Chapter 577

During her own student days, she had also attempted literary creation and successfully published a novel while in university.

However, that book's style was rather niche, its sales were mediocre, and it was never reprinted after the initial run of over ten thousand copies.

After graduation, she devoted herself to education, and the busy workload left her with no time to pick up the pen again.

At this moment, seeing her own student embark on this same path, she actually felt a hint of gratification deep in her heart.

Naturally, she wanted to read this book.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan took the novel and asked:

"What genre is this book of yours?"

Xia Mujun explained:

"It's a suspense mystery novel."

A flash of surprise crossed Jiu Jing Ziyuan's eyes.

She had assumed Xia Mujun would choose pure literature that leaned more toward personal expression; she hadn't expected him to challenge the suspense mystery field, which is widely recognized as having an extremely high difficulty.

Among all novel genres, suspense mystery makes the most rigorous demands on an author's plot-structuring ability, logical rigor, and control over details.

Any logical loophole or error in detail could invite harsh criticism from readers.

Even more severe is that the readership for mystery novels tends to be widely read and highly critical.

Merely having a coherent logic isn't enough; the story must be full of novelty and possess unexpected twists to truly win over the market.

This is a "winner-takes-all" field; top-tier works shine brilliantly, while mediocre ones are easily drowned out, resulting in dismal sales.

Therefore, the moment she heard the words "suspense mystery," Jiu Jing Ziyuan didn't actually hold much hope for it.

This path is too difficult to walk.

Successfully getting a manuscript accepted is certainly worth rejoicing over, but that is merely the first step of a ten-thousand-mile journey.

The market feedback after release is the true test.

Poor feedback could mean months, or even a year or two, of hard work going down the drain, with income potentially not even matching a month of ordinary part-time work.

Reality is often just that cruel.

However, considering Xia Mujun's special family circumstances, the fact that he could think of using his fragmented time to write and generate income outside of studying and working is, in itself, worthy of affirmation.

Even if the income is limited, it would be good if it could serve as an extra living subsidy.

At this moment.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan glanced at the time on her phone screen; it was already nearly eight-thirty in the evening.

Reading a novel requires a significant investment of time, and as a young female teacher, staying alone for a long time in the home of a male student without his parents present is ultimately inappropriate and easily leads to misunderstandings.

She must be mindful of necessary precautions.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan picked up the novel and looked at Xia Mujun:

"I have some things to attend to later, so I'll take this novel back to read first. Once I've finished it, I'll return it to you."

Xia Mujun readily agreed:

"Of course, that's fine."

Upon hearing this, Jiu Jing Ziyuan stood up.

Her gaze swept over the uniquely styled school uniforms worn by Xia Mu Ruri and Jia He Ling Xiao, recognizing them as the uniforms of a well-known Sacred Heart Middle School with a rather high deviation value.

It seems these two girls are likely both high-achieving students.

Her tone softened as she cautioned:

"You two are still young; while pursuing manga dreams is good, don't forget to balance your studies as well."

The two girls nodded obediently.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan finally looked at Xia Mujun:

"Then I'll be going now. If you have any questions in the future, remember to contact me anytime."

"Okay." Xia Mujun also stood up. "Jiu Jing-sensei, the path to the subway station from here is a bit winding; let me walk you part of the way."

Jiu Jing Ziyuan thought for a moment and did not refuse.

She had indeed spent some effort finding this place when she arrived.

"Mm, sorry to trouble you."

Soon.

Xia Mujun returned home after seeing Jiu Jing Ziyuan off.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw Jia He Ling Xiao gently closing the last page of the novel.

She lifted her face, and those eyes, which usually carried a hint of timidity, were now flickering with a rare, excited glow:

"Xia Mu-gege... the story you wrote is truly, truly wonderful."

"Especially the twist at the very end... I... I was deeply shocked."

Xia Mu Ruri also nodded vigorously and happily:

"Mm-hmm! That was exactly how I felt when I read it for the first time!"

Xia Mujun smiled, his tone gentle:

"I'm glad you both liked it."

He sat down on the tatami mat.

Xia Mu Ruri immediately leaned over and asked curiously:

"Gege, how much longer until your next novel is finished?"

Xia Mujun estimated:

"I should be able to finish it by this weekend."

Xia Mu Ruri's eyes lit up:

"Then, after you finish it, can I be the first one to read it?"

Jia He Ling Xiao also lifted her eyes, and with shy anticipation, said in a small voice:

"Can... can I be the second reader?"

Xia Mujun smiled and agreed:

"Of course, both of you can."

Afterward, the group chatted for a while longer.

Xia Mujun's gaze fell on the drawing drafts they had spread out, and he asked with concern:

"How is the progress on the shoujo manga you two are collaborating on?"

Xia Mu Ruri and Jia He Ling Xiao exchanged a look, both feeling a bit embarrassed.

Xia Mu Ruri scratched the back of her head and explained:

"Gege... manga is different from novels. Drawing manga takes so much time."

"You have to consider storyboards, character movements, and draw out the plot; sometimes you even have to limit the number of pages..."

Jia He Ling Xiao also added in a small voice:

"Yes... and the plot of this manga of ours is still being revised repeatedly. The storyboard drafts have already been redrawn several times."

Xia Mujun nodded in understanding:

"So that's how it is."

"Then, after you finish the preliminary drafts, can you let me take a look?"

Xia Mu Ruri immediately agreed happily:

"Of course! Ruri and Ling Xiao-chan were planning to let Gege be the first reader after we finished anyway!"

Jia He Ling Xiao's cheeks turned slightly red; she lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum:

"At that time... please give us some advice, Xia Mu-gege..."

Xia Mujun smiled gently:

"Certainly."

At this moment, Xia Mujun's gaze was drawn to two new items on the TV cabinet—a translucent purple stone and a uniquely shaped hamburger plushie.

He was somewhat puzzled:

"What are these...? I don't remember them being here before."

Xia Mu Ruri walked over, picked them up, and explained with a smile:

"This hamburger plushie was a gift from Fujiwara-jiejie when she came over last time."

"This amethyst was a gift from Xiyuan Si-jiejie."

"And this..."