Chapter 12

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Some people are willing to expose themselves or create scandals just to become famous, but they can't even get a single news article or any attention.

On the other hand, some people can create a frenzy with just a single Weibo post. Lin Han has made it to the top of the popularity charts, but unfortunately, it's all due to negative comments.

The next morning, Lin Han, who had just finished his morning run, stood outside the community convenience store. He wanted to buy the latest issue of the magazine, but he saw his name on a neighboring tabloid.

Although it wasn't on the cover of a gossip magazine, appearing as text on the front page of "Daily Entertainment Express" was something even small celebrities couldn't buy with money.

"Lin Han makes a comeback, tens of thousands of netizens join forces to kick him out of the entertainment industry. How did a fallen science fiction director end up like this? For details, please see page three."

Other newspapers such as "Star Factory," "Star," and "Variety Report" also mentioned Lin Han's Weibo controversy, mocking him one after another.

Standing outside the convenience store, Lin Han could feel the owner's murderous gaze as he stopped flipping through the papers. If he continued reading, the owner would definitely attack him. So, he said, "Boss, can you give me the latest issue of 'Science Fiction World'?"

The next issue of "Science Fiction World" would feature his own story. Just thinking about it was exciting. After paying the money to the boss, he left and planned to go back, take a shower, and discuss with Chen Jiaxuan about the next steps.

Actually, being involved in a scandal wasn't anything unusual for Lin Han. It's just that he had re-emerged after a long period of silence. By tomorrow, no one would care who Lin Han was.

...

However, this piece of news made the editors at "Science Fiction World" feel like they had a hot potato in their hands. They even held a small meeting in the editorial department to discuss these matters.

Tan Lin threw the stack of newspapers on the table and sat down on the front chair, saying, "We have a difficult problem. Do you all believe that Lin Han wrote this novel?"

"To be honest, I am quite shocked. 'Rural Teacher' is so profound, and its structure is excellent. It doesn't seem like something a talentless person would write. If he can write science fiction novels, can he really be known as a book destroyer?"

"Could this be ghostwriting?"

"To be honest, I don't believe that Lin Han wrote this article. It lacks the necessary depth and skill. To write a novel like 'Rural Teacher,' he would need experience as a rural teacher, and how could he describe the meaning of the teaching profession and the knowledge that changes destiny, as well as the transmission of civilization in human history? This is not a simple novel."

"This story is very emotional and provides an interpretation of human nature in reality. Even if readers don't understand the scientific descriptions, it won't affect the plot. It's very interesting. This kind of entry-level science fiction novel truly tests the writer's skill."

"But have any of you considered that a person capable of writing this level of novel would never ghostwrite for someone else? This is one of the top science fiction novels in the country. Who would be willing to give up their fame for someone else?"

The editors discussed and debated among themselves. They couldn't connect the author of "Rural Teacher" with the infamous director Lin Han. They were completely different people.

As the one who discovered the novel, Chen Chuhe wanted to protect Lin Han's work. So he said, "Actually, we can communicate with Lin Han and see if he would agree to publish it under a pseudonym. It would be a pity to miss out on such a great book."

Wang Yifan nodded vigorously from the side. However, as an intern, he didn't have the qualification to speak. He admired his teacher's greatness. The others clearly didn't want Lin Han to publish his novel, so they could just use a pen name instead of using his real name.

Using a pen name in literary creations was normal, and most people wouldn't delve into the real identity behind it unless the author became extremely famous.

Tan Lin stroked his chin and agreed, "This method is not bad. If Lin Han agrees, we can publish it under his pen name. Even if it's ghostwritten, it's still Lin Han's reputation, and it has nothing to do with our magazine."

"Okay, I'll call Lin Han and discuss with him, see what pen name he prefers, and publish it under that name. Even if it's ghostwritten, it will still be associated with Lin Han. What do you think?"

"But isn't that risky? If it's later revealed that it was ghostwritten or plagiarized, won't our magazine suffer?" a bespectacled editor spoke up. He was competing with Chen Chuhe for the position of deputy editor.

"We've already confirmed that this novel is absolutely original, not plagiarized, and not a translation. Perhaps Lin Han is a fool in the film industry, but in the world of science fiction novels, he might be a genius," Chen Chuhe said with certainty.

"But can you prove that he didn't use a ghostwriter?" Zhang Yan calmly said. He had nothing to lose. Lin Han had a bad reputation, and most people would think the same. Despite his appearance of considering the magazine's interests, he was actually trying to suppress Chen Chuhe.

"Then can you prove that he did use a ghostwriter?" Wang Yifan suddenly spoke up. "Even the police talk about the presumption of innocence. So why are we accusing Lin Han without any evidence?"

Everyone's gaze turned to the young and impulsive Wang Yifan. Interns were supposed to silently record the meeting with their notepads, but he dared to argue with the experienced editors.

Chen Chuhe knew that his apprentice hadn't been contaminated by the filth of the workplace yet. He immediately took the opportunity to support Wang Yifan and lessen the pressure on him. "That's my idea too. Unless there is evidence of a ghostwriter, this excellent piece of work should be published. Don't you think the development of science fiction has reached a bottleneck? We need to explore new content, and this science fiction novel that is connected to reality is very rare. We can't let it slip away."

The situation had reached a deadlock. Chen Chuhe and Zhang Yan were at odds with each other. It wasn't just about publishing or not; it was a battle of their confidence and influence.

Everyone with sharp eyes could see the outstanding quality of "Rural Teacher." If this novel was published, Chen Chuhe would gain the upper hand. This was something Zhang Yan absolutely couldn't allow.

Tan Lin was well aware of the subtle dynamics between the two of them, but he didn't reveal anything. After all, he was the one with the final say. No matter how much these two fought, they were still his subordinates.

So he glanced at Wang Yifan and said, "Hey, you, call Lin Han and discuss with him. See what pen name he wants and publish it under that name. Even if it's ghostwritten, it will still be associated with Lin Han's reputation. It has nothing to do with our magazine."

"Okay, I'll do it right away!"

Wang Yifan closed his notebook with excitement, eagerly waiting for the meeting to end.

Zhang Yan didn't achieve his goal and glanced resentfully at Chen Chuhe and his apprentice. A plan began to form in his mind.