Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C160

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Chapter 160: It Definitely Counts!

Principal Liu stood in the middle of the room, introducing Shen and Gu to each other. Both had already researched each other’s works beforehand, so the introduction was more of a formality than anything else.

The assistant brought in tea. For regular visitors, it was tuo cha, but for guests of importance, they served Yongchuan's finest premium tea buds—a subtle nod to their status. Zhang Liwan and her two companions happened to be along for the ride, though the young ones in the group were too inexperienced to appreciate its nuanced flavor.

As Vice Chair Shen lifted her teacup, she couldn’t help but glance sideways at the renowned prodigy student—average height, delicate features, with an air of maturity that far surpassed his years. This wasn’t your typical high schooler.

Through the lens of preconceived admiration, Shen even detected a scholarly aura about him. When observing someone, Shen always paid attention to details like hair and fingernails; Gu Lu was impeccably groomed.

Their casual conversation drifted toward creative topics. “Traditional opera has a better survival environment compared to stage plays,” one remarked. “But the barrier to appreciating opera is just too high—it’s destined to remain cultural heritage rather than mainstream.” Another added, “Stage plays, on the other hand, could gain popularity as the economy grows, gradually becoming more accessible.”

Indeed, if you hadn’t been exposed to opera during childhood, it was nearly impossible to develop a taste for it later in life. Most would dismiss it as outdated.

Gu Lu shared some anecdotes about illustrating The Little Prince. Principal Liu mostly stayed silent, quietly savoring his tea.

“This is what our No. 8 High School students are like,” Principal Liu thought to himself, pride swelling within. “Truly remarkable.”

Meanwhile, Time Radio Station’s Vice President seemed lost in thought, while Zhang Liwan scribbled notes furiously. She’d learned from a reporter at the Chongqing Daily that the best way to overcome nervousness was to keep moving—literally or figuratively.

The rest of the campus radio crew sat stiffly, overwhelmed by the presence of a Sichuan opera star and their principal—a combination well beyond the calm threshold of most teenagers.

Eventually, they moved on to the crux of the matter.

“For adapting The Little Prince into a children’s play, the market rate is around 100,000 yuan,” Vice Chair Shen explained. “However, our City Drama Theatre isn’t going to shortchange Gu Lu. We’re offering 150,000 yuan for a ten-year licensing agreement.”

During lunch, Gu Lu had done some research online. The going rate for such adaptations hovered around 80,000 to 90,000 yuan, but those deals typically lasted only five or six years. By comparison, this offer was generous. Clearly, the project had substantial backing.

“Why hesitate? Just say yes!” Zhang Liwan thought eagerly. “You don’t have to lift a finger and you’ll make 50,000 yuan!”

And besides, seeing your work adapted into another medium must be every creator’s dream, right?

“I’m fine with the price,” Gu Lu said finally. “But I do have two key concerns.”

“Go ahead,” Vice Chair Shen replied earnestly.

“First, regarding the script adaptation for the children’s play—I don’t want the essence of The Little Prince to change too much.”

“That’s something I can guarantee right now,” Vice Chair Shen assured him. “The Little Prince is inherently suited to the stage. We’ll ensure at least 90% fidelity to the original work.”

Ninety percent was impressive—after all, no adaptation could claim 100% faithfulness without losing its identity as an adaptation.

“And your second concern?” Vice Chair Shen prompted.

“I’d like to know who will be part of the cast,” Gu Lu said. Then, after a pause, he added, “I’m not necessarily looking for famous actors. What I want is experienced stage performers.”

“As the opening production for our new center—and the premiere of The Little Prince—we’ll hold auditions for the roles,” Vice Chair Shen explained. “If you have time, you’re welcome to join us as a judge during the auditions.”

Gu Lu shook his head. “No, thank you. I don’t understand theater enough, and I’ve never even seen a proper stage play. I wouldn’t know how to evaluate actors—it’s best not to let an amateur guide professionals.”

“We’ll schedule the auditions on Saturdays if possible,” Vice Chair Shen offered. “You’re welcome to come watch as an audience member and see if you approve of the chosen cast.”

“If it’s no trouble, then I’ll take you up on that offer,” Gu Lu said graciously.

With the preliminary discussions settled, finalizing the contract would take another couple of days. Gu Lu planned to consult Lawyer Wang Shengxing for assistance.

“Well, congratulations to the City Drama Theatre and to Gu Lu, our exceptional Grade 10 student from Class 10!” Principal Liu set down his teacup and rose to deliver his closing remarks.

“No. 8 High School’s progressive educational philosophy truly shines through,” Vice Chair Shen praised sincerely. Only someone confident and responsible about their work, like Gu Lu, would raise such thoughtful requests.

After shaking hands, Gu Lu and Vice Chair Shen exchanged phone numbers. Adding each other on WeChat wasn’t yet the norm back then.

As they left the principal’s office, Mr. Hu escorted them out—but perhaps because he was busy, he walked briskly.

“Mr. Hu, I have a quick question,” Gu Lu said.

Mr. Hu slowed his pace slightly, tilting his ear toward Gu Lu in a gesture of attentiveness.

“If my work gets published in a foreign journal, would that count as an outstanding achievement?” Gu Lu asked.

Foreign journal? Mr. Hu’s small eyes sparkled with brilliance—an unexpected intensity given their size.

“What kind of foreign journal?” Mr. Hu inquired.

“In Japan. A sample issue will arrive soon,” Gu Lu replied. “It’s called Faust, published by Star Seas Company, a subsidiary of Kodansha. It circulates in Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and parts of Europe and America.”

While Mr. Hu knew little about Japanese culture and nothing about Star Seas Company—or even Kodansha—he understood the significance of what Gu Lu was saying.

“It absolutely counts,” Mr. Hu declared firmly.

Is he growing this fast? Already having his work translated abroad? Mr. Hu’s expression betrayed his excitement, while internally, he felt a deep sense of awe. He realized he’d underestimated this prodigious student once again.

“This is big news—if true, it’s not something simple…” Mr. Hu wanted to rush straight to the principal with this information.

Wait, no. Nothing’s confirmed yet. Calm down, he told himself, stifling his excitement.

“What’s not simple?” Gu Lu asked, catching only the first half of Mr. Hu’s mumbled words.

“Nothing, nothing. I’m simply very excited to see this foreign publication,” Mr. Hu said quickly.

He escorted Gu Lu to the teaching building. As Gu Lu walked away, he stared at the two tickets to a play handed to him by Vice Chair Shen—likely aware that Gu Lu had never seen a live performance.

“Sunday… Two tickets to An American General in Chongqing. Who should I invite?” Gu Lu pondered.

The next few days passed uneventfully. During this time, Gu Lu signed the contract with the City Drama Theatre, and the sample issue arrived.

“The layout of Japanese magazines really is different,” Gu Lu noted mentally.

There was almost no information available domestically about Faust. Not only had it not been introduced locally, but its niche focus on mystery fiction meant that even internet searches yielded scarce results—no images, no previews.

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