028 The World Has Become Fantastical

In truth, Lin Xia played a pivotal role in the magazine's transformation. Back when the editor-in-chief of "Drizzle" magazine recognized her talent among a crowd of newcomers, it was a rare discernment only the chief editor could possess. Time soon proved just how wise that choice had been. Lin Xia became increasingly renowned within the magazine, and readers grew fond of her writing. The publication of her book, "Girl, Don't Cry," managed to carve out its own space in the market dominated by the post-80s generation, earning the magazine's heightened attention.

Because of Lin Xia, more and more writers began submitting their manuscripts to "Drizzle," creating a virtuous cycle. In response to this trend, the magazine naturally had to make corresponding adjustments, especially regarding writer benefits. Improved perks would attract more contributors. Although Lin Xia was the trailblazing example, tangible rewards were still needed as incentives.

The editorial content also had to be tailored to readers' tastes, with revisions based on market research. Lin Xia glanced at the contract; it was much like the one she had kept at home, but the terms were far more generous—the price had increased by two hundred thousand. Seeing the clear, bold print of one million, Lin Xia felt profoundly shaken. Was she still holding onto her modest, rural mindset? A single book, bought out for a million. Heaven help her—she truly was someone who had never seen the world.

Before she crossed over, the savings in her account barely amounted to a hundred thousand, which was only possible because she rarely went out and scrimped every penny. As a seasoned homebody, aside from browsing the internet, reading, and visiting forums, she hardly spent anything. When her previous book was bought out for eight hundred thousand, she could barely sleep, worried the magazine would regret the purchase and lose money, betraying their trust in her. Of course, she was deeply grateful to "Drizzle." In the end, the book's performance had exceeded her expectations, and she was finally able to breathe easy. Now, the magazine offered a million for the rights to her latest novel, "Sighs of Dust and Fate," treating her with remarkable generosity.

Contract in hand, Lin Xia went downstairs to find her father, Lin Jiagui, who had just returned home and was sitting on the sofa preparing to have some water. In a dreamlike state, she said, "Dad, the magazine wants to buy out my newest novel."

"Oh? How much? Same as the last book?" Lin Jiagui asked, sipping his water, only to hear his daughter reply, "One million."

"Pfft—cough cough..." Lin Jiagui sprayed out his mouthful of water. "Dad, are you alright?" Seeing her father coughing uncontrollably, Lin Xia hurried over and offered him some tea. "Drink some water, soothe your throat."

Lin Jiagui waved her hand away. "Cough... let... me see..." Disregarding the water, he snatched the contract from Lin Xia. Black on white, one million.

Lin Jiagui was stunned. He was thirty-eight, and had Lin Xia as a little one at twenty-five. Back then, his savings were less than ten thousand, and the house they lived in had been bought for barely a thousand yuan. After raising Lin Xia for thirteen years, his current savings were only around ten thousand, all earned through hard work with Lin Xia's mother, rising early and selling vegetables day after day.

But his daughter, at thirteen, had earned the family nearly two million with just two novels.

Lin Jiagui felt the world had become fantastical. No wonder they say there is a house of gold in books—it was true after all. From then on, Lin Jiagui became even stricter with Lin Hui's studies. As a result, Lin Hui not only lost his leisurely evenings, but even his weekends were spent reading or doing homework under pressure.

Furthermore, Lin Xia not only made money writing books, but her grades were always at the top, which only spurred Lin Jiagui and Lin Xia's mother to pour all their hopes into their children, making Lin Hui miserable. Of course, that is another story.

Now, Lin Jiagui and his wife stared at their barely five-foot-tall daughter in disbelief. One book published could be chalked up to luck; but now the second book had earned even more than the first—this was not something Lin Xia's "good fortune" could explain.