Afterword — Closing Thoughts |
It's finished!
The story of "Yu Xi" began on February 21st, 2024. After 694 consecutive days of daily updates, it has finally come to its conclusion...
I have so many feelings. By the time I was writing Volume Four, I was already daydreaming about what kind of earth-shattering afterword I'd pen once it was all over. Yet now that the moment has actually arrived, I find myself at a loss for words.
Strange, isn't it? How do you even describe an experience this surreal? The version of me from two years ago — the one playing a game when a random idea suddenly popped into his head — would never have imagined that this story would end up being loved by so many people.
Joy, excitement, unease, dread, fear, anxiety, gritting my teeth and pushing through, finally exhaling — those are all the emotions I cycled through while writing this book.
Now, at the end, I think only gratitude remains.
Gratitude to the friends who have supported "Yu Xi" all along. To the friends who have loved it, the friends who have been patient with it, the friends who chased every update. Your encouragement is what pushed me to keep writing, to bring this story to its period at the end of the sentence.
As for the ending — I know it won't satisfy everyone, and I want to start with an apology. But this ending was decided from the very first day I started the book. Every piece of foreshadowing, every metaphor, every clue pointed here. "Yu Xi" was never just a comedy. A story built on the name of a Clown could never have been one of eternal mirth.
Everything I wanted to express is in the book. Every era has its "Cheng Shi" who is forced to march forward — but every "Cheng Shi" chooses, on that road he is pushed along, to be himself. I hope every person can be themselves too. Even when the road ahead is uncertain, keep walking with conviction.
Well. That must be Deceit's fault.
Regardless, the story of this era is over. If you have the time and the interest, I encourage you to go back and reread it from the beginning. I believe your second reading will be completely different from the first. When you spot the metaphors and foreshadowing woven into the dialogue, the narration, and the reveals — and see how they align with the ending you already know — I don't think you'll feel that same frustration with the Riddler you felt the first time around.
I believe "Yu Xi" is a story worth reading twice. Of course, I'll admit the logic isn't 100% airtight. But that shouldn't affect the reading experience. Just roll with the laughs and outrage in the comments and have a good time. I also humbly ask that you avoid posting too many spoilers in the earlier chapter comments — leave some surprises for the newcomers.
Also — you've read all the way here. Surely you can leave a good review, friends!
Alright, I'll stop rambling. Cut.
Regarding the bonus chapters promised during the voting campaign — I'll get those out as soon as I can. Post-conclusion updates will come on an irregular schedule (and hopefully won't be delayed too long). Other bonus content (or possible continuation) will depend on inspiration levels and my laziness index.
After the bonus chapters wrap up, I'll take a break. Once I've rested, I'll be back with a new book. My brain has been wrung dry and desperately needs fresh material and accumulation. The genre of the new book is TBD — it might be another fantasy story set in an urban backdrop — but one thing is certain: it will be an ensemble cast. I love ensemble casts.
The world doesn't belong to any one person, and "Yu Xi" belongs to all of you.
One last, last thing — remember to participate in the completion event. There are behind-the-scenes tidbits (and some plot holes to fill) still waiting!
And with that, everyone — see you in the next book~
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