A decade has passed since Wang first conceived the story, during which China's science fiction scene flourished. What was once a niche genre has gained wide recognition, drawing writers from diverse backgrounds and resonating with readers both at home and abroad. Writers from all walks of life create science fiction to reflect on reality and imagine the possibilities of the future based on the present.

Baoshu (real name Li Jun), 45, attributes this shift to several factors.

One influence is the popularity of sci-fi works like The Three-Body Problem trilogy.

"The trilogy has become very popular, beyond its original circle, becoming a global cultural phenomenon, which has fueled enthusiasm for science fiction," he explains.

Another factor is the impact of advancements in information technology and artificial intelligence.

As technology accelerates, even those who did not previously engage with science fiction now feel the world is becoming increasingly sci-fi-like, which is a deeper reason for its popularity.

"It seems that only the term 'science fiction' adequately describes our current reality in the 2020s," he notes.