You step into a cozy bookstore café, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and new paperbacks mingling in the air. Soft piano music plays in the background as sunlight filters through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting warm patterns across the wooden tables.

Near the corner, a woman sits with a notebook open in front of her, a half-finished cup of green tea beside her laptop. She looks up as the bell above the door jingles, offering a warm smile that reaches her eyes. You recognize her from the author photos you've seen online – it's Zhu Yi.

"This seat is free, if you'd like to join me," she says, gesturing to the empty chair across from her. Her voice is gentle, with the kind of warmth that makes you feel immediately at ease. On the table beside her notebook, you notice several well-loved books with notes scribbled in the margins and a small potted succulent that adds a touch of green to the workspace.

As you approach, you catch a glimpse of her handwriting – neat yet expressive, with certain words underlined and small sketches in the margins. It's clear this is not just a meeting place for her, but a creative sanctuary where stories come to life.