Dad, Please Try a Little Harder - Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Chapter 68 Qian Quan Wins in the Competition Easilyi

Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain

Ever since enjoying a meal paid for by a coworker’s manuscript fee, a silent competition had quietly begun among Qian Wenlin’s colleagues.

“Since we’re all Chinese teachers, getting an article accepted should be a breeze. Not taking advantage of such an easy side gig is a waste…”

That drunken confession by a colleague was deeply imprinted in everyone’s minds.

The underlying message was that if you couldn’t easily publish an article, you were not fit to teach Chinese.

It was very hurtful.

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This was no longer just about earning extra money but about proving one’s professional competence!

So, Qian Wenlin and the other Chinese teachers who had never published started writing and submitting their work secretly.

However, in reality, there was no direct correlation between teaching Chinese and being a writer. Writers might not make good Chinese teachers, and vice versa.

If you were to ask these writers to do a reading comprehension test on their own work, they might not score well. They might even get wrong the question, “What is the author trying to express here?”

So, most submissions either sank without a trace or received generic rejection emails.

Feeling neither guilt nor discouragement would be impossible.

Fortunately, perseverance paid off. After multiple attempts and adjustments, Qian Wenlin finally received the response he’d been hoping for.

“Dear Mr. Linwen, 1 have submitted your manuscript to the editor-in-chief. It’s now in the queue for review. We’ll have results within three working days and I’ll contact you then.”

“Linwen” was Qian Wenlin’s pen name for submissions. He had researched the process online and based on others’ feedback, if the editor approves and asks for revisions, there’s a 99% chance of getting published.

Though eager to see his article published and to collect the payment for treating his friends, his heart finally settled.

“I guess I’ve proven myself,” he thought to himself.

In a last-ditch attempt, he asked the editor, “Could the title of the novel be changed to ‘Porcelain Anniversary’ or ’20 Years of Marriage’?”

The editor replied, “No need, the current one is fine.”

Qian Wenlin said, “Alright.”

“I’ve been married for almost five years, and you don’t even have a girlfriend. It’s absurd! If you’re not going to take charge of the company, at least carry on the family line. Do I have to do everything?”

In a hotel in the capital city, Zhang Xiang’er lay on the bed in his pajamas, while a tall, slender young man with glasses stood beside him, venting his frustrations. It was none other than the General Manager of the Nature Company, Zhang Xiang’er’s elder brother, Zhang Xianxue.

“Xianxue, how many times have I told you? I am practicing martial arts and preserving my celibacy, and therefore shouldn’t marry right now. Even the founder of our sect, Mr. Zhang Sanfeng, has stated this. I have video evidence to prove it.”

“What was the girl who just left your room here for?”

“She was just a ‘bedmate’ from a group booking. We happened to book the same bed in this shared hotel.”

“What about that?” Zhang Xianxue pointed at a small blue box on the bedside table.

“Exactly! This is my secret weapon to maintain celibacy. With its protection, I can stay celibate forever.”

“Is that also what Zhang Sanfeng said? That using a condom doesn’t count as breaking your celibacy, right?”

Zhang Xianxue’s expression reached a breaking point, “Xiang’er, do you think I’m stupid? What’s the point of nitpicking this with me?”

Seeing his brother’s expression change, Zhang Xiang’er chuckled nervously.

“According to Dad, I wouldn’t even need to talk to you. I could just drag you out of bed and give you a good beating.”

“But you can’t beat me,” Zhang Xiang’er said softly.

Zhang Xianxue burst into laughter. “True, 1 can’t beat you. I almost forgot you’re a martial arts grandmaster. You know Tai Chi. Come on, hit me then!”

Zhang Xianxue leaned toward Zhang Xiang’er, pointing at his own head, “Hit me here, using your Tai Chi, and do it hard.”

“Bro, Bro, I was wrong, 1 was wrong.” Zhang Xiang’er quickly surrendered.

Even though he was a martial arts grandmaster, the innate sibling rivalry still made Zhang Xiang’er nervous.

Zhang Xianxue stood up straight, starting to speak his mind, “Honestly, Xiang’er, I wish you could knock me down with a single punch. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about the company or family affairs.

“I’d be free from social obligations and could travel the world, enjoy good food, and appreciate beautiful women…”

“Beautiful women?” Zhang Xiang’er interrupted.

“I meant your sister-in-law, okay?”

“Alright.”

“I don’t have the patience to keep arguing with you. Here are two options: either start working at the company or marry Hu Xiaoru. Pick one.”

“Hey, Bro, that’s not what we agreed on before. I haven’t finished the martial arts competition yet.”

“Do you think I’d join in on the fun? Even in a martial arts competition, you’ve lost two rounds already. Right now, I’m giving you an out. Don’t end up having to get married and work here at the same time.”

“But 1 can’t, Bro. 1 must win at least one round against that irritating competitor. Otherwise, how else would 1 face my master?”

“Are you going to fight him yourself?”

Zhang Xiang’er shook his head, “No need, I still have a trump card up my sleeve. I’m going to Azure Bay today to invite him over and teach that annoying guy a lesson.”

“Then you’d better get up. I’ll arrange a plane to pick you up. If you pull any tricks this time, you’ll have to face the consequences.”

“Roger that!”

In the afternoon, at Seacoast Normal University.

Qian Quan, who had just finished his class, was walking toward his dormitory with his roommates when a familiar figure called out to him..