The first batch of interstellar readers to fall into the pit of Yu Mian’s new book with its perfectly timed cliffhanger immediately started crying and wailing online.
No one had expected that this time, even with three consecutive chapters at the start, it would still lead to such a catastrophic situation!
And who was spreading rumors earlier on the star network that Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ new book wasn’t as novel or exciting as the previous ones? How could it not be new and exciting!
It practically had everyone hooked to the point their jaws were sore, wishing desperately for a time machine to skip to the next day and see what the next chapter held.
[It’s so fascinating! Even though this is still a rebirth novel, the content is completely different from the previous “Rebirth Of The Interstellar Soldier King.” The protagonist’s character is also entirely different; he seems so much like a villain. But somehow, I don’t really dislike Pei Yan, I actually feel a bit sorry for him…]
[Wuuu! Same here! But I swear I’m not someone whose values are swayed by appearances. Also, Pei Shen’s behavior is so strange. Why didn’t he do anything to his older brother Pei Yan in the previous life?]
[The key point is, I’m dying to know how they ended up with the whole biological son and adopted son situation! Teacher Fish Soup Noodles said this is a book about “real and fake young masters”. After reading the first three chapters, I was absolutely stunned and dizzy! Are there other books with a similar theme?]
For the interstellar readers encountering the “real and fake young masters” trope for the first time, reading these three chapters without any follow-up was both painful and exhilarating.
The joy came from experiencing such an exceptionally captivating new theme, while the pain lay in the fact that it was the only one of its kind on the entire star network, with nothing similar to read afterward!
[Sometimes I really want to crack open Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ skull to see what’s inside. How does he come up with so many new ideas? TAT]
One particularly intense reader comment quickly gained the highest number of likes.
After the release of the new book “Reborn”, Yu Mian had been closely monitoring the backend data the entire time.
The entire Huanyu editorial department, including Editor Shaxs, was doing the same.
After all, when the manuscript was initially submitted, even the deputy chief editor felt a bit uneasy after reviewing the first draft.
This was, after all, a bold attempt. It was the first time they had seen such a protagonist with such an imperfect character design.
In “Rebirth Of The Interstellar Soldier King”, Lin Mu’s positive, passionate, inspiring, and politically correct image had even earned praise and recognition in official book reviews.
Even compared to Gu Bai, who gradually grew into a self-reliant pianist in “Contract Marriage”, or Su Yan, who became a knowledgeable historian in “Eternal Night Rose”, the protagonist Pei Yan in “Reborn” was vastly different.
He was sensitive and suspicious, even prone to jealousy.
He was naturally proud and competitive, yet he failed miserably in an unfamiliar field.
If he weren’t the protagonist, this kind of character would almost seem like a villain!
“So, would writing a protagonist like this be too risky? After all, Teacher Fish Soup Noodles isn’t just a small-time writer anymore. The attention from various directions is quite complicated, and we have to consider the impact,” the deputy chief editor said cautiously as he looked at Editor Shaxs.
However, having handled countless cases before, Editor Shaxs hesitated but offered a different perspective this time.
“The protagonist this time indeed has significant character flaws. But it’s precisely because of the immense failure and regret in his first life that readers might be even more eager to see how he forges a new path in his second life.”
“Moreover, while it’s still a rebirth story, the way the rebirth element is used is exceptionally novel. I even think that after serialization, Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ new book could break the monotonous pattern of the recent novels on Huanyu.”
Shaxs’s observation made the deputy chief editor ponder deeply.
In fact, as seasoned readers like Lu Wei had noticed, Yu Mian’s novels always featured entirely new themes that didn’t fit within the traditional framework of interstellar literature. This often left readers with a sense of emptiness and longing after finishing, prompting them to search everywhere for any books with similar themes!
Once a new theme is introduced to the interstellar era, and because the subject matter was previously unexplored, the demand would naturally create a market, leading to a surge of similar novels to fill the void.
The only issue was that interstellar authors and writers are used to the traditional literary style of the interstellar era and had yet to expand their creativity in response to such breakthroughs.
“This month alone, I’ve reviewed nearly a thousand rebirth-themed manuscripts, all of which follow the same formula: leveling up, defeating enemies, and treasure hunting!”
“But this time, Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ new book offers a fresh perspective, proving that rebirth stories can have endless variations and possibilities.”
Shaxs’s words resonated with many editors in the room, who nodded in agreement.
“Besides, the data performance of “Reborn” is as strong as ever, contrary to the rumors about the book failing…”
As of now, the number of comments frantically urging for updates had already broken the record for the most comments on a new book’s release day on Huanyu’s platform.
This was an indisputable fact, no matter how anyone tried to criticize it.
“That’s true!”
The atmosphere in the editorial department lightened considerably.
Yu Mian’s pen name had now become a hallmark of success. With the release of a new book, it immediately drew attention and sparked discussions from all sides.
After all, whether on Earth or in the interstellar era, when an author skyrockets to fame, they not only gain anticipation but also face ever-mounting pressure.
In the world of writing, the only vote that matters is from the paying subscribers.
No matter how groundbreaking a writer’s previous works were, if a new book underperformed, even with top-tier promotion, the subscription data would instantly reveal the decline. Cases of newcomers surpassing veterans were not uncommon. In a sense, the industry is undeniably brutal.
This was why Yu Mian, despite the success of earlier works like “Contract Marriage”, remained serious and dedicated with the launch of “Reborn”.
Every new book was a fresh challenge.
[Doesn’t that make you feel exhausted?]
The little system couldn’t help but ask as it watched Shaxs and Yu Mian analyze the data together.
“Of course not. That’s precisely what I love most about this profession,” Yu Mian replied while responding to the data feedback from Shaxs.
[Why is that?]
“Because it’s a fair industry. There’s no such thing as academic gatekeeping.”
Yu Mian took another sip of water and finally closed the dialog box with Editor Shaxs.
He was drinking from a pearly white, shell-shaped cup, which had been a gift from Huo Yan. It inexplicably matched Yu Mian’s mermaid aesthetic.
After getting Huo Ting’s approval, Yu Mian had placed the water cup on the desk, making it his exclusive cup.
Though the cup’s design clashed with the overall style of the study, its contrast with Huo Ting’s cup was even more oddly intriguing.
One look was enough to tell that the owners of these cups had completely different personalities, yet they somehow belonged in the same space.
[Are we planning to go out tomorrow to view the houses?]
Seeing Yu Mian silently looking at the two contrasting water cups, the little system finally couldn’t help but remind him of the subsequent schedule.
Because Huo Ting had left a note two days ago, mentioning that there would be important guests in the study tomorrow, suggesting Yu Mian should keep that in mind.
This gave Yu Mian a new idea: since he hadn’t gone out for a while, and the data performance of the new book had stabilized with several chapters in reserve, why not use the opportunity to visit the properties in person?
Besides, after the concentrated shedding period of the fish tail, the situation had inexplicably calmed down. The newly grown scales looked even more vibrant, shimmering in a light golden color.
“They even look flamboyant! Like a peacock flaunting its feathers,” Yu Mian looked left and right at his beautiful fish tail, and the first words that came to his mind were “peacock flaunting its feathers”.
“Too bad, no matter how gorgeous you are, it’s still useless.”
He would never allow anyone to discover his fish tail. [Cold Fish Expression.jpg]
He wasn’t sure when the adulthood phase that Granny Delanchi mentioned would arrive, but it probably wouldn’t be anytime soon, right?
So, Yu Mian left a new note for Huo Ting, informing him that he might be out for the day. He added that there was no need to worry if Huo Ting didn’t see the note in time.
“Though, would that guy even worry?”
When writing the last sentence, Yu Mian felt a bit embarrassed. But since he had already written it, scratching it out seemed unnecessary.
When Huo Ting received the note and realized that the guest in the study was bold enough to go out, his gaze subconsciously shifted to the box containing the stored scale.
“…”
He couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
After all, staying at the old residence was undoubtedly safe. In a sense, this young man of a special race had chosen a very suitable temporary shelter.
However, just as Huo Ting picked up a pen to reply, he hesitated after writing a few words.
No matter how he looked at it, he didn’t seem to have the standing to stop the other party.
Even so, whenever Huo Ting had a moment to himself throughout the day at the military department, the content of that note would replay in his mind.
His brows unconsciously furrowed, and even Secretary Hals noticed something was off.
It was strange. Lately, his boss’ emotions had become increasingly unpredictable. Sometimes, he seemed to be in an inexplicably good mood, and sometimes he seemed to be inexplicably a little worried.
What was going on?
After a whole day of preoccupation, Huo Ting’s eventual solution was evident in the pile of items Yu Mian found on the desk.
“Ah, what’s all this? A map? And a backpack? There’s even instant nutritional solution inside?”
Yu Mian looked at the accompanying note, confirming that these were indeed for him. Upon opening the backpack, he was shocked.
It was packed with all sorts of items. One might think he was preparing for a long trip.
[That guy probably worries you’ll get lost on the Central Star.]
The little system glanced at the map and muttered to itself.
There was even a guidebook for daily life and travel, including instructions on using public transportation.
It seemed tailor-made for first-time tourists visiting the Central Star.
“Be safe and come back early…”
Reading the message on the note, Yu Mian couldn’t help but feel like he was playing the mobile game “Travel Frog”.
Thinking of this, Yu Mian couldn’t help but laugh.
But the feeling wasn’t bad.
After coming to the interstellar era, it was nice to have someone worry about you.
“Though it feels like Huo Ting’s preparations are a bit wasted this time. I can’t take all this with me.”
Because this time, Yu Mian planned to use the dandelion Granny Delanchi had left behind to help him travel instead of relying on Huo Yan.
He filled a small sealed bag with water, then transformed into his small fish form and placed himself inside.
The little system carefully secured the bag to the dandelion. After a brief moment of sinking, the fluffy white creature obediently flew out the window, heading toward the city center.
To be honest, this little white fluffy star beast could carry Yu Mian as a small fish, but adding any more weight would have been too much.
So when Huo Ting entered the study the next morning, he was shocked to find the backpack still there.
Opening the note beside it, he saw that the other party had left a message saying, “Thanks! But I can’t take this with me. I’ll be back soon tonight anyway.”
Although Yu Mian felt strange when writing this sentence.
It was as if he were a child reporting to his parents before going out.
Huo Ting stared at the note in silence, his expression unreadable, then tidied up the study.
Before long, a knock came at the study door. Secretary Hals informed him of a visitor, and a hearty laugh soon echoed through the room.
“Is that old guy Huo Yuejiang still out traveling? With a grandson like you, he’s really enjoying retirement, right? Now he’s wandering across the universe for fun?”
The visitor was clearly an old acquaintance of his grandfather.
“Yes. So if you want to see my grandfather, you might need to wait a few more months,” Huo Ting replied, gesturing for Secretary Hals to serve water.
“No worries, no worries. There are two cups here. I’ll help myself. No need to be so formal.”
The visitor, Harrison, glanced at the two cups on the desk. Just as he was about to pick up the water jug, Huo Ting stopped him.
“… Both cups are mine.”
He had forgotten to put them away.
Harrison silently looked at Huo Ting, then at the two distinctively styled cups on the desk.
“Uh…not bad. Very… unique styles.”
Though something about it felt odd.
“So, what brings you here this time, Uncle Harrison?”
Huo Ting asked as he accepted the two cups of tea Qiao Ni handed over, then looked at Harrison, who was clearly a close family friend.
“Well, about the broccoli recipe you sent over last time. The research institute found that the flavor after cooking was exceptional. It became quite popular during initial promotion, so we wanted to ask if these other new ingredients could also be prepared in a similar way…”
“If possible, we’d like to offer a generous reward for the other party’s assistance in research, or simply purchase the recipes outright.”
As a senior at the institute, Harrison had dedicated his life to farming and breeding.
He could be described as one of the rare “farmers” of the interstellar era.
Although Harrison’s various attempts are all aimed at developing food with lower radiation and solving the problem of radiation pollution.
Unexpectedly, the biggest challenge turned out to be the taste!
Many testers even expressed strongly that they would rather continue to drink the nutrient solution than eat broccoli!!
This had left the old scientist feeling depressed for a while.
That was until the broccoli broth recipe.
After hearing Harrison’s request, Huo Ting’s expression became subtly complicated.
