ICTEUWMN Chapter 71.1

Although Yu Mian pondered for a long time, he eventually felt that perhaps he wasn’t exactly a “water carrier” after all.

He simply wanted to show equal love to all interstellar readers!

And was there anything wrong with that?

As for the serialized popular science short articles on star beasts and the topic for the next one, Yu Mian decided to wait until things calmed down before making a decision.

After all, he hadn’t anticipated such an overwhelming response at the beginning, let alone that so many readers would eagerly hope for him to write an entire grand series on the animal kingdom.

[Fish: I’ll need some time to prepare. Once I’ve made a final decision, I’ll give you a reply. Besides, isn’t “Star Beast World” already flooded with new submissions? I saw the latest issue, and several articles were written very well.]

In fact, ever since “The King of Tian Mountains – Snow Leopard” broke through the conventions of popular science articles by using a perspective that made the star beast the protagonist and introducing readers to the world of star beasts, it had indeed started a new trend.

Especially since Editor-in-Chief Wellington had begun to select submissions purely based on the quality of the articles rather than the identity of the contributors.

As a result, the latest issue of the star beast feature included several fresh and humorous articles and essays that were both educational and entertaining.

Thus, Yu Mian eventually asked Editor Shaxs to convey that he did not plan to submit new articles for the time being.

While “Star Beast World” expressed regret, they were understanding and assured that whenever Teacher Fish Noodles had new submissions, they were ready to publish them at any time. Furthermore, they promised that the manuscript fees would be offered at a special tier.

Meanwhile, aside from the furries vying for special features, many magazine publishers also reached out to Yu Mian, scrambling to showcase the unique features of their publications in the hopes that Yu Mian might consider them.

After all, if they managed to get even one piece from Fish Soup Noodles, it could potentially spark a wave of popularity.

[Crispy Shark: Regarding the magazines who reached out, I’ve compiled a list for you, along with brief introductions about each magazine. It might help you understand them more quickly.]

When Shaxs sent over the document attachment, Yu Mian opened it and was shocked by the extensive list.

[Fish: No way, isn’t this a bit too much?]

If he really were to write a beast series, he might end up writing until the end of time, not to mention handling all these varied materials and magazine themes.

[Crispy Shark: Oh, you don’t have to feel pressured and simply take a look. I prioritized the ones with better reputations, higher quality, or greater importance and listed them at the top for you.]

What Shaxs didn’t mention was that the editor-in-chief of Huanyu had been subtly pressuring him about when Fish Soup Noodles’ next major novel would be published. He even hinted that he shouldn’t let Fish Soup Noodles get too distracted with short stories.

After all, following the completion of “Contract Marriage” and “Eternal Night Rose”, and with “Rebirth of the Interstellar Soldier King” being primarily released as periodic standalone physical volumes, Huanyu’s traffic had lost some of its previous explosiveness.

[Fish: Alright, I’ll take a look. But I really can’t promise I’ll write for them since my new manuscript is still in preparation.]

Fortunately, this reply from Yu Mian eased some of the pressure on Shaxs from the editor-in-chief and deputy chief editor.

“Teacher Fish Soup Noodles said the new book is already in preparation, so the focus will definitely still be on the long-term serialization. However, publishing a few short articles can boost his pen name’s popularity, which will attract more readers to Huanyu in the future.”

“Well, I suppose you’re right…”

The deputy chief editor also understood that what Yu Mian wanted to write was ultimately the author’s decision. However, seeing so many magazines vying for their author did make them a bit uneasy.

“Should we offer Teacher Fish Soup Noodles a higher profit-sharing percentage for the new book contract? That way, you wouldn’t have to worry so much about him being poached.”

While scrolling through the author data in the backend, Shaxs chimed in at the right moment.

In Huanyu, authors were ranked into different levels with corresponding contract tiers. Based on his author’s current data, he could easily be upgraded from a rookie bronze contract to the diamond tier.

“Uh, raise it to a higher level then. But could we extend the contract duration a bit?”

The deputy chief editor was naturally very cooperative with this suggestion.

Looking back, he could only sigh at how fate had played a role when Shaxs, a rookie editor at the time, had successfully signed Fish Soup Noodles against all odds.

It was precisely because of their past negligence and indifferent attitude that Shaxs, who was disheartened by the company’s attitude, subconsciously felt closer to and trusted Yu Mian more than the company itself.

“Ugh, it’s a pity that Teacher Fish Soup Noodles refused to attend the Huanyu Author Carnival. Editor Shaxs couldn’t even persuade him.”

The deputy chief editor sighed regretfully, still lamenting that Fish Soup Noodles wouldn’t be able to attend the Huanyu Authors Carnival.

“But don’t you think Shaxs behaves more like Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ personal editor? He doesn’t consider the company’s interests at all.”

Editor Lei, who had just entered with some materials, couldn’t resist whispering to the deputy chief editor after seeing Shaxs leave with a silly smile.

“Hmm… Lei, although I know you still have some opinions about Shaxs, I still hope you can change your mindset.”

However, the deputy chief editor, who usually liked to smooth things over, spoke seriously to Editor Lei this time.

Editor Lei: ?

“Although Shaxs doesn’t seem to be acting in the company’s interest on the surface… Everyone has their own feelings. If Teacher Fish Soup Noodles and the editor have a good relationship, wouldn’t that be the best outcome for our Huanyu?”

The deputy chief editor’s slow and measured words made Editor Lei, who had just left the office, flush with anger.

‘Damn it, this kid Shaxs, he’s really a fool with a good fortune!’

But what the deputy chief editor didn’t say as he watched Editor Lei leave was that he would be a fool if he offended Fish Soup Noodles. Otherwise, just the readers alone could tear him apart.

And although Shaxs was a bit of a fool sometimes, being too clever wasn’t necessarily a good thing, right?

If he weren’t such a “fool”, he probably wouldn’t have used his only available spot to bet against a bunch of senior editors on an uncertain author…

Yu Mian, who was flipping through the materials from the magazines in his hands, wasn’t aware of these internal matters at Huanyu.

“Interstellar Youth”?

After flipping through the materials for a while, Yu Mian’s gaze finally settled on this particular magazine.

Besides the fact that this magazine offered highly attractive conditions, the biggest reason was probably because it was a magazine aimed at children and teenagers.

Lately, Yu Mian had often seen Huo Yan reading “Star Beast World” in the study, and during their conversations, he realized that the little guy actually didn’t dislike reading…

“It’s because reading is too boring, my brain just isn’t enough to handle it!!”

Huo Yan had been struggling with his language and literature class for quite some time.

“If everything could be like Da Xi and Gredo from “Star Beast World”, I’d definitely read it every day! And this issue of “Star Beast World” is also very good, my cousin says it’s really good!”

With his homework in hand, Huo Yan couldn’t help but squeeze next to Yu Mian, chattering about what was happening at school.

It was only after Yu Mian took the latest issue of “Star Beast World” from Huo Yan that he realized the magazine had indeed changed its style.

It had become much easier to understand, though the professionalism had not been compromised. The magazine had been very well sectioned off, and the fun star beast stories at the front were especially appealing to kids.

However, “Star Beast World” wasn’t specifically a children’s magazine; it had just temporarily taken on that role.

“So, if there are good stories, you’d like to read them?”

Yu Mian asked Huo Yan as he recalled the magazines’ solicitation. He immediately got a serious nod in response.

“Of course! I also really like Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ “Rebirth Of The Interstellar Soldier King”! Everyone at school now wants to be a super tough guy like Lin Mu!!”

After Huo Yan’s long chatter, Yu Mian realized that the previous literary development model in the interstellar world had, to some extent, left a gap in children’s literature.

Most of the existing works were preachy and moralizing, which made it hard for kids to be drawn in. It was no surprise that these little guys were so hooked on “Rebirth Of The Interstellar Soldier King”, a story that was far from an adventure tale specifically for children.

As for romance stories like “Contract Marriage” and “Eternal Night Rose”, they were better suited for older readers.

Especially since “Eternal Night Rose” even had some… driving…

“No, you can’t read this!”

So when Huo Yan discovered that Huo Ting had bought the complete set of Fish Soup Noodles’ books and placed them on the bookshelf, his eyes lit up in curiosity, but was immediately stopped by Yu Mian, who was flushing with embarrassment.

“Huh? Why not? My cousin also said I couldn’t read it. You two are saying the same thing, have you secretly coordinated with each other?”

Huo Yan looked up at him with a pitiful, disappointed expression.

“Your cousin said you can’t read this book either?”

Yu Mian asked, his eyes widening a bit.

“Yes, my cousin said I’m not old enough.”

“…”

Yu Mian’s face became even more flushed.

Could it be that Huo Ting had secretly read “Eternal Night Rose” too!?

So that he knew about the “driving” scenes in the side story and that they shouldn’t be shown to children?

Then, his earlier comment on the note, calling Fish Soup Noodles an innovative author, actually referred to this “new” style?

—Have you read all the books on the shelf?

—Mm, I’ve read them. -Huo

After this exchange, when Yu Mian received the confirmation note, he felt so embarrassed he was about to burst into tears.

Help… he had thought that Huo Ting would never touch these, so why had this guy flipped through them!?

It seemed that Huo Ting had noticed Yu Mian’s lack of resistance to receiving books and his considerable interest in novels. So, from time to time, he would buy a batch of new novels and place them in the study.

Although when Secretary Hals glanced at the pile of books with colorful covers in the office at the military headquarters, he really felt that the symptoms of his boss’ condition were getting worse.

It’s fine that he bought skin care products before, but now he’s also started buying these romance novels!?

If Secretary Hals hadn’t seen the books being taken home, he might have suspected his boss had a mysterious friend.