blogombal Chapter 14, Part 5: Liuli
Chapter 14, Part 5: Liuli
"Black Cat Editor?"
Ruri Gokou faintly heard someone calling her. She looked up from the screen and saw a handsome young man staring at her.
"Who are you?"
"Editor Black Cat, I'd like to submit my novel," Xia Sheng said with a slight smile, explaining his purpose.
"A novel submission, huh?" Ruri Gokou noticed the file bag he was carrying.
"You must be an editor, right? Can I submit my work to you?" Xia Sheng asked, handing her the file folder in his hand.
The moment he met the black cat's gaze, he knew she was the black cat he knew.
He chose this editor.
Even though he has matured a lot, he hasn't actually changed much. His facial features are still very distinct, making him easy to recognize.
However, he didn't expect that she in this world had already entered society and become an editor.
Doesn't she really enjoy writing novels?
Why did I become an editor?
"I'm the editor."
The black cat nodded, took the file bag, but didn't open it immediately. She looked at Xia Sheng and asked, "Are you a high school student?"
"Yes."
Why write novels?
"I have a story in my head that I want to write down," Xia Sheng casually made up a reason.
It's inappropriate to say that you write novels to make money; that's a bit arrogant.
"Want to write a story...?" The black cat glanced at Xia Sheng again.
It's normal for high school students to want to write novels, after all, they are the group that reads novels and constitute the main part of the readership.
Being attracted to, inspired by, and having imaginations from novels naturally leads to the desire to write novels.
She used to be like that.
However, writing a novel isn't something you can just do on a whim; it requires talent.
Xia Sheng's reason for wanting to write a novel surprised her; very few young people have this idea.
Most people read something and then feel they can write something too—it's a very straightforward reason.
However, she still didn't believe in Xia Sheng's abilities.
It's not that she looks down on young people, but that she hasn't encountered any talented young people yet.
But as an editor, her job is to review manuscripts.
"Let me take a look first."
"no problem."
While the black cat was opening the file bag, Xia Sheng took a good look at her.
Even though she was sitting, he felt that she was not very tall, and her facial features were also a bit more mature in proportion.
Despite wearing a uniform, her every move exuded a dignified and gentle aura, reminiscent of traditional Japanese style.
What attracted him most was the small black mole under her left eye, a beauty mark.
There's nothing abrupt about it; it's incredibly charming.
It seems he chose the right place; thankfully he came to FJ Library, otherwise he would have missed his encounter with the black cat.
Perhaps, his encounter with the black cat was destined.
He happened to be short of money and needed to write a novel, and the FJ Library, where Black Cat worked, happened to be the closest to his home.
Xia Sheng had some doubts about whether it was arranged by the world, but he didn't care; he liked the arrangement.
However, the black cat's situation doesn't seem to be very good.
Her location was very secluded, almost in a corner. No editor was more secluded than her, and it was the quietest spot, as if nothing was happening.
Xia Sheng wouldn't have noticed her if he hadn't habitually glanced around.
It's normal for editors to have different abilities; the reason for this is simply how good their writers are.
The fact that the black cat is like this clearly shows that he doesn't have any famous writers under his command.
"This novel..." At this moment, the black cat suddenly stopped reading and looked up at Xia Sheng in disbelief.
"What's wrong?"
"Is this the novel you wrote?"
"I wrote it," Xia Sheng nodded.
"Are you a high school student?"
"I'm in my first year of high school, and I'll be a second-year student soon."
"Genius..." the black cat murmured, looking at Xia Sheng.
"Huh?" Xia Sheng didn't hear her clearly.
"Teacher, your...your novel is so well written, it should be signed for publication immediately! It's sure to be a bestseller!" Black Cat's way of addressing Xia Sheng had changed, and his tone was excited.
"That's good." Xia Sheng smiled; this was exactly what he expected.
"Teacher, I can contact an illustrator for you right away and get your novel published as soon as possible. The royalties can be as high as 10% for newcomers."
"Such good treatment?"
"I believe that your novel will definitely be a huge hit."
As an editor, Black Cat has reviewed so many novels and is so familiar with the market, how could he not know the value of this novel?
With its unconventional subject matter, interesting characters, excellent writing style, and the fact that it's written by a high school student... it would be an injustice if it didn't become a hit.
"Really? Then I'll take your kind words, editor. You can arrange it."
Xia Sheng didn't understand the rules of publishing; he just wanted to get his royalties as soon as possible.
"Does the teacher have any requests? I can try my best to fulfill them."
"I don't have many requirements, as long as the illustrator can draw well."
"No problem, I will definitely help the teacher contact an excellent illustrator," Black Cat assured, patting his chest with an exceptionally serious expression.
Her attitude showed that she was very attentive; she really valued this novel.
Perhaps that's just how editors are—eager to find good stories and want to get excellent novels to readers as quickly as possible.
The so-called desire to share.
"Then I'll leave it to the editor. I have something to do and need to go back now. I have class tomorrow."
"That's right, teacher or student... then leave the rest to me. Could you please leave your contact information?"
"No problem, let's add each other on LINE."
"OK."
Xia Sheng and Kuroko became LINE friends. Her profile picture was a black cat, and her nickname was also Kuroko.
This was the first friend Natsumi added; he hadn't even added Miura Yumiko or the others as friends yet.
We could add it tomorrow.
Xia Sheng's nickname is Savior, and his profile picture is himself. An excellent and confident person, of course he would use his own picture as his profile picture.
"By the way, what's the teacher's name?" Black Cat asked after adding him as a friend.
"My name is Xia Sheng."
"Xia Sheng...can I ask you another question, teacher?" The black cat noted it down and looked up at him.
"What's the problem?"
"Why...why did the teacher come to find me?"
The black cat asked curiously, "There are so many editors here, they're so conspicuous, and I'm just standing in this corner..."
"It's very simple."
Xia Sheng looked at the black cat and replied with a smile, "Because I have a connection with you, editor."
"Fate...?" The black cat stared at him blankly.
Yes, it's fate.
Xia Sheng didn't offer any explanation and turned to leave: "Then I'll head back first. If there's anything you need, just tell me on LINE."
"It's fate..." The black cat sat in its seat, watching Xia Sheng leave, pondering his meaning.
After a long while, she suddenly stood up and chased after him, forgetting to see Xia Sheng off.
The two are no longer in an adult-child relationship, but rather an editor and a writer, specifically a novice editor and a writer with unlimited potential.
She chased him downstairs and out of the building, but she couldn't catch up with Xia Sheng's figure.
Xia Sheng had already left.
Black Cat could only run back immediately, pick up his phone, and contact Xia Sheng to apologize.
"Black Cat, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Yes, you can't neglect proper reviewing. As an editor, how can you function without competent writers under your command?"
"Watch out, the editor-in-chief is going to yell at you again."
The editors around her weren't doing it for her own good. They said they were thinking of her, but their smiles were mocking.
"Yes, I will review the manuscript carefully. Thank you all for your trouble." After sending the message, Black Cat immediately bowed to express his apology.
Her status here is very low, even though everyone here is just an editor.
So, why did she choose the path of editing?
She remembers it very clearly.