Chapter 205: A Little Inconsiderate
Having been rebuffed by Yu Linna, Li Jing didn’t give up, continuing to look for an opportunity to negotiate, to find a chink in her armor. But Yu Linna’s stubbornness when it came to her work remained a significant obstacle, their discussions yielding no results, much to Li Jing’s frustration.
Yu Linna had been at Ye Zhiyun’s house for four or five days now, Ye Zhiyun taking her out every day, their time at home limited. Li Jing, feeling the pressure, was eager to finalize the copyright deal.
And then, July 1st arrived. Shion’s Ballad of the Enchantress, Volume Two, was officially released, its launch a resounding success, the popularity of the first volume carrying over, readers eagerly snapping up copies, bookstores filled with long queues.
Though not a masterpiece, it was a well-written novel, its story resonating with readers, striking a chord, making them willing to pay for it.
“Just finished Volume Two! I need Volume Three now!”
“So exciting! Ahhh, I want more dog food!”
“Author, why would you do this?! Why are the male and female protagonists on opposite sides?! Are you trying to break them up?!”
“Who said it wasn’t sad?! Come out! I’ll kill you!”
“It’s not that sad. If a story where the male and female protagonists aren’t together is considered sad, then I’ve read a million sad stories.”
The novel continued to receive praise on Weibo, its status as a bestseller solidified, Shion now a recognized author, a pillar of Wenqing, despite being a newcomer.
And Air’s The Rich Man’s Game, Volume Four, was also scheduled for release soon, much to the anticipation of her fans.
Wenqing’s popularity soared, their presence on Weibo surpassing even Qidian, a rare phenomenon. Qidian, though stable, hadn’t produced any standout newcomers this year, their authors unable to compete with Shion. With Shion now a major asset, Wenqing had become a formidable rival, much to Qidian’s chagrin.
Wenqing, with Shion as their new cash cow, treated her with the utmost respect, Chen Xi even being instructed by her superiors to maintain a close relationship with her.
Chen Xi, reviewing Yu Linna’s progress, was surprised to find she had already finished the manuscript for Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, Volume Two, only the illustrations remaining. This girl’s productivity was astounding, considering she was handling both writing and illustrating herself.
Chen Xi even considered hiring an assistant for her.
Air, on the other hand, was a true slacker. If it weren’t for Chen Xi’s constant pressure, she would have never finished her manuscript. She had finally finished Volume Four of The Rich Man’s Game and promised to focus on the novel for the next six months, putting her short stories on hold.
Both girls, both incredibly beautiful, yet so different. Two star authors, their work ethics a stark contrast.
◆ Chen Xi: Air-sensei, remember to submit your manuscript on time.
◆ Air: Are you a demon…? I had plans for the next six months.
◆ Chen Xi: Learn from your junior. She’s already finished two volumes, and you’re complaining about one.
◆ Air: I’m not competing with her. She’s a monster; I’m a normal person.
◆ Chen Xi: Oh, please. You’re just lazy. Next time I visit, if I see you playing LOL or PUBG, I’m cutting off your internet.
◆ Air: No!!!
Zhao Yuyan wanted to cry. Why was it so hard to play games these days? She wasn’t intentionally procrastinating; she just wanted to have some fun. A life without games… it was a life without soul.
And Yu Linna? She was at Ye Zhiyun’s house, having just finished her manuscript, planning to work on the illustrations when she returned to Guangnan City, having left her drawing tablet behind.
Shanghai was a nice city; she had enjoyed her stay. Ye Zhiyun took her out again today, not for shopping, but to visit Li Muqing’s house. The Ye and Li families were old friends, Ye Zhiyun and Li Muqing childhood sweethearts, their close bond leading many to believe they would eventually marry. But Li Muqing had never been interested, and Ye Zhiyun, having found a new love, had moved on.
Li Muqing’s house, located in the suburbs, was a sprawling villa, even larger than the Ye family’s, though the garden wasn’t as well-manicured. Yu Linna, seeing the luxury cars parked in the driveway, marveled at the world of the wealthy. Though she was also rich now, she couldn’t afford such extravagance. She had a massive debt to repay; that was her priority.
The housekeeper, initially hesitant to let them in, finally relented upon learning they were friends of their young master. Li Muqing, dressed impeccably, was waiting in the living room. Though lacking in social skills, he was handsome and wealthy, a successful man in his own right.
“Hey, Li Muqing, long time no see…”
“Linna, it’s been a while! You haven’t changed a bit! Haha, have a seat. I’ve prepared some snacks.”
“Thank you…”
“Don’t mention it. We’re friends. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
Yu Linna felt a surge of anxiety. Why had Ye Zhiyun brought her here?
She had once been in love with him, and Yu Linna, because of a two-yuan bus fare, had earned Ye Zhiyun’s enmity. Was it a good idea to be here?
“Zhiyun, you haven’t visited since the New Year. I heard you’re staying in Guangnan City for university. We were all surprised. With your grades, we thought you would go to America.”
“It doesn’t matter. University is just a formality for me. I just want to experience that part of life.”
“I see. I’m preparing to go abroad. I won’t be seeing you as often. Haha.”
Yu Linna, feeling like a third wheel, tried to make herself invisible. She remembered freeloading off Li Muqing in front of Ye Zhiyun, wondering if Ye Zhiyun still held a grudge. She had been so young and foolish back then, not knowing they would become friends. She hoped Ye Zhiyun wouldn’t bring it up.
“Linna, you used to be an actress, right?”
“What about it? I was just a nobody. You won’t find my work anywhere.”
“No, I was just thinking… if you’re interested in acting again, I can help you contact some directors, get you a few roles.”
“No, thank you. I’ve left the entertainment industry.”
This Li Muqing… his impression of her was still stuck in the past. She had left that world a long time ago.
And to say this in front of Ye Zhiyun… was he trying to start a fight?
Yu Linna glanced at Ye Zhiyun, who remained calm, her expression unreadable, a stark contrast to her usual fiery temper whenever Li Muqing was mentioned. Yu Linna relaxed slightly.
But then, she thought, perhaps this was the calm before the storm. Her anxiety returned.
“Zhiyun, long time no see! You’ve grown up! Oh, your mother wanted me to give you something. Come with me.”
Li Muqing’s mother entered, a cheerful smile on her face, leading Ye Zhiyun upstairs. Ye Zhiyun, putting down her teacup, followed, leaving Yu Linna alone with Li Muqing. With Ye Zhiyun gone, Yu Linna relaxed, the pressure easing.
“Why are you so afraid of Zhiyun? You weren’t like this before.”
“You wouldn’t understand!”
“Girls shouldn’t use such language…”
“I’ll say what I want! Mind your own business!”
Without Ye Zhiyun’s presence, Yu Linna was more herself, her usual carefree demeanor returning.
Li Muqing could only smile wryly. This girl… her mood swings were so unpredictable.
“You and Zhiyun seem to be getting along well now. That’s good. You used to fight all the time. It was so frustrating.”
“And whose fault was that?”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“Of course, it has something to do with you!”
This clueless oaf… he didn’t know the reason for their feud, but she remembered it clearly. When she first met Ye Zhiyun, she had suffered her wrath, their rivalry fueled by Ye Zhiyun’s jealousy over her closeness to Li Muqing, their animosity escalating to the point of open hostility.
So, she tried to avoid interacting with Li Muqing in Ye Zhiyun’s presence, not wanting to trigger her explosive temper.
“Linna, you’re actually quite funny.”
“Heh.”
This oaf… he was hopeless. He should be put out of his misery.
“You’re different from Zhiyun. You’re much gentler. But you’re both… good girls.”
“…”
Hearing a compliment from this oaf… it was a strange feeling.
“By the way, Linna, stay for dinner. And you can stay overnight with Zhiyun if you like. We have plenty of spare rooms. What do you want to eat? I’ll have the housekeeper prepare it.”
This oaf… was he hitting on her?
Yu Linna scratched her head, a headache starting to form.
“Li Muqing, you should focus on your relationship with your childhood sweetheart. You haven’t been spending much time with her lately, have you?”
“That’s true. I don’t know why. Zhiyun hasn’t been calling me. Maybe she has a boyfriend.”
“…”
This oaf… talking to him was so frustrating! He was so clueless about relationships!
The thought of Ye Zhiyun, the jilted childhood sweetheart, having to watch Li Muqing walk down the aisle with another woman…
Yu Linna, for some reason, found it amusing, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
And at that moment, Ye Zhiyun came downstairs.
