Why Are Your People Already Here?

Dong Yuejin spotted Li Ye approaching from the classroom building from afar, and at last understood what Principal Chang had meant.

Wasn't this just a kid? Handsome, full of youthful vigor.

Before coming here, Dong Yuejin had never imagined that Seven-Inch Blade, the author capable of writing Lurk, would actually be a high school student.

Watching Li Ye walk over with a beaming smile now, he felt somewhat conflicted.

A few days earlier, Dong Yuejin had received the manuscript Li Ye had submitted and immediately reported to the editor-in-chief that they should secure Lurk.

After reading it, the editor-in-chief had also thought highly of the novel, but he had more considerations to weigh.

For instance, what sort of person was Seven-Inch Blade, who could write a work like Lurk? Could he be some sensitive figure tangled up in trouble?

In the end, the editor-in-chief had given Dong Yuejin full authority.

"Little Dong! This book is entirely in your hands. Go negotiate. Whether the outcome is good or bad, it will all be to your credit."

The editor-in-chief's meaning was crystal clear. This novel was a good work, but its subject matter was somewhat sensitive. If Dong Yuejin wanted to acquire it, then acquire it. If anything went wrong, Dong Yuejin would bear it. If there was credit to be had, it would also be his. Responsibilities were clearly divided; the publishing house bore no responsibility whatsoever.

Dong Yuejin had come to Qingshui County with unease in his heart. He hoped this Seven-Inch Blade was a pure literary man, rather than someone from some faction.

It was not that Dong Yuejin was timid.

Li Ye had the perspective of someone from a later age. He knew that after the spring breeze came the season when all things revived, but others did not! It had only been a few years since the tide had turned. What if it traced a parabola and swung back again?

Yet no matter how Dong Yuejin calculated, he could never have calculated that Seven-Inch Blade was merely a "child."

He wondered whether the latter half of the manuscript could maintain the standard of the beginning. If it could—even if it had only half that standard—then Lurk would still count as an outstanding book.

Muttering to himself inwardly, Dong Yuejin walked over to meet Li Ye.

From Principal Chang's tone just now, Dahe Publishing House had already contacted this Li Ye. He could not put on too lofty an attitude.

Stubborn children were like donkeys whose fur had to be stroked the right way. He understood that.

But Dong Yuejin had only just smiled when Li Ye, across from him, stretched out his hand from a distance.

"Hello, Editor Dong. I only received your telegram yesterday. I didn't expect you to arrive today, and I didn't have time to pick you up. Sorry, sorry!"

"Hehe, it's fine, it's fine. We're not delicate young ladies. What's there to pick up?"

"All right, then. Should we discuss business first, or look at the manuscript first?"

"..."

Dong Yuejin paused slightly, feeling rather surprised.

Where was this kid stubborn? Where was he difficult to deal with? Wasn't he quite sensible and worldly?

The submission Li Ye had sent to Blue Sea Publishing House was only a small portion of the opening plot. It ended when Yu Zecheng, on his way to take up his post as a major section chief at the Jincheng Security Bureau, entered the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei region and received education in progressive thought.

After reading it, Dong Yuejin had been obsessed with finding out what happened next.

First, the plot was gripping. Second, the subsequent plot concerned the novel's stance.

If the later plot fell apart and its stance went crooked, then Dong Yuejin's trip would have been in vain.

So at this moment, Dong Yuejin could not wait to read the rest of the manuscript—not even for a moment.

Thus, Dong Yuejin said, "If possible, I'd like to look at the manuscript first."

Li Ye agreed readily. "All right. The manuscript is at my home. Let's change locations and talk there, shall we?"

Dong Yuejin smiled. "All right, then I'll respectfully do as you say."

Li Ye smiled at Principal Chang, then turned and led Dong Yuejin away.

Before Principal Chang could even react, the two had already left with light, brisk steps. They had gone. Gone.

"What kind of behavior is that?"

Principal Chang was somewhat displeased. Someone from a publishing house might not visit even once in eight lifetimes. Why was Li Ye so clueless? He should have let everyone get acquainted.

"Ring-ring-ring~"

The telephone ringing behind him interrupted Principal Chang's annoyance.

He turned around, sat down, and picked up the receiver.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"This is Dahe Publishing House. Li Ye has not contacted us at all. May I ask whether you conveyed to him the publication proposal we discussed last time?"

"Dahe Publishing House?"

Principal Chang froze and blurted out, "Didn't your people just arrive? Why are you still asking me?"

"..."

"Beep~ beep~ beep~"

Li Ye's manuscript had naturally not been at home. He simply did not want to linger at school, so he pulled Dong Yuejin out and headed straight for the best restaurant in the county—Qingshui Restaurant.

After they entered, Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian were already there.

After the father and son exchanged a round of pleasantries with Dong Yuejin, they called for wine and dishes. Their warm hospitality made Dong Yuejin feel quite pleased.

Li Ye took the manuscript from his schoolbag and handed it to Dong Yuejin.

Ordinarily, Dong Yuejin should not have started reading the manuscript right away in such a setting, but he simply could not hold himself back.

"While the dishes aren't here yet, I'll take a quick look. After all, this is the real business. Please forgive me, please forgive me."

"Please, go ahead. Editor Dong is devoted to his work. Admirable, truly admirable."

Dong Yuejin separated the first page of the manuscript and gave it a casual glance, immediately connecting it to the plot already in his mind.

Yu Zecheng arrived in Jincheng, encountered the traitor Ma Kui, and had no choice but to bring over the wife who had never existed.

The tight, thrilling plot swiftly drew Dong Yuejin in completely. Even after the food and wine had all been served, he could not bear to put the manuscript down.

Not only did Dong Yuejin refuse to put it down, he would occasionally chuckle softly and shake his head as he lost himself in it.

Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian exchanged a look, both deeply astonished.

They had only learned yesterday that Li Ye had written a novel, so neither of them had read his manuscript.

But no matter how much hope they had placed in their son and grandson, they had only considered Li Ye an "outstanding high school student."

Yet this bespectacled editor before them was already in his thirties. One look showed him to be a refined, cultured man, and this was his profession. How could he be so engrossed in their child's book?

"Ahem~"

Li Ye gave a soft cough and shot Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian a look each.

Everything your grandson needed to do was done. Now it was time for you, the old general, to take the field.

Li Kaijian immediately understood. He picked up the bottle and filled Dong Yuejin's glass.

"Editor Dong, you've had a hard journey. Let me toast you first."

"Oh, oh, not at all, not at all. You're too kind."

Dong Yuejin finally set down the manuscript, raised his glass to clink it with Li Kaijian's, and drank.

He had spent more than half the day traveling and was already starving. Now that he had come back to himself, the hot food filled his stomach, and his mood gradually improved.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively. Dong Yuejin learned of Li Zhongfa's military experience, and the two began trading compliments.

However, through indirect probing, Dong Yuejin also learned that no one in the Li family had engaged in behind-enemy-lines intelligence work.

So he asked Li Ye in confusion, "Student Li Ye, how did you come up with all those espionage plotlines?"

Li Ye said, "I received help from a teacher, and I plan to publish it under our joint names."

Just as I thought!

Dong Yuejin's heart tightened. "What is that teacher's current situation? Would it be possible for us to meet her? You understand, since it would be jointly credited, publication would also need her consent."

Li Ye nodded. "Yes. She was teaching students just now. I've already notified her, and she'll be here shortly."

Dong Yuejin relaxed slightly. Since "that teacher" could move about freely and was even teaching students, she was not among the most troublesome sort.

Not long afterward, Teacher Ke arrived.

It was the first time Li Zhongfa, Li Kaijian, and Dong Yuejin had met Teacher Ke, but after only a brief interaction, all three grew solemn inside.

An aura was not something one could fake.

Teacher Ke's conduct, speech, bearing, and temperament all made the three feel a faint pressure.

Though Teacher Ke was dressed simply, she was like a solitary star amid a multitude of stars, inspiring respect and making others hesitate to approach.

Dong Yuejin felt somewhat uncertain. How could someone like Teacher Ke publish a novel together with a student?

He asked carefully, "Teacher Ke, correct? Student Li Ye said he intends to publish this book under joint names with you. Then what requirements or opinions do you have regarding the publication of Lurk?"

To his surprise, Teacher Ke said, "No. I only gave Student Li Ye a little help. There is no need for joint credit."

"..."

Li Ye looked at Teacher Ke in surprise, unable to understand why she had suddenly changed her mind.

Teacher Ke smiled at Li Ye and took two periodicals from her bag.

Smiling, she said, "When I was young, I also liked writing things and earning a little in manuscript fees. At the time, I felt I had some ability in writing."

Dong Yuejin hurriedly accepted the periodicals from Teacher Ke and opened them. They were in fact leading literary journals from more than a decade ago, and the works Teacher Ke had marked inside were all substantial, high-quality novellas and serialized novels.

Dong Yuejin promptly said with respect, "So you're a senior!"

Teacher Ke shook her head and said humbly, "When I first came into contact with Student Li Ye, I too was convinced that I could offer him some practical help. But I was wrong."

"I believe Editor Dong has also read Li Ye's Lurk, right? Then you should have seen it as well. Student Li Ye's writing style is not of the same road as us old folks."

Dong Yuejin nodded, deeply agreeing. "Yes. It is an entirely new writing style—very fresh, very captivating."

Teacher Ke smiled as she looked at Li Ye. "Since I could not help much, how could I have the cheek to hitch myself to someone else's credit?"

Li Ye truly did not understand. Looking at Teacher Ke, he wanted to ask her why right then.

Did she no longer need help?

Thank you to reader "Phoenix Dancing Through Nine Heavens?" for the ten-thousand-coin reward, and thank you to reader "20220501195001694" for the reward. Thanks (ω)