Chapter 35

"Is it 'The Garden of Teachers'? No problem, we have also contacted 'Fiction Selection' for reprints. Now, two magazines have invited us, which is indeed a good thing."

After hearing Lin Han's words, Wang Yifan, as an industry insider, almost bit his tongue. He stammered, "‘Fiction Selection’? Are you sure they are willing to reprint a science fiction novel!?"

Lin Han did not mind Wang Yifan's sudden increase in volume. "Yes, the contract has been signed. They will publish it after proofreading. I didn't expect this to happen either."

Originally, 'Science Fiction World' had already placed great importance on Lin Han, willing to pay up to 5000 yuan per thousand words to invite him to continue writing. However, now Wang Yifan discovered that Lin Han had quietly become the first science fiction writer to be featured in 'Fiction Selection' in nearly three years. The change in status was too rapid and hard to accept.

"Wow, this is truly a shocking piece of news!" Wang Yifan could not hide his surprise. This was almost a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Lin Han chuckled lightly. He knew how shocking this news was. It had been years since a science fiction novel appeared in a mainstream publication like 'Fiction Selection'. He was the only one, and this was certainly something to be proud of.

Wang Yifan took a deep breath. "This is big news, not just for you but for the entire science fiction community. It's much more impressive than sales figures."

"Alright, alright. We'll keep working hard. As long as we write well, science fiction will eventually attract mainstream attention. Even though it's a niche genre, it's all about speculating on the future and has its own value."

"Sure, work on your new book. I hope it will be as good as 'The Rural Teacher'. Goodbye."

"Talk to you next time."

After hanging up, Lin Han turned to look at Chen Jiaxuan, who was smiling at him. "Feeling pretty good now?"

"Not bad. Once you finish this, submit the manuscript. I think they want to boost their sales for the last month."

"Alright, I plan to contact their chief editor directly to see how much they value this article. I also want him to help introduce a publisher."

The two chatted as they waited for the traffic to clear, wasting a lot of time in the traffic jam.

...

At the same time, in the 'Science Fiction World' editorial department, Wang Yifan, who had just received the first-hand news, couldn't wait to tell his mentor, Chen Chuhong. "I just called Lin Han, and he said 'The Rural Teacher' will be reprinted in 'Fiction Selection'!"

"What? Speak louder, I didn't hear you clearly."

"I said, 'The Rural Teacher' will be featured in the next issue of 'Fiction Selection'!"

The entire editorial department fell silent. All the editors and other staff members turned their eyes to Wang Yifan and Chen Chuhong, trying to confirm that this wasn't a hallucination.

Startled by this sudden announcement, Chen Chuhong quickly pulled Wang Yifan's arm and asked, "What do you mean? It sounds so unbelievable."

Two editors at nearby desks perked up their ears, ready to hear the inside story.

"I called Lin Han to request a new manuscript for the 12th issue. He told me that 'Fiction Selection' has already signed a contract with him and will publish it in the next issue."

Before Chen Chuhong could speak, one of the editors interjected, "Is that true? How long has it been since a science fiction novel appeared in 'Fiction Selection'? What makes him so special?"

"Could he be trying to inflate his value, asking us to raise the price for his new book? Using this as leverage in negotiations, and then telling us he was rejected by 'Fiction Selection' after we sign the contract."

These two editors were seasoned veterans, always thinking in complex terms. Their comments quickly spread throughout the editorial department.

Others, who were a bit further away, also started discussing the matter. The magazine had received no prior notice, which was unusual. Normally, the original magazine would be informed.

Just like 'The Garden of Teachers', an educational magazine, it also wanted to reprint 'The Rural Teacher', but first informed the 'Science Fiction World' editorial department, which then relayed the information to Lin Han.

"I find it hard to believe. How could a mainstream cultural magazine like 'Fiction Selection' be interested in this novel? 'The Rural Teacher' is of high quality, but science fiction has always been discriminated against. How did he manage to succeed this time?"

"Is it true? I want to call someone I know to verify this. If it's a lie, that would be bad. Our magazine can't deal with authors of poor character. It's a matter of principle."

"I don't believe it either. You should verify it. This news is too explosive."

"Indeed, it's been years since a science fiction novel appeared in such a prestigious literary publication. He's the first in recent years."

"Maybe he has connections in 'Fiction Selection'. Some magazines have abandoned their literary integrity and will publish anything for money."

"Or maybe he's a member of the Writers' Association. Since it's a magazine under the China Writers' Association, they might give him some face."

"The Writers' Association has tens of thousands of members. If they all get special treatment, 'Fiction Selection' wouldn't be able to operate. I think it's because the novel is of very high quality, especially in its portrayal of reality, which is profound and gives a glimmer of hope in despair."

These editors were well aware of the status of 'Fiction Selection' in the industry. It wasn't something just anyone could achieve, even many traditional writers couldn't make it to this magazine.

Wang Yifan didn't expect that no one would believe Lin Han, and some were already verifying the information via QQ or phone calls. Even Chen Chuhong quickly took out his phone, found a friend's number in his contacts, and sent a text message.

"Master, you don't believe Mr. Lin either?"

Chen Chuhong glanced at the intern and said, "Of course I believe him, but we need to verify this. We need evidence to shut those people up."

Most editors in the same industry knew each other, so the editors of 'Science Fiction World' started asking around to see if it was true.

"Damn, my friend just replied. It's true. A new editor submitted it, and it was accepted."

"New editors are fearless. Only a new editor would dare to push a science fiction novel, and it was accepted."

"In the end, it's just Lin Han's good luck. If other science fiction novels could meet a bold new editor, they could also be published."

"I heard the new editor is a connection. The chief editor of 'Fiction Selection' couldn't refuse, so he agreed, basically out of respect for the editor."

"Surprising, no matter how it happened, this is big news. Mainstream literature is finally less hostile towards our science fiction."

*******************************

Since this book still needs to be fattened up, I recommend two books I wrote before to those who are looking for something to read. You can check them out.

One is a 2.6 million-word completed novel, 'Star Cultivation System', a genuine Chinese entertainment novel. Just search for it.

The other is a 2.46 million-word ongoing novel, 'Golden Ranch', a foreign farming novel.

I have a good reputation, so feel free to check them out.

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