Chapter 61: Han Han: Are you a lunatic?

High schools across the country are probably the same; the last two periods in the afternoon are all self-study.

Fang Xinghe walked around and found Class 10, Grade 1, swept past the front door, and walked straight to the back door. Sure enough, he soon saw his good brother’s figure in the last row.

My brother is so miserable.

His former classmates and friends have all been promoted to Grade 2, happily continuing to play together. He was left back to Grade 1, being quietly sized up by a group of little kids...

When Fang Xinghe saw him, he was lying on the desk, staring at the draft paper.

"Hey! Han Han!"

Fang Xinghe gave a light shout, waking his good brother—not completely awake, he looked back blankly, his eyes dazed, having no idea who this person was or why he was calling him.

"You are..."

"Come out and chat."

Fang Xinghe crooked his finger, raising the fruit bag in his hand for the third time: "I brought fruit to see you."

"Who are you?"

The good brother muttered while pushing the chair and walking over in a slouch.

There was no teacher in the class, and the Grade 1 students in the back were all turning their heads, whispering constantly.

It wasn't that they were discussing Fang Xinghe, but because Han Han was restless.

Very good, the big brother is so stylish wherever he goes~~~

After Han Han walked out the door, Fang Xinghe pulled his mask down a little bit, revealing his complete nose and eyebrows, his eyes full of smiles.

"Came specifically to see you, moved?"

"Damn!"

Han Han burst out a swear word, so scared he almost jumped.

Although it was only his eyebrows and eyes, how could he not recognize him?

Ever since they first met, this guy had been like a nightmare, popping out from time to time to scare him—this time, he had even popped up at the classroom door!

"No, why did you come?!"

"Come out and chat."

Fang Xinghe pulled his mask up and left the back door.

"Does your school have any small woods, rooftops, smoking corners, or places like that convenient for destroying corpses?"

"Damn! What do you want to do?"

The rebellious good child who had never fought was startled, his eyes full of vigilance: "I warn you, Shanghai is different from your side. The consequences of hitting people are very, very serious!"

You see how self-aware he is?

The words he used were "hitting people," not "fighting."

"Alright, look at your small courage."

Fang Xinghe mocked his good brother unscrupulously, feeling extremely happy.

"I came here to shoot a commercial, going back tomorrow. Nothing to do, just happened to come over to see you."

"See me?"

Han Han was excited again, clearly feeling flattered, his expression becoming several points more awkward.

"Th-thank you... really didn't expect, someone like you would... uh, I’m not very good at talking, anyway, thank you."

I can see that.

His good brother’s ability to express himself when not thinking is indeed very average, always has been.

But he is smart and knows what the top priority is now.

"Let’s go, I’ll take you to the place where they secretly smoke. Otherwise, if you get discovered later, you’ll be in trouble."

Fang Xinghe asked with a smile: "Is my popularity also very high in your school?"

Han Han thought for a while and replied: "Not 'also,' but 'more'."

"Yo, then I really have to thank you."

"No need!" Han Han rolled his eyes fiercely, angry enough: "It has nothing to do with me!"

Fang Xinghe discovered that his good brother’s thinking was very agile, and his understanding of half-sentences was accurate and fast.

That’s right, in fact, racing has very high requirements for thinking. Becoming a double champion in racing after starting at 18, Han Han’s inner talent is unquestionable.

This is a good thing, and they can be more open when communicating.

The smoking corner for No. 2 Middle School students is behind a garden, sandwiched between several rows of big trees and the school wall, very quiet.

The environment is so beautiful, not smoking a cigarette is a bit of a scenery killer, so Fang Xinghe took out a Hongtashan, put one in his mouth, and then pointed the box at his good brother, signaling him to take it himself.

Han Han looked embarrassed.

"I am a sports student..."

"I am a martial arts practitioner."

Fang Xinghe’s lip-curling expression was too mocking. Han Han gritted his teeth, pulled out a cigarette, and choked on the first puff after lighting it.

Hahaha, this guy is really fun.

The bad smile on Fang Dog’s face disappeared, and he suddenly became deep.

"How does it feel to be famous?"

"It’s just how it is; besides, I’m not that famous."

"Between focus and response, which do you dislike more?"

"..." Han Han was silent for a moment. "Response, it’s too tiring."

"With that mindset, you won't be able to write a long-form novel."

Fang Xinghe’s assertive tone stung Han Han. He turned his head sharply to look back, but Fang Xinghe just exhaled a smoke ring leisurely.

The stifling summer heat created a thick ring around the smoke, and the lazy sunset light passed through the left side, casting a crystalline sense of reality, while the right side remained ethereal, looking as if it would dissipate even faster.

Just as his thoughts were drawn away, wanting to confirm if that were true, he suddenly heard a clean, wicked laugh: "You need more pressure."

"Are you a lunatic?" Han Han couldn't understand.

"I could be, but I don't need to be."

Fang Xinghe shrugged indifferently, shoving hard truths right into Han Han’s face: "You like focus but dislike response because your ability is insufficient, you’re faint-hearted, confused, and lack confidence.

If this little bit of pressure makes you tired now, it shows how mediocre your ability to handle stress is.

But your potential is far beyond this.

So, 'tired' isn't enough. You need to be tired to the point of collapse, tired to the point of exploding, tired to the point of wanting to flip everything over—pressed to the limit like a spring, and then, with a 'go crazy or die' momentum, release all your accumulated feelings at once. Only then might you produce a work that exceeds the normal standard..."

Han Han’s face turned from pale to flushed; there was anger, grievance, shame, and contemplation.

Finally, he asked a question that was very low-level but also the most correct one.

"Whether I can write a good work or not, what does that have to do with you?"

"We are of the same year—not in age, but like the Jinshi scholars of the same imperial examination in ancient times."

Fang Xinghe spoke slowly and methodically, laying out his utilitarian thoughts for him to see.

"The greatest imperial examination in history, you know?

In the second year of Jiayou of the Northern Song Dynasty, one famous general, three great literary masters, and nine prime ministers all came from the same list.

You and I both came from the first New Concept Writing Competition. Under the media’s hype, this competition has already acquired special significance, becoming a symbolic beacon.

Of course, we aren't worthy of being compared to that greatest list in history, but the more talent that emerges from this competition, the higher the achievements in the future, and the greater the influence, the more dividends each of us can share.

So I’m not afraid of you being awesome; I hope you get as awesome as possible. Liu Jiajun, Chen Jiayong, Ding Yan... I hope you all go crazy.

Unfortunately, talent is a very subjective thing.

Having it doesn't mean it can be triggered.

And even if it is triggered, it doesn't mean it’s triggered well.

You are someone with a strong 'spring' attribute. I came specifically to put pressure on you; otherwise, if you release a new book after me and it turns out to be a piece of trash, I’ll feel it’s very boring."

Damn!

Han Han felt for the umpteenth time just how arrogant this guy surnamed Fang really was.

He might as well have just said, "I’m afraid you guys will hold me back!"

But Han Han thought about it again and realized it was indeed the case. Right now, Fang Xinghe was standing alone at the very front, while everyone else was completely silent.

He subconsciously defended himself: "It’s not that I don't want to speak out, I just don't have anything to say for now. You guys are making all the noise, what does that have to do with me?"

Fang Xinghe looked at him with a smile: "But you swore on the Oriental Net that you would take me down."

"Damn! I didn't! Those weren't my original words!"

The 16-year-old boy turned red with anxiety, while the 14-year-old boy puffed on his cigarette, watching him freak out.

"Damn idiot reporter, not only did they trick me, they twisted it beyond recognition. I just said I wasn't afraid of anyone..."

"Good, that’s the spirit!"

Fang Xinghe interrupted immediately, not letting him continue to explain.

"Keep that attitude. When I do my next interview, I’ll definitely help you clarify."

"Huh?!"

Han Han was stunned, left completely confused by Fang Xinghe’s back-and-forth teasing.

Could it be that I misunderstood?

Is this super-arrogant guy actually a good person with a sharp tongue but a soft heart?

Han Han’s momentum dropped, feeling a bit guilty, a bit annoyed, and a bit shy. He stammered, "Then, how do you plan to clarify?"

Fang Xinghe replied slowly: "I’ll tell them it wasn't you unilaterally picking a fight. Actually, we already agreed to face off with our long-form novels, and the one who loses in sales has to call the winner 'Dad'..."

"Damn!"

Han Han’s temporarily chubby face changed color, his scalp tingling with rage.

"I’m not competing with you, you bastard!"

"So little confidence?"

"I..."

Young Master Han was almost choked to death. His pride wouldn't let him admit it, but the fact was... who dared to compete with Fang Xinghe in sales?

This guy’s female fans were all over the country. In their Second Middle School alone, half the girls were thinking about his new book every day; it was practically a guaranteed hit.

Li Qigang was extremely optimistic about his new book, constantly fantasizing: If our 'Sprout' gets the distribution rights, the first printing will be at least 500,000 copies.

Han Han knew all of this, so he had no way to respond.

"I, I’m not competing with you, I’m just being myself!"

Hahaha, he chickened out, he chickened out~~~

It was rare to see the 'big brother' chicken out; Fang Xinghe felt it was highly entertaining and that the trip was truly worth it.

But his goal wasn't to bully people. Having had his fun, it was time to talk about business.

"No more jokes. We don't need a bet, but a challenge is good for both of us."

Fang Xinghe’s expression turned serious, an intellectual and calm temperament washing over him.

"Your life isn't easy right now either. I heard from Li Laoshi that Uncle Han was so angry he even laid a hand on you?

To their generation, being held back a grade isn't just a shameful thing; it means the child’s future is bleak and dark.

You aren't convinced, you want to prove yourself, so you have to produce results.

But you lack confidence. Stubbornness can't solve the confusion in your heart; you can only take it one step at a time.

I do want to add pressure to you, but I also genuinely hope you can do well. As long as we band together, we can stimulate each other and squeeze out all the pocket money that middle and high school girls spend on HOT posters, Xie Tingfeng tapes, and Jin Wu stickers..."

Han Han looked at him with disdain: "Did you just let the word 'squeeze' slip out?"

"No."

Fang Xinghe didn't panic at all, his expression unmoved.

"I am the dream idol of young girls. A god earning a little of their pocket money, how can that be called 'squeezing'?"

"Holy crap, you’re practically invincible..."

Listen closely, and you could even hear a sense of despair in Han Han’s exclamation. He truly felt this guy was unbeatable—both talented and shameless, like a 41-year-old, not a 14-year-old.

And he really couldn't understand: "Do you really have to put so much effort into things outside of writing? Your articles are so awesome..."

"You have a good father," Fang Xinghe interrupted. "I don't."

Han Han fell silent instantly.

He didn't have the face to say, "The qualification for the second round wasn't due to my dad’s connections."

After a moment of silence, he clumsily changed the subject: "How do we band together?"

"I want to initiate a plan. You announce your participation with a confrontational stance and help build momentum through certain media."

"A plan?"

Such an obscure word... at the high school level, it was truly laughable.

But after Fang Xinghe explained it, Han Han couldn't laugh at all, his mouth hanging open.

"There are actually a few people in our cohort with great potential, but for some reason, they don't dare to take the step. They’re either waiting or they’ve shrunk back.

I really don't like that.

Obviously, I’m not qualified to force them to do anything, but 99% of things in this world can be solved with money.

I just took an advertisement, so I have a little money now. I can take out 1 million to provide an opportunity for all the award-winning contestants of this year..."

Gulp!

Han Han swallowed hard, his expression shocked and dazed, his eyes drifting off somewhere.

"What... opportunity?"

"Self-funded publishing!"

Fang Xinghe’s voice echoed with a metallic clang, a hint of rust in his throat. Han Han couldn't describe his feelings at that moment.

And Fang Xinghe wasn't finished.

"From now on, for every award-winning contestant, as long as they can produce a work, I will pay to print at least 10,000 copies and put them on the market.

I pay the costs, they get the royalties, I do the promotion, and the fame is theirs.

If they perform well later, publishers will naturally take over and print more, and they can earn as much as they want.

If it doesn't sell well, then go back and practice more.

The benefit of doing this is that when we all gather together, we can fully digest the heat of the 'New Concept Writing Collection' release and go even further, maximizing the expectations of readers, judges, the literary world, and the educational world.

'Sprout', Peking University, publishing houses, the 'Xinmin News'... all forces will be willing to add bricks and tiles for us.

I’ve given this plan a name—

The collective cry of the first New Concept winners, the 'Strongest Voice of the 80s' Youth Literature Publishing Plan..."

Han Han couldn't consider too much, subconsciously asking: "What if some people can't write a long-form novel? Do you think everyone can do it?"

"The 'Strongest Voice of the 80s' can also be a magazine issue number."

Fang Xinghe looked at his 'big brother' meaningfully: "Long-form novels get published directly; short stories, essays, poems, and articles get stuffed into the magazine. I don't believe it won't sell."

"The money from the sales..."

"Generally split according to the word count published. If it loses money, it’s on me; if it makes money, you guys split it."

"Manuscript review..."

"I can call on Chen Danya, Wang Yali, Li Qigang, or even Yu Hua."

"..."

Han Han closed his mouth with difficulty, his brain spinning wildly, but it was a mess inside.

He couldn't figure out what was wrong with this plan; it was too far beyond the norm, and he just intuitively felt it shouldn't be that simple.

Finally, he found the most obvious point of unreasonableness.

"You’re spending so much money, what for?"

"What for? For the excitement."

Fang Xinghe grinned, revealing white teeth, smiling so brightly for the first time in front of Han Han.

"What’s the point of acting cool with a loser like you every day? I hope you can fully prove to the world—I’m not a loser at all; on the contrary, I’m damn awesome!"

Han Han finally understood a little: "And then, you prove to the world that even though we are so awesome, we are still losers in front of you?"

"You’re finally getting a little smarter~~~"

As soon as Fang Xinghe’s praise left his mouth, seeing his 'big brother' about to explode, he hurriedly coaxed him.

"The opportunity is equal. The heat is given to you, and the platform is built. If you aren't convinced, feel free to take me down. Let your work do the talking, isn't that fair enough?

If I didn't step in, would anyone be willing to publish your new book?"

Han Han was instantly rendered speechless.

Because it was true, no one would.

He had gone behind his father’s back to submit his draft to two publishing houses, and they didn't want to take it.

After a long silence, he suddenly clenched his fists tightly.

"Fine, you damn well wait and see, let’s see who crushes whom in the end!"

Very good, the momentum was finally right.

It seemed his pressure was about to be maxed out. Fang Xinghe thought very happily: Nice, I can look forward to a more restless, angrier, and more struggling version of 'Triple Gate'.

As a leader of internet trolls who had crawled back from death, Fang Xinghe was never afraid of someone being stronger than him, never afraid of being overshadowed, and even less afraid of the criticism, comparisons, mockery, and abuse of the mob.

So, whether it was Han Han, Ding Yan, Liu Jiajun, or anyone else, if they finally pulled out a masterpiece and took away his spotlight, he would only be happy and ecstatic, without a shred of anger or jealousy.

Confidence is a very mysterious thing. In fact, Fang Xinghe didn't dare to be certain he could grow to the height he imagined, because there were too many non-material factors to fight against. Pessimism far outweighed optimism, and it only got harder the higher he went.

Yet he still didn't envy others' strength, nor did he fear his own weakness.

Is this confidence?

Probably not.

Or rather, the appearance is, but the core is not.

Then what is the core? Fang Xinghe couldn't summarize it for a moment, and he didn't care that much.

Watching Han Han, who was excited and solemn, pacing back and forth, he smiled lightly at himself in his heart.

"If I stretch out time, I might not necessarily become the 'Galaxy' itself, but I sincerely hope the stars beside me are each dazzling and magnificent."

"Then... bloom to your heart's content, my fellow scholars."

"I sincerely hope the opportunity I provide can bring a brilliance that never existed in the past life."

In this way, I suppose it is also the fortune of the era...