Free Web NovelChapter 707: Chapter 245: Chu Yanyan’s Trouble, Li Yuan’s Counterattack
Soon, the first autumn outing for the 2008 computer science class at Daxia University was unanimously approved. After the plan passed, the entire class erupted with excitement. These young men and women, in the first flush of youthful hormones, began fantasizing about how fun and sweet their first university trip would be. Even the usually quiet Xia Zhijin had a faint look of longing on her face.
On the way to the cafeteria, Li Yuan and Xia Zhijin walked hand in hand, showing off their affection without any concern for the onlookers. It had been three days since he had last spent time with his treasured girl, and today, he intended to make up for it.
Trailing them were their three tag-along roommates: Liu Jia, Wu Hao, and Xu Ziqiang. The three of them were interning at Li Yuan’s startup and constantly referred to him as "Director Li," acting like his most loyal companions.
Besides the boys, their group naturally included the three girls: Li Lanrong, Gao Xin, and Ge Chenchen. Everyone had grown accustomed to congregating whenever Li Yuan and Xia Zhijin were together, happily joining them for meals at the cafeteria and vying to be the most conspicuous third wheels.
Gao Xin looked at Li Yuan and asked, "President Li, the members of our online literature club really want to meet you. They want you to teach us about writing web novels. When do you think you’ll have time?"
"Me? Give a lecture?" Li Yuan looked surprised.
"Of course," Gao Xin replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You’re the first president of the Spark Literature Society. They all joined because of your reputation. You have no idea how many literature enthusiasts applied after I let it slip that you founded the society. I’ve received over a hundred applications."
Li Yuan was even more surprised. "That many? You’re not pulling my leg, are you? I remember setting the membership criteria pretty high. Most people shouldn’t have been able to keep up, right?"
As a web novelist in two lifetimes, Li Yuan knew the most important traits for an author were persistence and effort. Only with those two qualities could one survive in the world of web novels. Other factors like talent, writing style, and creativity only served to raise one’s potential; they weren’t the basic requirements.
The entry threshold Li Yuan had set was quite straightforward. To join the Spark Literature Society, applicants had to submit a 2,000-word short story every day for seven consecutive days. In the world of web novels, consistent updates are crucial. Without them, only a very small number of authors can ever make money.
Li Yuan had assumed that setting such conditions would discourage most applicants. He never expected over a hundred people to still apply. The number was astounding.
Gao Xin pouted. "What would I get out of lying to you? To make you happy? If you don’t believe me, ask Rongrong and Chenchen. They’ve received hundreds of submissions in their inboxes."
Ge Chenchen nodded with a gentle smile. "It’s true. Zhijin knows, too. We’ve been reviewing the submissions for the past few days, and some of the stories are really interesting."
Li Lanrong chimed in teasingly, "Exactly. Two-thirds of the applicants are girls, and some even attached a bunch of pretty photos. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were holding auditions. Director Li, you certainly have a way with women."
"Hehe, should we pick out some of the prettier ones and send them to you?"
Gao Xin gave Li Yuan a strange look. Over the past few days, she had seen firsthand just how much charm he possessed. For some girls, even knowing he was a two-timing playboy, they still flocked to him like moths to a dazzling flame. Even their class leader, Tan Yanqiu, had submitted an application.
Gao Xin smirked. "Hehe, of course they would. He’s the Xia Hua—so handsome that everyone loves him, flowers bloom in his presence, and car tires burst at the sight of him."
Li Yuan smiled wryly. He was already accustomed to their teasing.
Everyone who paid attention to him knew he was a two-timing playboy. There would always be women, confident in their looks and figures, who wanted to get close to him. With his current fame, he really could attract some star-struck girls who would try to join the Spark Literature Society just to get closer. It was just like if Potato and Jay Chou were to offer a class on writing and music. It would likely attract many fans who would be willing to pay their way to attend. What’s more, the Spark Literature Society he founded was completely free. Li Yuan wasn’t concerned about the money anyway. It was all just for fun!
Li Yuan casually responded, "You all can handle the arrangements. Once the time is set, I’ll go meet them. As for a formal lecture, forget it. I’ll just casually share some of my thoughts on writing web novels."
Suddenly, a gust of autumn wind blew past. Xia Zhijin, who was dressed a bit thinly, shivered. Seeing this, Li Yuan took off his Armani jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Zhijin," he reminded her gently, "it’s gotten colder today. You should dress more warmly. After school, come shopping with me."
Xia Zhijin glanced at Li Yuan, deeply touched, and whispered, "Aren’t you cold?"
Li Yuan wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Not when I’m holding you," he said with a perfectly straight-faced smile.
Li Lanrong recoiled dramatically. "Ugh! Can you two please stop with the public displays of affection? We haven’t even had lunch yet, and I’m already full!"
