To Speak Frankly: Words from the Heart

There are few opportunities to speak openly and candidly with everyone in a relaxed manner, so today I’d like to take this chance to share some thoughts with you all. Perhaps many people won’t finish reading this, or some won’t read it at all. Maybe there will even be those who, after reading, feel compelled to criticize—especially since tomorrow, this book is going to be launched as a paid work. Whatever choice you make, I respect it. By the time you read this, the book is nearly two hundred thousand words long. For the sake of these two hundred thousand words, I sincerely ask you to read through this message.

Launching the book means two things: first, starting tomorrow, there will be additional updates each day; secondly, from tomorrow, you’ll need to pay to read this book.

Frankly, the cost is not high—just three or four cents a day, which amounts to the price of one or two cups of milk tea per month. I’ll talk more about payment at the end of this message; first, I want to express what’s truly on my mind, the most important part.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am the author Black Eye Circles, known on Black Rock Reading as either Little Black or Lord Circle. I was born in 1995, currently a senior in university, having enrolled early at a law and politics university in the southwest, majoring in Criminal Investigation and Law. I write about what I know best.

My longtime readers are probably already familiar with me and my general circumstances. Still, I want to explain here why this book must go on sale. As always, it’s about the clash between ideals and reality.

Last time I discussed ideals and reality, I began with my ideals. This time, let’s start with reality.

For a long time now, I haven’t asked my family for a single cent. I believe that, as a man, I should strive for financial independence as early as possible. Honestly, it’s exhausting. Each chapter takes over an hour to write. As my longtime readers know, I’m one of the few authors on Black Rock Reading who has consistently updated with ten thousand words per day, never missing a day. Sometimes, I’ve even updated twenty or thirty thousand words in a single day. This means, at my busiest, I spend more than twelve hours a day in front of the computer.

I don’t want to paint a miserable picture of myself just to win sympathy and retain more readers. In fact, I somewhat disdain the practice of many authors who do so.

To be honest, this is a launch announcement. In the world of online literature, at moments like this, many writers recount family illnesses, their own poor health, financial hardships, or even struggling with disabilities as they pursue their dreams.

I’m sorry, but I have none of that to share.

I simply believe that my labor deserves fair compensation—not because I study law, but because everyone thinks this way. At this stage, writing is my job. I want to give you my best quality work in exchange for remuneration.

Few people will work unconditionally for others, and I’m not so noble. The few cents you spend each day are exchanged for the hours of hard work I put in every day.

There’s a saying: “Without gentlemen, artists cannot survive.” In ancient times, performers would ply their trade on the streets, and only a few gentlemen would tip them with small change after watching; everyone else simply watched and left. Performers lived on those voluntary contributions.

Authors are much like those performers; we rely on readers for our livelihood, both materially and spiritually.

This brings me back to my ideals. I began writing because of my ideals. If I had the financial means, I would gladly share my work with everyone for free. Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury. That’s why I say the launch is the collision between ideals and reality.

I am just a student. I can’t devote so much time and energy every day, expecting no material return for my writing.

Ideally, I want to be a writer. To me, a writer is not just someone who writes for a living, but someone who can convey their thoughts to others through words—that’s a true writer. Right now, I’m merely an author. But with your support, I am getting closer to transforming into a true writer.

Yet, very quickly, ideals collide with reality. Sometimes I wonder—does the cost of two cups of milk tea a month really exceed everyone’s means? At first, I blamed others, but later I started to look for reasons within myself. I choose to believe that everyone is honorable and would not steal the fruits of another’s labor.

Assuming everyone is honorable, if some still choose to leave, I realize it’s a question of whether my work is worth your payment.

Whether or not you think this book is worth continuing, I want you to know I have already worked very hard.

Who is the person Fang Han is searching for? What revenge is truly being sought? Why does the myth of Xuan Yi’s immortality exist? Why is the old Taoist so enigmatic? Why did Xuan Yi say Fang Han and Xiao Mei are bound for life? Who is Xiao Mei, really? What will happen to the fates of the little ghost and Luo Feng? Why do conspiracies keep targeting Fang Han? Is the actress Z really raising a Kumantong? All these questions will be answered in this work.

In truth, words alone cannot convince. But here, I make you a promise—and my old readers can vouch for me.

So long as the website does not interfere, I will complete this book in its entirety, striving to deliver the best storylines and characters you love. Why mention “as long as the website does not interfere”? Because, as authors, we face a real challenge: if a book performs poorly, the site may simply cut it, so it will never be seen again. That’s another reason I earnestly ask for your support.

If you’ve read many novels on Black Rock Reading, you may notice this announcement is different from others. It lacks complaints and, perhaps, contains more self-assurance, which some might call boasting.

But I believe everyone needs an opportunity. By reading this message, you’re giving me that chance. I’ll seize it and present my best to you. If that’s called self-promotion, so be it.

Why am I confident enough to make these promises? There are roughly three reasons.

First, while I may not be the top-performing author on Black Rock Reading, I am certainly one of the most diligent and responsible. Since I began, I have never missed a daily update, always maintaining at least ten thousand characters per day. Even when emergencies arise, I write the next day’s chapter in advance, overnight if necessary. My loyal readers know this record is rarely matched.

Second, this is my second crime and mystery novel. My previous book was the most-read work in the genre on Black Rock Reading. I was honored to be called the “number one master of criminal investigation fiction” by readers, fellow authors, and editors. This isn’t just pride; it’s to show you that I’m more capable than most at handling the structure of a long-form crime novel, especially with a highly successful work already behind me.

Third, I study at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, known as the “Whampoa Military Academy of Law” or the “Southwest United University of Legal Studies.” I’ve attended both the Criminal Investigation College and the Law School, and I present what I’ve learned through my writing. That’s why my crime novels are recognized as the most professional on the site. This book will not, like so many others, start as a crime novel only to become supernatural or sci-fi, filled with ghosts or miracle drugs. That’s the fate of many crime stories, but I promise this will remain a pure suspense and mystery novel grounded in contemporary reality.

These three reasons are the source of my confidence, my advantages over others, and why I believe my work is worth the price of two cups of milk tea each month.

If I must name a fourth reason, it’s that I constantly adjust and improve. Every work has its flaws. I will set up a feedback thread in the comments section where you can leave suggestions. As long as it doesn’t disrupt the overall structure, I will do my best to make changes—out of respect for you.

The upcoming plot will be even more exciting, but the choice is yours. I will not force you, and I will always respect your decision.

Thanks to writing, I’ve become friends with many readers. I’m not as aloof as some might think. I’ll provide some contact information below and sincerely hope to become friends with you.

Whether or not you continue this journey with me, thank you for your support. I wish you all happiness in life.

--------------

Now, on to the issues you care about most: payment and benefits.

How to Recharge

First, log in—no registration needed. You can log in with one click using QQ, WeChat, Tieba, etc. After logging in, you’ll see “Recharge” on the page.

There are many payment options: online banking, Alipay, Tenpay, or even mobile phone credit. I recommend using online banking or Alipay, as these are the most cost-effective; other methods are more expensive.

Special reminder for those using the "Black Rock Reading" iOS client: do NOT recharge in the app, it’s much pricier. Use your browser to open the Black Rock Reading website and recharge there.

Fee Calculation

Here are some formulas for you: 1 RMB = 100 site credits; 1,000 characters = 6 credits; 1 chapter ≈ 2,500–3,000 characters. So, each chapter costs just over one cent.

Guaranteed Updates

For the first few days after launch, I’ll aim for 4 to 6 chapters updated daily.

Afterward, there will be a guaranteed minimum of 3 chapters per day.

Benefits

Launch Benefits: Tomorrow, every new chapter will come with a site credit red envelope. Around 9 a.m., I’ll release several chapters. Once you recharge, click in, and the red envelopes will be credited automatically, while supplies last (the system might be delayed, so please check the exact time yourself).

Ongoing Benefits: Write a book review to win credits. Starting tomorrow, you can write reviews on the homepage. If I find them excellent, I’ll highlight them and reward you with credits.

Other Benefits: Activities such as daily floor-snatching events or case-solving contests will be announced as they’re finalized.

Official Accounts

WeChat Official Account: “Black Eye Circles' Circles,” WeChat ID: hyqdyq (for daily highlights, benefits, and important notifications)

Author’s WeChat: Black Eye Circles, WeChat ID: zsw384593560

Weibo: Follow the verified account @BlackEyeCirclesTrueSelf

How to Support the Author

1. Add to your library: After logging in, click “Follow” or “Add to Library” on the book’s homepage.

2. Send Diamonds: On the cover page of “Murder Taboo,” you’ll see “Diamond Votes,” “Diamonds,” “Gold Diamonds,” etc. Click to send diamonds—voting is free. For every 5 RMB spent on chapters or 50 RMB in rewards, you’ll earn one diamond. Diamonds expire monthly, but they are very important to the author. Please send your diamonds to “Murder Taboo.”

3. Recommendation Votes: Every account gets free recommendation votes. Users who have recharged can vote three times per day for free. After reading, please take a moment to vote for “Murder Taboo.”

4. Rewards: On the book’s homepage, you can reward the book with items such as a Wine Cup (1 RMB), Fan (5 RMB), Divine Pen (10 RMB), Jade Pendant (100 RMB), or Crown (1,000 RMB). If you’re financially able, your support is greatly appreciated.

5. Most importantly, if you have suggestions, you can contact me via WeChat or Weibo. Your timely feedback is the greatest support I could ask for!

Thank you again. I hope you’ll support the official release. I will always give my best!