Chapter 0: Dreamland (3)
The explosive popularity of the novel “Everyone Thinks I’m the Villain NPC Boss” ignited a fervent interest in its author, “The Last Player Seeking the Way,” Lin Nan.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Nan catapulted into fame, becoming a well-known magazine columnist and novelist.
During his time with Wang Xue, he discovered she was an understanding, gentle, and adorable girl—basically the living embodiment of his girlfriend dreams!
So, Lin Nan decided to pursue Wang Xue, who, coincidentally, already had a crush on him. They soon confirmed their relationship, much to the delight of the universe.
As the novel sold various copyrights, Lin Nan raked in the cash like a pro.
Three years after they met, Lin Nan and Wang Xue finally took the plunge into marital bliss.
Their grand wedding arrived, with friends from all corners of life swarming in to celebrate the happy couple—cue the confetti and slightly embarrassing dance moves.
Married life was blissful. With the villainous NPC boss’s novel wrapping up, his second book snagged a skyrocketing pre-sale for its rights before it even hit the shelves.
Lin Nan then bought a swanky two-story mansion and welcomed his parents to live with him and his new bride—because who doesn’t love a crowded house?
Fast forward two years, and Lin Nan and Wang Xue welcomed a baby girl into the world.
Lin Nan wanted to name her Lin Lengyue (Cold Moon), but much to his surprise, his usually docile wife, Wang Xue, was vehemently against it.
She declared, “You need to say goodbye to the past!”
Sure, “Everyone Thinks I’m the Villain NPC Boss” was a bestseller, but as time marched on, people drift toward newer and more interesting stories.
Just like the one you’re writing now!
If you keep clinging to the past, dodging those old memories can turn into a not-so-great hobby for you.
Also, your Cold Moon Witch character’s fate was left open-ended, leaving readers to speculate wildly, but our little princess can’t afford to be all mysterious like her—she’s gotta grow up and find a husband soon!
Sometimes a name feels like a prophecy. Naming her “Cold Moon” might just jinx her.
Wang Xue rarely dug her heels in, usually going with the flow of Lin Nan’s whims. So her fierce opposition this time forced Lin Nan into a compromise; after consulting a fortune teller, they finally settled on naming her Lin Xiao—because apparently, she was predicted to lack water in her destiny?
As Wang Xue observed, the hype around the Cold Moon Witch indeed waned over time.
On the flip side, Lin Nan’s newly minted Western fantasy novel skyrocketed to a new classic status—way beyond the shadow of the old one!
Netizens poured all their passion into this new book, flooding the scene with fan creations and leaving fellow authors green with envy.
No wonder this fresh tale triggered another round of IP development excitement!
Comics, animations, audiobooks, movies—the works came rushing in.
At this point, both Lin Nan and the readers had tossed those once-popular Cold Moon Witch-related things into the dusty old trunk—only occasionally mentioned during interviews about his body of work.
During one interview, when Lin Nan reflected on his writing journey, the first person he thanked was his wife, Wang Xue.
“If she hadn’t given me a chance, the hit ‘Everyone Thinks I’m the Villain NPC Boss’ might never have seen the light of day!”
But when he mentioned the title, an unusual sense of estrangement washed over him.
Maybe it was because he hadn’t reminisced in ages? Shaking himself back to reality, he followed the interview protocol, which included bringing out Wang Xue to showcase their couple-ness.
Must say, this episode went splendidly.
Lin Nan’s fame climbed a notch higher, earning him a foot in the entertainment world.
However, he was a good boy who never thought of squandering his literary reputation on anything not directly related to being a writer.
Wang Xue declined multiple invitations for entertainment shows like “Where is Mom Going?”, preferring to focus on her wifely duties at home. This sincerity deeply touched Lin Nan.
His writerly journey sailed smoothly, despite the occasional hiccup of writer’s block, which usually just needed a good mood reboot to overcome.
His usual habit? Strolling through bustling city streets.
Whenever he saw the throngs of people—especially during rush hour—Lin Nan felt a unique sense of fulfillment.
The more the merrier! The stronger that feeling became.
It was like channeling the collective thoughts of the crowd; when he returned home, inspiration flowed like a waterfall, leaving him unable to stop for at least three or four hours.
He absolutely loved the writing process, pouring out all his brain’s colorful ideas onto the page, utterly addicted to it.
Every time he finished his daily installments, Wang Xue would glide in with a perfectly warm meal, nudging him to take a little break.
Their adorable daughter, Lin Xiao, would skip into his arms, eager to share her adventures of the day with him.
Laughter and joy filled the study.
Wasn’t this exactly the life he dreamed of right after graduating from college?
One night, as he wrestled with his manuscript, inspiration gushing like a leaky tap, he found himself typing away until the wee hours of the morning.
Finally, as he wrapped up a chapter in the dead of night, he stretched and decided to lay his head on the desk for a moment of blissful shut-eye.
Going back now would disturb his wife, who had fallen into a deep sleep.
Lin Nan, rarely a dreamer, found himself trapped in an extraordinarily weird one that night.
Books from “Everyone Thinks I’m the Villain NPC Boss” burst from the shelf, hovering like chubby little UFOs.
Each cover showcased the Cold Moon Witch’s likeness from quirky angles, and for a second, they seemed alive—fixing their gazes on him like a panel of judgmental judges at a talent show.
“Forgot who you used to be?” they chanted in unison.
Lin Nan blanked out. “Erm, what are you chattering about? I don’t understand a word!”
Before they could elaborate, a random burst of flames engulfed them while their shrieks echoed around him, turning all the books to ash.
With a jolt, Lin Nan woke up, the dream oddly vivid—like it had really happened!
He dashed over to check the bookshelf, and there they were! Those fancy hardcover editions of “Villain NPC Boss” continued to stand quietly at attention, showing no signs of distress.
Was he just imagining things?
But when he plopped back down at his desk, he was taken aback to find a grinning little wooden carving perched next to his computer.
What on earth was this creepy little trinket?
He had no recollection of buying such a bizarre item.
“Tap, tap…”
A soft knocking came from the study door.
Instinctively, Lin Nan shoved the strange wooden carving into his pocket.
Before long, Wang Xue entered, her eyes brimming with concern. “I thought I heard noises in here, so I came to check. Are you alright?”
Lin Nan chuckled and shook his head. “I’m fine, just thought I had a nightmare. Can’t remember the details anymore.”
Wang Xue said, “Let me make you a cup of milk. Dawn’s almost here; you need some rest.”
“Sure, thanks!”
Watching her exit, Lin Nan realized that he’d never had such a feeling before, but tonight, he was struck by an odd sense of being watched.
