Inspired by emotion

It has been half a year since I began writing "Girlfriend." During this time, I have reflected on many things and gained much in the process. Within this book lie my insights into love and my understanding of reality. Though my expression may not yet be fully mature, I have always been striving to improve.

From the initial contract to the book's eventual release, every chapter and every milestone has left a deep impression on me. To speak honestly, the book's performance has not been particularly good, for a variety of reasons, both subjective and objective. I am well aware that my updating speed is slow. I will not make excuses, citing plot issues or any story-related matters to justify my absences; the fault lies with me, not with the story.

Whether in terms of subscriptions or loyal readers, this book could have done better. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I could write ten thousand words a day—would more people come to love this story, would more readers be willing to spend their precious time on it? Yet such thoughts are mere wishful thinking, for I simply cannot update that quickly, except during the rare holidays.

During the writing process, some readers have contacted me, asking this or that question. These conversations have genuinely filled me with joy and gratitude. I am glad that someone is willing to read, and grateful that I am not walking this path alone.

Every author hopes that their work will be seen by a wider audience and achieve better results. I am no different in this regard. Yet, in truth, success is not the purpose of writing, nor is it my true pursuit. I have said before that I only hope those who read my work will gain something from it—some insight, however small. That alone would be enough, though I cannot say for certain if that is truly the case.

Many friends around me have supported me, giving me the motivation to persist and finish this book. At times, when I see the dismal click rates and subscription numbers, I have wondered if I should simply give up. Perhaps spending that time working or enjoying myself would make life a little better. Yet every time I think of this, I find myself unable to let go of those girls in that world, unable to part with Yang Chen, who is always striving to change himself, or the girls who work hard for love.

Many readers do not care for this type of story, finding it dull or tedious. I do not argue, for everything in the story is but a reflection of reality and a shadow of ideals. Some people prefer comedies, others tragedies. I cannot change anyone’s opinion of my work, nor do I have the right to do so.

Someone once told me that my mistake was telling this story in the first person, and perhaps that is true. Yet I believe there is nothing inherently wrong with this narrative style; if there is a failing, it is in my execution. I have also said that Yang Chen is simply Yang Chen, and I am myself. He is the protagonist, no different from the male leads in third-person narratives; these events happen to him—whether with Luo Qing, Goddess Su, Zhang Jiaxin, and so on. It is Yang Chen’s story, not mine.

Yang Chen is every reader of this book, and Luo Qing, Shi Yu, Zhao Kewen, and the others are people you know in your own lives. Reading is a pastime, but pure entertainment is just a way to pass the time. That is why I hope that when you finish reading, this story will leave you with something to ponder; even if not, at least you will have felt happiness or sorrow.

In fact, I have been reading online fiction for a very long time, and I have written many short stories on various sites under different IDs. However, "Girlfriend" is truly my first attempt at a pure urban romance, and it is not my strongest suit. I have never quite managed to satisfy everyone.

Here, I wish to offer my apologies.

Returning to the matter at hand, all the plot threads of "Girlfriend" have been set in place, and what remains is to keep writing, writing, and writing. I will finish it with care, resolve all the plot holes, and I will not let it end abruptly or be abandoned. I hope those who enjoy this story will continue to stay with it.

At present, piracy runs rampant online, and every book suffers from it. I hope everyone will support the official version. Even a few cents or a small subscription is the greatest encouragement to me.

This book will be completed after the New Year. The next book may be of a different genre, but love will always be present. I will no longer rush to meet deadlines, but will accumulate enough chapters before publishing, ensuring a steady buffer. I only hope no one will forget there is still a writer called Xingyuan.

Next week, I will be applying for a recommendation, updating with six thousand words each day. I hope everyone will support me then.

Finally, I wish you all a pleasant reading experience.