So Han Lie decisively began to wheedle.
Ham for Cucumber: "Don’t rush about the remuneration. I’ll apply for it and transfer you your rightful one-third as soon as it’s in the account."
Ham for Cucumber: "The most important thing is, we can’t waste this montum. We should start preparing the next book right away."
Ham for Cucumber: "You need to realize that opportunities for financial freedom co maybe three to five tis in a person’s life, at most. We must do everything we can to seize each window."
Ham for Cucumber: "My family is poor, and I often faced humiliation. I’ve always been filled with a sense of injustice, so I’m extrely eager to succeed. What about you? Do you have that determination?"
The psychology master, Old Han Lie, was too good at manipulating Xi Luting’s emotions.
Good Lord! As soon as she saw words like "humiliation," "injustice," and "success," Xi Luting almost crushed her fist.
Of course, she felt wronged. So of it was from Han Lie, but even more ca from Pan Ge.
Damn it, neither of us is the ’main wife,’ so why does she always act so high and mighty in front of ? Taking for a toy or cannon fodder? Watch smash her pretty white teeth!
A Lonely Cucumber: "Of course I do! In fact, my sense of injustice is even greater than yours, and I desire success more than anyone!"
Okay, she was hooked.
Han Lie let out a series of sly chuckles as he typed away.
"Good! Then let’s discuss what exactly we should write for the next book! What’s your take on the current market?"
That scoundrel not only ignited her anger but also her motivation. He was truly adept at it.
Xi Luting imdiately put her mind to work, trying to figure it out.
A Lonely Cucumber: "Ancient-style romance, BL, domineering CEOs, pampered concubines, physicians, fairy wives, and military spouses. These are roughly the hottest genres in won’s fiction right now."
A Lonely Cucumber: "We can pass on BL. Adapting it for film or television could be a major issue, plus it’s not great for one’s reputation."
A Lonely Cucumber: "Military spouse stories are hard to write. Without real-life experience, it’s difficult to make them shine."
A Lonely Cucumber: "Fairy wives and pampered concubines can actually be classified under ancient-style romance; their essence is the sa."
A Lonely Cucumber: "Right now, I’m very optimistic about ancient-style romance. This year’s *The Legend of Lu Zhen*; last year’s *Legend of Zhen Huan* and *Palace II*; the year before’s *Palace*, *The Glamorous Imperial Concubine*, and *Scarlet Heart*—regardless of any additional elents, their core is essentially ancient-style romance in disguise."
A Lonely Cucumber: "If written well, they truly achieve critical acclaim and widespread popularity, leading to high sales, lucrative rights deals, quick fa, and lasting buzz."
Hey, those are so pretty good ideas, aren’t they?
It wasn’t just for the present; for the next few years, or even decades, the hottest adaptations would mostly co from ancient-style idol dramas.
Ancient-style idol dramas created blockbusters, and xianxia dramas created top-tier stars!
Although a restriction on ancient dramas was to be issued in 2015, it only limited them from airing on major satellite channels, not affecting their continued explosive popularity online. For instance, in 2022, *Canglan*, which boosted Wang Hedi’s career, and *Star Han*, which further propelled Wu Sanshi, saw unrestricted popularity through online broadcasts.
As an author, writing just one such hit could bring enough fa to last a lifeti.
Han Lie began to see Xi Luting in a new light. Compared to when she first started writing, both her writing style and grasp of the market had improved trendously.
This was to be expected, though.
Xi Luting had always been a ’wolf’—ruthless to others and even more so to herself. It might not have been apparent before she found her direction, but once she had a clear goal, her drive was formidable.
Yes, this kid has potential!
Han Lie approved of her writing direction but still couldn’t resist teasing her with a smirk.
Ham for Cucumber: "Aren’t you going to write about you and your dream guy anymore?"
Xi Luting, lying on her dormitory bed, suddenly kicked her legs and, THUD, her head knocked against the bed railing.
She rubbed the back of her head, hissing in pain. What’s with this master of mine? Always poking where it hurts!
A Lonely Cucumber: "I absolutely have to write it, but our story is still too bland and lacks substance right now. I haven’t fully figured out the motives and behavior of the villainous second female lead yet. I need more ti!"
Oh dear, the villainous second female lead? Han Lie thought. That has to be Pan Ge.
He deliberately typed:
Ham for Cucumber: "It’s not going to be the clichéd ’evil, rich, and beautiful girl’ trope again, is it? Please don’t make it so predictable..."
A Lonely Cucumber: "No!"
Xi Luting’s typed words practically radiated murderous intent and hatred.
A Lonely Cucumber: "This ti, she’s a top-tier ’rich and beautiful girl’ who appears pitiful on the surface but is actually a scheming, two-faced, intelligent psychopath! A true boss-level villain rarely seen in online literature!"
Han Lie struggled to hold back his laughter as he typed his reply:
Ham for Cucumber: "That sounds challenging to write, but if you pull it off, the dramatic tension will be incredible."
A Lonely Cucumber: "Of course it will be!"
A Lonely Cucumber: "I guarantee you’ve never t anyone like her in real life! If you cut her open, her insides would be completely black!"
Ham for Cucumber: "What about the second male lead?"
A Lonely Cucumber: "Why would we need a second male lead? There’s barely enough story focus for the confrontations with her! ...If we really must have one, make the second male lead an online master. You can play yourself."
Ham for Cucumber: "You’re not going to make your lapdog, are you?"
A Lonely Cucumber: "Lapdog? Isn’t one dog already enough for to handle?"
Xi Luting sent the reply, then, less than three seconds later, suddenly retracted the ssage.
Then she retyped:
A Lonely Cucumber: "Of course not, Master. You’re my golden benefactor."
Ham for Cucumber: "And your dream guy? What is he then?"
In Xi Luting’s mind, two words almost blurted out...
User Comments
0 comments from readers