ROBEPTQ chapter 39

The last time Qi Jun brought lychees, Bai Sijun was discussing work with the chief editor in the office.

Qi Jun congratulated him on securing a good project. He thought Qi Jun had only heard about the latter part related to the Literary Master series. Unexpectedly, Qi Jun had also listened to the details of Mei Yuchen’s new book that Bai Sijun had reported to the chief editor.

Checking the timeline, “Little Butler” was published the day before the May Day holiday, shortly after Qi Jun sent the lychees.

Considering what Liang Ru mentioned about Qi Jun joining the competition late, Bai Sijun concluded that Qi Jun originally had no intention of participating. He only decided to write such a short story on Mei Yuchen’s new book after hearing about it, seizing the opportunity.

As both Qi Jun and Mei Yuchen were mystery writers, comparisons between them were inevitable. From the achievements so far, Mei Yuchen was clearly ahead.

If Mei Yuchen had steadily released works over the past three years, Qi Jun wouldn’t have had a chance to stand out. However, with Mei Yuchen encountering a bottleneck in his writing, it provided Qi Jun with a breathing space. During this time, he transformed from a relatively unknown online writer to a highly popular author.

Bai Sijun admitted that Qi Jun also had considerable skill. However, success is a result of both skill and luck, and he believed Qi Jun understood this.

Last time, when Bai Sijun and Liang Ru sent wine to Qi Jun, they inadvertently mentioned Mei Yuchen’s new book nearing completion. It was likely that, since then, Qi Jun started feeling anxious, realizing his luck was running out.

Being in the industry for a long time, Bai Sijun knew these matters were challenging to handle or sometimes impossible.

Qi Jun utilized references creatively, making it hard to label him as plagiarizing. Moreover, the fundamental issue was that Mei Yuchen’s new book had not been published yet. Even the charge of excessive borrowing couldn’t be pinned on Qi Jun.

Now that Qi Jun published the short story first, deliberately changing the original love game theme to one tightly aligned with the current theme of artificial intelligence, if Mei Yuchen published his new book as it was, he would not only be seen as imitating Qi Jun but, compared to Qi Jun’s theme, the content of the love game would appear even more mindless.

In other words, people would not only think Mei Yuchen copied Qi Jun’s short story but also that he did it poorly.

Bai Sijun scrolled up and down the mouse with an expressionless face, suppressing the intense emotions within.

Although he no longer insisted that Mei Yuchen should write a new book quickly, it didn’t mean he could turn a blind eye when someone stole Mei Yuchen’s unfinished work.

Moreover, the leak originated from him as the responsible editor.

He knew it wasn’t the time for self-blame now. He took a deep breath, with a mindset ready for battle, and called Qi Jun.

Qi Jun’s tone was usual when he answered, casually asking, “Editor Bai, how was your holiday?”

The holiday spent with Mei Yuchen was certainly comfortable. But now, facing such an upsetting matter on the first day of work, the culprit daring to ask about his well-being.

“It was fine,” Bai Sijun replied briefly. “Teacher Qi, you mentioned having dinner together when you’re free last time. Do you have time tonight?”

“Oh, that’s really unfortunate.” Qi Jun regretfully said, “I have no classes these days. I’m on vacation for the May Day holiday and won’t be back for a few days.”

Bai Sijun furrowed his brows slightly. Qi Jun’s reason for declining the meeting was flawless, but his words revealed a flaw.

If Qi Jun were currently away, he should have said, “I’ll be back in a few days,” instead of “coming back in a few days.”

Bai Sijun, having been an editor for a long time, paid great attention to the narrative perspective in novels. Sometimes, authors unintentionally created confusion in the characters’ perspectives, making it unclear who was thinking or speaking. When editing, he would view the entire novel from the reader’s perspective, marking out any incongruities.

By saying, “coming back in a few days,” Qi Jun indicated that he wasn’t currently away, so he subconsciously referred to the process of returning home as “coming back.”

In other words, Qi Jun was deliberately avoiding him.

Bai Sijun didn’t give up. Since Qi Jun was evading, he had to use a straightforward approach.

“Well, let me be direct over the phone.” Bai Sijun said, “I hope you will voluntarily withdraw from the XX Novel website’s short story competition.”

Qi Jun didn’t respond immediately, seemingly surprised by Bai Sijun’s straightforwardness.

There was a brief silence on the call. Qi Jun continued with a nonchalant tone, “Why?.”

Bai Sijun replied, “Teacher Qi, both you and I know why you wrote that short story and how you wrote it. There’s no need for me to say more, right?”

Qi Jun’s tone remained unchanged as he replied, “Editor Bai, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Bai Sijun pursed his lips, momentarily unsure of how to continue. Before making this call, he thought Qi Jun, being a university teacher, would be reasonable. Now, seeing Qi Jun playing dumb, he realized that if Qi Jun were a reasonable person, he wouldn’t deliberately set obstacles for Mei Yuchen.

He felt a bit flustered and hurriedly said, “Didn’t you eavesdrop on my report to the chief editor about Mei Yuchen’s new book? So, you wrote this short story.”

Qi Jun chuckled twice and said amiably, “Editor Bai, statements should be based on evidence. I’m an academic person, and I take issues of plagiarism and inspiration seriously. How could I do such a thing?”

Bai Sijun wanted to ask why Qi Jun was avoiding him if he hadn’t done anything, but he realized it was just his speculation, and Qi Jun could easily deny it.

He thought about suggesting Qi Jun send the document creation date, but this could be easily falsified by altering the system time. It would be meaningless even if he checked it.

Bai Sijun suddenly felt a bit lost. It was only at this moment that he realized Qi Jun had done this with a 100% certainty. It was essentially an unwinnable battle.

A saying crossed his mind: “A rogue is not terrible; what’s terrifying is a cultured rogue.”

“Also, Editor Bai,” Qi Jun added, “I’ve been with Hongtu since my first book was published. I consider myself half of Hongtu. Why would you help an outsider instead of me?”

Bai Sijun clenched his teeth, swallowing the “shameless” that almost came out.

He knew that with Qi Jun’s firm denial, he had no way out. Although Qi Jun seemed polite and respectful, in reality, he didn’t regard him, a new editor, seriously. He coldly replied, “Alright, Teacher Qi, I wish your new book great success.”

After hanging up the phone, Bai Sijun couldn’t bear this injustice.

Mei Yuchen had become so haggard due to writer’s block, even suffering from insomnia for two years. Now, when his writing progress was finally picking up, Qi Jun schemed behind the scenes. Why should Mei Yuchen, his dear “Meow,” endure this injustice?!

Bai Sijun paced anxiously at his desk, and finally couldn’t resist knocking on the chief editor’s office door.

Twenty minutes later, the chief editor closed the XX Novel website page, leisurely sipping tea from a thermos. He asked Bai Sijun, “What’s on your mind?”

“He clearly eavesdropped on Mei Yuchen’s new book content, intentionally wrote a short story imitating it, and published it ahead of time. Now, Mei Yuchen’s new book can only be scrapped. He worked so hard to complete this part, and now…” Bai Sijun angrily said, realizing he was getting too emotional in the office. He stopped abruptly. The chief editor nodded as he listened, waiting for Bai Sijun to continue.

“Now that you know what happened, how do you think we should handle it?” Bai Sijun asked.

“If we assume this incident didn’t occur, let me ask you, when can we get Mei Yuchen’s manuscript?” Faced with this question, Bai Sijun felt a bit guilty, but more than that, he felt a chill. He stared at the chief editor without saying a word.

“Qi Jun has been cultivated by us since his first book, he submits manuscripts on time, cooperates with revisions, and is a very good writer. I have high hopes for his next book. If he wins this competition, it will also be good publicity for his new book.”

“As for Mei Yuchen, he’s delayed for three years. Hongtu hasn’t torn the contract with him, despite him owing us breach of contract fines. Frankly, when I assigned Mei Yuchen to you, I didn’t have much hope. Now, some in the industry are already saying he’s past his prime. Even if he submits a manuscript, it probably won’t meet his previous standards.”

“Since the beginning of the year, you’ve proven your capabilities. I entrusted the Literary Master series to you to foster your growth. Forget about Mei Yuchen; Hongtu has given up on him. Focus on what you have at hand.”

Bai Sijun’s tightly clenched fists trembled continuously. He bit his lips, afraid that speaking would reveal how irritable he was.

Mei Yuchen painted scenes of inspiration so vividly; who said he was past his prime?!

Even if he couldn’t write temporarily, so what? Should he be abandoned just because he can’t produce?

Bai Sijun’s mixed emotions of anger, frustration, and sorrow all twisted into a rope, tightly locking his thoughts — he would never give up on Mei Yuchen, even if the whole world did.

“I don’t care about Qi Jun anymore. I’ll handle Mei Yuchen, and I won’t continue the Literary Master series. I’ll focus on Mei Yuchen,” Bai Sijun slowly spoke, his voice slightly trembling due to suppressed anger. “If Mei Yuchen’s new book doesn’t top the bestseller list, I won’t work as an editor anymore.”

Before the end of the workday, Bai Sijun left the company early.

When he wearily opened the door lock of his single-room apartment, Mei Yuchen was sitting cross-legged at the head of his bed, typing.

Mei Yuchen was charming when he wrote seriously, and Bai Sijun never tired of watching.

The fingers that were rapidly tapping the keyboard suddenly stopped. Mei Yuchen looked up with a puzzled expression, seemingly not understanding why Bai Sijun returned at this time.

Bai Sijun forced a smile and said to him, “I’m back.”

Mei Yuchen put the computer aside, frowned, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Bai Sijun knew that his current expression probably didn’t look good. He put away the forced smile, plunged into Mei Yuchen’s arms, and rested his head on his chest. “Mei, I’m so tired.”