Chapter 517: Literary Exchange, Heart Already Soared

Jin Yong was a book lover with an extensive collection; seeing Li Heng, so young, own a whole room of books, he was stunned and instinctively asked, "Did Mr. Li buy all these himself?"

Li Heng replied honestly, "Some I bought myself, others I asked my senior brothers to get for me."

Jin Yong asked, "May I take a look?"

Li Heng smiled and said, "Just ordinary literary and historical books—feel free to browse."

As a writer himself, Jin Yong had gone to great lengths to secure this visit to Li Heng; now that he finally had the chance to see the study, he naturally didn't hold back.

He stood before the shelves, calmly scanning the entire collection, then reached out and pulled out a few books that caught his interest, flipping through them.

Jin Yong was reading. His secretary took several close-up photos of him, documenting his actions and demeanor.

Li Heng paid no attention, letting the old man rummage freely; after inviting Master Liao and Professor Yu to sit, the three of them sipped tea leisurely, utterly at ease.

About half an hour later, Jin Yong suddenly turned and asked Li Heng, "I noticed many books have notes and reflections written in them—have you read all the books in this room?"

That's obvious—I read every day; some books were even brought from my hometown. Over time, even if not all, a significant portion have been read.

Li Heng replied, "Not all—some I've read, some I use for research, and others I plan to read in the future."

Jin Yong asked, "How many books are in your collection total?"

Li Heng answered, "About fourteen hundred."

Jin Yong paused, then sighed with admiration: "Remarkable! Before coming, I assumed Mr. Li was an elderly man, at least past middle age."

When we first met at the campus gate, your age shattered my conventional notions—I thought you a literary genius."

But after flipping through these books, I realize your diligence far surpasses mine—I am truly humbled."

Li Heng's heart swelled with pride, yet his face remained calm: "A true hero serves his country and people. Since the May Fourth Movement, many modern novelists wrote foreign stories in Chinese, but you, Mr. Cha, insisted on using traditional forms to tell Chinese stories—your profound cultural depth far exceeds the mere framework of wuxia."

I've always believed your works' artistic structure isn't merely Eastern—it also inherits the creative methods of post-May Fourth new literature. Your stories aren't just entertaining; they carry depth and artistry, and the hardship and excellence behind them are beyond ordinary understanding. In this, you deserve the admiration of all fellow writers."

Jin Yong praised his talent and diligence.

Li Heng, in turn, praised him for pioneering a new form, elevating wuxia fiction to new artistic heights, transforming it into literature.

It's said: if someone respects you a foot, you respect them a yard.

Jin Yong had written countless brilliant wuxia novels, backed by hundreds of millions of fans—he should have been riding high. Yet in reality, some cultural elites constantly criticized him, dismissing his works as mere popular entertainment, shallow and unworthy of serious attention.

This was a deep wound in Jin Yong's heart.

Now, hearing Li Heng's praise, Jin Yong's mood instantly lifted, his face beaming with joy.

This young man before him wasn't some nobody—he was the author of "To Live," "Cultural Bitter Journey," and "White Deer Plain." How much weight did his words carry? Only those who wielded pens could truly grasp Li Heng's greatness.

In just a few sentences, Jin Yong's emotions had been lifted to their peak.

Jin Yong happily leaned forward and recounted his experience with "White Deer Plain": "Earlier this year, after finishing my work, I called a longtime friend in Yangcheng and asked about the mainland literary scene—whether any good new books had been published worth reading."

My friend enthusiastically recommended "White Deer Plain" to me."

He said: 'Liangyong, you're lucky—you asked at the perfect time. You can skip other books, but this newly published one is essential reading.'"

He described it as an epic literary work, where the author broke new ground in portraying the gentry class of the Republican era, depicting Bai Jiaxuan as upright, incorruptible, a champion of the people, and deeply beloved by his village."

Instantly intrigued, I asked him to collect the complete issues of "Harvest" magazine and mail them to me."

After reading it once, I felt it was extraordinary—I realized a truth from the book: when in despair, don't bow; uphold your moral bottom line—this is the power of character. When in prosperity, stay humble and unassuming—that is true magnanimity.

Unsatisfied, I immediately read it a second time."

After finishing the second reading, I suddenly understood—and broke out in cold sweat. I worried for this author—his courage is truly immense!"

The study fell into an eerie silence for a few seconds, then everyone shared a knowing smile.

Li Heng chuckled: "Mr. Cha, you've understood this book."

Jin Yong nodded: "'White Deer Plain' is truly a masterpiece—a classic unseen in a hundred years. Mr. Li, you're a genius. After reading it a third time, I had a strong intuition: it will win every major award on the mainland."

Awards?

"To Live" had only critical acclaim, no prizes.

"Cultural Bitter Journey" continued to enjoy excellent reviews, but still hadn't won any awards.

Now, whether it was "Harvest" magazine, Master Liao, or Professor Yu, all hoped "White Deer Plain" would break through—gaining both acclaim and major awards.

In fact, Professor Yu and Master Liao's desire for it to win was even stronger than Li Heng's own.

Master Liao felt this way because Li Heng was the cornerstone writer of "Harvest." For the past two years, he had single-handedly carried the magazine forward, out-selling "People's Literature" for eleven consecutive issues, securing the top national sales rank—bringing enormous benefits to everyone in the publishing house.

Everyone at the magazine now looked up to Li Heng with admiration.

After all, single-handedly surpassing "People's Literature," which had long dominated the industry, was no small feat—it was nearly unimaginable.

No one had ever thought it possible, yet Li Heng achieved it—not only shaking the literary world, but earning universal respect from the entire literary community.

Whether friends or foes, all acknowledged Li Heng's dominance in market sales.

As for Professor Yu, she had accompanied "White Deer Plain" from start to finish; out of love, she wished more than anyone for Li Heng to stand atop the literary peak.

"White Deer Plain" is a history of male ambition and a tragic chronicle of women's fates. Like Jin Yong, who read it four times, each reading brought new insights.

Discussing "White Deer Plain," Li Heng and Jin Yong exchanged many thoughts and reflections, especially as the old man clearly adored the book, often showering Li Heng with praise.

As the saying goes, if you come, you must reciprocate; when the discussion on "White Deer Plain" reached a natural pause, he skillfully steered the topic toward wuxia novels.

Too excited, they even ranked the martial arts and masters in Jin Yong's wuxia novels like martial arts masters themselves.

Li Heng said: "I've read all your wuxia novels. Personally, I believe the 'Tai Xuan Jing' and 'Yi Jin Jing' are mythic-level arts—breaking beyond the wuxia framework, approaching immortal techniques. Next come the supreme-level arts like the 'Kuihua Bao Dian,' 'Jiu Yin Zhen Jing,' 'Jiu Yang Zhen Jing,' 'Bei Ming Shen Gong,' and 'Du Gu Jiu Jian'—they reach the ceiling of wuxia, yet never transcend to another level…"

Master Liao, Professor Yu, and the secretary were all astonished. At first, they assumed Li Heng had merely prepared in advance, leading to that initial exchange of flattery.

But as Li Heng listed every wuxia technique with ease and analyzed their unique traits, they realized—he hadn't just been blowing smoke; he had genuinely read, studied, and reflected.

Jin Yong, too, sensed this instantly—as if he'd found a kindred spirit—and exclaimed joyfully: "Mr. Li, your insight is extraordinary! Your term 'mythic-level arts' is fresh and original—better than my own summary. I'm currently revising these wuxia novels; once done, I'll send them to you for feedback. I hope you won't hesitate to point out any shortcomings…"

So he meant to revise his wuxia novels based on Li Heng's opinions?

No wonder Jin Yong thought this—Li Heng spoke with such clarity and depth that Jin Yong secretly wondered: if this young man wrote wuxia, he might surpass even me.

This was the origin of Jin Yong's thought to invite Li Heng to co-edit his novels.

As a man who had lived two lives, Li Heng naturally caught the deeper meaning—his heart glowed with quiet satisfaction.

Of course—think about it!

I've been steeped in the postmodern xianxia fantasy novels of the future—offering fresh perspectives isn't extraordinary? It's second nature—effortless, almost instinctive.

Yet what Li Heng saw as normal was nothing short of miraculous to Jin Yong—as if something inside his mind had "cracked" open, flooding him with sudden inspiration.

The topics flowed endlessly—from "White Deer Plain" to wuxia, then to the Xuanwu Gate Incident and Tang Dynasty territorial expansion—conversations connected seamlessly, words pouring out until they nearly ran dry.

Unaware, two and a half hours had passed; only when the secretary reminded them that a press conference was scheduled for 11 a. . at Xianghui Hall did they realize how late it was.

They could have kept talking.

Li Heng glanced at his watch, stunned: "Didn't the press conference start at 11?"

It's already 11: 0!

Damn it—those reporters must be furious by now, probably cursing under their breath.

Li Heng instinctively looked toward Professor Yu.

Professor Yu gave a barely perceptible nod—telling him: Don't worry, I've got everything under control.

"No problem" meant: the reporters wouldn't dare act recklessly; the news reports wouldn't be distorted—she'd handle everything.

Seeing this, Li Heng relaxed. Today was a major day—he couldn't afford carelessness. Fortunately, Professor Yu had his back, allowing him to be so reckless.

Speaking of having a back, he glanced at Professor Yu—when had she begun to permeate every corner of his life and work? Whenever something important happened, he instinctively thought of her.

Huh!

At this thought, Li Heng suddenly shivered.

Professor Yu was slowly boiling him like a frog—she was the water, he the frog. By the time he realized it, he'd already grown too comfortable with her presence. In some ways, he didn't want to let her go.

Sensing Li Heng's wistful gaze, Professor Yu seemed to read his heart—she smiled softly, her lips barely curving: Little man, you can't run away.

Jin Yong's party had eaten breakfast; they weren't hungry yet. They offered to accompany him to the press conference first, then return for lunch—a proper feast.

Leaving the study, Li Heng saw Old Master Ba and Xiao Lin on the first-floor sofa, accompanied by Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe.

Li Heng hurried over, warmly calling: "Teacher, Xiao Lin, you're here."

Old Master Ba rose with a smile, gently patted his shoulder, then turned to greet Jin Yong.

Li Heng asked Xiao Lin, "Xiao Lin, are you hungry?"

Xiao Lin replied, "Not yet—we'll accompany you to Xianghui Hall first."

"Oh, good."

Li Heng nodded, then turned to Zhou Shihe and Mai Sui: "Suisui, Shihé, thank you for your hard work today. We won't be back for lunch until later—would you like to come to Xianghui Hall with us?"

Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe exchanged glances, then stood up together.

As they left Building 26 and walked briskly toward Xianghui Hall, Jin Yong quietly told his secretary: "This trip was well worth it—I've gained much. Mr. Li is wise, erudite, and extraordinarily talented—I am far behind."

The secretary had listened to their entire literary exchange and was deeply impressed by Li Heng's wisdom and learning—she couldn't fathom how a 19-year-old could achieve this.

Even if one started reading from the womb, could one reach such an extraordinary level?

Before meeting Li Heng, the secretary believed in geniuses—but thought they were mostly the product of diligence.

But after meeting Li Heng, for a fleeting moment, she wondered: perhaps there truly are those born with innate knowledge.

Seeing the secretary gaze thoughtfully at Li Heng's back,

Jin Yong asked casually, "What are you thinking?"

The secretary blurted out: "I'm deeply curious about him—I've developed a desire to work beside him."

The secretary's background was no ordinary one—she graduated from the University of Hong Kong, then pursued further studies at the University of Pennsylvania in the U. ., and had long managed "Ming Pao" and Jin Yong's business affairs.

Officially called his secretary, but those close to Jin Yong knew she was his agent—she made most daily decisions; only major matters required Jin Yong's personal approval.

And now, such a pivotal figure suddenly declared she wanted to leave.

Anyone else would be stunned, anyone else would be furious.

But Jin Yong merely paused, then smiled warmly: "With Professor Yu around, Mr. Li's side probably doesn't lack people."

The secretary said: "No, he's short on people."

Jin Yong looked at her, then looked at her again, and after a long pause said: "If you've truly made up your mind, I can speak to Mr. Li for you."

This time it was the secretary's turn to be stunned. "You're willing to let me go?"

Jin Yong gazed ahead and said: "Since reform and opening-up, the mainland has changed daily, developing rapidly. I'm old now; it's no longer suitable for you to stay by my side—it limits your potential. You deserve a better stage."

The secretary fell silent, then after a while said: "Let me think about it some more."

Think about it some more?

Jin Yong knew: this secretary, who had worked with him for seven years, was gone—he was about to fly away.

PS: Post first, then revise.

Although I only updated one chapter yesterday, it was over ten thousand characters. I didn't update afterward because I needed to organize the next million-word outline; sorry about that.

By this chapter, I've already updated over 105, 00 characters, which is fairly decent. I'll keep working hard and aim to write even more.

(End of chapter)