The narrative focus and rhythm control of these two were also completely different.
The characters under Lovia's pen derived their charm not from what they did, but from what they thought and felt, using emotions to drive the plot.
As for this Fictional Historian, the characters in his work, though familiar to the people of Liyue, showed their personalities mainly through dialogue and action, using them to drive the plot and bring out conflicts.
The appearance of this book undoubtedly confirmed Xingqiu's previous guess: Liyue's folk literature, under the guidance or stimulation of 'Lovia,' was quietly undergoing a revolution, with more diverse and bold works gradually emerging.
He gently placed the book on the desk, his fingertips lingering on the pseudonym 'Fictional Historian' for a moment, a smile playing on his lips.
"Even so, to be able to boldly innovate traditional stories and write them so perfectly, and to open up unexpected narratives among familiar characters—this person is by no means a mediocre hand."
"It seems I can't fall behind either." A smile full of interest curled at the corner of Xingqiu's mouth. He picked up his pen and spread out the paper, new creative inspiration already surging within him.
In this literary revolution, he, "Zhenyu," will naturally join in as well.
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The Jade Chamber.
Almost at the same time Xingqiu put pen to paper, a copy of dragonfall: i am the dragon king was lightly placed on Ningguang's large desk by Yelan.
"A novel that has recently become popular in the market. The response is small, but the content is very interesting," Yelan said concisely. "It involves you, me, the Caretaker of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, as well as the Adeptus and the Dragon King."
Ningguang was startled by Yelan's movement and raised his head from a pile of files, his gaze questioning: "Is it that Lovia again?"
"No." Yelan shook his head. "The author is signed as 'Fictional Historian,' and still no such person could be found. At a glance, this text feels... subtly similar to Lovia, but upon closer inspection, it is quite different."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, his fingertips lightly tapping the table. He didn't immediately flip through the book but first asked: "What is the public's reaction?"
"There is some small-scale heated discussion, mostly treated as interesting gossip..."
Only then did Ningguang pick up the book, his slender fingers brushing over the flamboyant characters on the cover.
He was in no hurry to read, but was instead thoughtful.
"What do you think of the writing style?" he asked Yelan.
Yelan leaned against the window, crossing his arms: "The writing is sophisticated, the plot design is ingenious, and the story progresses through the characters' language and behavior. The grasp of the behavior of Liyue's figures and the Adeptus is quite accurate—one might even say... too accurate. The logic of the story's core is also very clear, not like something made up out of thin air."
"And, as I just said," he added, "this book indeed gives me a subtle sense of familiarity, subtly similar to Lovia's style. I'm wondering if Lovia noticed our investigation and changed his pseudonym and style, or... if he influenced others and spawned these kinds of works?"
Ningguang didn't answer. He picked up the book and began flipping through it with interest.
His reading speed was extremely fast, appearing to skip through the pages.
"Fictional Historian..." He softly recited the pseudonym, his fingertips brushing over the words "Dragon King" on the book cover.
Ningguang gently placed the book back on the desk and walked to the window, overlooking the prosperous Liyue Harbor below.
A thousand sails gathered in the harbor, and the streets were filled with crowds like weaving. The discussion sparked by that novel was but a part of this vibrant vitality.
"There is no need to delve deeper into the author," Ningguang finally spoke, a trace of an imperceptible smile on his lips. "As long as the content does not involve real secrets and does not harm the stability of Liyue, this kind of literary creation does more good than harm."
He turned around, his gaze sharp and profound: "In a sense, this book is interpreting and spreading Liyue's history and values in another way, albeit in a subversive and fantasy form."
"But it can stimulate the people's thinking, making them understand what protection is, what a contract is, what trust is, and even... help us pre-rehearse some 'possibilities.'"
"What's more," Ningguang said with a hint of admiration, "the people like it, and it will inspire young people like this to devote themselves to creation. This shows that our Liyue's cultural undertakings are flourishing and full of vitality."
"As for whether Mr. Zhongli is the Dragon King..." Ningguang chuckled, "let's leave that to the readers to imagine and discuss."
Yelan nodded and said no more.
He knew that Ningguang had already seen the significance behind this book, which was far more profound than the story itself.
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