30. I might be… coming out.

Saying the whole world is a bit exaggerated.

After all, Qin Zhaoyi’s popularity hasn’t reached that level yet.

Nevertheless, it stirred quite a wave on the internet.

The Weibo post Qin Zhaoyi made before going to sleep, a post that seemed both like a love confession and an unattainable plea, garnered over a million likes and comments overnight, surpassing the data of many B-list celebrities.

In the morning, it was finally reposted by a marketing account and effortlessly made it to the trending topics

#Sicily Really Likes Her# #Sicily Why Can’t She Go Crazy for Me##Sicily Insomnia Literature# – several trending phrases, almost all ranking in the top thirty.

The first one even rushed to the front row and, during the few hours Qin Zhaoyi had her phone off, it skyrocketed to the top of the trending topics, accompanied by an orange “hot” icon.

It can be said that it broke through different circles.

Qin Zhaoyi’s new book winning awards didn’t create such a commotion, maybe only comparable to the last time Zhang Yang announced the suspension of the studio’s operation.

Qin Zhaoyi was about to click into the trends to check the comments when Zhou Xi’s call came in again.

“Please.” Zhou Xi softened her tone first. “Don’t impulsively post on Weibo.”

Qin Zhaoyi frowned, suppressed the impatience in her heart, and said coldly, “I haven’t finished reading yet.”

Zhou Xi was surprised, “Didn’t you read it at a glance? How could you not have finished?”

Seven minutes had passed since she hung up the phone last time.

Zhou Xi called her at a precise time.

Qin Zhaoyi paused, said coldly, “Blurring words.”

Zhou Xi: “…”

Who would have thought that someone who made a living with words would start to blur them?

Thinking of what Zhong Ling had said, a flame of hope ignited in Zhou Xi’s heart. She cautiously probed, “Isn’t it good as long as you have someone you like?”

Qin Zhaoyi sighed.

Even through the phone, Zhou Xi could sense the impending anger in her master.

So, with a quick brake, she brought the topic back, “I suggest you don’t post it yourself; let the studio do it. Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, don’t look now. The antis have woken up, and the comment section has been slaughtered. If you click in now, you’ll just be upset.”

“How should the studio post it?” Qin Zhaoyi’s voice was cold, a bit nasal as she had just woken up. She spoke with an uncomfortable tone, like a little lion brewing anger, “The prefix for the studio is what? Work. It’s not meant for handling my emotions.”

In these matters, Qin Zhaoyi was very clear.

Even after experiencing the breakdown last night, a sleepless night, and being greeted by the cold wind in the morning, her mind buzzing, she pressed her temple and still approached this matter rigorously and seriously, “I’ll think about how to post it.”

Zhou Xi: “…”

“The studio itself is meant to serve you.” Zhou Xi advised, “Your impulsive announcement to temporarily suspend the studio’s operation has already disappointed many people. Doing this again… will reduce the commercial value of your IP.”

If the announcement is made by the studio, it indicates that Qin Zhaoyi’s studio hasn’t closed and will restart in the future. It might retain some of the book fans who are waiting for Qin Zhaoyi’s return.

However, if Qin Zhaoyi’s studio Weibo only has this one post, in this era where new talents are emerging like waves, the three words ‘Qin Zhaoyi’ will become a thing of the past in a few months. Not to mention the cooperation partners who were eager for Qin Zhaoyi’s new books before, after this incident, they will not only aggressively lower the price but also question whether they can sell anything.

As the actual person in charge of the studio, Zhou Xi considered more.

Qin Zhaoyi remained silent for a long time, not because she didn’t know how to refute.

It was because she was thinking about what words to use to minimize the damage to Zhou Xi and also make Zhou Xi understand what she was thinking.

It was like a silent confrontation.

When Zhou Xi was about to lose patience, Qin Zhaoyi slowly spoke, “Xi Jie, what do you think can retain readers?”

Zhou Xi was taken aback, “Sicily?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…No.”

For the current market, as long as the three words “Sicily” appeared, someone would buy it.

“Sicily” was not just a person; it was on the verge of becoming a brand.

Because there’s “Wings Fluttering,” “Lost Shadows,” “Wild Roses,” and even the suspense film “Fox Under the Moonlight,” which remains in the top three of film history due to Zhong Ling’s direction.

So, as long as “Sicily” appears in bookstores, it will be placed in the most prominent position, become a popular bestseller, turn into the bookstore’s gold signboard, and be the best-selling title for a period of time.

Therefore, Zhou Xi inclined towards marketing the “Sicily” brand well.

However, Qin Zhaoyi closed her eyes and calmly said, “It’s about the work.”

“All works chosen by the market essentially have outstanding content,” Qin Zhaoyi said. “Relying solely on marketing the author won’t last.”

“But Sicily is now also part of the content,” Zhou Xi argued.

Qin Zhaoyi paused slightly, “No. Content is about the brilliance of the story, not the person Sicily.”

Before Zhou Xi could say anything to counter, Qin Zhaoyi coldly added, “If Xi Jie can’t understand this, our cooperation might have to be suspended as well.”

Zhou Xi was suddenly speechless.

Not long after, Zhou Xi hung up Qin Zhaoyi’s call.

This was the first time since they knew each other.

Zhou Xi had a good personality and knew that Qin Zhaoyi responded better to soft persuasion than forceful arguments, so she had always used the “soft” approach to deal with her.

But this time, after hanging up Qin Zhaoyi’s call, she sent a WeChat message saying, “Up to you.”

After that, there was no more communication.

Qin Zhaoyi thought about it and typed a long explanation in the chat box with Zhou Xi, but after a few seconds, she deleted it.

In the end, she just sent a message, “Xi Jie, take a break.”

Zhou Xi’s name changed to “The other party is typing,” after a while, it changed back.

But Qin Zhaoyi didn’t receive any new messages.

After “negotiating” with Zhou Xi, Qin Zhaoyi returned to Weibo to check the situation.

It was quite enjoyable, like watching someone else’s drama.

Some people said she intentionally sought public attention, attempting to return to the public eye. Others accused her of being attention-seeking.

The voices of the black fans were loud, but mixed in were also some book fans and onlookers.

Especially under the hashtag #Sicily, really likes her#, the comments were diverse.

[I thought Sicily has a new book.]

[Sicily’s new book is called ‘Really Like Her’? Is she going to write a romance now?]

[I begged, believing that Sicily’s life-long balance of meat and vegetarian diet is worth seeing again.]

[Not to speak ill, even if Sicily’s latest work is below standard, she’s still better than many authors in the industry. Anyone who can’t understand her subtle writing should just get lost.]

[Sicily in love… but why does it seem so humble?]

[I’m willing to call ‘insomnia,’ ‘why,’ and ‘going crazy’ as humble literature.]

[Sicily is usually so aloof, a famous beauty with a cold face. The arrogant sister image has collapsed.]

Qin Zhaoyi rapidly scrolled through the comments, and when she came out, she found that this topic had also linked to her alternate account.

Nothing is more socially deadly than having all your alternate accounts exposed.

Because Zhou Xi didn’t allow her to use the name “Sicily” to post or like things randomly, she created an alternate account.

Occasionally, she would check the trending topics, write a book review or share her thoughts, or write some essays.

After falling into a low period, she hadn’t posted anything on this account for a long time.

Last night was the first time.

After posting, she felt a bit uncomfortable, so she switched to her main account to see the updates from the bloggers she followed. Later, she got too tired and forgot to switch accounts.

She didn’t know how netizens managed to expose her alternate account.

Anyway… she couldn’t hide it.

Putting the two posts together, the likes and comments on both accounts surged, and private messages kept pouring in.

Most of the attention was still on the main account.

People were curious about two main points: Is she in a relationship? When will she release a new book?

Qin Zhaoyi posted on her main account: [Last night, I posted on the wrong account, and I apologize for occupying public resources. I’m not in a relationship, still working hard. No new book yet. Wish you all a happy life.]

Although none of the answers were what the public eagerly wanted to hear, the entire post exuded warmth.

It was an apology and a blessing—something unimaginable in the past.

So, fans left comments: [Sicily, you’ve changed!]

One netizen replied: [Maybe being rejected makes her realize it’s not a good feeling, so she developed some emotions.]

Another netizen: [But the rejection wasn’t thorough enough, so there’s not much emotion yet.]

This comment had the highest number of likes, occupying the top spot on Qin Zhaoyi’s Weibo post.

Normally, Qin Zhaoyi didn’t have the habit of responding to comments, unless Zhou Xi forced her to interact with the comments section.

But today, looking at those comments was bothersome, so she passionately replied: [Don’t curse me.]

Netizen: [Are you starting to get scared because you have a soft spot now? We wish you success in pursuing your male god when you release a new work.”]

Qin Zhaoyi frowned and replied by clicking into the comment: [No male god.]

Netizen: [What male god! He is my Xi God’s future boyfriend!]
*Her pen name in Pinyin is actually XiXiLi which transliterates to Sicily

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Everyone assumed she liked a guy.

Some netizens even commented below, saying she had money and looks, so why chase after anyone?

Qin Zhaoyi looked at their comments, wanting to explain but fearing it would cause more trouble, so she simply logged out of that account.

When she opened her small account, the tone completely changed.

The plea post received the favor of many netizens, with some teasing her and others offering genuine help.

But one comment stood out as the most sincere and was pinned at the top.

[@Jia Yi Bing Ding: Life is the soil of art. The way Sicily portrays romantic interactions might be related to her never having been in a relationship. Well, as a peer, Sicily is truly outstanding. Still, I hope she can experience a sweet romance, get some inspiration, and then start a new book (*bushi). As someone skilled in love, having been in 28 relationships, I dare to offer some advice (although I only like girls, so it might be different; I hope there’s an expert who can start a thread on pursuing guys for Sicily to reference).]
*bushi – sort of like just kidding

[@Jia Yi Bing Ding: If the other person suggests taking it step by step, it’s clear that she’s interested in you. Either she doesn’t want to develop a relationship, or if she does, she wants to embark on a serious and lasting romance. So, first of all, congratulations to Sicily for liking someone reliable! With this premise, you can prepare some small surprises, but don’t be too ostentatious, let everyone know you’re pursuing her; that would make the other person uncomfortable. For example, buy her a bouquet of flowers, casually pick her up after work, go to the night market together, visit a museum or similar places with people but quiet, create some opportunities for the two of you to be alone, and share music and books with each other. Learn about what the other person is interested in, discuss topics that interest them (this method is suitable for someone similar to you).]

[@Jia Yi Bing Ding: After establishing a bridge with common interests, move on to the second step: inviting for a meal. Not an ordinary dinner, but one together, like a candlelight dinner. Then plan to go to the movies, an amusement park, a concert, or a theater together—some quiet places. After these activities, you can ensure you both have topics to discuss, and then go home separately. This stage probably lasts for about two weeks.]

[@Jia Yi Bing Ding: After this stage, if your contact is still relatively close, and it’s not just you taking the initiative (at this point, you can add a test, like jokingly asking her out for a meal, for example, asking if she wants to treat me to a meal). This test is very meaningful! Decide whether to proceed to the next step. Regardless of jokingly asking the other person to treat you to a movie or a meal, it reflects the other person’s attitude. If she’s willing, then your first two steps are successful! If she declines, then you need to consider whether to repeat the first two steps.]

[@Jia Yi Bing Ding: After the small test, you can enter the third step: intimacy. Private cinemas, KTV, or traveling are good choices. Invite the other person to a private cinema, but don’t do anything too excessive there! Some places have surveillance! But you can be appropriately intimate in those situations, getting close or kissing the other person on the cheek. I personally have a 100% success rate in confessing in a private cinema. Or you can travel together; there’s an art to booking a room at night. If the other person directly suggests getting two rooms, you can take the opportunity to go to him at night. If he asks how you booked, you can jokingly say, of course, I want to stay with you, I’m afraid to be alone! See how he chooses; basically, it’s also a 100% success rate. Because if someone can go through the third step with you, they definitely like you. But if you’ve completed the three steps and still aren’t together… stay away, stay away, stay away! Either he’s the Sea King or a scumbag!]

Qin Zhaoyi took these comments seriously, copied them into her notes. In matters she didn’t understand, it was never wrong to listen to advice.

Below, a seasoned netizen even provided a version for pursuing a guy, but Qin Zhaoyi only glanced at it, finding it too long, and chose to ignore it.

Dealing with netizens left Qin Zhaoyi exhausted, but that was just the beginning; troubles continued to come one after another.

First, Zhong Ling called to mock her, not expecting Qin Zhaoyi, who had been outstanding since childhood and made people feel inferior, to experience the day of being rejected.

Qin Zhaoyi almost blacklisted her, but Zhong Ling immediately apologized, saying the package she sent had arrived, containing a script for her to review.

“Not in the mood,” Qin Zhaoyi refused.

Zhong Ling: “Hmm… Does falling in love give you the mood?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “What are you up to?”

Zhong Ling: “I sent you a love charm in the package. But I think you might be a *1; it could work for the girl you like.”
*1 = top

Qin Zhaoyi frowned, “What are you talking about?”

Zhong Ling kept it mysterious, “You’ll know when you receive it, it looks awesome.”

Qin Zhaoyi, “Did you forget that I got rejected?”

Zhong Ling, “Indeed.”

After a hearty laugh, Zhong Ling disregarded Qin Zhaoyi’s feelings and taunted, “You’re too eager to get it; you need to take it slow. I lured my ex-girlfriend in a bar for quite a while.”

“Nonsense,” Qin Zhaoyi ruthlessly exposed, “Didn’t you guys just go to a hotel after drinking too much at the bar?”

“You’re talking nonsense,” Zhong Ling retorted, “I waited for her three or four times before we had a drink together.”

Qin Zhaoyi, “…”

“Don’t make her feel like you’ll go over just because she beckons you,” Zhong Ling advised, “Lure her in a bit.”

Qin Zhaoyi was about to hang up, but considering Zhong Ling’s experience, she decided to listen, asking hesitantly, “What do you suggest?”

“For example, tomorrow morning, send her a bouquet of flowers,” Zhong Ling suggested, “Then ignore her for a day, pique her curiosity.”

Qin Zhaoyi, “So, I won’t see her all day?”

Zhong Ling, “Would you die?”

Qin Zhaoyi, “It’s a bit hard to endure.”

Zhong Ling, “…”

Both fell silent for a moment, and at this instant, their decade-long friendship revealed a slight crack.

Finally, Zhong Ling sighed in resignation, “Qin Zhaoyi, I always thought any guy who falls for you is damn unlucky. You’re cold, full of tricks, arrogant, treat people like dogs, and now I realize you’re almost becoming that woman’s dog.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Zhong Ling: “You were not inferior to me in every aspect back then.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“But you were pretty happy being a dog back then,” Qin Zhaoyi remarked.

Zhong Ling abruptly hung up on her.

Great, two offended friends in one day.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t have much peace, as her mother’s call came next, asking if she had someone she liked, whether she was comfortable there, and so on. Even through the phone, she could sense her mother’s gossipy nature.

Qin Zhaoyi casually answered and thought nothing of it. Unexpectedly, Professor Qin, who usually paid no attention to her affairs, also called. Without any pleasantries, he directly asked, “Who’s the guy you like? What’s his education background? Occupation? How old is he? How tall? What’s his personality like?”

It was rare to see Professor Qin in such a hurry.

Qin Zhaoyi was taken aback but then laughed, “What’s up, Dad? Are you checking the household register?”

Professor Qin said coldly, “Stop fooling around.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“Speak quickly,” Professor Qin urged, “Where are you now? Let’s meet for coffee.”

Qin Zhaoyi immediately pleaded, “Dad, spare me. I’m on vacation.”

Professor Qin angrily said, “If you’re on vacation, then take a vacation. Why talk about love!”

“I haven’t started yet,” Qin Zhaoyi said, “The person I like doesn’t like me.”

Professor Qin was even angrier, “Is he blind?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

After a long pause, Qin Zhaoyi said lightly, “Dad, the person I like is not a guy.”

“Who’s that man?” Professor Qin said. “Bring him over; let me take a look.”

Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips, her gaze falling on the neighboring yard where Luo Yue was standing on the steps, playing with a dog.

Qin Zhaoyi suddenly chuckled, “Not a man.”

Professor Qin: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi emphasized each word, “It’s a girl.”

Before Professor Qin could react, Qin Zhaoyi added, “I might be… coming out.”

Author’s Note:

A transition chapter!

More to come tomorrow, I miss my family’s Luo Jie.