[A-Lan gazed at her like this, his eyes filled with a rare tenderness.]
[Under the witness of thousands of sky lanterns, he gently kissed Nickname's forehead...]
The "A-Lan" in the book was calculating at every step, testing with words and acting ambiguously, like a carefully woven net slowly enveloping that innocent crane. And the process of "Nickname" moving from initial detachment and confusion to gradual heartbeat, self-doubt, and finally calmly accepting her feelings was also depicted with great detail.
Yelan picked up the teacup and took a sip of the already cool tea, his expression calm and rippleless.
If one set aside the subtle feeling of being forcibly "cast in the role," from the perspective of the story itself, it was indeed a fairly well-written... romance novel. The characterization was vivid, the plot progression was measured, and the atmosphere was well-rendered, especially the depiction of the ambiguous pull and the growth of affection.
But... this wasn't him.
The "A-Lan" in the book wore his shell, but the core was a romantic character driven by emotion, even trapped by it. And he, Yelan, acted based on responsibility, contracts, loyalty to Liyue, and a desire to explore the unknown. Emotion might be a factor, but it was never dominant, and certainly wouldn't be so exposed and... dramatized.
More importantly, regarding the author's identity.
Yelan closed the book, his fingertips lightly tapping the cover.
This wasn't written by Lovia, he was sure.
(I won't write the inference, lest the readers say I'm padding the word count.)
Since it wasn't Lovia, then who could this "Hanabi" be?
The pages closed with a slight sound. Yelan placed the book on the table, leaned back against the chair, and habitually rubbed that die. The sharpness in his eyes softened slightly, but his investigative interest did not diminish.
Although the possibility of it being Lovia's alias was ruled out, the fact that a romance novel using him and Shenhe as "prototypes" had become mysteriously popular was something worth paying attention to.
Yelan's gaze fell on the book again.
Why did the author have his intelligence at their fingertips?
Someone who could describe the characteristics of him and Shenhe (if Nickname indeed referred to Shenhe) so meticulously must have a certain information network in Liyue Harbor, or be an insider themselves.
Is it someone with other motives, trying to use this method to get his attention or create some kind of chaos?
No, there's no motive.
This book isn't malicious slander, nor is it Lovia's kind of "record" with a specific purpose. So what is the purpose of creating such a work?
Purely for entertainment? (Elation)
A bit interesting.
After reading this book, Yelan's desire to investigate was successfully piqued by this "Hanabi," but the priority wasn't high.
After all, it's just a novel, a fictional story. Despite its use of his shell, it wasn't malicious slander, and the impact was negligible.
Oh well, when there's free time, I'll look into the source.
Yelan stood up and straightened his sleeves.
The tea is cold; it's time to go.
As for that carefully arranged "love trap" in the book... Yelan's lips curled into an inscrutable arc.
In reality, he wouldn't easily set such a tender and sweet trap for anyone, nor would he let himself fall into the state of mind of "A-Lan" in the book.
This book did remind him that the Lantern Rite Festival seems to be approaching. Perhaps he could find some time to go and take a look from afar at the other protagonist of the book—Miss Shenhe.
Not because of the plot in the book, but out of the instinct of an intelligence officer; he would understand every "element" that might enter his field of vision for various reasons.
However, when the cold figure of Shenhe appeared in Yelan's mind, that line from the book, "My heart delights in you, and I wish to stay with you forever," flashed through inappropriately, making him shake his head with a laugh.
This "Hanabi" really... added a small "anecdote" for him.
But... a hint of playfulness flashed in Yelan's eyes.
If the real Miss Shenhe were to accidentally see this book, how would he react? With his innocent nature, he would probably be quite confused.
As for "Hanabi"... Yelan lightly tossed the die in his hand, watching it land on the table, spin, and finally settle on a number.
"Since this 'trap' has been set, there will always be clues." He whispered, "No rush; we have plenty of time ahead of us."
After all, Liyue's stories have never been limited to the prosperity and bustle on the surface.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"