Chapter 251: Wei Ming, Wei Shenme, and Wei Kuangren Appear Together for the First Time

Old Wei came home only for one night, then boarded a train to Shandong the next day.

On this day, Xu Yunyun officially moved with Mei Wenhua to the apartment in Tuanjiehu, and this timid, gentlest woman from Sichuan-Chongqing finally had her own true space in Beijing.

They didn't mention that Wei Ming had a house in Tuanjiehu, because Wei Ming had told them it belonged to Sister Zhu Lin.

"I just helped them check out the house."

Mei Wenhua: "You think I believe that?"

After seeing Wei Jiefang off at the bus stop in the morning, Xu Shufen felt a hollow emptiness in her heart, so she went to the sihe courtyard to tend his two rows of vegetables—and then noticed that several pieces of furniture seemed to be missing from the house.

At the Peking University Library, after lunch, Wei Ming also noticed that fewer students had come to the library today.

Librarian Lin said: "Many students, whether rich or poor, have all gone to the Cultural Palace book fair."

"Oh, so that's why." Then Wei Ming went to the book fair too.

His position allowed him to lock the door and leave directly, which made his colleagues envious.

Because the media had already built up anticipation, the scene was packed—thousands of people were gathered simultaneously at the Labor People's Cultural Palace.

Nearly ten thousand people crowded into a 3, 00-square-meter exhibition area, surrounded by countless books—the atmosphere was unimaginable.

When Wei Ming entered, he intended to find the China Children's Publishing House, but the first people he encountered were from the Children's Publishing House and Shanghai's *Children's Literature*.

Although Wei Ming wasn't particularly close to them, he had two works published by this house: *The Game of the Brave* and *The Lion King*.

Earlier this month, *Children's Literature* completed the Chinese serialization of *The Lion King* and immediately released a standalone book edition, with a first print run of 600, 00 copies—payment and sample books had already been sent to Wei Ming.

But it hadn't officially hit the market yet; this was the first time *The Lion King* was meeting children face-to-face. The cover showed Simba standing proudly on a cliffside—its artwork wasn't as beautiful as Disney's, yet a large crowd had gathered around it.

A little boy held the book, gazing longingly at his mother: "Mom, it's Simba~"

The mother looked helpless—she'd already bought the *Children's Literature* issue and told him the story, yet the child still wanted the book.

The mother flipped through the new edition; to make the book thicker, the illustrations were more abundant, making it worth buying for collection.

"Alright, give us one."

The staff handling payments were overwhelmed, with hands reaching out from all sides to hand over money.

Although this novel's popularity didn't match *Black Cat Detective*, Wei Shenme's current fame was extremely high, heavily promoted by the media and widely endorsed by parents; when children didn't know what to read, parents would first recommend Wei Shenme's works, believing that if even foreigners loved this children's literature, it must be excellent.

Moreover, stories of African wildlife were genuinely captivating—besides making many children cry during the second serialization episode due to Mufasa's death, the final installment, where the Lion King returned and Simba triumphed, still thrilled the young readers.

Although Wei Ming had collaborated twice with *Children's Literature*, he wasn't particularly familiar with the magazine or its parent publisher—even didn't know their editors.

He lingered in front of the booth for a long time without being recognized—until…

"You finally showed up!" Aunt Lu Xiaoyan tapped Wei Ming on the shoulder. "Come with me quickly—sign some autographs for your little readers!"

Lu Xiaoyan had been closely monitoring the Children's Publishing House's situation; she had previously suggested compiling the four-episode serialization of *Black Cat Detective* into a book, but the leadership had rejected it, preferring to wait until the story ended.

Now things had changed: the Children's Publishing House was selling two new Wei Shenme titles, one of them being the brand-new *The Lion King*, while the China Children's Publishing House's flagship product was only *The Magic Book of Heaven*, with everything else being old books by veteran authors.

Although this book was highly significant in Wei Shenme's catalog, it was still last year's release and had already been reprinted once—its sales potential was now low, unless the animated version premiered.

"Aunt Lu, I was just looking for you. Let's go."

But as they were about to leave, a middle-aged man from the Children's Publishing House booth suddenly stepped forward.

"Comrade Lv, please wait!" He had been watching Lu Xiaoyan since she arrived and overheard something important—was this young man Teacher Wei Shenme?

"What is it, Comrade Ren?" Lu Xiaoyan asked the editor of *Children's Literature*.

Ren Dalin smiled: "May I ask—is this gentleman Teacher Wei Shenme?"

"Yes, what of it?" Lu Xiaoyan didn't deny it.

She didn't need Ren Dalin to answer—she already knew why.

A parent, overhearing their conversation, quickly handed Wei Ming the copy of *The Lion King* he'd just bought for his daughter.

"Teacher Wei Shenme, could you sign my daughter's book?"

"Ah? Teacher Wei Shenme is here!"

"Teacher Wei Shenme, I even wrote you a letter!"

"Wei Shenme is here! Son, come quickly—bring your *Magic Book of Heaven*!"

Lu Xiaoyan: "..."

Before Lu Xiaoyan could react, Wei Shenme—long featured in the media but never photographed—was instantly surrounded by enthusiastic readers.

Several mothers with children couldn't help but study Wei Ming's face—such a handsome young writer, yet he looked strangely familiar.

Wei Ming was now completely trapped and had to stand still, fulfilling the children's autograph requests.

Because Wei Shenme was present, *The Lion King* sold even faster; previously hesitant parents now bought without a moment's doubt.

Except for the first signature, where Wei Ming nearly wrote "Wei Ming," he quickly adapted—writing "Wei Shenme" with astonishing speed.

"There are so many people over there!" Wei Hong said.

Today she came to the book fair with several classmates, nominally for Peking University's Rubik's Cube Club's first team-building event.

To find fellow Rubik's Cube enthusiasts, Wei Hong had specifically founded this club, serving as its president—after all, she was the first to bring the Rubik's Cube to Peking University.

Peking University's clubs were still few—only a handful like the Literature Club and Art Club, mostly revivals of old ones, such as Ying Da preparing to relaunch the Drama Club.

But the Rubik's Cube Club was entirely new; it normally wouldn't have been approved so quickly, but who could resist having a Uncle Anping? Besides, the club needed no venue or funding—so she just asked a colleague and it was approved.

"President Hong, I want to buy *Dream of the Red Chamber*—let's go over there," her roommate Qiao Cui said.

"Oh? Didn't know you had such refined tastes. Let's go take a look."

But as they walked, another roommate, Ning Xin, got lost—she'd spotted a booth piled high with *Story Weekly*.

This was the territory of Shanghai Literature & Art Publishing House, which primarily featured serious literary works; *Story Weekly* seemed slightly out of place here, yet drew many buyers.

Ning Xin asked: "Will *The Epic Battle of the Terracotta Warriors* be published as a book after it ends?"

He Chengwei had come to Beijing personally—not only to sell magazines and books, but also to visit Wei Kuangren. *Story Weekly* was now on solid ground and less dependent on Wei Kuangren, but gratitude was still due.

Besides, perhaps the writer had more popular literature projects planned—he'd better visit often, lest other similar products poach him.

"Of course it will," He Chengwei replied cheerfully, especially thrilled to see the Peking University badge on her chest—unexpectedly, even Peking University students read them!

"Student, you should also check out our *Heroes Born in Youth*—it's the first wuxia novel published on the mainland after the founding of the PRC, and a film adaptation is coming soon."

Ning Xin was tempted—she'd already read the serialization, but buying the book meant she could ask Wei Hong's brother for a signature.

But just as she reached for her wallet, she heard someone shout nearby: "Come see the comic version of *Heroes Born in Youth*!"

This was Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House, which had brought many picture books and small-format comics—including this one.

*Heroes Born in Youth* was Wei Ming's most comprehensively licensed work—serialization, physical book, manga adaptation, film adaptation—all covered.

On the other side, Wei Ming, with his lightning-fast hand speed, finally exhausted the ink in his pen, and the crowd's enthusiasm began to subside slightly.

Nearby, Peking University linguist Professor Wang Li and writer Yao Xueyin, author of *Li Zicheng*, had also come to experience the readers' passion—but none drew crowds like Wei Shenme.

After all, the *China Youth Daily* had recently featured his romance with his British ex-girlfriend—readers and parents were intensely curious about him; how much charm must he possess?

Wei Ming seized the chance to follow Aunt Lu to her booth and offered to help shout out promotions.

Aunt Lu was family: "No need—you've signed so many already, you're exhausted. Even though it's not our press's book, seeing you so warmly received makes me happy. I won't ask you to shout, but I'll definitely bring up *Black Cat Detective*'s book release to leadership—then we wouldn't need shouting at all."

Wei Ming smiled: "Then I'll just wander around."

Lu Xiaoyan said: "I heard Professor Ye might come too—I'm not sure if today, but if he shows up, you must come meet him."

The Professor Ye she meant was the renowned writer and educator Ye Shengtao, now 86 years old—older than Mao Dun and Ba Jin, and holding high political status.

But most importantly, he was the founder of *Children's Literature* magazine and one of the pioneers of modern Chinese children's literature; as early as 1916, he published the fairy tale *The Straw Man* and had always been deeply invested in the development of children's literature.

Wei Ming nodded: "Of course—I'd be honored to take a photo with Professor Ye."

But the old man was nearly ninety—was it suitable for him to come to such a crowded place?

Wei Ming continued wandering and spotted Sister Zhang Deni with Liu Heng.

"Little Wei!" Zhang Deni recognized Wei Ming by his back.

"Sister Zhang, Editor Liu."

Liu Heng was astonished—how could a famous writer remember him?

Wei Ming hadn't seen Zhang Deni in a long time, since he couldn't submit new fiction to *Beijing Literature* in the short term; he'd felt a bit guilty and made up for it with two food essays, which had received decent feedback.

So Zhang Deni wanted to propose publishing a collection of Wei Ming's food essays through their press.

Wei Ming readily agreed.

Then Zhang Deni told Wei Ming another piece of news: *Beijing Literature* was about to be renamed *Beijing Literary Monthly*.

"I truly want you to publish a novel in the renamed *Beijing Literary Monthly*, but I know you're busy writing a long novel—how's the progress?" Since *Beijing Literary Monthly* didn't publish serialized novels, there was no competition.

Even if they wanted to compete, it was useless—Wei Ming had already promised *Shouhuo*.

"I've written more than half," Wei Ming said. "Already over 300, 00 characters—soon to surpass 400, 00."

Zhang Deni: "So it's a true epic—aiming for over 500, 00 characters!"

Wei Ming smiled—it couldn't compare to Yao Xueyin, whose *Li Zicheng* was over two million characters and still unpublished; even today's web novels didn't reach that scale.

"I just saw Li Xiaolin—I bet she really wants to see you," Zhang Deni reminded him.

Wei Ming had been regularly corresponding with Editor Li, updating her on his progress.

When Wei Ming arrived at the Shanghai Literature & Art Publishing House booth, he saw He Chengwei—but not Li Xiaolin; she'd come to Beijing on business and to this grand book fair, surely to buy books she wanted.

He Chengwei smiled knowingly at Wei Ming: "Our *Heroes Born in Youth* should've sold well, but the comic version next door seems more attractive."

Wei Ming chuckled: "Dragon's art has improved a lot."

He Chengwei grinned mischievously: "If I shout 'Wei Kuangren is here!' it might boost sales."

Wei Ming shrugged: "I doubt it would help."

Ten Wei Kuangrens' fame might not match Wei Ming and Wei Shenme combined.

Then He Chengwei suggested visiting Wei Ming's home and brought some Shanghai specialties.

Wei Ming: "It's not far from my place—come over after this."

"Great!"

"Count me in." Li Xiaolin finally returned and slapped Wei Ming on the shoulder.

"Editor Li, you brought me local specialties too?" Wei Ming chuckled.

"I didn't bring any, but I want to see the manuscript now." Li Xiaolin said. During their last correspondence, the word count had already surpassed 300, 00. Even if it wasn't finished, even if the first draft was rough, the basic quality was already visible.

So this time she came to Yanjing, her top priority was to read the main text of "The Right Path of Humanity Is One of Suffering." If the narrative had strayed, she might still be able to correct it.

Wei Ming smiled: "Fine, let's go together."

On the other side, Wei Hong and the others finally found Ning Xin. She was holding a set of the comic "Heroes Emerge from Youth," and was being sneered at by male classmates who didn't understand: How could she read such trash? Did she even respect the school badge on her chest?

Hearing this, Wei Hong flew into a rage: "What's wrong with this? I don't believe you never read this as a kid—and who cares what you think when the masses love it?"

The boy was left speechless by the head of the Red Society. Power crushes all—after all, he was only the deputy head.

Ning Xin chimed in: "Exactly! This is the work of the great hero Wei Kuang!"

Then Ning Xin smiled: "Hong Hong, didn't you say your brother's sihe courtyard is nearby? Let's go take a look."

Wei Hong: "But I don't have the keys."

Qiao Cui said from beside her: "No keys? What about your brother?"

(Today's chapter is short~)

(End of Chapter)