Didn't Your People Just Arrive?

Dong Yuejin saw Li Ye approaching from the classroom area and finally understood Principal Chang's intention.

"Isn't this just a kid? Handsome and full of spirit."

Before coming, Dong Yuejin would never have imagined that the author of "Latent," Seven-Inch Blade, was actually a high school student.

Looking at Li Ye, who was walking over with a smile, he felt a bit conflicted.

A few days ago, Dong Yuejin received the manuscript Li Ye had submitted and immediately reported to the editor-in-chief, wanting to acquire "Latent."

The editor-in-chief also thought highly of the novel after reading it, but he considered more aspects.

For example, what kind of person would Seven-Inch Blade, who could write a work like "Latent," be? Would they be a sensitive individual with a lot of trouble?

In the end, the editor-in-chief delegated the authority to Dong Yuejin.

"Xiao Dong! This book is entirely in your hands. You go negotiate. Whether the result is good or bad, it's your credit."

The editor-in-chief's meaning was clear: this novel was a good work, but the subject matter was a bit sensitive. If you're willing to take it, take it. If something happens, you, Dong Yuejin, will bear the consequences. If there's credit, it's yours too. The responsibilities were clear, and the publishing house would not be responsible for anything.

Dong Yuejin came to Qingshui County with trepidation. He hoped that this Seven-Inch Blade would be a pure literary figure, not some "X faction."

This couldn't be blamed on Dong Yuejin's timidity.

Li Ye had the foresight of a future generation, knowing that after the spring breeze came the season of rebirth, but others didn't know! It had only been a few years since the political climate changed. What if it made a parabolic turn and came back?

However, no matter how much Dong Yuejin calculated, he never expected Seven-Inch Blade to be a "child."

"I wonder if the latter half of his manuscript can maintain the same standard as the first half. If... even half the standard, 'Latent' can be considered excellent."

Dong Yuejin muttered to himself as he walked towards Li Ye.

Judging by Principal Chang's words earlier, Dahe Publishing House had already contacted Li Ye, so his attitude couldn't be too high.

A stubborn child is like a donkey that needs to be stroked gently; you have to go with the flow, he understood.

However, just as Dong Yuejin showed a smile, Li Ye, who was approaching, extended his hand from a distance.

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

"Heh, it's fine, it's fine. I'm not some delicate and pampered young lady who needs picking up!"

"Alright then, shall we discuss business first, or look at the manuscript?"

"..."

Dong Yuejin was slightly stunned and felt quite surprised.

"Where is this child stubborn? Where is he difficult to deal with? Isn't he very sensible and understanding of human relations?"

The manuscript Li Ye sent to Blue Sea Publishing House only contained a small portion of the plot. It ended when Yu Zecheng was on his way to take up his post as a Major in the Tianjin Security Bureau and entered the Jin-Cha-Ji region for ideological education.

After reading it, Dong Yuejin was eager to know the rest of the plot.

One reason was that the plot of this book was exciting, and the other was that the subsequent plot concerned the novel's stance.

If the later plot collapsed or the stance was skewed, then Dong Yuejin's trip would have been in vain.

Therefore, Dong Yuejin was now desperate to read the rest of the manuscript and couldn't wait a moment longer.

So Dong Yuejin said, "If it's okay, I'd like to see the manuscript first."

Li Ye readily agreed, "Alright, I have the manuscript at home. Shall we go somewhere else to talk?"

Dong Yuejin smiled, "Okay, it's better to accept the invitation than to refuse."

Li Ye smiled at Principal Chang and turned to leave with Dong Yuejin.

Principal Chang didn't even have time to react before he saw the two of them walk away briskly.

"What kind of behavior is this."

Principal Chang was somewhat displeased. People from publishing houses rarely visit, maybe once in eight lifetimes. How could Li Ye be so insensible and not seize the opportunity for everyone to get acquainted?

"Ring ring ring~"

The ringing of the phone behind him interrupted Principal Chang's annoyance.

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

"Hello? Where?"

"This is Dahe Publishing House. Li Ye has not contacted us. May I ask if you have conveyed our previous intention to publish to him?"

"Dahe Publishing House?"

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

"..."

"Beep~ beep~ beep~"

Li Ye's manuscript was naturally not at home. He just didn't want to stay at school for too long, so he pulled Dong Yuejin out and headed straight for the best restaurant in the county town – Qingshui Hotel.

Upon entering, Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian had already arrived.

After the father and son exchanged pleasantries with Dong Yuejin, they ordered wine and food. Their warm attitude was quite pleasing to Dong Yuejin.

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

Ordinarily, Dong Yuejin shouldn't have read a manuscript at a time like this, but he couldn't help himself.

"Since the food isn't here yet, I'll take a quick look. After all, this is the important business. Please excuse me, please excuse me."

"Take your time, take your time. Editor Dong's dedication to his work is admirable, truly admirable."

Dong Yuejin opened the first page of the manuscript and glanced at it, connecting it with the plot in his mind.

[Yu Zecheng arrives in Tianjin, encounters the traitor Ma Kui, and must bring his fictitious wife to him.]

The tight and exciting plot quickly captivated Dong Yuejin. He didn't put the manuscript down even when the food was served.

Not only did Dong Yuejin not put the manuscript down, but he also chuckled and nodded along, completely engrossed.

Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian exchanged glances, both greatly surprised.

They had only found out yesterday that Li Ye had written a novel, so they hadn't read Li Ye's manuscript.

However, no matter how much hope they had for their son (grandson), they only thought of Li Ye as an "excellent high school student."

But this bespectacled editor, who was in his thirties, looked cultured and refined, and he was in the publishing industry. How could he be so engrossed in their child's book?

"Cough cough~"

Li Ye cleared his throat and gave Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian a knowing look.

[Your grandson has finished his part, it's time for you, the old general, to step onto the stage.]

Li Kaijian understood immediately. He picked up the wine bottle and poured a full glass for Dong Yuejin.

"Editor Dong, you've had a long journey. I'll toast you first."

"Oh, oh, it's not hard work, not hard work. You're too kind."

Dong Yuejin finally put down the manuscript, picked up his glass, and clinked it with Li Kaijian's before taking a drink.

In fact, he had been traveling for most of the day and was very hungry. Now that he had come to his senses, he filled his stomach with the warm food and gradually felt happier.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became very lively. Dong Yuejin learned about Li Zhongfa's military experience, and they exchanged compliments.

However, Dong Yuejin also subtly learned that no one in the Li family was involved in behind-the-lines intelligence work.

So he asked Li Ye with some doubt, "Classmate Li Ye, how did you come up with those spy thriller plots?"

Li Ye replied, "I received help from a teacher, and I plan to publish it under a joint byline with her."

[As expected!]

Dong Yuejin's heart tightened. He asked, "What is that teacher's current situation? Can we meet her? You know, since it's a joint byline, the publication also needs 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 felt a little relieved. Since "that teacher" was free to move around and was teaching students, she wasn't the most troublesome type of person.

A moment later, Teacher Ke arrived.

The Li family father and son, as well as Dong Yuejin, were seeing Teacher Ke for the first time. However, after a brief interaction, all three felt a sense of gravity.

Presence couldn't be faked.

Teacher Ke's demeanor, speech, and temperament all made the three feel an unspoken pressure.

Even though Teacher Ke was dressed plainly, she shone like a solitary star, making them feel intimidated.

Dong Yuejin hesitated. How could someone like Teacher Ke publish a novel with a student?

He cautiously asked, "Teacher Ke, right? Classmate Li Ye said he wants to publish this book under a joint byline with you. Do you have any requirements or opinions regarding the publication of 'Latent'?"

Unexpectedly, Teacher Ke said, "No, I only provided Classmate Li Ye with very minor assistance. There's no need for a byline."

"."

Li Ye looked at Teacher Ke in surprise, not understanding why she had a sudden change of heart.

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

She smiled and said, "When I was young, I also liked to write things and earn some royalty fees. At that time, I felt I had some writing talent."

Dong Yuejin quickly took the publications from Teacher Ke and opened them. They turned out to be top literary magazines from over a decade ago. The works marked by Teacher Ke were also extensive, high-quality novellas and short stories.

Dong Yuejin quickly said respectfully, "So you're a senior!"

Teacher Ke shook her head and said humbly, "When I first started interacting with Classmate Li Ye, I also thought I could provide him with some substantial help, but I was wrong."

"I believe Editor Dong has also read Li Ye's 'Latent,' right? You should be able to see that Classmate Li Ye's writing style is not the same as ours old folks."

Dong Yuejin nodded, deeply agreeing, "Yes, this is a completely new writing technique. It's very novel and very engaging."

Teacher Ke smiled and looked at Li Ye, "Since I can't help much, how can I shamelessly piggyback on his byline?"

Li Ye truly didn't understand. He looked at Teacher Ke, wanting to ask why right away.

[Does she not need help anymore?]

Thanks to the book friend "Feng Wu Jiu Tian?" for the ten thousand coin reward, thanks to the book friend "20220501195001694" for the reward, Thanks(ω)