"I've watched the short films you produced.
Especially Dramatic Irony—the cinematography and storyboarding could be called flawless.
The acting, lighting, set design, and filming techniques in that short were masterclass.
Your company's team must be highly professional!"
Himeko listened to Welt Yang's analysis while sipping her coffee with a smile.
"Actually, everything you just mentioned was done by our boss, Su Chen, alone."
"Oh! I see." Welt Yang took a sip of freshly brewed tea.
"Pfft— W-wait, alone?"
Even the usually stoic Welt Yang was momentarily stunned.
"That's unbelievable! Himeko, you can't be serious!"
"At first, I didn't believe it either. But after witnessing Su Chen's expertise firsthand,
I realized—I'd underestimated this world too much!
And the script in your hands was also written by our boss."
"Hahaha..." Welt Yang exhaled in relief, smiling faintly.
"Hearing you talk about him makes me eager to meet him!"
——
Herta Space Station – Base Zone set.
"Oh my god! Boss Asta—no, Stationmaster Asta! This scene is legendary!"
Asta's employees, currently playing the roles of station researchers, were gathered around, watching an intense sequence unfold.
Kafka and Silver Wolf moved with agile grace,
while Firefly's controlled Antimatter Legion units matched them blow for blow.
Firefly was simultaneously piloting four types of Voidrangers—
"Baryon," "Anti-Baryon," "Trampler," and "Distorter."
Despite the demanding conditions, she handled them effortlessly.
Nearby, Su Chen wielded a camera, his movements fluid as he captured every angle.
Dan Heng had temporarily taken over as director in Su Chen's absence.
Even someone as composed as Dan Heng
was utterly engrossed in the footage on the monitor.
This wasn't just filming—
it was more like documenting events straight out of Honkai: Star Rail.
For a moment, it was hard to tell whether what they were seeing was real or fiction.
They—
all of them—were living in the world of Honkai: Star Rail.
It felt too real.
A closer look revealed that Kafka and Silver Wolf's mannerisms were no different from usual.
As if, just as Su Chen had said, the script had chosen them, not the other way around.
Moreover, Su Chen spared no expense—
sets were built on demand,
costumes weren't half-hearted but fully functional,
and the "Antimatter Legion" mechs were meticulously crafted.
He was too formidable!
Su Chen!
After witnessing this action-packed sequence, everyone's morale was at an all-time high.
They threw themselves into their roles wholeheartedly,
with zero pressure—because they were simply being themselves.
Soon.
The scene reached its climax as Kafka clenched a glowing golden sphere in her hand.
Su Chen shouted, "CUT!!!"
It took everyone a few seconds to snap out of it, their expressions still brimming with excitement.
"Perfect!" Su Chen marveled at the footage.
"This is more than enough to edit the first episode flawlessly."
Silver Wolf scurried over to Su Chen.
"Boss, want me to handle the video editing?
Or any special effects you need done?"
"Nothing comes without a price. Still not giving up?
I can handle the editing and effects for now.
After work, just go play your games."
Before she could protest, Su Chen gathered all the footage and left in a flash.
——
Not long after.
Inside a rundown building near the café, Su Chen sat at his workstation.
Though the exterior looked shabby, the interior had been thoroughly renovated.
This was Su Chen's temporary base—
equipped with several high-end computers,
nearly draining his entire budget.
After unlocking two sets and the Antimatter Legion mechs, Su Chen had about 40,000 points left.
He used them to unlock special effects technology.
Given the amount of action in the footage—
like Kafka firing countless rounds—
bullet physics and other effects needed post-processing.
Even the Voidrangers' movements required enhancements,
such as the optical particle effects when the Trampler swung its blade.
Su Chen powered on the systems.
Though the unlocked special effects tech was only Level 1,
it was already game-changing.
The Web Series System allowed him to designate a computer,
and the effects software would automatically install.
Then, he could just dump all the footage in,
and the system would generate the ideal edit based on his vision.
A godsend for overworked creators!
Moreover, he'd tested it—the tech level didn't affect quality.
For example:
At Level 1,
you could render one strand of hair.
At Level 6,
you could render a full head of hair.
The tech level only impacted quantity and complexity.
This suited Su Chen perfectly.
He prioritized practical effects whenever possible,
so his current need for CGI was minimal.
Enough chatter—time to work!
Just then.
His phone rang. Not Firefly—an unknown number.
After a brief hesitation, he answered.
"Hello?"
"Ah, President Su! This is your humble Scott! Are you free right now?"
"Nope. Bye."
As Su Chen moved to hang up, Scott's voice screeched through the speaker like a slaughtered pig.
"DON'T HANG UP!!! PLEASE!!! I BEG YOU, DON'T HANG UP!"
Su Chen stayed silent.
What does Scott want?
Another scheme?
Does he even have the capability?
Su Chen doubted Scott had suddenly reformed.
Did he secure enough backing to try something again?
Impossible.
If so, Scott would've barged in triumphantly—
not groveled like this.
Then why?
Might as well hear him out.
"You know how life is like a phone call—either you hang up first, or I do."
"Eh…? D-deep! Anyway, President Su, I represent Tenghua Films in proposing a collaboration.
What do you think?
Wait, don't hang up!
We're not acquiring your company—just investing. That's all.
You'd retain full creative control.
Tenghua would never interfere.
Our executives are very interested in this series
and want to explore its potential.
You, more than anyone, understand
how quickly sci-fi budgets evaporate—
literally by the second.
One misstep, and it's game over.
But with Tenghua's backing,
you could take risks without fear.
If anything goes wrong,
Tenghua has your back.
Don't you agree?"