Chapter 47

【ps: Thank you, Shujin Ping Sheng Yun Shui Xin, for your consistent support. You are my first disciple, great job!】

The idea that Tong Yan had was not baseless; he had his reasons. The reason was that Ye Qingzhu had asked him for his QQ number last time, even though she said it was for Tian Xiaoni. But who knew if she was just using Xiaoni as a cover?

Thinking that he might really be secretly loved by Ye Qingzhu, Tong Yan shivered. This couldn't be true, it would be too scary.

Every young man has a spring in his heart, and as an outstanding young man in every aspect, Tong Yan had certainly had fantasies about love. However, Ye Qingzhu had never been one of his fantasy objects. Ye Qingzhu was indeed beautiful beyond words, but her expression was monotonous, her personality cold, and she lacked any sense of fun. Talking about love with such a person would mean staring at each other all day without saying anything, which would be incredibly boring.

So, a girl like Ye Qingzhu was better off as a friend. He could pour out all his troubles to her, and she would definitely accept everything. Because she didn't talk much, she wouldn't say anything to refuse.

According to Tong Yan's fantasies, his future girlfriend should definitely be interesting and full of vitality. He could make her laugh, and she could bring him joy. She didn't need to be very smart, but she definitely had to be beautiful. Tong Yan was a visual person, and someone like Xiaoni could only be a buddy. If he had to, he could even be her sister, but for a girlfriend, he still wanted someone beautiful. Following this standard, Liao Rao's image immediately appeared in Tong Yan's mind.

Tong Yan was startled. "Damn, what am I thinking? If Old Song knew I had ulterior motives for Song RAO, he would skin me alive!"

No, who had ulterior motives? This was just a normal appreciation, without any romantic feelings. Yes, that's right, it's just appreciation! Tong Yan firmly believed this and continued his class with a clear conscience. However, he still couldn't help but bring Song RAO's image to mind a few times during the class.

But he still firmly believed he was a pure boy.

After having the suspicion that Ye Qingzhu might have a crush on him, Tong Yan felt awkward when he met Ye Qingzhu. However, Ye Qingzhu's behavior remained the same, which made Tong Yan start to doubt his guess.

During the computer class, Tong Yan almost confirmed that he was overthinking. After logging into QQ, he saw Xiaoni's friend request but not Ye Qingzhu's. She knew his QQ number and even gave it to Xiaoni, but didn't add him herself. It seemed Tong Yan was indeed being a bit self-centered. Although he felt a bit embarrassed, he also felt a sense of relief, and he could now play happily again.

Now, Tong Yan's friend list had increased to five people: Tian Zini, who he just added, his cousin, Zhang Xiao, editor Xigua, and the only author he knew on起点网 (Qidian), Huabiao, who had told him to "wait and see."

This big brother released an anti-Japanese military novel, "The Country is Broken, but the Mountains and Rivers Remain," in late August, later than "The Little Soldier's Wild History" and without the same popularity. So, he shamelessly got the QQ number of the strong new talent, Tong Yan, and received a recommendation from Tong Yan at the end of a chapter. Although the effect was average, the two established a friendship. This was the first friend Tong Yan made on Qidian, but because Tong Yan's writing time was very precious, they didn't have much deep interaction.

That night, Tong Yan only wrote five chapters, and he still needed two more to complete the week's quota. After the disagreement with Old Song, Tong Yan was reluctant to use his computer, so he had to work hard in the computer lab. However, because he also had to do some class assignments, his writing time was not abundant. When he had written more than 2,000 words, editor Xigua sent him a message.

Xigua: Xiao Er, are you in class?

Since they were already very familiar, Xigua knew that Tong Yan was in the computer lab on Thursday.

Tong Yan: Yes, does Sister Xigua have good news for me?

This was about his first manuscript fee, so Tong Yan was very concerned. Hearing Xigua's call, he immediately put his writing aside.

Xigua: Sigh, you guessed it so accurately, I feel no sense of achievement at all.

Tong Yan: Want to try again?

Xigua: Agreed.

Xigua: Xiao Er, don't speak for a moment. Let me tell you some good news. Guess what it is.

Tong Yan: Can I speak now?

Xigua: Sure.

Tong Yan: Uh, I can't guess it at all~~

Xigua: The good news is that your novel has been adopted by the chief editor and will be placed in the first issue!

Tong Yan: Ah, really? You're not kidding, right? Happiness came too suddenly, and I suddenly feel that the whole world is so beautiful!

Tong Yan was very cooperative, acting both foolish and foolish, finally making Sister Xigua happy.

Xigua: This time it was really not easy. The chief editor takes the first issue very seriously. Those who can make it into the inaugural issue are either top-tier gods or famous writers, or even our editorial staff. The fact that you were placed in it shows that the chief editor has high hopes for you. Keep it up.

Tong Yan: I will definitely keep it up, but I'm more interested in when I can get the manuscript fee and how much I will get.

Tong Yan was very concerned about these practical issues. He had already promised to treat Song RAO to a meal, and this was not just empty words.

Xigua: You little money lover!

Xigua: The magazine is expected to be released at the end of September, so your manuscript fee will be distributed on Qidian's payment day in October, which is the 10th at the earliest and no later than the 15th. As for how much, let me calculate it for you.

Xigua: Your novel is 23,500 words, rounding to 23,000. Since you are a new talent, you will be paid the minimum rate, which is 80 yuan per thousand words, so that's 1,840 yuan. This money also needs to be taxed, and I will explain the tax rules for manuscript fees to you, so you can calculate it in the future.

Xigua: Manuscript fees below 800 yuan do not need to be taxed; those between 800 and 4,000 yuan need to pay 14% tax on the amount exceeding 800 yuan; those over 4,000 yuan need to pay 11.2% tax on the total amount. I have simplified the formula to make it easier for you to understand.

Xigua: Clearly, your case falls into the second category, between 800 and 4,000 yuan. 1,840 minus 800, then multiplied by 14%, equals 145.6 yuan, which is the tax you need to pay. The remaining 1,694.4 yuan is the actual manuscript fee you will receive.

1,694.4 yuan! This was equivalent to several months of Tong Yan's living expenses. Even if it wasn't like finding a treasure, it was at least as happy as finding a gold ingot on the ground.

1,694.4 yuan! His investment was just a few scattered hours of free time after class, but it could match the hard work of his parents for half a month. This was the best interpretation of the saying that knowledge means money.

He had mastered the knowledge and skills of writing, so he should use them. He didn't aim to get rich, but at least to make his parents' lives easier and provide a better educational environment for Shan Shan.

After the excitement and pride, Tong Yan started to complain.

Tong Yan: