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墨書 Inktalez
As New Year's Day 1993 approached, Hu Ruoyun found himself at a significant moment in his life. The Editorial Department of Story Collection had sent him a sample copy of Humanity's Forbidden Island!
On the cover, the title "Humanity's Forbidden Island" was personally inscribed by the chief editor of Story Collection, with strokes that were both vigorous and graceful. The second page featured a photo and a brief introduction of the author, showing Hu Ruoyun sitting at his desk, pen in hand, deeply engrossed in writing. The text provided a standard overview of Hu Ruoyun's background, age, and creative journey.
The preface was written by his homeroom teacher, Wang Hongjian. In addition to praising the author, it offered some commentary on the work itself, filled with flattering remarks. The book was priced at 11.9 yuan.
Editor Zhou Dong mentioned that since the announcement for pre-orders had been published, they had received approximately 170,000 orders from across the country. With an initial print run of 200,000 copies and more orders still coming in, based on his experience and calculations from the distribution department, he expected the final total to exceed 300,000 copies! Hu Ruoyun's total royalties would likely be over 27,000 yuan.
At this time, while having a household income of ten thousand yuan was no longer rare, achieving such an income at his age through personal effort was indeed exceptional.
Only five sample copies of Humanity's Forbidden Island were sent out. Teacher Wang naturally kept one for himself; the Office of Academic Affairs took another; Mao Jie claimed one as well... Following them were Tong Caiying and Gao Jiazhuang and others who eagerly sought their own copies.
However, the editor stated that there were only so many free sample copies available. Even if it was the author himself requesting one, he would have to purchase it like any other reader.
With no other option, Hu Ruoyun followed the standard procedure and transferred 59.5 yuan to the distribution department of Story Collection to buy five copies. Brother Biao and Jiang Qiuying absolutely had to receive one each.
When Hu Ruoyun's five purchased copies of Humanity's Forbidden Island arrived, the royalties from the Editorial Department also came through. This money wasn't sent via postal transfer; instead, Hu Ruoyun had opened an account at Agricultural Bank where the magazine office wired the funds. Therefore, no one knew the exact amount.
People often feel an urgent need to express themselves in two situations: when they need to vent pressure or pain, or when they have good news and can't wait to share it. At this moment, Hu Ruoyun was certainly in the latter category.
Finally waiting for the weekend, he anticipated the arrival of Brother Biao and Jiang Qiuying—this time without Zhang Meina.
The weekend marked Hu Ruoyun's "social moment." When Mao Jie learned that Hu Ruoyun had guests over, Mao Na also found out about it. Thus, while Hu Ruoyun hosted his small gathering at New Daxin with three people, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Mao Jie and Sister Mona.
Mao Jie brought a bottle of his father's Xifeng liquor while Mao Na gifted Jiang Qiuying a trendy jacket identical to her own. It seemed they were in sync; Jiang Qiuying had already prepared a knitted scarf for Mao Na.
As soon as they met, before any words were exchanged among the three boys, the two girls embraced each other tightly and parted with tear-filled eyes. This left Brother Biao completely bewildered.
Mao Na felt grateful for her sister’s concern in guiding her away from making mistakes by revealing her own painful experiences. Jiang Qiuying admired her sister’s maturity, composure, and understanding nature; she felt an innate closeness toward her.
The five gathered in a small private room and ordered six dishes along with drinks. Holding up his glass, Hu Ruoyun stood up: “Sister Mona, Mao Jie, Qiuying, and Debiao, before we begin, please allow me to say a few words!”
Mao Na and Jiang Qiuying joined in the teasing, saying, “Come on, show off a little!” After that, both burst into laughter, instantly dissipating the tension that Hu Ruoyun had been building up for a long time.
Hu Ruoyun decided to stop talking and pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket to show everyone. Brother Biao snatched it from her hand, glanced at it, and exclaimed, “What is this?”
Mao Na took it over and gasped after just one look, “So much?”
Jiang Qiuying asked curiously from the side, “Sister, what’s with all this?”
Mao Jie took a look and saw that it was a remittance receipt from the Agricultural Bank. After carefully checking it, she announced loudly, “I’m here to share some big news: Hu Ruoyun just received her royalty payment—nineteen thousand six hundred seventy-three yuan!”
What does this amount represent? It could buy three four-wheeled tractors outright or build five houses made of solid bricks with tiled roofs. It was enough to purchase a small courtyard with a house in Annan County City… Essentially, it was about the total net income of four average rural families for an entire year!
Jiang Qiuying joyfully led the applause and gave Hu Ruoyun a thumbs-up.
Brother Biao was a bit slow to react; after some disbelief, he asked for the receipt back and took a long time to say, “I won’t be sharing this money with you. What about the book you promised to give me?”
His mix of envy and jealousy made everyone burst into laughter again.
Brother Biao predictably got drunk again and hugged Hu Ruoyun while crying, “Brother Yun, back in middle school I was such a slacker. Although your grades weren’t great either, they were still better than mine. All the teachers disliked me except for you; you always treated me like a brother. Now you’ve become so amazing and still haven’t abandoned me…”
Though he looked funny in his drunken state and his words were amusing, no one could bring themselves to laugh.
After enjoying their meal and drinks, Mao Jie went home while Mao Na insisted that Jiang Qiuying stay over at her place. Hu Ruoyun and Brother Biao headed back to school together.
On Wednesday afternoon, Hu Ruoyun went to the post office to send a letter. She felt that Sister Mona seemed different from before; seeing her face change colors made Hu Ruoyun feel uneasy as well.
A few days later, Hu Ruoyun received a letter from Jiang Qiuying filled with several pages of writing:
“Dear Hu Ruoyun,
The only reason I’m writing this letter is for one purpose. My upper bunkmate, Meina, has completely changed her opinion about you. She no longer criticizes your appearance but has hinted at her feelings for you through our conversations. However, I believe she is not suitable for you (and honestly, you are not suitable for her in the long run).
…
Beautiful appearances are everywhere; interesting souls are rare.
You two do not share common interests. If you are attracted to her, it’s likely due to her looks. Her affection for you is largely based on your talents and what they represent in reality…
I hope you understand what I’m saying?
So I advise you to think carefully!”
…
I visited you three times, staying at Sister Mao's place twice. Don't you think she is such a kind and loving person? Moreover, as a girl myself, I sense that there is a part of you in her heart!
—You can't deny it; she told me everything. At first, she admired you, saying in her own words that "Xiao Hu is exceptionally talented." Later, she began to see you as a younger brother like Mao Jie. Then, when the two of you went to Black Dragon Pool together, she said it was the happiest moment of her nineteen years.
And that night when you both went to her dorm and encountered a stray cat, you pulled her close... She said that in the dreams of the latter half of the night, it was all about you!
Then there was that time we went to the county town together. Your performance at Karaoke not only amazed her but also left her two friends in shock. They urged her to keep an eye on you and hold onto you!
...
So, can you honestly say that you don't have any feelings for Sister Mao?
That's why I believe Sister Mao is more suited for you.
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