Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C47

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Chapter 47: The Naturally High-Pitched Voice

“It’s all in the past now. Your brother is kind of a writer these days,” Gu Lu quickly composed himself, adhering to adult standards—no matter how close someone was, he had to stay calm when others were around.

“I hate it when people say ‘it’s all in the past.’ It’s like they think every wound can just be wiped away,” Gu Jiayu said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Behind him, Gu Jiayu clung to his back like an octopus, tears streaming down her face.

The average height for boys in Class Five was about 5’3”, but Gu Lu’s height—well, let’s keep that a secret. Suffice it to say, he was taller than his sister, so he bent his knees slightly to make it easier for her to reach him without tiptoeing.

The pose lasted for about three minutes before Gu Lu’s legs started to ache. Finally, the “octopus” released its suction cups, and Gu Jiayu wiped her tears with her sleeve.

“I’m sorry, Brother. I couldn’t hold it in,” she said softly, only daring to let her emotions out now that she knew her brother had some income from his writing.

As if remembering something else, she added, “Brother, whatever you do, don’t tell Dad about this. What if he tries to take your money?”

“Of course not. Do I look stupid?” Gu Lu replied.

Their father wasn’t the type to snatch money, but there was no need to mention it anyway. Gu Lu wasn’t the same person he used to be—he didn’t care much about keeping things smooth with his parents anymore.

“When I get my scholarship, I’ll treat you to something delicious too,” Gu Jiayu said earnestly.

Middle schoolers got scholarships? Gu Lu inwardly sighed. He really was out of touch after being such a poor student for so long.

Looking at his sister, her pale, tear-streaked face reminded him of a boiled egg—first cracked open, then lightly bumped against something twice.

“I’ve got another surprise for you, but I can’t tell you yet,” Gu Lu said. The surprise was about the finals of The Ye Shengtao Cup. He hoped that by Monday, when he returned to school, he’d hear good news.

“Another surprise?” Gu Jiayu’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“That’s enough. If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore. Let’s go home,” Gu Lu said. Without hesitation, Gu Jiayu moved closer, shoulder-to-shoulder, and slipped her hand into his.

Alright then. Gu Lu held onto his little sister—not just any sister, his sister—and walked her home.

Their apartment was technically a two-bedroom, one-living-room setup—but more accurately, it was two bedrooms and zero living room. The living area was so tiny that once you placed a table, there was barely any space left. That’s why the couch ended up in the secondary bedroom.

His sister slept in the master bedroom while Gu Lu stayed in his usual spot.

The next morning, Gu Lu’s internal clock woke him up early. His sister was still asleep, so he took a moment to plan out the day.

First, he’d head to the market to buy groceries and cook a proper meal for her. In the afternoon, he’d visit Fat Boss to check on the status of his submission.

Going to Fat Boss’s place was tiring, but at least there was progress—he wouldn’t have to walk today. He could take the trusty old minivan.

“Some random mystery novel plus The Little Prince… Once I get the royalties, I absolutely need to buy a computer…”

Wait, no. Not so fast. Gu Lu paused, thinking about the high school entrance exam. First, he needed to confirm whether he’d be accepted into a top school. If he was, he’d rent a place nearby.

Internet connections aren’t as convenient in this era then as they are in the future. His mind raced as his hands kept moving steadily. He scribbled a quick note and weighed it down under a pen holder:

[Went to buy groceries. When you wake up, snack on something first.]

He arrived at Jiugongmiao Market again, buying half a duck, along with pickled radish and chili peppers. For snacks, he grabbed half a pound of marinated chicken feet and a bundle of water spinach.

There were only two people eating, after all; anything more would go to waste.

When Gu Lu returned home, his plans hit a snag.

The house was empty. Gu Jiayu was gone.

Underneath his note, she’d written: [Mom made me go back. That uncle came to pick me up. I’ll come play with you again next time!]

“…” Gu Lu stared at the note, then at the bags of food in his hands. After a long silence, he muttered, “Well, this is great. All this food will last me two meals.”

From what he remembered, every time Gu Jiayu visited, their mother would rush over to take her away, as though fearing her daughter might somehow be tainted if she stayed too long.

It was always the children who bore the brunt of their parents’ unhappy marriage.

How hard must it have been for Gu Jiayu, stuck between her mother and her brother, trying to patch things up?

She constantly praised her brother to their mother and defended their mother to Gu Lu. But…

“I wonder how she’ll react once she finds out why Mom hates me,” Gu Lu mused. “And even if we wanted to reconcile, it’s impossible.” The reason was simple: Gu Lu didn’t feel he had the right to forgive anything on behalf of the kid who was already dead.

Even alone, one should eat well. Since he’d already bought the ingredients, Gu Lu decided to make sour radish and duck soup. It turned out decent because he’d simply purchased pre-made seasoning paste.

After finishing his meal, he headed straight to Fat Boss’s place.

Sure enough, there was an email waiting for him!

“Finally! Took them long enough to review my submissions,” Gu Lu grumbled under his breath.

Not only had Chronicles of Mystery accepted all three of his stories, but they’d also sent an invitation to become a contracted author.

[Dear Mr. Gu Lu,

Your works The Stalker in the Attic, Murder on D Street, and Doctor Mera's Mysterious Crimes meet our publication requirements. Please discuss payment details with the editor.

Additionally, your writing style is incredibly distinctive. After much discussion among the chief editor and the editorial team, we’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a contracted author for our magazine. If interested, please contact Editor Han Cang at the number below.]

The editor’s phone number was attached.

“Your style is so distinctive,” Gu Lu muttered sarcastically. “That’s like saying nothing at all.”

“Fat Boss, I’m going to make a call,” Gu Lu announced.

“Go ahead,” Fat Boss replied, closing the door behind him to ensure no curious gamers wandered in.

Finding a quiet corner, Gu Lu dialed the number listed in the email.

“Hello, is this Editor Han Cang from Chronicles of Mystery?” Gu Lu asked.

“Yes, that’s me. And you are?” Han Cang responded, sounding slightly puzzled by the youthful voice on the other end.

Cutting straight to the chase, Gu Lu introduced himself. “I’m Gu Lu, the author of The Stalker in the Attic, Murder on D Street, and Doctor Mera's Mysterious Crimes.”

“Oh! Mr. Gu Lu, hello! Your work is truly unique. I’ve been an editor for three or four years now, and I’ve never seen anything quite like yours. Your approach feels more like social-issue-driven mystery fiction, doesn’t it?” Han Cang gushed enthusiastically, barely pausing for breath.

He continued, “Take Doctor Mera's Mysterious Crimes, for example. I was blown away! Three consecutive suicides by hanging in the same room, with no signs of anyone entering or leaving—and the solution? Absolutely brilliant!”

“If anyone else had written that ending, I’d think they were mocking the readers. But coming from you, it felt completely natural,” Han Cang said, momentarily slipping into fan mode. “Humans are just monkeys, aren’t they?”

“Sorry, I haven’t read anything this original in ages. Please forgive my excitement,” Han Cang quickly regained his professional demeanor. “Now, let’s talk business. Would you consider becoming a contracted author for Chronicles of Mystery? If you’re interested, I’ll explain the benefits.”

“I’m listening. Go ahead, Editor Han,” Gu Lu nodded, though the gesture went unseen through the phone.

“Great. Before we dive in, I have one small question,” Han Cang said hesitantly. “Mr. Gu Lu… is your voice naturally this high-pitched?”

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