After school, I passed by Mengmeng Jie’s little bookstore.

“Xiaohua!”

Spotting me, Mengmeng Jie leaned halfway out of her tiny shop, waving.

“Mengmeng Jie!”

I already guessed why she’d called me. Not long ago, I’d asked her to order a book for me.

It wasn’t some obscure title—it was wildly popular. Elder Sister Liu欣’s bookstore had sold out instantly.

Normally, I could just hop a bus to the downtown book mall. But I had no time. For one, Elder Sister Liu欣 kept me swamped with manuscripts after class. And second—

Just stepping into those big bookstores made insecurity well up in me. My own books never made the bestseller lists. They were tucked away in some dusty corner of the genre section.

Of course, I didn’t resent those bestselling authors. They’d earned their spot. I just hated how comparing yourself to others is a sure way to misery.

“Xiaohua! Your book’s here!”

She ushered me inside, then ducked behind the counter. From a hidden spot, she pulled out a beautifully wrapped novel.

*Shi Xian*—*Slayer of Immortals*. A classical xianxia novel by my favorite author, Oathblade. Yeah, the pen name was a little cringey, but the book itself was legendary. Capital TV even called it “the bible of classical wuxia.”

The series had eight volumes. This was the freshly released final installment.

Holding the book, its pages still smelling of ink, I could barely contain myself.

“Xiaohua, don’t drool on the new book~”

I wiped my mouth instantly. Elder Sister Liu欣 burst into giggles.

“You really love this series, huh?”

“Duh! Volume seven ended right before the big showdown between the Demon Immortal and Yixun—and Xueyao’s life hung in the balance! It’s kept me on tenterhooks for a whole year! Ahhhh—I wanna read it NOW—but once I start, I won’t stop! Guess I’ll just head home, shower, and pull an all-nighter!”

“Absolutely not! You’re a student. No staying up late! You’ve got class tomorrow!”

Mengmeng Jie planted her hands on her hips, scolding like a strict teacher.

“Got it! I’ll control myself!” I outwardly agreed but inwardly planned otherwise—homework done at lightning speed, then straight to reading.

Seeing my compliance, Mengmeng Jie smiled and nodded.

“Still, I’m surprised. I thought you’d prefer shoujo novels over wuxia.”

“Not really…” I had my reasons. “Wuxia’s my true love. Yeah, I write shoujo now, but I started with martial arts stories. Elder Sister Liu欣 suggested the switch—and somehow, I debuted like that…”

If I could choose, I’d debut as a wuxia author. Then I wouldn’t have to hide my identity. But maybe I just lacked the talent. Every time I proudly showed Elder Sister Liu欣 my “wuxia masterpiece,” she’d give me that pitying look.

“Besides, I’m still a real man at heart! Since I’m stuck on this shoujo path, I need manly books like this to reclaim my spirit!”

…I wasn’t even sure what I meant, but Mengmeng Jie nodded as if she understood. Whatever. Close enough.

“By the way,” she tilted her head, “since you and Oathblade are both authors, have you ever met?”

Theoretically, sure.

“Nah… I asked Elder Sister Liu欣 to connect us once. She flat-out refused.”

“Why? You’re popular too, right?”

“Compared to rookies, maybe. But next to a god like Oathblade? No contest. Plus, Elder Sister Liu欣 said he avoids all contact except with his editor—to protect his writing time. And crucially… we’re from different publishers.”

Even with equal popularity, she had no right to arrange a meeting.

Ahhh! So frustrating! I desperately wanted to meet Teacher Oathblade! I wanted to write wuxia like him! I couldn’t stand seeing that pitying look in Elder Sister Liu欣’s eyes when she read my drafts!

“I see… that is rough,” Mengmeng Jie said sympathetically. “But it’s kinda funny—you and Oathblade both keep your real identities secret. You’ve got that in common.”

“True…”

Even if our book sales differed by a million miles.

No point sighing over it. As both a writer and his fan, all I could do was be happy for his success.

“Don’t be discouraged, Xiaohua! I bet you’ll reach his level someday. Then you’ll meet your idol for sure.”

“…I’ll hold you to that, Mengmeng Jie.”

After paying, I headed home with *Slayer of Immortals*.

Still thinking about Oathblade, I searched his name online. Only text bios came up—no photos, just book covers. Like me, he was a ghost online. I even scoured his blog for artist-style selfies. Nothing.

Finally, I buried myself in *Slayer of Immortals* to kill the curiosity.

I’d planned an all-nighter. But then I remembered Willow然 saying he’d show me something special tomorrow. I couldn’t look like a zombie in front of my reader—

Not that I had much dignity left in Willow然’s eyes anyway.

Plus, he’d probably drag me out for “research.” I needed to face Yao Star妍 with full energy. I’d already lost once. Absolutely cannot lose again!

No matter how badly I wanted to keep reading, I placed a bookmark, closed *Slayer of Immortals*, and prepared to face tomorrow at my coolest.