sunlight slanted through the window, casting long shadows on the dusty desk. Liang Wei leaned back in his chair, a cup of coffee still warm in his hands, and stared blankly at the screen of his computer. His cursor hovered over the document, but his thoughts were miles away. He sighed, the sound small but noticeable in the quiet room.

remembering a conversation he’d had with his publisher earlier that day, he picked up his phone. “Hello?” he asked, his voice still a bit groggy.

“Liang Wei, it’s me, Chen Ming,” a familiar voice came through the phone. “I heard you’re working on the next part of your book.”

“Yes, I am,” Liang Wei replied, sitting up straighter. “I’m almost finished with the manuscript.”

“Great! I can’t wait to read it,” Chen Ming said. “You’ve been killing it with this series. People are really hooked.”

Liang Wei chuckled, a small smile playing on his lips. “Thanks, Chen Ming. I’m glad you think so.”

“Hey, I’m just giving my honest opinion,” Chen Ming replied. “So, what’s next for you?”