Just a few days ago, I'd been tuning out my old man's incessant chatter about wanting to rearrange the main hall. I hadn't given it a second thought. Unexpectedly, this morning he suddenly roped in two of his friends and flagged me down, declaring we were taking matters into our own hands: self-reliance leads to self-sufficiency.

With only one chapter stashed away in the drafts, my entire existence felt tragic.

I initially thought we'd wrap up the whole thing by noon, but I severely overestimated the efficiency of this bunch of amateurs. We worked straight through until nine o'clock and still weren't finished. Dad checked the time, announced we were calling it a day, and just as I thought I might have some time to update, he waved his hand and declared, "Come on, let's go eat." He then spirited the entire family, plus those two friends, off toward the restaurant in a massive, bustling group.

I just got back now, haven't even showered, and I can barely stand the stench of my own sweat.

For something like this to happen at such a critical juncture—I'm truly at the end of my rope, wanting to cry but having no tears left.

Everyone knows how vital the first month is for a newly launched book. My current work is precariously perched at ninth place on the New Release Monthly Ticket chart. To be blunt, my primary objective in writing is to earn a living; I only see income when you all are enjoying what you read. Therefore, you are the most important people to me.

There’s another book that launched at the same time as mine; its subscriptions are only half of mine, yet it has more than three times the monthly tickets. It hurts, I admit, but I know it must be because my writing isn't good enough, which is why you're unwilling to vote for me.

However, this first month is truly crucial for me. Please, just consider it encouragement for a newcomer. If the book you favor most isn't facing a make-or-break moment right now, please cast your vote for the one who desperately needs it. I'm begging you. All I need are the monthly tickets for this month.

My goal is to break into the top six of the New Release Monthly Ticket rankings. If I make the top six, I'll secure three thousand Yuan, which I can use to buy a new laptop, giving me significantly more time to churn out words.

If just a quarter of the readers who have subscribed to my book would each cast a single vote for me, we could achieve the top six. I solemnly request all of you here: please cast your monthly tickets my way.

If I can enter and maintain a spot in the top six this month, I promise I will release three chapters—nine thousand characters—every single day next month. I will keep my word.