Later that afternoon, Liu and Lili settled beneath a quiet pavilion overlooking the koi pond, the sound of water rippling softly around them. Lili had opened her notes app, ready to draft a new webnovel chapter but hesitated, admitting, "Sometimes my language feels too heavy. I want readers to feel the story without stumbling over complex words."
Liu nodded, picking up a stray fallen leaf as an example. "Web novels thrive on clear, engaging prose. Short sentences, active verbs, and familiar words pull readers forward without slowing them down."
Lili tapped out a sentence she had written: "The ethereal moonlight cascaded over the jade-green pond, suffusing the surroundings with an otherworldly luminescence."
Liu read it aloud and then smiled. "Beautiful, but we can simplify." He typed a revision:
"Moonlight danced on the green pond, filling the air with magic."
He explained, "Notice how we use shorter phrases and strong verbs: 'danced' instead of 'cascaded,' 'magic' instead of 'otherworldly luminescence.' These choices make the image clear and the pace brisk."
Lili agreed, making another example. "Original: 'Her heart pounded with intoxicating anticipation as she awaited the stranger's arrival.'"
She paused and then rewrote: "Her heart raced as she waited for him."
"Exactly," Liu said. "We keep the emotion but drop extra modifiers. For web novels, simplicity invites more readers and keeps them reading."
They spent the next hour revising, Lili asking questions about word length, sentence rhythm, and how to keep voice intact. Liu recommended using a word frequency tool to choose common synonyms and ending each mini-chapter with a question or hint—a gentle cliffhanger.
When they finished, Lili looked up with a grateful smile. "Thank you. It feels alive and clear." Liu reached out, squeezing her hand. "Great stories are built on simple words that spark big feelings."
As the sun dipped lower, their voices and laughter mixed with the garden's evening chorus, weaving a new narrative together—one of clear words, vivid scenes, and shared creativity.