Chapter 41

Dong Yuejin saw Li Ye coming from the direction of the classroom from afar and finally understood what Principal Chang meant.

【Isn't this just a child? Handsome, full of vitality...】

Before coming, Dong Yuejin absolutely could not have imagined that the author "Seven-Inch Blade" who could write *Lurking* was actually a high school student.

Looking at Li Ye walking over with a smile, he felt a bit conflicted in his heart.

A few days ago, Dong Yuejin received the manuscript Li Ye had submitted and immediately reported to the editor-in-chief, wanting to secure this book, *Lurking*.

After reading it, the editor-in-chief was also very optimistic about this novel, but he considered more aspects.

For example, what kind of person would "Seven-Inch Blade," who could write a work like *Lurking*, be? Would he be a sensitive figure plagued by trouble?

In the end, the editor-in-chief delegated authority to Dong Yuejin.

"Xiao Dong, I'm handing this book over to you entirely. You go talk to him. Regardless of whether the result is good or bad, it's your credit."

The editor-in-chief's meaning was very clear: this novel is a good work, but the subject matter is a bit sensitive. If you want to accept it, accept it. If something happens, you, Dong Yuejin, will take the heat. If there's credit, it's yours too. The responsibility is clear; the publishing house takes no responsibility.

Dong Yuejin came to Qingshui County with a nervous heart. He hoped that this "Seven-Inch Blade" was a pure intellectual, not some kind of "faction" member.

This couldn't be blamed on Dong Yuejin for being timid.

Li Ye had the perspective of later generations and knew that after the spring breeze, it was the season for all things to revive, but others didn't know! It had only been a few years since the trend turned; what if it played a parabola and came back?

But Dong Yuejin calculated everything, yet he couldn't calculate that "Seven-Inch Blade" was actually a "child."

【I wonder if the latter part of his manuscript can maintain the standard of the first part. If... even if it has half the standard, the book *Lurking* can be called excellent.】

Dong Yuejin muttered in his heart while walking toward Li Ye.

Judging by Principal Chang's tone just now, Dahe Publishing House had already contacted this Li Ye, so he couldn't set his own attitude too high.

A stubborn child is like a donkey that needs to be stroked in the right direction; he understood that.

However, just as Dong Yuejin revealed a smile, Li Ye on the opposite side stretched out his hand from afar.

"Hello, Editor Dong. I only received your telegram yesterday. I didn't expect you to arrive today. I didn't have time to pick you up; sorry, sorry!"

"Haha, it's fine, it's fine. I'm not some delicate young lady; what's there to pick up?"

"That's fine. Shall we talk about business first, or look at the manuscript first?"

".........."

Dong Yuejin was slightly stunned, feeling quite surprised.

【Where is this child stubborn? Where is he hard to deal with? Isn't he very sensible and worldly?】

The submission Li Ye sent to Blue Sea Publishing House was only a very small part of the plot, ending when Yu Zecheng was transferred to the Tianjin Confidentiality Bureau as a major director and entered Jin-Cha-Ji to receive progressive ideological education.

After reading it, Dong Yuejin was obsessed with wanting to know the subsequent plot.

One reason was that the plot of this book was exciting; another was that the subsequent plot concerned the stance of this novel.

If the plot collapsed later or the stance was skewed, then Dong Yuejin would have come for nothing.

So Dong Yuejin now couldn't wait to read the subsequent manuscript, not wanting to delay for even a moment.

So Dong Yuejin said: "If possible, I would like to look at the manuscript first."

Li Ye also agreed very readily: "That's fine. I left the manuscript at home. Let's change places to talk, shall we?"

Dong Yuejin smiled: "That's fine. I'll defer to your wishes."

Li Ye smiled at Principal Chang and turned to take Dong Yuejin away.

Principal Chang hadn't even reacted before he saw the two of them walking away with light steps, walking away.

"This... what kind of behavior is this."

Principal Chang was a bit displeased. People from publishing houses might not come once in eight lifetimes. Why was Li Ye so uncooperative, not letting everyone get familiar with them?

"Ring-a-ling~"

The telephone ringing behind him interrupted Principal Chang's annoyance.

He turned around, sat down, and picked up the phone.

"Hello? Where is this?"

"This is Dahe Publishing House. Li Ye has not been in contact with us. May I ask if you have conveyed our previous intention to publish to him?"

"Dahe Publishing House?"

Principal Chang was stunned and blurted out: "Didn't your people just arrive? Why are you still asking me?"

"........."

"Beep~ beep~ beep~"

Li Ye's manuscript was naturally not at home. He just didn't want to stay in the school for long, so he pulled Dong Yuejin out and headed straight for the best restaurant in the county—Qingshui Hotel.

After entering, Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian had already arrived.

After the two greeted Dong Yuejin, they called for drinks and dishes. Their enthusiastic attitude made Dong Yuejin feel quite appreciated.

Li Ye took the manuscript out of his schoolbag and handed it to Dong Yuejin.

Originally, in this situation, Dong Yuejin shouldn't have looked at the manuscript immediately, but he just couldn't hold back.

"While the food hasn't been served yet, I'll take a quick look. After all, this is the real business. Please excuse me."

"Feel free, feel free. Editor Dong is dedicated to his work; it's admirable, admirable."

Dong Yuejin flipped open the first page of the manuscript, scanned it casually, and connected it to the plot in his mind.

【Yu Zecheng arrives in Tianjin... meets the traitor Ma Kui... must bring his non-existent wife over...】

The compact and exciting plot completely attracted Dong Yuejin. Until the wine and dishes were all served, he couldn't bear to put down the manuscript.

And Dong Yuejin not only didn't put down the manuscript, but also chuckled from time to time, shaking his head and becoming immersed in it.

Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian looked at each other, both very surprised.

They only learned yesterday that Li Ye had written a novel, so they hadn't read Li Ye's manuscript either.

But no matter how much hope they held for their son (grandson), they only thought Li Ye was an "excellent high school student."

But the editor with glasses in front of them was already in his thirties, looked like a refined intellectual, and was in this line of work. How could he be so fascinated by their own child's book?

"Ahem~"

Li Ye coughed lightly and gave a wink to Li Zhongfa and Li Kaijian respectively.

【The things your grandson should do are all done; it's time for you, the old general, to take the stage.】

Li Kaijian understood, picked up the wine bottle, and filled Dong Yuejin's glass.

"Editor Dong, you've had a hard journey. Let me toast you first."

"Oh, oh, no trouble, no trouble. You are too polite."

Dong Yuejin finally couldn't bear to put down the manuscript, picked up his wine glass, clinked it with Li Kaijian's, and started drinking.

In fact, he had been traveling for most of the day and was already starving. Now that he had come to his senses and filled his stomach with warm food, his mood gradually became cheerful.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became very lively. Dong Yuejin learned of Li Zhongfa's military experience, and they exchanged mutual compliments.

However, Dong Yuejin probed from the side and also learned that no one in the Li family was engaged in behind-enemy-lines intelligence work.

So he asked Li Ye with some confusion: "Student Li Ye, how did you come up with those espionage plots?"

Li Ye said: "I received help from a teacher, and I am preparing to publish it under our joint names."

【As expected!】

Dong Yuejin felt a chill in his heart and asked: "What is the situation with that teacher now? Can we meet her? You know, since it's a joint signature, the publication must also have her consent."

Li Ye nodded: "Yes, she was just giving a lecture to students earlier. I have already notified her, and she will be here in a while."

Dong Yuejin felt slightly relieved. Since "that teacher" had freedom of movement and was still giving lectures to students, she was not the most troublesome type of person.

After a while, Teacher Ke arrived.

The Li father and son and Dong Yuejin were all seeing Teacher Ke for the first time, but after only a brief contact, the three of them felt heavy in their hearts.

Aura is not something that can be faked.

Teacher Ke's words, deeds, conversation, and temperament all made the three of them feel a subtle pressure.

Even though Teacher Ke was dressed simply, she was like a lonely star, making people respectful and hesitant to approach.

Dong Yuejin hesitated. How could someone like Teacher Ke publish a novel with a student?

He asked carefully: "Teacher Ke, right? Student Li Ye said that he wants to publish this book under your joint names. So, do you have any requirements or opinions on the publication of this *Lurking*?"

To his surprise, Teacher Ke said: "No, I only gave Student Li Ye very little help. There's no need for the signature."

"..........."

Li Ye looked at Teacher Ke in surprise, not understanding why she would change her mind at the last minute.

Teacher Ke smiled at Li Ye and took two publications out of her bag.

She smiled and said: "When I was young, I also liked to write some things and earn a little manuscript fee... At that time, I felt I still had some writing ability."

Dong Yuejin hurriedly took the publications from Teacher Ke's hands and opened them. They were actually top-tier literary publications from more than a decade ago, and the works marked by Teacher Ke were also high-quality medium-to-long-length pieces.

Dong Yuejin hurriedly said respectfully: "So you are a senior!"

Teacher Ke shook her head and said very modestly: "When I first came into contact with Student Li Ye, I also fully thought I could give him some substantive help... but I was wrong..."

"I believe Editor Dong has also read Li Ye's *Lurking*, right? Then you should also be able to see that Student Li Ye's writing style is not the same as us old folks."

Dong Yuejin nodded and agreed deeply: "Yes, this is a brand-new writing style, very novel and very attractive."

Teacher Ke looked at Li Ye with a smile and said: "Since I can't help much, how can I have the nerve to sponge off someone else's signature?"

Li Ye really didn't understand. He looked at Teacher Ke, wanting to ask why right now.

【Could it be that she no longer needs help?】