After deciding on the strategy of using multiple pen names, Lovia felt the pressure in her heart dissipate significantly. She rewrote her reply to the Bookstore Owner, subtly mentioning at the end, "To avoid trouble, there may be works under other names in the future, which I hope you will also appraise." She believed that with the owner's wisdom, he would naturally understand her meaning.
Having dealt with this matter, she stretched, her wings and antennae extending along with her.
Outside the window, Liyue Harbor was completely shrouded in night, with only scattered lights and the fishing fires from the distant docks flickering in the darkness.
Over the next few days, Lovia followed her plan, drafting "safe" story outlines while keeping an ear out for rumors in Liyue Harbor, especially those concerning "Mr. Li Xin."
Fortunately, aside from a few readers expressing their anticipation for Lovia's new work while chatting at the Bookshop, she heard no particular rumors. That "extraordinary" visitor seemed to have no further actions for the time being.
This allowed her to breathe a small sigh of relief, but it also strengthened her resolve to upgrade her "manuscript submission process."
However, the immediate priority was to restock some paper and ink for writing.
The weather was fine that day, and sunlight spilled through the clouds onto the streets of Liyue Harbor, bringing a touch of Warmth.
As usual, Lovia put on her oversized Hooded cloak, tightly concealing her conspicuous antennae, wings, and tail. After confirming everything was in order, she stepped out of her secluded little shack.
She planned to go to the stationery shop she frequent (the one where she met Xingqiu and Chongyun before); the quality of the paper and pens there was good, and the prices were fair.
Arriving at the stationery shop with practiced ease, the bell at the door gave a crisp "ding-ling" as she pushed it open, startling her (the door had been open last time). The shop owner seemed busy in the back room and didn't come out to greet her immediately.
Lovia was happy for the peace and quiet, her eyes carefully scanning the shelves. Last time she had been in a rush and unsettled, with no chance to take a good look. Today, as she looked closely, her eyes couldn't help but light up.
Beside the traditional stationery—various brushes and inkstones—there was actually a separate glass counter. The items displayed inside made her heart skip a beat.
They were several writing tools that, while ancient in design, were clearly different from brushes!
She stepped closer and saw that lying in the counter were things clearly similar to the "fountain pens" and "Zhongbai pens" from her original world.
Enough! She'd truly had enough of brushes! Lovia cheered internally.
Although she had practiced brush calligraphy diligently to blend into Teyvat and could barely manage a neat and clear hand, the writing speed was slow and extremely mentally taxing.
For someone like her who needed to spend long hours writing at a desk, this was the ultimate efficiency killer. Every time she finished a manuscript, her wrists were sore and stiff, and even the tips of her wings felt numb.
Suppressing her excitement, she pointed to a "Zhongbai pen" in the counter that looked excellent and asked the shopkeeper, who had emerged from the back room at the sound: "Shopkeeper, this... how much is it?"
Seeing her interest, the shopkeeper explained with a smile, "Ah, you have a good eye, miss. This is a 'liquid pen.' It uses a special ink, so you don't have to keep dipping it like a brush. One fill lasts a long time—it's very convenient. It's just a bit more expensive than ordinary brushes, and the ink has to be bought separately."
So it's called a liquid pen? It looks and sounds exactly like a "Zhongbai pen"!
Lovia realized that the continent of Teyvat also had similar technological developments, just with different names.
She paid without hesitation, "Please give me two of them, and two bottles of ink to match."
For her future creative plans and to liberate her wrists from the torment of the brush, this investment was entirely worth it!
After paying and carefully tucking them into her small pouch, Lovia felt that her path of creation had become much brighter.
With the new tools ready, it was time to head back. Lovia left the stationery shop with a light step.
However, the streets and alleys of Liyue Harbor are always full of unexpected encounters.
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