Chapter 53

[ps: Thank you to Yi Xiao Jiduochou and Jiulong Island Wangmo for your generous donations, and to the first person to vote, Xinshijieqwe!]

Tong Yan only worked at the bun shop for less than an hour. After eight o'clock, fewer people were eating buns, so his parents sent him back home.

He hesitated about whether to return to the Five Flavors Bookstore but ultimately decided against it. His thoughts were still unclear, and with Tang Jiao around, it would only become more chaotic. It was better not to write at all.

So he went home and took a nap. He had stayed up too late the night before, and although he seemed energetic on the surface, he was actually very tired.

He slept until noon, during which he had a series of dreams. Since they were during the day, they were called daydreams.

Tong Yan had forgotten most of the dreams, but one scene stuck with him deeply: his mother, Liu Nian, clutching her stomach, pale-faced, and collapsing on the ground. Accompanying this scene was a voice saying, "Your mother is seriously ill, and all the family savings have been spent..." It was something along those lines.

When he woke up, Tong Yan found himself sweating on his forehead, unsure if it was due to the frightening words and scene in his dream.

Tong Yan had read a bit of Freud and the Dream Interpretation by Duke Zhou. The scene might have been triggered by his mother's near-fall earlier that day, but the words seemed familiar, as if he had heard them somewhere before, though he couldn't remember who had said them.

In the evening, when his parents returned from work, Tong Yan noticed his mother looked a bit tired. His younger sister, busy and obedient, was massaging her mother's shoulders and back. Tong Yan stood to the side, mustered up his courage, and said, "Mom, do you feel unwell?"

Mothers rarely show their weaknesses to their children, and Tong's mother was no exception. "No, I just haven't had much appetite lately and haven't been eating much."

Tong's father walked over. "It's not just these past two days, you haven't been eating much for a while. Why don't you go to the hospital for a check-up?"

Tong's mother, impatient, said, "What check-up? I just don't eat much and don't gain weight. Other women would be envious."

Tong Yan knew his mother didn't like seeing doctors, but the dream and the words in it made him uneasy, as if they would come true. Even as a materialist, he sometimes had superstitious thoughts.

"Mom, I've been feeling dizzy lately and often sleepy. Could you take me to the hospital before I leave?" Tong Yan held his forehead, feigning weakness.

Tong's father, mother, and sister all gathered around, asking him how he was. His mother, who usually avoided hospitals, immediately agreed to go the next morning.

At the hospital, Tong Yan suddenly felt energetic and alert. "Mom, I feel better. I don't think I need to see a doctor."

"Really? Are you sure? It's better to be safe and see a doctor," his mother said, still worried.

"Mom, I'm really fine. Look how energetic I am. I can even do a backflip for you," Tong Yan laughed, showing how healthy he was.

His mother, angry, said, "You little rascal, are you playing with me? I'm leaving; the shop is busy now!"

After finally tricking his mother into coming, there was no way Tong Yan would let her leave. "Mom, since we're here, why don't you get a check-up? You've been saying you don't have an appetite. Let the doctor see what's wrong."

"Check-up? I'm fine!" At this point, his mother realized that Tong Yan had tricked her. The headache and discomfort were all an act to get her to the hospital.

"Mom, just listen to me this once. Look how thin you are; you don't even weigh a hundred pounds. Let's get a check-up. It'll be better if there's nothing wrong, and I can focus on my studies without worrying."

His son's sincere concern moved his mother. She didn't want to affect his studies. "Alright, I'll get a check-up, but let's make it quick. Your father can't handle the shop alone."

"What should we check?" his mother asked, letting Tong Yan decide.

"Since you don't have an appetite, let's check your digestive system."

The results wouldn't be immediate, but at Tong Yan's insistence, they did a few more tests. Although his mother was concerned about the cost, she agreed to make him feel better.

After accompanying his mother for the check-up, Tong Yan returned to school. This time, he left early, dropped off his luggage in the dorm, and rushed to the Spider Internet Cafe.

His novel had been on hiatus for two days, and the readers' patience was being tested. The slow increase in the number of followers might stop or even decline.

Opening the author's backend, Tong Yan's eyes suddenly lit up. The number of followers had increased to 8,843!

Tong Yan remembered that a week ago, the number was less than 6,000. How did it increase by 3,000 in just one week? The novel hadn't been recommended recently!

Looking at the book review section, he finally understood. The new followers were attracted by his "Cats vs. Dogs." Readers of that magazine were usually seasoned online novel readers. When they saw the shop assistant among the well-known authors, they were curious. After reading the short story, they became interested in his other novel, "The Little Soldier's History."

The existing readers of "The Little Soldier's History" were already dissatisfied with the shop assistant's updates. With so many new readers, and Tong Yan hitting a writer's block, the book review section was particularly lively. Most comments were urging the author to update, while a few were harsh. However, the deputy moderator, Wo Ben Xiaozhang, quickly resolved the issues. Although he also wanted to urge Tong Yan to update, he understood the pressures of being a high school student and maintained the stability of the book review section.

Seeing so many people waiting for his story, Tong Yan felt a surge of enthusiasm. After spending the whole day organizing the plot, although there were still some knots, he could勉强 write. So he immediately started typing.

In less than three hours, he wrote three chapters. He posted one himself and sent the other two to his cousin. Then he opened QQ, and the icons of Xigua and Tian Xiaoni were both flashing.

He read Xiaoni's message first. The first line was mocking, "Big dummy, you came in eighth, hahaha!"

The second line was more disappointed, "Can't you take the exam seriously? Do you still want to go to Peking University?"

The last line was gentler, "Even if you don't get into Peking University, there are many universities in the capital. There will definitely be one you like."

Tong Yan replied, "I'll get first place next time, you'll see!"

Then he opened Xigua's message, which was from yesterday.

Xigua: The magazine has been sent to you. It should arrive in about three to four days. Remember to check it.

Xigua: Have you checked the backend? Did you see the increase in followers? Our magazine is selling well, and your short story is particularly popular. It even gave "The Little Soldier's History" a small boost. You're lucky!

Tong Yan replied, "Thanks, Xigua, for your support."

Tong Yan knew that as a newcomer, he had the opportunity to appear in the inaugural issue of "Shengda Entertainment · Novels," and as his editor, Xigua must have helped.

Xigua, who hadn't finished work, replied instantly, "Don't mention it. It would be great if you could update more often, but I don't want to pressure you. Your studies are more important."

Tong Yan: "Xigua, I want to ask, do you need more short stories? I have another good idea."

In the past two days, whenever the plot of "The Little Soldier's History" gave him a headache, Tong Yan would think of small stories to relieve the pressure. One of them was more mature and was part of an alien series similar to "Cats vs. Dogs."

Xigua: "I'm afraid that's not possible, at least not for the next few months. There are too many famous authors on Qidian, and the pages for the next few issues are almost all reserved. The next issue will feature a popular author, and Tang Jia San Shao and Suibo Zhe Liu are also in the queue. This is both a way to distribute benefits and a good opportunity to promote Qidian authors. Unless there's a shortage of short stories, the editor won't use your second submission in the short term."

Tong Yan, who had hoped to earn some quick money, was disappointed and typed, "Okay."

Xigua: "Don't be discouraged. If you can't get into the magazine, you can still go on the platform. Do you want to hear my next plan?"

[ps: Although the book's followers and clicks are not high, I am very encouraged and full of enthusiasm to continue writing. Our book review section is very active, and I often see everyone discussing characters and plots, or sharing memories from their youth. Whether it's positive encouragement or negative feedback, it all motivates me. Thank you, everyone who reads the book seriously!

ps2: Also, here is the book's group number: 241190226, and I'm promoting Laofo's new Weibo. Search for "Nibai Fo" to find it. If you're interested, feel free to join and follow!]

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