[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-rising-in-1979":3,"chapter-rising-in-1979-rising-in-1979-chapter-230":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Rising in 1979",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260938,4412,"Chapter 230: Wei Xiaoming, You","rising-in-1979-chapter-230",230,"\u003Cp>Native of Yanjing, military family, same age, tall, high school education, gentle temperament, refined appearance, articulate, and good at making money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua perfectly met Grandma Wei’s requirements for a grandson-in-law, even surpassing her expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Mei Wenhua’s impulsive cry of “Aunt Two, Grandma,” Yunyun covered her face and shyly ran into the bedroom—their relationship was settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even before, Mei Wenhua hadn’t formally confessed to Yunyun, but she knew this day would come, and she had already prepared to say yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua was invited to stay for dinner; though he couldn’t cook, he came and went, bustling about as if constantly occupied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the dinner table, Grandma Wei asked whether they should meet Mei’s family before leaving Beijing to discuss the two young people’s marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This speed left Wei Hong speechless—she’d only been gone three days; how had the world changed so much!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua was astonished yet delighted; he hadn’t expected the old lady to be so direct—Wei Ming tried to stop her but failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Mei said no problem—he’d tell his family these days, and added he’d come to pick up Yunyun for work tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming immediately criticized: “Grandma has come to Yanjing—don’t you think Yunyun deserves a day off to spend with her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua quickly self-criticized: “Yes, yes, I didn’t think it through—but tomorrow’s payday, can I give her the money privately?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing about the payday, Yunyun and Xiao Hong immediately came out of the room, declaring they’d be on time for work tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Wei Hong, sharing a bed with Yunyun, interrogated her cousin: “What did you two do these past three days? Tell me specifics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just went to work, came home, ate, worked,” Yunyun thought nothing special—but without Xiao Hong around, the atmosphere between them was completely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you… did you do anything you shouldn’t have?” Wei Hong thought of the kiss in “Lushan Love,” and the more serious acts in her brother’s novel “The Two Donkeys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way, nothing happened—don’t make things up!” Yunyun denied it outright, yet seemed to be hoping for something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Wei Ming opened Lao Wei’s letter in his study; it described the grand opening of Haoli Lai, and said he’d soon return the borrowed Hong Kong dollars in full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also mentioned Long’s father, Uncle Liu Bin, coming to join them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s a college graduate who speaks foreign languages—he’s exactly the talent we need. I’ve decided to bring him on board to handle finances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming immediately wrote back: “I’m relieved to know Uncle Liu is with you—I was worried he’d go astray after leaving. As for the money, don’t worry about it—it’s my gift to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had foreign exchange in HSBC; a few thousand Hong Kong dollars didn’t matter, especially with Dongfang Xintiandi as a cash cow—money was pouring in faster than he could spend it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Wei Ming hadn’t lost his passion for writing; business had losses and gains, but these words on paper were his final safety net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then reported Xiao Hong’s achievement as the provincial top scorer in high school—such a grandson and granddaughter, let him gloat quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, when Wei Ming woke up, Wei Hong was on the phone—Anping Uncle had called to congratulate her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two Peking University alumni chatting merrily, Wei Ming waited until the end to exchange a few words with Anping Uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since today Xiao Hong and Yunyun were going to work to collect their pay, Wei Ming planned to take Grandma and his mother to see the Sihe Academy—introduce them to their second home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning her grandson had a house in Yanjing, Grandma exclaimed he’d truly made something of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming, rare in praising Mei Wenhua, said: “Grandma, Xiao Mei is planning to buy a place too—eventually for his and Yunyun’s new home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her cousin tease her, Yunyun blushed so hard she couldn’t lift her head; Grandma laughed until she couldn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Wei Ming didn’t ride his motorcycle—he took the bus with the two elders, so his mother could ride it herself whenever she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that the Forbidden City over there?” Xu Shufen asked, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, just beyond the Forbidden City, across the moat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Shufen sighed: “Living next to the Emperor—your father would’ve been so proud his tail would’ve stuck straight up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, at Dongfang Xintiandi, before official opening, Mei Wenhua paid five full-time staff and Xiao Hong half a month’s salary and bonus for July.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The highest earner was Huang Ying, the sales champion Mei Wenhua favored—he intended to groom her as manager; she earned 45 yuan in 15 days, more than her father’s monthly wage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second was Xu Yunyun, whose sales ranked just below Huang Ying’s—Mei Wenhua remained fair, showing no favoritism despite her being his girlfriend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yunyun received 41 yuan; she’d already planned to send 30 home, leaving 11 yuan for her own expenses until next month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hong received 38 yuan due to her leave, but she was content—it was her first paycheck, and she planned to buy gifts for her brother, parents, and grandmother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the newer sales assistants earned nearly 30 yuan—this income thrilled them and solidified their resolve to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were told they’d earn 30 yuan a month, but with bonuses, they could make sixty—or even more!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet to Mei Wenhua, labor costs were negligible; even with six employees, their full-month wages and meals wouldn’t exceed 1,000 yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not feared causing too much shock, he’d have raised wages another tier—he was a youth raised under the red flag, still uneasy with exploitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was learning to adapt to his new identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, Mei Wenhua outlined his newly refined rules: shift schedules, leave policies, and commission structures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He aimed to ensure everyone had ample rest and personal time while maximizing their work enthusiasm, making Dongfang Xintiandi increasingly professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After opening, even on weekdays, crowds flocked in—especially female customers—and the best-selling item was the outfit worn by Gong Yu and Zhu Lin in the poster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sisters were undeniable sales magnets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a male customer arrived, catching Mei Wenhua’s attention—he sensed a vibe similar to Yang Hao’s; could this be a reporter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, are you the manager here? I’m a reporter from the Yanjing Evening News—may I ask a few questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near closing time, Wei Ming arrived on his motorcycle, bringing several fashion magazines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Mei, come here—take this.” He shoved the magazines, still wrapped, into his hands; they were printed in traditional characters, unsuitable for public view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, he received a package from Amin—this girl never ceased to surprise him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he mentioned opening a clothing store, she’d bought several Hong Kong fashion magazines and mailed them to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give these to Biao Ma—have her pick out some styles to copy. Our clothes need updating, or customers will lose interest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, I was just going to mention this—some state-owned garment shops have started copying our designs. These magazines came at the perfect time!” Mei Wenhua carefully stored them away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have something else to tell you,” Mei Wenhua lowered his voice. “Today a reporter from the Yanjing Evening News came to our store and interviewed me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming’s expression turned serious: “Did he ask about our revenue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than that—he directly asked how much we made last month. I gave vague answers, then emphasized how opening this store let me support myself and create jobs, and highlighted Qin Jie’s story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua had no media experience—doing this well was already impressive; he just didn’t know how the Yanjing Evening News would portray it, or how much attention it would draw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wei Ming knew the policy was currently “permissive”—several different types of private businesses had emerged in Yanjing during this period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming glanced at the busy Xiao Hong and Yunyun: “I’ve got things to do—I’m leaving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua: “One more thing—can Biao Ma and I come to your Sihe Academy tonight? We need to split the profits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After paying the staff, it was time for the boss to take his share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not convenient. Let’s go to Biaozi’s place,” Wei Ming refused firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know when Xue Jie would return to Shanghai, and he himself would soon head to Shandong and Sichuan—he’d made plans with her today, hadn’t he changed his watch? The meeting spot was the Sihe Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gong Yu returned to the Sihe Academy, she asked: “Has the renovation finished?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered that morning’s frantic rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finished—the locks are all new.” Wei Ming jiggled the lock, then wrapped his arms around her waist. “Looks like Sister won’t be leaving tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not true—you have to see my treasures first, then you’re responsible for taking me back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming locked the courtyard gate—later, we’ll talk about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t enter the bedroom but went to Wei Ming’s study, which connected to the bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the wall hung the Qi Baishi scroll “Listening to the Sounds of Flowers and Insects,” which Wei Ming had just brought over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighteen paintings total, three per frame—he brought three frames, leaving half in the Overseas Chinese Apartment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These nine paintings alone were enough for Xue Jie to admire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here,” Wei Ming also prepared a magnifying glass—the same one he’d used with Lin Jie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incredible skill!” Gong Yu stared at a cicada’s wing through the magnifier; just then, cicadas chirped outside—Wei Ming suddenly craved fried cicadas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No cicadas? A meat bun would do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, don’t mess around~” Gong Yu was absorbed in the painting when he suddenly attacked—his hands wandered everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Wei Ming said: “I’m leaving for Shandong the day after tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his pitiful tone, Xue Jie relented—fine, he could touch above, but absolutely not below, or she’d be too weak to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could she admire the paintings if she couldn’t stand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming had promised well at first, but things grew suspicious—Gong Yu had barely finished two paintings before losing interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wei Ming who had been behind was now in front, his head buried deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Yu placed the magnifier on the table and clutched his head tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Wei, we’re doing something wrong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “We’ve done worse before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted the petite Xue Jie and walked toward the bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Jie bargained: “Just use your hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, seeing her soft, deer-like eyes, Wei Ming couldn’t bring himself to be harsh—he’d planned to help her catch up to Lin Jie’s progress, but the stern words died on his lips, replaced by: “Then no blanket tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted her to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Jie blushed and agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Wei Ming still carried Xue Jie back to her dormitory—time was early; if she didn’t leave now, once he recovered, she might not be able to leave at all—her slight frame might not even make it to tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Wei Ming slipped into a large courtyard near Houhai, Mei Wenhua and Biao Ma had already been waiting—just the two of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Biaozi wasn’t from a single-parent family, but his father was assigned to the Third Front Construction and returned only once every few years; the last time was three years ago. Without regular wages and letters, Biaozi had almost thought his father dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Biaozi’s trip to Sichuan for filming might let him see his father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua said: “You’re finally here—Auntie’s already checked the ledger. You verify it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming gave it a quick glance—he’d done business before, he knew how to read ledgers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too taxing—he only skimmed it, ensuring no tax issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow—after deducting annual rent and other costs, you’re netting over 15,000 yuan a month!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua beamed: “We’ve already recouped our initial investment—if anyone found out, they’d be green with envy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[101] Wei Ming asked: “So how much do you plan to split?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Biao Ma said, “Before you came, we discussed it. Since you think it’s best not to expand now, let’s split the ten thousand yuan—no need to leave much in the account.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, this way is simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Wei Ming got 5,100 yuan, Mei Wenhua got 2,500, and Biao Ma got 2,400.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next month’s profit, free of rent and renovation costs, will be a full month’s earnings—accounting will at least double, and everyone saw a bright future ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the sense of accomplishment from running a business differed from that of writing; recently, “The Lion King” had brought Wei Ming four hundred yuan in royalties, and that thrill still surpassed this five thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Late at night, Wei Ming rode his motorcycle through the alleyway with a cloth bag holding fifty-one bundles of ten-yuan notes, feeling a little nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua felt the same, so Wei Ming dropped him off first, then returned to the Overseas Chinese Apartment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though late, his mother was still waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you back so late?” she asked, worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Haha, had a shareholders’ meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Hong popped her head out of her room: “You split the money, didn’t you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t pry. Just be a little worker.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Hong: “Someone called you today. Want to hear about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, who was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Hong told him: “After I got back, I got a call from Sister Zhu Lin—she was looking for you. When she heard you weren’t in, she hung up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Shufen asked: “Xiao Ming, who is this comrade Zhu Lin? I answered the phone first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt the girl on the line was nervous, especially when she learned she was Wei Ming’s mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hong teased: “Sister Zhu Lin is a big beauty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Just a friend. Mom, you can visit our shop tomorrow—you’ll see for yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Wei Ming went into his room and didn't plan to deposit the money in the bank; he kept it under the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently he’d worried about not having enough RMB, even exchanging dollars on the black market. Now he didn’t worry—this money could buy scraps: furniture, paintings, calligraphy. Several rooms in the sihe courtyard were still empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister Zhu Lin probably called because “Shang Shi” casting had made progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the next day, after Xiao Hong took his grandmother and mother out, Wei Ming immediately called Zhu Lin’s unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting a while, he finally got Zhu Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was proud: “I’m taking a long leave from the unit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, joining a film crew?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! First there’ll be training, then actual shooting might wait one or two months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming sighed in relief: “Congratulations, Comrade Zhu Lin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This role Zhu Lin earned through her own effort and talent—Wei Ming was genuinely happy for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks to Teacher Wei’s excellent teaching~” Zhu Lin added silently: If only you hadn’t done bad things while teaching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Wei Ming arranged to meet her for lunch to celebrate and discuss details further, and changed his watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, Wei Ming learned Director Shui Hua had dropped Wang Xinggang and decided to replace him with a younger male lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s it going to be?” he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not decided yet. They want an actor born in the 1940s,” Zhu Lin said. “But honestly, whoever comes is fine to me—I’ve barely been at the unit this year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming chuckled: “Looks like this job won’t last long. You should consider the major film studios or theater troupes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin mused: “I wonder if Beiyingchang will take me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Beiyingchang isn’t short of good female actors—Li Xiuming, Liu Xiaoqing, Zhang Jinling. If you join, you’ll be the fourth golden flower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin: “Then which flower do you think is the prettiest?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course you. Your acting may not match theirs, but your looks? They can’t compare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, all three were the classic “peaceful, prosperous” type—very likable. Zhu Lin figured Wei Ming was just seeing her through lover’s eyes, and felt sweet inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Wei Ming added: “I’m leaving tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin immediately whispered: “Is it convenient to go to your place now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming thought, shook his head. Xiao Hong wasn’t working today, and his mother and grandmother could return any moment—the Overseas Chinese Apartment was too risky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn’t easily go to the sihe courtyard, but it still held too many traces of Xue Jie—also inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Wei Ming realized he still didn’t have enough homes. He’d promised to be a clever rabbit with three burrows—two wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So today they just walked around the city, and Wei Ming avoided Xidan and the area near Xue Jie’s workplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While walking, they reached a bookstore. Wei Ming checked: the reprint of “The Book of Heavenly Secrets” and the new “Heroes Rise from Youth” were both in stock. He also spotted the newly arrived “Shanghai Youth Literature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming had received a letter from the “Youth Literature” editor. Though August was rushed, they’d pushed hard to publish “The Lion King” in the August issue for young readers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, only one-third was serialized, but it was bolded in the table of contents for easy discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Wei Ming bought it, he noticed a boy around middle school age flipping through the table of contents and exclaiming: “Wei what? Wei what’s got a new work!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His classmate asked: “What’s it about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Lion King! I want a copy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Lin nudged Wei Ming and whispered: “Feeling proud?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Not really. This story targets overseas markets. If Chinese kids like it, great. If not, I’m fine with that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing “overseas market,” Zhu Lin thought of Melinda in Britain—apparently their bond couldn’t be severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had exes, but why was his so haunting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Wei Ming arrived at the train station, about to visit the “Ox and Ox Two” set in Shandong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the station’s newsstand, he bought two newspapers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was the “Yanjing Evening News,” the other the “China Youth Daily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this issue of the “Yanjing Evening News,” “Orient New World” appeared in a headline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That must be the reporter Mei Wenhua had spoken to—the article introduced the new business model and bustling scene of the private shop “Orient New World.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming also saw reports on other private entrepreneurs, but none as long as “Orient New World,” and some even had photos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the tone was fully encouraging and positive, it invited attention—other media would surely follow up, and reporters might already be asking Mei Wenhua how much he’d earned, whether he was already a ten-thousand-yuan household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing he was the behind-the-scenes boss—let Xiao Mei handle the headaches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned to the “China Youth Daily,” bought because he saw his pen name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After “The Lion King” officially launched, journalist Zhu Wei of the “China Youth Daily” published his long-prepared second article on Wei Shénme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This one focused on Melinda, the other key force behind “The Brave Game’s” overseas success—and his former foreign lover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A novel succeeding abroad was already a proud moment for China, but to have a foreign girlfriend? Even more impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially for middle school readers—Wei Shénme might now be a literary idol, even a national hero in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also these two days, Melinda in London received the new manuscript Wei Ming had mailed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she got the manuscript, Melinda was about to depart for the U.S. to promote “The Brave Game” in North America.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she brought it on the plane and read nearly the entire story—about Africa, nature, inspired by “Hamlet”—in a few hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melinda judged this story had far greater potential than “The Brave Game.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was a cliché: turning “Hamlet” from humans into animals, ending with good triumphing over evil—far less novel or intricate than “The Brave Game.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But remember: they were making children’s books. For young readers, simplicity and ease often mattered more. Wei Ming wrote with effortless fluency, making you feel immersed in the African plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially with its Shakespearean background—Melinda had already planned the marketing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just with Shakespeare’s appeal to parents, Melinda was confident “The Lion King” would sell double the copies of “The Brave Game” in Britain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Guaranteed two-in-one)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3336,"2026-06-19T16:30:58.707Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","49eccfcb9e56a4451d879abbefc7946e6e2fa68b2e0b3de3a3803de0c35420ca","rising-in-1979-chapter-231","rising-in-1979-chapter-229",509,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-in-1979-cover.jpg"]