Volume 1: Song of the River City Chapter 6: Happiness Within Reach

At first, Li Ling was quite confident in his manuscript. Even if it didn’t leave Gu Yuezi utterly amazed and full of praise, it at least boasted settings and imagination far beyond the current era’s novels. Surely it should have earned some commendation. Yet, after more than an hour passed, Gu Yuezi was still leisurely flipping through the pages, which unsettled Li Ling considerably.

He recalled that just over ten days ago, Gu Yuezi had finalized the publication of a book with Mr. Dai in less than twenty minutes. Could it be that his writing was lacking? But no, he had consciously tried to adopt the popular vernacular style; there wasn’t much difference. Or was it because he was a newcomer, unrecognized by the industry?

After a bout of anxious uncertainty, Li Ling finally could not contain himself and cleared his throat, saying, “Boss Gu, what do you think of this book...?”

That call finally drew Gu Yuezi’s attention. He lifted his head, a fleeting look of confusion in his eyes, then scanned Li Ling up and down. “Young Master Li, did you really conceive this story yourself and finish writing it in just over half a month?”

“Of course. Boss Gu, you are well-traveled and knowledgeable; you probably haven’t seen a similar novel elsewhere, have you?” Li Ling brazenly responded. “Is there something lacking or problematic in this book?”

“No, this book is excellent!” Gu Yuezi said excitedly, tapping the manuscript in front of him. “I never imagined a narrative like this could be written in a serialized novel. The great masters of ancient times truly deserve our admiration and reverence. I was immediately captivated the moment I started reading. I must apologize for keeping you waiting, Young Master Li. It’s hard to believe such a masterpiece was completed by you in only half a month. You truly have a gift from heaven!” He clicked his tongue in praise again.

Even Li Ling, who prided himself on his thick skin, felt a blush creep over his cheeks at such high praise. He quickly waved his hand in modesty. “Boss Gu, you flatter me. This is merely some ordinary imagination of mine.”

“Young Master Li, you are extraordinary. Your ideas surpass those of ordinary people,” Gu Yuezi continued admiringly. “Although I have heard the legends of Pangu and Nuwa, for detailed accounts, this ‘Investiture of the Gods’ is unmatched.”

Li Ling smiled broadly, sensing a promising publication deal. He took the opportunity to ask, “Then, Boss Gu, how much do you think you could pay for this book?”

Hearing this, Gu Yuezi regained his composure, pondered for a moment, and replied, “Since Young Master Li came to me to sell your book, you must have inquired about the industry’s norms. According to convention, as a newcomer, we can’t guarantee high sales, so the advance is usually modest, often around ten taels per volume, with a maximum of twenty taels for better works.”

Li Ling nodded, realizing the other was not deceiving him. Considering that the established author Mr. Dai’s new book sold for about fifteen taels per volume, it was clear that novelists did not earn much at this time. Of course, Li Ling was far from satisfied. Twenty taels was already a decent sum, but he had written “Investiture of the Gods,” a legendary mythological novel second only to “Journey to the West” in fame!

Seemingly sensing Li Ling’s thoughts, Gu Yuezi smiled again. “Of course, Young Master Li, your book is not comparable to other newcomers’ works. Compared to the popular romantic and cultivation novels on the market, your story is far more compelling. But you are not yet known in Hengzhou or Jiangcheng, so even I dare not predict how well it will sell.

“Here’s what we can do: since your book will be more than one volume, let’s set the price for this first volume at thirty taels. Once sales figures come in and you write the second and third volumes, we can adjust the price accordingly.”

“Thirty taels?” Li Ling considered it. Though it fell short of his hoped-for fifty taels, it was acceptable. After all, there was only one bookstore in the county, the Gu family’s shop—a complete buyer’s market. He had no one else to push up the price. Moreover, Gu Yuezi left room for negotiation; if the first volume performed well, subsequent prices could rise.

---

Moreover, Gu Yuezi was fair and transparent, and with their prior acquaintance, Li Ling felt he was getting a good deal. He nodded and said, “Then we’ll go with your terms, Boss Gu. Thirty taels for the first volume, and we’ll adjust the price for the later ones.”

“Very well. Rest assured, Young Master Li, I am always fair in business. If this volume sells well, the price for the next will definitely increase.” Saying this, Gu Yuezi called for someone to bring the silver and personally handed it to Li Ling.

Taking the heavy, shining horse-hoof silver, Li Ling felt a surge of joy. It seemed clearing his outstanding debts before the Mid-Autumn Festival was not so difficult after all. Writing two more volumes would not only settle the debts but also allow him and his sister to live comfortably.

After seeing Li Ling out, Gu Yuezi was met by the shop manager, who looked concerned. “Boss, you really bought Young Master Li’s book? How much did you pay?”

“Thirty taels.”

“That much? Almost as much as Mr. Ren’s books. But business at our bookstore is tough, and with the Wan family from Hengzhou about to open a branch here, isn’t it...?”

Gu Yuezi waved him off. “I know what you’re worried about. Our funds are tight, and the Wan family’s threat is serious. But precisely because of that, we must build sincere relationships with authors, especially with Young Master Li. His masterpiece is truly excellent. I believe once it’s printed, it will attract many readers not only in Jiangcheng but throughout Hengzhou. I’ve been in this business for twenty years; I trust my judgment.”

The manager, hearing this, had no further objections, only quietly murmuring, “I hope you’re right.”

Unaware of this exchange, Li Ling was delightfully elated as he walked along, already planning to treat himself and his sister to a better meal that evening. Instead of going straight to the bookstore, he detoured to a nearby butcher shop, buying two pounds of pork ribs, then stopped at a stall to buy four radishes. With a light step, he headed home.

At home, Li Yue’er awaited anxiously. She seemed no less worried than Li Ling, fretting over whether her brother had sold the book for a good price. When she saw Li Ling return smiling, carrying a bundle of meat and radishes, she guessed the answer and excitedly rushed out. “Brother, your book really sold?”

“Of course. Didn’t you say my book was very good?” Li Ling replied as he set down the groceries.

“It was great! Those gods were amazing, and King Zhou was so cruel and wicked...” She paused, then curiously asked, “So how much did you get? Let me guess—twenty taels?”

“More than that—thirty taels. And Boss Gu promised that if this volume sells well, the price will go up. Then we can pay off our debts immediately.”

“That’s wonderful!” Li Yue’er jumped up and down, clinging to Li Ling’s arm. Seeing her so happy, Li Ling couldn’t help but smile. She seemed much more cheerful than before, obviously relieved by having someone to rely on. No longer constantly fearing for their uncertain future, her true nature was blossoming.

---

This was exactly what Li Ling hoped to see, so he laughed along. But seeing Li Yue’er’s thin, frail frame, clearly malnourished, he felt a pang of tenderness and gently withdrew his hand from her embrace. “Come on, today I’ll show you what I can do—I'll cook you a radish and pork rib stew. I guarantee once you taste it, you’ll want more.”

“Mm-hmm...” Li Yue’er nodded eagerly. Having gone nearly a year without meat, the mere thought made her mouth water. Her craving made Li Ling both amused and somewhat pitiful. He stroked her head before taking the ribs and radishes to the kitchen.

As a capable young man from the 21st century, Li Ling usually relied on takeout and wasn’t adept at many dishes, but this simple radish stew was no challenge. Though the local stove was a bit tricky, careful attention and control of the fire allowed him to prepare a delicious meal.

After seasoning with salt, sugar, a bit of soy sauce, and wine, a fragrant and appetizing dish was served. The enticing aroma caused Li Yue’er’s mouth to water uncontrollably. As she took small bites of the tender meat, her eyes sparkled with delight. Ignoring the heat of the food, she eagerly fed herself.

Seeing this, Li Ling felt satisfied, eating only a few pieces himself and continually helping his sister with the best portions. Only when she was so full she started burping did she blush and say, “Brother, you should eat too...”

“Alright.” Li Ling smiled and took a few bites of radish.

“Brother, do you think we’ll always be able to eat meat like this?”

“We will. Not just meat—fish, shrimp, and many other delicious things. I believe our days will only get better. This is just the beginning.”

“I believe you, brother...”

Seeing his sister filled with hope and joy, Li Ling smiled again. Though his life after crossing over was nothing like the thrilling stories in novels or dramas, he thought living a leisurely, prosperous life with his sister was not bad at all. After all, fighting and scheming for power felt so distant from him. This kind of happiness was within reach.

If only it could last forever...