The explosive sales of *Soldiers Assault* and *Drawing Sword* in physical bookstores was truly astonishing, even drawing attention and coverage from some mainstream media outlets.
Prominent chain bookstores like "Love Read," "Book Bar," and "Scholarly Pavilion," which had initially turned Sahara Publishing away, finally relented under relentless customer inquiries, setting aside their pride to negotiate with Sahara Publishing.
Of course, there was no scenario where Sahara Publishing acted aloof and coldly refused—who would turn down money?
But Sahara Publishing wasn't an easy mark either. Fu Jun seized the opportunity to demand long-term partnerships, cracking open the high-quality sales channels monopolized by larger publishers and carving out more room for the publishing house's future.
However, whether it was the state-owned large bookstores, private small shops, or the newly joined chain stores, none noticed that Sahara Publishing's books—especially Yang Yi's two bestsellers—were subtly advertising Sahara Online Bookstore on the side!
Or perhaps they noticed but didn't care.
An online bookstore?
You've got to be kidding.
The lofty physical bookstores firmly believed that the only channel for buying physical books was through bookstores, and their only competitors were fellow retailers. This newfangled thing didn't warrant their attention, nor did they bother to understand it.
Sahara Online Bookstore, meanwhile, played the game of quietly raking in profits, keeping under wraps the secret that *Soldiers Assault* and *Drawing Sword* were selling nearly half as well online as in nationwide physical stores. Following the methods Yang Yi had taught Fu Jun, it expanded rapidly.
On one hand, they actively collaborated with other small publishers; on the other, through Fu Jun's personal connections, they liaised with multiple banks to accelerate the development of online banking and payment systems.
For now, Sahara Online Bookstore wasn't well-known nationwide, but it was lying low, waiting for an opportunity to explode!
...
Compared to the offline frenzy of the two older books, *The Guilty Ones* was gathering just as much heat online! In fact, whether it was veteran fans like Mu Yucheng or newcomers, they were so engrossed in *The Guilty Ones*' plot that they'd almost forgotten the *Soldiers Assault* and *Drawing Sword* they'd once championed.
Everyone was completely hooked on the current Yangcheng training storyline!
"Totally unexpected—after losing all communication tools and money, dumped on the streets of a strange city, the ones thriving aren't the top student An Jialu or the proud second-generation Xie Bing, but the despised Yu Zui and Mouse..."
The book review section was filled with such musings, clearly from people secretly gloating!
After all, not everyone has a perfect background or is a gifted genius. Most folks, like Yu Zui and Mouse, come from ordinary families. Seeing such characters shine gave them a sense of shared pride and empathy!
Of course, younger fans reveled in the thrills, while seasoned readers focused on the conflicts.
Take Mu Yucheng, for instance—he already sensed something off about this training.
"Teacher Yang's arrangement of this plot must have deep meaning! Since when does police training turn into a survival game? I feel it's too chaotic. Forget Yu Zui, look at Mouse and Old Wang—Mouse hustling at street gambling stalls, Old Wang becoming a top host at a nightclub... Is that really okay? Can they ever return to the police force?"
But whatever doubts lingered, they stayed in the back of his mind for now. The story's continuation would have to wait for updates!
...
According to the schedule, Yang Yi was heading to the Jiangnan Military Region today, so early in the morning, a military jeep pulled up at the entrance of Jiangcheng Media University to pick him up.
Before getting in, Yang Yi hesitated, then discreetly tossed the dagger hidden in his sleeve into the roadside grass.
Though still lacking a sense of security, Yang Yi understood that in this world, his identity had completely changed. He was no longer the fugitive constantly on guard against danger, but a bestselling author invited to give a speech. Who would have ill intentions toward him?
On the contrary, bringing a dagger into a military camp—if discovered—could spark unnecessary misunderstandings!
After he got in, the soldier driving sized him up, confirmed his identity, and without further chatter, started the engine and drove off.
Yang Yi didn't know that the driver was General Qiu Weiguo's bodyguard. Old Man Qiu was so intrigued by Yang Yi that he'd even sent his own guard to fetch him.
But bodyguards were tight-lipped, used to silence, and wouldn't chit-chat like taxi drivers.
Yang Yi was also a man of few words, with no desire for conversation, so the ride passed in silence until they reached the camp.
As the jeep rolled through the guarded gate and the sentry stood tall, raising his hand in salute, a surge of emotion welled up in Yang Yi. He couldn't help but raise his hand to return the salute.
Though subtle, the driver noticed and gave him a surprised glance, but remained silent.
Stepping out of the car, Yang Yi looked around with a touch of nostalgia. The buildings were simple, no more than four or five stories high, standing like sentinels across the military zone.
In this military territory, one color dominated: green—green vegetation, green trees, and the soldiers moving about in their camouflage uniforms.
Familiar and comforting!
Coming here was the right call, as Yang Yi felt that persistent obsession within him finally finding an outlet, slowly fading away.
"This is your home. Maybe it's better to leave you here," Yang Yi thought to himself.
He himself had no attachment to military life, as his attire today made clear: a loose shirt, casual shorts, and flat-soled sneakers—more like a relaxed businessman than a veteran.
"Are you Yang Yi?" A voice interrupted his thoughts.
How could he be so careless? Yang Yi silently scolded himself for letting his guard down, lost in daydreams!
Turning around, he saw two elderly men with white hair and beards but sturdy frames approaching. Both wore military uniforms, exuding an imposing aura that marked them as no small figures.
"Yes! Hello, Commanders!" Yang Yi, unsure how to respond, fell back on some ingrained reflexes from his past life, snapping his legs together and saluting.
"So you were a soldier!" The shorter old man laughed, turning to the other. "Old Qiu, you guessed right!"
The taller one was General Qiu Weiguo. Old Man Qiu looked Yang Yi up and down with an appreciative gaze, smiling. "No need to guess—someone who writes such fine work must be a soldier trained by our forces!"
"Comrade, which unit were you from?" Old Man Qiu inquired further.
But Yang Yi hesitated.