The sharp trill of Bowen's phone woke him from his dream-filled sleep. Groggy, he reached over to the bedside table, fumbling for the device. Squinting at the screen, he saw it was a call from his publisher.
"Hello?" he said, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Bowen! It's Zhou Jian!" The excitement in his publisher's voice was palpable. "Do you have any idea what's happening right now?"
Bowen sat up, rubbing his eyes. "No, what's going on?"
"Your book! Chasing the Dream! We've just hit over 10,000 sales! And the numbers are climbing fast!"
Bowen froze, the words taking a moment to sink in. "10,000?"
"Not just that," Zhou Jian continued, barely able to contain his excitement. "A famous celebrity read your book and loved it! She made a post on social media last night, and her fans are going wild for it!"
Bowen's heart raced. "Who? Which celebrity?"
"Liang Yue," Zhou Jian said. "You know, the actress from all those blockbuster romance dramas? She posted a picture of your book with the caption, 'A heartfelt story that inspires you to chase your dreams. Loved every page.' Do you know how huge this is?"
Liang Yue. Even Bowen, who didn't follow celebrity gossip, knew her name. She was a household name, her influence vast and far-reaching.
"I... I don't even know what to say," Bowen stammered, a mix of disbelief and elation coursing through him.
"Say that you'll start preparing for the next big step!" Zhou Jian laughed. "The buzz is real, Bowen. Let's keep this momentum going. We're already working on increasing the print run. And I suggest you start thinking about a social media presence. Fans are going to want to know more about the man behind the book."
"Of course," Bowen said, nodding even though Zhou couldn't see him. "Thank you for letting me know."
As the call ended, Bowen sat on the edge of his bed, the phone still in his hand. He stared at the jade amulet on the table beside him.
"Liang," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Did you hear that? 10,000 copies!"
That night, as Fang Bowen drifted into sleep, the familiar dreamscape of swirling green mist enveloped him. Liang Ziyang stood before him, his sharp suit immaculate as always. But tonight, there was a rare glimmer of satisfaction in his usually composed demeanor.
"I heard the news," Liang said, his voice carrying a warmth that was uncommon. "Congratulations, Bowen. You've done well to reach this milestone."
Bowen couldn't hide his smile. "10,000 copies sold, Liang! I never imagined it would happen so soon. And all thanks to Liang Yue's post."
Liang nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the power of influence. Celebrities wield it like a double-edged sword, but in this case, it's cut a path for you. This is an excellent opportunity to build a connection."
"Connection?" Bowen asked, tilting his head.
"Yes. Liang Yue has extended her goodwill by endorsing your book. Show your gratitude—it will strengthen your presence and make you stand out in the public eye. Use your author account to comment on her post. Thank her for her kind words and acknowledge the impact she's had. A genuine response will resonate with her and her fans."
Bowen's eyes widened. "You think I should comment directly? I've never even interacted with someone of her status before."
Liang chuckled lightly. "This is not the time for hesitation. She's given you a stage; now step onto it. A heartfelt, professional message will show your sincerity and help solidify your identity as an author."
"You're right," Bowen said, nodding firmly. "I'll do it first thing tomorrow."
"Good," Liang said, his tone more encouraging than ever. "And while you're at it, begin thinking about ways to engage your readers further. Perhaps host a small event or answer fan questions online. Readers are drawn to authors they feel they can connect with. Make them your allies."
"I'll do that too," Bowen said, determination sparkling in his eyes. "Thank you, Liang. Your advice has been invaluable."
Liang's expression softened, just slightly. "The real credit goes to you, Bowen. You've taken my guidance and made it your own. Keep building on this momentum, and you'll soon find yourself in places you've only dreamed of."
The mist began to fade, but Liang's parting words lingered in Bowen's mind.
The next morning, Bowen woke up energized. After a quick breakfast, he created a carefully crafted comment for Liang Yue's post:
"Thank you so much for your kind words about Chasing the Dream! It means the world to me that someone as inspiring as you enjoyed the story. Your encouragement is a dream come true, and I'm so grateful for your support."
With a deep breath, he posted the comment, feeling both nervous and exhilarated.
Minutes turned into hours, and then something incredible happened. Liang Yue herself replied:
"It's a beautiful book, Fang Bowen. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Keep writing—your voice is truly unique!"
The reply sent a thrill through Bowen's veins. Comments from fans started pouring in beneath his message, praising both the book and his genuine gratitude.
That day, Bowen didn't just gain readers—he gained a growing community of supporters who believed in his journey. For the first time, he felt not only like an author but a voice that mattered in the vast expanse of the literary world.