Chapter 18: Pretending to Be Sick
"Although I didn't attend high school, I've maintained the habit of reading and even submitted manuscripts to magazines before," Jiang Yu said offhandedly.
Wang Meili allowed her to occasionally slack off from work because of the manuscript fees.
However, a few years ago, when the situation became more turbulent, she had to be increasingly cautious when writing articles.
Later, when the magazine ceased publication, she no longer wrote, which greatly displeased Wang Meili.
Hearing that Jiang Yu had submitted manuscripts, Huang Ying became interested. "What's your pseudonym?"
"It's Xiao Jiang, a homophone of my surname, but it's the 'jiang' as in 'river,'" Jiang Yu replied.
Mainly to avoid trouble, she didn't use her real name.
Huang Ying thought for a moment and seemed to recall something.
"What magazines did you submit to?"
Jiang Yu calculated, "Several magazines, such as *Xinyue*, *Beicheng Literature*, and *Ginkgo*."
Huang Ying clapped her hands and said, "Now that you mention it, I remember. I used to be the editor-in-chief of *Xinyue* magazine and recall reading your manuscripts!"
After the magazine ceased publication, she went to *Beicheng Evening Paper*.
She remembered Jiang Yu because her stories were outstanding, and her literary prowess was exceptional.
"Our evening paper has recently opened a story column, and if you're interested, you are welcome to submit to us."
Jiang Yu was overjoyed, so much so that she couldn't even be bothered to eat.
"Auntie, really? I've always enjoyed writing stories, and I have several manuscripts at home. I'll go get them right away!"
Huang Ying smiled and held her back, "Eating is the most important thing. You can go get them after you've finished your meal."
Jiang Yu was incredibly happy. She often felt useless and unable to make money.
The only thing she could do was wield a pen and write a couple of stories.
Later, when the magazine ceased publication, she lost her manuscript income and felt that her life had lost hope.
No wonder she was so excited now.
After the meal, Jiang Yu couldn't wait to go home and get her manuscripts.
These manuscripts were her livelihood, and she cherished them, taking them wherever she went.
Otherwise, if Wang Meili saw them, they would likely be used as firewood.
Huang Ying, upon seeing them, had no doubt about Jiang Yu's words. It was evident that she had never stopped learning.
A child who loves reading like this might even have the potential to go to college.
"When it comes to studying, you're far better than Feifei. Feifei gets a headache just looking at books."
Xie Feifei pouted and protested, "Mom, you've been pointing out all my flaws all day!"
Jiang Yu and Huang Ying smiled at each other.
Jiang Yu said, "Everyone likes and excels at different things. Feifei is generous and cheerful, and she's very skilled at dealing with people. She's the most popular salesperson at the supply and marketing cooperative. It's a pity there's no 'Most Beautiful Salesperson' contest at the cooperative; she would surely win it."
Xie Feifei was the type to thrive on compliments. If she had a tail, it would be wagging nonstop.
"Mom, did you hear that? I'm very excellent!"
Huang Ying laughed and gently tapped her on the head, then turned her attention back to Jiang Yu's manuscripts.
Occasionally, she would discuss with Jiang Yu, offering guidance on revising the manuscripts.
As they worked, the afternoon passed quickly.
Huang Ying selected two pieces, suggesting they first test the waters. If the response was good, she would have Jiang Yu submit more in the future.
"Jiang Yu, you have a solid foundation. Don't waste your talent and skills. Keep reading and writing."
Encouraged by Huang Ying, Jiang Yu felt a surge of excitement, her eyes welling up with tears. This was the first time someone had so openly supported her work. Huang Ying genuinely affirmed her, telling her it was the right path.
"Auntie, I'll keep learning!"
As she left the Xie family's home, Jiang Yu suddenly realized she had completely forgotten about going back home! It was already 5 PM, and the bus to the countryside only ran twice a day. She had missed both.
Jiang Yu was annoyed for just a moment before happiness quickly took over. Based on her previous earnings, if these two stories were accepted, she would earn around ten yuan. She couldn't be happier.
But as soon as she arrived home, Jiang Ting appeared.
Before Jiang Ting could speak, Jiang Yu knew she was going to complain about missing the trip home.
"Jiang Yu, what's wrong with you? We agreed you'd go home today; where did you go?"
Jiang Yu realized she had indeed broken her promise and apologized.
"I had something to do today. I'll go home next time."
Jiang Ting was furious. "Next time? You've already angered everyone so much that they left. There won't be another chance! Mom and Dad are extremely angry. You explain to them yourself!"
The family had been specifically expecting Jiang Yu. Xie Hao had even informed Du Juan to bring her second uncle, and even Du Juan's grandparents had come.
But Jiang Yu never showed up, leaving them hanging. Of course, they were angry.
Jiang Yu looked puzzled. "Who got upset?"
Jiang Ting looked away, feeling guilty. "Anyway, Mom and Dad are very angry. I'm done with this!"
Jiang Yu closed the door, not thinking too much about it. Thinking about the upcoming payment, she felt an overwhelming sense of joy.
"Great-aunt, my friend's mom is the editor-in-chief of the Beicheng Evening News. They selected my articles today, and I'll receive payment soon. I'll treat you to a meal when the payment comes in!"
"Keep the money for yourself to spend."
Although she said this, Yao Xiangling felt deeply reassured.
It's the daughters who are the best, so considerate.
Meanwhile, Jiang Hao was trying to soothe Du Juan.
Her family was extremely angry today, and Du Juan had even scolded Jiang Ting in front of everyone, almost getting into a fight.
"If your family never planned to marry your elder sister into our family, let's just break up."
Jiang Hao, unwilling to let her go, hurriedly grabbed her hand.
"Today was an accident. We had everything settled with my elder sister. Trust me, I'll definitely convince my parents. They love me the most!"
Du Juan coquettishly said, "I might be pregnant with your child, so we need to hurry up. Once my second uncle gets married, my family can arrange our wedding."
Jiang Hao, flustered by her charm, immediately went home and vented his frustration on Wang Meili.
"Do you only care about Jiang Yu and not about me, your son? You're not concerned about my marriage prospects! If I have children in the future, I won't let them call you grandparents!"
Ye Laotai hurriedly comforted him, "Why are you getting angry? We're already working on it. We need to wait for your elder sister to bring the money back."
Jiang Hao snorted heavily, "Only you believe her words. She's just afraid to come home because she hasn't got the money!"
Ye Laotai frowned when she heard this and said worriedly, "What are we going to do?"
Jiang Hao, with his head down, said, "There's a good solution, but you're not willing to agree to it! We should just marry off Jiang Yu."
Wang Meili was already annoyed. Jiang Yu had run off to the city, and there was no way to drag her back.
Ye Laotai proposed a solution, "Pretend to be sick to get Jiang Yu to come back for the matchmaking."
Wang Meili hesitated. "Will this work?"
Jiang Hao patted his chest, "It will! Mom, think about your future grandson!"
For the sake of her son's future, Wang Meili had no choice but to agree.