Chapter 57: About Bananas, About "The Returned Husband" (Please Everyone Read)

Regarding Banana and This Book (For All Readers)

The first half contains rambling thoughts, while the latter half is more substantive. Readers may choose to read selectively.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

A minute ago, I wanted to type out a name like this in Word. A name even I couldn't understand would make me seem profound, because many years ago, I thought "profound" mostly referred to things that were incomprehensible.

I've been writing for many years, starting in the fourth grade. Later, online literature emerged. That was still a nascent period; the concept of online literature wasn't as clearly differentiated from traditional literature as it is today. When I published my work online, I didn't feel it was any different from my previous writing. Nowadays, we can only call ourselves "writers" and not necessarily "authors." The good and the bad are all found here.

But most of the time, I still don't feel much difference, because fundamentally, I write these things with the same attitude as if I were writing traditional literature.

Literature is about conveyance. Besides factual recording, another purpose of text is to convey. This conveyance, at its core, involves two points: what's in the author's mind, then what reaches the reader's mind. Text is merely the medium; ultimately, it's a transmission on a psychological level.

When the concept of online literature began to solidify, I (Banana) started thinking: what are the advantages of online literature, and what are the advantages of traditional literature? Because regardless of whether it's online or traditional, even though some people see them as vastly different, for me, the core purpose has always been clear: it's still about conveying what's in the author's mind to the reader's mind. This central point has not changed.

Over the years, I've seen many people only focus on online literature's low barrier to entry, its poor quality, and the restless nature of its readers, while those who write traditional literature often feel a strong sense of superiority. However, they fail to notice that the emergence of online literature illustrates a fact—a fact that has actually existed for a long time, though it wasn't as obvious or urgent back then: if you want to convey a principle, why not first tell your story vividly? If you truly want others to listen to you, why not consider what they need?

On the level of human connection, this is a direction—it has always been the most authentic direction for literature from beginning to end. Online literature has simply continued to develop in this direction, neglecting other aspects. One could even say that within the concept of literature, the reader-centric aspect is the true and orthodox path. Of course, if a book is written entirely for oneself, then these considerations don't apply, and that is indeed authentic literature, worthy of respect.

Traditional literature also has its good side, a very good side. Its meticulous detailing and atmospheric rendering are not for padding word count or being deliberately mysterious, but to make the entire process of conveyance more concrete and powerful. Take a simple example: in *Ordinary World*, the protagonist Sun Shaoping is initially a poor child who doesn't even have clothes to wear. Later, he becomes just a coal miner, yet his girlfriend is the provincial party secretary's daughter and a provincial newspaper reporter. The entire book portrays the ethos of an era, incredibly realistic and utterly plausible… In online literature, this would clearly be a "YY" (wish-fulfillment) trope. Haha, please don't view this term negatively here.

These elements allow for deeper conveyance and a more profound, multi-dimensional experience. Whether it's traditional literature or online literature, they are fundamentally integrated. Online literature became restless, traditional literature became superior, but among those following the traditional path, how many truly understand meticulous detailing or the meaning of literary style? Most merely pretend to be profound.

A few days ago, someone claiming to be a "Master of Literature" arrogantly posted in the review section, saying he couldn't discern the structure of this book and spouting nonsense about how literary works should have "several rings" or something. I think he's mistaken, or perhaps the "experts" in society are mistaken, or their titles are wrong. This is a "Master of Chinese Language," not a "Master of Literature." As for "Master of Literature" and such, please don't insult literature. Since fourth grade, I've never had any respect for people who only follow formulas and don't use their brains.

Online literature has remained restless, while traditional literature has gradually become rigid. Over the years, I've studied historical accounts—hey, don't think I'm uneducated; I've read quite a bit!—History isn't meant to give us a sense of superiority. Like the debate about Yuan Chonghuan a few years ago, 90% of people ended up using history to bluster and label others. The more knowledgeable someone was, the stronger their sense of superiority became. But that's not history; that's just a human behavior for gaining superiority. It's like some people use patriotism to pick up girls, some use patriotism to whitewash things, some use patriotism to label others. There were even people at a patriotic rally who saw a young woman wearing Hanfu, mistook it for a kimono, demanded she take it off and burn it on the spot, and even after realizing it was Hanfu, insisted it be burned as a "kimono" to appease thousands of people. That, of course, isn't patriotism either.

If one truly understands history, then there are only five stark words: "backwardness invites aggression." If we use history as a mirror, literature finds itself in a similar state right now. Online literature might one day settle down and mature, while traditional literature would be better off humbly examining what online literature offers. If not, then perhaps there will be nothing left for it.

I'm speaking too grandly.

That's how literary youths are; they can't help but speak too grandly. Yet, I still wanted to write these thoughts down. Perhaps in over a decade, looking back, some might say Banana had foresight. Of course, it might also just be dismissed as the ramblings of a deluded person.

Now, for something simpler.

I never imagined this book would achieve such success; it's truly unexpected.

Currently, it has been #1 in weekly clicks for three consecutive weeks. What's crucial isn't just that, but achieving it with the current update schedule. From the very beginning, I (Banana) sought a balance between traditional and online literature. Several years have passed, and long-time readers can probably see my journey in finding this balance: my writing style, expression, and even "YY" elements. The performance of my books has actually been improving, but I never thought it would reach this point. Thank you all for your support and attention.

Some time ago, I was at home preparing to start this book, even finding time to exercise and such. Then one day, someone suddenly told me I was #1 in weekly clicks and had made it to Sanjiang's recommendations. I said, "How is that possible?" but it turned out to be true. Before that, Zongheng (another platform) had also approached me. As an author, I must be frank: I bear no ill will towards any platform. However, at the time, I declined, primarily because Qidian (the current platform) suited me better.

Perhaps some people believe that a relatively quiet environment is better for writing and allows for more reflection. But for me, I hope to improve more. For years, I've constantly thought about what readers need and how to explore themes more deeply. If there aren't enough readers, how can I grasp my own direction? I am actually the person who cares most about feedback. I have my own method for categorizing the opinions, preferences, and moods of hundreds or thousands of readers, and I genuinely think about them every day.

There are many authors on Qidian who are more talented than me, truly gifted ones. I (Banana) don't consider myself gifted. I'm quite stubborn; once I set a direction, I stick to it. I once thought that if I could truly find my balance and become proficient, I could also achieve excellent results on Qidian. I don't know if this success will be fleeting, but regardless, it has at least proven that my direction might be correct.

There are some things regarding the later plot. Looking ahead, some readers, having seen the earlier parts, might think this book is just about a leisurely life. That's likely not the case. As I said before, there might be themes of family, country, and the world; there might be dominance, war, struggles for power, base-building, and martial arts, as well as romantic pursuits. I don't care about plot types. For me, there are no new tropes or old tropes; only the word "story" is the key. I won't write a story for a trope; I only write tropes for a story.

So, for the upcoming plot, everyone just needs to wait and see.

For updates after the VIP launch, I will try my best to speed up, but it's hard to say by how much. Sometimes readers ask me on QQ how fast I type, and where all my time goes. A few days ago, someone who could write three to four thousand characters in an hour asked me how much I could type in an hour. I said, ideally, about a thousand characters per hour. He then said, "You must be very dedicated!" —But that's not really it. Before I start typing, I sit in front of the computer and ponder the emotions of each character. Then, I mentally immerse myself in every character appearing in the chapter, observing their actions to see what's logical, and contemplating their dialogues to ensure they fit the character's design and psychology. Only after this "play" is largely rehearsed and consistent with future plot points do I spend several hours typing it out. Ideally, it's a thousand characters per hour, but I also stop midway, walk around, and continue thinking.

When I started writing the chapter "A Night of Fish and Dragon Dance" a few days ago, I discarded the draft three times, producing four thousand characters, then cutting a thousand and revising it before publishing. This process took thirteen hours—a full thirteen hours during which I didn't even eat… Such situations are common. So, some people might ask what I do all day. Honestly, I spend all day in front of the computer, constantly pondering the plot. Finishing a chapter in seven hours is considered good, and if I'm in a good mood, I might even eat during that time. When I can't write, my scalp tingles, and the entire process of my scalp tingling is very uncomfortable, but I've never considered just throwing something together to complete a chapter. Someone in the review section said, "You should at least write three chapters a day!" Oh, really? So now three chapters a day is considered "at least"... Well, I truly have nothing to say.

My current results are very good, and I will try my best to be faster. However, I will never compromise the quality of my writing, because I understand very well that it is this attitude that has led to such success. If I were to lose this attitude, no one would read this book anymore.

I recently signed a contract that requires a minimum of 100,000 characters per month, or else I'll be in breach and subject to a fine. So, the basic output should be guaranteed. I hope to update as much as possible beyond this baseline.

Over the years, regarding my writing and literature, I (Banana) have always thought, written, and acted this way. My attitude hasn't changed through highs or lows. I believe I can at least tell people: Banana has worked very hard.

If one were to give a precise definition to online literature: sometimes you can imagine it as a game console, allowing you to enter another exciting life after coming home, to rest and relax before continuing to strive the next day. You can also imagine it as a cup of tea, a piece of music, or simply a book, where you relax on your balcony, listen to music, and take a short nap. I think my book leans more towards the latter, but often, it also becomes like a game console…

Uh, perhaps these launch notes shouldn't be so sentimental; it might affect performance. Let's talk about something more practical.

The major plot is unfolding now, and it should be very good. The current plot flow is smooth, and there's sufficient groundwork laid. I (Banana) am in a great mood, and updates can be guaranteed. Oh yeah, Banana the Great Demon King will be your best companion for leisure on your journey!

In the twilight years of the fictional Wu Dynasty, a turbulent era unfolded. The land was in chaos, with the Jin and Liao vying for power, and the situation unstable. After a century of humiliation, the first glimmer of its end finally appeared. Emperor Tianzuo, Aguda, Wu Qimai, Genghis Khan Temujin, Jamukha, Chilaowen, Muqali, Borokhol, Bo'orchu, Qin Hui, Yue Fei, Li Gang, Zhong Shidao, Tang Ke, Wu Min, Geng Nanzhong, Zhang Bangchang—a struggle between loyal and treacherous officials, a game between heroes and schemers. Northern barbarians advanced south; a million iron cavalry knocked on Yanmen Pass. The nation's lands fell, and the people suffered. It was a century of humiliation and resistance for a country and a nation, marked by the weeping, shouting, and sorrow of its forerunners… And just a little before all this, in Jiangning City, undercurrents stirred. An inconspicuous young man from a merchant family was irresponsibly living his leisurely life, simply wanting to eat and watch performances…

*Cough, cough*. I'm tempted to turn this paragraph into the synopsis. While life, romance, and a sense of realism are certainly one thread, the other half of what I want to do is use a fictionalized historical setting to, in some ways, recreate the century of humiliation and resistance from modern history, portraying a panorama of various lives. For me, that's what truly constitutes a story. I don't care about historical facts; I only care about the feeling.

Of course, this is still primarily a wish-fulfillment novel.

That's all for now.

PS2: Readers who followed *Hidden Kill* should take note: tomorrow, the sequel and extra chapters of *Hidden Kill*, totaling 110,000 characters, will be released all at once. Prepare to be overwhelmed…