Chapter 170: The Immortal Sixty-Year-Old

Chapter 170: The Immortal Sixty-Year-Old

The readership and discussions of the first volume of "The Heaven Dragon's Eight Parts" spread rapidly from Tang Fei's fans to the general online population, and then into the real world.

When people learned that this novel was written by a dream-chasing post-60s man who devoted himself day and night until his lamp ran dry, the story behind it - a mix of reality, past, despair, and admirable perseverance - resonated with many.

In those less developed times, his actions were incomprehensible, and no one knew the value of his work.

After losing his wife and child during childbirth, his only source of spiritual support, he immersed himself in the world he created, only to be misunderstood as mad.

His dreams became his driving force to live on, but fate was unkind. Before his book gained widespread recognition or his talent was acknowledged, he passed away due to neglecting meals, lack of sleep, and malnutrition from his dedication to writing.

He died labeled a madman, with the books he left behind buried and unsung. How much regret did he carry when he left?

For those who once had dreams but submitted to reality in their youth, Jin Guliang's all-out pursuit of his aspirations would undoubtedly stir their hearts.

His actions were extreme; he was like a short candle burning fiercely, pouring his heroic spirit into the world of martial arts where his imagination knew no bounds.

This was the madness of the post-60s generation, the youthful madness that belonged to them.

What people see now is our aging selves, on the verge of retirement, slow and outdated elders struggling to keep up with the times.

But we, the post-60s generation, are still young at heart. We were once passionate, we were once the vanguard of a new era. At sixty, youth endures, and I remain the same as I once was.

Those approaching or freshly retired are the most vulnerable. They fear being deemed useless, told it's time to retire, that they're too old.

Sixty is not old!

At sixty, we still have the right to chase our dreams!

Perhaps Tang Fei and her time-traveling predecessors never imagined that her unintended action would become a spiritual pillar for the post-60s generation.

Many were inspired by this incident, taking their first steps towards dreams they once had in the twilight of their careers.

Some began writing, others started singing, and some took up swimming. Setting aside prejudices and self-imposed limitations, they opened the doors to the world, where it remained as vibrant and enthusiastic as before.

Thus, Tang Fei was moved by Jin Guliang's dedication, self-publishing his book and investing the earnings into the development of his hometown, establishing a fund to support those who persevere in their literary dreams.

Truly, it is a remarkable tale worthy of extensive documentation and celebration.

Tang Fei's acting had yet to gain significant mainstream coverage, but due to this incident, she was featured on CCTV's morning news and received praise.

If Jin Guliang were aware that countless readers in another world adored his novels and the worlds he created, that people were publishing his works, and that the mainstream officialdom recognized him, he would undoubtedly feel gratified.

A book carrying a unique significance, coupled with its exceptional quality, saw its initial print run of 20,000 copies sell out instantly.

On Qiming Literature City, the number of buyers reached 769,000, and it was still climbing without showing any signs of slowing down.

Faced with the groundbreaking "The Heaven-Swallowing Eight Parts," Zhou Weichuan had to admit that he had misjudged it.

Initially, he hadn't given it a serious read and hadn't expected a wuxia novel to possess such impact.

Later, he delved into the complete volume of "The Heaven-Swallowing Eight Parts" with earnest attention.

Indeed, it belonged to the wuxia genre, but the familiar theme had been ingeniously reinvented. The martial arts within were no longer grounded in realism; they had evolved into distinct schools of their own.

The book was filled with camaraderie, chivalry, and boundless imagination that, paradoxically, felt firmly rooted in reality.

After finishing the handwritten copy of "The Heaven-Swallowing Eight Parts," Zhou Weichuan wasted no time in seeking out Tang Fei.

In Qin Xi's Wangzhuang Village, amidst the orchard, Tang Fei conversed with Zhou Weichuan as she inspected the fruit trees' growth.

Zhou Weichuan said, "Tang Fei, I want Nine Points to adapt 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.'"

Upon hearing this, Tang Fei found that her boss shared her thoughts. "I published these books for adaptations, but I want to ensure their quality. These novels have the potential to become classics, so the first adaptation is crucial. It sets the tone and foundation. We can't ruin it."

Zhou Weichuan was relieved; he had expected Tang Fei to be upset about his lack of support or make things difficult for him. He hadn't anticipated such smooth sailing.

This thought, he decided, must remain unspoken. If expressed, it might complicate matters.

Zhou Weichuan flattered her subtly, "I trust your judgment. The script will definitely pass your scrutiny."

Tang Fei replied, "I want to be involved in casting, costume design, and post-production. And I need the power to veto decisions."

Zhou Weichuan asked, "Are you planning to act in it?"

Tang Fei answered, "Now that I'm a partner at Time Culture, I don't approach things from an actor's perspective. With such a great script, it doesn't have to be me on screen. It could be an opportunity to introduce new talent to the company. After the adaptation, we can scout for fresh faces at the Film Academy and sign them."

Observing Tang Fei attentively documenting the condition of the fruit trees, Zhou Weichuan couldn't resist inching closer to her. His gaze lingered on the nape of her neck, and an impulse to embrace her stirred within him.

Tang Fei, unable to hear Zhou Weichuan's voice, turned around in confusion. A gentle breeze lifted her hair, brushing against the tip of their noses. Their faces were incredibly close, and blushing, Tang Fei sneezed due to the tickling sensation on her nose. She took a big step back and covered her mouth.

"Boss! You're standing too close!"

"I... my heart is all aflutter."

Zhou Weichuan was even reminiscing the subtle fragrance of shampoo that lingered from the strands of hair that had just brushed past him. Swallowing hard, he inched closer to Tang Fei, seemingly determined to clarify something today.

Tang Fei felt awkward and flustered as Zhou Weichuan approached her closely.

She tried her best to hide her disarray, changing the subject assertively, "So, isn't it a win for you to choose me as your partner?"

The tension dissipated. Zhou Weichuan stood just five centimeters away from her, not pushing further. He smiled gently, his voice low and husky, "Yes, I've hit the jackpot."

...

In the following days, He Zhou hurriedly arranged for an urgent reprint of the first volume of The Heaven Dragon's Eight Parts, while Guan Mo and Xing Le practically became Tang Fei's assistants for the layout and design of the second volume.

When following Tang Fei, Guan Mo often slacked off by playing on his phone, while Xing Le stood quietly nearby, patiently waiting for tasks, behaving unusually obediently for him.

Zhou Weichuan's securing of the nine o'clock slot left everyone's jaws hanging. Even Zhou Xianfeng was caught off guard when Xing Le, after two days of tantrums, returned to Tang Fei's side.

It turned out that this Tang Fei was more capable than they had thought.

Xing Le was torn between approaching Tang Fei for He Baoyi's sake, forcing himself to stay close to her, and resenting Zhou Weichuan for taking everything from him. Even though he had long surpassed the stage of needing his father's approval, he felt like a ridiculous figure.

Driven by his purpose, he followed Sister Yi's plan, aiming to deceive Tang Fei, knowing that causing her pain would inevitably hurt Zhou Weichuan as well.

After all, Zhou Weichuan had played the role of a romantic hero right in front of him!

Taking over the family assets for a woman, then discarding him once he was no longer useful – how hypocritical could one be?

Xing Le forced himself to maintain an innocent facade, striving to lower the guard of those around him.

Finally, after Tang Fei had dabbled in various farm activities such as chicken and pig farming and apple tree cultivation, she received news about the casting for "Mother Foster."

This casting process, however, took an unexpected turn.

Tang Fei's outstanding performance made her selection beyond reproach, but it was shocking that Xiao Yuan, who ranked second, was left out!

For the two pivotal roles of the adoptive mother, Tang Fei and Jiang Xiaoying were chosen – a blow that shattered Xiao Yuan's confidence, who had been eagerly anticipating portraying the adoptive mother on screen.

Xiao Yuan, always tasked with embodying strength and determination, wept uncontrollably, her sobs echoing relentlessly. All attempts at comfort fell on deaf ears.

This drama was her sole hope.

"Why wasn't it me? I admit I wasn't first, but I was second! Why didn't you choose me? Can't you tell me why, so I can accept my defeat gracefully?"

Xiao Yuan has given everything, poured herself entirely, yet she received nothing in return.

Do you have any idea how much I had to sacrifice to get my hands on the program itinerary and script beforehand?

Why isn't the casting decided based on the show's results?

I demand an explanation!