Chapter 8: The Realm of Fine Quality?

Editor Youyou took a sip of coffee, then rejected the idea.

Lin Chuan's 20,000-word opening revealed a penitent reflection on a gambler's life, narrating a magnificent personal trajectory in a mundane tone.

Youyou felt a genuine sense of immersion.

She strongly suspected it was the opening of an autobiography by a gambler swindler.

Yes, that's right!

An autobiography!

The stories heard from Second Uncle ultimately belonged to Second Uncle. It would be hard for Lin Chuan to write such empathetic words.

So, this was Lin Chuan's autobiography?

When Youyou came to this conclusion, she herself was startled, then chuckled in disbelief.

This seemed impossible!

Afterward, Youyou sent a teasing message to Lin Chuan, "Is this your autobiography? /smirk.jpg"

...

Near Happiness Community.

Lin Chuan walked into a beef noodle restaurant.

"Welcome, sir. Please place your order here."

The lady at the front desk glanced at Lin Chuan and served him with politeness.

Lin Chuan looked at the menu, "A bowl of beef noodles, please."

15 yuan!

The lady at the front desk then asked, "Would you like to add any side dishes? Extra beef for 8 yuan, extra egg for 3 yuan."

Lin Chuan shook his head, "No need."

Way too expensive!

He wouldn't be able to pay next month's rent if he did!

Lin Chuan found a seat in a corner.

Soon after.

Youyou sent a message.

"Is this your autobiography? /smirk.jpg"

Lin Chuan's mouth twitched instantly, and he responded with a rhetorical question, "Youyou, do you think that's possible?"

Youyou: "/lol.jpg"

Youyou: "Just kidding, let me briefly share my thoughts."

Lin Chuan replied, "Please do tell."

After pondering for a moment, Youyou's slender and fair fingers tapped swiftly on the keyboard, "This opening gives me a very stunning feeling, very real, and with a strong sense of engagement."

"The part describing the dice-cheating skills is detailed and spot-on, capturing the essence of a swindler's life. If you can maintain this level of writing, I think this book could hit the featured list."

Lin Chuan paused, carefully reviewing every word Youyou sent.

The word 'featured' was particularly eye-catching.

Featured!

How much money would that be per month?

As everyone knows, the writer's community also has their hierarchy of ascension.

Newbie, perennial loser, minor hit, major hit, ten thousand subscriptions, Heavenly King, Influent Author, Platinum, Supreme God.

A newbie at the initial stage, full of hope, with the makings of a Platinum.

The perennial loser lives off the eight hundred yuan for perfect attendance, merely getting by, struggling in the unforgiving sea of internet literature.

Lin Chuan was at this stage.

But once he breaks into the 'featured' realm, even as a minor hit, he could comfortably aim for a modest life, enjoying four dishes and a soup.

As for a major hit or ten thousand subscriptions, Lin Chuan didn't dare to imagine.

Lin Chuan's fingers trembled slightly, as if he had Parkinson's, "Can it really be featured?"

Youyou: "Yes!"

With Youyou's affirmative answer, Lin Chuan finally saw a chance to touch the threshold of 'featured'. His hopes soared, and he clenched his fist excitedly, straightening his slightly hunched back.

His confidence in 'Swindler's Life' surged in an instant!

The system, it truly works wonders!

"Sir, your beef noodles are ready."

The lady brought over the beef noodles and placed them in front of Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan glanced at the large and wide bowl, which had only a few slices of beef on it, and called the lady over, "Hold on a moment!"

The lady looked puzzled, "Sir, what's the matter?"

"Add an extra serving of beef and an egg for me!"

Lin Chuan was very generous, as though he was about to buy out the entire noodle shop.

"Sir, you mean to add a serving of beef and an egg?"

The lady hesitated for a while, feeling that the customer in front of her seemed to glow with a spark in his eyes and an aura of confidence, almost like a different person from when he first walked in.

"Hmm."

Lin Chuan hummed affirmatively, "And bring a bottle of soy milk."

"Sir, please scan here to pay."

The young lady wore a smile on her face, her service was top-notch.

This modest beef noodle shop was somehow elevated by Lin Chuan to the sensation of a high-end restaurant.

Of course.

Lin Chuan had to foot the bill for his retaliatory spending.

The beef cost eight yuan, the egg three yuan, and the soy milk three yuan and fifty cents, a total of fourteen yuan and fifty cents.

A sizeable sum was deducted from his already meager balance.

It wasn't long.

Before the young lady brought over a new bowl of beef noodles.

The beef brimmed over the bowl, sprinkled with a few green onion flakes, and there was a plump egg nestled on top; just one whiff and I could smell the rich fragrance.

Lin Chuan hadn't eaten such a lavish dinner outside in a long time.

Then, he laughed at himself again.

I'm really scared of being poor!

Retaliatory spending, yet I only dare to add extra beef, egg, and soy milk!

Forget it, don't think too much.

Time to eat.

Lin Chuan thought this meal's beef noodles tasted exceptionally good, and he ate his fill.

That bottle of ordinary soy milk also seemed to taste better than those milk tea beverages that cost several tens of yuan each, even though he had never tried them.

Man… I'm really scared of being poor.

...

The breeze in spring was very gentle.

Lin Chuan walked out of the noodle shop, through the old alleyways, inhaling the faint floral scent permeating the old city district, along with the slightly cool mist.

The sunlight fell, and as Lin Chuan walked on the stone pavement, his shallow shadow was cast.

Lin Chuan didn't stop to appreciate the unique atmosphere of the old city district.

His strides were vigorous, and he quickly returned to Happiness Community.

"Zhang, watching short videos again?"

Lin Chuan greeted Zhang Xinxin as he passed the small supermarket, very amiably.

"You really think I won't raise your rent?"

Zhang Xinxin pursed her lips.

But Lin Chuan had already sprinted away, rushing up to the sixth floor in one breath.

It has to be said.

The 'Quality' comment by editor Youyou had really lifted Lin Chuan's spirits!

The Lin Chuan of now, was all about publishing his new book, publishing, publishing!

Making big money!

Lin Chuan once again sat down in front of the computer and opened his reader group.

"Guys, the new book is confirmed!"

The group immediately responded.

[Has the Influent Author already decided on the new book theme?]

Lin Chuan: Confirmed.

[What theme? / eager.jpg]

[The Author is starting a new book?]

[Whatever the Author writes, I love to read!]

[Guys, let me tell you something, relying on the theft techniques, ahem, lock-picking techniques the Author taught me, I've already registered as a locksmith at the police station!]

[Bro, that's awesome!]

Lin Chuan laughed heartily: The new book's theme is about swindlers; I estimate it will pass the review tomorrow, handle the contract, and you guys can see if it suits your taste tomorrow.

Lin Chuan's bubbling, the previously scanty reader group, immediately livened up.

Demons and monsters, many great beings, came forth in succession.

[Swindler? Author, you're so daring!]

[That profession is not easy to control, yo!]

[I'm already looking forward to it, what should I do?]

[May I timidly ask, is this swindler thing also a technical writing style?]

Lin Chuan replied: Of course, after all, I am a technical-style author.

In "Thief", Lin Chuan's finely detailed descriptions of the theft process and the miraculous lock-picking had led some authors to call him a technical-style author.

Even the police had come knocking, could it not be technical?

[Whoa! Author, can you really do it?]

[I don't believe it! Unless you teach me a couple of tricks!]

[Author, you're really too audacious!]

[It's just that I've been losing at cards lately; I really need to study this well!]

[Your last book on realistic theft and lock-picking, and now this one on the swindler profession, you truly are a treasure trove Author!]