I still couldn't help but start a new chapter to provide some clarification on what lies ahead.

Dear readers, I truly have something very important to say! Please don't find me long-winded.

Up to this point, ninety percent of the foreshadowing and plot threads have been laid out. The story is now approaching a major turning point. Therefore, I would like to offer you two options for how the rest of the story unfolds.

First, the story can follow the standard tropes of a post-apocalyptic novel, leading to a perfectly satisfying ending for everyone.

Second, the story will deviate from convention and feature a massive, earth-shattering twist. The remainder of the narrative will adhere to the principle of revealing the truth between the lines.

The first option requires little thought and is more straightforward and gratifying. The second option will contain many hidden layers, which might make the plot seem confusing at times if you don't ponder it carefully.

I am now handing the choice over to you! If you want to see the first option, please comment with a "1"; if you prefer the second, comment with a "2." I will tally the results.

I will be checking comments from both Qidian and Yunqi. I will also check the piracy sites to see if there are any comments from those of you reading there. Thank you all for your support!

Continuing to ramble:

Although the threads I've laid out previously might seem ordinary, I have—to varying degrees—woven in clues for the option I personally prefer you to choose, since I knew I would be asking for your input. Well, actually, it’s nothing major, haha! I can always smooth it over; after all, those minor plot points are quite flexible. You should have already noticed the major ones.

Also, there is something I find quite admirable! Every time a new chapter is released, two pirate sites subscribe to it immediately. They are truly my most dedicated fans! Ahem, though the only subscriptions I receive are from those two pirate sites. *Laughs bitterly.*

Well, perhaps because I’ve been writing in isolation for so long, seeing those two pirate subscriptions, while bittersweet, still makes me happy. After all, it means there are people out there who want to read my work. *Continues to laugh bitterly.*

Though I am asking for your opinions, I suspect no one will comment. *Continues to laugh bitterly.*

Ahem, that’s about it. Oh! Right! If no one comments, I will simply write the version I personally prefer. As for those of you reading the pirated versions, feel free to continue—eventually, my plot will likely make you abandon the story anyway.

Those who can stick with it to the end are the true fans! In that case, I sincerely beg you: when the finale arrives, you must, must, must read the official version! You absolutely must! It will make you feel that those few cents spent were incredibly, incredibly, incredibly worth it!

Alright! That’s enough rambling for today! *Giggles and covers mouth.*

Last but not least, I love you all! Mwah!