Chen Yeliang, a 32-year-old web novelist, did not expect to win an award for his work before fictional character Wang Zixu, the protagonist in his latest novel, won the Nobel Prize in literature in his novel.

But truth, they say, can be stranger than fiction. On Aug 2, Chen won second prize in the 9th Writing Competition for Online Literature with Realistic Themes. The event was hosted by online publishing company Yuewen Group.

Wang, from Chen's prizewinning web novel I'm No Literary Giant, is a literary man in his 30s living an unremarkable life while staying true to his love for literature and boldly pursuing his dream of winning a Nobel Prize in literature.

This semi-autobiographical web novel has been described as "a love letter for creators" as it delves into the complex literary scene and directly addresses the struggles of literary enthusiasts.

With humor and wit, it portrays the clash between the chaotic realities of life and personal aspirations.