Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C104

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Chapter 104: The Intimidating Power of Writing

"No problem," Mr. Lu replied immediately.

If it had been any other student, he might have hesitated, worried about whether the student would miss some crucial knowledge point.

But ? Was his primary task even studying? Clearly, academics weren’t his forte.

"Alright, sure." Gu Lu stood up, though confusion lingered beneath his composed exterior.

What magazine could possibly be seeking him out?

Under the watchful eyes of both teachers and classmates, Gu Lu left the classroom.

He walked through the corridor, past the rockery where puddles reflected the school building, their distorted images flickering momentarily as he passed.

On the way, Mr. Hu kept his explanation brief: they were meeting the principal, the deputy director, and the chief editor.

"Thanks for nothing," Gu Lu thought silently. "All you’re doing is listing titles—how about telling me what’s actually going on?" He pressed for more details, but Mr. Hu simply replied that everything would become clear once they arrived.

Riddle-man, get out of !

The office of the Director of Admissions housed three middle-aged men. Gu Lu recognized one of them: , whose deep carved sharp lines into his face, leaving an indelible impression.

And the other two? Were they the editor-in-chief and deputy director Mr. Hu had mentioned?

"Mr. Gu, hello. I’m , the ." The dark-skinned Dong extended a greeting first.

Not all anglers had tanned skin, but Dong Yun's frequent outdoor fishing trips had left his complexion deeply bronzed, masking even the scars on his face.

Had Xiao Xue, the corresponding editor, failed to secure something? That must be why the chief editor himself had traveled from to —an unexpected move.

"Chief Editor Dong, nice to meet you," Gu Lu greeted politely.

"I understand your concerns about our magazine’s quality, Gu Lu. Someone who writes profound supernatural stories like and must carefully choose their platform," Dong said candidly. "That’s why I’ve brought along to demonstrate our sincerity."

While many dismissed Fear Guest as lowbrow, its parent company was none other than the prestigious —the same institution behind .

Director Wang, the deputy director of New Youth Publishing, also held a leadership position in the . This explained why Principal Liu and Mr. Hu treated the matter with such gravity.

Otherwise, just what authority did the editor-in-chief of Fear Guest hold? The principal of a top-tier high school wasn’t someone to trifle with, especially not when he sported an imposing moustache.

"I’ve heard your name many times, Gu Lu. You’re the writer speaks so highly of," Director Wang said warmly. "I’m the deputy director of New Youth Publishing—and also an avid reader."

Among the three men in the room, Wang appeared the most unassuming, both in demeanor and appearance.

Such a young age—and yet limitless potential. Principal Liu was quietly astonished. He didn’t know who “Director Jian” referred to, but judging by Wang’s tone, it was clearly someone influential within literary circles.

Perhaps Gu Lu possessed more talent than he’d imagined. Principal Liu mused that Wu Du’s plans might fall through...

"That’s thanks to Director Jian’s endorsement," Gu Lu responded knowingly.

"The stories previously published in Fear Guest: New Reading varied wildly in quality and failed to provide proper societal guidance. Therefore, we at the publishing house and the editorial department have discussed this issue multiple times."

Director Wang picked up where Chief Editor Dong left off.

"We aim to pursue excellence, beginning with Gu Lu’s two works as the cornerstone of our new direction."

Wow!

Mr. Hu’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Translated into simpler terms, Fear Guest was changing its editorial focus, and Gu Lu’s pieces would serve as the “benchmark,” the “centerpiece,” the “opening salvo.”

Before Gu Lu arrived, Principal Liu and Director Wang had exchanged only a few words, leaving the specifics unclear.

Now enlightened, Principal Liu asked cautiously, "Gu Lu is still so young. Can his works truly shoulder such responsibility?"

Principal Liu wasn’t undermining his own student—he was merely protective, wary of placing undue pressure that might stunt growth.

In response, Director Wang said, "Both Iron Pillar and Listening to Moon Songs in a White Room are more than capable. Especially the latter. As someone who reviews submissions for New Youth, I’ve encountered many talented youths with impressive writing skills. But Gu Lu—"

"The depth of his ideas astounds me, particularly after reading Listening to Moon Songs in a White Room."

"In the story, I suspect the protagonist is a ‘natural spiritual vessel’ who allows ghosts to possess him before guiding vengeful spirits to the white house, enabling their reincarnation."

"The protagonist acts entirely without independent thought, following his master’s orders blindly—a metaphor for how parents often treat children as extensions of themselves, disregarding their desires and imposing interests upon them. It’s akin to possession, causing immense discomfort."

Director Wang continued, "As a father of two, I pride myself on being open-minded and respectful of my children. Yet, this allegory made me reflect deeply on whether I truly prioritize their happiness or merely project mine onto them."

"To be honest, I have a slightly different interpretation," Chief Editor Dong interjected. "The protagonist’s sense of happiness is superficial and illusory. However, once he awakens to self-awareness and seeks genuine happiness, the illusion shatters—and even the master dies. I believe the story explores the very nature of happiness."

What exactly is happiness?

A critique of family education?

Is this the kind of question a high school freshman should ponder?

And condensed into a supernatural tale, no less! What kind of exaggerated writing ability does this require?!

At that moment, both Mr. Hu and Principal Liu finally grasped the terrifying scope of Gu Lu’s writing prowess.

"Once a work is published, it no longer solely belongs to the author—it can be interpreted however readers wish," Gu Lu quickly offered, employing a diplomatic response as both Dong and Wang turned their expectant gazes toward him.

To be fair, the interpretations these editors and publishers drew from his stories far exceeded his original intent when crafting them.

No wonder he won awards. Gu Lu thought to himself. Truly great works reflect society, making them open to interpretation from countless angles.

"Our magazine is willing to offer 220 yuan per thousand words," Chief Editor Dong stated.

Director Wang added, "I, as the director of New Youth Publishing, personally guarantee that we will help publish a collection of your short stories."

The lucrative payment didn’t tempt Gu Lu nearly as much as the promise of publishing a short story anthology.

For quite some time now, Gu Lu had envisioned compiling his best works into a single volume. Otherwise, wouldn’t those brilliant pieces go to waste?

Originally, he intended to wait until his reputation grew before pursuing such a plan—but fortune favors the prepared mind!

Given the irresistible conditions laid out before him, Gu Lu promptly agreed to collaborate with Fear Guest: New Reading. A contract would be signed the next day.

Though the promise to assist with publication wouldn’t appear in writing, the commitment of a deputy director of a major publishing house, made in front of a prestigious high school principal, carried significant weight indeed.

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