"That will do."
Seeing the "you have to believe me" look on Fang Qiu's face, Bai Qing finally nodded.
The death of Kaori in the previous book had kept her from sleeping well for two consecutive days; even now, thinking about it left her feeling unsettled.
She still couldn't figure out how Fang Qiu, who clearly looked so gentle, could be cruel enough to write such a good character to her death.
However, despite the lingering regret, the ending of Your Lie in April wasn't unacceptable.
The deaths of Kaori and his mother allowed Arima Kousei to find a new life.
Although it was written very well, Bai Qing still hoped Fang Qiu wouldn't write like this next time.
It was bad for one's health.
"How are the settings and such coming along?"
Bai Qing asked.
"Mm, I have a rough idea in mind."
Fang Qiu nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "The story takes place in the era of the old Mondstadt aristocracy. In that era, nobles held absolute power, and the poor could barely survive..."
Fang Qiu roughly explained the setting.
For instance, changing the setting of the Titanic to a massive ship built with technology introduced to Mondstadt from Snezhnaya, capable of holding hundreds of people, and changing the voyage's destination to somewhere like Fontaine.
Bai Qing pondered as she listened.
Mondstadt borders Liyue, and trade between them is very close; many people from Mondstadt also travel to Liyue Harbor.
So, readers have a basic understanding of Mondstadt.
As for a large ship introducing Snezhnayan technology, that isn't hard to understand either.
Just as Bai Qing was about to ask Fang Qiu if she had thought out the story arc and the opening hook, she was interrupted by Fang Qiu.
"I'm facing a difficult problem right now."
Fang Qiu took a shallow sip of tea, looking troubled as she spoke.
"What problem?"
Bai Qing asked.
"I haven't thought of a name for this ship. I want to give it a symbolic name. For example, something that means 'unsinkable' in the Mondstadt language, which could also incidentally symbolize the eternal, unchanging love between the male and female protagonists."
Fang Qiu said.
Logically speaking, the movie from her past life was named Titanic, which in English implies a gigantic, unsinkable ship.
Come to think of it... if the ship didn't sink, it would be a disservice to the massive flag raised by its name.
So, here comes the problem.
In the Mondstadt language...
How do you say this word?
Is it Titanic?
"Ship name?"
Hearing Fang Qiu's words, Bai Qing froze for a moment. She looked at Fang Qiu, her eyes full of surprise.
She hadn't expected Fang Qiu to be so particular, paying such attention to detail.
Even the ship's name had to be carefully considered to have a unique meaning.
As expected of Fang Qiu.
Wait, if she's thought out so many details before even starting the new book, doesn't that mean there must be a massive amount of details in the already published Your Lie in April that she hadn't noticed?
For a moment, she actually felt the urge to read Your Lie in April again to carefully search for details in the text.
But thinking about it carefully, better not...
No need to look for suffering.
The sorrow felt the second time around wouldn't be any lighter than the first.
If one knows Kaori's ending from the start, reading the earlier plot brings a sense of desolation.
Such a good girl...
Sigh.
It hurts.
Fang Qiu, you old thief, you've lost your conscience! I shall live and die with Kaori!
Looking at the white-haired woman elegantly eating Lotus Cake in front of her, Bai Qing felt very resentful.
However, although she hadn't been in the job long, she was still a professional editor. After frowning in thought for a while, she offered her opinion.
"Although it might be better to use Mondstadt language here, for the ease of reading for Liyue people, it's best to use the Liyue language, don't you think?"
"No problem, I'll listen to you, Sister Bai."
Fang Qiu smiled and said.
Bai Qing thought for a moment and said, "How about we call it The Eternal?"
"The Eternal, huh? It seems okay as a book title too."
Fang Qiu pursed her delicate lips, stained with Lotus Cake, and spoke while chewing the pastry.
"Alright then, it's settled."
Bai Qing looked at Fang Qiu, whose cheeks were puffed up like a Slime, and couldn't help but smile.
The more she interacted with Fang Qiu, the more she felt that although Fang Qiu appeared on the surface to be a frail, quiet, talented woman who seemed capable of dyeing the surrounding space white just by sitting there, in reality, Fang Qiu's gestures revealed a very cute and lively aura.
It made one want to hug her to sleep.
However, Fang Qiu rarely showed this side.
She really wanted to use a Kamera to take a picture of Fang Qiu looking so cute eating cakes.
Hmm...
Wait...
"Did you just say 'as a book title'?"
Realizing what Fang Qiu had just said, Bai Qing's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes, I plan to name this novel after the ship."
Fang Qiu nodded and said.
"Wouldn't that be too hasty?"
Bai Qing couldn't help but widen her eyes and say.
The title Your Lie in April could be said to permeate the story from beginning to end.
The time of meeting was April, and the time of ending was April.
And the entire story took place within that lie named love by Miyazono Kaori.
Especially that final line, "The April when I met you is coming; the April without you is coming," not only struck the softest part of people's hearts but also answered the theme.
But for this book, Fang Qiu actually just wanted to use the ship's name as the title?
"I thought about using other names for the title, for example, My Heart Will Go On or something, but in the end, it's not as good as naming it after the ship."
Fang Qiu shook her head and said.
"Why do I think My Heart Will Go On is much better than The Eternal?"
Bai Qing asked, puzzled.
"It's too straightforward, so it loses the feeling."
Fang Qiu shook her head and said.
"Now that you mention it, that's true."
Bai Qing pondered slightly and said, "How about this? There's no rush to clarify things yet. Just use the term The Eternal in your manuscript for now. After I read the manuscript in a few days, we can discuss it properly."
"Mm, no problem."
Fang Qiu nodded.
Having settled this, Bai Qing was about to continue asking questions when she suddenly noticed Fang Qiu looking at the empty plate in front of her with a worried expression, seeming somewhat restless.
"Did you... eat anything for lunch?"
Bai Qing asked.
"I haven't eaten breakfast yet."
Fang Qiu said somewhat awkwardly.
"Alright then, let's stop here for today. Lotus Cakes aren't filling either; I'll take you to get some food."
Bai Qing sighed and said.
"But, about the novel..."
Fang Qiu hesitated.
"Meeting with the author is meant to help the author clarify their writing ideas and offer suggestions. Since you've already thought out the plot and settings, and are even thinking about details like the ship's name, there shouldn't be any problems. I believe in your skill; you will definitely be able to write a work no less inferior to Your Lie in April."
Bai Qing smiled and said.
Of course, there was an even bigger reason she didn't mention.
That was to urge the author to write the new book.
It was said that one of her seniors, in order to urge an author who had great talent but often didn't put pen to paper, went to their door every day carrying a knife and a watermelon to supervise.
As soon as the author opened the door, that senior would pat the watermelon in their hand with the knife and ask the author:
"Guess if this melon is ripe yet?"
It could be described as quite savage.
"Speak, what do you want to eat?"
Fang Qiu didn't hesitate at all.
"Wanmin Restaurant."
________________________________________
🌸 Help Love Bloom!
Our girls need a little push... and you can help!
💖 Gift for Everyone: Once we hit 50 Powerstones, I'll release +1 bonus chapter to warm your hearts.
🚀 Community Reward: If we reach 10 supporting members, we'll have a +5 chapter marathon across all stories! The romance won't stop.
👻 Come to our secret corner: Search for GirlsLove on (P). You know that's where the magic happens... 😉