Chapter 47: Decisive Action

"What? You're actually going to study Chinese Literature at Yanjing University?"

When Zhang Bowen and Chu Lan, as a couple, were brought to Jiangcheng Experimental High School by the admissions officer from Tsinghua University, this was the first thing they heard.

His astonished expression made Jia Jing brim with hope, for when it came to college applications, Chinese parents held absolute authority.

But what surprised Jia Jing even more was Zhang Bowen's next words.

"Switching from science to literature—well done! That's my son!" A pleased smile instantly appeared on Zhang Bowen's face; he naturally understood the unique status of Yanjing University's Chinese department in China's literary world.

In his eyes, his son should thoroughly explore his potential as a writer. "My greatest wish in this life is to see both our books in my bookstore."

The Zhang Chu family had always been democratic; whether it was choosing a high school or deciding between science and humanities in sophomore year, Zhang Chu always made his own choices, and Chu Lan and Zhang Bowen rarely interfered.

The hope that had just surged in Jia Jing vanished in a heartbeat. As president of Tsinghua University's student council, his greatest wish was to stay and work at the university.

This trip to the Jiangdong province admissions team was his chance, but unfortunately, the student that the school cared most about had chosen their archrival, Yanjing University!

Chu Lan patted Zhang Chu on the shoulder. "I used to dream of getting into Yanjing University, but the score gap was just too wide."

Shang Yuan stepped forward at this moment, saying, "Ms. Chu, Yanjing University warmly welcomes your visit. You and Mr. Zhang have raised a remarkably talented person—everyone says he's the next Qian Zhongshu."

The two Tsinghua teachers who had accompanied Zhang Bowen and his wife to the school glared angrily at Jia Jing. "We told you to keep Zhang Chu here—how could you not accomplish such a small task? This student council really isn't up to par."

"Professor Zhou..."

"Isn't this embarrassment enough? We're leaving, let's find the others." Zhou Tongchun turned and left with a grim face, never imagining he would end up dressing Yanjing University in victory, helping them bring over Zhang Chu's parents.

As the victor, Shang Yuan appeared much more magnanimous. She said to Zhang Chu's family, "We'll deliver the acceptance letter to your home today. Here is a preliminary admission agreement we'd like to have you sign. If Zhang Chu would like to visit our campus, I can book your flight right away."

"No need, really. I'll be spending the next few years there anyway, there's no point in going early," Zhang Chu replied, waving his hand. He had a busy summer ahead and no time for sightseeing in Yanjing.

"Very well, then. We'll see you this afternoon."

Afraid of complications, Shang Yuan hurried off after having Zhang Chu sign the agreement. She needed to report to the head of Yanjing University's Jiangdong admissions team, deliver the acceptance letter as soon as possible, and coordinate with the provincial education commission to ensure Zhang Chu's records would be transferred smoothly.

...

"You’re finally going to college. Your father and I have been waiting for this for years—now we can finally enjoy some time alone together."

Chu Lan spoke excitedly in the car, showing not a hint of sadness.

Zhang Chu knew his mother's personality well, so he remarked teasingly, "As if you two haven’t been enjoying your time alone already. I’ll quietly step aside as the third wheel."

"Glad you understand."

Zhang Bowen drove home, now that Zhang Chu's university entrance process was truly over.

"By the way, the editorial team at Times of Reasoning knows about our relationship. Their editor invited me to continue writing 'Basic Deduction,' and even raised the rate—eight hundred per thousand words. What about you?"

Zhang Chu rolled down the window and replied, "They offered me the same rate, but I didn't agree."

Zhang Bowen frowned. "Why not? I think that's a pretty good deal."

"Look at the level your son is at—how could I get the same rate as you?" Chu Lan chimed in, always checking online reviews and rankings.

As the top scorer in the college entrance exam, anything Zhang Chu wrote should fetch a higher price.

The neighbors all knew that Tsinghua University had personally come to recruit Zhang Chu. Seeing Zhang Bowen's car return, they gathered around.

"Old Zhang, we heard your son got into Tsinghua?"

"Isn’t that expected? Zhang Chu is our province’s top scorer."

"You two really know how to raise a child—he’s made you proud!"

"When will you hold the top scorer banquet? This is the real deal, don’t forget us!"

"Young Zhang, you used to play at our house, and now you’re the top scorer."

"Tsinghua University? Is it true? You’re amazing!"

Everyone chimed in, full of envy. At middle age, what more could one hope for than a successful child?

Though Zhang Bowen was a scholar, he found these words very gratifying. He shook his head and said, "He didn’t choose Tsinghua—he chose Yanjing."

"Yanjing’s not bad! Might even be better than Tsinghua. Your son is remarkable."

"I’ve bought your son’s magazine too—he writes so well."

"Bowen, you’re in for good times now!"

Surrounded by uncles, aunts, and neighbors, Zhang Chu felt uncomfortable. Just then, his phone rang, and he seized the opportunity to slip away.

At that moment, Hanlin Pavilion Bookstore was bustling with customers. Having produced the province’s top scorer, the bookstore was wildly popular. Zhang Bowen had even used his business sense to order a batch of supplementary textbooks and exam papers, which sold very well.

Parents seemed to believe that Zhang Chu became the top scorer by practicing these exercises; buying books and materials from here might imbue their children with some of his luck!

Zhang Chu had become both the bookstore’s living advertisement and mascot.

Passing through the store and entering the bedroom on the second floor, Zhang Chu saw it was editor Liu Qiao’s number.

"Congratulations, Zhang Chu, on your acceptance to Yanjing University’s Chinese department. After careful consideration, our editor-in-chief has decided to raise your rate to twelve hundred per thousand words for future chapters. How much more do you plan to write for 'Detective Sherlock'?"

Twelve hundred per thousand words was already the pay for a top mystery writer in China. The pond was small and couldn’t raise big fish.

Zhang Chu thought carefully and replied, "There are two more chapters, about the same length as the first."

He had no intention of writing every season of 'Detective Sherlock' for now—just planned to write the first season, the three stories enough for a standalone book.

"Only two chapters? That’s a bit of a pity," Liu Qiao murmured. At present, 'Detective Sherlock' seemed poised to become the magazine’s flagship feature; it’d be great if he could write a few more issues.

"I have another condition. I plan to publish 'Detective Sherlock' as a book. Do you have any suitable publishers you could recommend?"

Since he was already serializing the story in the magazine, Zhang Chu wanted it to appear as a standalone novel—either for sale in his family’s bookstore or as a keepsake in his own study, it would be wonderful.

After all, this was his first work, and carried a sense of commemoration.

Liu Qiao thought it was something more complicated. "We’ve already been contacted by publishers about this. I’ll pass your contact information to them—how does that sound?"

"That’s fine. I’ll send you the remaining chapters in a few days."

Zhang Chu was straightforward and didn’t raise any further demands; he wasn’t one to dawdle.