Chapter 488 "Death of a Small Official" And "Chameleon"

"Fake! Rick, you despicable guy!"

While Louis was scolding Rick, Elvis was also furious.

Apparently, Elvis also realized that Rick had tricked them once.

Rick, a bastard, knew that his work was not as good as Xi Lou, so he brought him and Louis to support him.

Mad!

If Rick were here right now, he would definitely push the other person's head into the toilet.

But not long after, Elvis also suppressed the anger in his heart, and his eyes showed pride: "Trick me, Rick, you are still a little naive. Fortunately, I have been on guard against you. I know that you will not be easy." I gave away millions of dollars in prize money, so I made second-hand preparations. Next, just wait for the 'surprise' I give you on the anonymous track!"

Elvis groaned inwardly.

…

Both Louis and Elvis received their magazines by express delivery.

Therefore, although the postman was already speeding up, by the time they got a few magazines, it was actually already ninety o'clock in the morning on June 1st.

At this moment, countless readers around the world have already gotten the June issue a few hours ahead of them.

a couple of hours.

Enough to get them through a few magazines.

So at this time, public opinion in Blue Star almost exploded.

Several shocking news spread around the world in the shortest possible time.

The first one is: the first work in the biannual publication of "Book Pavilion" is not a new work by Rick, one of the Troika, but a new work by Xilou.

When the news first came out, many people thought it was fake news.

"Stop talking nonsense."

"Fake, absolutely fake."

"Unless the editor of Shuge is crazy, he will put Rick's works second and Xilou's works first."

"Sorry, it's not April Fools' Day, so I won't fall for it."

But!

Soon, a large number of readers on the Internet took pictures of the contents of the biannual magazine "Bookstore" and uploaded them to the Internet.

Black paper and white text.

clear and distinct.

The first one is the West Tower Study!

Rick's new work is located under the west building.

Now, many people who have never bought a magazine believe it.

Then the network almost went crazy.

"God!"

"This is?"

"Oh my god, the West Tower is the first seat, and Rick is second?"

"real or fake?"

"There is a shady story! There is definitely a shady story!"

"I admit that Xilou's last work was indeed very good, but it is impossible to compare with Rick."

"What a joke!"

However, before these people came back to their senses.

The second news came out: Xilou's new work "The Gift of the Magi" beat Rick's new work "A Piece of Cake" in all aspects, so it took the top spot.

boom!

Another thunder.

"Is Xilou's work better than Rick's new work?"

"I do not believe."

"Rick is a master of short stories, but Xilou is a newcomer to short stories, right?"

"..."

But soon, he was slapped in the face again.

Because many people have published the entire "Gift of the Magi" on the Internet.

After reading this story, almost everyone was shocked.

Because anyone who has graduated from elementary school can see how excellent this short story is.

And the more readers with profound literary attainments, the more they can feel its extraordinary and greatness from just a few thousand words.

Anyone who likes short stories is familiar with Xilou, because the last short story in Xilou caused too much shock around the world. But at this moment, these readers all had a thought in their hearts: "The Gift of the Magi" is better than "The Gift of the Magi" A bowl of clear soup soba is even better and more impactful.

As for Rick's "A Piece of Cake"?

It's not even as good as "A Bowl of Soba Soba", let alone "The Gift of the Magi".

This is the most thrilling thing.

Because it means that in this June short story event, Xilou defeated Rick!

Xilou, a newcomer who has just published two short stories in the short story world, won over Rick, a master of short stories and one of the Troika!

The whole network was in an uproar!

But soon, the third news came crashing in.

The news said: Elvis's new work and Louis' new work are not as good as "The Gift of the Magi"!

Now, even the calmest person was shocked.

"What?"

"Elvis's 'Land by the River' failed?"

"Is Lewis's "It's Raining" not as good as Xilou's new work?"

"Let me take a moment, doesn't this mean that Xilou's works won the Troika?"

"this?"

"..."

Everyone in the bookstore looked horrified, even though they had long known that Rick's work was not as good as Xilou's new work.

But they never thought that this time even the new work of Elvis and Louis would not be as good as "The Gift of the Magi".

Everyone was at a loss.

In Mohai and Literary Fenghua, the editors of the two magazines were even more shocked.

They didn't know about the new building in the west building.

So at this moment, each of them almost thought they were dreaming.

"New work in West Tower to suppress the Troika?"

"The new works of the three short story masters were all defeated by Xilou alone?"

unimaginable!

It’s not just that they feel ridiculous.

Countless netizens also find it ridiculous.

Everyone originally thought that this June short story event would become a competition show between the Troika due to the addition of the Troika.

Any other famous person will only become their foil.

Unexpectedly, on the first day, the Troika was suppressed by an article in Xilou.

If "The Gift of the Magi" is only slightly better than the new work of the three of Rick and the others, then with the huge fan support of the three, there may still be a debate about who comes first.

However, anyone with a discerning eye can see that the quality of Rick's new work this time is even worse than "The Gift of the Magi".

With such an obvious gap, no one can deny the excellence of Xilou's new work.

finally!

Under the turmoil of online public opinion.

Media stories sprung up like mushrooms after rain.

[Xilou’s new work Suppresses the Troika]

[Xi Lou, the new master in the short story world! 】

[There is going to be another carriage in the short story world]

[Two new works lay the foundation of Xilou Short Story King]

[From the king of fairy tales to the master of short stories, Xilou created two myths]

It’s no wonder that the media chose such a conspicuous title. In fact, the response caused by West Tower this time was subversive to the literary world.

Although a short story cannot make Xilou a famous figure in the literary world, the story of one person trampling on the troika is enough to become a long-lasting classic in the literary world.

Many people think.

Rick, Louis, and Elvis probably looked aggrieved at this moment.

After all, the three of them finally participated in a short story event, and they still acted as a group, but in the end they became a stepping stone for others.

Countless reporters have even begun to look for traces of the three people and want to interview the people involved about their psychological feelings.

Some reporters.

Apart from doing nothing, he can do anything else.

However……

The outside world doesn't know.

Although there was some emotion on the faces of these three people at this moment, they felt that Xilou's work was indeed excellent. Other than that, there wasn’t much depression or pain at all.

Still Louis.

In the manor.

Rick's heart was as peaceful as ever.

The turbulence of the outside world has no impact on him.

He even had some vague expectations in his heart: "Let the storm come more violently! This way, it will be more interesting after the name of my anonymous track work is announced."

The anonymous track comes to mind.

Rick suddenly felt something in his heart: "There is so much movement offline, it seems that everyone's attention has been attracted. I wonder if there is much progress in the anonymous track?"

He quickly opened the Instagram-related topic page.

What makes him so urgent is that he also wants to know what kind of response his truly proud work "Piano and Violin" will have on the Internet.

From his personal point of view, "Piano and Violin" is not inferior to "The Gift of the Magi".

He was 99% sure of winning the first place in the anonymous track.

Start a story about the return of the king.

Let the world know that Rick is still a master of short stories.

soon.

Rick then saw hundreds of novels displayed on the special page of the "Short Story Activities" online anonymous track.

Because it is the first day, the voting rankings have not been refreshed yet.

All novels are randomly arranged and displayed on the web page, and everyone sees different novels when they enter. This balances the exposure of each novel.

But starting from the next day, these novels will be ranked according to the number of votes.

Therefore, in the anonymous track, it is a place that wins purely by quality.

No matter how famous the short story writers here are, they have no fame effect and can only rely on their works to win.

"Let's take a look at my novel data first."

Rick took a deep breath and quickly found "Piano and Violin."

Take a look.

The current number of votes cast is 1876.

The positive rating is 97%.

Pretty good data.

After reading several netizen comments, Rick showed a satisfied smile.

"It's so well written."

"Wow! Brothers, I found a masterpiece."

"Personally, I think it is a top-notch short story."

"This novel is definitely written by a famous writer."

"Which god's vest is it?"

It can be seen from the comments of netizens that his works have conquered many readers.

However, Rick's smile soon stopped, because he found that the vote ranking of his work was clearly displayed: fifth place.

"fifth?"

Although Rick knew that the number of votes on the first day should not be taken too seriously, as it was highly accidental.

Only when the rankings come out the next day can the quality of the work be truly reflected in the number of votes.

But he still felt a little uncomfortable.

"I want to see which works have higher votes than mine."

Rick took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Soon, he found the third-place entry.

Name: "Smile".

Number of votes: 2165 votes.

After reading it, Rick was shocked.

Because the excellence of this work is really not inferior to his "Piano and Violin".

The writing is sophisticated, the plot is spicy, and the ending is unexpected.

Especially from this short story, he read a familiar flavor, which was the writing style of his old rival Lewis.

"Louis?"

Rick swallowed subconsciously and read another article carefully.

This time, he had already confirmed his guess in his heart.

The "Smile" in front of me is probably Lewis's new work!

"This old guy actually tricked me!"

Rick understood immediately. He thought he was the only one who had secretly set up his two old rivals, but he didn't expect Louis to do the same.

No wonder!

No wonder!

At this moment, he finally understood why the "It's Raining" published by Louis in Mohai Magazine was of average quality. It turned out that he posted his masterpiece here.

Then.

Rick suddenly got excited again.

Since Louis did this, would Elvis do the same?

He guessed right.

Not long after.

Rick found the work "Growing Carrots" which currently ranks fourth in the number of votes.

As he expected, this work with a strong rural atmosphere is definitely Elvis's work. Perhaps it is difficult for ordinary readers to judge, but a literary master of his level can even judge which old rival a work is written by from punctuation marks.

"These two cunning guys."

Rick forgot that he was also a bird of a feather.

Sighing, Rick shook his head: "Well, it seems that this anonymous track is where the three of us really compete. It depends on our true ability."

All three works are top-notch.

So who will win the anonymous track next depends on which short story readers like more.

He couldn't make a judgment.

Just as Rick was lamenting that the three of them were entangled again.

Suddenly!

His body froze.

No!

He forgot a more important question.

The three of them are currently ranked third, fourth, and fifth in the number of votes.

Who are the first and second?

"???"

Rick was shocked.

He almost rushed to the computer again, frantically looking for the first and second place.

Soon.

He found the second place, which was a work called "The Death of a Small Civil Servant".

Rick looked at the text without any hesitation.

[On a nice evening, there was an equally nice civil servant...]

The story almost got to the point very quickly.

When the civil servant sneezed, he accidentally splashed his saliva on a general.

【Chervyakov coughed, leaned forward, and whispered in the general's ear: "I'm sorry, sir, I spit on you... I was careless..."

"It's okay, it's okay...."

"Forgive me for God's sake. I... I didn't mean to do that.】

Rick smiled when he saw this.

It seems that this civil servant is indeed a polite and humble person.

Although sneezing is an uncontrollable thing, the other party's attitude is very good.

Keep reading.

After Chervyakov apologized, he still felt uneasy, so he started to apologize for the second time.

【"I spit on you, sir. ...Forgive me. ...You understand...I didn't mean to..."

"Oh, that's enough...I forgot it, but you keep talking! "The general said, curling his lips impatiently.

"He has forgotten it, but there is a fierce light in his eyes," Chervyakov looked at the general suspiciously, thinking.】

At this time.

Rick's expression has been slightly moved.

Obviously he saw that this was the cautiousness and fear of gain and loss of a humble person facing his superior.

This strict hierarchy made Rick feel a little bit of fear.

Because in reality, similar things can be seen almost everywhere.

Even if the big guys don't care about it, the people who made small mistakes below are still restless all day long.

So...

Chervyakov's third apology began .

He went to the general's house and apologized.

But the general was already a little irritated, because for the general, Chervyakov's repeated apologies were annoying.

However, for the general's cold attitude, Chervyakov thought that the general had no intention of forgiving him at all.

So.

He started to visit for the second time and started his fourth apology.

Or, it was the fifth and sixth apology he said in person.

["I came to disturb you yesterday," he murmured, and the general raised his inquiring eyes and looked at him, "but it was not for your joke as you said. I came to apologize because I sneezed and sprayed you with spit... I never dreamed of joking with you. How dare I joke with you? If we get into the habit of joking, we will... lose respect for others...."]

But this time.

He thought that his sincere apology did not get the general's forgiveness.

The general was angry.

["Get out!" The general shouted, his face turned blue and his whole body trembled.

"What? "Chervyakov asked in a low voice, his whole body numb with fear.

"Get out!" the general said again, stamping his feet.】

The general couldn't bear it anymore.

He couldn't understand why a trivial matter would make the man in front of him become such a disgusting person.

He didn't want to see this man again.

He was almost driven crazy.

But... he didn't know that his words sounded like the sky falling in Chervyakov's ears.

[Something seemed to be churning in Chervyakov's stomach. He could not see or hear anything. He retreated to the door, went out, and reached the street, walking slowly all the way. ... He strolled home without taking off his uniform, lay down on the sofa, and just... died. 】

"this……"

Rick stared blankly at the novel in front of him, his pupils widening.

He swallowed and felt goosebumps appear all over his body.

This short story is very short, only more than a thousand words.

But this short story had an impact on him even more than "The Gift of the Magi".

The information displayed in the exaggerated sarcasm almost made Rick's scalp numb.

As one of the Troika, Rick instantly saw the essence behind it through the novel. This short article can be said to vividly display the distorted system of today's Western society, and it is full of irony.

"Whose work?"

There was horror in Rick's pupils.

A work of this caliber cannot be written by ordinary short story writers.

However, after studying it carefully for a long time, he could not determine whose work it was.

At first he thought it was another new work by Louis. After all, Louis was the best at writing satirical themes among the three of them, but in the end he was sure that this style was not written by Louis.

But the more this happened, the more frightened he felt.

If it’s not Louis, then who is it?

There are experts too!

Rick's heart was suffocating.

What the hell is this?

I originally thought that meeting Xilou on the open track was outrageous enough, but I didn't expect that now on the anonymous track, I bumped into an unknown master.

"No, there's still first place!"

Rick felt like he was going to collapse.

Even an incredible short story like "Death of a Civil Servant" can only be ranked second, so what the hell is first?

"It's impossible... It should be the number one work, but it was accidentally picked up by netizens."

Rick couldn't imagine that even if a small anonymous track had a top-notch work like "The Death of a Civil Servant", there would be a second one!

This is ridiculous!

But even with this thought, Rick quickly found the work that is currently ranked number one.

Title of work: "Chameleon".

Number of votes: 3218 votes.

More than three thousand votes.

There were a full 1,400 more votes than his work, which was almost double.

Rick frowned, said nothing, and clicked on the work details page.

It’s still the same sentence: the work speaks for itself.

Any more votes on the first day will be in vain.

The story begins.

It opens with police officer Ochumelov being bitten by a puppy.

As a police officer, Ochumelov certainly felt that this was a shame for him, so he vowed to catch the puppy and make its owner pay the price.

["How dare you bite, damn thing!" Ochumelov suddenly heard voices, "Guys, don't let it go! Biting is not allowed nowadays! Catch it! Ouch... ouch!"]

The puppy even bit someone else later.

Is this okay?

["Go and investigate whose dog this is and file a report! This dog must be killed. Don't delay! This is probably a mad dog... Let me ask you: Whose dog is this?"]

Ochumelov roared.

But he was soon slapped in the face.

Because people are talking. He said this dog looked like it belonged to General Zhigalov.

Ochumelov's attitude suddenly changed, saying that people who complained about being bitten by puppies were making malicious complaints.

[...It is short, but you, you know, are so tall! Your finger was probably pierced by a small nail, but later you had a whim and asked someone to compensate you. People like you...】

This change made Rick spread his hands.

He really adapts to the wind.

But immediately.

A policeman said that the dog did not belong to the general at all, because all the dogs in the general's family were large hunting dogs and there was no such small dog.

at once.

Ochumelov changed his tone again: "This dog, who knows what it is! The coat is not good, the appearance is not good...it is a complete bitch..."

However, he just finished speaking.

["But it could also be the general's dog..." the policeman expressed his thoughts. "It doesn't have anything written on its face... I saw such a dog in his yard a few days ago."

"That's right, it belongs to the general's family!" someone in the crowd said. 】

When Ochumelov heard this, his attitude changed again.

Start scolding the complainer.

Repeatedly.

Extremely skilled.

Even Rick was stunned.

Even when he thought this was Ochumelov's limit.

Finally, after the general's chef arrived, he made several drastic changes in his attitude.

At first, the chef said that it was not the general’s dog, and Ochumelov was about to kill the wild dog.

But the next second the chef said it was the general's brother's dog. Ochumelov immediately praised: "...This puppy is really good...very smart...it bit this guy's finger! Hahaha!" ...Hey, why are you shaking? Wuwu...wuwu...he's angry, little bad guy...what a puppy..."

certainly.

It's not over yet.

["Sooner or later I will deal with you!" Ochumelov threatened him, then wrapped his coat tightly, walked across the market square, and walked away. 】

Still short and sweet.

Still only a little over a thousand words long.

Rick, however, had long since turned into a sculpture, staring blankly in front of the computer.

After a while.

He shook his groggy head and said in a dry voice: "What, what are these?"

As for that?

A small June short story activity, is that all? (End of chapter)