Chapter 1: The Call for Papers

Pushing open the window, I let in the cold, crisp air of a winter morning, hoping it would clear away the heavy smell of secondhand smoke lingering in the study. I coughed, trying to soothe a throat left dry and bitter from too many cigarettes, and took a sip of the coffee gone cold, swirling it around my tongue to wash away the lingering taste. With one hand, I clicked the update button with my mouse, sending out the new chapter I’d spent the night writing.

Slouched lazily in my chair, I hammered the F5 key, refreshing the page to check if everything had been successfully published. This was the second novel I’d finished on Qidian Chinese Network, and at last, the grueling labor that had wrung my mind dry was over.

After refreshing, a bold, red notice appeared on the author’s management page—a term I hadn’t thought of in years leapt out at me, rousing me from my half-drowsy state, for I’d never been one to read announcements carefully.

“Hot-Blooded Legend Online Game Literary Contest: Cash Prizes Await! (2007-2-2)”

A themed writing competition?

Leaning back into the soft chair, I stared at the glaring word “Legend,” and a torrent of memories I hadn’t thought of in ages flooded my mind. Lately, I realized, I’d become somewhat numb—besides work, all I did was hammer away at the keyboard. Yet, years ago, I too had been one of those who lost themselves in this very game!

That youthful arrogance, that wild and unrestrained spirit, seemed to have faded with the changes in my life. Now, I couldn’t help but feel that I’d grown old inside.

For a long while I sat there, gazing blankly at the screen, and finally smiled to myself. I clicked the mouse and created a new Word document on the desktop. After a brief hesitation, I typed out the title: “Legend of the Mage.” Since I’d just wrapped up an old story by coincidence, why not take this chance to revisit those years—years that had claimed so much of my innocence, passion, obsession, fervor, emotion, and sorrow?

Yet, after typing the title, I found myself staring at the blank page, unsure where to begin. So many memories and stories surged forth like a spring, but I didn’t know which to start with. My fingers hovered above the keyboard for a long time, until at last, almost involuntarily, I reached for the flattened pack of cigarettes.

Lighting the last one, I drew in a deep breath of smoke laced with the chill from outside, then slowly exhaled a plume. Picking up my phone from the desk, I dialed a number once so familiar it felt like my own.

Ring… ring…

“Hello? Who is this? … Bring another diaper! This little rascal’s made a mess again… Hello? Hello? Who’s this? … Out already? Impossible! I just bought two big packs yesterday! Look under the cabinet—”

Listening to the busy sounds through the phone—the chaos mixed with a baby’s cries—I couldn’t help but grin. The lively commotion brimmed with energy. I chuckled and finally said, “Hey, Boss! It’s me! When are you free? Let’s get the brother-in-law out too. It’s been ages since we all got together to indulge a little!”

“What? You, Bat, planning to go out in broad daylight? You didn’t just get back from America, did you? You must be feverish!” The voice was full of shock and disbelief.

I stifled a laugh and replied, “Got something to talk about—‘Legend.’ Wanted to chat with you and the brother-in-law about it again!”

“What made you think of that all of a sudden? Hmm… Alright! Let’s do lunch. It really has been a long time since the brothers all gathered. ‘Legend’… heh, it brings back memories! I wonder if Third and Fourth are free—we should get them out too. Too bad we can’t reach Old Dragon these days, or we could have a proper ‘Legend Reminiscence Teahouse Gathering’! Ha ha…”

“Yeah! I’ll get in touch. I was just about to write a story about the old days when we all played ‘Legend,’ so I figured I’d gather you guys for some reminiscing. Lunch it is, and then tea in the afternoon, alright? We’ll talk as much as we like then. Good, see you!”

Hanging up, I tossed the half-smoked cigarette out the window, rubbed my face vigorously, and drained the rest of the cold coffee in one long gulp…