A plume in the hadal zone

Maomao, who is pathologically avoidant, will NEVER confront an uncomfortable truth in the early parts of her development.

This is why both Shisui and Jinshi are extremely important to her growth-- she tries to ignore signs and clues about both of them until the point she physically can't anymore. Though they're both apologetic for the lies they tell and the stress they put her through, both of these characters are pivotal parts of her arc.

Jinshi and Gyokuyou- The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 6 Bonus

Maomao and Jinshi - The Apothecary Diaries: Chapter 29

some fanfic writers put as much time, effort and research into their fics as writers who write original works do their books, if not more. (not saying every fanfic writer has to do their research, obviously, because fanfic is a hobby, not a job. but some fanfic writers do insane amounts of research on what they’re writing about, I believe some fic writers put more effort into their fics than writers who write original stories do their books.)

fanfic writers aren’t all children and teenagers either. while children and teenagers can absolutely write fics and while I think it’s super cool that they write at such a young age, a lot of fanfic writers are adults with jobs and responsibilities.

I’ve personally read fanfics that are way more professionally written than some best sellers out there.

whether a piece of writing is a fanfic or an original work has nothing to do with its quality. if anything, I’ll even argue that—while writers who publish original works—write as their careers, for money, fanfic writers literally write completely out of love and passion. there’s no money involved, no capitalism involved, no corporation behind their art. they write for free. without gaining anything in return. because they’re that passionate about the characters and the stories they write about.