Chapter 95

Whenever he felt like criticizing anyone, whenever he felt angry at the slander and defamation of others, and whenever he wanted to stand up and refute the whole world, he must remember that not everyone in this world has the same talents and advantages as himself.

Liu Jingtong wrote these words in his diary, read them again, and gently closed the diary.

An hour ago, Liu Jingtong had finished chatting with his roommates and started browsing the web, visiting forums. After Yi Shui'an, Han Shuo, Xue Muliang, and Gu Yongsheng published their books together, causing a major earthquake in the publishing world, the internet was also swept up in a huge wave.

The simultaneous release by these four was a grand event in the publishing world in recent years.

Their distinct styles, immense popularity, and diverse reader bases, representing different groups, made this battle affect readers at all levels. Microblogging influencers, legendary forum IDs that hadn't appeared in a long time, heads of other publishing companies, writers of various levels, and so on, all participated in the discussion of related topics.

Yi Shui'an had long been known for her low profile, not giving specific responses, not participating in interviews with pictures or videos, and not commenting on public events. Therefore, she seemed to have no stance or camp. Without a stance or camp, she had no allies, but also no enemies. Thus, the comments on her new book were relatively mild. Even those who opposed her only criticized her for using clichés, saying that her topics were repetitive and lacked innovation.

Han Shuo, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Yi Shui'an. His later fame was largely due to his sharp comments on current events and his tendency to mock. This made him have many supporters and many opponents. Moreover, since the beginning of his career, he and Xue Muliang were often compared by the media and netizens. Therefore, the comments about him were very clear.

Xue Muliang, due to his personal wealth and the fighting spirit of his fans, was the strongest among the four. He often acted cute and silly on his personal homepage, which naturally made him unpopular with netizens. The most criticism was directed at him, although he once said that microblogging was just a way to present his personal life and didn't need to be taken seriously. His deliberate display of childish and ridiculous behavior made it hard for competitors to figure out his true intentions.

As for Gu Yongsheng, although he had only recently entered the field, he was incredibly talented and surprisingly mysterious. Therefore, when people mentioned him, they could only return to his novels and analyze the views and trends expressed in them. At this time, the TV series adaptation of his novel "Yue Nv Jian" was airing, and his latest short story "Yuan Yang Dao" had just been released, so there was a lot of discussion about him.

Liu Jingtong always chose to keep a respectful distance from certain pretentious industry professionals and professional literary critics. The voices that truly mattered to him always came from real readers, because they were the ones who entered the story.

Then Liu Jingtong found that these "people who truly entered the story" were truly angry.

"Real siblings? Are you sure? Mr. Gu Yongsheng, if the ending is really such a cliché, then I must have misunderstood you. I'll wait for you to explain."

"This story made me laugh all the way, but at the end, a heavy blow came, leaving me breathless. This is not fair."

"I borrowed a magazine from a classmate. Fortunately, I didn't buy it. Gu Yongsheng has fallen into a rut, and I have no expectations. He's just a fleeting star, far behind Han Shuo and Xue Muliang."

As he read on, Liu Jingtong didn't have any particular feelings. He was looking for a familiar ID. After flipping through two pages, he finally found the familiar "Tian Dao You Chang" in the sea of posts.

["'Yuan Yang Dao' changes the author's previous style, captivating with its humor, painting a 'funny picture of the martial world.' The martial heroes and good men of the world are all vividly portrayed. The humor in the text is not unique to this work, but the entire piece has a comedic tone, which is quite rare. The four bumbling characters are so vivid that they seem to be right in front of you. It's a pity that the story is a bit short and doesn't fully satisfy.

Speaking of the shortcomings of this work, the first is the lack of vivid descriptions of martial arts and chivalry. Second, there are too many coincidences in the plot. Compared to his previous works, the depth of thought and the impact of the characters are somewhat lacking. However, due to the limited length and the focus of the story, it remains an excellent work, with the style of a master. I look forward to the author's next work.

PS: I boldly predict the ending the author left. The heroine Xiao Zhonghui should not be Xiao Banhe's daughter. Only in this way can the story be self-consistent. If I'm wrong, please ignore it."]

"Indeed, you didn't disappoint me, Tian Dao You Chang. One day, I will take you under my wing," Liu Jingtong said to himself with a smile after reading the post.

After finishing the post, the forum discussion was over. He decided to check what Luotou had to say.

As soon as he logged into his microblog, nearly a hundred mentions appeared. When Han Shuo first became famous, he had a classic quote: "After gaining some fame in writing, many readers wrote to me. I would receive at least ten letters a day, feeling like I was living a life of letters."

Liu Jingtong was about to type Luotou's name in the search bar when he suddenly heard Yu Xiaoshu ask Zhao Kan, "Kankan, what are you typing so fast? Did the class assign some homework?"

"No, I'm writing a blog post. I'll tag Gu Yongsheng later, I wonder if he'll see it."

"Are you crazy? This kind of celebrity gets tagged hundreds of times a day. He doesn't have time to respond."

"No, I think what I wrote is really good. I believe he'll be amazed when he sees it. Besides, I think I guessed the ending of 'Yuan Yang Dao' quite accurately."

"Good luck."

After listening to the entire conversation, Liu Jingtong casually asked, "Kankan, what's your online name?"

"Kankanertan."

"Good name."

Liu Jingtong praised him and continued searching for Luotou. It seemed that Luotou wasn't particularly interested in 'Yuan Yang Dao,' only mentioning it briefly. He noted that the most outstanding part of the martial arts story was the few low-level martial artists, which might provide some feasible ideas for writers. The main character of a martial arts novel could also be someone who doesn't know martial arts.

Liu Jingtong inwardly praised him, thinking that Luotou lived up to his name, with insightful views. Years later, when he read "The Deer and the Cauldron," he wondered what Luotou would think.

However, Luotou's fans clearly disagreed with this view. They all believed that if the main character of a martial arts novel didn't know martial arts, the novel wouldn't have any readers.

This was understandable. When Jin Yong serialized "The Deer and the Cauldron," many readers wrote to ask who was ghostwriting it. Even after the book was published, the controversy didn't stop. Used to invincible heroes and beautiful heroines, the sudden appearance of a rascal like Wei Xiaobao lacked a sense of immersion. When he promoted "The Deer and the Cauldron," he would surely face the same controversy. So he really needed to think carefully about whether to place "The Deer and the Cauldron" as the last book in the martial arts category.

At this moment, a notification popped up on his microblog, indicating that someone had tagged him. Liu Jingtong glanced at Zhao Kan, who was staring intently at the computer screen, moving the mouse with his right hand.

Liu Jingtong opened the latest notification and found it was indeed "Kankanertan." "Looking forward to Mr. Gu Yongsheng's review," Liu Jingtong opened the book review, which was a lengthy piece of over a thousand words. The fat boy had reviewed five books in one go. Fortunately, the writing was concise and quite readable.

After a quick read, he found that Zhao Kan focused on the emotional aspects, indicating that this literary fat boy had a delicate heart. Suddenly, he had an idea.

Suddenly, two "didi" sounds came from WeChat, indicating a new message. Seeing the familiar avatar, Dao Hua.

"Uncle, who is Xiao Zhonghui's mother?"

"Guess."

"I wouldn't ask if I could guess."

"That's cheating."

"I can't wait."

"Then what?"

"What then?"

"Why should I tell you if you can't guess?"

"Uncle, please don't be cute."

"Okay."

"Forget it, I won't joke with you. Seriously, you won't make this ending tragic, right?"

"No, Gong Shao already asked me to write a happy ending. What does that have to do with being perverted?"

"Just joking..."

"You said you wouldn't joke with me?"

"Lying, Gong Shao didn't tell you, can I not lie?"

"No."

"Originally, I wanted to ask about the ending and then settle accounts with you. Since you insist on not telling me, let's settle accounts now. Why did you tell him about me asking you to write a script?"

"Because... I like it. Is that explanation satisfactory?"

"Uncle, don't bully me, I'm a girl."

"Oh."

"Uncle seems to dislike me. Did I do something wrong or say something wrong?"

Liu Jingtong paused and replied, "No, just that the online you is different from the real you."

"So you've been on guard against me?"

"Instinct."

"So sad, really, Uncle, that's so hurtful. Can you comfort me a bit?"

"I'll comfort you, I'll comfort you. Okay."

"Uncle is really good at bullying people, especially someone like me who never had a father's love."

"Too humble."

"Wait, I'll cry for a while... Okay."

"Xiao Zhonghui is not Xiao Banhe's daughter, so she and Yuan Guannan have no problem. Anything else?"

"Settling accounts, Uncle still hasn't said why you told him."

"I didn't tell him I was writing a comedy for you, a happy ending. I don't mind doing a few more good deeds."

"Like Xiao Shiyi? Is that the name?"

"You see, he told you too."

"To be honest, 'Yuan Yang Dao' is fun, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression. Only the four bumbling characters stick in my mind."

"Um."

"I feel that Uncle's level can write a story that is both epic and has a happy ending. I have a feeling there is such a story, but I don't know where. Will Uncle write it in the future?"

Liu Jingtong quickly thought of several similar works, the most prominent being "The Return of the Condor Heroes." He replied, "Yes."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Then, Xiao Shiyi, is that the name? What kind of person is he?"

"A thief."

"Cool."

"Exactly."

"No more questions. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, even though Uncle dislikes me."

A brief pause.

"I don't dislike you."

"Do you like me?"

"I dislike this kind of joke."

"Even like a junior?"

"You are Gong Shao's girlfriend."

"Uncle is too cunning."

"Before, you asked me to write a script and said you would agree to any request. Remember?"

"What does Uncle want? (Surprised face)"

Liu Jingtong originally wanted to say that he hoped she would be more sincere and more like a girl, but then he thought, why should he, and what right did he have to make someone else change?

"Tell me the truth."

Silence, silence.

"My father is a bastard!"

...

After ending the chat with Dao Hua, Liu Jingtong thought for a moment. In the end, it's hard for anyone to truly understand another person. It's not hard to guess that Wang Qianqian's current state is due to some major event, but he had no reason to care about this. Gong Cheng'en should be the one to care, and he should focus on Hu Xiaomi.

After waiting for half an hour, Zhao Kan finally gave up, sighed, and logged out of his microblog, getting up to go to the bathroom. Liu Jingtong slowly moved the mouse and clicked the retweet button under Zhao Kan's microblog, adding a comment, "Well written."

When he returned to the homepage, a new status from Dao Hua appeared: "True happiness is not always being polite and proper, but being able to tell someone who makes you unhappy to go to hell!"

...

The next morning, Liu Jingtong got up early because he and Mi Hu were going to attend Yi Shui'an's wedding. They had to catch an early flight.

Yi Shui'an's fiancé was from Yanjing and owned a farm, a botanical garden, and a farmstay, and was a particularly honest and capable man.

The flight would take two hours, and Liu Hu took the opportunity to take a nap.

At 9:45, the plane landed in Yanjing. Liu Jingtong took out the address Yi Shui'an had sent and called a taxi.

At 10:20, they finally found the place. When they arrived, they found that not many people were there, which was in line with Yi Shui'an's personality.

Lu Yichou arrived the earliest. Seeing Liu Jingtong, he quickly got up to greet him. After the greetings, Liu Jingtong asked, "Has Han Shuo arrived?"

"He's still on the plane, probably overslept. Go sit down."

Just as they sat down, a handsome man in a tuxedo walked over, looking at Liu Jingtong with a smile and a hint of surprise, "Are you Mr. Gu Yongsheng?"

Lu Yichou immediately introduced him, "Today's groom."

Liu Jingtong stood up and shook hands with the groom, saying, "Congratulations."

"I've heard a lot about you from An. I never expected you to be so young."

Liu Jingtong humbly replied.

"I read 'Yuan Yang Dao,' it's good, but you didn't give the ending."

Liu Jingtong was taken aback and quickly said, "I've already sent the complete manuscript to Mr. Lu and Sister An."

Lu Yichou explained, "The magazine had an event, the complete manuscript is due today."

"Good, Mr. Lu, don't spoil it. I'll read it myself. Sit down, we'll have a few drinks later."

After the groom left, Lu Yichou smiled at Liu Jingtong, "Xiao Banhe being a eunuch, what a brilliant twist!"

Liu Jingtong laughed, "It's the only way to have a reasonable happy ending."

Lu Yichou nodded. Suddenly, he saw Han Shuo at the door and stood up again, "Han Shao and his partner have arrived."

Liu Jingtong and Mi Hu also stood up. Han Shuo, holding a gentle and beautiful girl, smiled and walked over, "Hasn't it started yet?"

"Just five minutes."

After some small talk, Han Shuo led his girlfriend to Liu Jingtong, "This is my girlfriend, Du Liya," then turned to the girl, "This is Gu Yongsheng, and this is his girlfriend, Hu Xiaomi."

Hu Xiaomi nodded politely. She usually saw Han Shuo's various girlfriends in entertainment news, and it felt strange to see them in person.

Du Liya looked at Liu Jingtong, her expression similar to Yi Shui'an's fiancé, with a hint of disbelief, "I love your 'The White-Haired Demoness,' it's really good."

"Thank you."

...

...

Yi Shui'an's wedding ceremony was very simple: vows, toasting, exchanging rings, and a kiss. The ceremony was over, and then the newlyweds thanked the guests and toasted them.

When they came to Liu Jingtong's table, the groom was already a bit tipsy but still maintained his composure, showing good manners.

"Toasting Mr. Gu, hoping you can write even better works."

Liu Jingtong drank a glass, but unexpectedly, the bride, Yi Shui'an, said, "I also want to toast."

Liu Jingtong laughed, "I'm still a high school student."

"I'll drink, you can take it easy." Yi Shui'an's state today was clearly different from usual, her face showing contentment but also something else. Mi Hu, sitting beside her, looked at Yi Shui'an thoughtfully.

Liu Jingtong had no choice but to fill his glass again. After the toast, he said congratulations again. Mi Hu, sitting beside him, also stood up to bless her idol, Yi Shui'an, "Sister An, congratulations, I hope you are always happy."

Yi Shui'an looked at Mi Hu meaningfully, leaned forward slightly, and whispered, "Congratulations to you too." She then smiled and, glancing at Gu Yongsheng, walked with the groom to toast other tables.

After Yi Shui'an left, Mi Hu fell into deep thought, her expression changing.

Liu Jingtong, who had had a bit to drink, didn't notice and suggested to Lu Yichou that he wanted to release the ending early, "Using this trick to tease readers is disrespectful. All the stories should be released, and readers can choose freely whether to buy them."

Lu Yichou agreed readily and casually said, "Xingyue called me yesterday and mentioned your new book."

Liu Jingtong nodded and, after a while, said, "A completely different story, I'll send you the opening in a couple of days." (To be continued, please search for Piaowenxue for faster updates!)