focuses on the beauty of the language but emphasizes the description of the plot, aiming to construct various plot scenes in the reader's mind and to stimulate the reader's desire to read.

Therefore, when Teacher Ke read Li Ye's Latent, she was immediately drawn in by his novel descriptive techniques.

Especially the masterful first stage, the part where Yu Zecheng assassinated Li Haifeng.

[Li Haifeng extended his hand out of the sedan's window and threw his pistol onto the ground, indicating his intention to surrender. He wanted to see who was ambushing him.]

[Li Haifeng saw Yu Zecheng walk out, holding his pistol, agile and alert, and asked in disbelief, "Just you alone?"]

The scene where Yu Zecheng, alone, used the fear of death to force Li Haifeng to drop his weapon and exit the sedan, becoming prey, was rendered by Li Ye with various embellishments, making it thrilling and captivating.

Additionally, the detailed description of Yu Zecheng killing three traitors and then checking each of their necks to confirm they had no heartbeat further mesmerized Teacher Ke.

There was no scene in The Legend of the Condor Heroes where someone was killed and their neck was checked; the characters in it were martial arts grandmasters who could tell if someone was alive or dead at a glance.

But Latent was not like that; it depicted real, ordinary people.

Teacher Ke read page after page, and before she knew it, she had reached the last page. Only then did she snap back to reality.

Checking the time, it was already deep into the night.

[This novel... seems useful.]

Teacher Ke suddenly felt a flash of inspiration, a possible idea crossing her mind.

Her thoughts rapidly expanded, her mind working at full speed.

She would frown at times, feel ashamed at others, sigh softly, then grit her teeth, and before she knew it, dawn had arrived.

The next evening, after the self-study period, Teacher Ke asked Li Ye to meet her in her office.

Then she said to Wen Leyu, "Xiao Yu, please go out for a while. I have something to discuss with Li Ye."

Wen Leyu's eyes suddenly widened, and she stared at her mother without a word.

Teacher Ke sighed softly and said, "I have some important matters to discuss with Li Ye. Please go out, close the door, and keep an eye on it, okay?"

Wen Leyu looked at her mother with confusion. After confirming that her mother wasn't going to find trouble with Li Ye, she reluctantly left the office.

After Wen Leyu left, Teacher Ke began to make small talk with Li Ye.

"Student Li Ye, I heard your grandfather was a veteran, and your father was also a glorious soldier, is that right?"

"Yes, Teacher Ke. My elders did indeed fight in wars."

"Then, did any of your elders, or elders you've come into contact with, engage in espionage work?"

"..."

Li Ye looked at Teacher Ke and smiled, "No, they were all soldiers in frontline combat units. Why do you ask, Teacher Ke?"

Teacher Ke said, "Student Li Ye, I actually read the novel you wrote yesterday. It was very exciting, but there are still some shortcomings..."

"Shortcomings?"

Li Ye was surprised. He hadn't expected Teacher Ke to call him over late at night and mysteriously close the door just to discuss his novel.

"Yes, shortcomings," Teacher Ke smoothed her hair and said confidently, "For example, when you describe Yu Zecheng's identity, it's not clear enough... Zuo Lan's description is also very vague."

Listening to Teacher Ke's "corrections," Li Ye couldn't help but be a little stunned, because the shortcomings she pointed out were precisely the sensitive points Li Ye had avoided to prevent trouble.

"Of course, I can't blame you for this," Teacher Ke continued. "After all, you haven't had contact with professionals. If many details are based purely on imagination, the description will inevitably be inadequate."

Li Ye replied humbly, "Yes, yes. I was inspired to write this novel by Eighteen Years in the Enemy Camp. I imagined it out of thin air, just writing for fun, hahahahaha."

Eighteen Years in the Enemy Camp was a spy drama television series that first aired in '81 and was very popular for a time. It was also the material Li Ye had planned to use as an excuse for his novel.

"Your 'writing for fun' might make many professional authors feel ashamed,"

Teacher Ke pondered for a moment and finally said to Li Ye, "Actually, I can help you. I can help you perfect the flaws and omissions in the novel. I can also help polish some of the crude writing."

"..."

Li Ye was truly astonished.

Before arriving, he had imagined all sorts of possibilities. For instance, discussions about why he hadn't continued to be selfless and provide more and richer novel practice questions for the entire class.

Or perhaps an attitude of "it's all for your own good," telling him to keep his distance from Wen Leyu and not harbor any improper thoughts.

But Li Ye would never have imagined that Teacher Ke wanted to "perfect" his novel for him.

Li Ye remained silent for several seconds, then slowly shook his head. "Teacher Ke, have you considered that if this book is revised and completed according to what you just said, it might be too sensitive and unable to be published?"

"."

Teacher Ke's eyes suddenly narrowed. She looked at Li Ye in disbelief, momentarily unable to cope.

Is he really an eighteen or nineteen-year-old kid? How could he know such a subtle thing?

Or perhaps this book wasn't written by him, but he received guidance from a master?

Teacher Ke pondered for a moment and said, "I really didn't notice that. I thought the current situation was already very good, so I didn't think in that direction."

Li Ye carefully observed Teacher Ke, catching a sliver of shame and disappointment in her eyes.

He quickly analyzed Teacher Ke's intentions in his mind, eliminating one unreasonable possibility after another.

When Li Ye comprehensively considered Teacher Ke's identity and the current situation, he finally had a sudden realization.

Li Ye immediately said, "Actually, I'm just worrying unnecessarily. Some of the ideas you mentioned, Teacher Ke, are very valuable. I'll think them over when I get back, utilize them as soon as possible, and then I'll count you as a co-author, okay?"

"."

Teacher Ke was truly shocked.

Li Ye's previous words had already surprised her immensely, and now his current behavior could be said to have struck her to the core.

How did he guess my intentions? I didn't tell Xiao Yu!

Teacher Ke couldn't figure out at all how Li Ye had guessed her thoughts.

She had only come up with this idea last night after reading Wen Leyu's manuscript, and she hadn't told anyone.

If you were to say it was a coincidence, that Li Ye just said it casually, that would be too dismissive.

Looking at Li Ye's calm demeanor right now, looking at his eyes that were completely inconsistent with his actual age, how could he have been acting casually?

A novel, after all, is not an academic paper where you can list a large group of co-authors after the first author. Novels rarely have second or joint authors.

More importantly, she couldn't help! What she had thought was a "shortcoming" was something Li Ye no longer needed, so on what grounds could she take advantage of him for nothing?

What should I do? Should I agree? But won't that be too shameless?

"Alright then! I'll quickly sort out some materials for you, and you can see if they're useful. As for the co-author..."

Teacher Ke was still very conflicted, her face flushed, and she didn't agree directly.

But how fast was Li Ye's reaction?

He immediately stood up and walked towards the door. "Then I'll be going back, Teacher Ke. Just have Wen Leyu give me any materials."

Teacher Ke had no choice but to stand up and see Li Ye out. "Oh, oh... alright!"

However, after Li Ye reached the door, he first stopped and waited for two seconds. Only after the brisk, hurried footsteps outside had completely disappeared did he reach out and open the door to leave.

About twenty meters after leaving the room, Li Ye passed Wen Leyu.

The little mute twisted her hands behind her back, her eyes flickering, clearly a little uneasy.

Li Ye smiled and said, "It's okay, hurry back! You have class tomorrow!"

Wen Leyu looked at Li Ye and quickly walked back. After entering the room, she questioned Teacher Ke.

"Mom, how could you do this? That novel is Li Ye's hard work, how can we snatch his things?"

"."

Teacher Ke was silent for a long time before asking the stubborn and indignant Wen Leyu, "Xiao Yu, do you miss Dad?"

"."

Wen Leyu was instantly struck as if by lightning, her slender figure swaying unsteadily.

Teacher Ke asked again, "Xiao Yu, do you miss your brother?"

Wen Leyu quickly lowered her head, not wanting her mother to see the tears in her eyes.

The mother and daughter were silent for a long time. After a while, Wen Leyu said softly, "Dad said in his last letter that he's doing well and told you not to worry, Mom..."

"But I know Dad isn't doing well. He wrote the letter on scrap paper with a pencil."

"Sigh~~"

Teacher Ke sighed softly and hugged her daughter.

Spouses in adversity always put on a brave face and hide their troubles.

Her husband, thousands of miles away, also didn't know that their daughter had become withdrawn and silent. He still hoped that through their daughter, he could encourage his wife to be strong and optimistic.

Teacher Ke said gently, "Xiao Yu, you're a big girl now. Some things should be told to you. We need help now, but there are fewer and fewer people who can and are willing to help us."

Wen Leyu, with a nasal voice, asked, "But what does this have to do with Li Ye's novel?"

Teacher Ke said, "It's related. At the very least, it gives us a reason to get inside, meet some people, and say a few words."

"A few words? Will that be useful?" Wen Leyu asked doubtfully.

"Yes!"

Teacher Ke's answer was very firm, but in her heart, she wasn't actually that certain.

However, Teacher Ke understood very well that right now, they had to cling to any straw they could find.