Wang Fen sat up straight, her gaze filled with a desire to salvage the situation as she looked at Shi Chuanfeng and asked.
Shi Chuanfeng, unaware of what had just transpired and the conversation in the room, simply told Wang Fen honestly, "A month ago, our publishing house received a manuscript from Li Chenchuan, titled 'Those Things in the Ming Dynasty.'" As he spoke, Shi Chuanfeng handed the book "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty" to Wang Fen to look at.
Wang Fen took the book, "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty." Compared to the title "Lijiang on the Left, Love on the Right," the title "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty" seemed more acceptable to older people. The cover was primarily white, with the title "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty" in elegant black calligraphy, simple yet refined.
The back of the book also lacked the flashy reviews, featuring only simple colors and a straightforward price.
But the problem was, Wang Fen had actually heard of this book! Several of her colleagues were reading it and constantly recommending it to her. Wang Fen had planned to buy a copy after leaving Li Chenchuan's house, and now the book was right in front of her. The most frustrating and speechless part was that the author of this book was actually Li Chenchuan.
Wang Fen's eyes were fixed on the words "Li Chenchuan/Author," as if she could see a flower bloom there.
These words repeatedly caught her eye, almost leaving an imprint on her retina.
"Can I take a look?"
Unlike Wang Fen's extreme frustration, Li Chaoguo took the book with great interest. He certainly wouldn't be like his wife, always hoping to bully and suppress others.
Seeing the words "Li Chenchuan" on the book, Li Chaoguo praised, "Not bad, Chenchuan! So this book is written by you! I've heard my colleagues talking about it... Wow, that's really impressive! I'll go buy a copy to read later."
Wang Fen felt even more depressed as she listened to Li Chaoguo. Wasn't Li Chenchuan already sick and unaware of everything? How could he suddenly come up with a bestseller?
Li Chenchuan nodded slightly and said, "Yes, Uncle, I wrote it."
Shi Chuanfeng smiled and said, "Is there any doubt? Li Chenchuan is in high demand now, so I came today to discuss the next steps for the book's publication with him."
He was straightforward about everything, not belittling Li Chenchuan or "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty." He felt that Luo Mo was a peculiar person, and if he tried to increase his anxiety by belittling him, it might backfire and make Li Chenchuan hesitate to renew his contract with Rongcheng Literature Publishing House.
His intuition was correct. If Shi Chuanfeng had deliberately belittled Li Chenchuan and "Those Things in the Ming Dynasty," Li Chenchuan would have seen through it immediately and developed a strong aversion to Shi Chuanfeng.
Wang Fen, hearing Shi Chuanfeng's unwavering words and looking at the simple yet classic cover with "Li Chenchuan/Author" written on it, felt very uncomfortable.
She had been boasting about Li Chenxin's romance novel, but in an instant, Li Chenchuan's strong sales had slapped her in the face.
She now speculated awkwardly about Yang Yifang—was she hiding in the shadows, laughing at her lack of insight? The thought made Wang Fen feel as if a large stone was blocking her heart, making her breathing feel constricted. She had thought she was in a place where she could boast and enjoy the worship of Li Chaoyong and his wife, but now this place made her feel like sitting on pins and needles, as if she were in an oven, uncomfortable all over and almost unable to stay in this cramped space for a moment longer.
But she didn't want to admit defeat, so she gritted her teeth and held on.
At this moment, Shi Chuanfeng said to Li Chenchuan, "Can we talk?"
Li Chenchuan glanced at Li Chaoyong and Yang Yifang.
Both nodded at him, indicating that he should go.
Li Chenchuan then called Shi Chuanfeng to his room.
Li Chaoguo, a bit puzzled, said, "Chaoyong, you should be there to watch the signing, don't let Little Chenchuan act rashly."
Li Chaoyong glanced at Yang Yifang and shook his head with a smile, "Brother, it's fine. This book was written by Little Chenchuan himself, and it's not my work. I don't understand much about it, so let him handle it. He's grown up and has his own ideas about many things."
Hearing this, Li Chenchuan was momentarily moved. He suddenly realized that his parents' trust in him was a great honor.
They weren't indifferent; they just kept their concern in their hearts to avoid putting pressure on him, giving him the greatest freedom.
Li Chaoguo was somewhat thoughtful, and Li Chaoyong's words touched something in his heart.
Wang Fen, however, finally found an opportunity to interject. She waved her hand, quietly putting the yellow-covered "Lijiang on the Left, Love on the Right" into her bag. Then she straightened her posture and tried to regain her authoritative demeanor, "Chaoyong, I can't agree with that. How can a child grow up without guidance? The problems Little Chenchuan had might be related to your lack of attention! Children need more care!"
Li Chaoyong and Yang Yifang, of course, didn't want to hear such words. They knew how to raise their child and didn't need her evaluation.
Wang Fen, hearing their temporary silence, regained some confidence. She suddenly remembered the purpose of her and Li Chaoguo's visit and quickly said, "The college entrance exam results will be out this afternoon. I wonder how Little Chenchuan did this time?"
Her words brought up the concerns of the other three.
After their family's decline, Li Chaoyong and Yang Yifang had become very traditional. Deep down, they most hoped that Li Chenchuan would get into a good university and become an outstanding person.
This topic touched a sore spot for them.
Although Li Chenchuan had once ranked first in the entire grade, his performance over the past six months had been inconsistent and difficult to improve. The sensitive topic of the college entrance exam made both of them feel uneasy.
How would their son do on this exam?
They wanted to know the results as soon as possible.
Yang Yifang, feeling nervous, stood up and said, "I'll go make dinner."
Everyone nodded, and Wang Fen didn't offer to help, sitting on the sofa. Li Chaoyong and his brother, however, began to chat about other things.