Chapter 77: Some insignificant yet wanted-to-be-said words

The original intention of writing this novel was to present a unique story from a different perspective and in a different way, within a seemingly ordinary framework.And this intention, the overarching background of the entire book, should be somewhat discernible from the previous chapter (Chapter 076). I labored to incorporate some obscure trivia and craft certain narrative passages in this book, not only for the sake of novelty but also as part of a larger plan. Using technology to explain magic was merely setting a tone, to show that the author of this book isn’t just a daydreamer but somewhat serious, or perhaps naive. Beyond that, a greater backdrop was gradually unfolding.

Why did I choose to write this way?

Because I am not only an author but also a reader, to be precise, a reader who has read far too much and found it unsatisfying, so I took matters into my own hands and got down to writing.

When I first started reading, I was not picky and found delight in everything I read. Later on, that was no longer enough; I needed works by famous authors, by literary masters. Even later, I couldn’t bear to read even those masterpieces; it wasn’t because they were poorly written, but because I had read too much. Just like the richest cuts of pork would become tiresome after a month of continuous indulgence.

After that, I began to search for interesting novels, ones not necessarily written by literary giants but filled with imagination.

Eventually, I realized that such novels were few and far between. Hence, I often faced a book drought, staring blankly at the leaderboard full of various “Emperors”, “Saints”, and “Madmen”. I must admit, these novels are very well-written, at least infinitely better than anything I could write. I too was once obsessed with them, but now I truly cannot continue reading them.

Sometimes, I wonder if bookstores could offer more variety in their novels. Could all authors have a brainstorm, open up their minds, and write more unconventional works?

But that was just wishful thinking.

Thinking too much led to dreams, dreams led to impulses, and then this book was born.

Is this book well-written?

Of course… not really.

After all, this isn’t my first book. I’m no longer the naive newcomer who thought a single creative idea could easily outshine the greats. I’m aware of the many shortcomings in my work.

But I dare say, this is the novel I wanted to write, the kind I want to read.

If someone else had written this book instead of me, I would certainly be a devoted fan.

And for that reason, this book isn’t meant for everyone.

In fact, in my view, the only books meant for everyone besides “user manuals” might be “dictionaries”. This book is meant for me and readers who, like me, enjoy the peculiar. Of course, it could also be considered niche.

So I simply smile knowingly at the good-natured teasing in the “Remarks on this Chapter” and the comments. As for the malicious comments, I ignore them. Because I know one cannot make a person who dislikes this novel like it, just as one cannot make a tiger eat grass.

Different strokes for different folks; it’s impossible for one book to fulfill everyone’s expectations unless the book is written by themselves.

For those who don’t like this novel, I sincerely hope they find one they do enjoy. And to those who do like it, I want to say a heartfelt thank you.

Thank you for your support!

I know all too well how difficult it is to survive as a reader and writer of niche books and how important support is. Not everyone is carefree with their basic needs met; some gather funds for their parents’ medical treatments, some work to support their families, and I’ve seen many niche authors suddenly stop writing, disappear, or switch to writing mainstream novels with “Emperors” and “Saints”.

I don’t blame them, for I have no right or reason to expect someone to write what I like at all costs. However, with each departure, the book drought just gets worse.

Hopefully, the day will never come when there are no books left to read.

Of course, my situation isn’t as dire as others. I’m still young, with healthy parents, no wife or children. I just need to eat, get dressed, and think about my future. That’s why I wrote this book.

Again, I want to thank everyone who supported me; writing in solitude versus having a community is a completely different feeling. I don’t know how well this book will do as I continue, but I will do everything possible to keep going.

If one day the updates for this novel stop, it might mean that I’ve literally become unable to afford food and resorted to begging. If you see me on the streets, please buy me a warm bun, or a stick of ham sausage—the Emperor of Sausages from Shuanghui, to be precise (laughs). Or maybe I’ve been killed by debt collectors knocking on my door; in that case, please call the police. Fighting crime is everyone’s responsibility (joking).

But then again, why die if you can live?

If a person doesn’t have dreams, what’s the difference between them and a Husky?

Of course, I still hope this book will become a hit, at least enough to earn me money for warm buns or the Emperor of Sausages.

So, while thanking you all, I also hope you’ll continue to support me, and that more and more people will do so.

With that, author Sun Ershisan bows his head.

Pffft, as if I’m bowing! A bow is like a kowtow! Even though I’m grateful, the idea of bowing my head, hmph! A simple bow will do!

That’s it, a bow!

Bye!

Oh, wait a minute, there’s something I almost forgot to say. Due to some circumstances, the updates for a considerable while may be… um, as usual.

I’m outta here…

Bye!