During the lecture, Ye Mi elaborated on the cultural and geographical background as well as the creative process of her novel “Never Get Old”. She shared that prior to weaving “elements” into her novel, she would conduct extensive investigation, research, and interviews to ensure that these “elements” authentically reflect the distinctive features and charm of the regional scenery.
Furthermore, Ye Mi believes that a writer should not only fully depict natural scenes but ought to possess an imagination that transcends reality, with a critical aspect of this being the ability to envision the future. She referenced the “Overexposed Golden Velvet” created by artist Ying Xinxun inspired by “Never Get Old”, conveying a powerful viewpoint that when the state of “overexposure” pervades life, we lack the scrutiny of life details and the pursuit of non-materiality, which triggers anxiety at the spiritual level. According to Ye Mi, concepts aligned with the future and modernism ought to be stripped to their essence, advocating for a life that is both simple and deeply connected with the soul.
