Category: Shion’s Notes

Chapter 135: New Neighbors

Moving out on her own again meant readjusting to living independently and acquiring essential household items. Unlike before, when she juggled multiple jobs to survive, she now had prize money to spend freely, though years of frugality prevented her from splurging.

From now on, she could focus on writing, waiting for her books to be published and earning royalties. Nothing else mattered. She was finally embarking on her dream journey, overcoming countless hardships and setbacks to reach this point.

She had once chased Nangong Ying’s shadow; now, she would climb her own Mount Everest, reaching for higher, farther destinations.

Everyone had dreams, but realizing them wasn’t easy. True dreamers were one in a million.

Though she didn’t consider herself one in a million, she would give her all, letting her own light shine.

“Phew… finally here…”

Stepping out of the van, dragging her suitcase, Yu Linna wiped the sweat from her brow. Moving was always a chore. Though she was used to moving frequently, having lived alone for so long, unlike her childhood when a few clothes were all she needed, she now had a considerable amount of luggage.

“Hey, little Linna! You’re here! Chen Xi said she found you a nice place. I didn’t expect it to be across from mine! We’re neighbors now!”

Zhao Yuyan appeared from across the street, Bluetooth earphones around her neck, clearly having been playing games before coming over. Judging by her slippers, she had probably left her apartment less than five minutes ago.

“This is going to be a problem, Zhao Yuyan…”

“Call me big sis, little Linna~ I’m your senior~”

“…”

Does she even act like a big sister?

Though numerous retorts sprang to mind, Yu Linna held them back. They were both working with Wenqing, and Zhao Yuyan was her senior. Calling her “sis” wasn’t unreasonable.

“Big Sis Yuyan.”

“There we go.”

Zhao Yuyan beamed, the sound of Yu Linna calling her “sis” music to her ears.

This Yu Linna was adorable, petite, and cute, her only flaw being her appetite. She was a gift from the heavens.

Come to think of it, Luo Nan had been the same when she was younger, always trailing behind her, calling her “sis.”

But Luo Nan had lost her cuteness as she grew older.

Yu Linna was much more fun.

“Little Linna, let me help you with your luggage. You’re new here; there are things you don’t know yet. I’ll help you settle in. Oh, school’s starting soon. I only come back on weekends. You’re in your senior year, right? Studying for the college entrance exams and writing… do you have enough energy?”

Zhao Yuyan was genuinely concerned. Yu Linna was a high school student facing the crucial exams in a few months.

The gaokao was incredibly important in China, a serious matter. High school seniors spent an entire year preparing, hoping to achieve a high score and secure a place at a good university.

Zhao Yuyan, now a university student, had a much more relaxed schedule than in high school. But Yu Linna was still under immense pressure.

“I’ve thought about it. I plan to take a break from writing after my second book is published, focusing on the exams.”

“That’s a lot of pressure.”

For a newcomer, not capitalizing on the momentum of a new release to build a fanbase was a risky move. But Yu Linna had no choice; she had to prioritize the gaokao. Zhao Yuyan understood.

The gaokao was crucial for everyone.

She remembered her own parents keeping a close watch on her during her senior year, practically imprisoning her at home to study. Now that she was in university, they were much more lenient, even allowing her to write, something they would have forbidden before.

Yu Linna’s parents must feel the same way, furious if their daughter prioritized writing over her studies.

But Zhao Yuyan didn’t know Yu Linna had no parents, no family to worry about.

“Do you have any universities in mind?”

“…Not yet, but I want to get a good score.”

Yu Linna exhaled, her expression calm, but her voice firm.

She was a top student, having represented her school in competitions, a pillar of the First Municipal High School, the only one capable of competing with the Municipal Experimental High School. Aiming for a good score meant she was aiming for a top ranking in the province.

Though not a large province, Huainan was known for its competitive gaokao. Achieving a high ranking was no easy feat.

But she had made up her mind.

She was Yu Linna, after all.

After meeting the landlord and agreeing on the terms, Yu Linna received the keys. This landlord, unlike her previous, shrewish one, was quite pleasant. Yu Linna didn’t haggle, simply accepting the keys and dragging her suitcase to her new apartment.

Chen Xi had found the apartment for her, claiming it was convenient for work. It was a one-bedroom apartment, just the right size. Opening the door, she was greeted by an empty living room, devoid of furniture. The bedroom had a bed, but no sheets or blankets, which she could easily buy. She touched the floor, her fingers coated in dust. It hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

“I need to clean this place.”

“Ugh, is that really necessary? I always hire someone…”

Looking at the apartment, though not large, Zhao Yuyan wasn’t keen on cleaning. She was lazy; she hated chores.

She would rather spend her time playing PUBG; time was precious.

Her mother often scolded her for her laziness, warning her that no one would want to marry such a lazy girl.

“Hiring someone costs money! It’s not worth it! I’ll do it myself. There should be a mop and disinfectant downstairs. I’ll buy them later.”

“…Fine.”

Though reluctant, Zhao Yuyan couldn’t refuse when Yu Linna seemed so determined.

Later, Yu Linna bought cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials like seasonings, a cutting board, and an induction cooker. She considered furniture too expensive, opting to buy it online. Despite having a substantial amount of money, her frugal habits persisted.

Having lived through periods of hunger, pinching pennies, and even forgoing medicine when sick, she couldn’t bring herself to be extravagant. She would save wherever she could; it was in her nature.

After shopping, it was time to clean. Yu Linna put on gloves, tied her hair back in a ponytail, and started mopping. Zhao Yuyan, though reluctant, couldn’t just stand there, so she grabbed a rag and started cleaning the windows. A pampered young lady like her, reduced to cleaning windows? If her mother knew, she would laugh herself silly.

Unlike Zhao Yuyan’s reluctance, Yu Linna was full of energy, changing the water repeatedly, mopping the floors, cleaning the windows and doors, and even scrubbing the bathroom. Having lived alone for so long, she was accustomed to these chores. Zhao Yuyan, however, was struggling just with the windows.

“You clearly don’t do chores often.”

“You can tell? My mom usually does everything…”

“Whatever. It’s almost clean anyway. I just need to buy a computer, and then I can start working.”

Though small, the apartment was perfect for writing, located away from the bustling city center, surrounded by trees and fresh air, a far cry from her previous living conditions in the slums.

The quiet environment, free from noise and pollution, was conducive to writing.

“Big Sis Yuyan, the air here is so fresh.”

“Yes, the longer you stay here, the more you’ll like it.”

Yu Linna couldn’t believe how far she had come. She used to be content with just a roof over her head; now, she had a comfortable home and didn’t have to worry about food. She used to hesitate even before buying warm clothes, shivering in thin layers while other children were bundled up. She used to be satisfied with a single meat dish; now, she could afford meat with every meal.

She was no longer poor. She had truly escaped poverty.

But she also had new goals, new aspirations.

One day, she wanted to buy a big house and live with the person she loved.

With more money, she would buy the finest ingredients and cook delicious meals for everyone.

She would travel the world, experiencing the joy she had missed out on for so many years.

She would visit the beach, see the girls in bikinis.

She would travel to America, to England, to see if there were others like her, children of mixed heritage.

“Little Linna, I’ll go with you to buy a computer. Desktop or laptop? If you want to play games, I recommend a desktop. I’ll teach you how to play PUBG; we can team up.”

“No, I’ll get a laptop. It’s more convenient for traveling.”

“Why not a desktop? We can play games together! If you don’t like PUBG, we can play 300 Heroes!”

“I’ll pass on the games. I’m not very good at them. And girls shouldn’t be playing games all the time.”

“Hey, that’s not true! Why can’t girls play games?!”

Yu Linna walked, gazing at the path leading down from her apartment building, the steps descending towards a new road, a road to the outside world. She was finally stepping onto that road, venturing out into the world.

No matter the hardships, no matter the setbacks, she would overcome them, using them as stepping stones to reach her destination.

Yu Linna was ready to spread her wings and soar towards her dreams.

A fledgling, its wings fully grown, ready to take flight.

—-

Afterword for Volume Three

Author Notes:

This volume is finally finished! It feels so liberating!

I’ve had these ideas for a long time, waiting for the right moment to write them. From Nangong Ying’s betrayal, the protagonist’s downfall, to her eventual rise, everything followed the outline. No one achieves success easily, no one receives divine favor without reason. To gain something, you must lose something.

That’s what I wanted to convey.

It’s also a message of self-encouragement.

Like Yu Linna, I’ve experienced numerous setbacks and failures, constantly striving to move forward, only to be thwarted by fate. There are struggles I can’t express, pains I have to endure silently. Life is often cruel. Not everyone meets a Ye Zhiyun, and not everyone is as lucky as the protagonist, able to rise from the ashes after so much suffering.

Some readers might find certain parts of this story too heavy. After all, people read for enjoyment, not for pain. Therefore, unlike Internet-Addicted Girl is a Hero, I didn’t focus solely on angst. I included more positive elements, but the popularity still hasn’t picked up (╥╯^╰╥).

Perhaps everyone has to go through a difficult period in their lives. Only those who have succeeded know the sacrifices they’ve made. I’ve been writing for three or four years now, and without realizing it, I’ve written three novels. Only I know the struggles behind them. Those days weren’t easy. If it hadn’t been for the support of a few readers, I might have given up writing /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~

But I persevered, and here I am today. Though I haven’t achieved instant success like the protagonist, nor do I have millions of views like other authors, some of my peers are far more popular than me. My focus on darker themes has put me in an awkward position.

But I don’t regret it. Stories aren’t always smooth sailing. Everyone wants a smooth path, but that’s unrealistic. Therefore, in this book, Yu Linna’s journey to success isn’t easy. To achieve something, you have to work for it. (￣▽￣)／

I’m not saying all this for sympathy, but simply to express my thoughts, feelings I rarely share with others. Few people in my life know I’m a writer, and I rarely talk about it. Even my parents don’t know, so they can’t possibly understand my struggles.

I’m still quite lucky to have been writing for so long. If no one had read The Witch’s Journey, I would have quit long ago. But I didn’t want to abandon it, wanting to give my readers a complete story. I persevered, and I finally found you.

Perhaps we’re all like Yu Linna, yearning for success, constantly striving, yet constantly facing setbacks, constantly falling. But I hope everyone can pick themselves up, bravely face their challenges. Perseverance might not always lead to success, but without perseverance, there’s no chance at all (〃’▽’〃).

I hope that in the future, I can reach greater heights together with you. That’s my dream.

Please continue to support Shion. The story will only get more exciting. What challenges will our protagonist face? How will her relationships with the other girls develop? Stay tuned to find out! ￣ω￣=

Chapter 134: Nangong’s Wandering

Yu Linna packed her clothes, carefully placing them in her suitcase. She didn’t have many, so it wasn’t difficult. She wore a light blue scarf, the first gift Ye Zhiyun had given her, a cherished possession.

She glanced at the worn notebook on the table, the one with her name on it, a bittersweet smile touching her lips as she placed it carefully at the bottom of her suitcase. These were her most precious memories.

“Are you sure you have to leave?”

Ye Zhiyun stood at the doorway, her expression calm, but her voice held a hint of reluctance. She didn’t want Yu Linna to go.

“Thank you so much for taking care of me, but I have to leave. I can’t keep imposing on you.”

Yu Linna smiled, continuing to pack.

It had been three or four months since she moved in, time for her to move on. She was the winner of the Wenqing New Talent Awards, had received a substantial sum of money, and was now capable of supporting herself. And she didn’t want to be dependent on Ye Zhiyun.

She was grateful for Ye Zhiyun’s kindness, truly grateful. But she couldn’t stay forever. Deep down, she was still afraid of being kicked out one day.

“Nana, you know you can stay here as long as you like.”

“I can’t. You have your own life, your own career. I can’t interfere.”

“It’s not interference. I’m happy to have you here. Stay. Cook for me, look after the house. It wouldn’t be a bad arrangement.”

“Zhiyun…”

“I have everything here. I can give you anything you want, anything you lack. Isn’t that enough?”

Ye Zhiyun wanted her to stay, desperately.

Though their time together had been short, she had grown accustomed to Yu Linna’s presence, to coming home to a warm meal, a hot bath, a clean house.

Yu Linna brought joy to her life, a happiness she hadn’t experienced in years, the joy of having someone by her side.

She wanted her to stay.

Nana, don’t go.

The words remained unspoken.

“Zhiyun, what are we?”

Yu Linna’s sudden question caught Ye Zhiyun off guard.

“Huh?”

“We’re just friends, nothing more. As a friend, you’ve been more than kind to me. I can’t keep taking advantage of your generosity.”

No, that’s not it. That’s not true.

Not… just friends…

Not… that simple.

The words remained trapped in her throat.

This usually assertive, outspoken girl couldn’t voice her true feelings. She knew she would regret this.

Yu Linna finished packing, dragged her suitcase to the door, put on her shoes, and opened the door. As the light streamed in, Ye Zhiyun knew that once that door opened, it wouldn’t close again. It was Yu Linna’s choice.

“I’ll see you off.”

As a “friend,” it was all she could do.

Having won the award, Yu Linna decided to move out, finding a new apartment, more expensive than her previous one but with a better environment, more conducive to writing. She gave Ye Zhiyun two million yuan from her prize money, insisting it was repayment for her debt, despite Ye Zhiyun’s protests. Knowing Yu Linna’s stubbornness, Ye Zhiyun accepted, though she didn’t want the money.

If she had a choice, she wouldn’t have taken it.

Yu Linna still had one million, enough for a new apartment, furniture, and a new computer. Her status was different now; she was a recognized author.

Wenqing’s New Talent Awards concluded without much fanfare, the industry largely unaware of the significant change it represented. Qidian, having signed Luo Nan, had gained even more momentum. Though young, Luo Nan showed immense potential, and Qidian intended to nurture her into a star author.

“Yuyan, I told you, times are changing. If you stay there, you’ll be left behind.”

“Yes, I know, you’re right. But I’m staying with Wenqing~”

Luo Nan chatted with Zhao Yuyan on the phone. They had grown up together, their bond strong, despite being competitors in the publishing industry. They remained friends.

However, Luo Nan still hoped to lure Zhao Yuyan to Qidian.

“Is Wenqing’s champion this year another established author using a pen name?”

“If you think that, you’re wrong. This year’s winner is a newcomer, a complete newbie. And just like me, they’re only eighteen.”

“Eighteen? Even younger than you were when you won? Who are they?”

“You’ll be competing with them in sales soon. Isn’t your novel coming out in April? Their novel is scheduled for release around the same time.”

“Interesting. I look forward to the challenge.”

Qidian and Wenqing remained rivals, with Qidian leading in sales. But Wenqing wasn’t giving up. With the addition of Shion, the outcome was uncertain.

Qidian was an established publishing house, older than Wenqing, with a larger roster of authors and undeniable influence. Wenqing, on the other hand, had been declining.

But this year, things might change.

After the New Year, Nangong Ying returned to school, embarking on a nationwide tour of university entrance exams. Though a celebrity, she was still a high school student and had to go through the process like everyone else.

Traveling from city to city was nothing new to her; she wasn’t fazed by the arduous journey, simply moving from one exam to the next.

She had her sights set on a specific university, her ultimate goal: Beijing.

Studying there would provide her with the best acting training, honing her skills, benefiting her career in the long run. Her ultimate goal was to become a top-tier actress, representing her country in Hollywood. She had to work hard.

“Phew…”

Nangong Ying exhaled, wandering alone through the cold city, a loneliness only she could understand. She sometimes wondered if having someone by her side would make a difference.

Buzz, buzz.

Her phone vibrated. She answered, leaning against a wall, the bustling crowd in front of her, the city alive with activity.

“How did the exam go, Xiaoying?”

“It went well. I feel confident. If I keep this up, I should be able to get in.”

“That’s good! I’m looking forward to having you as a junior. If you get into the same university as me, I’ll personally welcome you during orientation.”

“Yes, I look forward to that day.”

Looking at the darkening sky, Nangong Ying realized it was already nine o’clock. She had been wandering for hours. She would have to find a hotel for the night.

“By the way, Xiaoying, you haven’t mentioned your friend lately. Did something happen?”

Nangong Ying fell silent, unsure how to respond.

“Sorry, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Everyone has their secrets. I understand.”

Nangong Ying remained silent, afraid to speak.

Only she and Yu Linna knew the secret. To secure her footing in the entertainment industry, she had pushed Yu Linna towards Chenghe, almost leading to her exploitation. Nangong Ying had used that opportunity to get her film back on track, returning to the set, her name becoming known upon its release.

She had ruthlessly betrayed her friend for her own ambition.

The guilt lingered, a constant weight on her conscience. She knew she couldn’t forget, couldn’t let go. She could only carry this burden and keep moving forward.

“Sister Yuexin, I will succeed. I will keep going, no matter how many people I have to step over. I will achieve my dream. Because I am Nangong Ying.”

Nangong Ying, born to stand out, believed she was a unique talent. And so, she would continue on her path.

“It’s good to be driven, but don’t push yourself too hard.”

The call ended. Nangong Ying’s hand slipped, the phone still in her grasp, but her heart was as cold as the wind.

Don’t push myself? If Chenghe hadn’t pressured her, would she have made that decision? If she hadn’t pushed herself, would she have condemned Yu Linna to such a fate?

She was the one at fault; she knew it.

And so, she would carry this guilt and walk this path to the end.

Nangong Ying’s figure disappeared into the night…

The film industry continued to dominate the entertainment world. Though Nangong Ying’s new film hadn’t been released yet, it was already generating buzz. Other directors were also preparing their films, hoping for box office success.

“Director Wang, the script revisions are done. Shall we continue filming?”

“Of course! Get ready, we’re starting!”

“No problem. Director, why did you choose to write this script? It’s a realistic story, but… a struggling young man who can’t achieve his dreams, no matter how hard he tries? It’s so depressing. The audience might not like it.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not doing this for box office success. It’s a good story, and I want to tell it well.”

“I still think it’s too dark. Why write such a story? If the protagonist can’t achieve his dreams despite his efforts, isn’t that just antagonizing the audience?”

“Are you the director, or am I? This story is about the struggles of a marginalized youth, not some inspirational tale. Just trust me.”

Filming continued, the revised script lying on the director’s table…

Chapter 133: The Era

Initially, the editorial department resisted Yu Linna’s request to publish two novels simultaneously. Even as the Gold Award winner, there was no precedent for such a thing. They considered Chen Xi’s offer of publishing five books of any genre, novels or short stories, within three years, with the caveat of not all short stories, a significant concession. Shion, however, was pushing it with another novel.

Yes, they initially refused.

Chen Xi, calmly, asked them to read the manuscript before making a judgment.

They began reading, their initial displeasure gradually fading, replaced by thoughtful expressions as they finished.

“As you all know, we once lost a promising author: Luo Nan. If we had signed her, things might have been different, and Wenqing wouldn’t be in its current predicament. Now, we have another opportunity, and I don’t want to miss it. Please allow Shion-sensei to publish both novels.”

“But there’s no precedent…”

“As long as the author is talented and can bring profit to Wenqing, precedents and rules shouldn’t matter. What we need is talent.”

She finally persuaded them.

The initial opposition within Wenqing gradually diminished. After all, an author capable of bringing them significant profit had the right to be demanding. Even as a newcomer, Shion had already written a second novel, while Zhao Yuyan’s second novel was still nowhere in sight.

Their only concern was that serializing two novels simultaneously might strain Shion’s energy, affecting the quality of their work.

But she was the Gold Award winner, and Wenqing hadn’t had consecutive newcomer champions in a long time. Coupled with the impact of the Luo Nan incident, they didn’t want to lose another promising author.

If Shion went to Qidian, it would be a devastating loss. Qidian was the leading publishing platform in the country, offering better terms. If Shion joined them, Wenqing’s already dwindling pool of new authors would shrink further.

The publication was approved, with the first edition scheduled for April. But first, they needed to find an illustrator, a task Chen Xi had already begun, confident of finding someone suitable within a few days. A good novel needed good illustrations.

“Shion-sensei, I’m looking for an illustrator for you. I should find someone within a couple of days. In the meantime, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Having been unblocked, Chen Xi could finally communicate with Yu Linna on QQ, keeping track of her progress and, if necessary, reminding her of deadlines.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Considering your appearance and age, I’d like to use that for marketing, like we did with Air.”

“…You mean… package me as an idol author?”

Though Chen Xi hadn’t explicitly stated it, Yu Linna understood her intentions.

She was indeed attractive, her appearance striking. Though petite and lacking a curvy figure, she was still young, only eighteen, even younger than Zhao Yuyan when she won the award.

Marketing her as a young, talented author would be a good publicity stunt, commercially beneficial. Many would buy her novels out of curiosity, generating profit.

Zhao Yuyan had been marketed similarly, as a talented young writer. Initially, many bought her books out of curiosity, but gradually, they became genuine fans of her work. Her fans had nicknamed her “Miss Air,” a title befitting her beauty.

Clearly, Chen Xi wanted to do the same with Yu Linna.

“Sister Chen, I refuse.”

“What? Refuse? Why?!”

Chen Xi was taken aback. Why would she refuse such a beneficial offer?

And Yu Linna was even more attractive than Zhao Yuyan. If not her, then who?

Wasting such a beautiful face seemed illogical.

“Sister Chen, you might think I’m being childish, but I don’t want people to think I’m just a pretty face.”

“But it doesn’t matter! Air faced similar doubts initially, but she proved herself with her talent!”

“No, I don’t want to do it. I don’t want people to look at me and see only a pretty face, nothing more.”

During her time at Chenghe, she had been constantly praised for her looks, while her hard work, her efforts, were ignored. She knew she lacked acting skills, that she was just a pretty face, nothing more.

And it was that pretty face that had led her to be manipulated and betrayed by Nangong Ying.

She had once believed her beauty was her weapon, only to realize it was also her weakness.

She refused to use her appearance as a marketing tool. She would prove herself with her talent. She would reveal her appearance only after earning recognition for her work.

“I want to prove myself with my writing. I want people to focus on my novels, not my looks.”

Chen Xi couldn’t argue with her.

Yu Linna was surprisingly stubborn; no one could sway her. Since she had made up her mind, Chen Xi had no choice but to accept it.

“Alright, I respect your decision.”

She had hoped to use Yu Linna’s appearance for publicity, but it seemed that plan wouldn’t work. She could only hope the novel would sell well.

After all, Ballad of the Enchantress wasn’t likely to appeal to a mass audience.

With that settled, the only remaining issue was the illustrations, which they would resolve soon. Wenqing’s New Talent Awards had concluded, the winner announced via livestream, but since Shion hadn’t attended, no one knew what they looked like.

Following Chen Xi’s instructions, Yu Linna created a Weibo account, using the name “Shion,” with the tags: Official VIP Verified, Wenqing Author, Gold Award Winner.

Her first post was an announcement for her upcoming novel:

“Hello, everyone, I’m Shion~ Ballad of the Enchantress will be officially released in April. It’s a novel you won’t want to miss. Please support it~”

Since her book hadn’t been released yet, her popularity wasn’t high, but as the Gold Award winner, she attracted the attention of readers, her follower count gradually increasing. Everyone was curious about the champion’s work.

After posting, Yu Linna leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. She seemed relaxed, yet also burdened. Life had been a constant struggle for survival, for basic necessities. She had never known stability.

Now, overnight, she had become an author, a Gold Award winner.

It felt like a cruel joke.

Her life story was a legend, a tale of perseverance. From poverty to struggling in the entertainment industry, facing exploitation and contemplating suicide, to being rescued by Ye Zhiyun, finding temporary stability, then rekindling her dream and finally winning the grand prize.

When the award was announced, she had assumed she would win at most an honorable mention, so she hadn’t attended, choosing instead to focus on writing her new novel, Zixuan and the Paper Airplane.

She had underestimated herself. She hadn’t expected to win the Gold Award, securing a publishing contract and a prize of three million yuan.

More than the award, she valued the money. Three million! Having lived in poverty, she should have been ecstatic, and she was grateful for this hard-earned success, cherishing it more than anyone.

She was finally a success.

“Hey, Linna, I heard you won an award for your novel? Congratulations! So, Little Angel’s bestie on Bilibili is a famous author now, huh? Hehe~ Not bad.”

“Jiangning… let’s celebrate! I’ll invite Zhiyun and Wenqian too.”

“Sure! Let’s celebrate your debut as a great author! You choose the place.”

“Okay, it’s on me.”

“You’re paying? …Are you sure? I have money; I can pay.”

“No, I’m paying. I have three million. I’m paying.”

“…Alright, if you insist.”

Fang Jiangning chuckled on the other end of the line.

Yu Linna, the queen of freeloading, offering to pay for a meal? It was unheard of. But today, she was paying, celebrating her three-million-yuan prize. Though the amount itself wasn’t significant, the gesture, to Fang Jiangning, held a deeper meaning.

For Yu Linna, the frugal penny-pincher, to offer to pay meant these people were more important to her than money.

The thought made Fang Jiangning smile.

After so many failures and setbacks, Yu Linna had finally found her path.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yuyan, having returned home from the awards ceremony to play games, learned from Chen Xi that the winner was Yu Linna, her surprise evident.

“Her? Wow! I didn’t expect that. She won just like me! That’s great! As expected of my junior.”

“She’s already written two novels. You, as her senior, should step up your game. When are you going to finish Volume Four of The Rich Man’s Game?”

“Well… I actually have a new short story planned. It’s about a rich girl and a wealthy guy flirting with each other.”

“Alright, alright. Just hurry up and write. I’m waiting for Volume Four.”

Getting Zhao Yuyan to finish her novel seemed like a long shot; she was the queen of procrastination.

But having two Gold Award winners under her wing was something to be proud of.

A new era was coming, and no one knew who would reign supreme.

Chapter 132: Signing Her, No Matter What

Chen Xi had hoped Yu Linna would write a collection of short stories for easy publication. After all, as the winner of the New Talent Awards, she had the opportunity, and it would befit her status.

However, Yu Linna had no intention of writing short stories, having already started another novel. This displeased Chen Xi.

A novel rushed out in such a short time was unlikely to be of high quality, likely just a hasty effort. Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna could produce another good novel so quickly.

But recalling her ability to write a complete novel in seven days and six nights, she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, she was the Gold Award winner.

“Alright, let me see the manuscript.”

Despite her words, Chen Xi remained skeptical. A novel was different from a short story, requiring more time and a more complex world.

Yu Linna removed Chen Xi from her blacklist and sent her the manuscript for Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, which she had finished in the past few days.

This novel was different from Ballad of the Enchantress, abandoning the grand world-building and complex relationships for a simple, heartwarming everyday story.

Initially, Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna’s ability, but as she read, she realized she had underestimated her.

The protagonist, Tang Yu, a man in his thirties, surprised her. Current trends favored young male protagonists with harems; older protagonists were rare.

And then, the introduction of Tang Yu’s son, Tang Zixuan, surprised her even more. With a son, there likely wouldn’t be a romantic interest; the protagonist was already married. But then, with the death of his ex-wife, and Tang Yu left to care for his seven-year-old son, Chen Xi anticipated the introduction of a new female protagonist.

However, there wasn’t one. The story focused on the developing relationship between Tang Yu and Zixuan, from initial awkwardness and resentment to gradual understanding and connection. When Zixuan expressed a desire for a new schoolbag, envious of his classmates, Tang Yu, the ultimate slacker, decided to take on manual labor, working long hours to earn money for his son.

Chen Xi was hooked.

Other characters appeared, like Zixuan’s wealthy classmates and Tang Yu’s old friends, but the core of the story remained the evolving bond between father and son.

In the end, Zixuan got his new schoolbag, and Tang Yu, through his son’s smile, rediscovered the meaning of family, reflecting on his years of wasted potential and resolving to be a better father. He decided to find a stable job to support his family, and the story concluded.

It was a heartwarming story about family, devoid of romance or drama, a simple, yet powerful narrative.

Chen Xi hadn’t expected it to be so moving, so relatable.

It made her think of her own parents, who had supported her through university, while she, after graduating, rarely visited them, always busy with work. She felt a pang of guilt. She should make more time for them; their hair must be even grayer now.

“This is a wonderful story.”

Having finished the manuscript, Chen Xi couldn’t help but praise it, the portrayal of family so beautifully rendered.

She didn’t know that the depiction of family was actually Yu Linna’s own idealized vision, a longing for the family she had never had. The family she craved was brought to life through her words, a family like Tang Yu and Zixuan’s, imperfect yet finding connection and building a future together.

Yu Linna, having no family, no relatives, yearned for that connection, that sense of belonging. This yearning became Zixuan and the Paper Airplane. The first gift Tang Zixuan received from his father was a handmade paper airplane, a simple gift that Yu Linna herself longed for.

The paper airplane symbolized dreams, a gift of love and aspiration from a parent. Its flight symbolized the child growing up, venturing into the world, carrying the love and support of their family.

“Shion-sensei, I’ve changed my mind. You’re truly a one-in-a-million talent. You’re exceptional.”

Chen Xi believed that if she signed Yu Linna, her talent would shine, potentially becoming a pillar of Wenqing, a thorn in Qidian’s side. To produce two distinct, high-quality novels with unique personal styles in such a short time was a feat even Zhao Yuyan hadn’t accomplished. Back then, she had only one novel and a few short stories to her name.

With proper guidance, Yu Linna could become an author even greater than Zhao Yuyan. Chen Xi was convinced of this.

“So, what do you propose?”

“We’ll sign you. Zixuan and the Paper Airplane is a wonderful story. I’ll discuss it with the team and see if we can make an exception and publish it. But Shion-sensei, if we do, you’ll be serializing two novels simultaneously. Can you handle it?”

“As long as you give me the chance, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Yu Linna had endured so many failures; she wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. No matter how difficult, it couldn’t be worse than going hungry.

“Alright, as you wish. Starting today, I’m your editor. Submit all your manuscripts to me. Let’s sign the contract. You just turned eighteen, right?”

Chen Xi presented the revised contract, offering Yu Linna a pen. Once signed, she would officially be a Wenqing author. Ye Zhiyun, observing silently, smiled faintly. Yu Linna deserved this.

Picking up the pen, Yu Linna recalled the contract she had signed with Chenghe. This contract was different, far more equitable.

She signed her name, “Yu Linna.”

From this moment on, she was no longer just Yu Linna; she was Shion, a Wenqing author.

She was finally making her debut.

One day, her name would be known throughout the country, her existence acknowledged. One day, she would reach the pinnacle of success.

She had once sought fame to escape poverty; now, she would strive for her dreams.

She would keep moving forward, never stopping.

Because she had found her purpose.

Having signed Yu Linna, Chen Xi was elated. Though Yu Linna’s second novel had been unexpected, she wouldn’t let this opportunity pass. She had to sign her.

She didn’t want a repeat of the Luo Nan incident.

Back then, Luo Nan had submitted her first novel to Wenqing. Chen Xi had seen its potential, believing it would be a success, and wanted to sign her. The standard royalty rate for newcomers was 5%, but Luo Nan wasn’t satisfied, demanding 9%.

She had also offered to write two novels simultaneously, demanding better terms and priority publishing, requesting the same treatment as Air.

As a newcomer, her demands were considered arrogant. The entire editorial department disapproved, despite Chen Xi’s insistence on signing her, even with reduced terms. The other editors, deeming her too presumptuous, refused, even refusing to read her manuscript.

Infuriated, Luo Nan took her work to Qidian, and within months, her novel was published, the initial print run of five thousand copies selling out on the first day, followed by a reprint of thirty thousand. Now, her second novel was in preparation, fulfilling her promise of serializing two novels simultaneously.

Luo Nan was now Qidian’s treasure, a newcomer with the potential to become a literary giant. Wenqing regretted their decision; if they had signed her, things might have been different.

But there were no ifs.

Chen Xi didn’t want to repeat that mistake, so this time, no matter the demands, she would ensure Yu Linna stayed with Wenqing.

“Shion-sensei, I’ll be going now. I’ll find an illustrator for your novel as soon as possible.”

“Okay.”

With Chen Xi’s departure, the apartment fell silent.

Ye Zhiyun sat beside Yu Linna, their shoulders touching, a smile on her face.

“Nana, congratulations.”

“I’ve already heard that~”

“I wanted to say it again. You’ve worked so hard. I’m so happy for you.”

“I should thank you too, Zhiyun. Thank you for supporting me, helping me all this time. Without you, I would have been splattered on the train tracks.”

It was true. If Ye Zhiyun hadn’t intervened, Yu Linna would have ended her life at the train station. She was eternally grateful to Ye Zhiyun, grateful for her help in leaving the entertainment industry, which had led her to find a new path, a new direction.

She wasn’t cut out for the entertainment industry. Though she had a pretty face, she wasn’t meant to be in front of the camera.

Her true stage was the literary world, a place where she could unleash her talent.

She had proven her abilities with two novels, a talent she had kept hidden. Now, she would spread her wings and soar.

And none of this would have been possible without Ye Zhiyun.

“Zhiyun, thank you for taking me in, for giving me a home. I don’t know how to thank you. I’m so happy. I can finally do what I love. Zhiyun…”

“Don’t say anything. Now, you need to celebrate your victory. Where should we go?”

Holding hands, their hearts connected, the atmosphere warm and intimate.

Chapter 131: A Visit

The awards ceremony concluded, and the editorial department was likely still reeling from the unexpected victory of another newcomer. Following Air’s success last year, a new superstar had emerged: Shion.

It was a surprise to everyone.

Even Yu Linna herself was stunned upon learning she had won. She had hoped for an honorable mention, a chance to publish, but winning first place was beyond her wildest dreams.

“Chen Xi from the editorial department wants to sign you. I’ll bring her over now. Is that okay?”

“I’ve almost finished my current manuscript. I have time.”

“That’s good. Nana, though a bit late, congratulations.”

“…Thank you.”

Yu Linna’s emotions were complex, but excitement dominated.

It had been a long and arduous journey, filled with failures and setbacks. The constant rejections had almost crushed her spirit, making her believe she was destined for mediocrity. But she had persevered, rising through sheer willpower and determination.

She had once thought her journey would never begin, but now, she was finally setting sail.

She remembered Tang Yumeng’s words, how the word “dream” had kept her going in the seemingly hopeless entertainment industry. It had been a key factor in Yu Linna rekindling her own aspirations.

This time, her persistence had paid off.

Effort might not always yield results, but without effort, there were no results.

Perseverance might not always bring hope, but without perseverance, there was no hope.

Yu Linna could finally proudly declare that she was no longer a nobody. From this day forward, she was a novelist.

“Wuu…”

She covered her face, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

She was happy.

After so much hardship, so many failures, this feeling of triumph was overwhelming.

She was grateful to be alive.

Grateful she hadn’t jumped in front of that train.

She had survived. She had found her worth.

Yu Linna was finally on her way.

When Chen Xi arrived with Ye Zhiyun, her face was etched with disbelief, especially when the door opened, revealing Yu Linna standing in the doorway. She wasn’t foolish; she understood Ye Zhiyun’s intentions.

“You’re… Shion?”

“If you mean the pen name, then yes.”

Honestly, Chen Xi still struggled to accept this reality.

Yu Linna was so young, barely eighteen. Zhao Yuyan had won the New Talent Awards at nineteen. Now, Yu Linna had broken the record for the youngest winner, just a year later.

She had imagined Shion as a world-weary, middle-aged man, a literary type with a beard. This petite, adorable girl with blonde hair… the contrast was jarring.

If Shion was indeed a woman, it explained the emotionally charged ending, the delicate portrayal of feelings, which didn’t seem like a man’s writing style. But the world-building, the narrative tension… it was still hard to believe Yu Linna was the author.

“Nana, this is for you. You deserve it.”

Ye Zhiyun handed Yu Linna the trophy and the check, the symbol of Wenqing’s highest honor.

Yu Linna accepted them, her face still etched with disbelief, but her expression gradually softened as she looked at the trophy and the check, a sense of calm settling over her. Having finally achieved her dream, she couldn’t describe the feeling. She was usually obsessed with money, so seeing the three-million-yuan check should have sent her into a frenzy, but she was surprisingly calm.

Yes, she was happy, but not ecstatic.

She accepted her honor with quiet grace.

Perhaps it was the countless failures, the numerous setbacks, that had tempered her emotions, allowing her to receive this victory with unexpected composure. She was suddenly grateful for those difficult times, the struggles that had shaped her, the experiences that had paved the way for her success.

God was fair. If she had succeeded easily, she wouldn’t appreciate it as much. Perhaps she would have become like Nangong Ying.

“Shion, would you mind discussing your novel?”

After a long pause, Chen Xi finally addressed the matter at hand.

Having won the Gold Award, Yu Linna had earned the title of “Shion-sensei” from Chen Xi, a sign of respect.

“Yes, of course. Come in.”

Yu Linna wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, forcing a smile, and invited them in. Now that she had made a name for herself, she would be a priority for Wenqing; they wouldn’t let such a promising talent slip away.

Ballad of the Enchantress, though not a perfect commercial novel, with its melancholic ending and lack of lightheartedness, was still a good book. And this year, the competition had been weak; if not Shion, who else would have won?

“Shion-sensei, do you remember blocking me? When are you going to unblock me?”

“Ah? You’re… Chen Xi?”

“Who else would I be?”

“Uh… I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…”

“Just unblock me. I want to be your editor, in charge of your manuscripts. Is that okay?”

“That’s fine with me.”

Chen Xi was Wenqing’s top talent scout, second only to the chief editor in authority. Authors she took under her wing usually achieved success. Even Luo Nan, who had left for Qidian, had initially been Chen Xi’s target.

Chen Xi rarely misjudged talent.

Except for Yu Linna.

She had almost overlooked her, almost lost a promising author, a potential loss for the literary world. Fortunately, Yu Linna had ultimately chosen this path.

“Before we discuss the contract, Shion-sensei, there’s something I’d like to know. You said you weren’t interested in becoming a novelist and even rejected my offer. What made you change your mind? And you gave me such a pleasant surprise.”

Yu Linna struggled to find an explanation.

She had been so adamant, so resolute, and yet… she had eaten her words. She couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

“Let’s not talk about that…”

“Alright. One more question. When did you write this manuscript? I recall you rejecting my offer only two weeks before the deadline. You finished it that quickly?”

Her question was understandable. For a typical author, writing a one-hundred-thousand-word novel in two weeks was incredibly rushed, often compromising quality. But Yu Linna’s work was well-written, the prose flowing smoothly.

“Well… it took me a week. Seven days and six nights.”

“…Are you human?”

Chen Xi wanted to facepalm.

One week, seven days and six nights, to write Ballad of the Enchantress. That was insane. And the quality hadn’t suffered.

A complete novel in such a short time. It was unimaginable. She had assumed it was a carefully crafted work, the plot logically sound.

“Okay, let’s move on to the contract. Rabbit Princess already mentioned that we want to sign you, to publish five novels within three years.”

Yu Linna frowned.

She didn’t like the sound of that.

Ye Zhiyun, standing beside her, also looked displeased. The terms weren’t favorable to Yu Linna.

“Miss Chen, is this your standard contract for newcomers?”

“You could say that.”

“Five novels in three years is a bit much. Even the fastest writers can’t produce five full-length novels in that time.”

“In that case, I can revise the terms. Five books in three years, with novel volumes not counting towards the total. You can write both short stories and novels during this period, but you can’t simply pad your novel with multiple volumes, and you can’t submit only short stories.”

Yu Linna’s expression softened slightly.

These terms were acceptable. Three years; she could manage that.

“And regarding royalties…”

Chen Xi’s brow furrowed as she observed Yu Linna’s calm demeanor. She slowly revealed the terms.

“8%. What do you think?”

This was much more reasonable than the 4% offered earlier by Rabbit Princess, which Yu Linna had rejected.

Having won the Gold Award, Yu Linna’s status had risen; they couldn’t offer her such a low rate. This new figure was more befitting a champion.

“Okay.”

“Also, we want the animation and manga adaptation rights for your novel.”

“…What does that entail?”

“If your work is adapted, we’ll pay you for the rights. We can discuss the specifics later. Shion-sensei, you’d like to see your work adapted into anime or film one day, wouldn’t you?”

It was true. Every author dreamed of seeing their work adapted, reaching a wider audience.

Ye Zhiyun, sitting beside her, frowned but remained silent.

“And since you won the Gold Award, in addition to your novel publishing contract, you also have the opportunity to publish a collection of short stories. Can you write one soon?”

“…I don’t have any short stories ready, but I’ve been working on a new novel. Would you like to take a look? Perhaps it’s suitable for publication.”

Chen Xi’s brow furrowed.

Chapter 130: Well-Deserved

Inside the venue, everyone held their breath, anticipating the final results. For the aspiring authors, this was their chance to make a name for themselves. Only three awards were given each year, and though there were honorable mentions, the top three spots held the most weight, representing the highest honor, more than just a publishing contract.

It was about recognition.

“Before we announce the winners, we’ve invited last year’s champion, Air, to give a speech.”

Sparse applause rippled through the audience. Air was a well-known figure at Wenqing, the undisputed champion of the previous year, having surpassed even established authors with her impressive sales figures. If Wenqing had a roster of star authors, Air would undoubtedly be among them, even as a newcomer.

Zhao Yuyan felt a headache coming on. She hadn’t wanted to come, but Chen Xi had insisted. This appearance was just a formality.

Despite her reluctance, she walked onto the stage with a smile, accepting the microphone from the host. Looking at the sea of faces below, she thought, I hate crowds.

“Hello, everyone. I’m your friendly neighborhood Air. First, congratulations to all the newcomers for making it this far. Reaching this stage means you’ve demonstrated considerable talent. Whether you win or not, you now have a ticket to a professional writing career. I won last year, and it’s hard to believe a year has already passed. I have a few pieces of advice for you, the most important of which is: persevere. This job isn’t easy; it’s not as glamorous as it seems. You have to endure the loneliness, the struggles, to find success. That’s all I have to say. Also, don’t ask about Volume Four of The Rich Man’s Game. It’s not done yet. Haha.”

She ended with a lighthearted joke, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Zhao Yuyan’s slow writing pace was well-known. Readers constantly urged her to write more, to publish faster. However, a year later, The Rich Man’s Game had only reached its third volume, a glacial pace, even though she had published several collections of short stories in the meantime.

She seemed to prefer writing short stories over novels, much to the frustration of her readers.

Qian Jiaxuan took the microphone, ready to announce the awards.

“Thank you, Air, for your insightful words. Now, it’s time to reveal the winners. First, the Honorable Mentions. These authors will receive publishing contracts and a prize of ten thousand yuan. The winners are: What’s Wrong with Falling in Love with a Fujoshi? by Fujoshi Loves Uncle, Tracks of Life and Death by Empty Trace, 180 Ways to Train a Witch by Ako, and I Don’t Want to Cultivate Immortality! by Zero…”

As the honorable mentions were announced, the tension in the room thickened.

Some would win, some would lose; it was inevitable. Everyone here was talented, but only a few could emerge victorious. Though the honorable mentions received publishing contracts, the true recognition lay in the top three awards. That was the battle of the titans.

Ye Zhiyun sat in the audience, an invited guest, but she had a feeling about the final results. If things went as she hoped, it would be perfect.

She closed her eyes, silently praying for the absent author.

She hoped Shion’s work would win.

“Next, the winner of the Bronze Award, third place, is… My Online Boyfriend is Actually My Younger Brother! by Dom Anlia.”

Applause erupted, a mixture of joy and disappointment.

The winner of the third-place award, initially assumed to be female, turned out to be a man in his thirties. Who would have thought such a seemingly rugged man could write such a girly story?

After the customary acceptance speech, the ceremony proceeded.

“The winner of the Silver Award, second place, is… The Cross-dressing Young Master Doesn’t Want to be Served! by Bai Chen.”

The second-place winner took the stage. Dressed in a suit with long hair, he initially appeared to be female, but Ye Zhiyun noticed his broad shoulders and Adam’s apple. He was a man. Why was he so androgynous?

With the second-place award announced, it was finally time for the grand prize.

If Yu Linna were here, she would be on edge. After so many rounds of eliminations, her name still hadn’t been called. She would be starting to doubt her chances. Moreover, her story was different from the others, which were mostly lighthearted and entertaining, while hers was filled with angst and sorrow.

Winning was uncertain.

But it wasn’t Yu Linna waiting for the results; it was Ye Zhiyun. She clenched her fists, a rare display of nervousness for someone accustomed to high-pressure situations. She desperately wanted Nana to win.

If it were for herself, she wouldn’t be so anxious. But this was about Yu Linna, and she couldn’t help but pray for her success.

Yu Linna had worked so hard, endured so much. From the singing competition to now, she had constantly strived for success, only to be met with rejection and disappointment. She always gave her all, yet she never achieved the results she desired.

Each time, she swallowed her tears, her pain, and persevered. She yearned for a chance to succeed. Yu Linna’s heart, too, held a dream.

She had once chased Nangong Ying’s shadow, now she was fighting for herself, and in the future, she hoped to soar even higher.

Perhaps it was this refusal to be ordinary that destined her for greatness.

“The next award, the first-place award, has been a subject of much debate. We’ve had numerous discussions, countless meetings, unable to decide on its categorization, whether it was suitable for commercial publication. But one day, our chief editor said that a good novel shouldn’t be confined by labels. As long as it’s a good story, it deserves to be appreciated.”

Qian Jiaxuan shared the behind-the-scenes story with a smile.

This novel had been incredibly controversial, dividing the editorial department. But it was undoubtedly a well-written story, deserving of recognition. And for that reason, it was a well-deserved winner.

“The winner of the Gold Award, first place, is… Ballad of the Enchantress by Shion!”

A hush fell over the audience, the world seeming to pause as the words hung in the air.

Then, applause erupted, a tribute to the victor.

If only Yu Linna were here.

She would be so happy, perhaps even crying tears of joy.

Yu Linna had worked tirelessly, persevering through failures and hardships. Faced with setbacks, she always picked herself up and moved forward, even when bruised and battered. Though the Chenghe incident had dealt her a devastating blow, leaving her unable to stand for a while, she had eventually overcome it, choosing to rise, to bravely face her challenges, to find her place in the world. If she couldn’t be a singer, she would become a celebrity. If not a celebrity, then an actress. If not an actress, then a writer.

The world was vast, the paths endless; there was bound to be one suited for her.

And Yu Linna, after so many trials and tribulations, had finally found her calling.

Ye Zhiyun, sitting in the audience, smiled. Nana, you did it. You actually did it. You’re amazing. Through so many failures and setbacks, you persevered, even after being betrayed, never forgetting your dream. Nana, you’re truly remarkable.

To have navigated such a difficult path, her resilience was extraordinary.

Adversity will eventually give way to prosperity; set sail and ride the waves.

It had all been worth it.

“Is Shion here? Please come on stage to accept your award.”

Qian Jiaxuan called out the name, but the author was nowhere to be found.

Chen Xi walked onto the stage, whispering something to Qian Jiaxuan, who looked surprised but quickly regained her composure, addressing the audience.

“We’ve just received news that Shion, the winner of the Gold Award, is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, we’ve asked someone to accept the award on their behalf. Please welcome Miss Ye.”

Miss Ye?

The audience gasped, their attention now focused on Ye Zhiyun. Miss Ye was a well-known businesswoman, especially active in the past year, often seen at Wenqing, discussing film and television adaptations with authors. Projects she invested in often became successful, contributing to her growing reputation.

Of course, that was also due to her keen eye for promising works.

While not entirely accurate, most of it was based on rumors.

But her reputation was undeniable.

Everyone speculated about her relationship with Shion. Who was this person, connected to the winner of the Gold Award, able to accept the award on their behalf?

“I’d like to thank everyone on Shion’s behalf. They couldn’t be here today, so I’m accepting this award in their place. Thank you.”

She accepted the award, along with a check for three million yuan, the grand prize. Who would have thought Yu Linna could actually achieve this, proving to the world that she wasn’t worthless, that her time would come.

New sails replace the sinking ship; withered trees give way to a vibrant spring.

Perseverance brought light.

Though she wasn’t present, she had achieved her greatest victory.

Her time had finally come. Shion, this name, would soon take the world by storm.

Chapter 129: The New Talent Awards

After returning home, Yu Linna sat at her computer desk, lost in thought, then opened a new document. Since Nangong Ying claimed she didn’t understand, she would… show her.

Learning about her past and encountering Nangong Ying had left her emotionally drained. But she had to keep living, to live well. She had to prove herself, to earn respect.

The only person she could rely on was herself; waiting for others was unrealistic. Yu Linna finally understood this.

She began typing, immersing herself in her imagination. Writing allowed her to escape reality, to find solace. She discovered the joy of creation.

Yu Linna started a new story, titled Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, a title that lacked immediate appeal but held a special meaning for her.

The protagonist, Tang Yu, was a despondent man in his thirties. Laid off from his job, he drowned his sorrows in alcohol, watching his friends achieve success while he wallowed in self-pity. Then, his ex-wife passed away, leaving him with their seven-year-old son, Tang Zixuan. With Zixuan’s mother gone, Tang Yu, a father who had been largely absent from his son’s life, had no choice but to take responsibility. And so, his life began to change…

She wrote this story seeking the familial connection she had always craved, portraying the ideal family she had always longed for. She had no parents, no home, so she created one in her story.

It was a story about family, about a father and son, about love and connection. The overall tone was heartwarming, focusing solely on the father-son relationship, without a female protagonist. It was her most heartfelt work.

No parents? She could write. No home? She could write. No family? She could write. Since she had none of these, she would find them in her stories.

Her previous novel, Ballad of the Enchantress, had followed commercial conventions, but this one was different, more of an emotional outpouring than a calculated commercial piece.

But it didn’t matter; she simply wanted to write this story.

Soon, it was time for Wenqing’s annual New Talent Awards. The finalists would be ranked, and the winners would receive publishing contracts. While everyone anticipated the results, most were curious about who would win first place. Historically, the winner had always been an established author using a pen name, except for last year, when Zhao Yuyan, with her exceptional talent, had taken the top spot, becoming the youngest winner ever.

She had been only nineteen.

What would happen this year? It was exciting.

“You’re saying what?”

Ye Zhiyun’s expression was a mixture of surprise and amusement after receiving Yu Linna’s call. She listened patiently as Yu Linna explained.

“Shion… That pen name… is yours, right?”

“Yes, I understand. Okay.”

“Okay, you can use it. I’ll be back later.”

Hanging up, Ye Zhiyun sighed. While she was away, Nana had started writing, and her work had even been shortlisted for the New Talent Awards. It was completely unexpected.

She hadn’t thought Yu Linna would recover so quickly. The Chenghe incident had been devastating, but somehow, she had found a new direction, a new passion. Ye Zhiyun had read Ballad of the Enchantress after Yu Linna shared the file with her.

She had to admit, it was a good novel. While not a masterpiece, it was undoubtedly a well-written piece.

And knowing it was Yu Linna’s work made it even more special. Hearing that Yu Linna was writing another novel was even more surprising. Yu Linna had been moving forward without her even knowing.

As an invited guest, Ye Zhiyun dressed formally, wearing an elegant dress, her hair styled in an updo, a necklace adorning her neck.

At the awards ceremony venue, banners were hung, cameras pointed at the stage, staff bustling about, making final preparations. The doors opened, and people began to arrive. Within an hour, the hall was filled. The curtains were drawn on stage, several senior editors were present, and the chief editor, Tang He, stood on stage, eager to witness this year’s event.

The invited authors began to arrive, the finalists looking nervous, standing stiffly, their anticipation palpable. Zhao Yuyan, dressed formally for the occasion, entered with a look of resignation. Instead of an elegant dress like Ye Zhiyun, she wore a white shirt, a black skirt, and small leather shoes, her long hair tied in a single braid hanging over her left shoulder. She looked more like a corporate employee attending a business meeting than a renowned author.

She had worn the same outfit last year when she won, and the video of her acceptance speech had circulated online. Female authors were a rarity, and Zhao Yuyan’s beauty had earned her a considerable fanbase.

“Hello, Air.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, Air.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, Air.”

“Hello.”

Ugh, this is why I hate these events, Zhao Yuyan thought, plastering a smile on her face.

Since becoming famous, she was constantly greeted at formal events. Though well-intentioned, she disliked the attention. She just wanted to go home and play games.

“Has Shion arrived?”

With the ceremony about to begin, Chen Xi inquired with the security guards at the entrance. They hadn’t seen anyone named Shion with an invitation. Chen Xi had specifically instructed them to look out for Shion, but they were nowhere to be found.

This was frustrating.

Did Shion think they wouldn’t win and decide not to come?

It was possible.

After all, their novel was controversial. But to have emerged from so many submissions meant they had talent. And this year, there weren’t many outstanding works.

Chen Xi was anxious. She didn’t want to lose Shion, a potential star author.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, everyone in attendance! I’m Qian Jiaxuan, also known as Rabbit Princess, a new editor at Wenqing, and your host for tonight’s awards ceremony. Another year has passed, and tonight, we’ll reveal who will be the chosen ones. Now, I declare the annual Wenqing New Talent Awards officially open!”

Music filled the air, followed by applause. The lights dimmed, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

The New Talent Awards had begun.

But Shion wasn’t there.

Though Chen Xi didn’t know who Shion was or what they looked like, they were absent. The author she had such high hopes for hadn’t shown up.

The ceremony had started; it was too late to enter now.

Though disappointed, there was nothing she could do. She would have to find someone else to accept the award.

“Miss Chen Xi.”

A voice called from behind. Chen Xi turned.

Ye Zhiyun, elegant in her formal attire, stood there, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes held a predatory glint, a natural aura of dominance.

Having returned from her trip to England with her family, she was eager to get back to work. This event was an opportunity. Since she had been invited, she might as well make her presence felt.

“Miss Ye, is there something I can help you with?”

Ye Zhiyun was an invited guest, expected only to observe the ceremony and attend the dinner afterward. Nothing more.

But Ye Zhiyun had other plans.

“Shion asked me to inform you that they couldn’t make it.”

“What? You know Shion?”

“Yes. They’re working on a new novel and didn’t want to interrupt their flow, so they couldn’t come tonight.”

Chen Xi almost choked.

What could be more important than the New Talent Awards?!

It was a major event, livestreamed to the public, where the most promising newcomer was crowned, earning Wenqing’s full support for the following year. Though not as influential as Qidian, Wenqing still held considerable power, using the New Talent Awards to showcase their strength.

And Shion… simply decided not to come? How casual!

Just like Air!

“Achoo!”

Zhao Yuyan sneezed. Was it cold in here, or was she underdressed?

Chen Xi, though surprised, accepted Shion’s absence. She wondered about the relationship between Miss Ye and Shion. She knew nothing about Shion, their appearance, their gender, nothing. Yet, Miss Ye had relayed their message, suggesting a close connection.

But it didn’t matter; everything would be revealed during the contract signing. Only the author themselves could sign a contract; what was unknown now would eventually come to light.

More importantly, she had gained a new perspective on Ye Zhiyun. Her decision to befriend Miss Ye seemed to be the right one. She was more than just a businesswoman; she was a woman of considerable influence.

To be close to Shion… she wasn’t a simple person either.

“After intense competition, thirty novels have emerged from tens of thousands of submissions. Tonight, these thirty works will compete for three coveted awards.”

The host’s voice filled the hall, the excitement building.

Chapter 128: Moving Forward

Yu Linna accompanied Wu Siyu to the site of the former orphanage, a place demolished years ago, located in a different city. It took a three-hour drive for Yu Linna to return to the city of her childhood.

The streets were unrecognizable, now lined with towering commercial buildings, a stark contrast to the old, worn-down streets of her memory, reminiscent of Beijing’s ancient hutongs. The familiar landscape had been replaced by a bustling commercial district.

She remembered the orphanage at the end of the street, a small building housing at most a hundred children. Wu Siyu had been the director.

Yu Linna had lived there for about three months before the government demolished it, leaving Wu Siyu jobless. Though there had been some compensation, it was Yu Linna who suffered the most. While other children found adoptive families, she remained unwanted. Her mixed-race appearance was a disadvantage; few wanted to adopt a child of mixed heritage.

Yu Linna then began her nomadic life, moving between at least twelve foster families each year, lucky if she could stay in the same school for a full year.

At ten, she declared her independence, moving out to live alone, with only a nominal guardian. Eight years had passed, and she had grown up, the world around her changing drastically.

“That’s where the orphanage used to be. Now, it’s a commercial building.”

Wu Siyu pointed to a towering skyscraper, now a popular entertainment hub, its exterior plastered with advertisements. The entrance was crowded with smiling people, a group of girls chatting and laughing as they entered.

“It’s changed so much.”

Seeing the transformation of her former home, Yu Linna felt a wave of nostalgia.

Time flew by; over a decade had passed in the blink of an eye.

The orphanage was gone, and she had moved on, but she still hadn’t found her place in the world.

Wu Siyu didn’t know who or where her parents were. If the police couldn’t find them, how could she?

But it was true that she had been bought from human traffickers. Whether she had been kidnapped or sold, she didn’t know.

Life was easier without attachments, without ties. But attachments, once formed, brought pain.

That was Yu Linna’s burden.

She didn’t know who her biological parents were, but she couldn’t help but feel a connection to them.

Even if they were dead, she wanted to know their names.

Even if they had sold her, she wanted to know their names.

That was all she wanted.

But it was a wish that might never be fulfilled. In a world of billions, finding her blood relatives was almost impossible.

I want to know where I came from. I want to know if they loved me.

The thought brought tears to Yu Linna’s eyes.

Wu Siyu’s words had only deepened her sorrow. She didn’t know how she had ended up in this situation. According to Aunt Wu, she had been passed around by numerous traffickers, the origin lost, making it almost impossible to trace her roots.

“Nana… let’s go back.”

Seeing her distress, Wu Siyu felt a pang of sympathy. She was still the same crybaby, always worrying her.

She knew Yu Linna was yearning for her family. Having grown up with nothing, this news about her past had stirred something within her. She had always longed for family. Unfortunately, due to the passage of time, the police couldn’t trace the original sellers, making it impossible to find any information about her parents.

Finding one’s biological family in this vast world was incredibly difficult.

Almost impossible.

For Yu Linna, finding her parents was a near-impossible dream.

Even with her DNA on file with the police, if her parents weren’t looking for her, it was useless.

And she didn’t even know if they had abandoned her or if they had been unable to protect her, leading to her being sold.

Regardless, human traffickers were the most despicable of people.

Taking the tissue Wu Siyu offered, Yu Linna wiped her tears, looking at the street, her heart gradually calming. The longing, the loneliness, began to dissipate.

Wu Siyu, worried about her, suggested they stay in the city for a couple of days, giving Yu Linna time to process everything. Yu Linna, wanting to revisit her childhood city, agreed.

That evening, they stayed at a hotel, and Wu Siyu took her on a tour of the city. She felt that Yu Linna had missed out on so much, unlike herself, who had a family, a husband, and a daughter. Yu Linna had always been alone, from the moment they met, over a decade ago, to this day.

Wu Siyu’s heart ached for her, showering her with kindness, buying her anything she wanted.

The next day, Yu Linna’s mood had lifted considerably. She revisited the site of the former orphanage, this time alone.

Standing there, gazing at the commercial building that had replaced her childhood home, she felt a wave of nostalgia. The past couldn’t be changed. She could only stand here, looking at this place where she once belonged.

“Isn’t that little Nana? Are you here on vacation?”

A familiar voice called from behind. Yu Linna turned and saw a woman wearing a gray cotton jacket and small leather shoes. Though time had left its mark on her face, she was still elegant.

“Auntie…”

“It really is little Nana! What are you doing here? Are you with friends?”

It was Zhang Jing, Nangong Ying’s mother.

If Zhang Jing was here, that meant Nangong Ying… Yu Linna turned, and sure enough, there she was, standing behind her mother, an expression of surprise on her face. She hadn’t expected to run into Yu Linna here.

The former best friends stared at each other, neither speaking.

“Xiaoying, what are you doing? Go on, aren’t you two close? Why are you just standing there?”

Zhang Jing was unaware of what had happened between her daughter and Yu Linna.

Only Nangong Ying, Yu Linna, and Ye Zhiyun knew about the betrayal, the near-assault. No one had spoken about it; naturally, no one else knew.

If Zhang Jing knew, she would be devastated.

“Mom, I want to talk to her alone.”

“I understand. You two have fun. I’ll go find your father.”

Zhang Jing tactfully gave them space, assuming they wanted some privacy to catch up.

How could she have known?

If she knew, she wouldn’t have done that.

“Linna…”

Finally alone, Nangong Ying couldn’t help but utter her name.

Her voice was filled with guilt, sorrow, and a hint of longing.

“What are you doing here?” Yu Linna asked, her tone much calmer.

“I’m here with my parents. You’re not here on vacation, are you?”

“…This… This is where the orphanage I used to live in used to be. I came back to have a look.”

She pointed to the commercial building behind her.

Yu Linna had told her about living in an orphanage for three months; Nangong Ying remembered. Looking at the building, she thought, So this is where Linna used to live.

“Nangong, do you really… have nothing to say to me?”

“…”

“Why?”

She asked again.

She had always wanted to understand Nangong Ying’s reasoning. What kind of dream was worth betraying your best friend? What kind of dream could drive someone to such lengths?

She truly couldn’t understand.

“Linna… I… It was my dream.”

“So, you sold me out, right?”

“…Yes.”

Nangong Ying finally admitted it.

She knew what she had done.

There was no turning back. When she made that decision, she hadn’t expected forgiveness.

“Nangong, I trusted you so much, and you did this to me…”

Though Yu Linna’s voice was calm, her head was bowed, her hands clenched tightly.

Sold as a child, passed around from one person to another, she had thought growing up would free her from that fate. But she had been sold again, just in a different way.

Nangong Ying didn’t reply, turning to leave, unwilling to offer any explanation. She was avoiding Yu Linna, unable to face her.

“Nangong! Did I mean nothing to you? How could you be so cruel?!”

Nangong Ying stopped, her back to Yu Linna.

“Linna, you don’t understand how difficult it is to achieve a dream. You don’t have parents; you don’t understand the yearning for recognition, for belonging. You don’t understand, not having had anything from the start. You can’t possibly understand.”

“So, that justifies what you did?! Have you forgotten? I was your friend!”

Tears streamed down Yu Linna’s face, her heart aching. Being treated this way by Nangong Ying, dismissed so casually, it hurt.

“Fine, you say I don’t understand, that I don’t have dreams. Fine! I’ll show you! I’ll show you, Nangong! I promise I will! I promise…”

She cried, she shouted, oblivious to the passersby. Though tears streamed down her face, her resolve hardened.

Nangong Ying didn’t reply, continuing on her path, disappearing from sight.

“I’m sorry, Linna. I know you’ll never forgive me.”

Her words were meaningless now, too late to mend what was broken.

Their paths had diverged; there was no chance of reconciliation.

Chapter 127: Aunt Wu

Yu Linna gazed at the sky, then down at the bustling streets. The New Year holidays were over, and people were returning to the city. Guangnan City was experiencing the post-holiday rush.

Yu Linna had arranged to meet Wu Siyu, or Aunt Wu as she called her, at a coffee shop in the city center. Aunt Wu, excited to see her after so long, promised to spend the entire day with her. But Yu Linna had only one thing on her mind: her own past.

Since childhood, she had been alone, unaware of her origins. Whenever she asked Aunt Wu, she refused to tell her. Back then, too young to understand, she hadn’t pressed the issue. Now, older, she desperately wanted to know.

Ding-a-ling.

Pushing open the coffee shop door, the chime of the bell announced Yu Linna’s arrival. The café had a vintage charm, reminiscent of the 18th century, with classical décor and oil paintings adorning the walls, transporting visitors back in time.

Yu Linna looked around, searching for the familiar face.

Suddenly, a woman approached. She had shoulder-length hair, a prominent nose, bright eyes, and wore a brown coat and boots. Though she looked to be in her early thirties, she was actually over forty, wrinkles lining her face. Despite this, traces of her youthful beauty remained.

“You must be Nana! You’ve grown so much! If it weren’t for your blonde hair, I wouldn’t have recognized you~”

“…Aunt Wu.”

“Come, come, sit down! What are you standing there for? Let’s have a good chat.”

Aunt Wu, beaming, led her to a table and handed her a menu, urging her to order something she liked.

Aunt Wu had always been kind to her, even when she was a child at the orphanage. She shared her food, took her to the hospital whenever she was sick. Back then, with no family, Yu Linna had considered Aunt Wu her only relative. It was a shame she had only stayed at the orphanage for a few months before it was demolished, forcing her to live a nomadic life, moving from one foster home to another.

She hadn’t seen Aunt Wu in years.

Aunt Wu had more wrinkles now, her figure slightly fuller. Though still beautiful, time had taken its toll.

“Nana, how have you been all these years? We haven’t spoken since you left my house. Is anyone taking care of you now?”

Aunt Wu’s concern was genuine. She had always doted on Yu Linna; how could she not care?

Yu Linna felt a warmth in her heart. She hadn’t opened up to many people in her life; Aunt Wu was one of them. Besides Nangong Ying, Aunt Wu was the person she trusted most.

But that was in the past.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Someone took me in, and I have a place to stay now. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Nana, to be honest, I feel terrible about what happened. You stayed with me for a month, and I had intended to adopt you. But…”

Mentioning this, Aunt Wu’s expression became strained, her gaze averted. She still carried a sense of guilt.

After the orphanage closed, Yu Linna had briefly stayed with Aunt Wu, but she soon left, beginning her journey through foster homes, staying in one place for a month before moving on, drifting through several cities until she was finally able to live independently.

“That’s all in the past, Aunt Wu. Let’s not talk about it. Let’s not talk about that today.”

“Yes, you’re right. Nana, let me see how much you’ve grown. It’s been so long. Look at you, you’re taller! But you’re still so thin. You haven’t been eating properly…”

Aunt Wu stroked her head affectionately, and Yu Linna, docile as a kitten, leaned into her touch. She loved being treated this way, cherished the feeling of being cared for.

Wu Siyu had considered adopting Yu Linna. After the orphanage closed, she had lost her job and thought about taking Yu Linna in, giving her a home. But for various reasons, it hadn’t happened, and Yu Linna had left, disappearing from her life.

The other children from the orphanage had been adopted, but Yu Linna, with her mixed-race appearance, had been overlooked, unwanted, remaining alone all these years.

Seeing Aunt Wu so happy, Yu Linna felt a pang of guilt. But… thinking about her purpose for being here, her expression dimmed.

“Nana, you don’t have any plans these days, right? Why don’t you stay at my place for a couple of days? I’ll cook for you. I know you love my stew.”

“No, thank you, Aunt Wu. I don’t want to impose. Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about my parents. Do you know anything about them?”

“…”

Aunt Wu’s face fell, her gaze shifting uncomfortably, unsure how to respond.

“Nana, let’s order something. I’ll take you somewhere nice to eat later, okay?”

“Aunt Wu, do you know who my parents are? Please tell me. I’m grown up now; I have the right to know the truth.”

Yu Linna’s gaze was fixed on Aunt Wu’s face, her words firm.

But how could she tell her?

Wu Siyu didn’t know how to broach the subject. Staying silent would only lead to more questions, but telling her the truth might be too painful. She wished the girl had been a blank slate from the start.

She even wished she herself had never known.

But that was impossible.

“Nana, sit down. I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you everything I know.”

Yu Linna obediently sat back down.

Wu Siyu carefully chose her words, slowly revealing what she knew.

“You’re wondering why you became an orphan, right? You weren’t at the orphanage from the beginning. One day, the police brought you to us. You had no identification, nothing but a name, so they placed you in our care.”

It was a long time ago, a memory Wu Siyu hadn’t wanted to revisit. She didn’t want to upset Linna, but she couldn’t keep it a secret forever.

“You were about four years old, I think. You didn’t know anything, and you had a head injury. We didn’t know where you came from. You had a notebook with what we assumed was your name written in it, so we called you Yu Linna. We didn’t know what it meant. Perhaps your parents gave you that name.”

“Then… my parents… are they still alive?”

“…”

Wu Siyu didn’t know how to answer.

Seeing the hope in Yu Linna’s eyes, she sighed, continuing her story.

“I don’t know. I don’t know who your parents are. We don’t even know if they’re alive or dead, or what their names are. The police told me about you. They said you were rescued from a human trafficker’s den. They were apparently planning to raise you until you were older, then maim you and force you to beg on the streets. Because of your mixed-race appearance, no one dared to adopt you, so they…”

Her words triggered a faint memory in Yu Linna’s mind, a fleeting image of being in a trafficker’s den. But her memories from that time were hazy; she had suffered a head injury and forgotten much of it.

“When the police rescued you, your head was covered in blood. It was terrifying. They said you kept crying, clutching onto that notebook. The police couldn’t pry it from your hands. They brought you to the orphanage because you had been with the traffickers for a while, and they couldn’t find any information about your family or your address. They had no choice but to treat you as an orphan.”

“Then… what about my parents?” Yu Linna’s primary concern was still her parents.

Despite everything Aunt Wu had said, all she cared about was her parents.

“Nana, listen to me. I don’t know who your parents are, but there must be a reason why they left you. They probably had their own difficulties. Perhaps…”

“They sold me to the traffickers, didn’t they?”

“…Nana!”

“Just tell me, yes or no.”

“…I don’t know. When the police questioned the traffickers, they all insisted that the children were bought from clients, probably hoping to reduce their sentences. Don’t be too pessimistic. Perhaps you were simply kidnapped…”

“So, I was sold, right?”

“…”

Wu Siyu didn’t know how to comfort her, how to explain.

She only knew what she had been told. She didn’t know the details, how Yu Linna ended up with the traffickers, how they acquired her. Even the police didn’t know.

According to the traffickers, Yu Linna had passed through many hands, from the remote corners of the mainland to the central regions, then to the coastal areas. Because of her mixed-race appearance, no one wanted to buy her, so the traffickers kept selling her off, until she ended up in their hands. They had planned to use her for begging, but the police raided their operation.

With so many intermediaries, the police couldn’t trace her back to the original sellers, and the case remained unsolved.

So, who Yu Linna’s parents were remained a mystery.

Too much time had passed; the truth was lost.

“Nana…”

Wu Siyu was worried about her, but Yu Linna simply lowered her head, silent.

Her coffee had gone cold.

Chapter 126: Changes

On New Year’s Day, Nangong Ying joined her parents for a family dinner at a restaurant with her uncles, aunts, and cousins, followed by a visit to her grandparents. Nangong Zhuo had two older brothers, both with children of their own. Nangong Ying was Nangong Zhuo’s only child.

Unlike her cousins, Nangong Ying had no siblings, but she was the most accomplished among them.

From training in martial arts from a young age, winning awards, to now becoming a celebrity, she had always been the brightest star. Her cousins envied her achievements, her success at the young age of nineteen.

Nangong Ying was genuinely famous, her name widely recognized. Mention her name, and people would instantly say, “Oh, the rising star.”

“Xiaoying, congratulations! You’ll be focusing on your studies after the New Year, right?”

Her uncle placed some food in her bowl, a smile on his face.

Among all the children present, Nangong Ying was the most exceptional, achieving what even some adults couldn’t. Besides her father, she was the only one with bragging rights.

“Yes, I want to get into a good university.”

“Haha, a big star, still studying hard.”

“Of course, I have to work hard. How else can I succeed?”

Nangong Ying smiled.

Everyone praised her talent, her accomplishments, but she knew her success was the result of hard work. Without effort, there were no rewards. If everyone could succeed without trying, what was the point of striving?

At such a family gathering, a child’s achievements should be a source of pride for their parents. However, Nangong Zhuo and Zhang Jing didn’t boast about their daughter’s celebrity status, focusing instead on her studies.

After dinner, Nangong Zhuo drove his wife and daughter to his parents’ house. Nangong Ying sat in the backseat, silent. Nangong Zhuo started the car.

“Do you… disapprove of my career choice?” Nangong Ying asked from the back.

Though he didn’t reply, his silence spoke volumes.

As a father, he didn’t want his daughter in the entertainment industry, but it was her choice. He couldn’t understand the allure of that world, why she was so drawn to it.

From the beginning, he had opposed her decision.

“It’s your choice,” he finally said.

Sensing the tension between them, Zhang Jing wisely remained silent.

Nangong Ying didn’t press the issue; it was pointless. Besides, her journey to success hadn’t been entirely honorable. She didn’t want to recount her struggles, the painful memories.

She wondered how Linna was spending the New Year. The image of a golden-haired figure flashed through her mind.

Meanwhile, Yu Linna was anticipating the New Talent Awards ceremony, wondering if she should dress up for the occasion. It was a major event, attended by the entire Wenqing staff and established authors. Dressing appropriately seemed important, even though she wasn’t guaranteed a publishing contract. She wanted to see how far her work could go.

After so many failures, this was her chance to get close to success, a chance she wouldn’t miss.

She wondered how everyone would react if they knew Shion was actually a petite, adorable girl.

Suddenly, she spotted a figure in the crowd: a middle-aged woman with two children. The streets were bustling with New Year festivities, and she held their hands tightly, afraid they would get lost.

The woman wasn’t beautiful, her appearance ordinary, her figure unremarkable, even a bit short.

Yu Linna recognized her, even after all these years.

“Aunt Lin, long time no see! Did you move here?”

The woman turned, her face initially puzzled, but upon seeing Yu Linna’s blonde hair, recognition dawned.

“You’re… Little Yu?”

This woman had taken her in when she was very young, providing her with temporary shelter. Though the memories weren’t entirely pleasant, she had cared for her, so Yu Linna felt obligated to greet her.

Even if it felt pointless.

“You’ve grown so much. What happened? No place to stay again? You should be an adult now, right?”

“Yes, but I won’t bother you. I just wanted to say hello.”

Yu Linna had no intention of rekindling their relationship; it was simply a courtesy. The woman had taken care of her, provided her with food; she was grateful for that.

“You look exactly the same as before. Found a job to support yourself?”

“No, someone is taking care of me now. I plan to finish university.”

“Really? That’s good. It’s better to have someone looking after you than being alone. Your parents, the ones who abandoned you, can finally rest easy.”

“…Wait, what did you just say?!”

The first part of the sentence was innocuous, but the latter part… something was amiss.

“Ah, I shouldn’t have said that. Forget it. I’m sorry.”

“Aunt Lin! What does that mean? Tell me!”

How could she not be agitated when it concerned her own past?

She had been an orphan since childhood, alone and abandoned. How could she not react to the mention of her parents?

The woman looked at her, sighing. She had spoken out of turn.

“I don’t know the details. I just heard it from someone. I don’t know if it’s true. You should go to the old orphanage and ask Director Wu.”

She waved goodbye and left with her children, unwilling to linger.

“Mom, who was that?”

“A relative of an old friend. Don’t worry about it.”

“Her blonde hair is so pretty! Is it dyed?”

“I said, don’t worry about it.”

As the woman disappeared into the crowd, Yu Linna’s mind raced.

Aunt Lin had said her parents abandoned her. What did that mean? Did Aunt Lin know her parents?

It didn’t make sense; she had never mentioned them before.

Though accustomed to being an orphan, Yu Linna still longed for a sense of belonging, for family. Though she had never met her parents, she still wanted to know what they looked like.

She had so many questions.

Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion. She knew she was an orphan, alone since childhood, sold off.

But she didn’t know where she came from, where her roots were.

That was why Nangong Ying’s suggestion to enter the entertainment industry to find her family had tempted her. Deep down, she yearned to find her blood relatives.

Being mixed-race, she wanted to understand her heritage, the origins of her appearance.

Standing on the street, pedestrians brushed past her, some glancing at her striking features.

After a long while, Yu Linna started walking, her mind in turmoil, yet she knew what she wanted. Aunt Lin had said she had only heard rumors, meaning she wasn’t certain. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

But Aunt Lin’s words had ignited a new desire within Yu Linna. She decided to visit the old orphanage and ask the director for the truth. She had spent a short time there as a child before it was demolished, leaving her alone once more. The director back then was a woman in her thirties named Wu Siyu.

Wu Siyu had reportedly brought Yu Linna to the orphanage when she was very young. After the orphanage closed, Yu Linna had been shuffled between foster homes until she was old enough to live on her own.

She didn’t know what the director was doing now, only that she had apparently lost her job.

Yu Linna searched for the phone numbers of her former foster families, calling them one by one, not expecting much. But luck seemed to be on her side; she learned that Wu Siyu had moved to the outskirts of Guangnan City.

What a small world.

The address she obtained was only a two-hour drive from the city center. After further inquiries, she finally got Wu Siyu’s phone number. With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, she dialed.

After so many years, she didn’t know if Wu Siyu would remember her.

And she might not receive a warm welcome.

But she had to try; she needed to know about her past.

“Hello?” A woman’s voice answered.

Yu Linna took a deep breath.

“Hello? If you don’t speak, I’m hanging up.”

“Aunt Wu.”

“…You… you’re… Nana?”

“Yes. Aunt Wu, do you remember me?”

“Of course, I remember! How could I forget? Haha, Nana, you… you actually called me! This is such a surprise! Where are you? How are you doing? Is someone taking care of you?”

Wu Siyu showered her with questions, her excitement palpable. It had been so long since she last heard from Yu Linna.

Yu Linna remembered Aunt Wu’s kindness, how she always gave her an extra bun at the orphanage, how she always slipped her a few extra candies.

After the orphanage closed, they lost contact, and years had passed.

“Aunt Wu, I’m living in Guangnan City now. Where are you? Can I meet you?”

“What a coincidence! I’m living here too! But I’m visiting my husband’s family with my daughter. Wait for me; I’ll be back soon. Where should we meet? It’s been so long. I’d love to catch up.”

Hearing her voice, Yu Linna felt a surge of happiness. She wasn’t alone. She wanted to rush to Aunt Wu, to talk all night.