116 Unraveling the Truth Layer by Layer

With this in mind, the matter Lin Xia raised became all the more critical. After all, the magazine had invested significant effort into grooming them; if they were truly swayed by another magazine or publishing house and signed away, it would be a case of penny-wise and pound-foolish—a loss far outweighing any gain.

Their value was not something that could be measured by a mere 50,000-copy magazine run. Most importantly, Lin Xia and the others were still young. Given their limited life experience, the fact that they could write such compelling books suggested that as they matured and gained more wisdom, their future works would likely garner even greater acclaim. Their prospects were truly immeasurable.

Lin Xia, in particular, held the highest value. A teenager still in middle school, she possessed an ability to captivate even the seasoned, career-driven women at their company—a feat that could not be dismissed as mere "luck."

"Editor-in-Chief, there is something I must report to you..."

After hearing her out, the Editor-in-Chief, Chen Guodong—who was also Chen Qing's uncle—remained silent, closing his eyes in contemplation. His index finger tapped rhythmically against the solid wood desk, creating a faint yet striking sound in the quiet room. Those who knew him understood this was his unconscious habit when deep in thought, and it was best not to disturb him.

A moment later, the tapping ceased, and Chen Guodong opened his eyes. "What is your take on this?" he asked Chen Qing.

Chen Qing gathered her thoughts. "I think she was very thorough in her considerations. And judging by her tone, she seems confident that this new book, *Scheming the World*, will be a hit."

"Not 'seems,' it will definitely be a hit." Chen Guodong interrupted her, lifting his chin slightly with the unintentional air of authority. "Anything else?"

Chen Qing thought for a moment and shook her head. "For someone her age, the fact that she could say those things—without being flashy or seeking the spotlight, remaining low-key and reserved—already surprises me."

After all, writers born in the 80s like Han Han and Guo Jingming had learned the art of commercial hype years ago. The so-called "new generation" of writers born in the 90s were not falling behind either, and there were even elementary school students born after 2000 churning out "masterpieces." Someone like Lin Xia, who had attained a certain level of fame yet refused to boast, was truly a rarity. And were there not plenty of examples of young talents ruined by premature fame and the puffery of the media?

Chen Guodong nodded, then shook his head. "Given your experience, it is good enough that you’ve noticed these things. However," he shifted his tone, "that Lin Xia, at such a young age, possesses such cunning. She has truly earned my respect!" His voice was filled with astonishment and a hint of admiration.

Chen Qing was startled. "How so?" She was merely sharper than the average child; surely that did not warrant such a high assessment from her uncle?

"Look at what she said: 'Our cooperation with *Drizzle* has been very pleasant, and the magazine has always treated me well; I don't want to change employers easily.' She said she didn't want to change *easily*, but she didn't say she wouldn't change at all. That 'don't want to' comes with a prerequisite: the magazine must continue to treat her as well as it did before."

"Qing'er, you are still too naive to hear the trap hidden in these words," Chen Guodong sighed. "While we did increase her royalties this term, it pales in comparison to the profit she brings us. She is using this to put pressure on the magazine. Why else would she bring up the topic of changing employers out of the blue? It is a pity you didn't hear that at all."

Before Lin Xia became famous, the magazine's "generosity" was nothing more than a slightly higher rate than that of ordinary writers. Now that she was famous, her compensation should naturally rise accordingly, yet the magazine had only offered a marginal increase—far from meeting her expectations. She was clearly not a person to be intimidated. While *Drizzle* had indeed been instrumental in her success, her contributions to the magazine far exceeded what they had paid her.

Having been admitted to B University, Chen Qing was not dull. She quickly understood. Lin Xia had always been cautious; she never grew arrogant after achieving success and kept a low profile. Even when the magazine's sales figures had astonished them, Lin Xia had never boasted about her fame or predicted her book would be a hit. Yet, this time, she had explicitly stated that *Scheming the World* would be a hit. Although she had used the conditional word "if," given her character, she would not have said such things without absolute certainty.

Though she was young, through nearly two years of contact, Chen Qing no longer viewed her as a mere fifteen-year-old child.

"Uncle, you mean she knows this book will be a hit—a massive hit—so she not only warned the magazine in advance, implicitly demanding a raise, but also forced us to take protective measures to ensure peace for her and her family?" Chen Qing deduced, peeling back the layers. "How can she have so much foresight at such a young age?" She still sounded skeptical. "Could it be that you are overthinking this, Uncle?"

Chen Guodong gave his niece a look of exasperation. "You've read her books in vain, focusing only on the romance. Go buy a copy of *The Art of War* and compare it with her work. Her book, *Scheming the World*, is not just about romance. The military formations and the deceptive strategies of warfare described within are so ingeniously conceived—perhaps not enough to make one gasp in awe, but for her age, it is quite something."

Chen Qing scratched the back of her head. She truly hadn't paid attention to those details, as her focus had been entirely on the protagonists, and she had skimmed over the military strategies.

Knowing her nature, Chen Guodong sighed. "If you don't believe me, just tell her the magazine's sales are excellent and that we are giving her a raise; you will see her reaction and understand what this is all about."

"As for the peaceful life she mentioned, it is nothing more than a desire to keep all her personal information classified so that outsiders don't know who she is. Listen to her: 'I am still young and don't want to be disturbed.' She didn't say what she would do when she grows up. She just doesn't want to be exposed now. And I suspect that besides her age and lack of independence, there is another reason."

Chen Qing was amazed that her uncle had unearthed so many hidden motives from such a simple conversation. "What reason?"

"Didn't she write in her article, 'What is not obtained is always restless, while the favored are bold without fear'? By not exposing herself to the media while continuing to write book after book, she is dangling everyone's appetite, making them increasingly curious about who 'Liu Yan' really is. Human nature is strange; the more mysterious and hidden something is, the more it grabs people's attention." Chen Guodong cast a meaningful glance at his niece.

"But didn't someone see her at the writers' workshop this time?" Chen Qing asked, puzzled.

"That is exactly why she brought this matter to you," Chen Guodong replied significantly.

Chen Qing realized the truth. "She wanted to hand the problem over to the magazine to handle. What a sharp mind."

Seeing she understood, and having taught his niece a lesson, Chen Guodong returned to his work. "Alright, I will handle this. Go down and discuss what I've told you with Liu Yan. In the future, be more observant. Don't just believe everything people say. You’re a grown woman, not the 'little wooden mallet' you were as a child."

Chen Qing’s cheeks flushed. As a child, she was mischievous, and her family had nicknamed her "Little Mallet." She hadn't heard the nickname in years, and hearing it from her uncle now made her feel both embarrassed and inexplicably nostalgic.

We have all grown up, haven't we?

With her mind racing, she had to get back to work. She returned to her desk and called Lin Xia to discuss the additional manuscript. Although Lin Xia was surprised by the call, she found it more convenient than typing. Feeling tired from staring at the computer screen, she leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and rubbed her temples while discussing the business.

"Xiaxia, the magazine has decided to increase the print run. But as you know, your article has caused a huge stir among readers. Everyone is calling and writing, demanding that we expand your content. The editor-in-chief asked me to discuss with you whether you could write a few more chapters to add to the end."

"Hmm, no problem. I have five chapters in my draft folder; I'll send them to you in a moment."

"And about the next issue's..." Chen Qing hadn't forgotten that the original topic was the next issue's manuscript.

"I only have classes during the day and no evening study sessions, so I'll put in some extra effort. The next issue's manuscript shouldn't be a problem." Lin Xia twirled the telephone cord.

"By the way, the magazine held a meeting. Since sales have been good, we are planning to give you a raise." Chen Qing paused, seemingly checking her surroundings, then lowered her voice. "My uncle says you should be getting a significant increase."

Lin Xia understood. Her previous remark hadn't been intended for Chen Qing, but for the seasoned "old foxes" in the workplace who would understand the subtext. As to whether she would continue to cooperate with *Drizzle* in the future, that would depend on their sincerity this time.

Before the actual money was in her hands, she wouldn't dwell on it. Thus, Lin Xia merely gave a casual, "Mhm."

Sure enough! Uncle was right; she was indeed pressuring the magazine. Chen Qing felt a pang of realization. She then briefly mentioned the plan for a small interview before hanging up. Lin Xia didn't pay much attention to it; she had done small interviews before, and after two years of cooperation, they had that much rapport.

After this incident, Chen Qing became more vigilant and never again treated Lin Xia like a mere child. In their subsequent interactions, she observed Lin Xia's conduct and gradually came to respect her, leading to a more equal footing in their relationship.

In the future, the two would not only cooperate seamlessly in their work but also become close friends, never allowing her age to be a barrier or a source of estrangement.

Of course, that is a story for another time.