120 Return Trip

[Breaking news: WenHua Forum Announced Updated Numbers:]

['Dragon Clan' November 4th issue: Second-day data: 1,004,794 views, Collections: 25.8K. Satisfaction Survey: 9.3 points, Anticipation Score: 9.4 points.]

"What the heck! Shocking!! A masterpiece is born! This is not a drill! "Dragon Clan" is amazing! The protagonist, Lu Mingfei, is... No, wait, this protagonist is quite lame, at least for now!"

"Dragon Clan, a truly divine work that emerged among the mediocre. The initial poor reaction might have been due to the publisher "Tangrenyi Culture"

"Any novel that decides to allow its main character to feel weak is a good novel in my book."

Eric: "I just wish THIS novel did that more..."

"Eric, that's too meta. Besides, you're just acting like a shield so the translator can diss the og author!"

Eric: "...Anyway, who is Zhang Xuanyi? It seems there was a bet?"

"I'm waiting for Zhang Xuanyi to eat the keyboard. This guy rode the hype train for a while, but he quickly derailed. It's only a matter of time before he gets punished."

"If the hype doesn't work, why not use your brain? "Dragon Clan" is not a masterpiece, it's a plaything for TMY, as Zhang Xuanyi claims. But, TMY's fanbase is too large for anything she does to flop anymore."

"In the early chapters of "Dragon Clan," there didn't seem to be any grand worldview. It was just a daily life + lighthearted and humorous two-dimensional style. But the appearance of Cassell Academy made me realize that things might not be that simple. The climax is probably yet to come, and my feelings now are like a gripping heartache, making me yearn for the next issue."

- - - - - - - - - -

Without exception, Weibo was ablaze with discussions about "Dragon Clan!" The unexpected turn of events had taken everyone by surprise, unfolding in such a short span that it left both readers and literary enthusiasts in awe.

Just twenty-four hours ago, the situation had been drastically different; "Dragon Clan" had experienced a lacklustre start, with dismal first-day sales that hinted at an imminent failure. However, the tides had dramatically shifted, and the second day data showed a remarkable resurgence that defied all expectations.

The figures, meticulously presented on the WenHua Forum, left no room for doubt. The impartial data revealed an astonishing surge in views, suggesting that "Dragon Clan" had not only survived but flourished.

For TMY's devoted fans, who had unwaveringly supported her even in the face of uncertainty, and for those who had newly embraced "Dragon Clan" as their literary muse, the revelation brought elation and jubilation. The novel's remarkable comeback felt like a victory for all those who had believed in the story's potential from the outset.

And there were those who worried...

Zhang Xuanyi was one of those very worried people. He sat in front of his computer, unable to believe what he was seeing in the data posted on the WenHua Forum.

"How is this possible?" Zhang Xuanyi looked at the extremely eye-catching figures, and he didn't know what to say.

Wasn't it already set in stone? Someone had confidently predicted that "Dragon Clan" was going to flop, right?

But seeing the second-day data of "Dragon Clan", Zhang Xuanyi felt like he had been deceived.

Over a million views in just two days hardly seemed like a failure; in fact, it indicated exceptional success in the literary world.

A sinking feeling gripped Zhang Xuanyi as he realized the gravity of his mistake. Something had gone terribly wrong, and he knew he had to act swiftly to rectify the situation.

Determined to make amends, Zhang Xuanyi immediately logged into his Weibo account, only to be greeted by a scene that took his breath away.

There it was—a post from TMY herself, directed squarely at him, devoid of the usual gentle demeanour she was known for. Instead, the post exuded an overwhelming and forceful presence, demanding accountability for his earlier claims.

TMY: @Zhang Xuanyi// Although I don't know who you are, and I don't recognize you, I still want to say this: Not everyone can ride the hype. Come, I remember you. This time, you have to eat this keyboard. If you don't, you still have to eat it! In any case, if you're a man, fulfill your own words!

This post had an overwhelming aura, lacking any hint of gentleness. There was no trace of the usual little girl's style; all that remained was an overwhelming and forceful presence.

The response and comments under this Weibo post had already exploded, and it no longer resembled Zhang Xuanyi's triumphant moment from earlier.

News of the "Dragon Clan" reversal quickly became a hot topic and climbed the trending charts, becoming a topic of discussion.

Many people were curious about why a once-declining publisher could turn the tide with "Dragon Clan." They started to learn about the story behind this book.

Everything had changed so quickly, and the internet is not known for forgiving or forgetting.

The forum was now a battlefield with the scent of gunpowder everywhere. Of course, all that gunpowder had one common target: Zhang Xuanyi.

Countless users flooded Zhang Xuanyi's Weibo account. Even though he deleted his posts, screenshots were taken and reposted under other Weibo threads, demanding that Zhang Xuanyi provide a clear explanation.

- - - - - - - - - -

In the bustling city, Miaoyi removed her hands from the keyboard, hummed lightly, and closed Weibo.

"Miaoyi, don't you think we're being too harsh on him? I'm afraid people will gossip about us," Qiuying pondered and said.

"Too harsh? I don't think so. Some people don't think before riding the gossip train. They have no clue what kind of hype they can ride and what they can't. Anyway, he should eat his keyboard for his sake," Miaoyi said nonchalantly, unmoved by Qiuying's concern. "Otherwise, if 'Dragon Clan' truly doesn't flop, his credibility would be gone, which would affect his career. Even though he was riding my fame, he honestly didn't affect me much."

"If he ends up in trouble with you, he brought it upon himself," Qiuying shook her head.

At this moment, they were discussing Zhang Xuanyi, of course.

Yes, that's right. Miaoyi had never joked about making someone eat a keyboard. After all, it was the other person who made that statement, and she didn't intend to let it pass without consequences.

A man must uphold his promises and follow through. Miaoyi's previous life had influenced her greatly, and she was never a well-behaved, obedient girl, nor was she someone who followed the usual norms.

Besides, this had happened far too often, and she needed to start setting examples. If she let Zhang Xuanyi off, it would ruin the image her previous interactions gave her.

For example, Gao Tucáo ended up behind bars, and he was probably picking up soap in prison now. To be fair, he brought it upon himself. If Miaoyi were to switch places with him, she wouldn't have handled it this way. At most, there would have been a private settlement or a public apology.

Either way, Miaoyi was Miaoyi, and she was becoming known for holding grudges. However, in her current state, she'd say, "What's wrong with being petty? It's not a crime!"

Therefore, until Miaoyi saw Zhang Xuanyi eat his words, this matter wouldn't be over.

At the very least, he should TRY some keys.

I mean, there are kids starving in Africa!