Hi.
Actually, I read the AO3 comment first, but I’m replying to this one first (don’t ask me why).
I only overthought things for a short while; like I said, I don't usually do that during these conversations with readers. And don't worry, even though I eagerly await your comments, I know you have obligations to take care of first. I truly understand. Just like you all understand the time it takes me to update.
And yes, I was being specific in that reply; I was planning to talk about it when I replied to you again, too.
I don't mind talking there or on any other social media platform, but to be honest, my only fear is that you might find me a bit more annoying or weird than I seem right now lol I’m hopeless sweetcorn.
Furthermore, I know that sometimes people prefer to remain more anonymous or reserved.
Anyway, I'm open to that, so if you want to call me anywhere, you can. I'm glad I didn't cross any lines.
(I laughed at your example and reference).
Regarding LD and ChiWei... I feel I need to address a few things here before talking about that specifically.
I wrote LD back in 2018–2019. At the time, it was titled "Lucky Boy," and it was a fanfic for the Monsta X fandom (the K-pop group I like). Certain things were happening in my life during that period. I had ended a relationship (with the "Wang Zhen" of my own life) in early 2018. 2017 and 2018 (the final year of that relationship and the first year after the breakup) were the years I wrote the most (I was really happy after the break up, but my mind was still f*cked). I had written before, of course, but during this particular period, I feel like my body and mind simply clung to this pre-existing passion as if my life depended on it. And perhaps it did.
Time passed, and new things happened. But it had been a few years since I’d been able to come up with truly new stories, new plots, or writing the way I used to.
Then, last year, I discovered the Tianziyu. I remember the feeling of my mind buzzing with ideas; I really wanted to create something for them. So, rather than trying to write something from scratch — something I’d found so difficult in recent years — I thought I might adapt an old story. I looked through my files for a while, considering a short story, but then LD came to mind, and I thought, "This is it. This is the story."
I wanted to clarify, since it might have been confusing in my AO3 comment, that those last five chapters I had to edit were actually corrected back in 2018. It was the first character who spoke to me. Not that Chi Cheng and Suo Wei didn't speak to me too, because an adaptation requires that kind of care. (I wish I didn't sound so crazy saying this, but I can't think of any other way to put it)
But anyway. I’ve adapted other short stories, but I can’t tell you exactly what it was that clicked for me about LD specifically. I just had a feeling and followed it. I do that quite often in my life.
Since then, I’ve finally started thinking about new stories. Honestly, Tianziyu and Chiwei reawakened that ability in me. I don’t write as much as I used to, but it’s far more than I thought I’d be capable of after the last few years, likely because my mind is healthy and I have other things to occupy my time, of course.
I dream of publishing my stories as original works someday, and I’m slowly working toward that. Because ultimately, despite that dream, what I really want to do is write, truly write. They were the ones who brought that back for me, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. I think my relationship with writing is one of love, not just passion; I truly love it from the bottom of my heart.
Sorry for getting so mushy out of nowhere. Anyway, I think I follow the same logic, going by a gut feeling, when it comes to choosing whether a story will be ChiWei or TianZiyu. I just look at the plot and feel which pairing fits it best. There is a short story (a one-shot, actually) for which I plan to create two versions, because I think it would be interesting either way. But the theme is darker (which will be a new experience for me, since I’m used to writing sweet romances).
Regarding a bottom CC: I agree. Actually, I’ve never been a fan of seeing any couple pigeonholed into specific roles. I understand why the fandom generally holds that view, I think the characters themselves shaped that perception, but I really enjoy imagining new dynamics. Even though it was in the novel, I didn't feel like that extra chapter was intended to be something readers would enjoy or want to explore further. That said, I’m generally a big fan of versatile couples.
Also, I LOVED your idea. It’s absolutely brilliant; it would make for a really fun story.
Well, if it's up to me, I don’t think the fandom is going to fade away anytime soon. I still have plenty of plots I plan to write. I’m excited to share them with anyone willing to read them, and to chat like this, too, because it’s always a pleasure.
And don’t worry about your long comments and posts; I’ve already told you I love them.
Even though I’m replying here, like I said, I’m open to chatting elsewhere. Feel free to reach out whenever you want.