Chapter 210

Zhu Wei already knew that Wei Ming was Wei Shenme. Before he came, he couldn't get through to Wei Ming's home phone, but he got through to the phones of *Juvenile Literature* and *Children's Literature*, confirming the explosive news that Wei Ming was Wei Shenme, so he headed straight for Peking University.

"Why did you suddenly want to interview Wei Shenme?"

"The *China Youth Daily* also received instructions from the State Administration of Press and Publication," Zhu Wei revealed.

This was the will from above, and Wei Ming could only temporarily put aside his own affairs to cooperate with the interview.

And it was also time to promote this low-key but highly accomplished fairy tale writer, "Wei Shenme."

"When I learned that Wei Shenme was Wei Ming, I really couldn't believe it. So, since you write serious literature so well, why did you enter the field of children's literature? Is it because your writing focus has been on children's literature that you haven't released any new works in the past six months?"

Wei Ming: "First of all, I must correct one point: I initially wrote children's literature; the pen name 'Wei Shenme' is older than Wei Ming's works. Secondly, in the past six months, I have been preparing my own novel, so the energy spent on children's literature is not much."

Reporter Zhu was a bit embarrassed; he had come too hurriedly and wasn't well-prepared.

He asked again: "What was the opportunity that made you devote yourself to the creation of children's literature?"

Wei Ming: "First of all, I like children. My uncle's family has a pair of fraternal twins who are very cute. Creating the first fairy tale, *The Toothless Tiger*, was inspired by my cousin's love for candy and getting cavities."

"Haha, I didn't expect such a cute story behind this novel."

Wei Ming: "Of course, the main purpose was to earn manuscript fees. After all, living in Yanjing is not easy, and there are too many places to spend money. I relied on the first two fairy tales to buy this second-hand bicycle in Yanjing."

Wei Ming pointed to his Forever-brand 28-inch bicycle. Without Little Mei's careful care, this bike was aging quickly, but fortunately, Little Hong would soon be going to college.

Seeing that old, broken bike, Reporter Zhu felt that Wei Ming's life was too simple.

"The name 'Wei Shenme' becoming popular nationwide should be because of *Jumanji*, right?"

"Yes, there are many letters from young readers. I used to live in a collective dormitory provided by the school, but the space was limited. Later, because there was no place to put the letters, I had to buy a house."

Zhu Wei: "..."

Wei Ming: *Comfortable. Old Zheng, I'll show off this time; from now on, you can only show off second-hand. *

Zhu Wei was dumbfounded. *Good heavens, you bought a house just to put letters? You are too extravagant! *

Then he focused on chatting with Wei Ming about reader letters and Wei Ming's choice of replies to readers.

"Usually, the more sincere and detailed the content of the reader's letter, the easier it is to be selected for a reply. Also, if there is a reader who leaves a deep impression and writes multiple times, I will also reply."

Wei Ming's words were also encouraging young readers to write to him. A letter costs a few cents, which is not too expensive, and it can exercise writing ability and cultivate writing hobbies. If there are really difficulties, he will also lend a helping hand.

He had previously done the act of stuffing money into replies, but he didn't mention it to Reporter Zhu.

Reporter Zhu: "*Jumanji* is indeed a boutique fairy tale, and it is an adaptation based on classical masterpieces, which is very valuable. It is said that it has been favored by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio for film adaptation, and it is being done by the team of *Nezha Conquers the Dragon King*. Can you tell us about the progress of this film?"

Wei Ming talked about what he knew, and even mentioned the significance of *Nezha Conquers the Dragon King* winning at Cannes for domestic animation, as well as his confidence in Director Wang Shuchen's team.

However, Reporter Zhu's focus was clearly not on this co-production film whose results were still uncertain.

"You really have a fate with England. *Jumanji* is a collaboration with the British BBC radio station, and *Jumanji* has also been a great success in England. According to our understanding, this book has been very popular in England recently, and children like it very much."

*So that's what you were waiting for. * Wei Ming understood immediately. It was likely Melinda's handiwork again. She was helping him make a name for himself, but unfortunately, she had already left, and it was too late to thank her.

"Indeed, the influence of *Jumanji* in China is not as good as *Jumanji* and *Black Cat Detective*, but after the efforts of translators and illustrators, this Chinese story has stepped onto a bigger stage. It has been selling well in England recently, and it is about to land in markets like the US and Canada. I am also very happy that more and more people are seeing this novel."

Then Reporter Zhu had a detailed exchange with Wei Ming about the creative motivation and main theme of *Jumanji*. The main preparation he did was to find the magazine to read this novel.

"Actually, I thought of this idea when I was playing a game with my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend? Writer Wei, you have a partner?!" Although this question was a bit private and might not be published, Reporter Zhu still wanted to know.

Wei Ming shook his head: "We have already separated. She is an ex-girlfriend, and also the English translator and overseas editor of this novel. She deserves a lot of credit for the current achievements of *Jumanji*, and I sincerely thank her."

Hearing that Wei Ming's ex-girlfriend was actually the translator and editor of this novel, Reporter Zhu suddenly felt that there was something worth digging into here.

However, he was not a tabloid reporter after all, just sighed: "It seems you are still good friends after breaking up."

Wei Ming: "Yes, we will always be friends, and also partners in business."

They chatted until dark, and Wei Ming also talked about *Black Cat Detective* and new fairy tale creation plans.

This interview finally ended, and Reporter Zhu asked: "Do you mind if the content about your emotional life is published?"

"I don't care, and she really helped a lot in my career; she is unavoidable."

Zhu Wei: *The key is that she is actually a British international student. Wei Shenme actually once dated a foreign girl. This is still very incredible. *

Reporter Zhu asked again: "What about the fact that Wei Ming and Wei Shenme are the same person?"

If it became "Wei Ming dates a foreign international student," the news effect would definitely be more explosive. Wei Shenme's fame is far from Wei Ming's.

Wei Ming still didn't mind. He didn't deliberately hide this kind of thing. All his works used Liu Rulong for illustrations, which also left some clues for readers. Also, the animation screenwriter used the name Wei Ming, but...

He said to Reporter Zhu: "If I were doing news, I wouldn't throw out all the explosive points in an exclusive news story at once, but take out some this time, and take out a little next time, so that readers always have expectations and always want to keep reading."

Hearing Wei Ming's words, Zhu Wei, who graduated from the journalism major at Peking University, suddenly became serious.

Wei Ming continued: "If I guess correctly, the focus of this news should be that *Jumanji* successfully went overseas and is deeply loved by overseas readers. Then we should make a big fuss about this theme, and slowly release other explosive points later. What do you think, Reporter Zhu?"

Reporter Zhu's mouth opened slightly, his eyes full of disbelief.

"Writer Wei, have you also studied journalism?" He felt that Wei Ming knew more than those teachers in school.

Wei Ming waved his hand: "I just like reading books usually, and I have also dabbled in some works on journalism."

Zhu Wei felt that he had to write this article well today. Any foreign ex-girlfriend or Wei Ming's second avatar could be delayed and left for later articles.

"You said this is an exclusive news, right?" Zhu Wei finally confirmed.

"Yes, I won't tell other reporters about these things," Wei Ming said with a smile.

The *China Youth Daily* has a huge influence on the youth group, and Wei Ming also subscribed to this newspaper. This Zhu Wei might be useful in the future. After this interview, the two completely became friends.

There was no time to buy a TV today, so Wei Ming could only eat and go home first, and go again the next day.

The next day at noon, Wei Ming rode his motorcycle to the Wang Fujing Department Store and headed straight for the home appliance area.

He didn't even look at the black-and-white TVs for a few hundred yuan, heading straight for the color TV area, and looked directly at foreign color TVs.

Coming here and seeing the tape recorder next door, Wei Ming couldn't help but think of his first meeting with Zhu Lin, and he didn't know how things were progressing with Sister-in-law Southern Murong.

"What, you said you are just friends?"

"Yes, just friends who play well together. Little Mu, don't listen to his nonsense; he's just a child," Zhu Lin denied with an awkward expression.

When really asked about her emotional problems with Ma Xiaowei, Zhu Lin realized that it really took courage to admit it.

After all, the two were nine years apart. To admit this relationship, she had to endure the strange eyes of liking a little boy. When she was 20 and already a big girl, Wei Ming was still an elementary school student!

Southern Murong was thinking, *Ma Xiaowei, you're miserable. People don't even admit they've been with you. Could it be that you've committed the mistake that all men in the world will commit? *

She saw that the current Zhu Lin had more feminine charm than before she left. It was estimated that the feelings and communication between the two were already very deep and thorough. It was better to persuade if she could.

Southern Murong said again: "Since you are just friends, then Old Qiao and I are treating tonight. Do you want to come together?"

"Is Wei Ming there?"

"Yes, we are all friends."

"I'm not going. I bought tickets for the Beijing People's Art Theatre today; I'm going to watch a play." She shook the tickets in her hand; she had bought them yesterday.

"Why did you buy two?" Southern Murong discovered a suspicious point. Could it be that Sister Lin had already found a next home?

"I also bought one for my sister, but she suddenly said she had something to do and couldn't go," Zhu Lin sighed. She was thinking about which colleague to go with.

"What play is it?" Southern Murong's eyes turned.

"*The Miser*, Molière's masterpiece, one of the four great misers," Zhu Lin said. The other three were the protagonists in *Eugénie Grandet*, *Dead Souls*, and *The Merchant of Venice*.

This year, the main big plays of the People's Art Theatre were *Teahouse*, *Rickshaw Boy*, and *The Miser*. The first two were too popular, and she didn't grab tickets, so she had to settle for the next best thing and watch this play adapted from a foreign masterpiece.

Southern Murong immediately clapped her hands and said: "I like this play, and I want to watch it too. Why don't you transfer the extra ticket to me?"

Zhu Lin was not a fool. At a glance, she knew that Southern Murong was here to persuade peace, so the ticket would definitely fall into Wei Ming's hands in the end.

"Fine, I don't want money either. You take it, and let the baby receive some artistic influence," Zhu Lin said with a smile, pretending not to understand.

In fact, she had been to Wei Ming's house two days ago to find an excuse to take her things into his house, but unfortunately, Wei Ming was not at home, so she couldn't get in.

After waiting for a long time without seeing anyone, she was also interrogated by the neighbor, Wu Zuoren and his wife, about what she was doing, which made her run away in shame.

If she had known, she would have kept that key.

Knowing that she could see Wei Ming again at night, Zhu Lin specially dressed up in front of the mirror. She also used the whitening skincare products he brought her from Hong Kong.

Zhu Lin went very early, taking the bus, and went straight in to find her seat. She also specially used her bag to occupy the seat. In this day and age, many people don't look at seat numbers and sit randomly.

Just before the play was about to start, the person next to her finally squeezed over.

Southern Murong: "Oh my, I finally caught up. There are so many people. Sister Lin, it hasn't started yet, right?"

Zhu Lin looked at the big-bellied Southern Murong, and the surprise on her face almost couldn't be hidden. *No, how is it really you! Pregnancy makes you stupid for three years; can you understand it! *

Southern Murong: *I don't want to come either. How inconvenient my actions are! But I made several calls—Wei Ming's house, the south gate of Peking University, the school journal office—none of them could contact Wei Ming. I don't know what he went to do. There is no way but to come myself. I can't waste this ticket money. *

Because the person who came was not the person she wanted to see, Zhu Lin didn't even find the play interesting. On the contrary, Southern Murong on the side watched with relish, touching her belly while watching, hoping that the baby inside could receive artistic influence.

And when the two walked out of the People's Art Theatre, Southern Murong suddenly held her forehead: "The ventilation in this theater is really not good. I feel like I'm oxygen-deprived."

Zhu Lin hurriedly supported Southern Murong: "Are you okay? Or, or I'll send you back to Peking University."

Southern Murong: *I was waiting for this sentence! *

*Wait until Peking University and then find an opportunity to tip off Wei Ming. For the sake of the two of them, I really have broken my heart. *

Subsequently, the two got on the bus. There were not many people, and both had seats. Looking at Southern Murong, whose body was a bit clumsy, Zhu Lin asked with a smile: "When are you giving birth?"

"In September, probably just when Peking University starts school, which is just when our Old Qiao is busy," Southern Murong replied with a smile.

Looking at Southern Murong's happy appearance, Zhu Lin couldn't help but think about what it would be like if she had a child, and, would she have children in the future?

Choosing to have a relationship with a boy much younger than herself, she also took huge risks. By the time Wei Ming reached the legal marriage age, she would be 31, already past the golden age of childbearing.

After arriving at Peking University, Southern Murong glanced at the south gate guard post. She was pleasantly surprised to find two motorcycles inside, which meant Wei Ming was here!

"Sister Lin, wait a moment, I'll see if there's any mail for my family." Southern Murong went in and came out quickly.

Then Zhu Lin supported Southern Murong back to the tube building where they lived. When passing by a row of newly built houses, Southern Murong held her belly and stopped for a long time.

!

"What are you looking at?"

Southern Murong's face was full of happiness: "There will be an apartment in here that belongs to our family. It's almost built, and we should be able to move in before the New Year."

When Zhu Lin arrived at Southern Murong's house and saw the very crowded tube building, she understood why Southern Murong was so looking forward to that apartment. She felt that this place was not much bigger than Wei Ming's bathroom.

Zhu Lin didn't stay long either. She was afraid she wouldn't catch the last bus.

If she really couldn't catch it, she could only shamelessly walk to the Overseas Chinese Apartments.

Zhu Lin despised herself more and more. It had only been a few days, and her original pride had all turned into a soft bone.

And when she walked out of the south gate to the bus stop, a familiar rumbling sound suddenly came from behind. As soon as she turned her head, she saw Wei Ming parked in front of her on his motorcycle.

He handed her the helmet: "Get on, I'll send you home."

The four of them were all in the dormitory just now, discussing the opening of the Oriental New World. Then the guy at the guard post came down and told Brother Feng: "Sister-in-law said she's back, and it was a colleague from her former unit who sent her back. That sister is very beautiful."

Hearing this, Wei Ming knew this was the signal from his sister-in-law, so he immediately rode his bike and hid in the dark, waiting for Zhu Lin to come out.

After a few days of cold war, when Wei Ming appeared unexpectedly, Zhu Lin lost any ability to resist and refuse.

When she took the helmet and sat on the motorcycle, she immediately hugged Wei Ming's waist tightly from behind.

She was really afraid that this stinky boy would really send her home. Fortunately, the car finally headed towards the Overseas Chinese Apartments.

Zhu Lin's face was pressed against Wei Ming's back, thinking that she was in a safe period now, and her period would come in two days. At that time, she wouldn't be able to do anything for a few days.

Or, or should she let him taste some sweetness tonight?

While thinking, Wei Ming had already parked the car downstairs.

"It's too late. It's easy to disturb your uncle and aunt if you go home at this time. You can just make do for one night at my place today. Don't worry, I won't mess around." He thought Zhu Lin at this time was still the Zhu Lin who left in anger.

Zhu Lin gave a soft "Oh."

After pushing the door open, Zhu Lin gave a soft "Ah." She saw the TV in the living room at a glance, and it was not small.

"20-inch Philips color TV, just installed today. We can watch TV before going to bed." Wei Ming turned it on directly, making the living room no longer quiet.

This TV set plus installation cost him a full 2,000 yuan. Now he doesn't have much cash on hand.

The length and width of the 20-inch TV were 45 cm and 30 cm respectively. It was still very small for Wei Ming. If there was a bigger one in the store at that time, he would have to get one, even if it cost some foreign exchange.

No way, the living room is too big, and putting a TV that is too small is too mismatched. When big color TVs appear on the market in the future, he will change this one to the bedroom.

Zhu Lin thought this was already big enough. Her family had a domestic Changhong black-and-white TV, only 14 inches. Later, she bought a color TV film, but the effect was not as good as this real color TV.

Now the TV is playing last year's old movie *Sweet Career*, directed by Xie Tian and starring Li Xiuming and others.

The production of TV series is still too small, and domestic TV series are not yet available. They can only use movies to fill the time. Zhu Lin watched with relish. Watching a big TV is just different.

While watching, the two chatted.

"Where did you go with Sister-in-law Southern Murong today?"

"People's Art Theatre, watched a play."

"What play?... How do you think the acting is?... We have acquaintances at the People's Art Theatre!"

The more Wei Ming talked, the closer he got to Zhu Lin, and finally talked about Li Guangfu.

"You can't buy *Teahouse*? That's easy. I'll tell Old Li later; he should be able to find a way."

"Oh~" Zhu Lin replied coldly. She was pretending to be reserved.

When he put his palm on Zhu Lin's shoulder, Zhu Lin got up to go to the bathroom, and then there was a new discovery.

"You bought a washing machine?" The washing machine immediately attracted Zhu Lin's attention away from the sink that Melinda had leaned on.

"Yes, washing clothes is a big problem for a single man, so let the machine do it."

The washing machine was also an imported product. Wei Ming picked it up directly at the Friendship Store, costing 1,500 in foreign exchange coupons.

Zhu Lin always felt that he was hinting at her, blaming her for not washing his clothes?

After discovering the washing machine, Zhu Lin, unsurprisingly, saw the refrigerator in the kitchen again.

Like the washing machine, it was a Toshiba brand bought at the Friendship Store, costing 2,000 in foreign exchange coupons. It was busy with this in the afternoon that he missed Southern Murong's call.

Having bought the three-piece set of appliances, his home has finally achieved modernization initially. He hopes that he and Zhu Lin can live more comfortably.

Zhu Lin is thinking that it seems like there is only a sewing machine missing in this house. She knows how to use it.

While thinking, the TV screen turned into snowflakes. It wasn't that the TV had a problem, but there were no more programs. This seemed to be a reminder that they should go to bed.

Zhu Lin walked into her guest bedroom and started to tidy up the bed.

At this time, Wei Ming came in with pajamas.

"Do you still want it? If not, I'll throw it away." He checked, and there was no perfume smell of Melinda, nor her red hair.

Zhu Lin gave a soft hum and took it. She was already used to these silk pajamas, and she hadn't been comfortable sleeping these past few days.

Seeing that Wei Ming still didn't leave, she said: "I'm going to change clothes. Do you want to avoid it?"

Wei Ming went out and closed the door casually, not tightly, but Zhu Lin didn't care and started changing clothes directly. After changing, she smelled it, and she couldn't feel Melinda's breath anymore.

Putting on pajamas, Zhu Lin, who felt light all over, started to wash up. Throughout the process, Wei Ming had been in his bedroom, the door was open with a crack, and the light was on.

Zhu Lin was a bit curious. Since he wasn't writing, why didn't he sleep yet?

She peeked and saw Wei Ming holding a very exquisite book.

Could it be that Melinda left it for him? Is he missing her?

She was watching when Wei Ming suddenly got out of bed with the book. Zhu Lin hurriedly stepped back two steps, pretending to pass by.

"Sister Lin, you haven't slept yet?"

"Just about to sleep."

Wei Ming: "If you are really not sleepy, why don't we find some fun."

*Humph, finally showing your true colors, right! *

Zhu Lin raised her eyebrows at him: "What fun do you want to find?"

Wei Ming shook the book in his hand: "You know I wrote a novel called *Jumanji*, right?"

"Of course I know." Zhu Lin nodded. This was also her favorite work of Wei Shenme, but children clearly liked *Black Cat* and *Tianshu Qitan* more.

Wei Ming: "What we are going to play is this, *Jumanji*."

Hearing this, Zhu Lin became interested.

"What book is this? Why is it all in English?"

"British edition of *Jumanji*. Come on, let's sit on the bed and play."

Wei Ming unfolded the board he had modified: "I'll take black, you take white. You go first."

Zhu Lin hadn't looked closely at those punishment measures yet when she was urged by Wei Ming to roll the dice.

"Five, I can take five steps!" Zhu Lin was very happy, took her little white man and jumped five times, and then saw that the grid was written: Please remove your underwear...

(Yesterday's minimum, although late, it arrived. Seeking monthly tickets! Next, it's time to pay off debts!)

(End of chapter)