Chapter 552: Chapter 552

The days of vacation easily slip by without notice, and if it weren’t for Han Mingyue’s reminder, Zhen Yu would have almost forgotten that the 5th was the day the calligraphy competition final results would be announced.

So in the afternoon of that day, the two hurried to the Qi City Calligraphers Association together.

The association staff seemed to value the competition results greatly, as when Zhen Yu and her companion arrived, they found the place crowded, with everyone discussing something in hushed tones.

"Have you spotted Mr. Li Keguo you were talking about?" Seeing Zhen Yu standing at the entrance without moving, Han Mingyue thought she hadn’t identified the target and suggested, "Shall we ask someone about it?"

"No need, I see where he is! Let’s wait a bit," Zhen Yu replied with a light smile.

The reason she stood there motionless was that Mr. Li Keguo was currently surrounded by a group of people, and the smile on his face was exceptionally broad, almost reaching his ears...

"It seems that the association’s results must be good!" Zhen Yu thought to herself.

After standing at the entrance for slightly longer than expected, onlookers began to show curiosity.

"Eh?! Isn’t that Zhen Yu? Old Li! Old Li! Zhen Yu’s here!"

After all, Zhen Yu had participated in several research meetings within the association and had stopped by several of their calligraphy classes, so her face wasn’t entirely unfamiliar. It was not surprising for someone to recognize her.

After being called out twice, Li Keguo quickly made his way through the crowd toward them!

"Oh my! Zhen Yu! You’re finally here..." As he approached, he extended both hands, eager to grasp both of Zhen Yu’s hands!

Han Mingyue’s eyes grew cold, decisively pulling Zhen Yu back from behind!

Zhen Yu staggered back a step, realizing the situation, and quickly hid her hands behind her back, flashing a smile that was both awkward and polite.

"Mr. Li! Are you this happy because of some good news?!"

Li Keguo was in high spirits, showing great tolerance for the juvenile behavior akin to playing house displayed by the two in front of him.

"Do you know, Zhen Yu!" Li Keguo lifted a finger, trembling with vigor, "Your block letters have won a national first-class award! Isn’t that a cause for great celebration?"

"Xiao Yu!" Upon hearing the news, Han Mingyue immediately took hold of Zhen Yu’s hand and then joyfully looked at her with a silly grin, "Hehe..."

Zhen Yu clearly hadn’t expected to top the competition so suddenly; she initially froze upon hearing the news. Then, without a second thought, she asked, "And what about my brush calligraphy?"

The smile on Li Keguo’s face momentarily faltered but, being worldly-wise, he quickly continued with a smile, "Ah, your brush calligraphy! Though it didn’t rank as high as the block letter calligraphy, it still did well!" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel(ꜰ)ire.net

Zhen Yu’s smile faded slightly as she pressed for details, "Exactly how was it? Please, tell me the truth!"

"Well, it’s an excellent award! But you need to understand how many people submitted their work nationwide,"

"Enough, you don’t have to continue! I understand," Zhen Yu interrupted, not very politely, but she didn’t need his consolation!

"It seems my task here is done! If there’s nothing else, I will be heading back. For the awards and certificates, please have someone send them to First High School later on. Thank you!"

As Zhen Yu was bowing in thanks, someone suddenly emerged from behind Li Keguo!

"Old Li! Quick! Introduce me!"

"Oh! This is Old Lin from the Longjiang Art Publishing House! He’s looking to discuss something with you; let’s go sit down inside and talk."

Upon learning that he was from a publishing house, Zhen Yu quickly exchanged a glance with Han Mingyue.

Once the four of them found a quiet corner to sit down, Old Lin straightforwardly stated his purpose.

"It’s ! The content of current practice books on the market is pretty monotonous, lacking in freshness. Our publishing house intends to release a complete set of practice books covering all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school language textbooks. When using this set, one can practice penmanship and also review and reinforce what has been learned in class, killing two birds with one stone!"

After listening to Old Lin’s explanation, both Li Keguo and Han Mingyue’s eyes widened, clearly not expecting that practice books could be published this way!

Zhen Yu’s reaction, however, was much calmer; what she was really curious about was—who exactly had this forward-thinking idea! But considering it might invade someone else’s privacy, she refrained from asking outright.

However, she was quite puzzled, "This idea is quite good, but why come to me? And you’re not worried about us leaking your detailed plans?"

"It’s because your block letter calligraphy won a national first-class award!" Old Lin responded without hesitation. "And the matter of the practice books isn’t a secret at all! Since textbooks vary from province to province, we’ve already notified dozens of representative publishing houses nationwide, and everyone is agreeing to publish their own. There’ll be peaceful coexistence! Anyway, once the booklets hit the market and go on sale, everyone will know about it then, right?"

Zhen Yu curved her lips slightly, "But there are a hundred winners in the national first-class group for children, and I’m not indispensable."

Old Lin quickly shifted gears, "But not all of these hundred national first-class winners are from our province! I won’t beat around the bush with you. Old Li and I go way back, and when he mentioned that the firm was looking to publish penmanship practice books, he recommended you! He praised your writing as exceedingly beautiful and even sent a sample to me. The moment I saw it—indeed! That’s why I made a special trip to Qi City."

Hearing this, Zhen Yu turned to look at Li Keguo, instantly recalling the elementary school texts she had copied for him. What had he said at the time? He asked her for a favor, wanting to take it home to prompt his daughter, who had poor handwriting!

"Ah..." Li Keguo seemed somewhat helpless in response to Old Lin revealing his role...

As soon as Old Lin saw Li Keguo looked embarrassed, he quickly changed the subject, "Since we’ve opened up the topic, let’s talk about publishing!"

"You tell me! I’m all ears." Out of gratitude to Mr. Li for the recommendation, Zhen Yu truly lowered her guard, sincerely wanting to reach an agreement.

Perhaps because everyone’s goals were aligned, the conversation went exceptionally smoothly.

Ultimately, Zhen Yu on the spot agreed to a five-year copyright agreement with Old Lin, limited to this entire set of supplementary educational practice books.

The publishing house is free to name the practice book whatever they wish, as long as Zhen Yu’s name is acknowledged as the writer.

Right at the association event, Editor Lin handed her a set of elementary school language textbooks and a book of standard practice paper, asking her to start preparing manuscripts immediately, beginning with the elementary school series!

He also carefully explained many other considerations one by one...