Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

After Uncle Chen Rui finished introducing the content about Fandomverse Library, everyone could see Mei Fang's determination to expand his business empire into the light novel field.

The online literature market is currently a coveted piece of fat that many industry leaders have their eyes on. In this era where IP is king, web novels that have already proven their market appeal at low cost can serve as excellent source material for drama adaptations, comic adaptations, and game adaptations when they have accumulated a substantial fan base.

However, it must be said that this market is currently surrounded by fierce competition. Everyone knows about Tencent's ambition to swallow up Shengda in this market, and this year's publicly tested game "Fight the God" is precisely adapted from the legendary web novel "Monkey King's Journey," which sufficiently demonstrates Tencent's emphasis on IP adaptations.

Overall, it would be unwise to directly compete in this market against a financial backer hundreds of times larger than oneself.

But Mei Fang took a different approach, choosing to enter through the currently less contested niche track of light novels while strengthening his position as a leader in ACG (Anime, Comic, Game) culture. This clever move also leaves open the possibility of future cooperation with Tencent.

After Chen Rui completed his explanation and left the stage, Mei Fang continued the topic:

"As everyone knows, the broad ACG culture includes four major fields: Anime, Comic, Game, and Novel. Currently in China, the most promising among these is the gaming ecosystem."

"With recent industry developments, mobile gaming revenue has been increasing year by year, surpassing PC gaming last year to become the most powerful monetization type in the gaming market."

"Online mobile games have strong monetization capabilities, and a successful online game also boasts extremely high user retention. Our C Station gaming forum has developed over ten million active users in recent years, more than half of whom have purchased indie games like 'Cloud Journey' and 'To the Moon.' This shows us everyone's love for indie games."

"This independent spirit comes from love—it requires you to become a versatile producer to achieve your goals. Because of this love, no matter how much hardship and effort it takes, it's all worth it."

"I respect all indie game developers, including myself, because when I first started making games, I also went through lots of trial and error. During that time, I really wished for a more robust, more localized platform that could give me quicker access to players."

"You could say… because I've been through the rain, I want to hold an umbrella for others. This is our G Plan—TabTab."

The large screen behind Mei Fang displayed two similarly shaped brand logos.

"This is TabTab Desktop and TabTab Mobile. Regarding the positioning and future strategy of this product, I'd like to invite my good partner, lifelong collaborator, the Young Miss Lin Youxi, to introduce it to us!"

Amid applause from the guests, Lin Youxi walked slowly from the side of the stage and nodded in greeting to the audience.

"Hello everyone, I'm C Station's technical lead, Lin Youxi. You might be more familiar with the name 'Young Miss,' though I'm still not quite used to being called that."

Lin Youxi was wearing the same Pengcheng University uniform as Mei Fang, and standing side by side, they looked like a perfect young couple.

"Just now, A-Fang added some strange personal flavor to his introduction—'lifelong collaborator'? I never agreed to that title."

The guests burst into laughter, and Mei Fang next to her scratched his head sheepishly. "Don't expose me like that. I finally came up with such a cool title on the spot."

"You should've discussed it with me first and gotten my approval."

"So you don't want to be my lifelong collaborator?"

"In terms of work… of course, that's fine."

"Great!"

Lin Youxi gave Mei Fang a small smile. "Remember to sign a contract with me later. You'd better have a sense of contractual spirit."

At this moment, the mischievous photographer switched the LED screen to show Lin Youxi's smiling gaze fixed on Mei Fang. The guests suddenly felt their hearts grow younger, erupting in cheers—a small but public display of affection.

After taking the stage, Lin Youxi began introducing TabTab's dual-platform plan. The mobile version was the part that executives paid more attention to. At that time, TabTab would inherit the data from C Station's gaming forum and become an independent app.

This app would allow users to download games listed on TabTab through this channel platform. Lin Youxi promised that TabTab Mobile would strongly support users' UGC (user-generated content) creations, using player word-of-mouth and ratings as the primary user guide. It would also pioneer a buy-to-play model in China, providing a direct communication platform between developers and players.

TabTab's interface layout adopted a clean, card-based modular design, much purer compared to the various built-in app stores or third-party app stores currently on the market.

The two flagship mobile products this time were Cimigo Games' masterpiece "Cloud Journey: Mobile Edition," which would simultaneously receive a new DLC storyline.

The other was "Phantom Blade," an ink-wash style ARPG wuxia game developed by Soulframe's Liang Qiwei, who had established Lingyou Studio with Mei Fang's investment. At the same time, Lin Youxi expressed that all game developers were welcome to join. The Tab Plan would not charge any fees beyond advertising promotion and operational support.

The desktop version of TabTab was more like a domestic version of Steam for the indie game track, used to publish and introduce various excellent buy-to-play indie games.

Unlike the mobile version, the desktop version was almost entirely buy-to-play. Currently, the mobile and desktop versions only shared the name TabTab, with at most some cross-platform linking for the same game.

Alongside the TabTab product presentation was the announcement of the first "Xi Dimension Game Developers Competition." This competition was divided into two tracks: one was a conventional product competition, with submissions for the TabTab dual-platform and independent judging for awards.

The other track was a Game Jam, similar to a game marathon, where participants would freely form teams and develop a small game within a short time based on a given theme, also judged independently for awards.

"The purpose of this competition is to inspire the creative passion of domestic gaming enthusiasts. I sincerely hope everyone can find happiness and fulfillment in the process of developing games. We don't want this passion to be betrayed."

Lin Youxi continued in her speech, "Just as A-Fang said, my initial motivation for participating in game development also came from this love."

"My birth mother passed away when I was very young, and my father was busy with work. For me, the happiest thing in my childhood was going to A-Fang's house to play video games. We played Contra, Legend, Bubble Fantasy, Fantasy Westward Journey, Yarn Island, and many, many more games together."

"And it was under A-Fang's influence that I began learning about code and programming. You could say A-Fang shaped who I am today…"

Wasn't Youxi's speech starting to sound more like a public display of affection at this point?!

Seeing the murmurs from the audience below, although Mei Fang felt somewhat embarrassed inside, he was also incredibly proud.

A girl who openly expresses your deep bond without hesitation in public is already a sign of lifelong commitment—what reason is there not to cherish her?

After Lin Youxi's introduction concluded, everyone responded with prolonged, enthusiastic applause. Before leaving the stage, the two tacitly gave each other a light high-five in celebration, then walked backstage.

At this point, Mei Fang continued his presentation:

"Having discussed our Fandomverse gaming plan, let's now talk about the livestreaming industry… Over the past two years, the livestreaming industry has been booming. As one of the earliest participants in livestreaming, our C Station's 'Captain Plan' has gained many supporters domestically."

"But unlike conventional livestreaming platforms, ACG users are generally younger on average. Because we immerse ourselves in the ACG world, we're naturally socially awkward shut-ins. Many users find it hard to face a real camera directly, making them reluctant to showcase themselves on platforms and unable to freely express their true selves."

"To address this, we've come up with a new idea—a way for us socially awkward shut-ins to happily interact without showing our faces—"

At this moment, the LED screen behind Mei Fang displayed a pink-haired, blue-eyed anime-style beauty, who was intently staring at the screen. Noticing the camera switch, she turned her head to confirm before greeting the audience.

"Is it my turn? Is it my turn? Hello, everyone at the Fandomverse Project! I'm your good friend, Yuanbao desu!"

The lively and vivid appearance of the anime girl "Yuanbao" on screen astonished the attending guests, sparking lively discussions.

"Is this… a video animation? Or a livestream recording?"

"Motion capture? A virtual avatar livestream, right?"

"The model generation looks very natural… This is quite interesting."

Although the previous two product presentations had some novelty and showcased Mei Fang's future development prospects, they couldn't compare to the impact of this new, yet-to-be-widely-adopted technology in China.

"This is the new virtual livestreaming technology we're currently planning to promote gradually. By wearing the corresponding motion capture equipment, you can fully transform your persona into an anime-style avatar."

As Mei Fang was professionally explaining this virtual livestreaming technology, the Yuanbao on the LED screen grew increasingly impatient listening to his technical jargon. Finally, she couldn't help but interrupt him:

"A-Fang, A-Fang! Didn't you say I'd be the one to introduce this part? I memorized all the lines! Why are you stealing my thunder?"

"Ah… You prepared for this part? Sorry… I thought you wouldn't remember so many technical terms."

"How could I not remember them? Don't underestimate me! Ugh, you're the worst!"

The Yuanbao on the LED screen looked adorably pouty, and the guests responded with continuous applause. After laughing and apologizing, Mei Fang yielded the technical introduction to Xia Yuan.

Since this was an impromptu live demonstration, there was no sense of artificiality. Everyone enjoyed the show immensely. Finally, Yuanbao demonstrated the virtual prop interaction feature by playing her new song "Falling for My Childhood Friend" on a [virtual guitar].

Xia Yuan's lyrics were lighthearted and melodious, brimming with energetic vibes and sweet, straightforward affection. Mei Fang closed his eyes and listened quietly, enjoying the happiness of publicly flirting at the product launch.

Yuanbao's fanbase seemed broader than expected, and the surprise new song received even more applause than before.

Finally, Xia Yuan also stepped onto the stage to demonstrate the actual effects of this motion capture equipment.

"Of course, the current cost of this set of equipment is still relatively high. Considering that most content creators can't afford it, we'll also release a facial tracking plugin for virtual livestreaming software that primarily focuses on facial expressions."

"This feature will be integrated into the livestreaming plugin, and we'll provide some free and paid virtual models."

"Additionally, we'll later open up a DIY model design feature. User-created models can be published online for others to download for free or purchase after approval, with 70% of the revenue going to the creators…"

As Mei Fang elaborated on the strategic vision for virtual streamers, Xia Yuan listened attentively beside him, her eyes filled with love for him.

The mischievous photographer zoomed in on Xia Yuan at this moment, but thanks to the motion capture virtual imaging, the LED screen showed Xia Yuan's Yuanbao anime avatar instead. Noticing the crowd's focus, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan turned to look. When Xia Yuan realized she was the center of attention, she covered her face in embarrassment, while Mei Fang calmly remarked:

"Looks like our photographer here knows how to stir things up… I'll have a nice chat with him after the launch event."

The crowd burst into laughter—the comedic effect was truly maximized.

After completing the virtual streamer product launch, Xia Yuan returned backstage to applause, where Lin Youxi greeted her:

"Your singing was so sweet just now—even I felt the chemistry."

"You—you were the one who said things like 'The you of today was shaped by A-Fang.' I could never say something like that."

"Well, tonight—"

Lin Youxi leaned in and whispered teasingly into Xia Yuan's ear: "Who was it that kept saying they wanted to take 'A-Fang's shape'—"

"Stop it! That's a completely different matter…"

Xia Yuan playfully pummeled Lin Youxi for a while before the two settled down to continue watching their beloved on stage.

"The above covers all the content of today's Fandomverse product launch. However, at the end, I still have a few words I'd like to share with everyone."

Mei Fang cleared his throat.

"This year is particularly memorable for me, Yuanbao, and the Young Miss, as we've all officially turned 18 and become students at Pengcheng University."

"Growing up means we can no longer live the carefree lives of childhood sweethearts, innocent and unburdened."

"We have our own goals and ambitions to pursue. Some things are inevitable sacrifices—peaceful, leisurely days, the freedom to do as we please. Beyond that, we'll also face countless criticisms and setbacks in the future."

"But when it comes to our future, I don't feel any confusion or fear at all. Because ever since I was five years old and began forming memories, these two have always been by my side. With them accompanying me, I believe I can accomplish anything."

"No amount of wealth or fame can compare to the enduring bond we forged as children, linking our pinkies in promise."

"The feelings between the three of us began as friendship, later blurring into hazy romance, but ultimately transforming into something more like family. Now, I believe what we share can no longer be simply defined by any one of these three emotions."

"They are like extensions of myself—an inseparable part of my life. No one else can intervene, and no one can replace them. On life's journey, we've mostly walked hand in hand in the past, just as we do today, and just as we undoubtedly will in the future."

At the Fandomverse product launch, Mei Fang deeply and emotionally expressed his love for Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi. Everyone listened quietly, and Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan sat together in the audience, listening as well.

At this moment, they felt no embarrassment, because Mei Fang was merely stating the facts of their more than decade-long relationship.

"And to commemorate the bond between the three of us, while also aligning with our strategic brand management plan—after consulting with other company executives—I am announcing today at this Fandomverse product launch the unified strategic brand we've established."

On the screen behind Mei Fang appeared a large brand logo, along with the strategic brand name he had chosen—

[YuanXi Interactive Entertainment]

The moment this name was revealed, the combined characters made Mei Fang's intentions perfectly clear. The audience erupted in continuous applause.

This was the surprise Mei Fang had kept hidden from Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan. When they saw it, the two tacitly exchanged a smile.

"The meaning behind this name likely needs no further elaboration. Consider it a small gift for Yuanbao and the Young Miss."

"YuanXi Interactive Entertainment will serve as the umbrella brand for all our products—C Station, Cimigo Games, Yuanxia Music, and all future Fandomverse initiatives—focusing on company management and investments."

"Establishing this group also signifies that YuanXi Interactive Entertainment will transition from a community-based operation to a commercialized one. We will dedicate ourselves to expanding our presence in the ACG field, making our products more standardized, professional, and high-quality, while providing users with a safer, more stable, and healthier environment for creation and entertainment."

"In the past, fan subtitle groups made monumental contributions to C Station's thriving development and the spread of ACG culture. While we are grateful, we also want to properly compensate them for their work, preserving the achievements they've earned while giving them due recognition for their efforts."

"To this end, over the past few years, C Station has been working hard to legally license a large number of anime series, directly collaborating with fan translators' localization efforts. This allows us to shed the label of operating without copyright while also enabling domestic ACG fans to watch anime on C Station with dignity and ease. At the same time, it ensures that support from our domestic users can directly benefit Japanese production teams, fostering bilateral exchange."

"From a long-term perspective, the wave of official licensing for anime is an unstoppable trend. For YuanXi Interactive Entertainment to go further, I believe this is an unavoidable expense."

The screen behind Mei Fang displayed an extensive list of anime titles. Thanks to his knowledge of the future, he had already secured licensing for many highly popular series such asA Certain Magical Index,Date A Live, andFate.

Since August 2014, Japanese copyright holders had begun filing lawsuits against overseas piracy. Mei Fang's actions could be seen as preemptively securing rights before the copyright wars intensified.

"Officially licensing anime will undoubtedly impose significant additional costs on our group. However, I believe this is a necessary step for YuanXi Interactive Entertainment to standardize and establish itself in the market. It's also the foundation of C Station's existence. We will continue to prioritize and enhance the user experience on our platform, ensuring that C Station can truly remain an eternal, unspoiled home for ACG enthusiasts."

By spearheading the copyright wars on behalf of YuanXi Interactive Entertainment, Mei Fang signaled that the era of officially licensed anime had begun with this launch event. In the future, YuanXi Interactive Entertainment would inevitably face a prolonged and difficult battle, but Mei Fang was fully prepared—at the very least, he had already secured the initiative.

"With that, we've covered all the content of today's Fandomverse Project product launch. Once again, thank you all for coming and for taking the time to learn about what might currently seem like immature product plans."

"But as I've said in my much-parodied 'Mei Fang Style' that everyone loves to meme—you may look down on our youth, but it's precisely because we're young that we won't easily lose our original aspirations. We will pursue our pure dreams and prove to everyone that together, we in the ACG community will create an entirely new era. Thank you, everyone!"

Amid thunderous, unending applause, Mei Fang slowly walked off the stage. Countless cameras and lights focused on him, and he felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

In the past, he had always thought of people on stage as unapproachably lofty. But now that he stood there himself, he felt not the pressure of loneliness at the top, but instead an excitement unlike anything before.

Just like the first time he played guitar on stage, encouraged by Xia Yuan.

No matter what, there were always two people in the audience supporting him—

As Mei Fang stepped off the stage, both Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi approached to congratulate him.

This time, he didn't hesitate at all—he hugged them both at the same time.

To outsiders, it looked like a hug full of camaraderie.

This legendary moment was captured on camera and widely circulated as a classic photo from the early days of YuanXi Interactive Entertainment.

Author's Note:

The major business transition arc is complete! Next, we return to the daily life portions. For the university arc, I'll try to balance career and slice-of-life elements, with gaming development as the main focus. Let's see how this approach turns out!