Chapter 96

The news that Lijian was the model for Zhuifeng in the comic quickly spread among the children, thanks to Sun Xiangdong and Damao. Soon, Sun Xiangdong’s comic book became highly sought after by the kids. Those who couldn’t borrow it begged their parents to buy it.

But when they got to the Xinhua Bookstore, they found out that “Loyal Dog” was sold out. The salesperson, noticing the unusual number of inquiries, explained, “We’ve already contacted the publisher to order more, but it takes time to reprint. No matter how much you ask, if it’s not here, it’s not here.”

Disappointed, the kids and their parents left empty-handed. Then, someone heard that Shi Tingyu, the author, might have more copies and went to her house to ask.

After school, Shi Tingyu saw several women standing at her gate, feeling a sense of foreboding. That day, many teachers had asked her if she had any extra copies of the comic. With other teachers around, she had made an excuse, saying the publisher had sent some copies, which she had sent to relatives back home.

She didn’t want to give any away selectively, fearing it would cause issues. The teachers had been disappointed, including Liu Xiaohong, who confided, “Teacher Shi, you don’t know how much my daughter, Yue, has been pestering me for your comic. It was sold out at the bookstore last time.”

Her daughter, Chen Yue, was a nine-year-old second grader and one of Shi Tingyu’s students. Shi Tingyu had just smiled awkwardly, “I’m not sure about that.”

As the school bell rang, Shi Tingyu felt relieved, but when she got home, she saw those women waiting at her door. They greeted her warmly, “Oh, Teacher Shi, you’re home from school. Thank you for your hard work.”

Another chimed in, “Yes, kids are so naughty these days, teaching is tough.”

“Teacher Shi, you work so hard.”

“Teacher Shi, make sure to get some rest.”

Their friendly chitchat triggered Shi Tingyu’s long-dormant social anxiety, but she smiled and greeted them, “Do you need something?”

After exchanging glances, the first woman spoke up, “We were wondering if you had any extra copies of the comic? Our kids love it. If you have any, could we buy them?”

Most of these women came from well-off families who doted on their kids. Having already refused her colleagues, Shi Tingyu didn’t want to sell to others either, so she repeated her earlier excuse.

The women looked at each other, unsure if she was telling the truth. Observing their doubt, Shi Tingyu said, “Ladies, I really don’t have any more. Those were free samples from the publisher. If I could sell them, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to let them gather dust.”

They found her reasoning sensible. If it were them, they’d probably keep one for sentimental reasons and sell the rest.

With no books to buy, the women left, looking worried about their children’s reactions.

That evening, Lu Weiguo mentioned the situation to Shi Tingyu, “Dear, people kept asking me today if we had any more comics.”

She looked tense, “You didn’t say we did, right?”

If he had, her lie would be exposed. She hadn’t expected the parents to be so persistent, even asking Lu Weiguo.

Seeing her nervousness, Lu Weiguo reassured her, “Except for giving Feng Wei the one we bought from Xinhua Bookstore, I said I didn’t know.”

When Feng Wei had asked for a copy, Lu Weiguo had found it odd. Feng Wei wasn’t short on money, and a fifty cents comic wasn’t beyond his means. After learning that Xinhua Bookstore was sold out and his child was desperate to read it, Lu Weiguo had given him a copy.

When others started asking, Lu Weiguo became suspicious and told them he didn’t know, explaining that his wife handled the book business.

With that, they managed to send a few people away.

“Do you think Instructor Feng will let it slip?” Shi Tingyu asked worriedly.

Lu Weiguo was confident, “Don’t worry, Old Feng is sharp. He can read people well. Given how many in the housing compound didn’t get the book, he won’t mention it.”

This reassured Shi Tingyu.

Lu Weiguo looked at his wife with admiration and said, “My wife is really famous now.”

Shi Tingyu replied, “I’ve always been quite well-known.”

Lu Weiguo hugged her, smiling, “True, my wife’s beauty is unmatched. You caused quite a stir when you first came to the compound.”

Shi Tingyu rolled her eyes, thinking that those memories were too embarrassing to recall.

Remembering how she was the subject of everyone’s conversations back then still made her cringe. She had avoided going out, feeling like everyone was talking about her whenever she walked by.

It was very uncomfortable.

Knowing his wife’s personality, Lu Weiguo didn’t continue on the topic. Instead, he washed his hands and helped her with cooking.

The next morning, as Shi Tingyu and Lu Weiguo were eating breakfast, the broadcast announced the arrival of mail and packages.

Upon hearing her name, Shi Tingyu was about to leave her bowl and head out when Lu Weiguo stopped her.

He quickly finished his porridge and said, “You keep eating, I’ll get it.”

He took Shi Tingyu’s stamp and ID and went out.

If it was just a letter, that would be fine. But for a package, he would need these items.

When Lu Weiguo reached the gate, the guard saluted him.

A few women there also greeted him.

Since the comic incident, they had overcome their fear and started to chat with him, all for the sake of their children.

Lu Weiguo was a bit surprised but nodded at them.

His face, however, lost the gentleness it had when he was with his wife.

Lu Weiguo reported Shi Tingyu’s name, and the postman found a letter, handing it to him, “Comrade, this is a letter for Comrade Shi Tingyu.”

Seeing it was from the Beijing Art Publishing House, Lu Weiguo didn’t look further. He signed and stamped the receipt and took it.

As he left, the women couldn’t help but sigh.

“Xiao Lu is so diligent, unlike my man. He doesn’t even lift a finger to get the mail.”

“Mine too, acts like a boss at home.”

“Exactly. I need to tell my man to learn from Xiao Lu.”