Let me share a few things with all the esteemed readers.

Before I begin, I must first express my heartfelt gratitude to all the readers who have supported this novel from the very start. In particular, I sincerely thank Sleepyhead Zhong Kun Si, Upstairs Watching the Drama, and Naming Is Really Difficult for your generous rewards. I bow deeply to you all.

This novel has weathered many challenges since its inception. Those who have followed from the early days know that in the first two weeks, I managed to update twice daily. However, due to mounting work commitments and clients urging for proposals, I was forced to work overtime every night, reducing updates to once a day, with double updates reserved only for Sundays.

At first, the number of readers following the story was over one hundred and seventy—a modest achievement for a new author, but it filled me with joy. Knowing that so many readers were accompanying me on this journey, that I was not writing alone, truly warmed my heart.

Yet today, for the first time, I felt deeply disheartened. Eagerly, I approached my editor to inquire about the recent follower statistics, hoping for a sign of growth. The answer I received was like a bucket of cold water poured over my head, leaving me chilled to the core.

From over one hundred and seventy followers, the number has dwindled to just over seventy. More than half have disappeared, an outcome I never expected—and even my editor was surprised by such a drastic decline.

In that moment, I wondered if perhaps I should simply give up. Maybe I am not suited to writing novels after all. Perhaps my writing is so poor that I have failed you, my dear readers, to the point that you no longer wish to read on.

This novel is, in a sense, a resurrection of a previous work I could not complete. That’s how it’s presented, though in truth I only borrowed some character names and plot elements. The earlier book deteriorated as work pressures mounted; the writing became more painful and unsustainable, so I chose to end it, unwilling to disappoint readers or myself any further.

But I did not abandon it entirely. Encouraged by readers and fellow writers, I decided to reforge the story. I felt I should not give up so easily. As my first novel, it deserved a proper ending—a worthy answer to those who supported me, and an account to myself.

Thus, this book was born. My initial title was “Starlight Rekindled,” but thanks to readers’ suggestions, the options “Starlight Shines on the Peninsula” and “Dazzling Starlight on the Peninsula” emerged. After a vote, “Starlight Shines on the Peninsula” was chosen as the final title.

When this novel began, it gained traction quickly. I wrote each day with joy, learning from past mistakes. No matter how busy I became, I maintained daily updates. I hoped that readers would accumulate chapters and enjoy a more satisfying experience, since a small word count brings little pleasure.

Yet, upon learning today that my follower count had plummeted from over a hundred to just above seventy, I realized the novel’s performance had declined to a distressing degree.

To be honest, these numbers shocked me. Comparing with other works in the same genre, I found that my following was not only lower than others, but even lagged behind many new authors. My first reaction was to think I truly am an amateur, writing books that no one wants to read. My skills must be lacking, and I have disappointed you all.

Since hearing this news this morning, I have been contemplating whether I should simply end this novel, quit the scene, and content myself with being a reader. Yet, I cannot quite let go.

Then I remembered the promise I made to my readers—that this new book would not be abandoned, and that I would persevere. So, here I am, humbly asking you all: please, if you can, lend me your support and boost my followers. I implore you!

Though this work can no longer be considered a seedling, but rather a well-grown sapling, it still desperately needs your recommendations and support. If left untended, even a healthy plant will wither. I will continue to work hard and strive to update more each day!