I took a deep breath, and the nicotine swirled in my lungs, carrying away all my anxiety.

"Capitalists change their tune faster than turning the pages of a book."

One second they wanted me to resign, the next they were talking to me about stock options.

Zhou Tong nodded:

"Whatever, thankfully it was a close call this time."

But the title "Dream Weaver" is absolutely brilliant!

Do you think he anticipated this move?

Red Fox stared at the ever-increasing numbers on the screen, exhaling a smoke ring, his expression complex.

I don't know if he calculated it correctly.

But I know that from today onwards, he has raised the bar for online literature to another level.

...

Jinling, the editorial office of "New Tide" magazine.

Xu Lan sat at her workstation, staring at the document on her computer screen.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, unable to type a single word for ages.

The document is titled "Statement (Draft) Regarding Recent Online Controversy".

As the editor in charge of the project, and also a staunch supporter of "The Ferryman," she should have been the most furious one.

When she arrived in the morning, she had even planned to write a scathing statement on Weibo.

They vehemently condemned the arrogant online novelist.

But now, after reading "The Ferryman,"

That anger, however, vanished without a trace.

Instead, there was a complex and indescribable shock.

"Can't write it down?"

A cup of hot coffee was placed on the corner of her table.

Wang De'an held a newly printed manuscript in his hand, which contained the contents of the first chapter of "The Ferryman".

Xu Lan looked up, her eyes somewhat confused:

"Editor-in-chief, I... I don't know how to characterize it."

From a business perspective, he's trying to ride the wave of popularity.

Judging from the content...

He seems to have redefined 'ferrying' once again.

Wang De'an pulled up a chair, sat down, took a sip of tea, and pointed to the draft:

Tell me, what did you see?

"cold."

Xu Lan said subconsciously.

“Jian Shen’s ‘The Ferryman’ is heartwarming. Even the evil spirits in the wasteland serve to highlight Tristan’s protection.”

But this Zhao Li, and that convenience store at number 444,

It exudes a coldness that runs deep. But…

She paused, seemingly organizing her thoughts:

"Beneath this indifference lies a strange kind of...compassion?"

That kid who wanted a Coke, that woman with a broken neck—they weren't scary; instead, they made you feel sorry for them.

If Mr. Jian Shen is writing fairy tales, then this dream weaver is writing... life itself.

"That's right."

Wang De'an nodded approvingly.

"This is a mirror."

"Mirror?"

"The Ferryman is the front of a mirror, reflecting the brilliance of humanity, love, and hope."

"The Ferryman" is the other side of the mirror, reflecting obsessions, regrets, and those dark corners that can't stand the light of day.

Wang De'an's gaze deepened.

"These two books are not competitors, but rather complement each other."

It would be a blessing for the literary world if they could coexist.

Xu Lan was stunned. She hadn't expected the editor-in-chief to give such a high evaluation.

"So...do we still need to issue a statement?"

"Send it. Of course we'll send it."

Wang De'an smiled.

"But it's not a manifesto, it's an invitation."

"An invitation?"

Have you contacted Professor Jian Shen yet?

Wang De'an asked.

Xu Lan nodded:

"I sent an email, but haven't received a reply yet."

Wang De'an nodded:

"Jian Shen said last time, 'Two flowers bloom, each representing a different branch.' Since the main party has said so..."

As editors, we can't appear petty.

He stood up, walked to the French windows, and looked at the bustling traffic of Nanjing:

"Xiao Xu, post an update using the official account."

Do not criticize, nor deliberately praise.

Let's talk about the word 'ferry'.

Tell readers that there is more than one form of ferry service.

Heaven has boats, and hell... naturally, it has cars too.

...