To My Dear Readers

Dear book friends, old friends.

On April 30, I posted a notice at the end of a chapter about "stopping updates." I wrote it while feeling extremely anxious and conflicted.

But after thinking it over, I realized I still couldn't bear to leave you, nor could I bear to leave behind the version of myself who typed away at the document every day.

I thought about it for a long time, truly a long time. From yesterday until now, for more than an entire day, it felt as though two little people had been fighting in my mind. One said, "The college entrance exam is coming. You have to put down your pen and give it everything you've got." The other kept shouting, "You can't stop. You promised them."

In the end, I made a decision that went against "reason" but stayed true to my heart: I haven't canceled the hiatus, but I've changed my mind. I won't stop. I'll adjust the update schedule to one chapter every two days, or every three days.

I made this decision because I simply couldn't face that hollow feeling in my heart.

Some people might find it strange. Isn't it just writing a novel? Is it really worth being so conflicted over? But only I know that writing and updating chapters has been carved into my bones like eating and drinking. Even during breaks in evening self-study at school, even in the few minutes spent lining up for food, my mind is still churning with the next chapter's content.

Yesterday, when I tried telling myself, "Starting today, I won't write anymore," I found that the whole day became unusually long and empty.

When I got home, I stared blankly at the cover of my work. I tossed and turned in bed. That feeling wasn't relief, but loss. I realized that if I forced myself to stop updating, I might become someone even I would hate.

The guilt I felt toward all of you would torment me more than the exhaustion of staying up late to write.

But I also had to face reality—the college entrance exam is right around the corner, and there isn't much room for my grades to improve. Every single point requires me to spend tremendous amounts of time grinding for it.

This dilemma tormented me for an entire day. I didn't want to let down my readers' expectations, but I also didn't want to give up my academic future.

Then I saw those heartwarming messages in the comments, those wishes for me to do well on the college entrance exam. In that moment, I suddenly felt at peace.

Why did it have to be all or nothing? Why did I have to choose only between "daily updates" and "stopping updates"?

So I chose a middle path: consistency was good enough.

Yes, I'm not leaving. No matter how busy or tired I am, I won't let this story end unfinished, and I won't let those of you waiting be disappointed. But I also need everyone's understanding and support. Starting today, I'll no longer chase daily, on-time updates. Instead, I'll update once every two days, or once every three days.

This schedule is the answer that hurts neither side the least after weighing my dreams against reality.

It means that I'll still squeeze out a little time amid my busy studies to write those unfinished stories for you. It means that every chapter update from now on may be born late at night, after I come home from evening self-study.

I know that this schedule may feel unfamiliar to friends who are used to following updates, and it may cause the story's popularity to decline somewhat.

But please believe me: even if I only post one chapter every three days, that chapter will definitely contain all the effort I've poured into it. I don't want to fob everyone off with careless filler. I only want to make up for the lack of quantity with quality.

I especially want to thank all the readers who have sent me blessings, encouraged me, or even simply left a like during this time. You've made me understand that words can carry warmth. The road of creation may be lonely, but because of you, I have never felt cold.

Actually, whenever I see someone leave a comment or a short review, I secretly feel happy for a long time. Your recognition is my only spiritual comfort during these dull days of preparing for exams. It was also you who made me choose "persistence" instead of "giving up" at this crossroads today.

This decision was the result of an entire day of careful thought. I'm afraid you'll be angry, but I'm even more afraid that if I force myself to stop updating, then when I return, I'll have already lost the passion I once had.

So please allow me to stay, even if my steps have slowed a little.

With the college entrance exam approaching, I need to run toward my own examination room while protecting this world of words we built together.

When I return after the exams, or when I've had a chance to catch my breath, I'll pick up the pace again.

Thank you for accompanying and supporting me all this way. Thank you for giving me a hand when I was at my most conflicted.

The road ahead may grow slower, and there may be wind and rain, but as long as you are still here, I will definitely remain here too.

We have a promise: two days, or three days. See you then.

If there is no update, then I am struggling through a sea of test questions; if there is an update, then it is proof that I crossed mountains and rivers to come see you.

Once again, I bow in thanks.

—The author who loves you all, Yijiuxingyang

(Late at night on May 1)