Why didn't you tell me earlier that my little sister is still waiting for me?

Chapter 793 Renewal

The morning light was just right, and the aroma of rice porridge and pickled vegetables wafted from the communal kitchen in the breezy courtyard. Around the long wooden table, everyone sat, the bowls and chopsticks clattering softly.

Ma Qiushan had already heard the whole story of everyone's "second visit to the homestay construction site" and the previous "Miss Liu" incident—of course, it was the version told by the four women and Hu Youyu together. He held the bowl of porridge in his hand, not putting it into his mouth for a long time. The expression on his face slowly changed from initial shock and confusion to an undisguised suspicion.

He put down his bowl, stroked his non-existent beard, and scanned the faces of the crowd before slowly speaking: "Gentlemen... it's not that I, Old Ma, don't believe you, it's just that this matter..." He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "...sounds too much like a storyteller's tale in a teahouse. A female ghost in red, three hundred years of cultivation, checking up on people every night... if this were written into a storybook, I'm afraid few readers would believe it."

Hu Youyu immediately nodded vigorously, with an expression that said, "That's what I thought too," but when he remembered the horror he had experienced a few days ago, he couldn't help but shrink back.

Seeing that Ma Qiushan didn't believe him, Lin Bufan immediately realized that he had another chance to renew the "Sleeping Together in the Big Blanket Experience Card" and he was confident that he could turn the experience card into a permanent card after renewing it again!

Lin Bufan swallowed the bun in his mouth, then slammed his chopsticks on the table, making the porcelain bowl tremble. He stood up abruptly, his usual playful smile vanishing, replaced by an expression that was a mixture of shock, grievance, and anger.

"Old Ma! It's okay if you don't believe me, Lin Bufan! I can be a bit unpredictable sometimes, and I accept that if you suspect me of talking nonsense! But—"

Lin Bufan's voice rose several octaves as he pointed his finger in the air, finally gesturing towards Xu Hongdou, Chen Nanxing, Nana, and Da Mai, who looked utterly helpless: "You can't doubt them! Hongdou, Nanxing, Nana, Da Mai, they're all girls! Pure and innocent girls! Do you think this is something to be proud of? Would they risk their reputations, something so easily misunderstood, to play this kind of joke on you?! What kind of people do you take them for?!"

Ma Qiushan was taken aback by Lin Bufan's sudden outburst and righteous questioning. He quickly waved his hands, "No, Mr. Lin, that's not what I meant. I didn't doubt Nana or Hongdou. I just felt that this matter..."

"You think this is ridiculous, right?" Lin Bufan interrupted Ma Qiushan directly, his chest heaving slightly, as if he was really angry: "I also think it's ridiculous! But it just happened! Old Ma, let me tell you, if I hadn't experienced it myself, I would never have believed that such a thing... such a thing really exists in this world!"

Lin Bufan took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm himself, then placed his hands on the table, leaned forward slightly, looked directly at Ma Qiushan, and said in a resolute tone: "Fine, since words alone can't solve everything, let's use facts. Tonight—tonight! We'll organize another trip to that guesthouse construction site! We must let you see for yourself, witness firsthand what that Miss Liu is like! We must prove to Hongdou and the others that they didn't lie, didn't make up stories, that they are all innocent and good girls! We were truly forced to live together!"

Ma Qiushan was stunned by Lin Bufan's demeanor. He opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

Although Lin Bufan acted very convincingly, the four girls who had shared a bed with him immediately understood what Lin Bufan was up to—he simply wanted to play some ball before going to sleep!

Although they knew Lin Bufan's purpose, the four women didn't expose him—after all, having someone sing a lullaby before bed does help with sleep!

To prevent Lin Bufan from saying anything inappropriate, Chen Nanxing coughed and quickly changed the subject: "Oh, Mr. Ma, you just got back from Shanghai, you must be tired from your journey. Tell me, how's your tea brand going? Is everything going smoothly with Manager Zhu?"

When the topic turned to business, Ma Qiushan's expression turned serious, and a smile appeared on his face: "Thanks to General Manager Lin, everything is going smoothly! The initial framework has been set up, and the team is being assembled. Manager Zhu is decisive and has a lot of guts. I'm going to another tea-producing area in southern Yunnan for an inspection, and I'm just stopping by to see everyone. I have to leave soon."

Upon hearing this, everyone offered their congratulations and words of advice.

Ma Qiushan inquired about everyone's recent situation with concern. Nana briefly mentioned that the restaurant's business was stable and she occasionally posted videos; Chen Nanxing remained as optimistic as ever, saying he was strolling around the village eating and occasionally helping Nana; Xu Hongdou spoke calmly and gently, only saying that everything was fine and she was enjoying the slow pace of life here.

When it was Da Mai's turn, she put down her spoon, placed her hands on her knees, sat up straight, and spoke in a clearer voice than usual: "I...I'm going to finish the novel I'm currently writing."

"Huh?" Everyone was taken aback.

Everyone in the courtyard knew that DaMai was stuck in his novel writing, lacking inspiration, and struggling every day but still persisting in updating.

Previously, everyone had advised DaMai to write another book, but DaMai refused for various reasons. Unexpectedly, DaMai suddenly said that he was going to end it!

Fearing that Damai might do something rash, Xu Hongdou tentatively said, "It's good that it's finished. If you don't want to be an online writer, just find another job!"

The others chimed in, offering words of comfort to Damai!

Seeing that everyone had misunderstood, Da Mai quickly said, "No, no, everyone, don't misunderstand! I'm not giving up writing! I just want to finish this book first, and then start a new one."

After a pause, Da Mai took a deep breath and explained, "Actually... I've run out of inspiration for this book. Every day I'm staring at the computer, just forcing myself to write one word at a time, like clocking in for work. I've long lost that feeling I used to have... that strong urge to write, that discomfort if I don't. I'm just keeping going out of habit."

Because of Miss Liu's matter this time... I feel like I've had a sudden realization.

Seriously, sometimes you just have to be brave.

This should have been finished when it was supposed to be finished. I can't drag it out with padding just because it's still making some money. Whether the new book will make money is a matter for later, but I have to take this first step and rediscover my original passion.

Da Mai raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces around the table, his tone becoming even more resolute: "My original intention for writing was because I love writing stories and creating worlds. I can't betray that original intention just because I'm afraid my new book will flop, and waste my time on a book that has lost its passion. Otherwise... I would really be writing just for money, which would be meaningless."

After hearing what Damai said, everyone fell silent for a moment, and then showed smiles of relief and encouragement.

"Well said! Damai!" Chen Nanxing was the first to clap his hands: "You should be braver! We all support you!"

Xu Hongdou said gently, "Following your heart is very important. It's great that you've figured this out."

Nana nodded in agreement: "Yes, Da Mai, you should have done this a long time ago! We could tell a long time ago that you were suffering a lot while writing this book."

Hu Youyu exclaimed, "That's right! If the new book becomes a hit, don't forget to treat us, Teacher Da Mai!"

Lin Bufan didn't say anything, but just smiled and gave Da Mai a thumbs up.

Feeling everyone's support, Da Mai's face lit up with the most relaxed and genuine smile she had shown in the past few days. She nodded vigorously, "Thank you everyone!" Then, she rubbed her hands together a little shyly, "But... I might need everyone's help with the new book..."

"Help! Of course I'll help!" Chen Nanxing immediately replied, "Just tell me what you need! Do you need inspiration, materials, or help with promotion?"

Xu Hongdou and Nana both expressed their willingness to help.

Hearing everyone's support, Da Mai's eyes lit up even more, and her tone became a little excited: "I want to write a book this time... well, one with some supernatural elements. It was the incident with Miss Liu that inspired me. I want to include our experience! So... so I wanted to ask everyone... do you mind? After all, you were all involved..."

After saying that, Da Mai looked at everyone somewhat nervously!

The kitchen was quiet for a few seconds.

Chen Nanxing was the first to clap his hands: "Great news! Write it down! You absolutely have to write it down! This experience is so exclusive! I support you!"

Nana smiled and nodded, "I think it's quite interesting. Our experience would definitely be a great novel."

Xu Hongdou thought for a moment and said gently, "Damai, I have no objection to you writing it. But... could you not use your real name? Could you use an alias or something?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Chen Nanxing immediately chimed in, "Give me a nice name! Something... beautiful and cool, that sounds really reliable!"

Nana joined in the fun, saying, "Me too, me too! DaMai, give me a name that sounds independent and clear-headed."

……

With everyone's support, Da Mai was very happy, her eyes curving into crescents: "Of course, no problem! I definitely won't use my real name!" As she spoke, Da Mai stretched out her slender fingers and pointed to each person: "Sister Hong Dou will be called... Yun Shu, taking the meaning of clouds rolling and unrolling, gentle yet resilient."

Nanxing... is called Xingwan (meaning "late-blooming star"), meaning the starlight comes late, but it shines brightly, much like your personality!

As for Nana… how about Zhixia? She understands the intensity of summer, yet possesses her own unique clarity.

"Wow! That sounds amazing!" Chen Nanxing immediately clapped his hands: "Yun Shu, Xing Wan, Zhi Xia... Da Mai, you are so talented!"

Nana smiled and said, "Zhixia... um, I like her."

Xu Hongdou nodded and smiled: "Yun Shu is doing well."

Hu Youyu, standing to the side, scratched his head anxiously, leaned forward, and pointed at himself: "What about me? What about me? Teacher Da Mai, give me one too! It has to be... the kind that sounds like someone who is talented and dashing!"

Da Mai was amused by Hu Youyu. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Teacher Hu, let's call it Yu Yin. Yu Yin lingers for three days, which matches your identity as a musician. It also has a bit of... well, a lingering feeling."

"Echoes?" Hu Youyu chewed for a moment, the excitement on his face fading, and he muttered with some dissatisfaction, "This sounds... a bit effeminate? Not imposing enough! Can't you change it to something more majestic? Like Roaring Sky or Thunderclap?"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

"Howling Sky? Are you the Howling Sky Dog?" Chen Nanxing laughed so hard he almost fell over.

"Thunder? Why don't you call it Lightning?" Nana couldn't help but laugh.

Hu Youyu was a little embarrassed by the laughter, but still stubbornly asked, "Then... what about Teacher Lin? Da Mai, what name are you going to give Teacher Lin? It has to be something really impressive and powerful, right?"

Upon hearing this, Da Mai paused for a moment before softly saying, "Long... Aotian."

"Pfft—cough cough cough!" Nana was the first to choke on the porridge, coughing loudly. After finally catching her breath, she looked at Da Mai with disbelief: "What the hell? Long Aotian?! Da Mai, how did you come up with this name? This name... it's so different from the names you came up with like Yun Shu, Xing Wan, and Zhi Xia!"

Xu Hongdou frowned slightly, her face full of confusion: "Long Aotian? This... doesn't sound like a name from a supernatural novel, but rather... well, it seems to fit the style of someone's novel!"

Faced with the questioning gazes of the crowd, Da Mai blushed slightly and quickly waved his hands to explain, "No, no! I didn't come up with this name! It was...it was President Lin who came up with it!"

"He named it himself?" Chen Nanxing immediately turned his head, his eyes scanning back and forth between Lin Bufan and Da Mai with suspicion. "When did this happen? How come we didn't know?"

Nana also drew out her words, letting out a meaningful "Oh": "So the inspiration for Damai's new book... came from a private conversation with President Lin?"

Xu Hongdou didn't speak, but simply picked up her cup and took a sip of water. She looked calmly at Lin Bufan, but the probing look in her eyes was clear to everyone.

Da Mai panicked even more under everyone's gaze, his face flushed red, and he stammered, "No...it's not what you think! It's just...it's just that one day, I...I got stuck while writing, and I was spacing out in the yard when I ran into President Lin. And then...we started chatting, and when we talked about wanting to write a new book, President Lin encouraged me, saying that my idea of ​​finishing my current book and starting a new one was great, and that I should be brave...and then...we talked about the name of the protagonist in the new book, and President Lin said...if it's him, it'll be called Long Aotian..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible, her head bowed low, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

"Oh—" Chen Nanxing drawled, his tone twirling several times, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "So that's how it is... We just happened to run into each other, we chatted, and I encouraged you... Da Mai, your report is quite detailed. But I seem to remember that when Hongdou, Nana, and I were urging you to finish your old book and start a new one, you had a hundred reasons not to. How come you suddenly became brave after President Lin's encouragement? Isn't this preferential treatment a bit too obvious?"

“Exactly,” Nana chimed in with a laugh, teasing Da Mai, “We’ve tried to persuade you for so long, but it wasn’t as effective as a few words from President Lin. Da Mai, you’ve really hurt our feelings.”

Da Mai waved his hands frantically, his face turning bright red: "No... I... I didn't... it's just... what President Lin said made a lot of sense, I... I just..."

"Alright, alright," Lin Bufan quickly intervened when he saw that Da Mai was almost brought to tears, his usual lazy smile on his face: "You guys, stop bullying Da Mai. If you have any questions, you can ask me!"

Chen Nanxing rolled her eyes at Lin Bufan: "Tch—who wants to listen to your bragging? It's boring."

Lin Bufan choked for a moment, shrugged, picked up his soy milk, took a sip, and remained silent.