Category: Shion’s Notes

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.

Chapter 125: Making the Cut

Ye Zhiyun received an invitation, an electronic one, from the Wenqing Editorial Department, inviting her to their annual New Talent Awards ceremony. Every year, they selected outstanding works to compete for the awards, and the winners usually received publishing contracts.

Many aspiring writers hoped to make a splash at the New Talent Awards, launching their careers. However, most talented newcomers chose Qidian over Wenqing. After all, Qidian was the largest novel publishing platform and website in the country.

Wenqing hadn’t attracted fresh talent in years, facing a shortage of new authors. They tried increasing benefits for newcomers, but it wasn’t enough to retain them. Everyone aspired to join Qidian, the publishing giant.

Luo Nan had submitted her manuscript to Wenqing, hoping to start her career there. They had been interested in signing her, but she had made several demands that Wenqing considered excessive for a newcomer, ultimately rejecting her. The proud Luo Nan, offended, took her manuscript to Qidian and, within two months, secured a publishing deal, her name becoming widely recognized.

This incident was a significant blow to Wenqing. They had handed a promising talent to their rival, a decision they deeply regretted. There were calls for a change in their approach to newcomers.

Regardless, the New Talent Awards would proceed as planned, and since Ye Zhiyun had been invited, she would attend. Though she was just a small-time investor, not a prominent figure, her previous dealings with Wenqing and their interest in fostering a good relationship with her had earned her a guest invitation.

The awards ceremony was scheduled for after the New Year.

Ye Zhiyun stretched, saved the electronic invitation, and gazed out the window. The weather in England was colder than back home, the streets covered in snow. Yet, people were still venturing outside. Perhaps the British simply enjoyed outdoor activities, she thought.

“Zhiyun, come here! Let’s go play in the snow!”

Her mother’s excited voice called from outside her room.

“Mom, how old are you? Acting like a child.”

Despite her words, a smile graced Ye Zhiyun’s face as she opened the door.

“It’s been so long since I played with my precious daughter. I want to make up for lost time! Come on, let’s go! Your cousin’s coming too!”

“Mom, honestly…”

Her mother no longer resembled the formidable businesswoman she once was. Who would have thought that the once proud and unyielding woman would become so playful after having children? Li Xiaoyue looked elegant in a gray down jacket, a white scarf, and light brown boots crunching through the snow, her hair tied back in a ponytail. If there were a live stream, the comments would be flooded with messages like, “I love you, Mrs. Ye!” and “Your hairstyle is dangerous!”

“Zhiyun, come and play! You’ll be busy again after the New Year. Spend some time with me while you can.”

“Mom, who’s the child here, me or you?”

Ye Zhiyun chuckled. Around her family, she was always relaxed.

She had been raised as a princess, doted on by her mother, who perhaps loved her even more than her father, often taking her on trips. Once, when little Zhiyun expressed a desire to shake hands with Mickey Mouse, her mother flew her all the way to Disneyland.

Her mother was her closest family member; she would do anything for her.

Ye Zhiyun ran, leaving footprints in the snow.

The New Year was a time for national celebration. After spending the first few days with Dai Wenqian, Yu Linna was alone again. Everyone had family to celebrate with, returning to their hometowns or traveling abroad, while she remained in the city, solitary.

But she was content. As long as her friends cared about her, that was enough.

And on this day, she received good news.

Logging onto her computer, she found an email from Wenqing.

“Dear Shion, congratulations! Your novel, Ballad of the Enchantress, has been shortlisted for the Wenqing New Talent Awards! We invite you to attend the awards ceremony on February 17th, where the winners will be announced.”

She had…

Made the cut?

Yu Linna couldn’t believe it. She reread the email several times, finally accepting it wasn’t a dream. Her heart pounded with excitement. She had been prepared for rejection, yet here she was, shortlisted against all odds.

Was she dreaming?

Had she really made it?

“Haha…”

Staring at the screen, a smile spread across her face. She covered her face with her hands, the feeling surreal, like a dream she might wake up from at any moment.

“I made it! I made it! Haha… I knew I could do it! I knew I could…”

She repeated the words, unable to contain her excitement, her joy overflowing.

And as she laughed, tears welled up in her eyes.

She was happy, ecstatic, but also… sad.

Only she knew how difficult it had been to reach this point. The constant failures, the hardships, the setbacks. She had considered giving up, but she couldn’t let go of her dream, her determination pushing her forward. Now, her efforts had been rewarded.

How could she not cry tears of joy?

It had been a long and arduous journey, filled with self-doubt, wondering if she would ever achieve recognition. Chasing her dream, she had even been almost forced into a compromising situation. But after leaving the entertainment industry and turning to writing, she had finally found a platform to showcase her talent.

Though she hadn’t won yet, she had made it to the finals. It was an acknowledgment of her hard work, a validation of her efforts.

Who could understand her struggles? Her desire for recognition, for achieving her dream, was simply to make a name for herself, to reach greater heights. But it had been so difficult.

“I did it! I actually did it! wuwu…”

Overwhelmed with emotion, she couldn’t stop crying.

From having nothing, to struggling relentlessly, to finally making it to the finals. Her life was a story.

A story of rising from nothing.

Though she didn’t know if she would win, she was one step closer to success.

Since she had blocked Chen Xi on QQ, the editorial department had to assign another editor to contact her. This new editor was Rabbit Princess, a recent university graduate. She had contacted Shion at Chen Xi’s request. Since Chen Xi had been blocked, and Rabbit Princess had a good relationship with her, she took over.

“Hello, I’m Rabbit Princess, not Rabbit Ski. Hello, Shion (laughs).”

“Hello.”

“Your work has been shortlisted for our awards, and we’re interested in signing you. Regarding your novel…”

“I absolutely will not change it.”

“Ahaha, I know…”

How could Rabbit Princess not know about Shion, the author who would rather block an editor than revise their work? In a way, it was impressive.

Though the novel wasn’t entirely suitable for commercial publication, the chief editor, Tang He, loved it. He had declared it “the most captivating work I’ve read in years.”

Clearly, Shion was a talented writer.

“If we sign you, we’ll offer you the standard newcomer royalty rate: 4%. How does that sound?”

Yu Linna frowned. Did they think she was illiterate? That was a paltry offer, even for a newcomer.

She knew how to do math; that royalty rate was too low.

After the Chenghe incident, Yu Linna wouldn’t trust anyone easily, wouldn’t wag her tail for a small favor. She would think, question, and scrutinize.

She suspected they were offering such a low rate to assert their dominance, to remind her that Wenqing held the power, that she was just a small fry.

Her impression of Wenqing soured.

“Let me think about it.”

Another winter was coming.

Having just experienced the joy of being shortlisted, she now faced the possibility of not being published. The royalty rate Wenqing offered was too low; she wasn’t stupid. She didn’t want to sell her hard-earned work for such a pittance.

It was the product of her blood, sweat, and tears.

Yu Linna was torn. After the Chenghe debacle, she was wary of trusting anyone, especially when it came to contracts. Contracts were always biased towards the powerful, and she, with no influence or backing, was vulnerable to exploitation.

Chenghe was a prime example. Though they had violated the law with their unfair contract, what could she do? Despite her abilities, she was powerless against them. She lacked the resources.

While Wenqing wasn’t as powerful as Chenghe, they were still a major force, far beyond her reach.

Yu Linna was unsure how to proceed.

Should she sign or not?

After much deliberation, she decided against it. Burned once, she was twice shy. She replied to the message.

“I’ll give you my answer after the awards ceremony.”

How cunning!

Rabbit Princess’s eyes widened upon reading the message. She had hoped to sign Shion before the results were announced, to avoid a repeat of the Luo Nan incident. But it seemed Shion didn’t trust her, unwilling to sign now.

At the editorial department, a clear consensus seemed to be forming regarding the winner of the New Talent Awards…

Chapter 123: I Want to Go Further

Ye Zhiyun left with her father, despite her reluctance. She longed to stay by Yu Linna’s side, to give her everything she had always lacked. But it seemed impossible.

“Don’t look so glum, dear. Cheer up.”

“…You cheer up.”

Ye Zhiyun was irritated. Her father’s timing was impeccable, choosing this exact moment to drag her off to Australia. She didn’t want to go to Australia; she wanted to go back to Guangnan City.

She didn’t understand why her father needed her at the company when her brother was already there. She couldn’t offer as much assistance as her brother; in terms of ability and capital, she was no match for him. She was too young.

With her luggage packed, Ye Zhiyun prepared to board the plane. Their next stop: Australia. This international business trip was a first for her; her previous trips abroad had been purely for leisure. It was clear how much her father valued her, how eager he was to cultivate her abilities, to give her valuable experience. Ye Zhiyun recognized his intentions.

Before leaving, she called her mother, Li Xiaoyue, who was at home watching television. Hearing her daughter’s voice, Li Xiaoyue’s face lit up with a smile.

“My dear daughter, missing your mom? Come home if you miss me. Your aunt is coming to stay with us this weekend, until the New Year. You don’t have any work commitments, right?”

“Sorry, Mom, I actually do. I’m going abroad with Dad.”

“Your father, honestly! You’re still in your senior year. Isn’t it a bit much to push you so hard?”

“Is it? My brother was sent to America to study during his senior year and ended up going to university there. Compared to him, I’m still close to home. I’m quite lucky.”

Indeed, compared to her brother, she was fortunate. She had been raised in comfort and privilege, never truly leaving the nest until she was ten, a veritable princess. It wasn’t until she learned about stock investments that she truly began to mature.

Ye Zhiyun was quite successful at making money, especially this year, earning millions. For someone her age, it was an impressive feat.

But her father? His annual income was in the billions…

She was still too young.

“Zhiyun, I think your personality is very much like mine, always wanting to compete, to win. You’re so young, yet you want to earn as much as your father. When your dad was your age, he was working as a baker.”

“Mom, that’s different.”

“Do you know why I quit the business world and became a housewife? Because many things aren’t worth fighting for. It’s better to let go.”

Her mother, Li Xiaoyue, had once been a successful businesswoman, a shareholder in a large company, and a competitor of her father. After marriage, she resigned, choosing to raise her children. She preferred the comforts of home to the cutthroat business world.

Ye Zhiyun had inherited her mother’s youthful ambition, her competitive spirit, her refusal to back down.

“My dear daughter, do you think I want you to become another me? I don’t want you to work tirelessly like I did, forgetting who you are, only to realize you’ve lost so much when it’s too late.”

Ye Zhiyun understood her mother’s words, but she still wouldn’t yield.

She wanted to achieve more, go further, fly higher. She wanted to be a successful businesswoman. Investing in films, real estate, even stocks, was all driven by her desire to surpass her father, to be even more successful than him.

Only then could she prove herself, prove she was the best.

It wasn’t until Yu Linna entered her life that her sharp edges began to soften, though her inherent pride remained.

She wanted to build a large, successful company, partly to avenge Yu Linna, to make Chenghe pay for what they had done.

“Alright, I won’t say any more. Zhiyun, you’re grown up now, about to go to university. I won’t force you to study abroad like your father did. Your choices are your own. But I hope you’ll be happy.”

---

Chapter 124: My Happiness

The city buzzed with festive cheer, celebratory music echoing in every corner, television screens displaying vibrant New Year programs, even the backgrounds turned a joyous red. Many residents had returned to their hometowns for the holidays, leaving the bustling metropolis unusually quiet.

But some remained, those who had settled in the city, their roots elsewhere.

Gazing out the window at the empty streets, the sparse traffic and pedestrians, Yu Linna sighed. The scene was unchanged from previous years. The difference was that before, she would have been out there, hustling, earning money. This year, she didn’t have to.

But spending New Year’s alone in the city felt pointless.

The New Year was meant to be celebrated with loved ones, yet she was alone, surrounded by silence.

She wished someone were with her.

But that was too much to ask for.

On New Year’s Day, Yu Linna embraced her inner homebody, eating, sleeping, watching anime, and repeating the cycle. It wasn’t a hardship; she was used to it.

“Out of milk… need to buy some…” she murmured, rummaging through the refrigerator.

Ye Zhiyun had left her enough money to last a while, giving her the freedom to do as she pleased. But she didn’t want to squander it. It wasn’t her money; she would use it only for necessities, nothing more.

With so much free time, she had been indulging in her favorite pastime: watching anime, living the life of a carefree otaku. She had always dreamed of watching anime until she was sick of it; now, that dream had come true.

There had been no response to her manuscript submission. Having blocked Chen Xi, she had effectively cut off communication. Yu Linna had resigned herself to another failure, something she was becoming accustomed to.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. It was okay; it would pass.

Ding-dong~

The doorbell rang. Yu Linna put down her half-eaten pork floss and padded towards the door in her slippers. Who would visit on New Year’s Day? Could it be Chen Xi? Unlikely; she would be back in her hometown.

“Coming! Who is it?”

“It’s me! Dai Wenqian, the future big shot!”

“…”

Oh god, the troublemaker!

What was she doing here?

“Ahem, Wenqian, what are you doing here? Just so you know, Zhiyun’s not home. She’s abroad.”

Mentioning Ye Zhiyun, her expression dimmed. Zhiyun had said she would be away, but Yu Linna hadn’t expected her to be gone for so long, even missing the New Year.

“I’m here to see you, of course! Zhiyun told me everything. Her family is traveling abroad. She just finished a project and can’t come back yet. She asked me to check on you, worried you would be lonely.”

“…Why would I be lonely? I’m not a child!”

“Tsk, tsk, such a strong reaction. Not very convincing. Come on, let’s go out! I’ll be in Guangnan City for a few days, so we can hang out anytime.”

“Hold on, I didn’t agree to go anywhere with you!”

“Who cares? Just come with me! There’s a fireworks display tonight. Let’s go watch it!”

Ignoring Yu Linna’s protests, Dai Wenqian grabbed her hand and pulled her outside. Yu Linna had no choice but to lock the door and follow.

The streets were decorated with festive cheer, the traffic light but the crowds still sizable. Shops displayed newly hung banners and couplets, street vendors selling firecrackers and novelty fireworks.

“Even if you drag me out, there’s nothing fun to do. I didn’t want to come out in the first place.”

“Alright, alright, Linna. I know you’re just being tsundere.”

“I’m not tsundere! Where did you get that idea?”

“Okay, okay, you’re not. Linna, we’ve never hung out just the two of us before. This time, I’ll take you somewhere fun. My treat.”

“…Are you sure?”

“If you don’t want to, we can split the bill.”

“No, no! I’ll take your offer! Actually, I didn’t bring my wallet!”

Saying no, yet acting so agreeable. Dai Wenqian chuckled inwardly.

This Yu Linna was easy to win over. A little spending money, and she became instantly docile, even acting cute. Dai Wenqian could understand why Ye Zhiyun was so smitten.

That Zhiyun, usually only taking landscape photos, rarely taking more than ten pictures of people, had taken over thirty photos of Yu Linna, each one high-quality.

There had to be something more to it.

“Little Linna, I have a bold idea. There’s an anime convention after the New Year. I want to invite you to cosplay.”

“I told you, I’m not cosplaying anymore. Not even for money.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“What about for a thousand yuan?”

“…Let me think about it.”

As expected, money was her weakness. Saying no, yet so easily swayed. Who could resist money?

“Great! It’s a gaming convention, and our Light Comic Group is planning a King of Glory group cosplay. I’ll ask Zhiyun to be the photographer. With your blonde hair, how about cosplaying Lady Wang Zhaojun?”

“…Frankly, I’m not suited for that character.”

The thought of cosplaying Lady Wang Zhaojun made her want to hide her face. Wang Zhaojun was a mature, elegant woman. Asking her to cosplay that character was asking for the impossible! Though she had blonde hair, her height and… chest… were hardly those of an elegant lady.

Dai Wenqian was out of her mind!

“But… I don’t think you have the right temperament for Angela either.”

“I don’t care!”

Yu Linna refused to be an elegant lady!

Well, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to be one, but she didn’t want to cosplay one. No particular reason; she just couldn’t pull it off.

Dai Wenqian sighed, saying they would discuss it later.

Being in her senior year, she would have to resign as the leader of the Light Comic Group when school started. She had to focus on her college entrance exams.

Despite her cheerful demeanor, Dai Wenqian felt the pressure of the upcoming exams, just keeping it hidden.

“Linna, where are you planning to go for university?”

“…I don’t know. Haven’t decided yet.”

Before, Yu Linna would have said she wasn’t going to university, planning to work and earn money instead. But since being rescued from despair by Ye Zhiyun, she no longer had to worry about survival and could finally think about her future.

Whether to continue her studies or enter the workforce, she hadn’t decided.

Many of her friends had returned to their hometowns for the New Year, some even traveling.

Dai Wenqian was one of the few who remained in the city, which was why Ye Zhiyun had asked her to check on Yu Linna, worried about leaving her alone.

They walked, they played, they ate, and they continued strolling through the streets. Though initially reluctant, Yu Linna found herself enjoying Dai Wenqian’s company. No one liked being alone, and Yu Linna had been solitary for so long.

Only when surrounded by friends did she feel like she wasn’t alone in the world, that she belonged. Though she had grown up without parents, alone and isolated, now she had friends, people who cared about her. She felt… happy.

Boom.

Colorful fireworks exploded in the night sky, their brilliance illuminating her heart. Looking up at the fireworks, she saw a glimpse of her future, of everything she had.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching fireworks, but it’s a shame Zhiyun and the others aren’t here. I wanted to watch them together.”

The vibrant display seemed to open her heart, leaving her speechless. She had always been too busy working, too busy earning money, to truly appreciate the beauty of fireworks.

She had always been hustling, always on the move, never taking the time to appreciate the scenery.

Since being taken in by Ye Zhiyun, she had been constantly on edge, afraid to speak up, obedient like a child, never voicing her opinions. She was terrified of being kicked out, of ending up on the streets again.

Her heart had never truly accepted anyone.

She had never let down her guard.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was a WeChat video call. She answered, and the face of a dark-haired girl appeared on the screen.

“Zhiyun…”

“Happy New Year, Nana. I just wanted to say that.”

Even through the video, Ye Zhiyun’s expression was aloof, her inherent pride preventing her from showing vulnerability. But Dai Wenqian, observing from the side, noticed the flicker of nervousness in Ye Zhiyun’s eyes.

“Nana, I hope you’ll be happy in the new year. I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.”

Yu Linna’s expression was hidden behind her bangs.

“I have something too! Look!”

Dai Wenqian excitedly pulled out her phone, playing a short video for Yu Linna.

“Linna, Happy New Year! I hope you have a wonderful year! I sent you a red envelope. Remember to open it~”

The video featured a girl with a bright, angelic smile.

Though it was only a few seconds long, Yu Linna watched it intently.

Ye Zhiyun, Fang Jiangning, Dai Wenqian – each of them by her side, never abandoning her.

Fireworks exploded overhead. Yu Linna looked up, a smile gracing her face. At this moment, she felt incredibly happy, happier than she had been in years. She wasn’t alone; she had friends. She wasn’t alone anymore.

The image of the blonde girl washing dishes in a restaurant overlapped with the blonde girl watching fireworks, merging into one.

“This is the best New Year’s gift…” she murmured, her voice soft, a smile illuminating her face, a blush warming her cheeks as she hid half her face behind her scarf.

Perhaps she had found her happiness.

She thought.

Chapter 122: The Editor’s Thoughts

Speaking of which… who was this Shion?

Chen Xi had only mentioned this newcomer; their true abilities remained unknown. The only remarkable detail was that they had blocked Chen Xi. How audacious.

Usually, authors desperately sought opportunities from editors, but here, the author had blocked the editor. The tables had turned.

“I’m curious, Sister Chen, why did they block you?”

“I just asked them to revise the ending, and they refused, then blocked me.”

“Hmm…”

Zhao Yuyan understood the unknown author’s actions. To a writer, every word was precious; who would willingly delete or alter their work? Authors usually resisted editorial revisions.

“I don’t know who they are. I’m trying to find their contact information.”

“Sister Chen, can you send me their manuscript? I want to see what caught your attention.”

“…Aren’t you on a deadline?”

“It’s fine, I’ll finish it quickly! Just send it to me!”

“Alright, but if you miss your deadline, I’ll lock you in a hotel room without internet access until you’re done.”

“Okay, okay! Send it!”

She wanted to know what kind of work could make Chen Xi actively seek out an author. Chen Xi was notoriously difficult to please. So far, the only authors at Wenqing who had piqued her interest were Zhao Yuyan herself and Luo Nan, who had jumped ship to Qidian.

Zhao Yuyan received the “Ballad of the Enchantress” document and opened it. At first glance, it seemed unremarkable, a cliché-ridden story with a predictable plot, the first ten thousand words being mostly filler. Even the male protagonist’s time travel lacked excitement.

It wasn’t until the female protagonist, Xu Anqi, appeared that she felt compelled to continue reading.

And then, drawn in by the author’s delicate prose and the heartwarming atmosphere, she became engrossed, caring only about the two protagonists, oblivious to the Variants, the government, everything else. She just wanted to bask in their romance.

By the end, she wanted to throw her computer across the room.

“Damn it! Shit! Fuck! Which bastard wrote this?! I’m going to kill them! This is so depressing!”

Zhao Yuyan was livid. She didn’t enjoy angst or sad endings. Her own books were usually comedies, devoid of tragedy.

This book had started with such a lighthearted tone, with no indication of a dystopian setting. Why did the tone shift so drastically towards the end, becoming so melancholic? Why did the protagonists have to separate? And why make it so heartbreaking, as if they would never see each other again?

This kind of love, separated by circumstance, wasn’t love! It was pretentious!

“Sister Chen! Who is this author? I’m going to hunt them down! Why would they do this? The female protagonist is so innocent! They were in love, and now she’s gone! Is she dead?!”

“Hehe…”

Chen Xi chuckled from behind her computer screen. Serves you right for wanting to read it.

However, a novel that evoked such strong emotions was, in a way, successful.

Still, the ending wasn’t suitable for commercial fiction and might negatively impact readers’ moods. It had so many commercial elements, why ruin it with such a depressing ending? Was the author some middle-aged man with literary pretensions?

Chen Xi pictured Shion in her mind: a man in his thirties or forties, unshaven, wearing a trench coat, buying beer at a convenience store with a few coins in his pocket, taking a drag of his cigarette, another story forming in his mind.

If only she knew Shion was actually a petite, adorable girl. What would her reaction be?

“So, I’m trying to contact them. If you have their contact information, let me know. Alright, I’ll let you get back to writing, Air.”

“…”

Zhao Yuyan felt frustrated. Why did she have to be subjected to such emotional turmoil? This Shion was despicable. She never read angst, yet she had made an exception this time, and now she felt utterly dejected. In this mood, she couldn’t possibly write anything cheerful. What was she going to do?

It was all Shion’s fault!

Zhao Yuyan mentally cursed the unknown author countless times.

The editorial department was busy reviewing manuscripts for the New Talent Awards, selecting the finalists. Making it to the finals was an achievement in itself, but winning was a different matter. The number of awards was limited; not everyone could win.

However, winning paved the way for a smoother debut.

“Chief Editor, what should we do about this novel? We’re at our wit’s end. I contacted the author, but they refused to revise the ending and blocked me.”

Chen Xi handed Ballad of the Enchantress to Tang He, the chief editor, the most respected figure in the department. He read through the manuscript several times, his expression calm, but his brow furrowed.

It had been years since something like this had happened.

A single novel causing so much debate was rare.

Commercially, it met the criteria. But it also missed the mark.

Tang He returned the printed manuscript to Chen Xi, pushing up his glasses, a thought forming in his mind.

“A thousand readers, a thousand Hamlets. We can’t speak for the readers; we don’t know if it will be successful, but I believe it’s a good book, a quality work. Because it has its own soul. It’s not written solely to serve the readers; it’s more about expressing the author’s own feelings.”

Having worked in the industry for so many years, Tang He understood what the novel represented. A novel was often a reflection of the author’s inner world. A good novel didn’t cater to others; it made others cater to it.

While Ballad of the Enchantress might not appeal to all readers, it was undoubtedly a well-written piece. Tang He liked it.

He wondered if the author, like the protagonist Ye Han, longed for something unattainable. The emotions depicted were so raw, so real, that readers could feel the author’s sorrow.

Meanwhile, Ye Zhiyun had been at her father’s company for a while, assisting him, networking with the son of their potential business partner. Finally, the deal was finalized, both parties satisfied. Securing a partnership with this Chinese-American designer meant expanding their market, potentially reaching the United States.

That was her father’s goal.

“Dad, the deal is done. Can I go now?”

“Not yet. We’re going to Australia.”

“Why Australia?! I’m not going! I want to go back to my apartment!”

Upon hearing she had to go abroad again, Ye Zhiyun vehemently protested. She wanted to go home and see Yu Linna; nothing else mattered.

“Silly girl, our work isn’t done yet. Australia is our next stop. We have to finish this project before the New Year. I need your help. With you and your brother, I’m confident we can succeed.”

“And after that?”

“We’ll go home for the New Year, of course. My dear daughter, it’s been so long since you’ve had a New Year’s dinner with us. We also need to visit your grandparents.”

“…”

She knew what this meant.

She wouldn’t see Yu Linna until after the New Year. The Ye family always had a large family gathering for the New Year; it was tradition, unbreakable. Yu Linna would be spending it alone.

“Dad…”

She looked at her father pleadingly, a significant compromise for the usually proud Ye Zhiyun.

“It’s not up to me, Zhiyun.”

Her father’s response crushed her hopes.

The family New Year celebration was just that – a family event, not hers alone. Even if she wanted to bring Yu Linna along, it was impossible.

Bringing her as a friend wouldn’t be appropriate.

If only she were a boy…

Yu Linna held the phone to her ear, her expression serious, listening silently to the voice on the other end.

“Nana?”

Ye Zhiyun’s voice was laced with concern.

“It’s okay. You can go. I’ll take care of myself. I’ve been on my own for years. Don’t worry.”

“That’s not the point…”

“Zhiyun, it’s okay. You’ve done enough for me. Really.”

Though she said so, only she knew her true feelings.

Hanging up the phone, Yu Linna stepped away from the window, onto the balcony, into the cold wind, stretching.

“Sigh, another New Year alone…”

She had spent so many New Years alone; this year would be no different. It was no big deal.

Zhiyun had her own responsibilities; she couldn’t always be there for her. Yu Linna understood. She had never blamed her, not once. She knew she was just an outsider.

Zhiyun had done so much for her; how could she continue to burden her?

But…

Living alone in such a large house was lonely.

She hadn’t felt it when she lived in her small apartment; everything had been so carefree. But this large, empty house amplified her solitude.

More importantly, she had grown accustomed to having someone by her side.

Looking up at the sky, her gaze distant, she let the cold wind buffet her face, her cheeks turning red. She didn’t want to go back inside.

She longed to spend the New Year with Zhiyun, but it was just a wishful thought. She knew it was impossible. The difference in their social standing, that invisible barrier, prevented them from being truly together.

She wished she were rich, famous. The thought took root in her mind.

Chapter 120: Stepping on Ningning’s Landmine

Refusing to revise her work meant rejecting a promising opportunity, and Yu Linna began to lose heart. After the Chenghe incident, she understood how the upper echelons operated, the consequences of being too headstrong. In this world, without power and obedience, one was ruthlessly discarded.

Still, she didn’t want her week of hard work to be in vain. She had no choice but to wait for the results, hoping they might still give her a chance. But it was wishful thinking.

Following Fang Jiangning’s advice, she took her medicine regularly. Fang Jiangning visited her every day, keeping her company. Gradually, she recovered, her loneliness easing. But Ye Zhiyun still hadn’t returned. It had been half a month since she left, and the New Year was fast approaching.

“Linna, how are you planning to spend the New Year?” Fang Jiangning asked casually.

Yu Linna hadn’t given it much thought. She had always been alone. While others celebrated, she worked on New Year’s Eve, earning several times her usual wage.

But what about this year?

“I don’t know. Haven’t thought about it. What about you, Jiangning?”

“My family goes back to our hometown for the New Year. I did well on my exams this semester, so everyone’s happy. I have to tell my grandparents. My dad even said my grades are better than my cousin’s now.”

Pride beamed on Fang Jiangning’s face.

Since becoming Yu Linna’s deskmate, her grades had significantly improved. Yu Linna often tutored her, and despite frequently missing classes, she had a knack for teaching. Perhaps it was due to her experience as a teaching assistant; she had a unique approach to learning.

Their teacher hadn’t expected the seating arrangement, assigned randomly at the beginning of the semester, to have such an impact. But since being paired with Yu Linna, Fang Jiangning’s grades had soared. She had made it into the top ten of their grade for the first time, leaving her parents speechless.

Their homeroom teacher, initially critical of Yu Linna, now had nothing but praise.

“That’s great…” Yu Linna said, a hint of envy in her voice.

Fang Jiangning suddenly remembered that Yu Linna had no family, spending every New Year alone, with no relatives to visit.

“I’m sorry, Linna. I got carried away…”

“It’s okay. I’m used to it. You don’t have to worry about my feelings.”

“But… what are you going to do this year?”

Though Yu Linna looked mixed-race, she was Chinese at heart and, like everyone else, celebrated the holidays. How would she spend the upcoming Spring Festival? It was a problem.

“I don’t know. I’ll wait for Zhiyun to come back.”

Though she said so, Yu Linna had a feeling Ye Zhiyun wouldn’t be back in time.

Being gone for half a month meant it was something serious. She wouldn’t be back anytime soon.

Feeling awkward, Fang Jiangning suggested they go out to have some fun, to lift Yu Linna’s spirits. Yu Linna agreed, needing a distraction. Unlike before, she no longer had to work every day and had plenty of free time.

“Oh, let’s ask Ningning to join us! She’s been wanting to get closer to you. Is that okay?”

“Her? …Fine, I don’t mind.”

When it came to Huo Ningning, Yu Linna felt nothing but exasperation. The girl was always trying to get close to her, and she didn’t understand why. She was a girl! What was Ningning’s interest in her?

Upon hearing Yu Linna was going out, Huo Ningning became ecstatic, arriving at the meeting place in under five minutes, her face flushed, her breathing ragged. She had clearly run all the way.

“Good morning, Linna! Where do you want to go? I recommend a movie!”

“…No movies. I want to go to the arcade.”

The thought of sitting next to Ningning in a dark theater, being stared at, made her skin crawl.

Having lived as a girl for over a decade, Yu Linna wasn’t averse to interacting with other girls, but she wasn’t comfortable with excessive closeness. So far, only Ye Zhiyun and Nangong Ying had been allowed into her inner circle.

She had a reason for wanting to go to the arcade. She had gone there once with Ye Zhiyun, who had won her a stuffed animal, a prize she still cherished. She wanted to try again, to play the claw machine.

As for Huo Ningning, she agreed solely because Yu Linna was going. Wherever Yu Linna went, she would follow.

Who was Huo Ningning, anyway? According to Fang Jiangning, she came from a relatively well-off family, better off than Fang Jiangning’s, though the nature of her family’s business remained unknown. Apparently, they had only become wealthy in recent years.

“Linna, let’s do something active! Look, there’s a coin-operated basketball game over there. Let’s play!”

“Well…”

“It’s decided! Let’s go!”

“Can you not hold my hand…?”

Wasn’t this bespectacled girl supposed to be shy and timid? Why was she suddenly so assertive? Did she really enjoy Yu Linna’s company that much?

And Fang Jiangning, with a cheerful expression, didn’t seem to mind, as if everything was going according to plan.

“I’m not very good at basketball…”

Inserting the coins, Yu Linna held the basketball, looking at the hoop, feeling a headache coming on.

Even in her previous life as a boy, she hadn’t played many outdoor sports, mostly spending her time quietly reading at the orphanage. In this life, she had been too busy working to engage in any physical activity, let alone play basketball. If she had the time, she would have taken up taekwondo like Ye Zhiyun.

“It’s okay, I’ll teach you. Just throw the ball into the basket. Watch me. Like this.”

Huo Ningning demonstrated.

“Linna, lift your arms like this, and your waist…”

“Ahem, don’t touch me. I can do it myself.”

Seeing Huo Ningning’s hand reaching for her waist, Yu Linna immediately stepped back, a frown on her face. This girl was clearly up to no good, trying to get touchy-feely again.

Huo Ningning pouted, looking like she was about to cry. Fang Jiangning patted her shoulder, sighing.

“Too eager. She’ll get spooked.”

“It’s so hard, Jiangning. How can I be like you…?”

“Well, take it slow.”

Ignoring their conversation, Yu Linna held the basketball, looking at the hoop. She jumped slightly and threw the ball.

With no experience and awkward form, her shot missed. She picked up the ball and tried again, rarely making a basket.

As she moved, her shirt lifted slightly, revealing a flash of her pale stomach. Huo Ningning stared, mesmerized.

Her movements were so graceful, especially that glimpse of skin…

“Ningning, stop ogling her, or she’ll really start to dislike you.”

“Whoa… I can’t control myself…”

Huo Ningning, the seemingly timid, introverted girl with glasses, had a wild side. Was this what they called “hidden fire”?

Having known her for so long, Fang Jiangning understood her personality all too well.

Yu Linna was indeed terrible at basketball. After a few shots, she was out of breath, sweat beading on her forehead, her body weak. This sport wasn’t for her.

Perhaps it was also due to her lack of exercise these past two months, spending all her time cooking. If she were still working multiple jobs, running errands all day, she wouldn’t be so out of shape.

As for Huo Ningning, she hadn’t made a single basket, too busy staring at Yu Linna. She was probably devastated.

Yu Linna headed towards the claw machines, wanting to try her luck. Huo Ningning grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the women’s clothing section, ignoring Yu Linna’s protests.

“Linna, let’s buy some clothes! Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

“Are you crazy? I don’t buy women’s clothing! Let go of me!”

“Just try it on! Just once, okay?”

“No!”

Huo Ningning was unusually assertive, almost aggressive.

This was all thanks to a book she had read this week. It advised that to win a girl’s heart, one had to be bold, shameless, and take charge, ignoring the girl’s objections. This would supposedly showcase one’s masculine charm.

The book was titled, “How to Pursue a Girl.”

Clearly, she had misunderstood something…

It was meant for boys, not girls.

“No! I don’t want to wear this!”

“Just once! Come on, just try it on!”

“No!”

Fang Jiangning watched, speechless. Had Huo Ningning completely lost it? Even with a girl, this wasn’t the way to go about things.

Huo Ningning held a dress, insisting Yu Linna try it on. Yu Linna adamantly refused, and they reached a stalemate. Suddenly, Huo Ningning slipped, falling towards Yu Linna. With a yelp from Yu Linna, they both tumbled into the changing room.

“Ahh!”

Fang Jiangning saw the curtain close behind them, followed by muffled gasps.

Huo Ningning pinned Yu Linna to the floor, her face flushing as she looked at the girl beneath her.

Yu Linna pushed her off angrily, scrambling to her feet, pulling up her jacket, her face red with rage.

“Enough! What are you trying to do? How could you treat me like this? Hmph! I’m leaving!”

Shoving Huo Ningning aside, Yu Linna stormed out of the women’s clothing section, clearly furious.

“That’s it, game over…” Fang Jiangning thought. Not even a god could save Ningning now.

---

Chapter 121: The Seed

Yu Linna disliked Huo Ningning not for anything she had done, but simply because she couldn’t stand being stared at with such an intense, almost predatory gaze. It made her uncomfortable.

If Ningning behaved normally, Yu Linna wouldn’t mind being friendly. After all, she was Jiangning’s friend, and Yu Linna was willing to give her some leeway.

But today…

She had had enough.

Being treated like this for no reason, unilaterally at that, was unbearable. Even if she was Jiangning’s friend, it was too much.

Yu Linna hated being treated this way.

“I’m… I’m so sorry, Linna! Please don’t be angry! I was wrong!”

“I’m going home. Leave me alone.”

“No, please! I really was wrong! Please forgive me!”

Huo Ningning wanted to punch herself. How could she have made such a grave mistake? She needed to be locked in a cage to learn her lesson.

As for Fang Jiangning, all she could do was facepalm. Her friend was usually normal; how could she mess up so badly today? What had she been doing? Ningning had only mentioned looking up strategies, reading books on how to interact with people. What kind of book had she been reading?

“Linna, Linna… I’m sorry! Please don’t go! I was wrong…”

Huo Ningning abandoned her earlier assertiveness, her voice now soft and pleading, reverting to her usual timid self.

“I just wanted to be friends with you! I really didn’t mean to… Please forgive me…”

Huo Ningning tugged on Yu Linna’s sleeve, her voice trembling. Yu Linna, despite being a girl herself, couldn’t bear to see another girl cry, especially in front of her.

Whenever a girl cried in front of her, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse their request. It had been the same with Ye Zhiyun; after witnessing her vulnerability, Yu Linna couldn’t reject her.

“Fine. I’ll give you one more chance. But if you do that again, hmph!”

“I won’t! I won’t! I was just too eager! From now on, I’ll listen to you!”

As long as she could be with Yu Linna, she would do anything.

Seeing that Yu Linna was no longer angry, Huo Ningning breathed a sigh of relief. If she had truly angered her, it would have been disastrous.

However…

Yu Linna had been genuinely angry.

She had simply forgotten.

Looking at the blonde hair, the familiar silhouette, Huo Ningning’s mind flashed back to a similar image. The same blonde hair, the same back, but a different heart.

(“Mind your own business! It’s none of your concern! Who are you to tell me what to do?!”)

She would never forget that scene, the scene she regretted to this day.

If it hadn’t been for the past, there wouldn’t be a present.

She truly regretted her actions. They could have been better friends, but ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be.

Yu Linna might have forgotten, but Huo Ningning hadn’t. She knew who Yu Linna was, her background, her status as an orphan. She had known all along but had kept silent.

When Huo Ningning was young, a little girl had come to live with her family. Everything had started then; that was when the little blonde girl entered her life.

But the girl had only stayed for a month before disappearing.

Huo Ningning saw her again in high school.

The moment she saw her on campus, she knew it was Yu Linna, the mixed-race girl. She wanted to talk to her, to get to know her, to become friends. But she lacked the courage.

In their senior year, by chance, they ended up in the same class. And since Yu Linna was close to Fang Jiangning, Huo Ningning used that connection to get closer to her. However, their relationship hadn’t progressed much, remaining awkward, with Yu Linna always keeping her distance, partly due to Huo Ningning’s overeagerness.

“Linna, want to grab a drink? It’s on me. I’ll take you to the best place in town.”

“Stop having ulterior motives! I’m a girl, understand?”

“I would never! I’m a girl too!”

She wanted to be with Yu Linna, to rekindle their friendship, even though Yu Linna had forgotten everything. But Huo Ningning remembered clearly.

She regretted the words she had spoken, words that had changed everything. Since then, she had vowed never to hurt anyone with her words again.

But the damage was done; there was no going back.

“Ningning, aren’t you taking me somewhere? Where is it?”

“Wait, I’m coming.”

Fang Jiangning, watching them, breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed things were going smoothly.

When Huo Ningning had confessed about her past with Yu Linna, Fang Jiangning hadn’t believed her at first. But Ningning wasn’t one to lie, so she chose to believe her. Ningning had asked for help in mending her relationship with Yu Linna, and Fang Jiangning had agreed.

It wasn’t an easy task, but fortunately, there wasn’t any serious conflict between them yet.

In a quiet studio apartment, the only sounds were the clicking of keys and the flickering of the computer screen. The curtains were drawn, the room shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the glow of the monitor.

The rhythmic tapping of keys echoed as Zhao Yuyan’s fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes fixed on the screen. As the number of characters increased, her furrowed brows relaxed.

“Phew…”

Zhao Yuyan paused, stretching. Working since early morning was tiring, and she was starting to feel hungry.

But it was her own fault for procrastinating, leaving everything to the last minute. It was a classic writer’s ailment.

And one that frustrated Chen Xi to no end. Of all the authors she managed, Zhao Yuyan was the worst procrastinator. Chen Xi often reminded her during their meals to start writing early to avoid last-minute cramming. Zhao Yuyan always agreed, then proceeded to procrastinate anyway.

There was no helping it. Zhao Yuyan was lazy. She wanted to play games, not work. She had university, assignments, and her author duties; how could she possibly have the energy for anything else? Writing meant sacrificing her gaming time; she was already working hard enough.

Despite her procrastination, Zhao Yuyan’s writing was consistently high-quality, always finding a market. She mostly wrote short stories, with her longer works progressing at a glacial pace. She was about to publish another collection of short stories, this time about a rag-and-bone girl who meets the male protagonist.

With her popularity and reputation, her short story collection would undoubtedly sell well. That was the value of her name.

“Wow, so much left. Looks like there’s no time for fun before the New Year.”

Looking at her progress, Zhao Yuyan sighed. Procrastination felt good in the moment, but the all-nighters were killer.

But she was a professional writer and had to take her work seriously. There was no other way but to work overtime.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Chen Xi, the demon editor!

“Hello, Sister Chen! I wasn’t slacking off! I was really working hard…”

“Huh? What are you talking about? I’m calling to let you know about this year’s New Talent Awards. It’s scheduled for after the New Year, and we’d like to invite you. Hopefully, you can make time for it.”

“Ah, the New Talent Awards? Me?”

She had attended the awards ceremony last year, winning first place at the age of nineteen, securing a publishing contract for “The Rich Man’s Game.” A year later, the novel had reached its third volume, with the fourth in progress.

The New Talent Awards was a place of aspiration for every newcomer, a platform to gain recognition and launch their careers. Having experienced that glory herself, Zhao Yuyan understood the significance of the competition.

“Air, as the winner of last year’s award, you should be there. If possible, we’d like you to give a short speech, a few words of encouragement for the new writers.”

“In that case, just send me an invitation. You didn’t have to call.”

“That’s because I know you probably wouldn’t come even with an invitation, so I had to call and order you to attend.”

“What? It’s an order?!”

“That’s right, an order. You must be there.”

“Can I refuse…?”

“If you don’t go, I’ll lock you in a hotel room and cut off your internet until you finish writing.”

“You’re a demon!”

Zhao Yuyan cried out. The demon editor truly lived up to her name! How could she be so cruel?!

Zhao Yuyan didn’t want to go! Not at all!

She just wanted to stay home and play games, raid dungeons, play League of Legends, PUBG, and Dungeon Fighter Online!

“By the way, Air, speaking of the New Talent Awards, there’s an author I’m quite interested in. I want to sign them, but… their writing style is hard to define.”

“Another newcomer caught your eye? Lucky them.”

“Their pen name is Shion. I don’t know their real name. They blocked me. If you know them, please let me know.”

“Pfft! Blocked you? Hahaha! Sister Chen, you got blocked by a newbie? Hahaha!”

Zhao Yuyan burst out laughing. The legendary super editor Chen Xi, blocked by a newcomer? It was the funniest thing she had ever heard. That newbie had guts! Blocking an editor! It was too much; she couldn’t stop laughing.

“Air…”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop laughing… hahaha…”

“Should I book you a hotel room?”

“No, no, no! I’m sorry! I don’t want to be locked up and forced to write!”

A single petal fell to the ground. Unseen, a seed began to sprout.

Chapter 119: I Absolutely Will Not Change It

When Yu Linna woke up, it was already evening. She sat up, gazing around the room, the lamplight illuminating every corner. A few minutes later, the door opened, and Fang Jiangning, her guardian angel, entered with a bowl of porridge.

“You’re awake! The porridge is ready. Come and eat. You must be starving.”

“…I don’t want to eat.”

Honestly, Yu Linna had no appetite.

Fang Jiangning’s face fell. A foodie refusing food? That meant she was seriously ill.

“No, you have to eat it!”

“Geez… are you my mom…?”

“No arguing! Eat! Come on, open wide. Ah~”

“I’m not a child. I can feed myself.”

Taking the bowl, Yu Linna ate slowly, one small spoonful at a time. After being sick, her stomach was empty, but she had no desire to eat. Though she usually loved food, she couldn’t muster any interest now, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“Here’s some more.”

Worried she wouldn’t eat enough, Fang Jiangning refilled the bowl. She watched Yu Linna finish every last bit before taking the bowl to the kitchen to wash. Once done, she returned to check on Yu Linna.

“Feeling better?”

“Much better.”

“Good! Remember to take your medicine on time. No oily or greasy food, no eggs. I’ll come back tomorrow. And since you’re alone, call me if anything happens. You can rely on me!”

Now that things had calmed down, Yu Linna didn’t know what to say.

She was genuinely touched by Fang Jiangning’s care. The wall she had built around herself began to crumble.

Without realizing it, she had made so many friends, people who cared about her. Ye Zhiyun, Fang Jiangning, Dai Wenqian – all friends she had met this past year, friends who had changed her life.

Could she really be this happy?

She had never known life could be so joyful.

But…

Even the best of friends weren’t always forever. Even in the closest friendships, who could truly remain themselves when faced with personal gain? The thought made Yu Linna’s expression darken.

Regardless, Fang Jiangning had helped her, and she owed her a debt of gratitude.

“Jiangning, thank you.”

“Um… you don’t have to thank me.”

Perhaps it was the first time she had been thanked, especially by Yu Linna, but Fang Jiangning blushed, feeling shy. Did this mean she had finally earned Yu Linna’s approval?

She had been trying to get close to Yu Linna since the beginning of the school year, only to be constantly rebuffed. It wasn’t until she discovered the power of food that she finally had a chance to connect with her. Now, half a year later, she couldn’t believe their friendship had lasted this long. Back then, simply exchanging a few words with Yu Linna would have been enough.

“Linna, if anything happens, you can always call me. You’re alone now, and… you can rely on us. After all, all you have is us.”

It was true. She only had them.

Those words weren’t unfamiliar to Yu Linna. On the contrary, they were all too familiar.

Nangong Ying had once said the same thing to her.

(“Linna, if you have any problems, anything you can’t handle, you can always come to me. You’re alone now, but you still have me.”)

Anyone could say pretty words. But what did they mean in the end? Nangong Ying had ultimately pushed her into the depths of hell.

Even if those words had been sincere at the time, people changed. Without you even realizing it, they changed, becoming strangers.

Yu Linna wouldn’t easily trust anyone again, not even Ye Zhiyun. She had never truly trusted her. Scarred by betrayal, she was hesitant to trust anyone.

But…

At least Fang Jiangning’s sincerity felt genuine.

“Yes, thank you.” It was all she could say.

Fang Jiangning chatted for a while longer, leaving late in the evening after saying goodbye. Yu Linna smiled, seeing her to the door, but as the door closed, her expression dimmed.

She wished this friendship could last forever.

But she didn’t dare to hope, didn’t dare to expect. After Nangong Ying’s betrayal, she was afraid to hope, afraid of losing another friend.

Even though she knew it was only a matter of time.

At the editorial office, Shion’s Ballad of the Enchantress continued to spark debate, its genre defying easy categorization, dividing the staff. But one thing was undeniable: the novel was exceptional.

If it hadn’t been good, they would have simply rejected it.

It was precisely because of its quality that they were struggling to categorize it.

The current market was saturated with similar works, and Wenqing was struggling to find truly good manuscripts. Submissions ranged from formulaic stories to attention-grabbing fluff, with few genuinely well-written narratives that offered thought-provoking endings.

Simply put, good books were rare.

And when a good book appeared, they wouldn’t let it go.

Chen Xi, after much debate, finally secured everyone’s agreement and became Shion’s editor. Many commented that she had unearthed another gem, but no one disputed her claim; no one in the editorial department was better at nurturing authors.

Chen Xi found the email address Shion had provided and added them on QQ. She wondered if Shion was male or female, assuming, based on past experience, that it was likely a man. Most commercial fiction writers were male, but Shion’s ability to craft emotionally charged scenes was exceptional.

She found Shion’s QQ account. The nickname was “Salted Fish Just Wants to Eat,” incredibly unrefined. She imagined the owner must be struggling financially, even calling themselves “salted fish,” a term suggesting someone who had given up on life.

She sent a friend request, waiting for a response.

Yu Linna, recovering at home, opened Ye Zhiyun’s computer in her pajamas, logged into QQ, and looked for a group chat to join. A new friend request notification popped up.

It was from “Wenqing Editor Chen Xi.” Seeing the words “Wenqing,” she immediately perked up. She had submitted her manuscript just a day ago. Had they already responded?

◆ Salted Fish Just Wants to Eat: “Hello.”

◆ Wenqing Editor Chen Xi: “Hello, I’m Chen Xi, an editor at Wenqing. Are you Shion?”

◆ Salted Fish Just Wants to Eat: “Yes.”

◆ Wenqing Editor Chen Xi: “We’ve reviewed your manuscript submitted yesterday, and there’s some debate here. Your story might not be suitable for commercial publication. Would you be willing to revise the content?”

Revise the content?

What did that mean?

Change her story?

Yu Linna felt a wave of resistance.

Staring at the screen, her hands clenched.

“Your story is quite good, the writing is excellent. But the ending is weak. If you’re willing to revise it, change the ending for the male and female protagonists, we would consider signing you.”

This was Chen Xi’s tactic. She knew they wanted to sign Shion, but the ending was problematic. Worried that Shion wouldn’t agree to revisions, she applied some pressure, hoping to gain the upper hand.

If Shion was a newcomer, they should be easy to handle.

“I won’t change it.”

“What?”

Yu Linna’s response was concise: I won’t change it. This was her work, poured over day and night, and she wouldn’t change a single word.

Changing the ending would diminish its impact, disrupting the foundation for the planned sequel and undermining the foreshadowing. It would alter the story’s trajectory, making it mediocre.

She refused to do that.

“Shion, please reconsider. I’m trying to help you.”

“I won’t change it. Changing the content is non-negotiable.”

Yu Linna was stubbornly attached to her work, unwilling to compromise, even if it seemed foolish.

It was just a slightly melancholic commercial novel, not a full-blown tragedy. Couldn’t they handle a bit of angst? There were far more depressing stories out there!

Yu Linna felt a sense of injustice, of frustration.

“Sorry, gotta go.”

With that, she logged off QQ, ignoring the editor.

Leaning back in her chair, staring at the ceiling, she felt a wave of anxiety. Had she been too blunt? Wenqing had shown interest in her work; it was an opportunity. But she had just thrown it away.

Now, her novel had no chance of being selected.

Such an unconventional, non-commercial work wouldn’t be popular with readers.

It was over…

Another failure…

But she felt so unwilling to give up.

Biting her lip, she shook her head. Standing her ground for her work… this would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meanwhile, Chen Xi was utterly frustrated. She had expected a smooth process, but this Shion was so uncooperative, refusing to change the ending. Was the ending that good? Even the author wouldn’t budge. Who was this person?

But in her years as an editor, she had encountered authors fiercely protective of their work, unwilling to allow any alterations, any changes to their vision. It was the writer’s prerogative.

Ignoring the opinions of others, writing solely for themselves.

Such authors were, in a way, admirable. Of course, that was assuming their books sold.