mchenry-crisis.org Chapter 20 My son has made something of himself!
Chapter 20 My son has made something of himself!
At that moment, only one voice echoed repeatedly in his heart: My son has made it big! He's really in the newspaper!
A former colleague noticed his unusual excitement and joked, "Old Chen, you're so happy just reading the newspaper, you must have won the lottery!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jianjun could no longer contain himself and burst into laughter, his voice booming with triumphant satisfaction: "What's the lottery? Come and see! My son's article is in the newspaper, the provincial newspaper! My son wrote it!"
Provincial newspaper!
Getting an article published in a provincial newspaper requires real talent!
The colleagues in the office were immediately attracted and gathered around.
Enjoying the attention he received, Chen Jianjun solemnly pointed to the author's section and raised his voice eight octaves higher than usual: "Look, Chen Zhiyuan, my son! This is his book, and it starts serialization today!"
He did not use a pen name, but openly used his real name.
Most of Chen Jianjun's colleagues knew that his son was named Chen Zhiyuan, and they were all amazed to see the name clearly printed in black and white.
"You're truly insightful!"
"Old Chen, your son is amazing! He just finished the college entrance exam, and his article is already published in the provincial newspaper!"
"This is a long serial novel! Amazing! What's it about? Let me see..."
"Wow, that's an interesting start! 'Let's begin with a file'..."
Newspapers were spread out on the large desk, and heads were all around.
Exclamations of praise and murmurs rose and fell:
"It's really well written! The historical stories are told like a traditional storyteller's narration—very interesting!"
"Old Chen, your son's writing is quite good; he has some ideas!"
"Yes, this is the first time I've ever enjoyed reading a history book so much..."
Hearing these heartfelt praises and feeling the envious and admiring glances from his colleagues, Chen Jianjun felt that he had never been so glorious and proud in his life. He stood up straight, and every smile line on his face was full of pride.
Chen Zhiyuan got up early today.
He changed into a pair of old sneakers, put on the red basketball jersey with the number "23" printed on it, and started jogging along the tree-lined avenue in the early morning before the heat of summer and while the sun was still gentle.
After his rebirth, he not only felt his memory and learning ability improve by leaps and bounds, but his body also seemed to undergo subtle changes, with more energy and better coordination.
He decided to take the initiative to train, partly to test his body's "potential" and partly to lay the foundation for a strong physique, since health is the foundation of everything.
Chen Zhiyuan, having reached middle age, deeply understood the importance of physical health, and resolved to develop a strong physique in this lifetime.
On his first run, he didn't focus on speed, maintaining a pace of about six or seven minutes per kilometer, breathing steadily, and taking light steps.
He ran about three kilometers in one go, his body felt slightly warm, and he felt exhilarated. He started to turn back, but instead of returning the way he came, he planned to take a detour and run back via another route.
After running for about another kilometer, Chen Zhiyuan gradually slowed down and finally stopped because he saw a familiar figure by the roadside.
It's He Fei.
She stood alone by that familiar stall, looking down at something. Her mother, Li Xiufen, was not there at the moment; she was probably out running errands or picking up goods.
"He Fei, good morning!" Chen Zhiyuan greeted her proactively, his face flushed and full of energy after exercising.
Hearing the voice, He Fei looked up, a clear surprise flashing in her bright eyes. She was less reserved than usual and softly replied, "Chen Zhiyuan, you...are you running?"
"Hmm, a little exercise." Chen Zhiyuan wiped the fine sweat from his forehead, his gaze falling on the open newspaper in her hand. "Reading today's paper?"
"Yes!" He Fei nodded vigorously, a bright smile blooming on her face. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him with an expectant look, her finger carefully pointing to the serialized column in the newspaper. "This article... did you write it? The author's name is Chen Zhiyuan."
Chen Zhiyuan laughed and readily admitted, "Yes, I wrote it. Today is the first day of serialization."
He Fei's smile widened instantly, like a flower bud with dew in the morning suddenly blooming, clean and pure.
"Chen Zhiyuan, you...you're amazing!" Her voice wasn't loud, but it was full of sincere admiration.
"Thank you for the compliment!"
Chen Zhiyuan felt pleased, and his gaze inadvertently fell on He Fei's face.
The morning light was just right, shining on her. He suddenly realized that He Fei's features were actually very beautiful, but long-term malnutrition had made her hair somewhat dry and yellow, and her complexion lacked the rosy glow that a young girl should have.
But this couldn't hide the pure light in her eyes.
He waved to her and called out, "I'm getting back on my way! See you later!"
After saying that, he started running again, his figure quickly disappearing into the dappled shadows of the trees ahead.
As He Fei watched his tall, receding figure, a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips. A sweet feeling welled up inside her, as if even the sweltering air around her had become fresh and sweet, filled with the vibrant, youthful energy unique to a summer morning.
Only after the figure disappeared around the corner did she turn her gaze away, lower her head again, and belatedly notice a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
She gently bit her lower lip, feeling a little embarrassed: what was wrong with her for praising him so directly and talking to him so much?
Chen Zhiyuan jogged home.
He was in an unusually good mood, though he couldn't explain why. He just felt light on his feet and his chest felt light.
The image of He Fei's surprised and sincere admiration from just now kept appearing in his mind.
Hmm... she's actually quite pretty.
She has delicate features, especially clear eyes, but long-term malnutrition has caused her hair to become dry and her complexion to turn yellowish. If she dressed up a bit more and ate better, her complexion would become rosy and she would definitely be even more beautiful...
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Chen Zhiyuan quickly shook his head, as if trying to shake it off, a self-deprecating smile creeping onto his lips.
Chen Zhiyuan, what are you thinking? Whether that girl is pretty or not is none of your business. She's no one to you.
When I got home, I was already soaked in sweat because I had run about five or six kilometers back and forth.
The first thing he did was rush into the bathroom, turn on the tap, and let the cool water wash away the heat and sweat. He then changed into a dry old T-shirt and shorts, and immediately felt much refreshed.
Well, the manuscript I have is not far from my goal of 50,000 words. I'll keep pushing and send it out once I've written 50,000 words.
That way, another sum of money from royalties will come in soon. Then I'll need to buy a laptop.
He didn't even consider the bulky desktop computer.
If all goes well, he will soon be studying at Jiangnan University in the provincial capital, and it will be much more convenient to bring a laptop with him.
Moving a desktop computer around is such a hassle.