Chapter 22: Reflections on Launch Day (Author's Note)

Since the day I scribbled my first short story on the blank pages of a textbook, the gears of destiny began turning. That was only the starting line of an endless journey.

As a kid, I had many dreams. I didn’t dare expect they’d come true, but at least I chased them. No regrets linger because I gave it my all.

Dreams bring purpose.

I remember fifth grade vividly. Back then, I attended a school for my ethnic minority group, and I didn’t understand a word of Mandarin. Our school didn’t even have a library, and textbooks were passed down and reused. My one joy was pooling pocket change with friends to buy pirated DVDs for four yuan apiece—mostly Disney cartoons.

Then, I stumbled upon The Legend of Qin, a Chinese animated series. I was hooked. Unfortunately, the second season didn’t have translations in my native language, and I couldn’t even recognize the character “秦” (Qin). Armed with a dictionary, I painstakingly looked up every character, pausing scenes to sketch stills with a regular pencil.

That experience? It reshaped my life.

I discovered my dream: I wanted to become an animator.

Driven by this goal, I worked hard. I aced the entrance exams for a prestigious provincial middle school—something my village hadn’t achieved in five years. I was the only one that year.

But reality hit hard. Despite scoring 130 points above the admission line, I was still at the bottom of the class. Mandarin lessons were grueling, English was completely foreign to me, and the school operated under strict military-style discipline. Home visits were limited to once a year. But I survived.

High school took me to a coastal city. I endured five-day train rides in hard-seat carriages to get there. Yet, stepping out of the school gates to see the ocean made everything worth it. I finally understood the vastness of “a boundless sea and sky.”

Around my sophomore year, I learned I’d need to pass an art exam to pursue animation professionally. But my family couldn’t afford it.

Suddenly, my dream crumbled.

I spiraled into depression, crying for over two weeks and eventually landing in the hospital.

During that dark period, I discovered novels.

At first, I doubted my shaky Mandarin would let me understand the complex fantasy genres. But I picked up a novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu—and couldn’t put it down.

When The Untamed was adapted into an animated series, a thought struck me: if novels can become animations, why not start there?

Even if I never reach that level, writing novels would bring me closer to my dream, wouldn’t it?

In my first year of college, I saved up from part-time jobs and finally bought a computer.

This year, my first novel was signed. It’s with ShuDian.

Dreams evolve, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’ll find your path.

This is the beginning of my writing journey.

Even though I’m still a newbie, I’ve got enough to support myself now.

The royalties from this book on ShuDan are purely based on shares, and to be honest, even when the book finishes, the payout will probably only be a few hundred bucks. Compared to the guaranteed pay on other platforms, it might even be a loss.

But I’m still choosing to write my favorite BL stories here.

Why?

Because right from the start, there’s interaction with readers and people who stick with me.

Writing the stories I love feels effortless, my creativity flows, and my mind and body feel at ease.

So, thanks to all the readers who’ve stuck with me.

If you want to check out my other books, follow me on VB@梦海孤月.

Book release info: The book is now available for purchase. For those who can, please consider subscribing fully to support.

After all, with the new rules on ShuDan, the full attendance system is nearly gone.

There are many authors out there, pouring their heart and soul into their work, creating for their dreams or writing out of love. They need your support and encouragement.

———TN: Show some love and back the author! They’ve put in the work, and it’s time to step up and show your support—don’t just read; give credit where it’s due.