Chapter 32

The 20,000-word novel was quickly read, but these young people did not rush to speak. Instead, they passed the magazine to their friends beside them and began to think seriously.

As a soft science fiction novel, "The Rural Teacher" did not contain much scientific technology or futuristic imagination. It only explored society and human nature under a science fiction backdrop, which required the readers to think deeply. Most classic short stories belong to the category of soft science fiction because there is not enough space to describe the detailed aspects of hard science fiction. The focus of "The Rural Teacher" was on humanistic themes, a type of article that touches the heart.

Zheng Yucheng, who was clearly a young man, insisted on calling himself "Old Monster." After thinking for a long time, he finally spoke: "Compared to the science fiction novels I've read before, this one feels a bit strange. This novel isn't just emotional; it subtly makes me feel that there's something to it, making us reflect on ourselves. Using the eyes of aliens to observe our human society, this unique perspective is quite novel."

"I feel the important content the novel wants to convey, equality and division. The rural teacher and the children, such impoverished people, did not enjoy a good life or receive the same quality of education, but it was precisely they who saved the world. This seems like a satire, but it doesn't quite feel like one." Xiao Liu tapped his head, lost in thought. "I'll read it again later; I think some details might have been overlooked."

"What I find most appealing is the rebuttal of the idea that education is useless. Unfortunately, the people who can see this novel are not the target audience, and those who need to read this article can't get through it."

"Using an extraterrestrial civilization to explain the profession of a teacher is fresh and interesting without being artificial. When I saw the familiar three laws of Newton, the originally cold and hard physics knowledge took on a bit of a legendary flavor. Newton not only helped us solve mechanics problems hundreds of years ago but also saved the Earth hundreds of years later. As a science student, I think it's pretty cool."

"Unfortunately, there are too few people in China who read science fiction now; otherwise, more people could read it."

Lin Han's mood improved greatly after hearing these comments. He laughed and said, "Don't worry, science fiction novels will make a comeback one day, and you might all be witnesses."

"Don't get me wrong, your confidence is really over the top. There's too little fertile ground for science fiction in China. I've been recommending science fiction novels to my friends for a long time, but those guys only know about Hollywood's science fiction blockbusters, which drives me crazy."

"It will be better. There will be bread, and there will be milk. You guys keep reading slowly; I have something to do, so I'll leave first. Remember to let me know if there's any activity." Lin Han picked up his bag and stood up. He still had to go back and write the first few chapters of "I, Robot."

Although they had just met, Old Monster, Xiao Liu, and the others left a deep impression on him. Such pure readers were quite rare.

After leaving with the borrowed book, Lin Han went to the nearby subway station to wait. The public transportation in Yanjing was relatively convenient, but it was quite crowded, especially at major stations.

The train slowly came to a stop, and a crowd of people poured out, followed by tourists rushing in, completing a perfect coordination.

Lin Han stood to one side, holding onto the strap, and his gaze fell on a girl not far away. This high school girl, who looked only about ten years old, was reading an English novel non-stop. From the cover, it seemed to be a science fiction novel, but there was no trace of it in his memory.

To be able to read the original novel at such a young age was quite surprising.

After returning home, Lin Han began to look forward to the final review results. Would "Novel Selection" publish his science fiction novel? But he could only passively wait for Chen Jiaxuan's news.

He opened his computer and began to write the first story of "I, Robot." Previously, he had only outlined the main points, and now he was writing the specific content. Whether it was good or not would be judged by the market.

Generally, science fiction writers are not high-output, and Lin Han was an exception. Other writers, after finishing a novel, would repeatedly think about the new book's theme, background, story outline, and even writing techniques.

None of this was a problem for Lin Han. His speed gradually increased, and he finished the first draft in over an hour. "Robbie" was a story like a real-life fairy tale, where a little girl, under the pressure of her parents, had to give up her robot nanny friend.

Writing was simple, but polishing was difficult, especially when it came to revising dialogues. Lin Han had to carefully consider each word, slowing down his speed. This wasn't writing a web novel, where thousands or tens of thousands of words needed to be updated daily.

While he was writing, an email suddenly popped up in his inbox. It was a response from the National Copyright Bureau. He had spent 100 yuan to register the cultural copyright, which was mutually recognized in both China and the United States. Any copyright disputes could be resolved using this as evidence in court.

The price was not expensive, so Lin Han applied for each book, including the outline of "I, Robot," which he had just written. He would apply for further protection before publication, enjoying the state's protection.

"The efficiency is really fast. It only took a few days to get it, and it's genuinely effective."

Lin Han carefully saved the image to his computer and then stored it in the cloud, providing double insurance against loss.

Since he had traveled through time, he had a sense of detachment. However, after chatting with those young people today, he understood the desire of science fiction fans for good works, the desire to see good domestic science fiction.

And Lin Han himself had once had such feelings, occasionally complaining about why science fiction writers couldn't write good articles. Now, with the role reversal, he felt a stronger sense of responsibility.

"Knock, knock, knock"

The knocking on the door was rapid. Although there was a doorbell, it seemed that few people used it, preferring to knock forcefully.

Lin Han moved his chair back a bit and said, "I'm coming, I'm coming, don't rush."

After opening the door, Chen Jiaxuan peeked in and said, "Am I disturbing you while you're writing your novel? I sent you a message on your phone, but you didn't reply."

"My phone was charging, and I didn't hear the notification. Come in and talk; the corridor is a bit cold." After closing the door, Lin Han asked, "What's up?"

Chen Jiaxuan shook her phone and smiled, "I'm here to congratulate you. You've set a half-record by officially making it into 'Novel Selection.' They've already sent me the contract, just waiting for your signature."

This time, it was Lin Han's turn to be surprised. He had already prepared for rejection. The first recommendation didn't succeed, so the second one shouldn't have been likely to succeed either. How did it succeed now?

"Really?"

"You can see the black and white contract right there. It's only for reprinting, not for other purposes. My friend also said it was a stroke of luck. Now, it's not that they accept science fiction, just that they're not as opposed to it. Plus, your novel is quite different from traditional science fiction, more like realism, so the editor-in-chief agreed."

Chen Jiaxuan also called it a stroke of luck. This should be considered a borderline case, constantly emphasizing the realistic writing style and downplaying the science fiction elements, trying hard to persuade. As long as it got published, it was a victory.

Lin Han finally smiled, clenching his fist and encouraging himself, "Great! This way, more people can see my novel, which is perfect. By the way, what do you mean by a half-record?"

"You are the first science fiction writer to make it into 'Novel Selection' in the past three years. Many excellent science fiction works have failed here, so it counts as a half-record. Once this issue of the magazine is released, you will receive more attention. You'll have to hold up!"

Chen Jiaxuan was more concerned about Lin Han's reputation. Although "Science Fiction World" was selling well, its audience was relatively small, so ordinary people didn't know about such an author.

But "Novel Selection" was different. Its audience was wide, ranging from ordinary students, office workers, to the elite and middle-aged intellectuals. These people were not easy to please.

A science fiction novel landing in it could either be celebrated or met with challenges.

However, Lin Han was not concerned. He waved his hand and said, "What's the big deal? We'll see what happens. Once the sales statistics of the latest issue are out, we'll take the new book to the publisher and 'Science Fiction World' and coordinate how to proceed."