Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the varying perceptions and experiences of students regarding the classic Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" as a recommended reading in high school, highlighting differences based on gender and regional educational practices [2][6][12]. Group 1: Student Experiences - Students' attitudes towards "Dream of the Red Chamber" differ significantly, with boys often favoring action-oriented classics like "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and girls showing a preference for "Dream of the Red Chamber" due to its nuanced portrayal of female characters [5][6][12]. - In Jiangsu province, "Dream of the Red Chamber" has been included in the high school entrance examination since 2008, leading to a more structured approach to its study compared to other regions where its examination content is less complex [3][7][9]. - The collective reading experience in Jiangsu, where students discussed the novel in class, contrasts with the more isolated study methods in other provinces, affecting their understanding and appreciation of the text [9][12]. Group 2: Character Preferences - Students express diverse preferences for characters in "Dream of the Red Chamber," with some finding deeper connections to characters like Jia Tanchun and Wang Xifeng, reflecting their personal values and life experiences [10][11][12]. - The tragic elements of the characters' fates resonate with students, particularly the sense of struggle against societal constraints, which adds to the novel's appeal [11][12]. Group 3: Cultural Context and Modern Relevance - The article notes that while "Dream of the Red Chamber" remains a staple in literature education, modern distractions such as short videos and games have diminished the reading culture among youth [16][20]. - Despite the challenges of adapting "Dream of the Red Chamber" into contemporary media formats, there is still a significant interest in its themes and characters, indicating its lasting impact on Chinese literature [17][18]. - Students believe that the novel's themes, such as gender roles and familial dynamics, still hold relevance today, allowing for connections to modern societal issues [12][20].

Group 1 - The user base of Chinese online literature has reached 575 million, with approximately 200 million active users overseas, representing 51.9% of the total internet users in China [1][2] - The core reading demographic is aged between 26 to 45 years, accounting for about 50% of all readers, while the "post-2000" generation constitutes nearly 25% of the readership, driving growth [1] - The "silver-haired" demographic, aged 60 and above, has expanded significantly, now making up over 10% of the reading population, influencing the themes and content of online literature [1] Group 2 - In 2024, there were approximately 30,000 new adaptations authorized for various types of intellectual property (IP), indicating a vibrant downstream industry [1] - The emergence of the "Z generation" as a significant force in online literature creation is highlighted, with 2.8 million new registered authors and 350,000 new signed authors, nearly four-fifths of whom are from this generation [1] - Chinese online literature is transitioning from mere content output to building a global IP ecosystem, with notable works being included in prestigious institutions and achieving global distribution [2]