While Mei Fang focused on product launches, his classmates endured military training under scorching sun—their suffering reduced to mere likes on Zhang Ming’s social media posts.
The military training exemption, negotiated through official channels, raised no eyebrows. Everyone understood the trio’s “college experience” was performative. In exchange, Mei Fang agreed to headline the closing ceremony in late September, hosting giveaways while Xia Yuan performed.
But that was future business. Tonight, in the company conference room, Mei Fang and Lin Youxi finalized plans for tomorrow’s pivotal event.
The Fandomverse Project wasn’t just Uncle’s light novel platform—it encompassed Mei Fang’s entire ecosystem. His vision? A Chinese equivalent of BlizzCon, an annual gaming extravaganza.
(Damn you, Activision Blizzard of my past life. Maybe in this timeline I’ll buy you out and fire Bobby Kotick and his cronies.)
Beyond the new novel imprint, the showcase would spotlight:
Unlike previous public appearances where Mei Fang dominated, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi would co-present—a test of their synergy.
(Though for these three, “test” was laughable. Their teamwork required zero rehearsal.)
Lin Youxi tapped the whiteboard. “Mobile’s set—Cloud Journey and Shadow Blade from Lingyou Studio are heavyweight enough. But the PC platform?”
She frowned. “Besides Gao Gan’s A Bird Story, it’s all indie devs with niche projects. Premature to launch both together.”
Mei Fang shook his head. “We need this momentum. Early announcement builds developer confidence—especially with GameJam incentives.”
“Without a killer app, it lacks punch. Unless…” Lin Youxi’s eyes gleamed. “You make one. Another Cloud Journey-level hit.”
“Working on it. But have you tried that pixel game I recommended? The one we secured for East Asian localization?”
Lin Youxi wrinkled her nose. “Gameplay’s solid, but the art…” Follow current novᴇls on NovᴇlFɪre.ɴet
“Indie constraints. But trust me—its narrative will redefine how you view games.” Mei Fang’s voice dropped. “The overseas hype’s insane. I’m… filled with DETERMINATION about this.”
Lin Youxi pinched his nose. “Weird phrasing. But fine—you’re presenting it anyway.”
“Wouldn’t disappoint my wife.”
The pet name barely fazed her now. Lin Youxi smirked. “Calling me that in front of YuanYuan? How will you distinguish us?”
As Mei Fang hesitated, Xia Yuan barged in with takeout.
“Midnight snacks! I shared the extra skewers with staff—hic—wait, why’re you staring?”
Lin Youxi seized the chance to tease: “We were debating if I’m the primary wife or second wife.”
Xia Yuan blinked. “And?”
“Just use ‘Yuan-wife’ and ‘Xi-wife’?” Mei Fang offered.
Lin Youxi pouted. “By age, I’m eldest. Shouldn’t I be primary wife?”
“Stop ranking! We’re equal thirds!” Xia Yuan huffed. Then, pondering: “Though… ‘little wife’ sounds cuter? Like being spoiled—giggle—”
Lin Youxi gaped. “No territorial instincts at all?”
“Why fight? A-Fang’s the real winner.” Xia Yuan passed out skewers. “Eat up! Energy for tomorrow.”
“You’re… an actual angel.” Lin Youxi took the food, softening. “Now I remember why kid-me adored you.”
“I do. But… A-Fang ranks higher.”
Xia Yuan flushed at the innuendo. “Phrasing!”
“Sorry, muscle memory.”
Their banter eased Mei Fang’s pre-launch nerves. “Let’s wrap up. We need rest for tomorrow.”
“But my VTuber debut rehearsal—”
“Improvise. Our motion-capture tech’s gone through many iterations.”
“Improvise? Then…” Xia Yuan hesitated. “I wrote a new song for my third album. Could debut it tomorrow?”
Mei Fang choked. “You wrote it? Lyrics too?”
(No plagiarism assist this time?)
“You’ve been swamped.” Xia Yuan twisted her sleeves. “I… wanted to contribute properly. But if it disrupts plans—”
“No! Let’s hear it. What’s the title?”
Xia Yuan mumbled into her collar: “Falling for My Childhood Friend.”
Mei Fang sputtered. “Sounds like a romance novel! And… blatantly autobiographical?”
“T-Too much? I can change—”
“It’s perfect. Sing it for us.”
“Let me recall the lyrics…”
Lin Youxi draped over Mei Fang, smirking. “If you forget, just watch us make out for inspiration.”
“Ew! Like some voyeur?!” Xia Yuan swatted her away.