Chapter 76

Regardless of whether this insight is correct or not, Xiao Fei's profound thoughts and extensive knowledge deeply impressed Teacher Dai. This child is truly remarkable.

"Online literature? Why do you think the internet will develop into a new medium for literature? The internet isn't that impressive right now, is it? I've gone online a couple of times. You can send emails, browse files on other people's computers, and communicate with others on BBS. It's indeed quite interesting, but the speed is too slow, and the internet fees are so high. Although the domestic internet is developing, it will take a considerable amount of time to be widely adopted by society. In ten to twenty years, the internet might gain momentum, but I don't think it's possible for online literature to flourish within three to five decades as you mentioned in your article." Dai Houxing adopted a posture to discuss with Xiao Fei.

It seems that even someone as insightful and profound as Teacher Dai hasn't realized that China is about to enter a period of rapid internet development.

Xiao Fei remembered clearly that in 1996 and 1997, online literature began to develop in the BBS communities of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Especially in 1998, when "First Intimate Contact" by痞子蔡 (Pizi Cai) started serializing online, it immediately caused a sensation in the Chinese-speaking world.

The success of "First Intimate Contact" sparked a trend of people writing articles online, and online literature became unstoppable from then on.

After 1998, literary websites began to emerge one after another in China, and a large number of online celebrities rose to prominence, forming the first peak of Chinese online literature.

The memory in his mind is clear, and the trajectory of historical development is evident.

This is the advantage of being reborn.

"Teacher Dai, don't you think that since the modern era, the development speed of human civilization has been countless times faster than in the previous few thousand years? In fact, the development of internet services is quite rapid. With the support of the state, it won't take long for internet infrastructure to spread across the country, and internet fees can be significantly reduced. Personal computers will also become widespread in ordinary urban households as the domestic economy develops. At that time, the number of internet users will be in the millions or even billions. The internet has two obvious advantages over traditional media: first, it has strong interconnectivity, allowing people to communicate without leaving their homes; second, it has high freedom, allowing people to freely express their opinions on BBS and in chat rooms. Many talented people buried in the masses will shine online, even becoming famous nationwide. This second point is a guarantee for the inevitable rise of online literature! If you don't believe me, we can make a bet. In three years, you'll see that my words will come true!" Xiao Fei argued at length.

Dai Houxing listened to Xiao Fei's arguments very seriously.

As she listened, her brows would sometimes relax and sometimes furrow. By the end, she began to nod slightly. "That makes a lot of sense."

Looking at the boy in front of her.

His eyes sparkled with the confidence of someone who has seen the future.

"Teacher Dai, I'm just deducing based on the trend of historical development. I've carefully deduced it many times, and I don't think there will be much error," Xiao Fei said.

He could see that Dai Houxing was already somewhat convinced.

This was already quite good.

"I'll tentatively believe you, but let's not make a bet. I'm not a gambler. I've also thought about what you said, and the internet really has the potential to become an important tool in future society," Dai Houxing said with a smile.

"Where do you plan to submit this article?" she asked Xiao Fei. "Do you want me to help you recommend a place to publish it?"

Dai Houxing naturally saw through Xiao Fei's intentions.

Bringing his work to see her clearly indicated that he wanted help.

She was also very willing to help such a talented and thoughtful young writer. She admired Xiao Fei a lot, especially since he had saved her niece's life.

"Teacher Dai, do you think 'Harvest' would publish such an article?" Xiao Fei finally revealed his true intentions.

"Harvest?" Dai Houxing smiled. "You want this article to be published in Harvest?"

What high aspirations!

Dai Houxing thought, but this article might actually be accepted by Harvest. As the best large literary journal in China, Harvest has always aimed to lead the way in literary trends.

It might be a good thing to sound the alarm in the literary world of this era.

If Harvest really publishes this article, the domestic literary circle will likely be in an uproar, with many people jumping up to criticize it!

"Yes, I wonder if it's possible. I hope this article can serve as a wake-up call for the current literary circle," Xiao Fei said, looking at Dai Houxing with some trepidation.

Dai Houxing said, "I know some people at Harvest, but I can only recommend it to them. Whether your article will be accepted by the editors is up to them. I can't do much more than that."

"I'm already very grateful that you're willing to recommend it," Xiao Fei said hurriedly.

"Don't be so formal with me," Dai Houxing chided. "I can't do much for you. Harvest is a very principled magazine. They have their own selection criteria, which is hard to interfere with. I hope you understand."

"Teacher Dai, I understand that," Xiao Fei nodded.

"Let me take a quick look at your long article. You can have dinner at my place tonight. I'll have Xiao Hui buy a few dishes and a few bottles of beer."

"Thank you, I'll accept your invitation."

"You're such a polite child."

Dai Houxing then started flipping through Xiao Fei's long article on the coffee table. She originally intended to just skim through it and give some revision suggestions.

In her view, young people often make various mistakes in their first long works.

However, after reading the first page, her thoughts changed.

She was drawn into the narrative and couldn't help but turn to the second page, the third page... and ended up reading over a hundred pages in one sitting.

Xiao Fei sat beside her, holding a teacup, watching Dai Houxing read his work, feeling a bit anxious. This was the first time anyone had read his work, and he didn't know if it would meet the standards of a literary expert.

When writing this book, Xiao Fei had been very enthusiastic, but when he reread his own work, it always seemed to be missing something, feeling a bit awkward.

Xiao Fei knew that this feeling was mostly normal. After all, the story and every sentence were familiar to him, and reading without the novelty and anticipation often made one impatient.

Seeing Dai Houxing read his novel without lifting her head, her eyes fixed on the manuscript, Xiao Fei felt a bit relieved.

He knew that his book had captured Teacher Dai's attention.

After more than an hour, Dai Houxing finally looked up, placed a bookmark in the manuscript, and nodded at Xiao Fei. "I really didn't expect it. Your novel is written so well. It can be considered an excellent work in today's literary world."