SED ### Chapter 15: Three More Fairy Tales

Matcha Café.

Near the east window, Wang Xiaotong, dressed in a black business suit with exquisite makeup, was stirring her coffee with a troubled expression.

She was very annoyed—damned Hebishu, damned children's books.

She stirred her coffee fiercely with a spoon, as if the cup of coffee were Hebishu's annoying face.

"Xiaotong!"

At this moment, Song Qingshan arrived at the Matcha Café with Liu Zixia and the others.

"Qingshan, why are you so late, didn't you..."

Hearing the familiar voice, Wang Xiaotong was about to scold Song Qingshan but stopped herself when she saw he was with others. She quickly stood up and said, "Qingshan, you're here!"

Hey, Wang Xiaotong knew how to save face for Song Qingshan.

"Xiaotong, sorry to keep you waiting." Song Qingshan smiled at her and introduced Liu Zixia and the others, "You've met these two before. This is our dorm's third member, Liu Zixia, and this is Little Moon."

"Hello, Sister-in-law!" Liu Zixia extended his hand at the right moment.

"Hello, I'm Wang Xiaotong!"

Hearing the term 'Sister-in-law,' Wang Xiaotong blushed slightly but shook hands with Liu Zixia graciously. Seeing the little girl in his arms, she asked, "Is Little Moon your sister? She's so cute!"

"Not my sister, my daughter!" Liu Zixia laughed.

Wang Xiaotong felt a bit awkward; she hadn't expected Liu Zixia to have such a big daughter. She blamed Song Qingshan for not introducing them properly.

Thinking of this, Wang Xiaotong glared at Song Qingshan fiercely.

"Auntie, you're so pretty!" Little Moon's sweet words helped ease Wang Xiaotong's embarrassment.

"And Little Moon is very pretty too!" Wang Xiaotong's smile was as bright as a flower. "Please sit down. What would you like to drink?"

"I want Sprite, Coke, orange juice..." Song Qingshan and the others were not the least bit shy.

"I'll just have water." Liu Zixia smiled, setting Little Moon on a seat, and asked, "Moon, what would you like to drink?"

"Daddy, can I have yogurt?" Little Moon asked, looking up at him pleadingly.

"Of course." Liu Zixia patted her head. "Please get Little Moon a yogurt."

"Okay." Wang Xiaotong nodded, called the waiter, and began to place their orders.

Once everyone had their drinks, they got down to business.

"Qingshan, our publishing house's children's department needs a fairy tale collection to boost sales. It doesn't have to be Hebishu's work," Wang Xiaotong adjusted her black-rimmed glasses. "You mentioned over the phone that you found a great fairy tale writer, which is why I came over. Now, where is this fairy tale writer you mentioned?"

After speaking, she glared at Song Qingshan with a hint of fierceness.

Song Qingshan said nothing, merely handing over a few sheets of paper and signaling Liu Zixia to start.

Wang Xiaotong didn't notice this. She took the papers and started flipping through them, muttering, "What are these cartoon drawings for? I'm asking for fairy tales..."

Before she could finish, a deep voice began:

"The countryside is beautiful, especially in summer. The wheat is golden, and the oats are green. The hay is stacked in green meadows, and the storks walk about on their long, red legs, chattering away..."

The story was fresh, with vivid descriptions, and Wang Xiaotong was instantly captivated.

"'You're really ugly,' the wild ducks said, 'but as long as you don't marry any of our kin, we won't mind.' The poor little thing..."

The story continued, and as Wang Xiaotong flipped through the pages, a vivid scene unfolded before her eyes: yellow ducklings, a large turkey, and the kind-hearted ugly duckling...

Wonderful!

Absolutely a classic—this was undoubtedly a timeless fairy tale!

But more importantly, Wang Xiaotong had never heard of this story called "The Ugly Duckling." This meant it was an original tale, complete with illustrations that perfectly matched the story!

She looked up at Liu Zixia, who was drinking water, and asked expectantly, "Liu Zixia, did you hear this fairy tale from someone else, or..."

Before Liu Zixia could respond, Little Moon, who was drinking yogurt, chimed in, "My daddy made up this story!"

Wang Xiaotong's heart leaped with joy but she still looked at Liu Zixia for confirmation.

"Please, call me Zixia or Old Third," Liu Zixia said, looking at Wang Xiaotong. "Moon is right. I created this story myself."

"Do you have any other fairy tales?" Wang Xiaotong's voice trembled with excitement.

"Yes!" Liu Zixia thought for a moment and then chose "Little Red Riding Hood," "Snow White," and "Cinderella" from Grimm's Fairy Tales.

These three fairy tales are classics from Grimm's Fairy Tales, featuring clear distinctions between good and evil, and providing life lessons through engaging narratives. They spark children's love for life and help them form their sense of right and wrong.

After hearing these three stories, not only were Song Qingshan and the others stunned, but even Little Moon was clinging to Liu Zixia, asking for more fairy tales. Clearly, the little girl was completely captivated by the stories.

As for Wang Xiaotong?

This elegant career woman had stars in her eyes!

Wow, Qingshan's roommate is amazing! This isn't just a good fairy tale writer, it's a fairy tale master!

Thinking of her current predicament, Wang Xiaotong suddenly realized that Liu Zixia was her savior, the savior of the children's department!

After finishing the three stories, Liu Zixia paused and asked with a smile, "Sister-in-law, what do you think of my little stories?"

"Ah?"

Wang Xiaotong snapped out of her daze and said excitedly, "I think these little stories... No, fairy tales! These fairy tales are very original and the content is excellent. I believe if they are published, they will be very popular with children!"

Wang Xiaotong didn't know how to feel right now. Initially, because of the Hebishu issue, she had been prepared to lose her bonus. Who knew there would be a silver lining!

With these fairy tales in hand, who cares about Hebishu or bestselling fairy tale authors?

"So, Sister-in-law, does this mean you're willing to publish my fairy tales?" Liu Zixia smiled broadly.

"Yes!" Wang Xiaotong nodded vigorously. "But I’m just a small editor. I don't have the authority to make the final decision..."

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