Chapter 56: I Eat Tomatoes – The Grandfather of Chinese Web Novels

Note: All figures below are estimates based on publicly available information and Chinese publishing data. Actual figures may vary significantly.

Author Snapshot

• Author: I Eat Tomatoes (我吃西红柿, Wo Chi Xi Hong Shi; real name: Zhu Hongzhi)
• Type: Chinese web novelist
• Genre: Xianxia, xuanhuan, wuxia
• Career Span: 2005–present
• Notable Status: One of the “Three Great Platinum Authors” of Qidian; Stellar Transformations and Coiling Dragon translated internationally; pioneered modern xianxia genre; hundreds of millions of readers

The Tomato That Conquered Chinese Web Fiction

I Eat Tomatoes began writing on Qidian in 2005 and helped define the xianxia genre as it exploded across China. His works—Coiling Dragon, Stellar Transformations, Desolate Era—became the templates other authors copied. English translations introduced millions of Western readers to Chinese web fiction, making him one of the most influential (if not widely known in the West) authors in web fiction history.

Estimated Lifetime Gross Revenue

Total Estimated Range: $30 million to $50 million USD (2005-2024)

Chinese web novel economics differ from Western models; top authors earn enormous sums from reader subscriptions, tipping, and adaptation rights.

Revenue Breakdown by Source

1. Qidian/China Literature Subscriptions (Estimated: $15-25 million)

• Reader subscription fees for locked chapters
• Hundreds of millions of cumulative readers
• Multiple completed series
• Monthly income during active years: $200,000-$500,000+
• Revenue sharing with platform

2. Tipping/Rewards (Estimated: $5-10 million)

• Chinese readers “reward” authors with virtual currency
• Top authors receive enormous tips
• Cultural practice of supporting beloved authors

3. Adaptation Rights (Estimated: $5-10 million)

• Donghua (Chinese animation) adaptations
• Live-action drama rights
• Game adaptation rights
• Stellar Transformations adapted as donghua

4. Physical Publishing (Estimated: $3-5 million)

• Print editions in China
• Licensed merchandise

Top Works & Impact

Coiling Dragon (盘龙, Pan Long, 2008-2010)

Linley, a young sculptor, discovers a mysterious ring containing a powerful soul. His journey from weak child to supreme god spans 21 books and millions of words.

International Impact:

• Wuxiaworld translation introduced Chinese web novels to English readers
• “Coiling Dragon” became gateway for Western xianxia fans
• Influenced how Chinese novels are translated and consumed globally

Stellar Transformations (星辰变, 2007-2008)

Qin Yu, unable to cultivate normally, discovers an alternative path through body refinement and a mysterious meteor.

Desolate Era (莽荒纪, 2012-2016)

Ji Ning cultivates toward supreme power in a universe of immortals and gods. Considered IET’s most refined work.

Lord Xue Ying (雪鹰领主, 2014-2017)

Epic fantasy with Western-influenced worldbuilding.

Notable Business Decisions

1. Exclusive Platform Relationship

IET’s relationship with Qidian (China Literature) provided stability and massive platform reach.

2. Prolific Output

Multiple chapters daily during active periods. Chinese web novel economics reward volume.

3. Foundational Templates

His novels became templates for the xianxia genre—thousands of authors imitated his structures.

4. International Translation Rights

Allowing Wuxiaworld and other translators expanded his global reach.

The Template Maker

I Eat Tomatoes didn’t just write successful novels—he helped create the xianxia genre’s rules. The progression from mortal to immortal to god, the power level systems, the transmigration elements, the tournament arcs—these became genre conventions because IET used them effectively.

His international impact came through translation. Coiling Dragon on Wuxiaworld introduced millions of English readers to Chinese web fiction. The entire Western xianxia fandom owes something to IET’s work.

In the Golden Quill Chronicles, I Eat Tomatoes represents foundation—the author who helped build Chinese web fiction’s golden age, whose templates defined a genre, and whose translated works opened Chinese storytelling to the world.