A physical book is pure magic.

It gives readers patience to finish a story, lifting slow-burn novels with quiet charm straight into the spotlight.

*Your Lie in April* is practically made for print. Published, it could soar.

But on Penguin Chinese Network, publication means full copyright buyout—a privilege reserved solely for Gold Award winners.

A rookie snagging Gold? Absurd.

“I don’t think it’ll work! What if sales flop?”

“This masterpiece *deserves* to be published!”

“With this much controversy, won’t people call it rigged?”

“......"

“Enough.”

Silence fell. The speaker was Chief Editor Cucumber.

“Bronze Award. We buy the copyright. Separate from the prize.”

He set down his coffee cup. Decision made.

Just like a month ago—he trusted his instincts, always.

.......

Luo Xiaolu’s fingers stilled on the keyboard. She took a deep breath, then kicked her feet up with a happy wiggle.

*Writer Skill Card (Intermediate): 10068/50000*

*Current Buffs: Typing Speed Lv.3, Memory Lv.2, Writing Skill max*

Her writing skill was already maxed.

In that instant, her mind felt like it had been struck—then *unlocked*.

Now, elegant phrases flowed effortlessly. Every sentence, perfectly placed.

Perfect timing: the penultimate volume was done. The final arc had begun.

She was ready to craft its most exquisite beauty.

Comment sections burned with ending theories. It even trended on Penguin Chinese Network.

Countless readers tracked Lavender’s fate. DMs flooded in, begging for spoilers.

*Let them worry.*

Luo Xiaolu planned two blissful days of rest.

Just as she shut her laptop—*ring ring*.

Who’d call *her*?

Stunned. Since leaving the guild, she had no friends. Only her sister, who lived glued to her side.

Kidnapped her virtual daughter? Ransom call?

Violated Void Law? Void Walker demanding payment?

She answered.

“Hello… is this Zhou Shuren…?”

“Piss off. Wrong number.”

*Click.*

She hung up, annoyed. *Scammers can’t even get the name right?*

You want Lu Xun—what’s that got to do with *me*, Luo Xiaolu?!

Wait…

*Zhou Shuren?*

Her phone nearly flew from her hand. She redialed instantly.

“H-hello…?” The voice trembled, softer now.

“Hello. Yes. This is Zhou Shuren.” Luo Xiaolu softened her tone, gentle, deliberate.

The caller froze at the whiplash shift.

“Ahem… That was my younger sister who answered. If she was rude, please accept my apology for her impulsiveness…”

Another stunned pause.

Moments ago, she’d been nervous calling the legendary Zhou Shuren. Now, this calm, graceful voice soothed her completely.

*This* was Zhou Shuren?!

Elegant. Dignified. Literary grace in every syllable.

…That sister, though. Terrible.

“I’m your editor, Green Leaf.”

Even Green Leaf’s voice warmed under Luo Xiaolu’s influence.

“Oh! Editor Green Leaf—thank you for your guidance.” Luo Xiaolu smiled sweetly, heart pounding *thank god I fixed it*.

“Author Zhou Shuren is too kind. I’d like to meet to discuss the final volume—and share the contest results in person.”

*Meet?!*

The word struck like lightning.

This was her *editor*. Her career hinged on this impression.

One misstep… and her literary dream ended before it began.

“Ah… When and where would suit you, Editor Green Leaf?”

“My records show we live nearby. May I visit your place tonight?” Green Leaf admitted a quiet hope.

She *ached* to meet Zhou Shuren—the web novel realm’s “national goddess.” Every girl’s idol.

No escape.

“Tonight, then. I’ll prepare properly to welcome you.”

“Perfect. See you tonight.”

After hanging up, Luo Xiaolu paced, biting her thumb.

She stopped before the mirror.

Oversized T-shirt swallowing her shorts. Messy hair. Petite frame lost in fabric.

*But damn—I’m still cute!*

*Seriously cute!* She’d chanted it inwardly a hundred times.

Even casual, her round, fair face radiated a unique shut-in charm—the Sagiri Izumi type.

Ever since her Literary Index passed 1000, the System allowed comfort-wear where unseen.

So yes—room = full shut-in mode.

Then, the System flashed:

*Friendly Reminder: If Literary Index drops over 90% due to image collapse… host body explodes.*

*You’re a demon?!*

Today, Luo Xiaolu learned the System played for keeps.

*Shaking with rage and despair*—must I, Luo Xiaolu, be the System’s perfect puppet?! *Wah…*

Hell is empty. All the devils are here.

Time to unleash her ultimate artistry.

Tonight, Editor Green Leaf would meet the most exquisitely literary girl alive.