Farewell Song

赵祥亦Aug 2023

2.9

Word count: 55K words
Chapters: 10

Summary

This book follows Zhao Shiyu's choice between dreams and reality. Through three endings, it expresses Zhao Shiyu's obsession with dreams, and ultimately the two are separated, parted forever.

Editor's review

Li Ge revolves around Zhao Shiyu's choice between dreams and reality, presenting different trajectories of the same obsession through three endings, deliberately making readers confront the question of "persist or let go" again and again. The author Zhao Xiangyi does not reduce the choice to right or wrong, but lets each ending carry a possibility, ultimately converging on separation and eternal parting, giving the whole work a clear air of regret and looking back. The book's value lies in using the multi-ending form to amplify the character's inner obsession, letting readers see how the same feeling leads to different destinations under different choices. Suitable for readers willing to accept an open structure and not seeking a single, satisfying answer. When reading, place the three endings side by side and compare them, noting what Zhao Shiyu gives up and what he holds onto in each trajectory.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who enjoy multi-ending narratives and open structures
Readers who resonate with the theme of choosing between dreams and reality
Readers willing to experience the character's obsession through a regretful conclusion

Not a good fit for

Readers who only accept a single, clear ending
Readers expecting a light, happy love story

Reading tips

After reading the three endings in order, go back and compare what Zhao Shiyu gains and loses in each choice.
Pay attention to how "obsession" manifests differently in the three endings, rather than focusing only on the final separation.
After finishing, write a short review recording which ending you most agree with and why.

版权信息
楔子
第一章
第二章
第三章
第四章
第五章
第六章
第七章
第八章

FAQ

What is the relationship between the three endings?

The three endings are parallel trajectories of the same character under different choices between dreams and reality, not a simple chronological continuation. Together they express Zhao Shiyu's obsession with dreams, and all ultimately lead to the two being separated and parted forever, but the process and emphasis differ in each.

Is this book suitable to read as a love story?

It contains the emotional thread of the two being separated and parted forever, but its focus is more on the choice between dreams and reality and the presentation of obsession. If you expect only the setup, development, climax, and resolution of a traditional love story, you may find the structure unusual; if you are willing to accept multiple endings and a regretful conclusion, it will fit better.

Is it normal to feel regret after reading?

Yes. The work concludes with separation and eternal parting; it does not offer a satisfying answer but lets readers face the cost of choice. Feeling regret shows that the multi-ending structure is working, and you can use it to look back at which ending you invested in most.

Comments

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About the author

赵祥亦 Author · Chinese

Zhao Xiangyi is a contemporary Chinese author who began writing in 2014. His work consists mainly of novels and philosophical essays, and he has published dozens of titles on platforms such as Dangdang Cloud Reading, Migu Reading and QQ Reading, including The Legend of the Medical Hero, Soul Prison, Revelation, Record of the Heart and The Road Home, with 29 titles held in the collection. Representative works include Sa Ye, Xiang Si Ling, Sha Po Lang, Li Ge, Southbound and Northbound, The Fantastic Journey Chronicles, Soul Prison and The Gathering, and his books are commonly classified as social fiction, otherworld fantasy and science fiction. Influenced by Lu Xun, he attends to reality and human nature, does not shy away from real social problems, and often ends his stories with a note of idealism. Public information about his birth year, education and writing career is limited, so his profile is known mainly through the subjects and style of his works.