Words Upon Publication!

As I write these words, it is the early hours of May 29, 2018—one or two in the morning. By now, most people have already drifted into dreams, while I remain restless and unable to sleep.

That’s right—this book is about to be released! I never expected the release date would come so soon. To be honest, I feel a bit anxious.

From the time I submitted the manuscript in late March, to the official launch on April 1st, until now, more than two months have passed. June 1st, the day the book goes live, will be exactly two months since publication. Released on April Fool’s Day, going live on Children’s Day—somehow, there’s a special significance in these dates.

Over these two months, I’ve written over 300,000 words—not a staggering amount, but not insignificant either. For me, this book was an unexpected journey. I hadn’t planned to continue writing at all.

I’m now in my senior year of university. This year, I graduate and will soon leave campus for good. Last week, I took my graduation photo. Only in the past few days did I finally finish my thesis and feel a bit of relief—only to suddenly receive the notice that the book would be released.

When I heard the news, I was at a loss. I knew this day would come, but I hadn’t expected it to arrive so quickly. Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve had enough time to enjoy my youth.

My heart is uneasy, because with the current results, I don’t know what to say. I can’t say they’re bad—after all, they’ve far exceeded my expectations. Yet I can’t say they’re good either, because I haven’t achieved explosive success—it still feels a long way off. Maybe I’ve gotten arrogant. But the reality is, I have no reason to be.

Still, I am content.

From the moment the book surpassed 40,000 words, it began to receive recommendations. The first recommendation—editor’s pick—was more generous than I ever imagined. Every time I think of this, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride.

In the month and a half since, the book has had weekly recommendations, each one very supportive—five editor’s picks in total, and even featured in the rankings. I never expected any of it.

From an initial 21 collections, it has grown step by step to 55,276 as of today. In the eyes of some, this may not be much, but to me, it’s a lot—an abundance.

Originally, I had no intention to keep writing. I’d written sporadically in the past but never stuck with it. The pressure was too great. I’d written two or three books before, and each one was harshly criticized. Perhaps it was because my skills weren’t enough, and my writing wasn’t good.

With no income, I relied on pure interest to keep going. Back then, I was only a sophomore or junior, insulated from the pressures of the outside world. Writing was just a hobby, and once I grew tired or discouraged—especially after being subjected to harsh criticism—I would stop. Only when in the mood would I pick up the pen again.

Three years ago, when I wrote "The First Legend in History," I aimed for a contract, but after 50,000 or 60,000 words with no success, I gave up—and didn’t write for a long time.

Two years ago, "Legends of the League of Heroes" was surprisingly accepted for a contract, and I wrote until it was released. My editor, Big Boss Latiao, was warm and encouraging, giving me many resources and recommendations.

Regrettably, I failed to appreciate it. The book’s performance was disappointing, and perhaps my writing at the time really wasn’t good. I received a lot of criticism and lost the will to continue.

So, I stopped updating it.

For more than a year, it remained unfinished. I kept hoping I’d return to it, but eventually realized the passion was gone. In the end, I spent a few days writing an ending and applied to mark it as completed.

I remember feeling so guilty when I contacted Big Boss Latiao to ask for the completion status—guilty for letting him down, for disappearing without a word, and returning only to end things this way.

But Big Boss Latiao said nothing harsh. His tone was gentle. I still remember he said, "You’re welcome to submit again."

I was stunned.

I never expected I would return two months ago. I submitted my manuscript to Big Boss Latiao, and it was accepted.

Since the book’s release, although our communication has been sparse, he has offered quiet support. Thank you, Boss! Without you and the Qidian platform, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

At the same time, I cannot forget all of you I’ve met because of this book. Thank you for every click, every collection, every recommendation, every tip, and each word of encouragement. Thank you! Thank you for your support!

This book has far exceeded my expectations—not only in results, but in the support and encouragement I’ve received, which have easily outweighed the voices of criticism.

Yes, there are people who don’t like the book—perhaps because it’s not good enough. I understand not everyone will like it; I never intended for it to please everyone. If a few of you enjoy it, that is enough for me.

Sometimes, I don’t understand why those who dislike it need to be so harsh. Is it really just because it’s not good enough? I don’t get it.

I can accept criticism, and I do listen to reasonable suggestions. But for those who hurl abuse without reading, I am no saint—my patience has its limits. For the harshest critics, I simply delete their comments. I don’t want to argue, so I take the simplest and most direct approach.

After so much time, as I pick up the pen again, I am about to leave university—a soon-to-be graduate. I can’t help but sigh and feel old.

Life is both long and short; we must learn to cherish it.

Writing again has changed my attitude. Faced with criticism and mindless attacks, I may not always greet them with a smile, but I can accept them with composure. I choose silence, not pointless debate. All I can do is strive to write the best book I can.

Of course, I know that no matter how well I write, I cannot win over everyone. I know there are still flaws and immaturity in my work, but I will do my utmost to improve. I welcome criticism and suggestions—through them, I find my shortcomings and strive to do better. I am doing everything I can to create a better piece of work.

Finally, about the release.

I know that once the book goes live, I’ll inevitably lose some readers. I don’t blame you. It simply means my story, my capabilities, haven’t been enough to make you stay.

If you still feel this book is worth your time, and if you are able and willing, I hope you’ll support it with your subscriptions.

As I said, I am a senior, and after my graduation ceremony in early June, I will bid farewell to university for good. I am the only child in my family. We are not well-off, but not destitute. Still, once I leave school, I can no longer hide in the ivory tower and let my parents shoulder everything for me.

On the contrary, I must take up their burdens and my responsibilities.

I need to find a way to support myself, and through my efforts, give my parents a comfortable retirement as soon as possible.

I’m not young anymore. They’re getting older too, though I don’t like to admit it—I wish they could stay young forever. But that’s reality.

All I can do is put aside laziness and uncertainty, and step into the world.

Originally, I planned to look for a job during this period, but because of this book, I’ve had to put that on hold.

I never thought I could support myself or my family with just this book. But its performance, and all of you, have made it hard to let go.

With the book going live on June 1st, I have a rough idea of how it will perform—and it’s not ideal. The thought of job hunting resurfaces.

I have to support myself. That has been my goal since senior year.

Because of this, I’ve often been anxious. From the end of last year through the Spring Festival, I suffered from insomnia for over three months. Not a single night was restful. Sometimes I only fell asleep at seven or eight in the morning, and sometimes I just lay awake, unable to sleep at all. It was like dying—a state of anxiety and depression.

During the New Year at home, my father would often get up at night and quietly check my room. Seeing my light still on, finding me tossing and turning, he would be both angry and heartbroken. Every time I saw his face, I felt so guilty.

It’s a debt I can never repay.

After the New Year, perhaps because I’d rested at home, my health improved, and my insomnia eased.

But the anxiety remained.

At that time, the thought of writing returned—perhaps an obsession I couldn’t let go of. So, I spent half a month gathering materials, planning the plot, revising my draft many times, and finally submitted to Qidian.

The submission was accepted—but not this book. It was a virtual online game story, my first attempt at that genre, and I lacked experience.

It failed.

I wrote 130,000 words in a month, but the trial recommendations went nowhere—no one read it.

Just as I was doubting myself and sinking into anxiety again, I suddenly had the idea for this book. I wrote the opening in two days, and it just kept flowing.

So this book was born.

Its results have surprised me. I am both astonished and grateful. Grateful to my editor, Big Boss Latiao, to all of you, and to my own effort which was not in vain.

Even now, I do not expect to make a living from this book. I still need to find a job and will write this book alongside my work.

But before I start job hunting, I’ll spend some time at home, focusing solely on the book—at least until it stabilizes, probably around August or September. During this time, for at least one or two months, all my energy will be devoted to this novel.

Even after I find a job, I will not abandon this book. I will keep writing until I finish.

Lastly—

June 1st, the day of the release, is tomorrow. I hope you’ll support me. Tips are entirely up to you, but if you have some spare change, a full subscription would be more than enough for me—truly.

Thank you in advance!

To those who are leaving, I won’t blame you. I only want to thank you for accompanying me and this book over these past two months. Thank you for your company.

I have just one request—if you leave, please do so quietly, without saying goodbye. I dislike farewells; they’re too bittersweet. When someone leaves, I hope to remember only your perfect image.

You were here. When you go, let it be silent.

That way, I’ll feel as if you’re still here.

Of course, I hope everyone who reads this book will stay with me to the end.

Thank you to all who have supported this book, to those who continue to support it, and to those who will support it in the future.

Thank you.

June 1st—I look forward to seeing you.

Written in the deep night of May 29, 2018,
By the author, Alin, with gratitude.