When I was little, I was curious about life, too, but I didn’t really understand much about it. I would just set unrealistic little goals and take a few insignificant steps toward them. As I grew older, I gradually gained a deeper understanding of life and began to wonder what I should do when I grew up and how I could make it happen. Even so, I was still completely at a loss. Then I heard an album and came across the phrase “asking nothing of life.” It suddenly struck me as profound, and most of the songs on the album were reflections on life as well. So, as I listened to the beautiful melodies, I began to ponder what one ought to do with one’s life. I came to a few simple insights, and that is why I wrote this work. The plot was also inspired by Ji Gong, though I only borrowed the general outline. By now, I’ve changed it beyond recognition. This work contains some fantasy elements, so please don’t take them too seriously. I’m not very learned and don’t know how to write with many ornate expressions. I only hope readers will find some insight into life as they enjoy the story. I believe that is the greatest value of this work, and the reason I wanted to write it.
