"Peak of Martial Dao."
"How a Bad Guy Is Made."
Wu Wencai and the others frowned deeply as they explained, "Director Li, 'Rivers and Mountains So Lovely' and 'Young Girls Are Sentimental' were serialized on Lingdian ten years ago, you know how the internet was back then. Yes, they were a bit explicit, but those books were deleted long ago and are no longer part of Lingdian. As for the other novels, at most they were slightly suggestive, not outright erotic. And as for fantasy novels like 'Peak of Martial Dao', they're set in imaginary worlds, ones completely different from ours and our history, just like Hollywood movies, entirely fictional. So the characters don't necessarily behave according to real-world moral norms."
"Of course, I trust readers can judge for themselves. It's not like reading a novel like that would make someone go out and start killing people. And 'How a Bad Guy Is Made' isn't a gangland story, it's entertainment. The depictions of criminal elements are just made up; you shouldn't take them seriously…"
'How a Bad Guy Is Made' was clearly more than just entertainment, but Wu Wencai only said that to protect Lingdian's works.
Unfortunately, Li Rong wasn't interested in listening. He responded coldly, "President Wu, when it comes to assessing a work's value or identifying its problems, I believe I'm more qualified than you. No need to explain, and President Wu, let me say this: the more than 100 works in my hand are just a sample. You know better than I do how many potentially problematic novels exist on your platform. I hope you'll implement effective oversight. If you find that too troublesome, we can help, starting with a first-level review. But if anything slips through, some authors may be asked to cooperate with investigations."
"Director Li, are you trying to destroy Lingdian?"
At this point, the Lingdian team was close to losing it.
"President Lin, I'm just relaying the higher-ups' message. I hope we can work together to find a suitable solution, don't you agree?"
Li Rong remained calm, even sipping his tea leisurely. "Not bad! Looks like Lingdian is doing well these days. No wonder your authors even overshadowed traditional writers on last year's Rich List. Impressive."
"What's that supposed to mean? You want to shut down Lingdian? If that's the case, go ahead, issue the order. I'd love to see what grounds you'll use to close us down."
Meihuajian couldn't hold back anymore. His eyes blazed as he stared at Li Rong.
For over a decade, they had poured their blood and sweat into building Lingdian into what it was.
And just as they'd started gaining recognition, someone was already out to tear them down.
"Calm down."
Seeing Meihuajian about to explode, Wu Wencai quickly stepped in.
567 also tugged at Meihuajian's sleeve and whispered, "President Lin, this isn't the time to start a fight."
"Let's all stay calm, okay?"
As the standoff grew tense, Ji Chun, the more mild-mannered official from earlier, stepped in to smooth things over.
"Director Li has a strict personality. Please don't take offense, and don't misunderstand; the higher-ups aren't trying to suppress online literature. In fact, they recognize its potential and its future importance. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent us to give suggestions. But as you all know, in any country, cultural regulation is paramount. Since online literature is a part of Huaguo's literary tradition, it must accept state oversight. That said, regulation doesn't mean suppression; it's about guiding online literature onto the right path. I hope everyone understands our intent."
Ji Chun's remarks lifted Wu Wencai's spirits; perhaps this wasn't a lost cause.
Running a company meant understanding its relationship with the government. Hearing Ji Chun speak, Wu Wencai immediately responded, "Director Ji is absolutely right. We've never refused state supervision. It's just that the guidelines this time are quite strict, as I'm sure you're aware. Right now, the internet in Huaguo is booming. Countless platforms are thriving, even rivaling those in Western superpowers. Our web literature site is one of the pillars of this progress, and I don't know if Director Ji has looked into web fiction here, but it's at the forefront of the global scene. It plays a key role in advancing both our cultural development and spiritual civilization."
"We've looked into it," Ji Chun said, nodding. "Your web fiction scene is truly world-leading. I've even heard that in places like Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, many fans read your stories. In terms of spreading Huaguo culture, online literature has made great contributions. You've even overtaken traditional literature, remarkable!"
"Director Ji, you flatter us."
Wu Wencai and the others lit up with excitement.
They hadn't expected someone within the General Administration of Press and Publication to know this much about online fiction.
They were even more eager to talk with Ji Chun.
"That's why last year's web author Rich List was perfectly normal. It wasn't just about money; it highlighted the cultural influence of online fiction. It's also good for promoting Huaguo's soft power. Right now, Lingdian already has several anime adaptations in the works. We plan to collaborate with Japan's anime industry. Through our novels, we hope to give the domestic animation scene a boost. In this way, we're also supporting the growth of our national animation sector. Besides anime, we're also exploring movies, TV shows, and even games."
"Well said."
Ji Chun nodded in approval, listening intently and even praising them.
"President Wu, after hearing what you've said, I have a clearer understanding of online fiction. I'll be sure to relay your concerns to the higher-ups."
"Thank you, Director Ji. Thank you."
Wu Wencai quickly expressed his gratitude.
"But President Wu," Ji Chun added, "even though I agree with many of your points, you must also recognize the problems in the unchecked development of online fiction. Violent, pornographic, reactionary, gang-related content, there's a lot out there. Some novels aren't even about those things, but still get influenced and add harmful elements. I've even heard your authors have a saying: 'When your writing falls short, just throw in some smut.' It may be an exaggeration, but I believe many authors have been affected by this and include inappropriate content in their works. Sure, these tactics might boost clicks in the short term, but they hurt the industry in the long run. Don't you agree?"
"Well…"
Wu Wencai gave a somewhat awkward nod. "You're right, Director Ji."
"So today's visit serves two purposes: to understand web fiction, and to deliver the higher-ups' guidance. I believe that with cooperation between the state and your platform, web fiction can get on the right track. One day, we might even see a true century-defining literary classic emerge from this field."
With that, Ji Chun rose to his feet. "Alright, I think that's enough for today. We'll take our leave. If there's anything you'd like to discuss further, don't hesitate to reach out."
"Thank you, Director Ji."
Wu Wencai stood up and shook his hand.
Then, turning to the ever-stern Li Rong, he added, "Thank you as well, Director Li."
But Li Rong didn't extend his hand. "Save it. I don't want you thinking I came here to tear Lingdian down."
"Let's go, Director Ji. Time to head back."
With that, Li Rong and Ji Chun left Lingdian's headquarters.
"Director Ji, do you really believe in web fiction that much?"
On the way back, Li Rong asked, sounding surprised. "'A century-defining literary classic? Updating every day, two chapters a day. If traditional writers had to do that, they'd go insane. With that kind of brutal writing environment, producing a century-defining classic? Practically impossible."
"Director Li, you sure seem to know a lot about web fiction. If you understand their struggles, then why were you so harsh earlier?"
"That's where you're wrong. Web fiction has been left to run wild for too long. Without some pressure, they'll keep thinking they can write whatever they want. Sure, I speak harshly, but I get results."
"Fine, fine, you have your way. I'm just a little worried."
"Worried about what?"
"Even if the higher-ups don't want to stifle web fiction, and neither do we, our suggestions this time are honestly a bit strict. I'm afraid Lingdian won't survive the restructuring and might get swallowed up by competitors."
"Ji Chun, you worry too much. For any market to grow, all players, individuals, platforms, and companies must face the test of the market. The ones who survive will soar to new heights. The ones who don't… well, no loss there. Didn't you say you want a century-defining classic to emerge from web fiction? Without a little storm, how could such a work be born?"
Patting Ji Chun on the shoulder, Li Rong walked ahead with a knowing smile.
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