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墨書 Inktalez
As New Year's Day 1993 approached, Hu Ruoyun encountered a significant moment in his life. The Editorial Department of Story Collection sent him a sample copy of Humanity's Forbidden Island!
On the cover, the title "Humanity's Forbidden Island" was personally inscribed by the chief editor of Story Collection, with strokes that varied in strength and a bold, powerful flair. The second page featured a photo and a brief introduction of the author, showcasing Hu Ruoyun diligently writing at his desk. The text provided a standard account of Hu Ruoyun's hometown, age, and writing journey.
The preface was written by Hu Ruoyun's homeroom teacher, Wang Hongjian. In addition to praising the author, it offered some commentary on the work, filled with compliments.
The book was priced at 11.9 yuan at the end. Editor Zhou Dong mentioned that since the announcement for pre-orders had been published, approximately 170,000 orders had been received from across the country. Initially, 200,000 copies were printed, and with more orders still coming in, based on his experience and calculations from the distribution department, he estimated that the final count would exceed 300,000 copies! Hu Ruoyun's total royalties should be over 27,000 yuan.
At this time, while having a household income of ten thousand yuan was no longer rare, achieving such an income at his age through personal effort was indeed exceptional.
Only five sample copies of Humanity's Forbidden Island were sent out. Teacher Wang naturally kept one for himself; the Office of Academic Affairs took another; Mao Jie claimed one… and then Tong Caiying and Gao Jiazhuang followed closely behind to request theirs.
However, the editor stated that there were only so many free sample copies available; even if the author himself wanted one more, he would have to purchase it like any other reader.
With no other option, Hu Ruoyun followed the normal procedure and transferred 59.5 yuan to the distribution department of Story Collection to buy five copies. Brother Biao and Jiang Qiuying absolutely had to receive one each.
When Hu Ruoyun received the five copies he purchased, the royalties from the Editorial Department also arrived. This money did not come through postal remittance but was wired directly from the magazine office to an account Hu Ruoyun opened at Agricultural Bank, so no one knew the exact amount.
People often feel an urgent need to share their thoughts in two situations: when they need to vent pressure or pain, or when they have good news and can't wait to show off. At this moment, Hu Ruoyun was undoubtedly in the latter category.
Finally waiting for the weekend brought Brother Biao and Jiang Qiuying as expected; however, Zhang Meina was absent this time.
The weekend marked Hu Ruoyun's "social hour." Once Mao Jie learned that Hu Ruoyun had guests over, Mao Na quickly found out too. Thus, while Hu Ruoyun hosted three guests at New Daxin, he unexpectedly ran into Mao Jie and Sister Mona.
Mao Jie brought a bottle of his father's Xifeng liquor while Mao Na gifted Jiang Qiuying a trendy jacket identical to her own. It seemed they were in sync; Jiang Qiuying had already prepared a knitted scarf for Mao Na.
As soon as they met, before any words were exchanged among the three boys, the two girls embraced each other tightly and parted with tear-filled eyes. This left Brother Biao utterly confused.
Mao Na felt deeply grateful for her sister’s concern for her well-being and appreciated her willingness to reveal her own pain to advise caution. Jiang Qiuying found her sister mature, composed, and understanding—feelings that made her feel close to her.
The five of them reserved a small private room and ordered six dishes along with drinks. Hu Ruoyun raised his glass and stood up: “Sister Mona, Mao Jie, Qiuying, and Debiao, before we begin, please allow me to say a few words!”
Mao Na and Jiang Qiuying joined in the teasing, saying, “Come on, show off a little!” After that, both burst into laughter, instantly dissipating the tension that Hu Ruoyun had been building up for a long time.
Hu Ruoyun decided to stop talking and pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket to show everyone. Brother Biao snatched it from her hand, glanced at it, and exclaimed, “What is this?”
Mao Na took it over and gasped after just one look, “So much?”
Jiang Qiuying asked curiously from the side, “Sister, what’s with all this?”
Mao Jie took a look and saw that it was a remittance receipt from the Agricultural Bank. After carefully checking it, she announced loudly, “I’m here to share some big news: Hu Ruoyun just received her royalty payment—nineteen thousand six hundred seventy-three yuan!”
What does this amount represent? It could buy three four-wheeled tractors outright or build five houses made of solid bricks with tiled roofs. It was enough to purchase a small courtyard with a house in Annan County City… Essentially, it was about the total net income of four average rural families for an entire year!
Jiang Qiuying joyfully led the applause and gave Hu Ruoyun a thumbs-up.
Brother Biao was a bit slow to react; after some disbelief, he asked for the receipt back and took a long time to say, “I won’t be sharing this money with you. What about the book you promised to give me?”
His mix of envy and jealousy made everyone burst into laughter again.
Brother Biao predictably got drunk again and hugged Hu Ruoyun while crying, “Brother Yun, back in middle school I was such a slacker. Although your grades weren’t great either, they were still better than mine. All the teachers disliked me except for you; you always treated me like a brother. Now you’ve become so amazing and still haven’t abandoned me…”
Though he looked funny in his drunken state and his words were amusing, no one could bring themselves to laugh.
After enjoying their meal and drinks, Mao Jie went home while Mao Na insisted that Jiang Qiuying stay over at her place. Hu Ruoyun and Brother Biao headed back to school together.
On Wednesday afternoon, Hu Ruoyun went to the post office to send a letter. She felt that Sister Mona seemed different from before; seeing her face change colors made Hu Ruoyun feel uneasy as well.
A few days later, Hu Ruoyun received a letter from Jiang Qiuying filled with several pages of writing:
“Dear Hu Ruoyun,
The only reason I’m writing this letter is for one purpose. My upper bunkmate, Meina, has completely changed her opinion about you. She no longer criticizes your appearance but has hinted at her feelings for you through our conversations. However, I believe she is not suitable for you (and honestly, you are not suitable for her in the long run).
…
Beautiful appearances are everywhere; interesting souls are rare.
You two do not share common interests. If you are attracted to her, it’s likely due to her looks. Her affection for you is largely based on your talents and what they represent in reality…
I hope you understand what I’m saying?
So I advise you to think carefully!”
…
I visited you three times, staying at Sister Mao's place twice. Don't you think she is such a kind and loving person? Moreover, as a girl myself, I sense that there is a part of you in her heart!
—You can't deny it; she told me everything. At first, she admired you, saying in her own words that "Xiao Hu is exceptionally talented." Later, she began to see you as a younger brother like Mao Jie. Then, when the two of you went to Black Dragon Pool together, she said it was the happiest moment of her nineteen years.
And that night when you both went to her dorm and encountered a stray cat, you pulled her close... She said that in the dreams of the latter half of the night, it was all about you!
Then there was that time we went to the county town together. Your performance at Karaoke not only amazed her but also left her two friends in shock. They urged her to keep an eye on you and hold onto you!
...
So, can you honestly say that you don't have any feelings for Sister Mao?
That's why I believe Sister Mao is more suited for you.
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