Novel - Net Go

Learn from the cat's freedom

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:39:49 +0800

　　A friend told me about the differences between dogs and cats, which was very interesting.

　　My friend said that in people's minds, both dogs and cats are playful animals, but there are actually big differences between them. To see these differences, you need to leave them alone. You'll find that dogs appear very reserved, forlorn, and even blank when alone; cats are different. Even if there's no other living creature around, they'll be engrossed in playing with a ball of yarn or a leaf blowing in the wind. When even those things are gone, they'll still play with a part of their own body, such as their tail, front paws, hind paws, or ears, and they'll be curious about their reflection in the mirror. They play so carefree and oblivious to everything else.

　　"I have a dog and a cat at home, but many times when I open the door, I see the dog sleeping lazily on the floor, while the cat is playing happily,"

　　my friend lamented. "The cat has learned to be a free and unrestrained animal, while the dog has never learned that."

　　My friend further explained, "Because dogs have a motivation: they like to be appreciated for their performance. They only play to their heart's content when others recognize and praise them. In other words, they treat games and play as something they deliberately do. How can they be at ease in this way? Because they don't understand the true meaning of ease."

　　"Cats are different. Whether anyone is watching them or not, they are always aware of their own existence. Their play and enjoyment are pure. They don't care about others' approval or envy. They don't play for show or try to please others. They actually dislike crowded places, and if there's too much control or domination, they might even run away. They don't deliberately choose the time, place, or other conditions for play; they play when they want and have fun when they want, purely for freedom and enjoyment. They know what they truly like and what they truly need. Even when alone in a small corner, they know that the joy of living is something they absolutely cannot give up. Being aware of their own existence and maintaining a simple relationship with everything around them, cats live more freely and comfortably than dogs, while also bringing joy to those who happen to encounter or see them."

　　I feel my friend is talking not only about the personalities of cats and dogs, but also about a human attitude towards life. My friend wants me to learn from the cat's "freedom of mind" to live a more carefree and happier life.

A Brief Discussion on Idol Fans

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:39:24 +0800

　　1. The inherent human desire to pursue happiness and the psychology of hero worship.

　　This idol-worshiping mentality, or "teenage idol craze," is a leading indicator of teenagers entering a period of hero worship. As people enter adolescence, they begin to shape themselves. They often want to regard those they consider role models as their idols. However, today's teenagers, in the period of personality maturation, have downplayed the concept of heroism and broadened its connotation, idolizing public figures such as singers, movie stars, athletes, and TV hosts.

　　2. The realization and satisfaction of the id. The id, also known as the original self, refers to the original self, containing the basic desires, impulses, and vitality necessary for survival.

　　The id is the source of all psychological energy. It operates according to the pleasure principle, disregarding social morality and external behavioral norms. Its sole requirement is to obtain pleasure and avoid pain. The goal of the id is to achieve individual comfort, survival, and reproduction. It is unconscious and not perceived by the individual. This satisfies their desire for inner happiness and satisfaction based on the id.

　　3. The psychological theory of "field theory" posits that human behavior is determined by the interaction between a person's inner needs and their surrounding environment. In other words, fans form a field that can influence each other.

　　So, is idol worship good or bad? It depends on how deeply you're involved. Some researchers have categorized celebrity worship into three levels based on intensity. The weakest level is called "entertainment-social" idol worship. These fans follow the celebrity's activities and use them as conversation topics; however, this type of idol worship primarily satisfies entertainment value and doesn't involve much emotional investment, even enriching the fan's social life.

　　A moderate level of idol worship is called "intense-personal" idol worship, characterized by establishing a strong (one-way) emotional connection with the celebrity, such as believing the celebrity is their soulmate, and even having romantic fantasies. At this level, negative effects begin to appear, such as higher levels of depression and anxiety, and poorer mental and physical health.

　　The strongest level is called "borderline-pathological" idol worship. As the name suggests, this level of idol worship has entered the realm of pathology, resulting in behaviors and thoughts that are difficult for ordinary people to understand, such as being willing to spend a lot of money to buy a tissue used by an idol.

　　Idol worship has its pros and cons; some say it's childish, while others say it's a positive and progressive belief.

　　In her heart, no one can replace her "star,"

　　and she always fantasizes about being with that "star."

　　Over time, she becomes deeply immersed in the fandom, constantly using her "star" to measure people in real life.

　　Her aversion to dating stems from two main reasons:

　　1. She feels that real-life men are all scumbags and cannot compare to her "star";

　　2. She always feels she should belong to that "star," and she fears that if she were in a relationship, she wouldn't be able to be with that "star."

　　There are facts showing that a significant number of fervent idol worshippers suffer from psychological problems. They force themselves to live in the world of celebrities, never realizing they are just ordinary people, and fantasizing about becoming a celebrity's partner.

　　Those who constantly clamor to marry Andy Lau or Fan Bingbing are typical examples.

　　Online surveys undeniably reveal that the vast majority are "brainless fans," with very few rational fans.

　　From a certain perspective, the former are driven by strong emotional fantasies, even leading to distorted views, while the latter strive diligently, only to find it's all just a dream.

　　Objectively treating celebrity worship is one approach; it's precisely because the excessive enthusiasm of these "brainless fans" has angered some that anti-fans have emerged.

　　Just like reviewing a movie, some give it bad reviews, some give it good reviews—there's no right or wrong, everyone has their own opinion. It's because some fans are too fixated on others' opinions that a single comment can trigger a barrage of attacks, exceeding even the anger of insulting a family member.

　　Rational fandom and a proper attitude towards trolls will likely bring far more benefits than harm.

Has their love truly awakened?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:14:19 +0800

Fairy tales often feature four characters: a prince, a princess, Cinderella, and a knight. Prince + Princess = Happiness—this is almost a fixed formula.

However, nothing in this world is absolute; a prince doesn't necessarily have to be with a princess, hence the appearance of Cinderella. When the prince and Cinderella are together, they find immense happiness, leaving the princess's happiness to the knight.

I remember watching a TV series called "Love Wakes Up," which I believe many are familiar with.

Many of the actors in this series were from the same production as "Summer's Desire."

Four actors from "Love Wakes Up" left a deep impression on me.

Roy Chiu played the male lead, Xiang Tianqi, a wealthy young master from a hotel family whose life revolves around investment returns. He believed nothing could change his mindset or his course of action. Afterwards, he suffered amnesia in a car accident, turning from a prince into a frog. His life began with meeting the female lead, and he would do anything for her. He experienced the joys and sorrows of an ordinary person, helping her through all her difficulties and bringing her happiness. He would even get jealous when he saw her getting close to other boys, so his days were carefree. However, he eventually turned back into a prince and slowly fell in love with Cinderella again, this time more deeply than before.

Tang Yan plays the female lead, Liu Xiaobei, a simple girl from a fishing village, a true Cinderella. Although she is occasionally greedy, she is playful, optimistic, and kind-hearted. She has a good relationship with the knight and understands his true feelings very well. Therefore, we see her encouraging him when he is down, even though the princess is still with the prince. She is the one who helps him when he is in trouble, enduring blame, punishment, and grievances for him, even if the final price might be her own life, to protect what he cares about.

Xu Zhengxi plays Ji Rufeng. Before learning the so-called 'truth' about his parents' car accident, he always appeared polite and gentle. In the drama, he's an entertainment star and also a member of the board of directors of a large company. Calling him a knight is quite fitting; he's loved the princess since childhood, but she loves the prince. Although there are other factors involved, he willingly and silently protects her from behind. I thought he was quite good in "Summer's Desire," his portrayal of the knight was spot-on. He's willing to give up everything for the one he loves. During the prince's disappearance, he silently stayed by the princess's side, giving her strength; when the prince returned, he came quietly as before and left quietly afterward, never intending to burden the princess. Of course, I also wondered, if the knight had told the princess earlier that he, not the prince, was the one who saved her from the water tank, could they have been together much sooner instead of the princess only truly understanding his feelings near the end?

Qi Wei plays Mu Zhiqing. Compared to her role in "Summer's Desire," I prefer her character in "Love Wakes Up." In "Love Wakes Up," she plays the public relations director of a large company—a true powerhouse! She's dedicated and responsible at work, strict with others and even more so with herself, rarely taking a day off to keep the prince company. However, I also sense her vulnerable side. With the prince, she's a strong woman; with the knight, she can be both. Her hairstyle in the show is quite unique and appealing. I've watched "Love Wakes Up" more than once, and I can see that only with the knight can she truly relax and be her authentic self. Because the knight understands her better than the prince, while she doesn't understand him as well as Cinderella did. Because of Cinderella, the prince left her; because of Cinderella, she found her true love. She's like the princess in the show—so noble.

Most people believe that a princess must be with a prince to find happiness. However, the TV series "Love Wakes Up" unexpectedly ended with the princess and knight getting together.

This shows that a princess doesn't necessarily need to be with a prince to find happiness. With a knight silently protecting her, she can still achieve the happiness she desires.

Overall, I didn't dislike "Love Wakes Up," and the ending was somewhat satisfying. They all found their true love and got together, and I learned a lot from it.

I learned that as long as you hold onto hope and don't give up, miracles will happen; as long as you work hard, you will reap the rewards. I learned that life is about give and take; you lose one thing but also gain another. I learned that what doesn't belong to you will never belong to you, and we shouldn't deliberately cling to what isn't ours. I learned not to be too extreme in everything; we should leave some room for others. I learned to cherish what we have; some things, once missed, may be a lifelong regret.

I saw that money doesn't make you a princess; Cinderella can become a princess too. For every girl, being a princess is a beautiful dream; the title of princess is bestowed upon them by others. But those princesses are not just pretty faces; only girls with strong, unyielding hearts, who strive and fight hard, are qualified to be princesses and worthy of this glorious title.

Sometimes, however, I wonder, has their love truly awakened? The ending tells us that in the beautiful fishing village, a peach blossom wine opening ceremony is held, and everyone raises their glasses to bless all lovers in the world; the ending tells us that the knight and the princess are together, and they taste their own jar of peach blossom wine, the taste of love; the ending tells us that the prince falls in love with Cinderella, who is as strong and unyielding as the princess, and they reminisce together under the beautiful peach blossom trees. Watching

this drama episode after episode, I always felt it wasn't enough, especially since it features the same cast as "Summer's Desire" (also known as "Love is Beautiful"). Speaking of "Summer's Desire," it has 80 episodes; while "Love Wakes Up" only has 40. Although the prince's mind eventually showed some memories of his time with Cinderella during his period of hardship, he and Cinderella were ultimately from different worlds, and the people and things they encountered were still different. Although love can change people, life isn't a fairy tale. Often, we need to consider other factors. A piece of gold and a piece of sand walking together might only highlight how dazzling the gold is. For the gold, it might mean nothing, but the sand would feel a little inferior seeing such a scene.

I admit, I've read several sequels to the TV series "Love Wakes Up" (prince and Cinderella, princess and knight, or both) on Baidu, and those were quite long. If you're curious, you can search for them on Baidu. I must say, I was somewhat moved, and I admit they were very well written.

Cinderella touched the prince's frozen heart with her strength and courage, and warmed his heart time and time again with her playfulness, helping him regain his strength.

The knight's persistent, silent care finally won the princess's smile, and she finally opened her heart to him.

I know what I saw might only be the end of this story, but it also signifies the beginning of another. That other story, however, requires our imagination.

I remember an episode where the knight and Cinderella chatted by the sea, discussing whether one can only have one true love in their lifetime. I must say, this topic sparked my imagination.

Frankly, I also yearn for beautiful love and hope to meet my true love someday, someone I can be with forever. But I know that for now, this is just a fantasy.

Has their love truly awakened?

If so, I think they might encounter some obstacles in the future, but they will eventually overcome them, and in the end, the prince and Cinderella, the princess and the knight, will live happily ever after.

If not, I think the happiness between the prince and Cinderella, and between the knight and the princess, won't last. Then the knight and Cinderella can also be happy together, since they are usually very happy together, while the prince and princess experience much less joy. Their interactions are mostly cold; the prince doesn't understand the princess, and the princess can't get the prince to open up.

If I knew this, perhaps I could write a complete short sequel to "Love Wakes Up"!

...

(The End)

Is the cruelty of life truly a lament?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:13:51 +0800

　　Cruelty is often a feeling of contrast. During the college entrance exam season, some aspire to top universities, while others pray they won't fail. This contrast creates a sense of cruelty. Newcomers in every industry see established veterans effortlessly navigating life, while newcomers complain, feel lost, and are shrouded in gloom. Their energy levels instantly plummet.

　　Beyond cruelty, there may be relief, there may be speculation, but these ultimately turn into a feeling of powerlessness. Wang Xiaobo was right: "All human suffering is essentially anger at one's own powerlessness." Like the characters in the recently popular TV series "Ode to Joy 2," everyone truly has their own troubles. I even endured Ah Nai's rambling writing style to finish the novel.

　　Humans ponder various questions of happiness and success, yet the world doesn't seem to intend to treat us gently. Life's blows are inevitable; some are self-inflicted, some are given by life. Perhaps those who love writing have a kind of obsessive-compulsive tendency, able to muster a thick skin when faced with unexpected harm, adopting a self-deceptive attitude, laughing and saying it's nothing, even silently reading a story, then turning around to create a character, writing it into a manuscript, revising it several times, and sending it to the editor. Please be polite and say I am so-and-so, and this is an article I wrote for a certain column.

　　When I was immature, I felt that pursuing a person or a thing took courage. Writing is going against the current to find a person, a world, a kind of comfort. Having grown accustomed to searching, I've discovered that maturity is actually about enduring loneliness and continuously creating your own world, constantly suppressing your curiosity. Loneliness and fear dance joyfully with your courage; they coexist. You must embrace this feeling, not deconstruct it, and not think it's abnormal.

　　Don't be seduced by gimmicky advertisements and desires. Don't stop your solitary yet joyful life. Go deeper, go deeper. The dark forest may house magicians, demons, or gods—anything is possible. Accept it, converse with it, be patient, and don't worry about the journey ahead.

　　What's meant to come will come; find joy in this slow pace. You were in a hurry, so you failed; you were in a hurry, so time became cheap. This is a characteristic of our time. Why do you never cherish what you encounter, and never feel grateful for what you receive? Missing out is never a regret. You've lamented the cruelty of life, but have you ever wondered: you've missed so much, so many opportunities, so focused on the future, the prospects, the progress—have you truly lived? Are you truly living?

　　Compared to animals, whose lives consist only of birth and death, we only have life. To truly live is a wonderful discovery. Death is like a light, floating white balloon to heaven. Life is like heavy earth; how many people can honestly say they've truly lived with their feet firmly on the ground?

　　The cruelty of life is a feeling, truly a feeling. If you live well, a person in love will want to touch their face, feel their skin and warmth, instead of guessing the meaning behind their gaze.

　　A living writer will want to watch their work gradually develop, complete, and refine, instead of worrying about approval, money, data, or the probability of success. A living worker will want to watch their work gradually come to fruition, so conforming to rules and formats, so conforming that you can see your own unique style within it. A living person inevitably spends a large portion of their time with themselves, a time filled with a complex mix of emotions, but "cruel" isn't quite the right word.

　　The harshness of life is often a lament uttered by those who don't take life seriously. We don't want pseudo-worldviews or empty rhetoric; we want concrete methodologies, methods, actions, and our own worldview and values, which we must carry through to the end.

　　I believe a person in their early twenties shouldn't be considering anything outside their own world; thinking about it or looking at it is useless. They need to stand on their own two feet and not let themselves gradually forget how to live. Their soul slips away from their body; they are defeated.

　　Their knees buckle, they kneel, and sigh, "Life is cruel, ah." That sigh, like a light, floating balloon, disappears into the void.

Are fallen angels a burden or not?

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:11:58 +0800

In my eyes, angels are so noble and pure; their hearts are proud, sacred, and inviolable.

In my view, everyone can be an angel. For example, doctors and nurses are angels who heal the sick and save lives; teachers are angels who educate and impart knowledge; police officers are angels who protect and guide; soldiers are angels who maintain peace; parents and children are angels to each other; gardeners and migrant workers are angels who clean up pollution.

Angels have a pair of magical wings; they can fly wherever they want, they have their own vast world. Because of these magical wings, they can fly without hindrance, and this allows them to better do what they are supposed to do or what they want to do.

But sometimes I wonder, what would happen if an angel's magical wings were broken? Would they become negative and lose faith?

Is a broken-winged angel a burden?

The answer to this question seems simple, yet it seems not.

The cruelty of real life is a kind of tempering and test for us, often impacting our hearts. With a myriad of emotions, we still cannot choose to escape; in the end, we must face it.

I don't know if this article is a miscellaneous essay, an inspirational piece, or a collection of prose, but I've ultimately categorized it as such.

Many people and things in this world are angels; even an inconspicuous weed has its value.

If a healthy person suddenly becomes disabled due to an accident, it's understandable that they won't be able to accept it in the short term, because they will feel like a burden to others. However, if this person has a strong will, I think they will quickly emerge from their predicament.

I believe that fallen angels are actually more noble and pure than angels. What angels can do, fallen angels can also do, as long as they maintain their original pride, as long as they hold firm to their beliefs and are full of hope for life.

Therefore, don't look down on fallen angels; I don't think fallen angels are a burden. The reason a fallen angel's wings are broken is because heaven wants to give them a special test, because heaven hopes they will face life more diligently than ordinary angels.

...

(End of article)

Several principles for writers

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:11:25 +0800

1. Confidence.

　　 I believe confidence is crucial in any industry, especially for writers, whose work is physically and mentally demanding and highly competitive. Don't be envious or jealous. While many famous people occupy the top of the pyramid, the initial focus should be on developing your own style and

a cohesive writing system that you can sustain.

Learning and creating, constantly writing and experimenting, is arguably the fastest way to improve your writing skills and something you must do throughout your career.

　　When choosing a direction, don't be influenced by news or public opinion. Don't blindly trust reports and online discussions. Whether writing online or in media, choose based on your personality. In my opinion, traditional literature, online literature, and market literature will increasingly learn from each other, breaking the current three-way competition. Learn

from whomever you feel you should learn from. Read essential writing books, foundational Chinese texts, and study the writing techniques of seasoned veterans. Learn from their experiences and build a solid foundation. Most importantly, be adept at developing your own writing system. Keep it simple, pure, understandable, usable, and adaptable.

　　Ultimately, it's about enriching your system and writing methods through learning, maintaining a consistent daily writing output, and sticking to it day after day. For example, the requirement for online writers to write 10,000 words a day seems unattainable, but with a systematic approach, it's not difficult. Confidence comes from diligence, learning, a systematic approach, and a portfolio of work. Results are for adjustment; as a new writer, it's perfectly normal to have few achievements.

　　Aside from literature enthusiasts, and most people like you who lack sufficient experience at the grassroots level, everyone who advances has their own unique skills. Confidence comes from your own methods and level of practice.

2. Enduring Loneliness

　　If you're currently experiencing inner turmoil and yearning, constantly thinking about making money and women (men), wanting to improve your life and earn some pocket money through writing, thinking it's the easiest way,

are you being naive?

Earning money through writing requires at least a six-month turnaround period, whether for print or online media, and the probability of getting a manuscript accepted is likely lower than the contract signing rate. It's not easy at all; if you don't love writing, handing out flyers is definitely more profitable than writing.

　　To transition from a literature enthusiast to a professional writer, you need time, support, and especially family support. Otherwise, you'll need a job to support your hobby. Try to create a stable environment to reduce anxiety and distress. Don't hesitate, don't be afraid; brainstorm and then realize your ideas.

　　Once you start writing, being able to endure loneliness is crucial. Don't talk about your work with anyone; it's considered unlucky. A good writer doesn't try to gain false praise without effort and is indifferent to praise or criticism—this is essential character. Good ideas will fade away quickly, and you won't have the patience to refine your writing system. Why bother? One year, two years, then another year or two, then another. Decades will pass. If you feel this way, and think, "This is exactly what I want," then you might be perfectly suited for this job.

　　Writing requires a significant sacrifice: money, time, the guilt of not being able to spend time with family, and the inability to learn many technical skills. While others are taking driving tests, you might not even be able to afford a license plate. After paying these prices, please become a professional writer; otherwise, how can you justify your determination?

　　Loneliness can destroy most people, but it can also make a few people as profound and serene as the starry sky, silently powerful.

　　Loneliness is the most important thing for creating another world; many people are forced to write their first work by loneliness. What we need is a great solitude deep within our hearts. Never let this solitude be desecrated or broken by anything else.

　　Embrace solitude.

3. Rules and regular living

habits: Change the habit of eating chocolate while writing, as it's very bad for your health. Change the habit of smoking while writing. Do you think Lu Xun and Marx died young because of lung problems caused by worrying about the country and its people? Maybe. The biggest reason is that they liked to smoke, right? Don't drink too much coffee either. If you're really tired, sit quietly, close your eyes, and meditate. The best drinks are tea or water. Eat three meals a day on time; tell yourself they are your reward. Drinking water is the happiest thing.

　　Some famous writers get up at four in the morning, and some like to write at night. You can arrange it yourself. The most important thing is to follow your own rhythm. Don't push yourself too hard and then get depression, overwork, or write while getting IV drips in the hospital. Girls, please don't switch between day and night. Choose a few exercise methods like running, hiking, or sit-ups; writing is really physically demanding.

　　Keep your desk tidy and clean, organize your notebooks, and don't write your ideas in a mess that even you can't understand. Upgrade your computer software and input method if needed, fix anything broken immediately, and go to an internet cafe if there's a power outage.

　　Be sure to write at the designated time; don't procrastinate. Writing 10,000 words a day is just the right amount for a writer, ensuring quality.

　　Write a diary every day when you have time (yes, this is a diary). Don't add extra habits or hobbies; if you're used to relaxing with music, don't add other hobbies like chess. If

you don't eat late-night snacks, don't impulsively agree to or go out for a meal; it will disturb your rest and create unnecessary habits. Get

　　some rest early.

4. A Good Mindset

　　If you do the above three things, stop worrying about not being able to find a job or when you'll get paid. You'll definitely become a professional writer within six months.

Don't complain about not having enough manuscripts. Many writers envy you for having so many to write, making those of us who write solo feel quite inadequate.

It's said that writing is a high-pressure profession. First, don't worry about your future or whether you've chosen the wrong path. channel all your anxiety into developing a systematic approach, creating content, and learning.

　　Much of the pressure on writers stems from the fact that it's a freelance profession, and in many places, freelance work is seen as a waste of time. Therefore, rules and a structured life are crucial. If you constantly break down your own barriers of confidence, rules, and loneliness to build a system, you might still be a small-time writer with no output after ten years, earning only a few hundred yuan. Comfort yourself by treating writing as a hobby!

　　You need the determination of Dostoevsky, the resolve to turn the pain of losing money and incurring debt into the motivation to earn money and write good works. This transformative ability is vital for writers. You need to turn life's misfortunes into stories, and transform your thoughts and pain into plot points. You need this skill.

　　Don't worry about whether your writing is good or bad. No one can give an absolute evaluation. It's a craft; you just need to do it every day, think, conceive, and write. You need output, but you also need to be true to yourself. Don't deliberately ruin your reputation, and don't be pretentious, because you can't be pretentious forever. This is why I hate plagiarism. You say, even writing requires plagiarism? If you can't even reinvent the wheel, what's the point of doing this?

　　Ultimately, writers are storytelling artisans, the same kind of people as the old man making sugar figurines on the street. Selling stories means enduring wind and rain, being diligent, and setting up your stall every day. Once you become a writer, don't say that writing is just a hobby, something to do for fun and earn some pocket money. What if you don't have a job? Then just be an art enthusiast.

　　Don't look down on readers, thinking they're all idiots and you can fool them. Don't treat readers as your bread and butter, as gods. After all, you are responsible for what you've worked hard to build. Treat malicious comments as nothing, and absorb helpful opinions. Don't treat editors as saviors; they'll publish what's meant to be published, and if your writing is bad, even a miracle can't save it. But you should always seek their advice and learn from them. Be neither arrogant nor humble. Moving the reader is something every storyteller should always keep in mind, so understanding the reader's psychology and emotions is the most important thing.

　　Commercializing writing isn't inherently bad. A writer who never considers the reader's perspective isn't a good writer. The most important skill is understanding the reader's emotions—making them cry, laugh, worry, feel anxious, and experience heartache. Giving them an outlet for their feelings and time to reflect is crucial. As long as you don't mess things up, avoid misalignments, or rely on sensationalist headlines, erotic writing is a recipe for disaster. Fame can lead to a life sentence—congratulations! Commercializing writing allows for even greater mastery of this emotional manipulation than media, which is truly remarkable and reflects the abilities of some authors I admire most.

Don't be reserved. No one can claim that writing quickly makes you a word-coding machine, or that writing quickly necessarily results in lower quality. Generally, there's not much difference between what you write in a day and what you write in three days. Don't strive for perfection in the first draft; write in one go and then revise. Don't neglect the initial concept development, but there's no need to spend excessive time on it either.

　　Don't boast about your lofty ideals and set all sorts of standards for your writing: "I want to reveal the darkness of human nature, to express the noble sentiments and transcendent spirit of this character, to leave a classic character in the literary pantheon..." Such self-restraint often leaves you unable to write a single word for ages. It's so difficult! Forget it, your literary dream just fizzles out.

　　No one can decide whether they will become a classic. Usually, you only become a classic when you're old and gray, with one or two feet in your grave. After becoming a classic, fewer people will read your books. What's the point?!

　　As a young person, I've never finished reading a single novel by Mr. Jin Yong. Because he became a classic, a master, my desire to read instantly plummeted; it felt like completing homework.

　　Don't just talk the talk. Many people like to discuss writing, like to use it to talk about life. Even after others have published numerous novels, they're still talking about it, from middle school to university, from university to graduate school, their dream is to write their own novel, but they hesitate to put pen to paper. I understand that feeling of boundless awe and longing. When I did this myself, I was a little skeptical, a little surprised, and couldn't believe this happiness was real.

　　And then that happiness slipped away.

　　 Don't be afraid of difficulties. Writing a book, from initial skepticism to entering the field to completion, will encounter many challenges, but they are all solvable. Be quick and decisive; in the world of martial arts, speed is the ultimate weapon. Persevere, and you will eventually finish. After completion, you'll realize how terrible your writing was, and you'll gain a lot from that.

　　The difference between a writer and a writer is mass production versus qualitative change, persisting for three to five years versus persisting for ten, several decades, a lifetime. The gap starts as addition, then multiplication, and then geometric progression. Looking at your peers, those from the same era, those from the same period, those from the same batch, will you truly not regret it?

non-human

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:50:40 +0800

I am Zhang Zhuyi, and I am an individual, you read that right, I am an individual. In my past life, I was an ox, and in the life before that, I was a horse. I complained that I was always toiling for humanity, but my colleagues advised me that this was our duty. But why can I only be an animal? I hate humanity. After I died in my past life, I should have been reincarnated as a pig. But I knelt before Yama, the King of Hell, begging him to let me be reincarnated as a human. Yama said I was destined to be a beast for generations. I refused to accept this and knelt for five hundred years. Finally, he relented and granted my wish.

I came into this world with only one goal: to punish humanity.

This is a peaceful society, and I cannot become a demon like Hitler, wantonly slaughtering humanity. I also do not want to break the law, as that would only harm a few. In truth, as an individual, I have been forced to read many books, all sorts of wise sayings, fragmented and disjointed, which I cannot understand at all. I've heard people say that reading these things teaches one shame, but who knows what shame even means? I often pondered how to realize my grand ideals. One day, a sudden inspiration struck me—why not write articles to swear at people? Isn't it said that physical harm is temporary, but mental harm is permanent? I was quite pleased with this brilliant idea.

So I started swearing. My first thought was to take down each province one by one; otherwise, how could I handle a collective attack? I'm from Hunan; if I swear at people from other provinces, they'd definitely accuse me of favoring my compatriots. But heaven knows, I hate everyone; I won't let a single one go. I decided to become a tainted witness. I gathered accusations against them, and after some research, I discovered that most people from Hunan are quite good, and the same goes for people from other provinces. But I had to demonize them! How could I think like that? Even the tallest tree has its bare branches; I seized this opportunity, generalizing from specific cases, using elaborate and detailed arguments, highlighting flaws to obscure merits, and thoroughly denigrated the people of Hunan. After finishing, I was filled with pride, thinking I had done something truly remarkable. But some people say I'm ungrateful and shameless. What does that mean?

Whatever! I've even insulted the people of Hunan, what can the other provinces say? I seized the opportunity, waging war against the provinces, unstoppable, sweeping all before me—it was exhilarating! I thought if I could gain widespread notoriety and influence, and eventually insult everyone in China, then I could avenge all my past grudges.

But humanity is sharp; they would refute me. At first, I ignored them, going my own way. Later, the resistance grew, and I knew this path was unsustainable. And they also called me shameless. Good heavens, what does shamelessness even mean?

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. To defeat humanity, I must first understand what shame is. I consulted dictionaries and many other books, which contained many explanations of shame, defining what should and should not be done. But I still couldn't understand why some things should be done and some shouldn't. Is it because I wasn't human in the past that I can't understand? Thinking this, Yama appeared. His face remained cold and stern, but his eyes held a sense of relief. He said, "Zhang Zhuyi, you've finally figured it out. The reason you can't be human is because you don't know shame. It seems I wasn't wrong to let you make this decision. You can rest assured and be a pig in your next life." I was speechless, completely convinced. I was destined to be an animal.

When women meet women

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:50:13 +0800

The TV series "Water Margin" was airing with great enthusiasm, depicting the deep brotherhood of men drinking and eating heartily in a simmering hot pot. The word "brother" truly evoked boundless heroism and unwavering loyalty. If

brotherhood was so vibrant, surely sisterhood should also be on display? So when "The Peach Blossom Fan" was promoted with the tagline "Lao Tong," I eagerly went to watch it online. I thought that with Li Bingbing and Jun Ji-hyun's acting prowess, they would perfectly capture the delicate and profound emotions between women. However, after watching only half, I felt cheated again. The two normally clever and lively women seemed like underpowered dolls in this film, failing to create any touching sparks, which frustrated me.

Nevertheless, the terms "Lao Tong" and "Nüshu" still piqued my interest. A quick search revealed that

"Lao Tong" refers to girls born in the same year, with similar appearances and temperaments, who support and cherish each other throughout their lives, forming a close and confidante-like sisterhood. They communicated through a secret language written on fans—this is Nüshu. Nüshu is the world's only written language for women, a syllable-based script of a Chinese dialect.

So, please don't misunderstand "Laotong" (老同); it's definitely not about homosexuality, but genuine sisterhood. It's just that Li Bingbing and Jun Ji-hyun's acting in the movie was really underwhelming, portraying Xuehua and Baihe in a sickeningly sweet way, easily misleading the audience.

What kind of sparks fly when women meet?

Like Xuehua and Baihe in the movie, they see each other as another version of themselves, filled with joy, as if all the world's sorrows could now be shared. They understand each other's deepest sighs and joys. This kind of friendship can be stronger and more intimate than love; even if the whole world abandons her, she will stand firmly by her side.

I once tried to find a story in history describing female friendship, but it was futile. The deep brotherhood of the "Oath of the Peach Garden" is almost universally known, but no story is labeled "deep sisterhood." If there are stories about women, they're either about the Golden Apple Wars fueled by vanity and jealousy, or about jealous rivals trying to kill each other. Even Wu Zetian's treatment of Shangguan Wan'er was merely appreciation of her talent, without any real mutual respect. History has always been primarily the history of men, which is undeniably tragic.

I believe that friendship between women can be just as moving. Since history doesn't have a written record, let me write about the women who constantly accompany and warm my heart. With them, I've never felt alone.

When women fall in love, in my experience, it's a breathtaking and silently joyful experience.

When I was a child reading *Dream of the Red Chamber*, among so many women, I particularly loved the bold and passionate You Sanjie. Her appearance was like a lightning bolt, instantly overshadowing all other female characters. When she drew her sword and resolutely bid farewell to that corrupt world, I loved this woman to death.

I also remember the first time I read Sanmao's books, I suddenly felt the world fall silent. Only one voice echoed in my heart: "So you were here too."

From then on, I collected every book of hers like a priceless treasure, following her across mountains and rivers. I also dreamed of my own Jose, my own Sahara. I wrote her poems and letters, but never sent them. I dreamed that she would return from her wanderings, that I could hold her hand, and tell her I loved her.

Hearing the news of her suicide, the heartache and sorrow are still etched in my memory. The dream ended, flowers fell everywhere, and in this mortal world, I was destined never to see her again.

Later, Li Ao said that Sanmao's wanderings were all fabricated stories, and I was once filled with anger towards this harsh man. Hu Yinmeng's face, flushed red from constipation, became a reason for his ridicule. How could a man so sharp-tongued towards his own women appreciate a woman as unrelated as Sanmao? Thinking about it, I feel relieved.

For a time, I envied the female poets who lived in the Tang Dynasty. They even made the majestic history bow down, revealing a blurred smile. Their poems in the Complete Tang Poems are a bright and beautiful landscape, in no way inferior to the literati of that time. Xue Tao, Yu Xuanji, Li Zhi, Xu Hui, Lady Huarui… a dazzling array of names.

I fell in love with Yu Xuanji, who wrote, “I can see through Song Yu, why hate Wang Chang?” Although she entered a Taoist temple, she completely trampled feudal morality underfoot. I admired her talent, which captivated those hypocritical literati, even though she killed her maid, Lü Qiao, out of jealousy. Yet, her courage to remain true to herself will forever live on in my heart.

“If I could adorn my hair with mountain flowers, don’t ask where I’m going.” This line comes from Yan Rui, a courtesan of the Ming Dynasty. A weak woman persecuted, she refused to yield to any form of torture. Keep in mind, she was opposing Zhu Xi, the most powerful Neo-Confucian scholar of the time. This confrontation, so unequal in status, ended in Zhu Xi’s defeat—a true legend. When I read this story, I couldn’t help but applaud, deeply admiring the resilience and nobility inherent in this young woman.

I also envy those women living in France. The open-mindedness and artistic atmosphere made French women shine so brightly. George Sand, Simone de Beauvoir, Chanel, Marguerite Duras.

Especially George Sand, the most important woman in Chopin's life. She challenged male authority, attracting the entire French high society with her unique charm and ideas. Countless artists were her guests and lovers. Balzac, Mérimée, Musset, Heine, Turgenev, Dumas fils... Her writing and thoughts were so free and open; she was a dazzling star in herself, needing no man's accompaniment. Even Chopin was just one of her lovers.

This reminds me of Rodin's lover, Camille. She was also a highly accomplished sculptor, but for her lover, she quietly retreated behind the scenes. Who knew that Rodin not only plagiarized her inspiration but also imprisoned her in an asylum.

The same talent, different fates.

My sigh for Camille only strengthened my admiration for George Sand. A woman should always have her own independent thoughts, and even for love, she should not lower herself to the dust. Otherwise, she will only end up like Eileen Chang, wearing a gorgeous robe but covered with lice of desolation and resentment. What a waste!

I like Faye Wong, I like her unconventionality. I like her indifferent gaze, which silences the crowd the moment she appears. Only her heavenly voice remains, in the clouds, time flows like water, and she is forever on the other side of the water, breathtakingly beautiful.

One day, I suddenly saw Shang Wenjie, dressed in black. Cold and cool, yet her singing voice was full of penetrating power. I instantly fell in love with this sharp woman. She reminded me of Faye Wong, Maggie Cheung, Greta Garbo, and a word: stunning.

Online, I have a group of sisters. Holding their hands, I found my paradise.

I have always believed that only women truly understand women.

The friendship between women is like one flower gazing at another. Just like that, silently facing each other, quietly joyful.

People who challenge Einstein

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:47:29 +0800

One day in 1941, at the Hong Kong airport security checkpoint, a young man was stopped. He was wearing an unusually bulky overcoat, which seemed out of place for the season. The security personnel became suspicious. Touching the overcoat, they found it stiff and unyielding. Upon opening it, they discovered numerous pockets filled with English physics research books and materials.

At that time, China's War of Resistance against Japan was in a stalemate. People returning from the United States were either smuggling gold or carrying valuable daily necessities; the security personnel had never seen anyone carrying so many books. "Returning home during a war, you're really risking your life to bring so many books?" During the conversation, the young man produced a professorship certificate from Sun Yat-sen University. The security personnel, seeing that this 27-year-old was already a professor, were filled with respect and allowed him to pass. This man, who risked his life to return home and dedicate himself to the war effort through teaching and research, was Lu Hefu, later recognized by the international academic community as the "Father of China's Nuclear Energy" and the "first to reveal the secrets of the atomic bomb."

From Heaven to Hell

: In September 1936, Lu Hefu graduated from Yenching University with a degree in physics. Recommended by the department head, he went to the University of Minnesota in the United States to major in physics and minor in mathematics.

After obtaining his doctorate, Lu Hefu married Wu Runhui. While still on his honeymoon, he resolutely decided to abandon all the advantages he enjoyed in the United States and return to China with his new wife to participate in the War of Resistance against Japan. In November 1941, Lu Hefu arrived at the main campus of National Sun Yat-sen University in Pingshi Town, Guangdong Province, and became a professor in the College of Science. When Kang Xinyuan, the dean of the College of Science, welcomed the couple in Tangkou Village, he remarked with emotion, "You have fallen from heaven to hell."

The hardships of "hell" gradually unfolded. In the summer of 1942, Lu Hefu's wife was nearing her due date, but there was no maternity hospital in Pingshi Town. The couple had to take a small boat to the train station and then transfer to a train to a county town in Hunan Province. On the rickshaw ride from the station to the county hospital, Mrs. Lu experienced labor pains, and Lu Hefu had to get off and push her from behind to speed things up. Just as they arrived at the hospital delivery room, Mrs. Lu gave birth to their first son.

After Mrs. Lu was discharged and returned to Tangkou Village, Lu Hefu began managing the household chores. Every day, he carried the child on his back, chopped firewood, and cooked, leaving chicken and cow droppings scattered on the ground. After finishing three meals a day, Lu Hefu prepared his lessons under an oil lamp. In an ancient temple, he taught fourth-year university students courses such as theoretical physics, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics.

As the Japanese invasion deepened, Lu Hefu fled westward to escape the war, being successively hired as a professor by Guangxi University and Zhejiang University, both in exile, and subsequently arriving in Guangxi and Guizhou. In 1944, on his way to Guizhou, he passed through a place called Yuanbaoshan, where local bandits were rampant, burning, killing, and looting, and no one dared to proceed. Upon hearing this, Lu Hefu, accompanied by a physical education professor, went up the mountain to find the bandit leader. He explained, "The Japanese have invaded, and I've returned from abroad to fight against them," and showed him his professorship. The bandit leader was deeply moved by this situation. Instead of robbing him, he treated him to dinner and drinks that evening. The next day, he sent men to escort Lu Hefu and his party down the mountain and gave each of their boats a small, apricot-yellow triangular flag. This flag served as a "special pass" among the bandits, ensuring Lu Hefu's unimpeded passage afterward.

Even in such circumstances, Lu Hefu continued lecturing while closely monitoring international academic developments. He hand-copied every academic journal he could obtain, and his academic notes never ceased amidst the gunfire. His article, "The Potential Energy Within the Heavy Atomic Nucleus and Its Utilization," written in 1942 and published in the domestic journal *Science* in 1944, comprehensively expounded on the experimental discoveries of nuclear fission and related theories, and predicted the possibility of large-scale human utilization of atomic energy. It is considered by the academic community to be "the first scientific work to comprehensively introduce atomic energy physics and its applications to Chinese readers.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, with the nationwide reorganization of higher education disciplines in 1952, Lu Hefu was transferred from Zhejiang University to the Department of Physics at Fudan University. In 1955, Lu Hefu was transferred by the then Ministry of Higher Education to the Department of Technical Physics at Peking University, serving as the director of the Neutron Physics Teaching and Research Section. In fact, he entered the top-secret "546 Training Class," a program that drew teachers from universities across the country.

This was a very special training class: among the trainees were 90 engineers, hundreds of fourth-year university students selected from universities nationwide, and senior generals of the People's Liberation Army, including a future commander of a nuclear base. Among the later "Fathers of China's Two Bombs," seven were students of Lu Hefu from the "546 Training Class."

At that time, Peking University's teaching conditions were extremely poor, making some experiments impossible and teaching very difficult. To overcome these difficulties, Lu Hefu adopted a method of explaining complex concepts in a simple and clear way, without referring to notes. Many nuclear physics processes that were originally difficult to understand became remarkably clear to the students after his explanations. In 1956, Lu Hefu was promoted to first-class professor at the age of 42, making him the youngest first-class professor.

In 1958, the training class ended, and many teachers and students were assigned to the atomic bomb testing base. Lu Hefu wrote to Jiang Nanxiang, Minister of Higher Education, and Song Renqiong, Minister of the Second Ministry of Machine Building, stating that his expertise in basic theory could only be utilized at the university level, and that he had dedicated his life to teaching and hoped to return to Fudan University to continue his educational work. With special approval from Song Renqiong and consent from Jiang Nanxiang, Lu Hefu returned to the Fudan University lecture hall in 1958.

During the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, Lu Hefu persisted in his scientific research. From 1970 to 1985, he left behind a vast amount of research notes. His diaries differed from those of ordinary people; the covers were marked with two categories: "Red" for daily life records and "Expert" for professional content. He feared that his research diaries might be seen and used against him, so if anyone questioned him, he would say, "I wrote my diary according to the requirements of being both 'red' and 'expert'."

In 1980, Lu Hefu was elected a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (later renamed Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences). Even in his later years, Lu Hefu never ceased his pursuit of scientific innovation. In 1995, Lu Hefu, then 81 years old, and his student Wang Shiming published their paper, "A Direct Verification of Mach's Principle," in the American journal *Galileo Electrodynamics*. The journal's editor praised the paper, saying it "opened up a new direction for challenging Einstein." This article had previously been rejected by the American journal *Physics*. Lu Hefu frankly stated, "Most editorial departments don't dare publish such articles; they are superstitious about Einstein and afraid people will say they don't understand physics." He wasn't afraid of being considered crazy. Regarding this paper, he said, "I've merely poked a hole in the sky!" Just as his research was about to continue, Lu Hefu passed away in 1997, leaving behind eight outlines and 44 ongoing research projects. The published papers represent only one-tenth of his research.

Regarding this challenge to Einstein's theory of relativity, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences invested heavily in 2002, using satellite launches to conduct in-depth experiments in this area. Lu Hefu,

a man of stories and sentiments,

was not only a world-renowned physicist but also a famous Peking Opera enthusiast. The fusion of science and art further enhanced his personal charm.

Throughout his life, Lu Hefu performed Peking Opera on stage numerous times. During his studies at Yenching University, when Peking Opera was at its peak in Beijing, Lu Hefu and his classmates performed plays such as *The Loss of Jieting* and *The Qionglin Banquet*. Photos and reports of his performances appeared in newspapers, which commented: "His singing was flawless, his acting meticulous, and his performance a perfect match." In 1940, while at the University of Minnesota, he participated in a charity performance organized by Soong Mei-ling to raise funds for the anti-Japanese war, performing *Si Lang Visits His Mother*. In 1945, while teaching at Zhejiang University in Meitan, Guizhou, he again performed for a charity performance to raise funds for Yellow River disaster relief. His love for Peking Opera accompanied Lu Hefu throughout his life.

When asked why he loved Peking Opera so much, Lu Hefu replied, "Traditional Chinese Peking Opera contains a philosophy of life. The loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and sense of shame it promotes are not feudal dross. We absolutely do not need to abandon it, because it only benefits social stability and does no harm. Besides, singing Peking Opera after a busy and stressful workday is particularly relaxing and enjoyable, like a 'brain tonic.' Also, singing Peking Opera regularly can increase lung capacity, which is very beneficial to one's health and longevity."

He even brought Peking Opera into his physics classes. Zhang Shouye, a graduate student supervised by Lu Hefu, recalled that when Lu Hefu lectured on neutron physics, he explained that the energy at which a neutron hits an atomic nucleus and reaches a critical state is called the saddle point in physics. Above this point, the energy decreases, and fission becomes irreversible, causing the atomic nucleus to split. At this point, Lu Hefu suddenly changed the subject: "I remember when Zhuge Liang launched his six expeditions to Qishan, that place was the saddle point." He then sang a few lines of Peking Opera. This made the atmosphere very lively, and everyone relaxed. The concept of the saddle point was deeply ingrained in the students' minds.

Because of his profound accumulation in science and humanities, after Lu Hefu's death, the University of Houston and the University of Minnesota erected bronze statues in his honor, and Honolulu, Hawaii, designated June 15th as "Lu Hefu Day." Recently, on the centenary of Lu Hefu's birth, Fudan University also erected a bronze statue of him on its campus. At the memorial service, Yang Yuliang, president of Fudan University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: "Mr. Lu Hefu was not only an academic master, but also a person with stories and sentiments. This is the most precious thing and the thing we admire the most."

Eileen Chang and Su Qing

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:46:59 +0800

Two Sisters Blooming from the Dust:

In 1940s Shanghai, newspapers and magazines were everywhere, creating a large number of female writers who made a living by writing. Eileen Chang and Su Qing were among the best.

At the time, Su Qing was divorced, raising several children, and running a magazine, keeping her extremely busy, while Eileen Chang was at the height of her fame. Su Qing commissioned a piece from Eileen Chang, hoping that Chang would contribute to her magazine "out of consideration for their shared gender." Seeing Su Qing's quick wit, Eileen Chang immediately sent her a short story, "The Blockade." Unexpectedly, this story greatly impressed Hu Lancheng, who came to Su Qing to ask for Eileen Chang's address. The result was a sensational love affair that captivated Shanghai and left endless topics of conversation for later generations.

In fact, Eileen Chang and Su Qing were two completely different women. Eileen Chang came from a prominent family and always maintained an aloof lifestyle. Su Qing came from Ningbo, Zhejiang. Although her family was wealthy, her husband, Li Qinhou, was too proud to ask his family for money. Once, when the family was starving, Su Qing asked Li Qinhou for money. Li Qinhou, unemployed and furious, slapped Su Qing across the face upon seeing her asking for money, yelling, "You're a cultured person, why don't you earn your own money?" This slap shattered the marriage of this seemingly perfect couple and forced Su Qing onto the path of a career woman. Her profession was writing.

Hu Lancheng and Zhang Ailing, introduced by Su Qing, had only known each other for a short time, yet their tumultuous romance became common knowledge in Shanghai, greatly upsetting Su Qing. Su Qing had known Hu Lancheng before Zhang Ailing, and the two had already been having an affair.

To Hu Lancheng, Su Qing was a beautiful woman of both talent and looks. He once publicly stated that Su Qing had "a perfectly shaped nose and mouth, an impeccably oval face, handsome eyes and well-defined eyebrows, possessing a boyish charm—in the cold light of an unlit lamp, with half her profile darkened, her beauty gained a new maturity and completeness."

Su Qing never wrote fictional novels; her writing was mostly realistic. In her book *Ten Years of Continued Marriage*, published in the autumn of 1949, she used the name "Tan Weiming" to allude to Hu Lancheng. Given Su Qing's straightforward and outspoken personality, both *Ten Years of Marriage* and *Ten Years of Continued Marriage* were essentially her life accounts. This Tan Weiming "had served as a vice minister and also as the editor-in-chief of a newspaper." "Although he wasn't handsome and didn't care about his appearance, he possessed an admirable demeanor. He was a good propagandist; I was completely captivated by him. I only realized I was a propagandist five minutes later, and alas, I found myself involuntarily drawn into his arms."

This man was unmistakably Hu Lancheng.

Zhang Ailing, however, was unaware of their secret relationship; at that time, she was only in her early twenties and lacked worldly wisdom. At the time, Hu Lancheng was imprisoned for literary offenses. Su Qing believed that Zhang Ailing was famous and a popular writer with influence, so she took her to the home of Zhou Fohai, the head of the Executive Yuan of the Wang Jingwei regime, hoping to persuade Wang Jingwei to release Hu Lancheng through Zhou Fohai.

Su Qing was a close friend of Zhou Fohai's wife, Yang Shuhui, and Zhang Ailing couldn't get a word in edgewise, so she looked at the Zhou family's antiques. Zhou Fohai leaned closer and said, "This is a Duan inkstone, the 'Fish Brain Jelly' and 'Rouge Halo' are the two best, both from the Da Xi Cave. Miss Zhang is a great writer, so I imagine she's quite knowledgeable about the Four Treasures of the Study."

Zhang Ailing shook her head and laughed, "Our generation all used Parker pens."

Zhou Fohai nodded and said, "Yes, yes."

Yang Shuhui and Su Qing came out from the inner room. Yang said, "With your blockheaded brain, you actually dare to chat with such a talented woman?"

Zhou Fohai said, "I noticed Miss Zhang is interested in inkstones."

Zhang Ailing, caught in the middle, felt a little embarrassed, but she joked, "China is really something, even the names of inkstones are so beautiful, 'Fish Brain Jelly' and 'Rouge Halo.' The ancients were good, and the moderns are even better." "We can never catch up,"

Su Qing said. "So you've put on your old Qing dynasty clothes."

Zhou Fohai said, "It's nice for young ladies to wear them, but if we wear them, it'll be considered a restoration."

Yang Shuhui's face darkened upon hearing this: "You always talk about your profession. I want to ask you, what crime did Hu Lancheng commit that warrants his imprisonment? You release him without a reason. You people are good at swatting flies, but not tigers."

Zhou Fohai sat down, drinking tea with his head down, and finally said, "It's nothing serious, just that Mr. Wang wants to talk to him."

Mrs. Zhou added, "It's impossible that they've been talking for a month, is it?"

And so, Hu Lancheng was released.

Out of gratitude for Su Qing's "life-saving grace," Hu Lancheng would often visit Su Qing, even if it meant leaving Zhang Ailing behind. Later, in his book *This Life, This World*, he wrote: "One night, I went to Su Qing's house, and Eileen Chang happened to be there too. She liked to look at me in front of others, but she was also jealous and felt very wronged." Meeting her old flame at her girlfriend's house, Eileen Chang immediately felt jealous, unable to hide it, which Hu Lancheng noticed, as did Su Qing. It's unclear how this incident ultimately ended. Hu Lancheng was like a night owl, always appearing suddenly at Su Qing's house at dusk. In her novel, Su Qing wrote:

"However, not long after, I finally met someone who knew me, named Tan Weiming. He had a thin face, a particularly large head, bronze skin, and disheveled hair like withered grass—a typical unkempt scholar. Yet he possessed astonishing intelligence and was erudite, knowledgeable in society, economics, literature, art, and more. This awe-inspired me with his wisdom, and I willingly submitted to him. He came to my house every day, and we would sit and talk until midnight. The strong smell of tea and cigarettes kept us both excited and tireless." Su

Qing

's sister, Su Hong, later told a reporter, "My sister and Zhang Ailing were very close. They often went shopping together, watched movies together, and even swapped pants." Two women so close that they swapped clothes—this was a rare level of friendship between women. In folk terms, two close friends are described as "so close they share a pair of pants."

At the time, due to the booming newspaper and magazine industry, Tan Zhengbi, author of *A History of Chinese Women's Literature*, proposed holding a gathering of female writers.

At the gathering, the host asked Su Qing which female writer's work

she considered the best. Su Qing, in front of the assembled female writers, boldly declared, "I never read the works of female writers; I only read Zhang Ailing's articles." The host then asked Zhang Ailing, "Let's hear Ms. Zhang Ailing's opinion." Zhang Ailing said, "Among ancient female writers, my favorite is Li Qingzhao. Among modern writers, my favorite is only Su Qing. Before Su Qing, Bing Xin's elegance often bordered on affectation; Ding Ling's early works were good, but later she seemed somewhat lacking in spirit. Su Qing was the first to truly grasp the joys of life; her characteristic is 'great simplicity.' Through her elegant and refined writing style, the most ordinary words become the most moving, because she understands human nature better than anyone else."

This blatant mutual appreciation between the two aroused the anger of many female writers present. After the meeting, everyone ignored them, but the two continued to chat and laugh as usual.

At this time, Su Qing had not yet founded her own magazine; her only source of income was writing. However, her writing was not as prolific as Eileen Chang's, and her royalties were sporadic, making her life quite difficult at times.

Her essay "On Divorce" greatly impressed Chen Gongbo, the puppet mayor of Shanghai, who believed she had vividly captured the mindset of divorced men and women. Knowing that Su Qing desperately wanted a job to support her family, Chen Gongbo proactively wrote her a letter, asking her to work as a city government commissioner, helping with document processing. Su Qing accepted without hesitation.

Some time later, she suddenly received a secret letter; a well-meaning person warned her that such a life was too dangerous for her and that she should be wary of someone plotting against her.

Su Qing was terrified after reading the letter. Chen Gongbo, sensing her distress, secretly sent her 100,000 silver dollars to start a magazine.

At the time, white paper for printing newspapers and magazines was extremely scarce, and Chen Gongbo secured two trainloads of paper for her. Su Qing, not wanting to wait a moment, immediately took action, registering Tiandi Publishing House and Tiandi Magazine.

On the day the paper was to be transported, Su Qing got up very early and personally escorted the truck driver. With a truckload of white paper, Su Qing sat atop the pile. The truck sped along, the wind whipping her hair, the paper swaying precariously. She paraded through the streets, smug and triumphant.

At this time, rumors were circulating in Shanghai tabloids that Su Qing was Chen Gongbo's "casual mistress" and Zhang Ailing was Hu Lancheng's "literary lover."

Su Qing showed the tabloid to Eileen Chang, who pushed it away, saying, "I never read this." Su Qing herself didn't read it either; a friend had specially saved it for her. She burned the entire stack of tabloids, but could no longer escape Chen Gongbo.

Two years later, a man named Jiang Gui visited her, bringing her a newspaper with a photo of Chen Gongbo's execution. Su Qing was terrified and handed Jiang Gui a bankbook, saying, "Here, take it all. You handle it for me." All the money on it had been transferred to her by Chen Gongbo. After

her former best friend stopped mentioning

Chen Gongbo's execution, all sorts of rumors circulated on the streets, and fear gripped the city. Su Qing lived a secluded life, trying to keep a low profile and avoid any further trouble. However, returning to the peace she had before fame seemed impossible; men kept coming uninvited, and Jiang Gui was one of them.

Jiang Gui had read Su Qing's novels and developed feelings for her; the two became acquainted and eventually lived together. After Chen Gongbo was executed, Jiang Gui, fearing repercussions, moved to Wuxi and never returned to Shanghai. Occasionally, Jiang Gui would take the night train to Shanghai, stay half a night at Su Qing's apartment in Xieqiao Lane, and then catch the early morning bus back to Wuxi before dawn. Each time he came, he would call Su Qing, who would then arrange for the children to sleep on the floor. In the dead of night, Jiang Gui would go in and find the children sleeping haphazardly on the floor. He would hop across the floor carefully, afraid of stepping on a child. In the dim light, Su Qing would sit alone in a wicker chair, waiting for him.

Later, Jiang Gui and Su Qing drifted apart. Su Qing later wrote about her relationship with Jiang Gui in her novel "Ten Years of Continued Marriage," a completely factual work. All the characters Su Qing had dealings with can be found in the novel, except for her former close friend Eileen Chang. Years later, Eileen Chang's non-fiction novel *Little Reunion* was published, detailing all the people she had met, but omitting any mention of Su Qing. Su Qing's last novel was titled *A Beauty

on a Wrong Path

*, but in reality, she and Eileen Chang were the true beauties on a wrong path. Whether for some purpose or due to youthful naiveté, they met unreliable men during the chaotic years of war, each going far down a different path, ultimately meeting the same end: both impoverished and dying of depression. The difference was that one died in China, and the other in a foreign land.

After 1949, Eileen Chang calmly observed the situation for a period, even going to the countryside to participate in the land reform. Seeing many of the slogans and extreme practices of the time, she couldn't tolerate it and concluded that her future in China was bleak. The uniform blue or black "People's Liberation Army uniforms" seen everywhere were so ugly to her; she told her brother Zhang Zijing, "I would rather die than wear such clothes." Later, she used the excuse of going to the University of Hong Kong to repeat her studies, crossing the border from Shenzhen's Luohu district to Hong Kong, and finally going to the United States.

Compared to Eileen Chang, Su Qing was far more adaptable. Overnight, she embraced the changing times, donning a women's "People's Suit" and blending into the crowds, making it impossible to tell she was once a popular female writer in old Shanghai. Her final choice to stay on the mainland stemmed from her belief in her ability to survive and that regardless of who was in power, the necessities of life would still exist; it was simply a matter of finding a job to earn a living. Su Qing later became a screenwriter, but during the Anti-Rightist Campaign, she was implicated in the "Hu Feng Incident" and imprisoned. After her release, her salary was suspended, and when she fell ill, she couldn't even afford the two yuan needed for a doctor's visit. She died in the winter of 1982, filled with resentment.

Thirteen years later, on September 8, 1995, Eileen Chang's body was discovered. Her will contained the following sentence: "Do not examine my body, do not hold any ceremony, and simply discard my ashes in a deserted place..."