Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C166

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Chapter 166: Alas, I’ve Won!

"Alright, let me tally them up. That would be The Human Chair, A Brute's Love, The Dwarf, The Traveler with the Pasted Rag Picture, The Hell of Mirrors, and A Tale of Love Told by an Abacus. These six pieces, correct?" Han Cang reviewed the list and couldn’t help but marvel. "Turns out you’ve written quite a few works."

"I won’t disturb your rest, Mr. Gu, since you have classes tomorrow." With that, Han Cang promptly ended the call.

After hanging up, Han Cang reread the stories, muttering to himself, "‘A Brute’s Love’ is inspired by Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio’s Clay Doll.’ The ventriloquism and severed heads in The Dwarf remind me of the Taoist tales. And the traveler with the painted scroll clearly draws from Strange Tales’ story of the mural."

"Though many ideas stem from Strange Tales, he’s crafted his own unique style." Han Cang was even more impressed. He was familiar with Strange Tales but hadn’t managed to produce anything like this.

On the other side of the video call, Mo Lai and Wang Gu only caught fragments of the conversation—Han Cang’s voice had grown quieter after Gu Lu turned off the speakerphone.

But that first sentence? Crystal clear.

"Mr. Gu, your work has been translated into Japanese?" Mo Lai asked, astonished.

"A few pieces were translated, and the response was good. Hence the new commission," Gu Lu nodded.

Mo Lai thought: Students these days are becoming increasingly formidable!

Wang Gu (Hairless Chicken): This kid is just absurd!

"No wonder Director Dao Mei mentioned that Mr. Gu writes better short stories than novels," Mo Lai remarked.

The Little Prince was technically a novella, so it made sense.

"Mr. Gu Lu has already achieved what most writers can’t accomplish in a lifetime," illustrator Wang Gu said.

"Just fortunate timing," Gu Lu replied nonchalantly.

Edogawa Ranpo’s distinct style had no substitutes. Submitting three stories domestically secured him a residency; abroad, three stories earned him active solicitations.

"Even if he hadn’t reached the heights of Japan’s Father of Orthodox Mystery Fiction, strength is strength," Gu Lu mused.

The QQ video meeting concluded, and as Gu Lu prepared to shut down his computer, he received an acceptance notice from Science Fiction World.

"Hmm? Why is Science Fiction World’s review process faster than expected?" Gu Lu glanced at the clock.

It was late. He decided to add the corresponding editor’s contact after returning from school the next day. For now, it was time to wash up and sleep.

"Being the guardian of New Reading does have its perks. Every month, sample issues arrive." Gu Lu drifted off to sleep with the magazine in hand.

Living alone had its advantages—he arranged the furniture exactly how he liked. Beside his bed, slightly tucked inside, stood a small bookshelf.

The bookshelf wasn’t much taller than the bed. It served both as storage for books and a makeshift nightstand.

In his dream, Gu Lu experienced a nightmare. He failed to possess his current body, watching helplessly as his original form slowly decayed, eventually bloating grotesquely…

"Whoa—" Gu Lu jolted awake, startled.

He regretted it immediately. He shouldn’t have read that horror magazine before bed. Though he didn’t believe in such things, his subconscious clearly did!

"Worse yet, I live alone on Earth. If something happens to me, no one will know. Will this cause trouble for my landlord?" Gu Lu thought.

Like his original self, he had no family or social circle. Even if he disappeared for days, no one would notice—perhaps only the stench permeating the hallway would alert others.

"Maybe I’ll burn some incense for you someday, wishing you good health," Gu Lu thought. A death in the room would surely devalue the property—an unfortunate disaster for the landlord.

But Gu Lu was already in another world; there was nothing he could do about it.

Startled awake, Gu Lu felt groggy all morning, only regaining focus during the third and fourth periods.

"Bro Gu Lu, what are you doing?"

Ever since Gu Lu devised the method of "[Targeted Reading]," Qi Caiwei had taken to calling him "bro Gu Lu."

Unlike the mutual "big brother" dynamic among boys, Qi Caiwei genuinely regarded Gu Lu as her senior.

"Reviewing casting choices for a stage play," Gu Lu replied.

Chairwoman Shen Tiemei had overseen the preliminary auditions for roles like The Little Prince, the fox, the rose, and the drunkard. The document in Gu Lu’s hands listed actors who had advanced to the second round.

"Huh? Stage play casting?" Qi Caiwei’s large eyes brimmed with curiosity.

"The Little Prince is being adapted into a children’s play, and they’re selecting actors. As the original author, they want my input," Gu Lu explained.

It wasn’t that he was deliberately showing off at school—it was simply convenient. The City Drama Theatre had faxed the document directly to the school.

Ms. Zhang from the academic affairs office had delivered it.

"Wow, Gu Lu, you’re incredible! Today your work is adapted into a play; tomorrow, it might become a TV series!"

Panda Wei Jiao shouted loudly nearby, drawing the entire class’s attention once again.

"Bro Gu Lu, look at me! As No. 8 High School’s heartthrob, can I audition for a role?" Lü Ping chimed in immediately.

"No. 8 High School heartthrob? Who crowned you?" Li Guyuan adjusted his glasses skeptically.

"Did I say anything?" Zeng Jie countered louder. "When it comes to looks, I should win without dispute, right?"

"Don’t flatter yourself. Ask our classmates what they call me in the basketball club!" Lü Ping retorted.

With that, the students’ attention successfully shifted to debating who was more handsome.

"Gu Lu, do you think I resemble an actor?" Wei Jiao asked. "I watched the school rehearse Park of Yesterday last time. I think I could pull it off."

"This children’s play is the opening performance for the City Drama Theatre’s Young Literature Center. Expect over a thousand spectators. Are you sure you’re up for it?" Gu Lu questioned.

"..." Wei Jiao coughed awkwardly. "That big of an audience? I thought it’d be like last year’s school celebration."

"How could it be? Look at the actors on this list," Qi Caiwei pointed out.

Wei Jiao skimmed through—

[Second-Class National Actor

Name: Dai Xi

Graduated From: Beijing Film Academy (Acting Department)

Main Stage Works:

2002: Children’s Play The Magic Aster, Role: Xiao Lan, Produced by Sichuan Provincial Children’s Art Theatre

2005: Children’s Play Run, Little Rabbit, Role: June, Produced by Sichuan Provincial Children’s Art Theatre

2009: Children’s Play Journey to the West Part II, Role: Princess Baihua, Produced by Sichuan Provincial Children’s Art Theatre

Major Awards: One of Sichuan Province’s Top Ten Outstanding Youth, 2010.]

"Second-class national actor and one of Sichuan’s top ten outstanding youth—so impressive!" Wei Jiao exclaimed. To her, still a student, these titles represented significant achievement.

And these big names were all subject to Gu Lu’s selection! Incredible!

"Gu Lu, do you really have this much power?" Wei Jiao asked.

"Not entirely. I’m just offering some opinions. Some roles are pre-selected," Gu Lu clarified.

Take Dai Xi, for instance—the actress poached from neighboring Sichuan. She was practically guaranteed the role of the fox. More importantly, she was the most qualified candidate.

"When does the performance start? If tickets aren’t too expensive, I’ll definitely support you!" Wei Jiao said.

"The exact date depends on the rehearsal progress. I’m not sure yet," Gu Lu replied. "But I’ll notify you when it’s confirmed."

Wei Jiao gave an "OK" gesture.

The bell rang, and Ms. Gao entered, wearing her practical flat shoes as usual.

"Before class begins, congratulations to Gu Lu for having The Little Prince adapted by Chongqing City Drama Theatre," Ms. Gao announced, clapping.

"We already know."

"That’s right, teacher. We knew before you did."

The students buzzed with chatter.

"In that case, do you know that Gu Lu’s The Little Prince has won the Chongqing City Award—Best Novella Prize?" Ms. Gao added.

"What? I won?" Gu Lu was genuinely surprised.

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