While writing tonight, my thoughts were a complete mess, and I couldn't calm down. I wanted to update, to compete for monthly tickets, but I couldn't even write a single chapter in several hours. Because of this housing dispute, if it can't be resolved, the money my mother worked so hard to earn for most of her life will be for nothing. She runs a small grocery business, and my father passed away when I was in my first year of high school. She doesn't know how to read a single word, and she works from dawn till dusk every day, without a single day off for four or five years. If something goes wrong with the house, I can't even imagine it.

When I was in high school, I was ignorant and often took money from home to go online and play games, staying out all night. I still remember when the teacher came to visit our home, my mother cried her eyes out, looking at me with disappointment. It wasn't until I went to college that I became a little more sensible. To reduce the burden on my family, I often went out to find work during my freshman year, but I was repeatedly rejected and even scammed. Later, I joined Qidian and started writing, hoping to earn money from writing. I wrote one book after another, each one failing. After seven failed attempts, I finally signed a contract with Qidian when I wrote *Shen Bing Li Qi*. I still remember the scene clearly. It was summer, and the whole school was on summer vacation. I was the only one left in the dorm, and I stayed there, writing non-stop. Back then, I typed with two fingers, typing out each word one by one. After playing games for seven or eight years, I still hadn't learned to type properly. I wanted to slap myself in the face at the time.

Later, I started earning money from writing. My mother had been doing business for so many years, and when she thought that her son could earn money, she figured she could almost retire. Her hardships were finally coming to an end, and she could enjoy a life of leisure, but then this happened. Recently, I've been running around all day long, writing from 3 PM to 3 AM. Every day, I feel like I'm about to collapse.

I originally wanted to compete for the monthly ticket rankings, but a problem arose at the most crucial moment.

The 28th is a wasted day.

Perhaps this month is destined to be a regret for me, but I am powerless.

There are only two days left, the 29th and 30th. We're more than 500 monthly tickets behind, so I probably won't be able to catch up. I'll continue to update like crazy on the 29th and 30th, because I promised to. Even if I can't take first place, I'll lose with a clear conscience. At least I tried my best!

If I can't take first place this month, I'll be back. I swear!

The 28th is Qi Zai's birthday. Happy birthday, Qi Zai! And also to Di Diao, Duo Duo, Xian Xian, Yan Mie, Xiao Chong, Sha Sha, Guo Guo, Yantou Dashu, Sun... It's you who have accompanied me through thick and thin. I'm most proud of getting to know you brothers and sisters while writing *Thief Reborn*.

Thank you to all the readers who have supported me. I am truly grateful.