The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 818 - 787: Tang Ping’an, Martial Arts Novel

Chapter 818: Chapter 787: Tang Ping’an, Martial Arts Novel

Because He Tiantian was the initiator and also provided some financial support, the event made a huge impact on Chinese Language and Literature, Class of ’80.

While studying diligently, those who enjoyed writing began to seriously pen novels, turning thoughts and plots into written words. Perhaps they would never be published or become famous, but it was still a period of valuable exercise for the students.

One day, He Tiantian was reviewing the manuscripts submitted by everyone.

Some articles were excellent; others were average.

A student named Tang Ping’an knocked on the door and entered. Usually quiet, he excelled academically.

However, his submissions, resembling compositions, lacked any remarkable aspects.

But since this was an extracurricular activity that entirely relied on students’ own motivation, He Tiantian didn’t want to interfere too much. Perhaps writing wasn’t where Tang Ping’an’s ambitions lay, so she didn’t push it.

"Come in," He Tiantian said softly, looking up.

Tang Ping’an came in.

"Teacher He, hello, I’ve written a novel. It’s not a traditional novel, though... it’s... it’s like a leisure book..." Tang Ping’an finally took out a thick stack of manuscript papers bound together from behind his back, his expression a mix of nervousness and pride, revealing a cover page.

"A leisure book?" He Tiantian was taken aback. As long as it wasn’t an erotic or politically sensitive book, it was fine. "No worries, let me see! Oh, what’s the theme?"

Tang Ping’an’s face turned a bit red, but since he had come, he decided to express his thoughts.

If he didn’t speak now, he would never muster the courage again.

After all, to gather the courage, Tang Ping’an had spent several days self-encouraging before daring to come here.

Tang Ping’an handed the book to He Tiantian and said softly, "It’s a martial arts novel I wrote..."

Being a leisure book, he feared the teacher might criticize him for not being serious.

He Tiantian was surprised, then smiled, "Oh, a martial arts novel, I like reading those. Mr. Liang Qichao once said, ’The greatest act of chivalry is to serve the country and the people. The lesser act of chivalry is to help friends and neighbors."

"Teacher He, you’ve read martial arts novels?" Tang Ping’an was astonished; many people hadn’t read them, so he was surprised to hear that Teacher He had.

He Tiantian smiled, "I have friends in Xiangjiang who send me some books, including martial arts novels. They’re very exciting; I like them a lot. By the way, what made you think of writing a martial arts novel? Do you have a particular purpose?"

"Hehe," Tang Ping’an scratched his head, "I have relatives who once smuggled into Xiangjiang, but now they can come and go normally. They often return bringing a lot of martial arts novels. I really like them and was inspired to study hard to get into the Chinese Language and Literature department. I also hope that one day I can write my own martial arts novel, one that could be turned into a TV drama."

"Hmm, that’s a good idea," He Tiantian smiled. "I’ve noted it down. I’ll take a look first. If it’s well written, I can submit it for you."

"Really? Can you send it to Xiangjiang for submission?" Tang Ping’an asked in surprise, somewhat incredulous.

"Hehe!" He Tiantian smiled, "If it’s good, of course! But don’t be in a hurry. I’ll read it and see if there’s anything that needs changing. I might help you find someone to review and revise it, then we can submit it. Otherwise, if you submit it recklessly and it gets rejected, wouldn’t that dampen your enthusiasm?"

Thinking it over, Tang Ping’an smiled honestly and said, "Thank you, Teacher He, I understand."

"Hmm!" He Tiantian nodded, "Actually, think about it, not only martial arts novels can be made into TV dramas. Biographies of historical figures are also very good. For example, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Wu of Han, the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties—every era has many fascinating characters. If you can enliven these characters through storytelling and enrich them with details about costumes, daily life, and conflicts, that’s also a very nice idea."

Upon hearing this, Tang Ping’an’s eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Thank you, Teacher He, I have many ideas already."

"Good, keep at it. You will be successful," He Tiantian encouraged, placing Tang Ping’an’s manuscript in her bag.

Tang Ping’an excitedly and awkwardly left the office, feeling light and breezy.

He Tiantian tidied up her things, finished her work, and with half an hour until the end of her shift, she pulled out Tang Ping’an’s manuscript to have a look.

Hmm, this kid wasn’t bad at all!

The manuscripts were neat, clearly copied over carefully.

The opening was also good, and so was the plot.

This kid had potential!

Before she realized it, it was six o’clock.

"Isn’t Teacher He leaving yet?" Normally, Teacher He was the first to leave the office. What was so captivating today?

"Ah?" He Tiantian was startled, "It’s time to leave already? Then I must hurry home. If I’m late, the kids will fuss."

Before leaving, she didn’t forget to put the manuscript in her bag, taking out the book she had packed earlier, deciding not to read it anymore for the day; she would focus on this one.

After dinner, He Tiantian put her children to bed and took out the manuscript to continue reading.

She read until half-past midnight when Grandma Wang got up to use the restroom and noticed the lights in He Tiantian’s room still on, so she came over to check.

Seeing He Tiantian still reading, Grandma Wang reminded her, "Tiantian, go to sleep earlier, don’t keep reading."

He Tiantian nodded, "Hmm, I got it, Grandma Wang. I’ll go to bed soon."

"Staying up all night will take ten nights to recover. So young, and yet you don’t care for your health," Grandma Wang disapproved, thinking the youth didn’t take care of their bodies.

"Oh, I know," He Tiantian replied, helping Grandma Wang with her nighttime routine, escorting her back to her room before she went to bed herself.

Closing her eyes, He Tiantian reminisced about what she had just read, colorful and diverse.

Goodness, Tang Ping’an was truly talented!

Daytime thoughts lead to nighttime dreams.

That night, He Tiantian dreamed she was a lady knight, and naturally, the male protagonist took on Huo Yingjie’s looks.

Rivers and lakes ridden with intrigue, love, and betrayal.

Bloody storms, twists, and turns.

He Tiantian felt as if she lived through an adventure full of romance, a sprawling, colorful dream.

Waking up the next day, He Tiantian still remembered the scenes from her dream.

"Haha, interesting," He Tiantian chuckled, "After finishing it, I’ll polish it up a bit before sending it off."

She packed up the manuscript and took it to school, where she could read it during her free time to finish it as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, because of the praise from Teacher He, Tang Ping’an became more confident, and in class, he dared to lift his head to listen attentively.

Tang Ping’an continued to write diligently, and if nothing unexpected happened, he was sure to become a famous martial arts novelist.