Chapter 168 Earthquake
He then changed the subject, addressing a practical matter: "Regarding payment, according to the publishing house's regulations, the payment for serialized long stories is higher than that for short stories. The initial rate is seven per thousand words, settled monthly based on the actual number of words published. The payment will be mailed to you along with a sample copy of the magazine. Is this rate acceptable to you?"
Nan Zhiyi felt it was very fair and readily agreed: "Okay, Editor Lin, we'll do it your way."
Lin Yuan was pleased with her straightforwardness. "The manuscript you sent last time was about 50,000 words, and I have read it carefully. I wonder how much of the later parts you have completed? If it's convenient, I can take some back today so the editorial department can arrange the layout in advance."
"Yes, I'll go get it right away."
Nan Zhiyi quickly got up and went upstairs to carefully count the other part of the manuscript, which contained about 50,000 words. She packed it in a brown paper bag and went downstairs to hand it to Lin Yuan.
He took the heavy manuscript: "Great, that's wonderful. Comrade Nan Zhiyi, the sample copy and payment will be sent on time, so you can focus on your writing and look forward to more exciting stories to come."
Nan Zhiyi escorted Lin Yuan to the gate of the hospital: "Thank you, Editor Lin. It's kind of you to make this trip."
Lin Yuan waved his hand and smiled, "It's no trouble at all. Discovering good works is the greatest joy for us editors. I may come and bother you again with my opinions on the manuscripts in the future."
"You are welcome to come anytime."
Nan Zhiyi stood at the gate of the courtyard until Editor Lin's bicycle figure completely disappeared around the corner of the tree-lined path before she turned back into the courtyard.
Sister Zhang was holding Xiaoman and slowly strolling around the yard, occasionally bending down to tease her.
When she saw Nan Zhiyi return, she greeted her with a smile and praised her repeatedly: "Sister-in-law, are you done with your work? Our Xiaoman is so sensible, she doesn't cause any trouble at all, she's very well-behaved."
Nan Zhiyi smiled as she took her son from Sister Zhang's arms. Overwhelmed with joy, she spun around twice with Xiaoman in her arms, her skirt billowing in a graceful arc.
Looking down at her babbling son in her arms, she quickly did the math in her mind: seven yuan per thousand words, and with sixteen or seventeen thousand words published each month, that's nearly a hundred yuan!
This income can last for two years, and with Gu Xiao's allowance, the family's life will be much more comfortable. She can buy books and other things with more peace of mind and live a better life.
The more she thought about it, the happier she became. She kissed Xiaoman's smooth, milky-smelling little face hard, one kiss wasn't enough, so she kissed it several more times: "Little rascal, tell me, isn't Mommy amazing too?"
Xiaoman felt ticklish from her kisses, and grinned with her toothless little mouth, letting out a "giggle" laugh. She waved her little hands wildly, as if responding to her mother's joy.
When Gu Xiao returned home for lunch, he immediately noticed something was different as soon as he entered the door.
His wife's eyes and brows were filled with barely suppressed joy, and when she looked at him, she always had a mysterious little smug look on her face, as if she was hiding some great news and just waiting for him to ask.
Gu Xiao found it amusing but didn't point it out. He simply ate his meal as usual, occasionally picking up a piece of food for her.
After finally finishing her meal, Sister Zhang cleared the dishes and went to the kitchen to wash them.
Nan Zhiyi pulled Gu Xiao upstairs, went into the bedroom, and closed the door behind her: "Comrade Gu Xiao, guess what great thing happened today?"
Gu Xiao put Xiaoman in the crib, gave him a rattle to play with, then turned around and pulled Nan Zhiyi over, placing her on his lap. The two of them squeezed into the chair in front of the desk.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, pretending to be thinking: "Did you receive Aunt Feng's letter?"
"no!"
"That was... Anping came to see you, saying her job transfer order came through?"
"Oh no!"
Nan Zhiyi shook his shoulder, unable to hold back any longer, "It's Editor Lin from People's Literature! He came to my house this morning specifically to see me!"
Before Gu Xiao could guess any further, she chattered on and on about Lin Yuan's visit, the decision to serialize the story, the publishing plans, and even the royalties.
After saying that, she tilted her head back, staring at him intently: "So? Aren't I amazing?"
Looking at the proud and boastful look on her face, Gu Xiao kissed her hard on both cheeks, feeling proud of her: "Fantastic! My wife, you're the best in the world!"
Nan Zhiyi felt a surge of pride, but she still had to be modest, shaking her head and saying, "Hehe, it's just so-so, there's still room for improvement."
Gu Xiao was amused by her, cupped her cheeks in his hands, and looked into her eyes: "In my heart, you are the best."
Nan Zhiyi nodded emphatically and leaned in to kiss his lips.
Over the next few days, Nan Zhiyi immersed herself in writing. Perhaps because she was in a good mood, her inspiration struck, and the writing process was very smooth.
Gu Xiao also went home on time to take care of Xiao Man.
In the early hours of the morning, the night outside the window was dark and all was quiet.
Nan Zhiyi was fast asleep, nestled in Gu Xiao's arms.
Suddenly, the bed beneath me began to shake violently without warning, the cups and saucers on the table clattered, and the windowpanes vibrated with a teeth-grinding sound.
The entire house seemed to be gripped by a giant hand, shaking violently.
Gu Xiao woke up instantly, and his first action was to roll over and shield Nan Zhiyi tightly beneath him.
"What's wrong?!" Nan Zhiyi woke up, her heart pounding.
"Earthquake! Don't be afraid!"
Nan Zhiyi felt a surge of warmth as he held her tightly, but the next second she screamed, "Xiaoman!"
The shaking continued, dust fell from the roof, and furniture moved around with a screeching sound.
Gu Xiao quickly glanced at the violently shaking crib, and without hesitation, picked Nan Zhiyi up from the bed and shoved her into the relatively sturdy corner of the wall: "Squat down and don't move!"
He then rushed to the crib, scooped up the sleeping baby, Xiaoman, along with her blanket, and held her tightly in his arms. He quickly retreated to Nan Zhiyi's side, using his body to encircle his wife and child in a corner.
The violent shaking gradually subsided.
"Can you walk?" Gu Xiao's voice was quick and steady.
"Yes!" Nan Zhiyi suppressed her heart palpitations and nodded vigorously.
Gu Xiao held Xiaoman tightly with one hand and Nan Zhiyi's waist firmly with the other, almost dragging and carrying her down the stairs at high speed, rushing to the open space outside the courtyard.
Several neighbors had already run out in a panic, some in their pajamas, some even shirtless, their faces filled with fear and uncertainty, and some children were crying.
The ground beneath our feet was still trembling slightly.
Gu Xiao quickly scanned his surroundings. The distant buildings stood tall in the pre-dawn light, showing no signs of large-scale collapse, but the continuous abnormal tremors made his expression extremely solemn.
"The tremor was extremely strong and lasted for quite some time. The epicenter was not here, but it was probably not far from the capital. It was of enormous scale."
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