The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 821 - 790: Sensation, Gratitude

Chapter 821: Chapter 790: Sensation, Gratitude

"Thank you, Teacher He, thank you, Teacher He," Tang Ping’an said excitedly, "My writing has been published, it can be published."

"Yes, calm down first," He Tiantian said with a light chuckle, "I have something even more important to tell you. Your previous manuscript of 100,000 words, according to the contract, can be serialized twice a week for two months. How much of your next novel have you written? Can you keep up with the schedule?"

"I can keep up. I already have 50,000 words drafted," Tang Ping’an said, "and with another month, I can write another 100,000. The whole book will be 300,000 words in total."

He Tiantian listened and nodded, "Alright, that sets my mind at ease. Now sit down, take a good look at the contract, and if there’s no issue, you can sign it."

"Mm," Tang Ping’an sat down, carefully went through the contract, and asked He Tiantian any questions he had about parts he didn’t understand.

He Tiantian knew some, and tried her best to explain in detail to Tang Ping’an.

Tang Ping’an thought it looked good and nodded, "Teacher, I think there’s no problem, I can sign now."

He Tiantian passed him a pen, and Tang Ping’an signed.

He Tiantian put away the contract and said, "Tang Ping’an, you are now someone who has signed a contract. From now on, the novels you write must be kept confidential and not be seen by others at will. Do you understand what I mean?"

Tang Ping’an nodded, "I understand, thank you, Teacher He."

"Then go back," He Tiantian said, "Once they receive the contract over there, they’ll transfer the money to you. At that time, you just deposit the transfer into your bank book."

"Mm, mm," Tang Ping’an was excited. 7000 Hong Kong dollars, when converted to RMB, amounted to over two thousand.

With this two thousand, his family could build a bigger house, and his younger brother and sister could continue their education.

He Tiantian acted quickly, sending it off before closing time.

However, there are no walls without cracks. Tang Ping’an didn’t speak of it, but that didn’t mean other teachers didn’t know. Many people had learned that Tang Ping’an’s novel had been published in a Xiangjiang magazine.

Many people complimented Tang Ping’an, though some spoke with a tinge of jealousy.

But Tang Ping’an always remembered He Tiantian’s words, quietly writing novels at school, not minding external affairs.

When Xie Wanying got the contract, she quickly arranged for the serialization and payment.

After receiving 7000 RMB, Tang Ping’an deposited 3000 in his bank book, then mailed another 3000 back home. He also sent a telegram to his family: "Received manuscript fee, building house, siblings schooling."

This sum of money was already a fortune to Tang Ping’an, not only allowing him to do what he loved but also to earn money and support his family.

How wonderful that was!

In the future, he would write even more diligently.

Tang Ping’an bought some gifts and personally delivered them to Teacher He’s house.

Zhou Somewhat, Huo Zhekun was at home.

He Tiantian was cooking and had her father-in-law chat with Tang Ping’an.

Huo Zhekun happened to be home, and upon learning that it was the author of "Wind and Cloud," he was overjoyed.

"How much of your next book have you written?" Huo Zhekun asked. He had read a part of it and was constantly reminiscing about it.

"I’ve already written 60,000 words," Tang Ping’an replied reservedly. "Mr. Huo, have you also read my novel?"

"I have. Your teacher brought it over, saying it was very interesting. I was a bit curious and wanted to take a look," Huo Zhekun said, "Indeed, it’s excellent. However, I must apologize for looking at your draft without your permission."

"It’s an honor for Mr. Huo to appreciate it," Tang Ping’an smiled, pleased that people liked his work.

"I heard it has been published. When your book comes out, make sure you save a complete copy for me," Huo Zhekun said, "and sign it for me. When you become a famous author, this signed book will be valuable."

"You flatter me, Mr. Huo," Tang Ping’an said, "If it’s published, I will definitely send a book."

He Tiantian was gratified by Tang Ping’an’s personal gratitude, regardless of what might happen in the future, at the very least, Tang Ping’an remembered her kindness as a teacher now.

Understanding etiquette, her efforts in helping him had not been wasted.

What He Tiantian valued was not money but talent, respect, and the fulfillment of her duty as an educator.

After just two issues of the magazine, many letters from readers had arrived.

Xie Wanying collected these letters, along with two copies of the magazine, and sent them all to He Tiantian.

He Tiantian handed everything over to Tang Ping’an and said, "Tang Ping’an, I’m giving you Ms. Xie’s contact information. You can directly communicate with her, including signing contracts, receiving payments, sending manuscripts, and getting magazines. You already know how to handle these things; you can do them on your own now. If there’s anything you don’t understand, or you’re not sure about, you can come and ask me. As long as I know, I’ll tell you, and if I don’t know, I’ll ask someone else and then tell you."

Tang Ping’an was taken aback and asked, "Teacher, is Ms. Xie easy to get along with?"

He Tiantian smiled and said, "Ms. Xie, her real name is Xie Wanying, is a university professor at Xiangjiang University, but she also owns a publishing house. You’re my student, and as long as you treat her sincerely, plus your novel is good, she won’t treat you unfairly."

"Oh, I’ve noted that, thank you, Teacher He," Tang Ping’an expressed, grateful that Teacher He had opened a window for him to see the outside world.

He Tiantian thought for a moment and then said, "Right, there are two addresses here, one is the address of Ms. Xie’s publishing house, and the other is her personal address. If anyone asks you for an address, hoping to submit their work as well, you can give them the publishing house’s address. Just keep the personal address to yourself."

Tang Ping’an understood immediately. During this period, many had been inquiring about where he’d gotten published, and he hadn’t known how to respond.

Now with the publishing house’s address, he would give it to those who asked.

Back in the classroom, Tang Ping’an was greeted by everyone’s attention.

Yuan Hua stood up, smiled, and said, "Yuan Hua, congratulations! You’re holding two magazines in traditional Chinese characters, is your story published in them?"

Facing the cheerful, generous, and enthusiastic Yuan Hua, Tang Ping’an was a bit shy and nodded, "Yes, I just received them."

"Can we borrow them to read?" Yuan Hua asked, "We’d like to see what magazines in Xiangjiang are like, broaden our horizons."

The others echoed, "Yes, Tang Ping’an, we’re all classmates, let us have a look."

Tang Ping’an saw this as a good opportunity to integrate with his classmates and said, "Sure, you can read it first."

Tang Ping’an lent the books to Yuan Hua, and seeing this, others lined up to borrow them as well.

"Everyone, please take your time to read, but take care of them, I haven’t read them myself," Tang Ping’an said with a gentle smile, not getting arrogant due to his published novels.

Yuan Hua flipped through the books but didn’t see Tang Ping’an’s name. He asked, "Tang Ping’an, your name isn’t on here. Which one did you write?"

"My pen name is Er Yue Hong," Tang Ping’an said, "It comes from ’frosty leaves are redder than February flowers’."