Initially, Zhang Heng thought that he would be surrounded when he entered the room. However, other than a few people standing by the door who noticed him, the rest of the people did not react at all. They continued with their own business.
The debate in the room had reached its climax. Zhang Heng had already recognized the female fantasy author who had spoken earlier. However, her opponent, a red-necked man with a high-spirited expression, was giving out orders. Zhang Heng had no idea where he came from. Judging from his attire, he should be a poet active in the seventeenth or eighteenth century.
Other than that, a bearded man with slicked-back hair joined the debate. He also stood opposite the female author. "I read your book, madam. Forgive me for being blunt, but I couldn't continue after three chapters. I believe that no matter what kind of creation it is, it should be based on one's own life experience. Only truth can move people. Before I wrote 'Moby Dick', I was a sailor at sea for four years. I even went out to sea with a whaling ship.
"I watched those strong men who made a living at sea. I watched how they defeated fate and how they dealt with storms. It was then that I made up my mind to write a story about them. However," the bearded man's voice lowered. "This book was not well received at that time. I guess that no matter what era it is, people like to read those weird, unsophisticated stories."
"My story also originated from my own life. I just put a layer of magic on it. I believe Mr. Gandalf will agree with me." The woman turned her gaze to a thin, white-haired old man, looking for an ally.
The latter did not disappoint. "Fantasy is a type of literature. Behind the absurd story, the author's true feelings are also hidden." He seemed to have thought of something, sighed, and poured himself another glass of red wine.
"But still, entertainment value is greater than artistic value." Another voice spoke. It was a Jewish man with big eyes, a high nose, deep eye sockets, and slender ears, making him look a bit like a vampire. "I don't care about the readability of the article, because my work is first and foremost for me to explore the value and meaning of life. As for whether others can read it or not, what does it have to do with me?
"My first teacher always told me that stories should have a beginning and an ending, a time and place, and a clear set of values. But to be honest, I don't care about those things at all. I agree with the reasonable use of cross-dressing and absurd writing techniques, but those things are not meant for the general public."
"That sounds too arrogant." The woman frowned.
"But geniuses have always been arrogant." The Jewish man shrugged.
Just when everyone was busy arguing, someone finally noticed Zhang Heng, who had just walked in. "Great! There's a new face here. He should be a newcomer to the salon. We should ask him for his opinion."
"Go ahead, I don't care anyway." An American man curled up on the sofa, puffing on a cloud of smoke while hugging a girl. He was dressed like a hippie, yawning.
But other than him, many people were waiting for Zhang Heng's answer.
Although Zhang Heng knew that many people would scoff at his words, he did not hesitate because he had already thought of the answer to this question before he entered the quest. "I want to write a book that everyone likes to read, one that can quickly become popular."
"Boring!"
"This child has gone astray!"
"That's too polite. It should be said that he's hopeless."
"Another piece of sh * t! Who invited him? Newcomers these days are too utilitarian. " Some people immediately shook their heads when they heard Zhang Heng's words. They looked distressed, as if Zhang Heng had done something rebellious.
But on the other hand, there were also some people who found Heng pleasing to the eye.
"Well said."
"I think this young man's wish is not bad. No one said that popularity is wrong. Don't forget, even if you guys are stubborn, your works have become popular after your death. "
"…"
Zhang Heng was already mentally prepared for this. If it were in a traditional game, this would probably be a lineup selection event. After the lineup was established, the favorability of people in the same lineup would increase. Conversely, the favorability of people in the opposite camp would plummet.
Of course, there were also players who wanted to mix well with both sides. When faced with such a situation, they could play a trick and ride the wall. If they did it well, the favorability of both sides would not increase or decrease.
But for Zhang Heng, there was no need for this because he did not lie. What he said earlier was his true feelings.
"If you want to explore the secrets of popularity, you can come to me. I live in Room 207," the fantasy best-selling female author said enthusiastically. After a pause, she continued mysteriously, "Are you free tomorrow morning? I can introduce you to someone else. He's the greatest writer in human history. Everyone knows his name. His plays are known by everyone. Even after hundreds of years, his stories will still be found in every book we write."
Although Professor Mag did not say the person's name, Zhang Heng already knew who she was talking about.
— William Shakespeare. Although there had always been a saying that there was no first in literature and no second in martial arts, Shakespeare was indeed the most influential author.
If you could listen to Shakespeare's personal explanation of his writing methods, you would definitely benefit a lot. Even if Shakespeare's plays were based on the market environment and audience's preferences at the time, his writing methods were actually common. Moreover, Shakespeare's plays had lasted for hundreds of years, which was probably the true popularity.
Just as Zhang Heng was about to sit down and chat with the fantasy best-selling female author, the noisy hall suddenly quieted down.
Then, everyone's eyes gradually focused on the fireplace. The firewood inside was already burning, crackling loudly.
Zhang Heng then noticed that the fantasy best-selling female author's face also showed a touch of excitement. She sat up straight and said to Zhang Heng, "It's coming. It's about to start."
"What's starting?"
"The monthly salon story meeting," the fantasy best-selling female author blinked. The fantasy best-selling female author blinked her eyes. "The winner can meet the owner of this place, have dinner with him, and then... obtain the right to leave this place."
"Leave this place?"
"Of course. This place is great. There are food and drinks, and you can meet a lot of masters, both dead and alive. Everyone gathers together and talks. Well, of course, sometimes people will argue with each other like just now. After all, every author has their own characteristics and things that they insist on. If it were so easy to be convinced by others, we wouldn't need to be in this line of work. But no matter how good a place is, one will get bored after living for a long time."
The fantasy best-selling female author seemed to have thought of something. "By the way, how's your writing? Although it's hard to have a standard for this kind of thing, the owner of this place still managed to give everyone a rating. If it's me, I'm probably between level 2 and 3. What about you?"
Zhang Heng looked at his character panel, where his writing skills were still at Level 0.
"Looks like I'll have to stay here for a while," Zhang Heng said.
Come on, tell me what delicious food you had today … and remember to exercise more tomorrow. Otherwise, you'll grow fat.
(End of Chapter)
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