Shanghai's vibrant energy pulsed through the streets, and with every passing day, Bowen noticed the subtle changes in his life. His debut novel, Chasing the Dream, was no longer just a pile of printed pages—it had started to make its mark.
Outside a small independent bookstore, Bowen stood watching the display where his book sat among others. The first few days after its release had been slow, with only a handful of copies sold. Most passersby barely gave it a glance, and Bowen had begun to doubt whether it would ever find its audience.
But that afternoon, a young woman inside the store picked up a copy of his book. Bowen stayed rooted to his spot outside, heart pounding as she flipped through its pages. When she took it to the counter to buy it, he felt a surge of pride. Another reader. Another step forward.
The next week, Bowen returned to the bookstore to check on the stock. The store owner, Mr. Liu, greeted him with a knowing smile.
"You again," Mr. Liu said, motioning to the table where Bowen's book was displayed. "You'll be happy to know that people are starting to ask about it. I had two customers yesterday who said they'd heard good things from friends."
"Really?" Bowen asked, unable to hide his surprise. "What did they say?"
Mr. Liu chuckled. "They said the story felt relatable, almost as if it was written about them. That's good feedback, Fang. Keep it up."
Bowen left the store feeling lighter than air. His book was reaching people—truly reaching them.
A few days later, Zhou Yi called him with unexpected news.
"A local newspaper just published a piece about your book," Zhou said excitedly. "It's a small publication, but these things can snowball if the right people notice."
Bowen quickly found a copy of the newspaper and read the article:
An Underdog's Tale: Local Author Fang Bowen Inspires with Debut Novel
The reporter praised the novel for its authenticity and emotional depth. Bowen couldn't stop rereading the article, each word validating the sleepless nights and countless revisions that had gone into writing the book.
His excitement only grew when, days later, he overheard two college students talking about it at the bookstore.
"Have you read Chasing the Dream?" one of them asked, holding up the book. "It's amazing. It's like it was written by someone who's been through it all."
"I saw a post about it online," the other replied. "People are quoting lines from it. Look at this—'Dreams aren't built on luck. They're built on sacrifice and grit.' I want to frame that on my wall."
The mention of social media made Bowen's ears perk up. He hadn't even considered that his book might make its way onto online platforms. It seemed Liang's advice about connecting with readers was coming true in ways Bowen hadn't imagined.
That night, in the dreamscape, Bowen shared his growing excitement with Liang.
"I overheard people talking about the book," Bowen said. "They're sharing quotes online. Can you believe it?"
Liang, as composed as ever, nodded approvingly. "This is only the beginning. The initial buzz is crucial, but you must sustain it. Find ways to stay visible. Attend events, engage with readers, and make yourself known. People don't just buy books—they buy into the author's story."
"But I'm terrible at public speaking," Bowen admitted. "What if I make a fool of myself?"
Liang's expression hardened. "Do you want success, or do you want to stay where you are? Fear is natural, but letting it control you is a choice. Face it head-on, and you'll grow stronger."
Bowen took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll do whatever it takes."
The following week, Zhou informed Bowen that a local book club had invited him to speak about his novel. It was a small gathering in the back of a café, but Bowen was both excited and terrified.
When he arrived, about a dozen people were seated, ranging from students to working professionals. He nervously introduced himself and began talking about his journey of writing the book.
"I never thought I'd actually finish it," Bowen admitted, his hands trembling slightly. "But I couldn't let go of the idea that this story might resonate with someone out there."
"It definitely resonated with me," a woman in her 30s said. "I grew up in a small town, always dreaming of something bigger. Your book made me feel like those dreams are still possible."
Another attendee chimed in. "I liked how the main character doesn't just wait for opportunities—he creates them. It's inspiring."
As the evening went on, Bowen found himself relaxing, the warmth and enthusiasm of the group fueling his confidence. Several members even purchased extra copies of the book to give as gifts, and Bowen left the café feeling a new sense of purpose.
The next step was bolder. Encouraged by the growing buzz, Bowen decided to approach a regional manager for a well-known bookstore chain. He carried a copy of his book and a printed copy of the newspaper review as he walked into the manager's office.
The manager, a brisk woman in her 40s, glanced at the book and the review. "We typically reserve shelf space for established authors," she said, her tone skeptical.
"I understand," Bowen said, doing his best to sound confident. "But this book is gaining attention locally, and I'm willing to work tirelessly to promote it. I believe it has the potential to reach a wider audience."
She studied him for a long moment before relenting. "All right. We'll stock a limited number of copies in one store. If they sell well, we can talk about expanding."
Bowen thanked her profusely and left, determined to prove her decision right.
Within a week, the initial stock sold out, prompting the chain to distribute the book to three additional stores in the city. Bowen threw himself into promoting the book, handing out flyers, engaging with readers online, and attending every small event he could find.
One evening, Zhou handed him his first royalty check. It wasn't a fortune, but it represented validation—a tangible reward for his hard work.
"You're on the right track," Zhou said. "But this is just the start. You've got to keep pushing."
As Bowen walked home that night, the lights of Shanghai glittering around him, he clutched the jade amulet in his pocket. Liang's voice echoed in his mind: "The path to greatness is long, but every step counts."
Bowen smiled. He was ready for whatever came next.