Chapter 295

Chapter 295: Apart from Afang, There’s No Cloud

As a popular game in China’s gaming industry in 2013, “The Journey of Cloud” was not initially favored by investors but has now become a highly talked-about work under the promotion of Station C.

As a domestically produced “independent game,” its reputation and value far exceeded the commercial benefits it brought forth.

Especially noteworthy was that one of the creators of this work was also the most famous idol pop singer Xia Yuan, known as Baobao, who was still a high school sophomore preparing for college.

Mei Fang, Xia Yuan, and the behind-the-scenes Similu Studio had clearly become a major traffic hotspot. Whether it was players in the gaming domain or fans of pop music, everyone wanted to hear more about them.

After all, such a pairing of a genius game creator with a super-popular online idol singer was akin to a novel-worthy script.

Not to mention, there might be an underlying legend about Miss Lin You Xi behind it all.

Thus, Mei Fang’s private email was filled with interview invitations from various media outlets, even from the capital city.

In fact, Mei Fang had always maintained a cautious attitude towards the media, as the more he spoke, the more information he revealed.

He hadn’t planned on letting Lin You Xi step into the spotlight—of course, she herself didn’t want to either.

But to help “The Journey of Cloud” sell better, arranging some interviews for publicity was a good choice.

Since Mei You Yuan needed to maintain their mystery, there was a perfect role to present in these interviews—

Guo Yun, the design prototype of the game’s main character Gloudy, and the lead artist of the entire game.

“Y-You want me to do an exclusive interview?”

Guo Yun found this solution unbelievable, “I-I can’t… I’m alone…”

“You’re not alone. I, Yuan Yuan, You Xi, and everyone else at Similu will support you and encourage you.”

Mei Fang tried to persuade Guo Yun, “You can share your personal journey in the interview, including the changes in your mindset from junior high to high school, and what you want to say to those who criticize you.”

“If you use your platform well and speak sincerely, people will naturally see your video and cheer you on. Those spreading rumors will come forward to apologize.”

“It sounds possible… but…”

Guo Yun shrank back on her bed, looking like a delicate lady, “I really can’t… speaking about my journey in front of so many people… It feels so embarrassing.”

“This is just an exclusive interview; just tell the reporter what you want to say. It’s no different from making videos before.”

Xia Yuan comforted Guo Yun while turning to Mei Fang, “Afang, give Guanyun some encouragement!”

“Guanyun doesn’t need encouragement; she’s just being prideful.”

Mei Fang smiled, “You’ve endured the long journey of weight loss and fitness. This small challenge is nothing for you.”

“No, don’t say that! How can I handle it easily!”

Guo Yun blushed and threw things at Mei Fang, eventually calming down after a while.

“But… if the interview goes well, it could boost the sales of ‘The Journey of Cloud,’ right?”

Lin You Xi nodded, “This is something I wanted to remind you of. Although you may not care much about the prize, the recognition of increased sales would be very helpful.”

“I do care… definitely.”

Guo Yun mumbled, “In any case… I’ll give it a try. I don’t want to waste your efforts.”

Mei Fang corrected Guo Yun, “Don’t work hard for our sake, but for your own transformation and growth. Only then can you become a strong and brave Gloudy, independent and self-reliant.”

“Mm… I understand. I’ll prepare.”

Guo Yun replied softly, her voice barely audible.

As they left Guo Yun’s house, Mei Fang, Xia Yuan, and Lin You Xi chatted along the way. Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang and smiled, “Indeed, Guanyun listens to Afang’s advice. I thought she’d move away when she changed schools, but Afang convinced her to fight back.”

“It wasn’t just me. Yuan Yuan, you set a good example for her, which is why everyone contributed.”

“…”

Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi looked at Mei Fang involuntarily.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Afang, sometimes I wonder if you’re genuinely naive or pretending.”

Xia Yuan muttered, then separated from Mei Fang and said seriously, “When Guanyun faces difficulties, she immediately thinks of talking to you. That says a lot!”

“Because we’re deskmates, and you and Lin You Xi only know her through me. It’s normal to chat with me…”

She started drawing circles on Mei Fang’s chest, “And think about it, when you were nice to her in junior high, even though she looks good now, those boys around her can’t compare to you, who encouraged her in tough times.”

Lin You Xi smiled and added, “It’s like, once you’ve seen the sea, no other water compares; apart from Afang, there’s no cloud.”

“Even if you two say that…”

Mei Fang picked up Xia Yuan and kissed her cheek forcefully, “I’m a loyal man, knowing my limits. I’ll only love you two forever.”

“Don’t suddenly start teasing me! I didn’t mean to worry about you…”

Xia Yuan gently rubbed Mei Fang’s nose, “I just feel you have a great influence. Everyone around you has changed under your influence, but other girls are pitiful… Afang steals their hearts but doesn’t take responsibility, a truly sinful man.”

“There’s nothing I can do… after all, I only have two hands. Holding both of you is already my limit.”

Lin You Xi smiled and held Mei Fang’s arm, “If you had six arms, would you look for six wives?”

“Don’t make strange assumptions! And this is on the street, public displays of affection could get me killed socially!”

Mei Fang knew that caring for Guo Yun would shape his image in her eyes, but he wasn’t someone who ignored friends’ struggles out of caution. He trusted and had enough rapport with the two girls, allowing him to act freely.

Under Mei Fang’s arrangement, Guo Yun accepted an interview with a major domestic gaming media outlet. As the lead artist, she patiently shared her creative journey, including her efforts to change her appearance in middle school.

Mei Fang and others watched the interview from the audience, the only ones present. Sharing her story felt like opening up to friends.

She was no longer afraid to show her past and displayed her progress, sharing her achievements with a sudden laugh.

“Seeing the results of your past efforts and getting today’s rewards, you must be happy, like Gloudy in the story.”

“Yes… very happy.”

Though not fully recovered, Guo Yun looked much better than before.

“Honestly, the role I play in ‘The Journey of Cloud’ and my fitness results are closely related to the producer’s encouragement.”

“Oh? So you two are close?”

Guo Yun nodded slightly, “We were deskmates in middle school. When everyone mocked and belittled me, he treated me kindly, like he had known me for a long time, seeing me as a friend.”

Listening to Guo Yun’s story, Mei Fang panicked.

No, this wasn’t the script. She should be speaking out against unfair treatment at school.

Mei Fang frantically gestured to Guo Yun, who simply smiled and continued praising the producer’s excellence.

The sharp-eyed reporter sensed a breaking news moment, “Speaking of which, your producer is sitting below listening to you. He seems quite embarrassed. Any final words for him?”

“Mm…”

Looking at the defeated Mei Fang and the smiling Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi, Guo Yun smiled and said,

“I won’t repeat the gratitude; he doesn’t want me to. But if I had to say something, I hope to continue working with him, creating more interesting games for players. This way, my friendship with them can last forever.”

At the end, Guo Yun gave a thumbs-up to Mei Fang, smiling. Mei Fang understood—confident and cheerful, Guo Yun didn’t need to use this interview to complain about her past.

The interview video was included in “The Journey of Cloud’s” latest updates. With the new attractive female high school student featured and promotion on Station C, the traffic and comments poured in. Soon, teachers and classmates at Guo Yun’s school learned she was the lead artist.

As expected, the revelation of Guo Yun’s identity led to an investigation into the previous rumor incident. The boy who spread rumors apologized to Guo Yun.

Kind-hearted Guo Yun, worried about his exposure to the double-edged sword of the internet, did not demand a public apology, bringing the matter to a close.

Ah, this chapter about Guo Yun is crucial, but I can’t write it. I exaggerated, and I’m guilty.

(End of Chapter)