Jiangsu Province, Nanjing.
The office of the deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine "October" was deathly still.
Fang Zhenyun sat behind a huge mahogany desk.
He was staring blankly out the window at that moment.
Assistant Xiao Liu stood to the side, even her breathing became soft.
I was afraid of offending the editor-in-chief.
The entire literary world in Nanjing is now watching Fang Zhenyun make a fool of himself.
The editor-in-chief's office door hasn't been opened for him for two days.
Even the process of sending documents has been changed to electronic circulation.
Fang Zhenyun knew that this was one of the few crushing defeats in his professional career.
He originally intended to pluck the most dazzling fruit: "profound insight."
Unexpectedly, the other side attracted an east wind, which ignited a wildfire.
His carefully cultivated orchard was burned to the ground.
That massive "Search for the Person Who Solves Problems" campaign,
Now his crushing defeat is being reminded of every day.
"Editor-in-chief, would you like some water?"
Xiao Liu carefully handed over a cup of hot tea.
Fang Zhenyun didn't take it, he just waved his hand.
His gaze shifted from the window to the computer screen.
On the screen, there was a massive countdown to the pre-sale of the physical book "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store."
Those glaring red numbers seemed to mock his overestimation of his abilities.
"Editor-in-chief, don't get angry with someone like Wang De'an. He just got lucky, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse."
Xiao Liu tried to comfort her, but she went in the wrong direction.
Fang Zhenyun gave him a cold glance.
That look made Xiao Liu shut his mouth instantly.
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
A young editor poked his head in, looking strange and hesitant to speak.
"Editor-in-Chief Fang, um..."
"Speak if you have something to say."
Fang Zhenyun's tone was devoid of any warmth.
"Um... The novel 'Human World is Like Hell' on Hongguo Novel Network has been updated."
Fang Zhenyun's eyebrows didn't twitch at all.
In his eyes, it was a low-quality online novel.
As if seizing the opportunity to claim credit, Xiao Liu chimed in:
"Those are just sensationalist online articles, why do I need to specifically remind the editor-in-chief?"
"No, Assistant Liu, the content this time is a bit..."
"etc."
Fang Zhenyun suddenly spoke.
"What's wrong with the content? Let him talk!"
Upon hearing this, the young editor quickly bypassed Assistant Liu.
He placed the transparent tablet directly on Fang Zhenyun's table.
Assistant Liu, also looking curious, came over to take a look.
The title of the latest chapter appeared on the screen.
Volume 4: Feeding Demons
Chapter 32: The Talent Scout
Upon seeing the words "Bole" (a legendary talent scout), Fang Zhenyun's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
He had a feeling that this novel might not be quite what he expected.
He patiently read on.
[...]
Yang Jian is trapped in a ghost town. This city was built by an extremely terrifying vengeful ghost who calls itself "Bole" (a legendary talent scout).
The "talent scout" never kills with its own hands; it even "helps" survivors who stray into the ghost town. It guides them on how to avoid other wandering evil spirits, how to utilize the ghost town's rules, and may even grant them some meager power to fight the ghosts.
It's like a generous and wise elder, selecting the most promising "seeds," watching them struggle and grow stronger in dire circumstances, gradually transforming from prey into qualified demon tamers.
Until, in its eyes, the "seed" grew into the most perfect form.
In the story, a young man named "A Jin," under the guidance of a "talent scout,"
He successfully tamed a powerful ghost, becoming the second most influential figure in the ghost city after "Bole" (a legendary talent scout).
He regarded his mentor as a second parent, and listened to his every word.
On the night he was at his most triumphant, believing he was about to become the new master of the ghost town, his "mentor" invited him to dinner.
"Ah Jin, you are the most talented child I have ever seen."
The mentor smiled kindly at him. "Your growth makes me very happy."
"Now, you've matured."
"Okay, you can become my food."
Under Akin's horrified gaze, "Bole" opened his mouth.
The mouth expanded infinitely, transforming into a bottomless black hole, instantly swallowing Ah Jin along with the vengeful spirit he commanded.
Having done all this, "Bole" let out a satisfied burp, its aura growing even stronger.
"Who will be next?" it murmured to itself, its gaze sweeping over the other survivors in the ghost town, who were struggling to survive with its "help."
[...]
The story was short, but it sent chills down Xiao Liu's spine.
He suddenly realized, this wasn't about ghosts at all.
This is clearly a veiled attack!
A talent scout? Selecting seeds? Once ripe, they're simply food?
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