Chapter 41: Didn't your people just arrive?

Dong Yuejin saw Li Ye approaching from the direction of the classrooms from afar and finally understood what Principal Chang had meant.

[Is this just a kid? Handsome and full of vitality...]

Before arriving, Dong Yuejin could never have imagined that "Seven-Inch Blade," the author who wrote "Lurking," was actually a high school student. Seeing Li Ye walking toward him with a bright smile, he felt a twinge of hesitation.

Several days ago, Dong had received the manuscript Li Ye had submitted and immediately reported to his editor-in-chief, urging them to secure "Lurking." After reading it, the editor-in-chief also thought highly of the novel, though he held more reservations. He wondered what kind of person "Seven-Inch Blade" might be—whether he was a sensitive figure surrounded by trouble. In the end, the editor-in-chief delegated the decision to Dong.

"Little Dong, I’m leaving this book entirely in your hands. You go negotiate. Regardless of the outcome, the credit will be yours." The editor-in-chief’s meaning was clear: it was a good piece of work, but the subject matter was sensitive. If you want to take it, take it; if something goes wrong, you bear the burden, but if it succeeds, the credit is yours. The responsibilities were clearly defined, and the publishing house would take no part in the consequences.

Dong Yuejin had come to Qingshui County with trepidation. He hoped that "Seven-Inch Blade" was a pure writer, not some political radical. One couldn't blame Dong for being cautious. Li Ye, with his hindsight, knew that after the "spring breeze" came a season of revival, but others didn't. It had only been a few years since the political climate shifted; what if the pendulum swung back?

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

[I wonder if the latter half of the manuscript maintains the standard of the first part. If... even if it has half the quality, "Lurking" can be called an excellent work.]

Muttering to himself, Dong Yuejin walked up to greet Li Ye. Judging by Principal Chang’s tone earlier, the Dahe Publishing House had already contacted Li Ye, so he couldn't afford to be too arrogant. Stubborn kids are like cats that need to be stroked in the right direction; he understood that.

However, just as Dong Yuejin began to smile, Li Ye reached out his hand from a distance.

"Hello, Editor Dong. I only received your telegram yesterday. I didn't expect you to arrive today. I’m sorry I didn't get a chance to pick you up!"

"Haha, no worries at all. I’m not some delicate young lady; what kind of pickup do I need?"

"Alright then. Should we talk business first, or would you like to look at the manuscript?"

"..."

Dong Yuejin was slightly stunned, feeling quite surprised. [Where is this child stubborn? Where is he difficult to deal with? He seems quite sensible and well-mannered.]

The submission Li Ye had sent to Lanhai Publishing House contained only a small portion of the plot, ending just as Yu Zecheng was on his way to his new post as a major at the Jin City Confidential Bureau after receiving progressive ideological education in the Jin-Cha-Ji Border Region. Having read it, Dong was desperate to know what followed. The story was gripping, and the later plot would determine the novel's ideological stance. If the plot collapsed or the stance veered off course, Dong’s trip would have been in vain.

Therefore, Dong now couldn't wait to read the rest of the manuscript. "If possible, I would like to look at the manuscript first," he said.

Li Ye agreed readily. "That’s fine. I have the manuscript at home. Let’s go somewhere else to talk, shall we?"

Dong smiled. "I’d be happy to."

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

***

Principal Chang hadn't even reacted before the two walked off with light steps.

"This... what kind of behavior is this?" Principal Chang was somewhat displeased. People from publishing houses didn't come around often; why was Li Ye so oblivious to the chance to make a good impression?

"Ring-ring!" The phone behind him interrupted his annoyance. He turned, sat down, and picked up the receiver.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"This is Dahe Publishing House. Li Ye hasn't been in touch with us. May I ask if you have relayed our offer to publish to him?"

"Dahe Publishing House?" Principal Chang was stunned. He blurted out, "Didn't your person just arrive? Why are you asking me?"

"..."

"Tu-tu-tu..."

***

Li Ye naturally didn't have the manuscript at home. He just wanted to leave the school, so he took Dong straight to the best restaurant in the county—the Qingshui Hotel.

When they arrived, Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian were already there. After a round of pleasantries with Dong Yuejin, they ordered drinks and food. Their warm hospitality made Dong feel quite comfortable. Li Ye took the manuscript from his bag and handed it over.

Under normal circumstances, Dong shouldn't have started reading immediately, but he couldn't help himself. "If you don't mind, I'll take a quick look while we wait for the food. This is the main event, after all. Please forgive me."

"Feel free, feel free. Editor Dong’s dedication to his work is admirable."

Dong flipped to the first page and scanned it, connecting it to the plot in his mind. [Yu Zecheng arrives in Jin City... encounters the traitor Ma Kui... must bring his fictitious wife over...]

The tight, exciting plot quickly captivated Dong. Even when the food and wine were served, he couldn't bear to put the manuscript down. He even chuckled occasionally, nodding his head as he became fully immersed.

Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian exchanged looks of surprise. They had only learned about Li Ye’s novel yesterday and hadn't read it themselves. No matter how much hope they placed in their son/grandson, they had only ever considered Li Ye an "excellent high school student." Yet, this bespectacled editor, who looked like a refined intellectual, was clearly a professional—why was he so entranced by a child's writing?

"Ahem!" Li Ye coughed softly and gave both Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian a look. [The part for your grandson is done; it's time for you old veterans to step up.]

Li Kaijian understood. He picked up the bottle and filled Dong’s glass. "Editor Dong, it's been a long journey. Let me toast you first."

"Oh, oh, no trouble at all. You are too kind."

Dong finally put down the manuscript and clinked glasses with Li Kaijian. Having traveled for most of the day, he was famished. Once he had eaten his fill, he felt much more relaxed. After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively. Dong learned about Li Zhongfa’s military background, and they exchanged mutual compliments.

However, Dong probed carefully and learned that no one in the Li family worked in counter-intelligence. He turned to Li Ye with a curious look: "Student Li, how did you come up with those espionage plots?"

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

[Just as I thought!] Dong felt a jolt of alarm. "And how is that teacher doing now? Could we meet her? As you know, since it’s a joint publication, it must have her consent."

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

Dong breathed a sigh of relief. If the teacher was free to move about and was still teaching students, she wasn't the "most troublesome" kind of person.

A short while later, Teacher Ke arrived. The Li family and Dong were meeting her for the first time, but after a brief interaction, all three felt a sense of gravity. An aura is not something one can fake. Teacher Ke’s demeanor and speech commanded a subtle pressure. Even in her simple attire, she stood out like a solitary star, leaving others feeling a sense of respectful distance.

Dong hesitated. How could someone like Teacher Ke be publishing a novel with a student? He asked cautiously, "Teacher Ke, is it? Student Li says he wants to publish this book under your joint names. Do you have any requirements or opinions regarding the publication of 'Lurking'?"

To his surprise, Teacher Ke replied, "No. I only provided Student Li with very minor help. There is no need for my name to be on it."

"..."

Li Ye looked at Teacher Ke in surprise, not understanding why she had changed her mind at the last minute.

Teacher Ke smiled at Li Ye and took two journals from her bag. She said with a smile, "When I was young, I also liked to write and earn some royalties... back then, I felt I had some talent for writing."

Dong hurriedly took the journals. Flipping them open, he realized they were leading literary magazines from over a decade ago. The works marked by Teacher Ke were substantial, high-quality mid-to-long-form pieces. Dong quickly said with respect, "So you are a senior in the field!"

Teacher Ke shook her head modestly. "When I first met Student Li, I also assumed I could provide him with some substantive help... but I was wrong."

Dong nodded in deep agreement. "Yes, this is a brand-new writing style. It is very novel and captivating."

Teacher Ke looked at Li Ye and smiled. "Since I can't really help, how could I have the face to piggyback on his work?"

Li Ye was truly confused. He looked at Teacher Ke, wanting to ask why right then and there.

[Could it be that she no longer needs help?]