Chapter 1019: Small Moves Behind the Scenes

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Su Wen carefully read the newspapers Zhou Yan had brought, her eyebrows furrowing as she read Song Zishan’s prose.

“Was it truly a spontaneous expression of love? It seems more like a meticulously planned endeavour,” Zhou Yan complained as she sat across from Su Wen. “I met with several prominent bookstore owners in the capital today. They all informed me of directives from higher-ups. Each bookstore has been tasked with promoting Song Zishan’s new book to the best of their ability.”

Being in the industry herself, Zhou Yan was well-acquainted with its inner workings.

“What authority does he have to assign such tasks directly to bookstores? With the marketing from countless bookstores, she will surely gain recognition.”

In today’s world, aspiring writers need more than just talent to garner attention; they need support too. And Song Zishan wasn’t just receiving support—she was sprinting straight for the finish line.

“How did she even come up with the idea of writing a book? I don’t recall her ever being involved in this field,” Su Wen asked, somewhat amused.

True to her status as the eldest daughter of the Song family, her first foray into writing was unprecedented. Glancing at the book’s cover, Su Wen noticed glowing recommendations from five or six renowned authors, with the preface written by a novelist Su Wen admired.

Several of this novelist’s works have even been adapted into successful films.

It was imposing that Song Zishan had garnered support from such big names. With such endorsements, even mediocre content would find backers. Plus, Song Zishan’s writing wasn’t bad—Su Wen could honestly admit to her talent.

“She must be envious of you, wanting to outshine you,” Zhou Yan speculated, her guess dripping with malice. “What a petty girl.”

“Surely not?” Su Wen doubted. After all, Song Zishan was the Song family’s eldest daughter; she had to consider the family’s reputation in all her actions. Overstepping could bring embarrassment to the entire family. In the novel, the Song family was on par with the Xu and Zhou families, with the new generation’s rising star, Song Jinyan, rumoured to be extremely influential.

With Song Jinyan’s support, Song Zishan could live a comfortable life as a pampered princess.

So why would she stoop to such underhanded tactics?

“Why not?” Zhou Yan snorted. “Your magazine has been taken down. It must be Song Zishan’s doing.”

“Could it be that Hengyang who took them down?” Su Wen didn’t need to be surprised by the conniving deeds of that jealous individual behind her back.

“Haha! If you think like this, you’re wrong about my eldest nephew.” Hengyang might take down your magazine, but not your book,” Zhou Yan asserted.

As Zhou Hengyang emerged from the study, he chimed in with an inscrutable tone, “That’s right. Darling, why would you think so poorly of me?”

Su Wen was speechless.

It wasn’t often she spoke ill of him, yet she was caught red-handed.

She had a strong suspicion her aunt did this purposely.

“No, Hengyang, you’ve misunderstood. Why would I ever doubt you?” Su Wen hastily reassured him. “You’re the best in my eyes, truly!”

A faint smile flickered in Zhou Hengyang’s eyes as he feigned suspicion. “Is that so? Somehow, I find it hard to believe.”

“It’s true. You have to trust me,” Su Wen pleaded, blinking innocently. “How can I make you believe me?”

“How about this? If you kiss me, I’ll believe you,” Zhou Hengyang suggested, tapping his cheek with his index finger as he held a teacup in his other hand.

Zhou Yan was rendered speechless.

Had she ever seen such behaviour from her eldest nephew before?

Was this him?

Or had he been replaced by someone else?