Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C167

Please support the translation by reading the translation and commenting on otakutl official site.

Thank you.

Everyone from Otaku Translation

Chapter 167: A Call to Action

[Chongqing Award — Best Novella]

Though not widely recognized nationwide, the Chongqing Award holds considerable prestige within Sichuan and Chongqing. For Gu Lu, it could serve as a significant credential for his provincial writer’s ranking.

“Clap clap clap—”

The students applauded again, but their faces remained unsurprised, even calmer than the teacher or the author himself.

Class 10 had grown somewhat desensitized to Gu Lu's achievements; they almost expected him to pull off such feats.

“Hmm, I still prefer seeing my classmates' awestruck expressions,” Gu Lu thought to himself.

"After class, come to the office to collect your certificate," Ms. Gao said. "Now, take out your test papers."

As the lecture began, the lively atmosphere was replaced by an air of seriousness.

Gu Lu listened attentively for half the class, but his attention waned midway. He discreetly pulled out a letter — Lü Ping's heartfelt confession letter intended for his crush.

While Lü Ping neglected his essays, he was enthusiastic about writing love letters. This one was meant for Huang Lu, a classmate, and Gu Lu was asked to review it for any issues.

"Four to five pages, each with over a thousand words... Goodness, a five-thousand-word love letter?!" Gu Lu's eyes widened in disbelief.

Perhaps only a student would write such an extensive confession. As Gu Lu read through, halfway he couldn't help but cover his mouth, finding it incredibly cheesy.

Lü Ping had copied numerous cringeworthy lines from somewhere, oh boy!

Even Gu Lu couldn't bear it alone; he picked a slightly less corny line to share:

"If I only had one minute left to live, I’d spend 59 seconds loving you, and the last second reminiscing those 59 seconds."

Whether Huang Lu would appreciate this, Gu Lu wasn’t sure. They weren’t close.

When the bell rang and the teacher left, Lü Ping strode confidently to Gu Lu’s side.

"How is it? Any parts that need tweaking?" Lü Ping anxiously asked.

"It’s perfect. The piece is naturally cohesive, down-to-earth yet uniquely charming. I have no suggestions," Gu Lu replied.

This made Lü Ping blush, "Is it really that good?"

"Lü Ping, are you submitting to magazines too?" Qi Caiwei, Gu Lu’s desk mate, interjected, "I have plenty of failed attempts to share!"

"For instance, 'Sprout' typically rejects in twenty days, while 'Yilin' does so in half the time," she shared knowingly.

But her advice fell on deaf ears, as Lü Ping retorted, "Submissions are adults’ business; kids shouldn’t meddle."

Quickly snatching the letter back, Lü Ping concealed it with his palm before stuffing it into his pocket, aware that if other classmates saw it, it might circulate around the class.

"Bro Gu Lu, what were you two whispering about?" Qi Caiwei curiously inquired, "We’re the same age—I’m an adult too!"

"Kids’ stuff, adults needn’t worry about it," Gu Lu teased.

"?!" Whenever a small question mark popped into Qi Caiwei's mind, it wasn’t her who had the issue.

With no time to waste, Gu Lu headed to the office to claim his first award.

No trophy, just a certificate.

Becoming a renowned short story writer was still far-fetched. But securing one of the three prestigious awards—"Lu Xun Literature Prize, Mao Dun Literature Prize, or Lao She Literature Prize"—would be a solid step forward.

"Why no award ceremony?" Gu Lu muttered.

"The Chongqing Award is quite formal, presented by the Chongqing Writers Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles," Ms. Gao explained. "Most literary awards don’t have separate ceremonies these days."

Holding his certificate, Gu Lu returned to class, suddenly realizing something. Winning should grant him some privileges, right?

Hehehe, farewell to morning self-study, Gu Lu chuckled inwardly like a mischievous villain.

As the sun dipped behind the willow trees, Lu Yi, the Class Monitor, was exceptionally busy today.

During evening study, she needed to buy workbooks at an off-campus bookstore.

Teachers at No.8 High School no longer purchased workbooks but instead informed the Class Monitor, who used class funds to procure them.

"Thank you. Lü Ping promised to help but ended up in a foul mood, silent and slumped over his desk," Lu Yi thanked her companions.

Her companion was Gu Lu, who nodded silently, deducing that the lengthy love letter hadn’t impressed Huang Lu.

"Don’t mention it," Gu Lu responded, casually asking, "How’s the development of No.8 High School’s wall?"

"During school days, there are two to three hundred views daily, doubling during holidays. Nearly every other student visits," Lu Yi replied.

"As the wall admin, I’ve learned many things. Some seemingly cheerful classmates have their own troubles," she added.

"Do students treat No.8 High School’s wall as a confessional?" Gu Lu inquired.

"Not exactly. Some submissions involve family matters. Considering it’s a school wall, publishing those didn’t feel right, so I declined."

Suddenly, Lu Yi’s tone rose, "Our No.8 High School wall and Time Radio Station achieved something significant last month! That verbally abusive teacher seemed to have been warned, as subsequent submissions noted a marked improvement in their homeroom teacher’s behavior."

Impressive! The campus wall wielded such influence, Gu Lu gave a thumbs-up.

"Actually, it’s all thanks to Liwan. Time Radio Station holds considerable sway in school," Lu Yi modestly deflected praise.

More accurately, the station had significant influence, capable of reaching the principal directly.

The term "contact" was in quotes because every script for Time Radio Station required principal approval since it was broadcasted school-wide.

"Quite meaningful," Lu Yi remarked, "The key is visibility—everyone sees and is seen by everyone."

That’s valuable, Gu Lu reflected. Upon graduating, should No.8 High School’s wall pass to the next steward?

"Our walls at Third High and Bashu High School echo each other," Lu Yi continued, "If you ever need help, Gu Lu, our alliance is more effective than any official high school coalition. We respond together—a call to action!"

The high school coalition was a peculiar creation by the Chongqing education department—perhaps leaders had their reasons, but to students, it felt absurd. Student councils barely existed, let alone a coalition.

https://www.novelupdates.com/series/literary-genius-this-kid-was-born-smart/

If you like this project, please rate or leave a review for this novel through the above link, thank you.

Join our discord you will receive update notification

If you would like to support this translation, you may choose any one of the options below.

All the tiers provide an off-line reading experience

Tier 1: 10 Advance chapters

Access fee $3.00 Monthly