Chapter 689 The book reveal
The click of Ai's heels tapped on the stage that gradually slowed down the cheers, but the excitement in everybody's eyes never died down. People waved the banners of MissImperfectlyFine, expressing their support. The trajectory of Ai's popularity grew higher ever since she won the Summit and now the whole world couldn't wait to read the creation that embarked on the journey of the lovers she told in the Summit.
Sitting in the audience was Guiying too, who clapped for her best friend from the bottom of her heart. If it was before, then her insecurities would have interfered but today, she was truly happy for Ai to get the stage she always wanted.
The launch event at Sky marked the beginning of Ai's success. From reporters, Sky employees to fans, everybody gathered to meet the author behind the book that was garnering the headlines for a long time. The expectations were finally going to be fulfilled today.
Ai reached the center of the podium, her heart pounding faster in her chest. Seeing the huge crowd who came for her support filled her heart with gratitude. She held the mic and greeted everybody. "He-Hello. I am Zhou Ai. You also know me as MissImperfectlyFine. I humbly thank you for coming to my book launch event today."
"MissImperfectlyFine!!!"
"We love you!"
With all the cheers and praises, Zhou Yichen's nose grew longer with pride. Same with Jinhai who held a poised but a proud expression as if saying,
'Isn't she so amazing? That's my daughter-in-law for you.'
Nana chuckled, remembering all those times he acted similarly for Nuo's achievements.
Ai said, "After months of effort and tears, I finally present to you all today the story which is very special to me. It is a story that hits close to my heart and no matter how many stories I write in the future, this journey…will always be something very precious to me. This is not only because it is my first book with Sky but also because this story helped me conquer my past. There was a time that I felt lost. I felt insecure. I…almost thought of dropping my career and going back. I felt I met the end of my road."
Ai referred to the past life where she had eventually given up on writing and went back to Xuanhua to live an aimless life. Though it didn't happen in the present, she could feel that time and it's grief as if it was just yesterday.
"But one day," her eyes flickered with inexplicable emotions, "as if a miracle happened, I found my strength to go on. I didn't want to live a life where I would have to give up on my love for writing. That would be just too…painful. That's why this time, I chose to walk down no matter what. It is meeting a special someone that brought me back. It is this story that saved me. It saved me that's why I penned down the words in hopes for others going through a similar darkness that I had to gain strength."
Her words that struck the chords of numerous hearts reverberated in the air. Silence filled every nook and corner of the auditorium.
"The short story at the Summit was a simple beginning. The characters faced many trials and tribulations that hurt them, broke them but which also taught them a lot. It is with those lessons that they swore to live a meaningful life where they would leave no regrets. It is a story of not just two people finding love in each other but also of a second chance that they desperately needed to change themselves and right all the wrongs. Writing this story personally shaped my beliefs and confidence.
Through this book, I want to let you all know that even if life feels bleak and hopeless at some point, fate…fate has always good plans in store for you. It's hard to discard your weak and vulnerable self but if you reel the courage to take that one step forward, you will find that glimmer of hope to pull you out of that black hole. And through this book, I hope to give at least a little courage to you to make that small start."
Xing Bi looked at Ai with tears welling in her eyes, and she covered her mouth to hold back her sniffles. Nian pouted and took out his handkerchief, wiping her tears off. "I don't like seeing you cry."
"These are happy tears, silly."
"Happy or sad, no tears!"
"My cute Ai has grown so much…" saying that, she burst into sobs, pride and joy overflowing her heart. "Can I go on the stage and kiss her?"
"..."
"You can kiss your boyfriend all you want~"
She glared at him. "You are not Ai!"
His heart broke into pieces.
On the other side of the hall, Yating smiled at her, feeling joyous and happy for Ai. At his side, Chyou whistled, giving an ear-to-ear wife grin.
Liu Hai emotionally waved a flag in which it was written, 'My granddaughter-in-law is the best! I found her! I found her first! Praise me!!!'
Liu Chunhua only hid her face in embarrassment, reading his childish claims.
Jun then stepped up on the stage with a female attendant following him, carrying a tray covered with a purple velvet cloth. Squeals echoed throughout the room with the CEO's entry and seeing the couple together gushed their hearts with bliss.
Jun gazed into Ai's beautiful eyes with warmth and love. He took the mic and faced the audience. "It is with great pleasure that I announce MissImperfectlyFine's very first and very special book published under Sky Publishing. Will you please do the honors?"
A brilliant smile shone on her lips as she nodded. The attendant offered her the tray and gently lifting the cover, Ai took the book out.
"Yeahhhhhh!!!" Cheers resounded once again. They couldn't wait to see the book cover.
A myriad of emotions swirled in her heart as she held the book between her trembling palms. Warm tears filled her eyes. She faced the audience and with a deep breath, turned and revealed the front cover of the book.
Everybody in the audience gasped upon witnessing the breath-taking cover. Even through that simple image, they could feel their hearts quiver.
The book cover was painted blank. At the center, it showed two hands meeting each other - A man's hand holding onto the woman's, squeezing it with unsaid emotions. Just behind the point where the hands met, golden rays of light shimmered across them and on top of the book in the black background was a single word book title embossed in gold.
Ai said with a shaking voice, "I present my story to everybody in which I have poured all my heart and soul - Reborn."
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m