Chapter Thirty-Five

  Yu Cai went to the internet cafe on Sunday afternoon and found that the publishing house had sent her several emails. The first email said that her book was selling very well, and the publishing house was planning to release a second edition of the deluxe version. They attached a few drafts for her to comment on. Considering that her book was selling well, they hoped she could consider writing the second one as soon as possible. The following emails were urging her to reply quickly, and severely criticized her for being too irresponsible.

  Yu Cai had no choice but to apologize and explained her situation, saying she would respond as soon as possible.

  After sending the letter, Yu Zai carefully looked at the character prototypes provided by the publisher and felt that they lacked a bit of spirit. The costumes and hairstyles were also very different from what she had imagined. But when she thought about changing them, she didn't know how to do it. After thinking for half a day, Yu Zai left the internet cafe and called He Qi. He Qi was at home playing with Xi Zhongyi and answered enthusiastically, inviting Yu Zai to his house so that they could discuss it thoroughly together.

  Yu Cai went back and told Yu Pei that she had something to do at her classmate's place and might be late coming back, so she hailed a taxi and headed to He Qi's home.

  As soon as the three of them started discussing, they became very enthusiastic. Of course, Kiyo continued to express her opinions only with nods and simple words. By the time the several people finally finalized the draft, it was already past 10 o'clock at night.

  Yu Caihao magnanimously said he would treat the two to a midnight snack, but He Qi struck back at her, saying that even if she was being polite, it wasn't necessary to be so insincere. This is a county town, not a city, and all the shops are closed anyway.

  Yucai thought for a moment, got up and went to the kitchen to check the fridge, asking "There are frozen dumplings and tangyuan in the fridge, do you want me to cook some for you?"

  "What can you do?"

  Yu Cai angrily said, "Those are instant dumplings, even an idiot can cook them, are you going to eat or not?"

  He Qí still doubted her skills, "Why don't you let Auntie cook instead?"

  "Auntie is already asleep, don't bother her. Do you want to eat dumplings or tangyuan? What filling?"

  He was indeed a representative and said without hesitation, "Let's all have some, the dumplings are filled with celery."

  Yu Cai nodded and found a small pot, opening the gas stove.

  "What's so strange about it?" said He Qi, "Why don't you ask Ashi?"

  "Hmm, I know what he's eating."

  He Qi got angry, "Then what am I supposed to eat? How can you not know?"

  Yu Cai was too lazy to care about him, and He Qi started complaining again. Just as the criticism meeting was getting exciting, the phone rang. It was Xi Shu Fan, asking if Xi Jie was with Yu Cai.

  Ji Shì usually goes out to play and returns home before 10 o'clock, but today it's already half past ten and there's no sign of him. After waiting for half a day, Auntie diligently gave Ji Shu Fan a call. Ji Shu Fan immediately thought of He Qi and called him right away.

  He explained the situation again and apologized for forgetting to call back to report that everything was fine, promising to be more mindful next time. Qi Shu Fan listened to his explanation and felt relieved, then started asking about Yu Cai's book.

  He Qi immediately added oil and vinegar to the email that Yu Cai received, emphasizing that Yu Cai was going to publish a second book.

  Just as they were getting into the conversation, Yu Cai entered the living room with a bowl of celery dumplings. He Qi asked Yu Cai if she wanted to say a few words to Xi Shu Fan and handed her the phone.

  Qishu Fan first congratulated Yu Cai, then asked her when she would start writing the second part.

  "After some thought, Yu Cai spoke out her plan, 'Actually after the book was published, I've been brewing to write a second one. The basic framework is already in my mind, and even some scenes have come out. Moreover, what I write only excels at creating new words, the writing style isn't good, nor does it have any profound social implications. Others can easily imitate it if they want to, so I think I should seize the time. Once others also think of writing this, I'll lose all my advantages.'"

  Qishu Fan laughed and said, "Xiao Cai, you're too modest. The other day, Xiao Xiao told me that your writing is not inferior to that of the now famous Guo something."

  Yu Cai's eyes were filled with black lines, "Dear uncle, let me think for a moment, did you take the book and say to Xiao Xiao, 'This book is not bad, take it back and have a look?' Would she tell the truth in this situation?"

  Qishu Fan burst out laughing, "Anyway, you have to believe in yourself. Are you ready to start writing now? Isn't your course schedule tight?"

  "It's okay, I'll take a month off and then use the winter break for another month, that should be enough."

  Qí Shū frowned, "A month? Xiǎo Cǎi, your main task now is learning".

  "Dear uncle, you should believe me. This month I haven't been writing all the time. Occasionally when I'm tired or encounter a bottleneck, I will study on my own to catch up with the progress. Besides, there's still about a month left before the final exam, and an average score is always achievable."

  "But this time you're among the top ten in class."

  "So when the scores came out, I regretted it, being too excellent is always under great pressure!"

  "Xiao Cai, no matter what you say, I don't agree with your request for a month's leave."

  "At least for a month, I like to write it all out in one breath, and then put it aside for another month, just in time for the winter break to make some revisions."

  "Have you decided?"

  "Yes, my dear uncle, you should know that your stubborn gene has also been inherited by me to a considerable extent."

  Qishu Fan couldn't help but smile wryly, "No matter what, don't let it affect your studies."

  "Don't worry, I will. To know that good academic performance is a powerful guarantee that can be relied on from time to time."

  "Why don't you go get the computer?"

  "No need, the publishing house just sent me another 10,000 yuan in royalties recently, I was thinking of buying one."

  "That's okay, probably can't buy good ones in the county town, you come over one day and I'll go with you"

  "No need, dear uncle, you should know that buying a computer may be something you're not even more familiar with than I am."

  Qishu Fang could only nod in agreement, "Alright, I'll find someone who knows computers to accompany you," without waiting for Yu Cai's objection, he continued, "It's settled then. Call me before you come, it's getting late, let Shizhi send you back early."

  "Hmm..."

  "Okay, I'll hang up first and wait for your call."

  "Uh, okay, you get some rest early, goodnight".

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