Chapter 1132: Afterword

Afterword

Is it a cycle of reincarnation?

That year, I was in Wuhan, living with a few classmates in a residential complex outside the gate of Wuhan University; I borrowed a classmate's computer and began writing my first novel.

That year was SARS.

Memory remains vivid; at that time I didn't wear a mask, nor did I have any concept of protection. The only thing that made me happy was a restaurant diagonally opposite the right side of the archway at the main gate of Wuhan University; during that period there were no customers, and my classmates and I went there to eat, so the whole restaurant had just us few. It seemed there was a discount, but my memory has become hazy and I can't recall it clearly.

Later I went back to Wuhan for a stroll; that small restaurant had been demolished and moved, but several of my classmates went to the new location to eat, and the owner surprisingly still recognized us—truly an unexpected delight.

This year is COVID-19.

This year, I was in Shanghai; as I aged, I learned to be reverent, so I shut myself in at home, writing manuscripts every day, just reading books, then spacing out.

There was no longer any open-for-business small restaurant; each day at home was three meals, daily life, nearly identical for three months—like a shadow in black-and-white film, still and fixed.

I've written more than ten afterwords, right?

I won't say my afterwords are the best among so many authors, but I probably have written the most of them. Over a dozen years, over a dozen books, I have a lot I want to say, but I'm not someone who easily pours out emotions, so I won't say it.

My familiar reader friends all know that when we gather, a reader whose feelings overflow will chatter "guā guā guā" at me, and I always blush and feel embarrassed. Well, that's just how thin-skinned people are.

As usual, I thank my reader friends for their support; when we have free time, we get together, drink a little liquor, which is quite pleasant. But this year, I estimate there won't be an opportunity for a long time.

Thanks to my chief editor Taishan and editor Qinghu for their care and attention. No more talk—let's grab a drink when we have time.

Thanks to the partners from all departments of Yuewen who helped during the writing of Record of Opening Heaven and various activities. Um, ding-dong, black rice—thanks, partners, for your hard work. Same old routine: when we have time, let's drink together.

After writing novels for over a decade, looking back, I seem to still be that passionate, blood-red newcomer who just started typing.

I have no other hobbies—just writing, reading, idle banter in the group, and then drinking.

That's fine—don't forget the original intention, keep writing. Let everyone be happy, let myself be happy; that's the best thing.

I originally wanted to indulge a bit, say, rest for two months? Three months?

Upon further thought, it's really too sinful, too sinful.

Gah, I still can't stop, can't idle.

So, take a break, then keep typing.

About the next book, let me briefly say.

You don't know until you look, but when you do, you'll be startled—the various settings of that book add up to tens of thousands of words. And the earliest setting date, according to the documents, was actually two years ago.

It seems I've already written several Eastern fantasy novels in recent years.

So, the next one definitely needs a change of flavor—I should write a Western‑background novel.

After I take a break, I'll forget the characters, plots, place names, etc., related to Record of Opening Heaven in my mind, then start the next book.

Wishing all you partners a happy life, smooth work, peace and good fortune, happiness and fulfillment!