Chapter 31

【It's going to be a new week soon, friends, please cast your recommendation votes~~ I'll add an extra chapter if there are 3,000 collections tomorrow.】

After sending out his draft suggestions, Lin Han didn't dwell on it anymore. He had a good attitude now, feeling fortunate to have what he had and accepting what he lost.

After sending the text message, there was no reply. Lin Han guessed that Chen Jiaxuan and Tu Meilun were probably discussing something. So, he carefully read the novel until a few young people who looked like college students came up behind him.

They carried backpacks and were dressed in a trendy style. They were gathered around the bookshelf, discussing something in low voices. People nearby couldn't hear them, only seeing them chatting and laughing.

"Bro, is there anyone sitting opposite you? If not, can we sit down?"

One of the young men with glasses asked politely. Most of the nearby tables were occupied by several people, and only Lin Han had a table to himself.

Lin Han moved his chair to the side and placed his single-shoulder bag on the back of his chair, smiling and replied, "No, you can sit down. I remember there are extra chairs over there, you can bring them over."

"Alright, thanks."

These young people had no sense of caution. They threw their bags on the table and ran over to get chairs. There were five of them, but only three chairs here.

It's great to have energy. After placing the chairs, they sat together and took out their books. Some were from the bookshelf, some they brought themselves, and Lin Han even saw one of them holding a copy of "Science Fiction World"!

"Yao Bing, you're not being a good friend. When did you buy 'Science Fiction World'? You didn't even share it with us. Are we still brothers?"

One of the young men suddenly said, looking at the magazine with great envy. He couldn't believe someone could still get a copy of a sold-out magazine.

"Shh, keep it down. I borrowed it from my roommate. He subscribed to the whole year from the post office. I just got it this morning and have only read a few pages. I'll give it to you after I finish."

"I should have subscribed for the whole year too. It's cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry about it selling out."

"What big names are in this issue? It sold out so quickly. I checked the newsstand yesterday when I went to buy apples, and it was already gone."

"It seems no big names are in it. I didn't see anyone in the table of contents. It's probably just the announcement of the shortlist for the Galaxy Award semi-finals."

"I heard 'The Country Teacher' is pretty good. I wanted to download the e-version online, but then I thought I'd buy the magazine in a few days. It's better for collecting."

"I haven't read it yet. People online just hype it up. An ordinary article can be blown up to be a masterpiece. I like space war stories, where passion and imagination go hand in hand, making my blood boil."

Lin Han, the person involved, sat to the side, listening to these young sci-fi enthusiasts discuss. He felt nostalgic, remembering when he and his friends would gather to read books, each buying one and then exchanging them to read many different books.

"I have two copies of 'Science Fiction World.' Do you want to take a look?" He took out the two magazines from his bag and placed them on the table, speaking in a friendly manner.

These two books were bought when he checked the sales at the newsstand. At that time, the word of mouth hadn't spread among educators, so it was easy to buy them. Now, with the magazine's reprint and urgent distribution, he believed the situation would improve in the next few days.

These young people had no guard up. They were all simple students, each excitedly taking the books from Lin Han's hands and expressing their gratitude.

"Wow, you actually bought two copies. You must really love sci-fi novels."

"We often come here to read, but we rarely meet sci-fi enthusiasts. We occasionally have book discussion meetings. You can join us; they're all voluntary."

Lin Han also wanted to integrate into the sci-fi reader community. Only by understanding their preferences could he write good works. So, he said, "Sure, you can call me next time. I haven't met anyone who likes sci-fi. Most people read martial arts or romance, and now there are those who read fantasy."

"Let me introduce myself then. I'm Zheng Yucheng, but everyone calls me Old Monster. From elementary school to college, no teacher ever pronounced my name correctly. It's supposed to be 'cheng,' but some read it as 'sheng,' and others as 'guai,' so I just go by Old Monster."

"And me, just call me Xiao Liu. My name is too embarrassing to say."

...

After these young people introduced themselves, Lin Han said, "I'm Lin Han. I don't have a nickname yet. I just like reading these sci-fi novels, both domestic and foreign."

"What's your favorite novel?" Old Monster, finally finding someone with a common interest, ignored the unfamiliarity and asked directly.

This question really stumped Lin Han. He had only been in this world for a week or two and hadn't read many sci-fi novels. After hesitating, he said, "My favorite? 'Beyond the Solar System.'"

He was embarrassed to say 'The Country Teacher.' Actually, he preferred Dan Simmons' 'Hyperion,' but that novel didn't exist in this world, so he chose a friend's book, at least one he was familiar with.

"Coincidentally, I also like 'Beyond the Solar System.' But the movie was terrible, it ruined the image in my mind." Old Monster almost slammed the table, but fortunately, his rationality reminded him that this was a library, and he couldn't make a loud noise.

Xiao Liu, on the side, also said excitedly, "It's not my favorite, but it's really good. I hope my favorite sci-fi novel never gets made into a movie, or I'll go crazy."

Lin Han understood these people's thoughts. When he was on Earth, his favorite sci-fi novel, 'Ender's Game,' was adapted into a movie, turning a classic novel into a children's battle simulation. He had always wanted to criticize the director and screenwriter for the poor adaptation.

"This is my QQ number. When we have activities, I'll call you. I need to read now, you're not leaving soon, right?" Old Monster had just gotten the 'Science Fiction World' and didn't want to return it after just a few pages.

"I'll add you right away. You can keep those two magazines. I have another copy at home. You can read 'The Country Teacher' first, and then we can discuss it, okay?"

Lin Han wanted to hear the true sci-fi fans' opinions, so he proposed his idea.

Xiao Liu and Old Monster nodded in agreement, and the other three also said it was fine. Then they all lowered their heads and immersed themselves in reading.

'The Country Teacher' was published under the pen name "Alien." Lin Han's real name was only known online, so his identity was protected. If these people went home and searched for related information, they would find out.