In Blue Star, a message suddenly surged to the top of the trending list.
Countless players clicked in, discovering that it was a video posted by a brand new account named "Tao Yao, Who Loves Cherries."
The title of the video boldly read:
"Universe's Invincible Beautiful Girl Tao Yao, Making Her Dazzling Debut!"
Curious, players opened the video.
A familiar voice came from the screen:
"This is how you turn on the camera, right?"
A pink figure appeared on the screen.
She adjusted herself in front of the camera and then took a few steps back.
Waving gently at the camera, she flashed a bright smile.
"It's been a long time, everyone! Have you missed me?"
Tao Yao tilted her head, striking a listening pose.
"Mm..."
She waited quietly for a few seconds and then playfully winked.
"If you don't answer, that means you have defaulted!"
"Let me guess... seeing me should make you very happy right now!"
"And then, you're confused. Why am I here?"
"And why am I making this video? You're curious, aren't you? You must be curious, right?"
At this point, Tao Yao paused slightly, her face suddenly displaying a sweet smile.
"Alright, I won't keep you in suspense."
"In fact, I have a major announcement to make! Starting today, I, Tao Yao, will officially become the mascot of 'Fairy Journey!' What does this mean? It means that in the days to come, I will personally bring you the latest information and updates about the game!"
Tao Yao said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with starry light.
"But that's not all! Do you know? In the upcoming version 1.5, I will personally host the version preview live stream!"
"That's right, it's me, Tao Yao! I will bring you first-hand information about game updates, including new maps, characters, storylines, and various exciting new gameplay!"
She gently jumped a little, her pink long hair swaying with her movement.
"I know everyone must be eager to learn more details."
"Don't worry, you'll soon be able to see me in the live stream! At that time, I hope everyone can show lots of support! After all, this is my debut!"
"If my debut goes unnoticed, I'd be really sad..."
Tao Yao playfully winked and flashed a sweet smile.
"Oh, and there's one more thing I want to tell everyone. Starting today, I will periodically update some interesting video content on this platform. It might be game guides, or snippets of daily moments. In any case, I hope everyone can keep an eye on me!"
She made a cute face.
"Alright, that's all for today's video! Remember to like, follow, and share! See you next time, bye bye!"
Tao Yao waved goodbye; the video ended immediately.
The comment section below the video instantly erupted.
"???"
"What the hell? Is this for real?"
"Is that really Tao Yao?"
"Oh my god! Is there an official certification? Is this really Tao Yao?"
"Mom! Did I see wrong? Tao Yao actually came to our pink website?"
"Tao Yao's account level is only level one? Haha, I caught her! Quick, let's bully her while we can!!"
"Mascot? I just remembered that the game's logo has been changing, and I haven't seen a mascot. If it's Tao Yao..."
"Whoa! The mascot Tao Yao, how exciting is this!"
The heat and view count of the video soared at an astonishing speed.
Within just a few hours of being released, the view count was already approaching a million.
The excitement continued to rise.
The topic #Tao Yao Official Mascot# quickly topped the trending lists on major social media platforms.
Meanwhile, in the game world.
Tao Yao, who had just finished celebrating the Moon Viewing Festival with Forget-Me-Not, was satisfied, watching the video she had just released.
She hummed a little tune, her face beaming with a happy smile.
[Owner, owner!]
The system spirit Xiao Xiao suddenly shouted excitedly,
[Your popularity has increased! Since you released the video, it has already risen by 100,000!]
Tao Yao wore a faint smile on her face.
With a soft hand, she gently captured the system spirit Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao suddenly felt confused, looking at Tao Yao with puzzlement.
[Owner, what are you doing?]
Tao Yao's smile grew even brighter as she said to Xiao Xiao:
"Since we've achieved great results, let's quickly help design the new version of Old Flower Language!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao immediately displayed an expression of wanting to flee.
[Ah no! I want to rest, rest!]
To help Tao Yao successfully settle into the pink platform, Xiao Xiao had spent a lot of effort.
She had been busy for a long time, and just as the video came out not long ago, Tao Yao was pulling her back to work again.
The system spirit Xiao Xiao felt a wave of pain.
However, no matter how Xiao Xiao struggled to resist,
She was forcibly pressed by Tao Yao into the development of the new version of Old Flower Language.
"Come on Xiao Xiao, let's work hard together to make the new version even better!"
Tao Yao said enthusiastically, completely ignoring Xiao Xiao's whimpers.
[Wuwuwu, owner you are too merciless...]
...
At the same time.
In a hospital on Blue Star.
Hua Yu anxiously paced back and forth in the hospital corridor, her face filled with worry.
At this moment, she was completely unable to pay attention to the news online,
Because just this morning, her younger sister Hua Lei's condition suddenly worsened.
Hua Lei's face had turned unusually pale, and she looked extremely weak.
Hua Yu immediately took her sister to the hospital.
Previously, her sister had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia,
And she had also stayed in the hospital for a while.
After finally getting discharged and returning home, now there was another problem.
Hua Yu's heart was filled with anxiety and fear.
She kept recalling her sister's recent situation, trying to find the reason for the sudden deterioration of her illness.
Finally, after a long wait, a doctor in a white coat came out.
Hua Yu immediately rushed over, asking urgently:
"Doctor, what are the test results?"
The doctor let out a slight sigh, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness:
"The condition has worsened. Has your sister experienced any emotional disturbances recently?"
Hua Yu paused for a moment, carefully recalling, and then replied:
"The emotional ups and downs have been quite significant... She has been playing a game recently, and it seems she often cries because of the game's storyline."
The doctor frowned and explained: "You know that your sister has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This illness is already tricky, and emotional fluctuations can greatly affect her condition. It's a miracle that she has managed to hold on for half a year."
"What should we do now?" Hua Yu asked eagerly.
The doctor replied: "We need to start a new round of chemotherapy immediately. Also, I suggest you pay more attention to her emotional state. The treatment process for acute leukemia is very long, and the patient's psychological state has a significant impact on the treatment outcome."
Hua Yu silently nodded, her heart filled with mixed feelings.
The doctor continued:
"Additionally, we need to conduct some detailed examinations to determine the current condition. You should go handle the hospitalization procedures; we will arrange for chemotherapy as soon as possible."
"Okay, I understand." Hua Yu replied quietly.
After completing the hospitalization procedures, Hua Yu entered the ward.
Hua Lei was lying on the hospital bed, looking like she had grown accustomed to this environment.
Surprisingly, she had a smile on her face, holding her phone and watching something.
Seeing her sister enter, Hua Lei excitedly said:
"Sis, come quick! Sister Tao Yao is about to start her virtual live stream! I'm so looking forward to it!"
Hua Lei's words should have been something joyful and exciting,
But at this moment, Hua Yu felt anything but happy.
Worry and hesitation were written all over her face.
Noticing her sister's unusual demeanor, Hua Lei asked in confusion:
"Sis, what's wrong? Did the doctor tell you something?"
Hua Yu hesitated for a long time and finally spoke with difficulty:
"Little Hua Lei, can you please not play Fairy Journey anymore?"
Fairy Journey is a story-driven game,
And currently, the storyline is filled with too much tragedy.
Hua Lei's obsession with this game made her emotions easily affected by the game's narrative, often getting sad along with the plot.
Moreover, with Hua Lei's illness, she could not endure such emotional fluctuations.
Continuing to play this game that would inevitably bring pain, Hua Yu felt it was too dangerous.
However, contrary to Hua Yu's expectations, after hearing this request, Hua Lei's smile actually became even brighter.
"Sis, actually I know I won't live long."
Hua Lei said softly,
"Although the treatment cycle for leukemia is long, that's relative, under good circumstances."
"I don't have your luck, and I absolutely do not expect to heal."
"And it's this game that has kept me going until now, so no matter what the doctor told you, I don't want to give up this game!"
Hua Yu hurriedly said: "But..."
Hua Lei interrupted her sister:
"Alright sis, I know you're worried about my emotional issues. But if it weren't for Tao Yao, I wouldn't have made it this far."
Looking at her sister's determined eyes, Hua Yu ultimately chose to compromise.
"Alright."
She sighed but immediately became serious and reminded, "But you have to play less. If there's anything you need to do, I'll help you. You must promise me to cooperate with the upcoming chemotherapy and absolutely cannot refuse treatment like before."
A warm smile appeared on Hua Lei's face:
"Don't worry, sis. Ever since I met Tao Yao, have you seen me not being positive?"
Hua Yu paused slightly.
Thinking carefully, it seemed to indeed be the case.
Compared to before, her sister's emotions were much lower.
Though she has experienced emotional ups and downs since playing Fairy Journey, undeniably, it has improved a lot compared to before.
Looking at the smile on her sister's face, Hua Yu felt a mix of emotions.
She wanted Hua Lei to be happy,
But at the same time, she was worried that the game might affect her illness.
However, at this moment, all she could do was give her best effort to be by her sister's side, providing her with the utmost support and love.
"Okay, then you promise me to take good care of your treatment and not get too addicted to the game, okay?" Hua Yu gently said.
Hua Lei nodded vigorously:
"Mm! I promise you, sis. I will do my best to cooperate with the treatment. But, can you do me a favor?"
"What favor?"
"Can you record Sister Tao Yao's live stream? I'm afraid I won't be able to watch it then."
Hua Lei said a bit shyly.
Hua Yu smiled helplessly:
"Okay, I promise you. But you have to rest well and wait for the nurse to come check on you."
"Mm!" Hua Lei happily responded.
Time flew by, and the day of Tao Yao's live stream was getting closer.
During this time, some confused messages occasionally flashed across Hua Yu's live streaming room.
"By the way, why haven't the two sisters streamed lately?"
"Yeah, it's been a long time since we saw them."
"Where did Sister Hua Yu and Little Sister Hua Lei go?"
These questions soon received responses.
"Check the updates yourself, Little Sister Hua Lei went to the hospital..."
"Huh? Were they fine before? Why did she suddenly get hospitalized?"
"Who knows? This matter was really sudden."
"Originally, Hua Yu was planning to release a video, but then this happened and it kept dragging on."
The comments were suddenly filled with worry and blessings.
"Little Sister Hua Lei, get well soon!"
"Without the two sisters, that Snow Dog is dominating the Fairy Journey live streaming section, I really can't take it."
"Damn! Why isn't Sakura Fubuki the one hospitalized?"
However, soon others began discussing the upcoming Tao Yao live stream.
"Don't worry, Snow Dog won't be around for long; after all, my Tao Yao wife is the queen of the Fairy Journey live streaming section."
"That Snow Dog is only fit to hold Tao Yao's shoes!"
"I know! Suddenly looking forward to Tao Yao's live stream."
Meanwhile, in reality, Hua Yu was unaware of the discussions about herself online.
She was fully accompanying her sister Hua Lei through the chemotherapy.
In the hospital's chemotherapy room, Hua Lei lay on a special treatment bed surrounded by various complex devices.
Several bags of different colored medications hung on the IV pole, connected through thin tubes to her arm.
Hua Yu held her sister's hand, silently accompanying her.
The nurse was adjusting the medication drip rate while carefully observing Hua Lei's reactions.
As the chemotherapy drugs slowly entered Hua Lei's body, a series of uncomfortable reactions occurred.
She began to feel nauseous and dizzy, her complexion becoming pale.
"Sis, I feel so bad..." Hua Lei weakly said.
Hua Yu gently stroked her sister's forehead, softly comforting:
"Hang in there, Little Hua Lei. This is to help you get better."
As the chemotherapy progressed, Hua Lei's physical reactions became increasingly intense.
She started vomiting, feeling powerless all over, and even experienced mild fever.
The medical staff quickly took measures, injecting anti-nausea and fever-reducing medication.
What saddened Hua Lei the most was that her hair began to fall out in clumps.
Every time she brushed her hair, a large handful would be left on the comb.
Eventually, she had no choice but to shave all her hair off.
After the chemotherapy, Hua Lei appeared even weaker than before.
She lay on the hospital bed, wearing a pink hat that covered her bald scalp.
Hua Yu sat by the bed, gently holding her sister's hand.
At that moment, Hua Yu glanced at the time on her phone and suddenly remembered something.
She took out her tablet from her backpack, ready to open Tao Yao's live stream on time.
She clearly remembered that Tao Yao was supposed to start her virtual live stream at this time.
Moreover, she promised her sister to watch together, so if her sister couldn't watch, she would have to record it.
"Sis..."
Hua Lei on the sickbed moved slightly, her eyes lighting up.
Hua Yu immediately understood and gently said:
"Alright, alright, I'll hold it up for you."
She adjusted her position so that Hua Lei could comfortably see the tablet screen.
The live stream picture quickly appeared on the screen.
The number of viewers had already surpassed 9999+ and was continually increasing.
Comments surged like a tidal wave, nearly overwhelming the entire screen.
"Tao Yao wife, I'm here!"
"I've finally waited for this day!"
"Let's go, let's go, let's go!"
These enthusiastic comments refreshed incessantly, showcasing fans' anticipation and excitement.
Moments later.
The live stream's picture began to change.
A pleasant music played.
Then, Tao Yao poked her head from the edge of the screen.
As she saw an audience, she quickly retracted it.
Time passed again.
A virtual character gradually appeared on the screen, coming closer.
It was a beautiful girl with pink hair and bright eyes.
"Hello everyone, I'm your Tao Yao!"
A crisp and pleasant voice emerged from the screen.
Comments erupted instantly:
"Ah ah ah! Tao Yao wife is so cute!"
"This modeling is too exquisite!"
"No wonder she's the officially certified mascot!"
Hua Lei kept her eyes glued to the screen, a long-awaited smile on her face.
Hua Yu looked at her sister's reaction, feeling both happy and a bit bittersweet.
She silently prayed that Tao Yao's live stream would bring her sister more joy and hope.
Just then, Tao Yao began her opening statement, officially starting the live stream.
Noticing the passionate comments filling the screen, Tao Yao smiled sweetly:
"Wow, everyone is so enthusiastic!"
She was about to continue speaking when she suddenly noticed the flashing gift effects on the screen; her smile instantly vanished, replaced by a hint of displeasure:
"Eh? Who sent gifts? You're blocking my face!"
As Tao Yao's voice trailed off, all the gifts that had originally filled the screen and even forced messages disappeared at once.
Despite being a virtual live stream, Tao Yao behaved like a real person, leaving the audience in awe.
Tao Yao once again displayed a sweet smile as she slowly stepped into the scene. She walked up to a delicate swing and elegantly sat down.
"Alright, let's start today's live stream segment. First, let me introduce the process of today's live stream."
Tao Yao gently rocked the swing, her voice crisp and pleasant,
"At the very beginning of the live stream, I will introduce the secret messages regarding the new version one by one."
"After that, there will be a simple reading comments section."
"And finally, at the very end, I will randomly select a few beautiful girls for interactive commentary."
She playfully winked and continued:
"Without further ado, let's get started!"
As soon as Tao Yao's words finished, the live stream screen suddenly changed to display a beautiful animation.
In the scene, the main character team was walking in the Land of Dawn.
The sky displayed a faint purplish-red hue, with the distant mountain outlines subtly visible.
Suddenly, the earth began to shake violently.
Cracks appeared like spider webs on the ground, gradually widening.
A deafening roar echoed above the Land of Dawn, sending chills down the spine.
The camera pulled back, revealing a giant monster breaking through the ground.
It had a lizard-like body, adorned with sharp bone spikes on its back, its eyes gleaming with a crimson glow.
The monster let out a bellow towards the sky, creating shockwaves that stirred up enormous clouds of dust.
The members of the main character team immediately took on battle stances, each unleashing their own power.
Dark clouds filled the sky, lightning cracked through the air, and the entire scene was filled with epic tension.
As the animation ended, Tao Yao's voice slowly carried forth:
"As you all saw, version 1.5 features another wicked monster. We will need everyone to battle this monster together~"
Her tone carried a playful hint,
"But I have a little secret to reveal to you all. Version 1.5 will be the last major version of the Land of Dawn."
"And in this final major version, besides the new monsters and storylines, the game's popular mode, Old Flower Language, will naturally also receive an update."
"Now, please watch the animation~"
The live stream's picture changed again, showing an even grander and more magnificent scene.
The powers of various fairies intertwined and collided in mid-air, creating dazzling lights.
These forces impacted one another, resulting in the destruction of entire cities.
In the scene, skyscrapers collapsed, the ground cracked, and flames spread everywhere.
The figures of fairies flickered throughout the ruins,
They were either fighting or fleeing.
The entire world seemed to descend into a chaotic apocalypse.
Finally, the camera slowly zoomed in, focusing on a patch of ruins.
A lone figure of a girl with pink hair wandered among them,
Her steps steady and composed, as if searching for something amid the destruction.
With one animation after another promoting the content,
Tao Yao slowly introduced the new version's details with her sweet, gentle voice.
She playfully winked at times and at others seriously explained, showing strong affinity.
Before long, the segment promoting the new version came to an end.
Next came the segment where Tao Yao personally read the comments.
"Um... let me see what questions everyone has. I hope they won't be too excessive..."
In the screen, Tao Yao actually pulled out a phone.
Then she began to study it seriously.
Of course.
Due to the sheer number of comments,
Tao Yao only selected some that weren't too excessive.
For example.
"Among Dà Hiyakura, Xiǎo Hiyakura, and Forget-Me-Not, who does Tao Yao like the most?"
"Who do you like the most?"
In the screen, Tao Yao seemed to seriously ponder this question,
Then she smiled sweetly and said, "Why choose? A mature and beautiful adult, when faced with a dilemma, shouldn't they just pick all?"
"In the game's storyline, will I be able to see you in the future?"
"Of course! As long as there's a chance, Tao Yao will always appear before you!"
"Am I really dead?"
"Ah... have I already died? If that's the case... are you all now seeing my ghost?"
The segment of reading comments continued on.
Hua Yu also tried sending several comments.
But they sank like stones into the sea, receiving no response.
Before long.
Tao Yao clapped her hands and nimbly jumped down from the swing.
"Next up is the interactive commentary segment."
She stretched, her movements playful and cute, then expressed:
"Um... let me see how to select someone."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously, as if contemplating some interesting idea.
The audience's comments surged once again,
Everyone hoped to be selected by Tao Yao for an interactive stream.