Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Mi Huyou’s Studio Is Actually Full of Acquaintances?!
Mo Li's words had left a deep impression on Youlan.
In truth, she and her team had always dreamed of creating a game that would capture the hearts of players worldwide. Their goal wasn't just to gain fame or fortune; they wanted to craft a masterpiece that would stand the test of time.
However, achieving that goal as a small independent studio was nearly impossible.
Even their most recent project, Save the Girl, had been a Herculean effort, developed almost entirely by Youlan herself. Despite the passion and dedication they poured into the game, it failed to gain the recognition they had hoped for.
Mo Li's insights had struck a nerve. She couldn't deny that her team was "generating electricity for love," as the saying went—working tirelessly without pay simply because of their shared passion for gaming.
Although this was voluntary, Youlan couldn't let things continue like this. Her team had their own lives to lead. Without income, how could they sustain themselves?
After mulling it over, Youlan finally nodded. "Mr. Mo Li, please give me a moment. I need to make a call."
"Of course," Mo Li said with a smile. "Take your time."
A few minutes later, Youlan returned, her long legs carrying her back to their table with grace. "Mr. Mo Li," she said, "do you have time to visit our studio?"
Mo Li knew he was making progress. He smiled brightly. "I'd be delighted. Shall we go now?"
Mi Huyou Studio
Meanwhile, at the Mi Huyou studio, a group of girls was gathered around in anticipation.
If Mo Li had been there, he would've been shocked to recognize all the girls as characters he knew all too well.
There was Youlan herself, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Hollander.
Sitting nearby was Rita, exuding charm with her alluring voice and graceful figure.
Across from her sat Gan Yu, dignified and delicate, her icy blue hair framing her face.
Ji Zi, ambitious and confident, leaned back casually in her chair, while Fu Hua, the ever-reliable "Shenzhou flatbed," sat quietly in thought.
At the center of it all was Bronya, who was surrounded by the group. Her long silver hair and calm demeanor matched her in-game counterpart perfectly.
"Bronya, what's the update?" Ji Zi asked.
Bronya hung up the phone, her usual expressionless face now tinged with seriousness. "Big sister says the investor wants to buy the studio, not just invest in it."
"What?"
"An acquisition?" Ji Zi frowned. "That's suspicious. Why would someone want to buy us out? We're barely keeping the lights on."
Mei, seated nearby, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We have nothing worth buying, let alone investing in. Why would anyone be interested?"
Rita chuckled softly, her voice playful. "Oh, come on, everyone. Isn't it obvious? The investor must've seen Hollander during the game launch and decided to come for her."
The group exchanged skeptical glances but couldn't deny that Rita's theory had some merit.
"But," Bronya interrupted, her voice steady, "big sister said the investor wants to speak with all of us first. She wants us to hear him out."
"Does that mean she's seriously considering selling?" Gan Yu asked, her tone worried.
"If the studio gets sold," Rita murmured, her smile fading, "I might leave."
Rita truly loved her current life. Every day, she worked on games with her friends, shared ideas, and celebrated the little victories of seeing new players discover their creations.
If the studio were sold, everything would change. The tight-knit camaraderie they shared would likely be lost forever.
"And let's not forget," Rita added, "the buyer is a man."
Her words cast a somber mood over the room.
After a long silence, Ji Zi tried to lighten the mood. "Come on, now. Bronya said it's just a discussion. No decisions have been made yet."
"Exactly," Fu Hua agreed. "Big sister values our opinions. She wouldn't move forward without consulting us first."
As the girls reassured one another, the studio door slowly creaked open.
Youlan stepped inside, the sound of her high heels echoing in the quiet room. A young man followed closely behind her.
"Big sister!" Bronya called out.
Youlan nodded at the group. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce Mr. Mo Li, the investor we've been discussing."
All eyes turned to Mo Li.
"Wow," Ji Zi quipped, a teasing smile on her lips. "He's quite the handsome guy."
But Mo Li wasn't focused on her comment.
Standing in the doorway, he was frozen in shock.
These faces... these voices...
They weren't just similar to the characters he knew—they were the characters.
The resemblance was uncanny. It was as though they had stepped out of the game and into the real world.
And the studio wasn't just filled with familiar faces—it was filled with icons.
"Your studio..." Mo Li began hesitantly, "is this everyone?"
Youlan nodded. "Yes. Everything you saw in Save the Girl was developed by us."
Mo Li pursed his lips, trying to process the surreal scene before him.
Ever since inheriting memories of Earth, he had admired the characters from Honkai Impact III and Genshin Impact. But to see them here, in reality...
It was almost too much to believe.
And then it hit him.
If these girls were the real-life counterparts of those characters, then creating Honkai Impact III and Genshin Impact himself could lead to complications. What if they accused him of stealing their likenesses?
While there was a difference between 2D and reality, the similarities in their names, appearances, and personalities would undoubtedly raise eyebrows.
He couldn't afford to take that risk.
"Mr. Mo Li?" Youlan's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Ah," Mo Li said, regaining his composure. "Forgive me. I was just a little surprised. I didn't expect your entire studio to consist of such talented young women."
Ji Zi smirked, crossing her arms. "What, were you expecting a room full of middle-aged men?"
The group chuckled softly, and even Mo Li allowed himself a small smile.
"Jokes aside," he said, his tone serious, "I've seen the love and dedication you all have for your work. It's evident in Save the Girl. But as I've told Miss Youlan, I believe your potential is being held back by your circumstances."
The girls exchanged glances, their earlier apprehension giving way to curiosity.
Bronya stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. "Mr. Mo Li, I think you've noticed that we're here because we love games, not money. We want the freedom to create without being controlled."
Mo Li nodded. "I understand your concerns, and I respect them."
"But before you dismiss me entirely," he continued, "allow me to share my vision..."