System: Master Your Life

Chapter 839 - 207: Shang Wanjun’s New Book Signing Event

"What novel are you planning to write lately?"

"An ancient setting but with references to the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties period; this time I want to explore human nature."

When it comes to novels, Shang Wanjun becomes enthusiastic, then starts talking to Xu Lin about how she would write this novel and how to explore human nature.

Since it references the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties, anyone who knows a little about this era knows that the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties was not a great era.

Xu Lin remembers hearing about the so-called Wei Jin elegance during high school, talking about the romance of that period, while the social darkness was glossed over since, in high school Chinese classes, when they studied those ancient poetry appreciation texts, they constantly reflected social darkness and various injustices, with ancient people often frustrated and disillusioned, passionately expressing themselves in writing, so Xu Lin became immune to the so-called social darkness.

But when he read some history, he finally realized how turbulent and unstable the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties was, with many extremely bloody and dark events occurring, a society beyond what words can describe as the collapse of rituals and music.

Although history books typically gloss over it.

Such a turbulent society is actually quite suitable for exploring human nature, because it can be the soil where various darkness breeds. If the world is peaceful, everyone is well-fed and warmly clothed, with family at home, a lot of darkness would be hidden and not be as bloody and plainly presented as in chaotic times.

Shang Wanjun has quite the pursuit for writing novels and likes to explore certain things.

Moreover, Xu Lin noticed that Shang Wanjun’s book is more daring and more provocative now, seemingly because her second novel went through approval, particularly the teacher-student romance one, Shang Wanjun decided to use a greater scale.

However, the scope here doesn’t refer to anything erotic; in fact, within the approval standards, eroticism is the lightest. Just like the early internet literature’s dark novels, some of which depict human nature too darkly, they’re directly banned.

But Shang Wanjun wouldn’t depict human nature’s darkness through blood and violence like low-level web novel authors, instead crafting with more meticulous and eerie writing.

Simply put, her writing is very good, knowing how to handle it.

"Perhaps eventually this will become your main profession."

Xu Lin said, "Do you still want to work outside?"

"Of course, when I work, I can meet various people, making it easier for me to understand the myriad lives, see the world, see all beings, and eventually see myself."

"That’s quite thoughtful."

"How about you?"

"Me? I have too many things to do; in the future, I’ll become famous, constantly in the limelight, and words might not have much to do with me."

"That’s a bit of a pity."

"Just a little, I wonder if you can understand, men and women are two different groups; what boys pursue, I mean, beyond personal low-level desires, those grand pursuits above, like family, country, world, saving lives like a hanging pot, etcetera."

"To be precise, it’s our Huaxia men."

Shang Wanjun corrected.

"That’s true."

Xu Lin thought for a moment, then came to a realization.

Since Huaxia began with Confucianism, especially after Emperor Wu of Han revered Confucianism, Huaxia men’s ultimate pursuit has been self-cultivation, managing family, governing the country, and pacifying the world. These concepts have been cultivated through generations, influencing many who, despite not reading much, are affected by this cultural system, having grand ambitions such as seeing social injustice and wanting to do something, yet feeling indignantly helpless when unable to achieve it. If the nation is broken and the family ruined, they can sacrifice for justice, and so on, encompassing various grand spirits.

Other countries aren’t devoid of these spirits, but they don’t have them as widespread as Huaxia.

The two of them talked quite a long time tonight.

Finally sleeping at two in the morning.

The next day.

In the morning, Shang Wanjun finished washing up, then started putting on makeup again.

Shang Wanjun usually puts quite a bit of thought into her makeup.

Just like today, after makeup, her facial features became more three-dimensional and aggressive.

Regarding this, Xu Lin couldn’t help saying, "Today’s makeup is quite aggressive."

Shang Wanjun replied, "At the new book signing event, readers will meet me, but I don’t want to be a gentle female writer; I want to be a glamorous female writer!"

"Being glamorous is more captivating than gentle."

"Then I want to be very captivating today, at least today!"

Shang Wanjun asked, "What kind of clothes do you think I should wear?"

"Anything inside, but add an overcoat for a more dashing look."

"Then I’ll follow yesterday’s style."

Therefore, today under the high collar sweater, pants were slightly flared jeans, and lastly a coat, all in black, dressed like yesterday but with a different set of clothes.

After dressing, Shang Wanjun put on a black octagonal cap.

Today’s Shang Wanjun was dressed entirely in black; if she didn’t speak, she would appear very aloof, yet truly captivating.

"Oh, there’s also a scarf."

So, the scarf was brown.

"Let’s go have breakfast!"

Shang Wanjun said, "I’ll treat!"

"Ok."

Not mentioning breakfast in the morning, a little after eight, many malls are still closed at this time.

Xu Lin and Shang Wanjun had a simple breakfast and then set off for the book signing event’s location.

Shang Wanjun’s new book signing event was held at a large bookstore in Jiangdu.

This bookstore was previously responsible for selling Shang Wanjun’s first book, also being one of the main bookstores selling her book.