Although by 2013, many web novel authors had already achieved financial freedom through writing, an eighteen-year-old like Zhou Yuwen—who topped the monthly sales charts and earned over one million in royalties in a single month—was still a massive topic of conversation.
The website's primary reason for arranging this exclusive interview was actually to help more young people understand web novels.
The host, brought in from who knows where, was quite beautiful. Dressed in a black bodycon skirt, her long legs—clad in black sheer tights—were elegantly crossed as she leaned on the sofa. Hugging a throw pillow to her chest, she asked Zhou Yuwen various questions about both his novel and his personal life.
For example, because of the novel he wrote, the internet was now buzzing with rumors that Zhou Yuwen was also a scummy man in real life.
"So, as the author of this novel, what do you think about that?"
"Boss, do you have a girlfriend?"
When asked this question, Zhou Yuwen could not help but chuckle.
At that mont, Zheng Yanyan, who had already clicked into the interview stream, grew nervous. She suddenly felt a pang of regret. If she had known Zhou Yuwen was doing an interview, she would not have thrown a tantrum that night. If she had not fussed, might Zhou Yuwen have brought her along to the interview?
'Will Zhou Yuwen admit that I am his girlfriend?'
anwhile, Su Qing was also exceptionally nervous, and a little angry. Why had Zhou Yuwen not told her he was writing a novel?
He had not told her he wrote novels in their past life either, had he?
So why was he still keeping it a secret in this life?
After all, she had actively encouraged him to write novels in this life!
Just as several girls held their breath in suspense.
Zhou Yuwen stared at the host and smoothly replied with a question of his own, "Do you think I would have a shortage of girlfriends?"
Hearing this, the off-cara staff could not hold back their snickers.
Simultaneously, among the tens of thousands of people watching the interview, many were fans of his book. Upon hearing his response, they imdiately flooded the live chat with praise!
"As expected of the author of a scummy man novel!"
"Too smooth! Old Zhou secured the kill!"
Caught off guard by Zhou Yuwen's counter-question, the host also covered her mouth and giggled.
Zhou Yuwen chuckled along with them before adopting a serious tone. "No, I am just joking. What I an is, given my age, I have definitely been in a relationship or two. Otherwise, it would be impossible for
to portray the characters of Xiao and Shen so vividly."
The host nodded in understanding but deliberately prodded further with a mischievous smile, "Does that an the inspiration for your two female leads cos entirely from your girlfriends?"
This question gave Zhou Yuwen pause. He thought back to the personalities of the various girls around him and nodded. "Yeah, pretty much. In truth, it is an amalgamation of the personalities of the girls I interact with. Calling them all girlfriends would not be strictly accurate."
The mont Zhou Yuwen said that, Su Qing eagerly began scrolling through the synopsis of his novel. Looking smug, she announced to the classmates gathered around her, "This Xiao Chuchu is . Zhou Yuwen definitely based her on my personality! She is exactly like !"
"Huh? Wait, Su Qing, what do you an? Didn't Zhou Yuwen just say the female leads' personalities were inspired by his girlfriends?"
Su Qing nearly died of speechlessness. "What, did you guys not know? I am Zhou Yuwen's first love! We went to the sa high school!"
"Ah!?"
The other girls genuinely had no idea, and they looked suitably shocked by the revelation.
"Really? So Zhou Yuwen really wrote this novel for you?" The way the girls looked at Su Qing instantly changed, with so even cooing about how romantic it was.
Su Qing naturally nodded, taking it all as a matter of course.
She declared that even back in high school, she knew Zhou Yuwen was incredibly talented and had constantly encouraged him to write novels.
"Right, right?! Shen Yu, you know this! I was always encouraging Zhou Yuwen to write novels, wasn't I?!" Su Qing finally displayed the superiority of a Reborn Person.
The proof was that she had previously predicted Zhou Yuwen's novels would beco a hit.
"Ah?" Shen Yu thought about it seriously for a mont. "It seems... you actually did."
Over in the yoga studio, Zheng Yanyan, who had been practicing, was bombarded with ssages from several friends—both high school and university classmates.
One particularly nosy classmate had even shared the link to Zhou Yuwen's interview directly into their high school group chat.
"Holy crap! Isn't this Sister Yan's boyfriend? I saw him on her social dia feed before! Right?"
"Yes, I have already confird it with Yanyan. It is her boyfriend."
The long-dormant high school group chat erupted into a heated discussion.
"Good lord! I was wondering how Yanyan's boyfriend was so rich, I figured he was a second-generation heir."
"Please, this is way more impressive than being a trust fund kid! The guy makes one million a month on his own!"
"Not one million, three million! Yanyan has hit the jackpot!"
"If I had known, I would have gone to university in Jinling with Yanyan. Wuwuwu, I regret my life choices (crying) (crying)."
"@Zheng Yanyan, Sister Yan, get
the big boss's autograph, please! I absolutely love Old Zhou's novel! (grinning)"
At that mont, Zheng Yanyan's phone was on the verge of exploding. Far too many people were sliding into her private ssages or tagging her in the group chat.
However, faced with this overwhelming wave of flattery.
Zheng Yanyan was not happy at all. In fact, she felt quite lancholic.
Because she and Zhou Yuwen...
At that thought, Zheng Yanyan wiped away her tears and hurriedly opened Zhou Yuwen's novel.
"Lin, Linlin, doesn't the personality of this Xiao Chuchu that Zhou Yuwen wrote seem a bit like mine?"
Although reading the opening chapters made Zheng Yanyan feel it resembled Su Qing, she still felt certain descriptions were referenced from her own traits.
For example, Xiao Chuchu's willful, unreasonable, and spoiled nature...
She definitely provided Zhou Yuwen with so inspiration there...
'Right?'
Zheng Yanyan picked out a few excerpts, pointing out that she had actually said similar lines to Zhou Yuwen before. He must have used a part of her as the prototype.
Lu Lin was actually quite shocked at this ti. She had always known Zhou Yuwen wrote novels, but she assud he just did it for fun. She never expected him to blow up in popularity like this. One million a month?!
No wonder... no wonder he never lacked money.
In that instant, everything made sense to Lu Lin.
Just monts ago, Lu Lin had also skimd the novel's synopsis.
She had a strong feeling that the character Shang Qianqian was based on her, wasn't she?
But surely, she was not nearly as awful as Shang Qianqian?
That Zhou Yuwen! Lu Lin grew a bit furious, resolving to properly interrogate him once he returned.
Several girls were busy matching themselves to the fictional characters.
Zheng Yanyan and Su Qing eagerly scrambled to claim the spot of Xiao Chuchu, both insisting that Zhou Yuwen had based the character entirely on their own personalities.
It must be said that even though Su Qing was a Reborn Person, she had never actually read "I Don't Want to Rebirth". Zhou Yuwen had made a na for himself writing novels in his past life anyway, so wasn't it only natural that he would pen another famous novel in this life?
Therefore, more than anyone else, Su Qing felt deeply convinced that this book belonged to Zhou Yuwen!
And the female lead, Xiao Chuchu, was definitely modeled after her.
Because of this, Su Qing was currently moved to tears.
Su Qing thought, 'Zhou Yuwen truly loves
the most, and he wrote this entire book just for .'
Especially when listening to Zhou Yuwen discuss his emotional journey while writing the first female lead, Su Qing was moved to tears. She turned to her classmates who had gathered to watch the interview and declared, "It is , he is talking about ! You see? Zhou Yuwen really loves
the most!" "Then who is the prototype for the second female lead?!" The other classmates did not actually care who Zhou Yuwen was writing about; they only cared about the juicy gossip.
So, who exactly was the second female lead?
This...
Su Qing was montarily choked up. After pondering for a long ti, she huffed, "Well, it definitely is not Zheng Yanyan."
The exclusive interview lasted for an hour and a half in total. Aside from discussing the writing process of his novel, it heavily focused on the impact writing had on Zhou Yuwen.
"Do the people around you know you write novels?"
"Very few know. Writing is really just a personal hobby of mine. I never expected everyone to love it so much," Zhou Yuwen replied with a modest smile.
As for the impact...
"Well, thanks to the royalties, my life is indeed quite comfortable. A lot of my classmates think I am so wealthy second-generation heir, but it is not quite like that."
"My parents are ordinary working-class people. If I had to pinpoint the biggest impact writing has had on , it would probably be that my material life is much better compared to my peers."
"In fact, before writing this work, I had dabbled in other projects. Even though I am only eighteen now, I have already bought a car and a house in Jinling. I do not ask my family for living expenses anymore either. So, if we are talking about the impact writing has had on , I would say it is quite substantial," Zhou Yuwen said with a laugh.
Hearing this, the host imdiately put on a look of sheer admiration. "Wow, then you are already incredibly amazing!"
"You have only just started university, and you have already achieved financial freedom."
"I am seriously so jealous of you!"
Zhou Yuwen smiled faintly and humbly brushed it off.
He really had not needed to disclose all that, but Zhou Yuwen figured that since he was already exposing his face to the public, he might as well use the opportunity to legitimize his wealth in the open.
Otherwise, when he went ho, his mom and dad would inevitably ask where all his money ca from.
"This BMW X7 costs over one million at the very least! Where did you get that kind of cash?"
Zhou Yuwen could hardly tell them he earned it by trading cryptocurrency, right?
Even if his parents believed him, how much breath would he have to waste explaining it?
Now he could go ho and spend his money openly and honestly.
If his parents asked, he could just say he earned it from writing novels!
If they did not believe him, they could check the news.
That was infinitely more presentable than claiming he played the blockchain market.
However, Zhou Yuwen saying this did indeed solve a lingering mystery for certain people at his university.
Take Li Qiang and Chang Hao, for instance. They had been endlessly puzzled about why Old Zhou was so incredibly wealthy.
What exactly did his family do?
Li Qiang would even secretly think sotis that Old Zhou and Chang Hao just happened to have rich parents!
If it ca down to personal capability, they would not necessarily be able to match him.
Well then, Li Qiang definitely did not dare entertain that thought anymore.
Watching Zhou Yuwen's interview in the dormitory, Li Qiang's jaw practically hit the floor in shock. He felt deeply ashad of his previously ignorant thoughts, though he would never admit it aloud. Instead, he simply turned to the equally stunned Chang Hao and remarked, "Brother Hao, look at how badass Old Zhou is! He relies purely on himself. That is way more impressive than you constantly bragging about being from Jingcheng!"
"When the hell did I constantly brag about that!"
Chang Hao's ntal state was on the brink of total collapse right now. He wanted to cry!
Ever since being rejected by Zheng Yanyan, Chang Hao's sole spiritual sustenance had been reading "I Don't Want to Rebirth".
He had even sent the author countless direct ssages.
Buttering him up with 'Boss Author, I absolutely love your book!'
'Your story moves
so much!'
As it turned out, his favorite author was actually the very sa villain who had stolen away the love of his life!
At this mont, Chang Hao's feelings were incredibly complicated.
"Hey, Brother Hao! Are you still going to tip him to beco a top patron?" Li Qiang grinned broadly. Others might forget, but Li Qiang definitely would not. Li Qiang only read pirated novels, and he genuinely could not understand people who paid to read books when free resources were scattered all over the internet.
As for those who talked about tipping authors with real money...
He understood them even less. With that kind of money, wouldn't it be better to buy yourself sothing delicious to eat?
Tonight, this second-tier university was destined to belong solely to Zhou Yuwen.
Even the school forum had pinned Zhou Yuwen's exclusive interview to the top of the page.
Outstanding Alumni, Zhou Yuwen!
Famous Novelist!
Earning three to four million in monthly royalties.
Let alone this specific second-tier university, the entire university town had heard the news that a freshman at the neighboring school was making millions by writing novels.
The massive group chats of the Xuhuai Association completely exploded!
"So students doing part-ti jobs out there were actually complaining that we cut their wages. Brother Zhou is so damn rich, why would he ever stoop to skimming off their asly pennies!"
"Exactly! Only those of us on the inside know that every ti we make money, Brother Zhou never takes a single cent for himself. He is entirely focused on bringing benefits to us brothers!"
"Hehe, I already worshipped Brother Zhou before, but now my reverence is off the charts (grinning)."
Liu Shuo felt his own face radiating pride at this mont. He had originally been busy toiling away on top of Lu Hui, but now he had completely forgotten about his plowing. He imdiately dialed his closest brothers. "Quick, co out and drink! My Brother Zhou is on TV! Let us hit the bars!"
"I saw it, I saw it! Brother Shuo, I couldn't even believe my own eyes! Is Brother Zhou really that overpowered!?"
"Bullshit! My Brother Zhou has always been a total badass, alright!"
Liu Shuo threw off the covers and began tossing on his clothes.
Lu Hui had been silently watching Zhou Yuwen's interview, a thoughtful, unreadable expression resting on her face.
It had to be said, Zhou Yuwen looked incredibly handso right now. He was naturally good-looking and tall, and he had been styled a bit before stepping onto the stage.
Sitting upright on the sofa with a microphone in hand, he was articulate and completely at ease as he chatted and laughed about his novel.
The host chid in appropriately, "I can feel that you genuinely love writing novels."
"Because when you talk about your stories, your eyes literally sparkle."
The host was speaking the truth. Zhou Yuwen gave a serene smile and humbly dismissed the complint. "Before being an author, I am first and foremost a reader. The prerequisite for writing novels is definitely my passion for reading them."
As Zhou Yuwen said these words, he looked irresistibly charming.
Watching him from afar, Lu Hui could not help feeling a sour pang in her heart.
Back then, she had actually wanted to pursue Zhou Yuwen.
But she could not set aside her pride, feeling that Zhou Yuwen was just a university student. Even if he was sowhat capable, his potential still seed limited. If she had only known how insanely talented he truly was...
She would have shalessly clung to him and thrown herself at him until she managed to secure him as her boyfriend.
Liu Shuo had truly only been her secondary option, a reluctant compromise.
"Hurry up and get out of bed! Let us go, we are having drinks with my brothers!" Liu Shuo said as he dressed.
Lu Hui looked at Liu Shuo in front of her and could not hold back a cutting remark. "You follow Zhou Yuwen around every single day, yet you haven't managed to learn a shred of his talent."
"Hey, what kind of talk is that? My Brother Zhou is the reincarnated God of Literature descended to Earth! How could I possibly compare!?"
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