In the previous timeline, Bai Su had always held a strange confidence in *Doupo Cangqiong*. That confidence only grew more inflated after he arrived in this timeline.
Why choose *Doupo Cangqiong* as his first book?
Simply because it was the true pioneer of mature commercialization in xuanhuan web novels.
Sure, *Doupo Cangqiong* had a simple plot, stereotypical characters, and villains whose IQ seemed perpetually offline—it had flaws. But that wasn’t all we should focus on.
As a pure commercial wish-fulfillment novel, it nearly achieved perfection.
He turned every overused trope we knew into a winning hand.
Whether it was those overwhelmingly satisfying high points, or Xiao Yan’s spectacular comebacks after each villain’s torment, or even those clichéd yet unforgettable female companions…
*Doupo Cangqiong* always delivered pure reading pleasure.
Tian Can Tu Dou was truly a genius. He grasped readers’ expectations perfectly, timing every satisfying moment just right. Almost no filler. Every chapter set up foreshadowing for Xiao Yan’s next flex.
…Maybe geniuses really do exist in this world.
Su Su idly twirled her cup and sighed inwardly.
She glanced at her brother typing diligently beside her. If only this brat were such a genius, she wouldn’t need to coax and trick him into writing web novels.
Setting down her cup, Su Su boredly stared at Bai Su’s profile.
At this moment, he was nearly identical across both timelines.
The same tightly pursed lips from concentration. A faint bluish stubble on his chin. His eyes looked dull from exhaustion. Above them, thick, wide eyebrows. His short, messy hair slightly covered his forehead, mostly pushed back to avoid hindering his typing.
None of his features were perfect alone. But together, layered with deep-seated resignation and grit, they radiated an indescribable weathered steadiness.
Like a clay figurine born from earth—no heavy carving needed. Just slight shaping revealed its innate simplicity and weight. The previous Bai Su never had this.
This was growth you could feel.
Temperament was elusive. Yet on Bai Su now, it was vivid enough to make one’s heart tremble—a leisurely stroll after weathering a torrential storm.
Su Su sighed inwardly: “It’s truly different from the last timeline.”
She snapped out of her reverie. Spotting something, she narrowed her eyes slightly like a squirrel finding a nut. She reached out and gently tugged Bai Su’s hair.
Bai Su shook his head, swatting her hand away. He turned with an annoyed glare. “Can’t you see I’m busy? Bai Susu, stop messing around!”
Su Su tugged his hair again, persistent. “Hey, bro! Time for a haircut. Look how long it’s gotten!”
“I know, I know!” Bai Su muttered dismissively.
“Hmph,” Su Su snorted. “Finish this chapter, then come with me. Get your clothes ready! After the haircut, shower immediately—you stink to high heaven!”
Bai Su felt embarrassed. He paused typing, almost scratching his head, but dropped his hand. He forced a stern expression to uphold his brotherly dignity.
Then he gave up.
Sunlight streamed through the window beside his desk. Amber-gold specks flooded the room once choked with sorrow and shadows. All the bad things washed away.
Su Su froze. She walked to the window, gazing at the clear beam.
She pulled open the half-closed curtains. Golden particles poured in, turning despair and sadness into pure, warm light.
Su Su turned in the sunlight. Her black hair glowed with gold. Her pupils seemed to burn with golden fire.
“Am I hallucinating?” Bai Su rubbed his light-sensitive eyes, straining to see the girl in the glow.
It was Su Su. Yet not quite Su Su.
The girl radiated heavenly light. Her smile was pure, crystal-clear. She held out her hands—as if offering an embrace to all, yet seeking one from someone specific.
The air thickened around Bai Su’s breath. His breathing slowed, deep and long.
He opened his arms toward the luminous girl, wanting to hold that pitiable silhouette.
A hand slapped his face, shoving him back.
“???” Bai Su looked utterly bewildered.
Su Su’s face peeked from behind that small hand. Her disgustingly familiar scowl twisted as she spat cutting words: “What are you doing? Creeping close with that gross smile, pervert! Finally making a move on your own sister?!”
Bai Su snapped back to reality. His face flushed red. Guilty, he stayed silent.
Yet a trace of regret lingered—if only his sharp-tongued, awkward sister could truly become that angel of light.
Su Su released his cheek. Suddenly shy, her face flushed slightly. She turned away, gaze darting.
Bai Su grew puzzled—what was this little brat up to?
Su Su cleared her throat, forcing a serious face. “Brother! Look how beautiful this sunlight is! We shouldn’t fixate on darkness and shadows. We must fill our hearts with light—ah! Life isn’t just about petty struggles. There’s poetry and distant horizons too!”
“Pfft—” Bai Su burst out laughing.
Su Su flared up. She grabbed his collar, glaring up fiercely. “What’s so funny?! Bai Su, you—you—you… still laughing?!”
Bai Su looked at the little girl clinging to his chest like a bristling cat. He started laughing again—having a sister like this wasn’t so bad…
[To be continued]
