ALT In the background, spanning all four images, is commissioned art of post-reincarnation Mac in ancient robes, reaching for a reflection of his pre-reincarnation self in modern-day clothes. Paper falls around them, and a red ribbon swirls behind them. The text in this first image reads: Years of Red Tears, 100,000 words literary speculative novel. David Copperfield meets time travel C-dramas. Spontaneously reborn as an ancient noble, MAX wishes for all the wealth and love he never had despite high familial expectations and a curse to kill others with his affection. He'll do anything for his ideal life, even if it means marrying a stranger and becoming the next foreign minister. But when death won't stop knocking, he must decide if life is still worth living without someone to live for. Otherwise, the familiar yearning for death may be his greatest calling.

ALT Themes & Tropes - mixed-Asian character and LGBTQIA+ rep - East Asian history and fairytales inspo - sentient nature - family trauma leading to self-doubts - modern-day man vs. traditional values - loser then vs. overly popular now - love vs. obligation - undying trust vs. expected betrayal - chance meetings and destined partings - timeless societal and familial pressures - pen pals and soulmates - sentimental and indecisive man surrounded by women who know what they want

ALT In the bottom corner is smaller character art reincarnated Max holding a book and looking at his past self. The text reads: Excerpt When we met, I thought I was hallucinating. That the cumulation of all my make-believe was a mental breakdown. When I found that we were intrinsically tied, I couldn't wish for anything more. That was where I was wrong. The spirits abound reminded me that I am bound to every flower I touch. Because you are not a flower of this world, rather a floating cloud, I can never reach you. You can never entwine with me. With all that has transpired, I remain a boy who wants to live for myself and die for love. An impossible, otherworldly love. ___, I dare ponder if you asked about my past since you cannot fully shed yours either. We have gone through so many names before landing on our current ones. Let's not squander them reviving old vices.

ALT In the bottom corner is smaller character art pre-reincarnated Max holding flowers and looking at his future self. The text reads: Comps David Copperfield - Turbulent coming of age - Overreliance on love and marriage - Search for home and found family - The corruption of status and wealth The Third Love - Endless pursuit of love - Questioning of societal norms - Caught between different lives - Bitter aftermath of a doomed relationship The Names - Contemplation of choices not taken - A life cut short - Fear of becoming one's parent - The weight of a name/title