Chapter 83: May No Dream Ever Be Betrayed

Seeing that Chen Qi was silent, Zhao Qingqing laughed and said, "You don't need to overthink things. Whether it's the people behind the scenes or those clowns who jump out and spout nonsense, none of them are targeting you specifically. In the end, they're all just pursuing their own interests."

Chen Qi also smiled along.

He hadn't actually thought too much about it. Whatever their motives, he would face whatever came his way, adapting as needed.

Then, out of curiosity, Chen Qi asked Zhao Qingqing about the two major productions currently airing on satellite TV.

Whether by coincidence or not, both dramas' online broadcast rights belonged to YouYou Video.

Hearing this, Chen Qi was momentarily stunned. After hesitating for a bit, he couldn't help but ask, "Director Zhao, between Simple Video and YouYou Video, which one is stronger?"

He had wanted to know the answer to this for a long time but never had the chance to ask. Now that he remembered, he casually brought it up. Since he was already quite familiar with Zhao Qingqing, asking such a question shouldn't be an issue.

"YouYou Video," Zhao Qingqing replied frankly, "Although people outside call us the two giants of the video industry, insiders know there's still a considerable gap between Simple Video and YouYou Video. Just look at how both major dramas chose to cooperate with them this time."

Chen Qi was puzzled, "For things like TV dramas, isn't it just a matter of who offers more money?"

Zhao Qingqing chuckled, a hint of self-mockery in her tone, "The problem is, we can't outbid them."

Chen Qi: "..."

Seeing his speechless expression, Zhao Qingqing laughed and continued, "Actually, even if we offer slightly more than YouYou Video, it's still hard to close the deal."

"Why?" Chen Qi was genuinely confused.

"Because YouYou Video has more content resources, so naturally, their active user base is larger. Also, their connections are stronger, maintaining excellent relationships with major film and television companies." As she spoke, Zhao Qingqing herself seemed a bit helpless.

"Oh..." Chen Qi nodded thoughtfully, as if understanding a bit more.

Even just the active user base alone was enough to suppress Simple Video. If he were a content producer, he would probably prioritize YouYou Video as well.

As for connections, those were all built on the foundation of a large active user base. If Simple Video had more active users, their relationships with major studios would improve as well.

In this scenario, competing for the same project with YouYou Video wasn't something that could be solved by just offering a bit more money.

It seemed the gap between Simple Video and YouYou Video was indeed significant.

"But don't worry. Although we're behind, we've always been working hard to close the gap." Seeing Chen Qi remain silent, Zhao Qingqing worried he might not want to cooperate with them anymore and hurriedly explained, "Our users and content aren't as abundant as YouYou Video's, but as long as you continue working with us, we'll spare no effort in promoting and publicizing your work—just as we did this time."

Hearing this, Chen Qi paused, realizing she had misunderstood, and quickly said, "Director Zhao, please don't misunderstand. I was just curious, that's all—no other meaning."

"Really?" Zhao Qingqing looked at him anxiously.

She had witnessed Chen Qi's talent and truly didn't want to lose such a partner.

"Of course. If I really didn't want to cooperate, would I be here asking you these things? To tell you the truth, when I was filming the second season, YouYou Video called me as well. If I wanted to work with them, I would have agreed back then." Chen Qi was both amused and exasperated.

He was genuinely just curious, nothing else.

If he had future projects, Simple Video would remain his first choice—not for any other reason, but simply because he had a very good impression of them. Besides, both times he had worked with them had been pleasant experiences.

Hearing Chen Qi say this, Zhao Qingqing let out a sigh of relief, patting her chest, "You scared me—thought you were leaving too."

She wasn't surprised that YouYou Video had reached out. Even if he hadn't mentioned it, she could have guessed.

Chen Qi couldn't help but laugh, and as their workday ended, he got up to leave.

"Alright, I'm heading out. Remember to release the extras tonight."

"Got it," Zhao Qingqing replied, standing up as well, "It's dinner time anyway. Why don't we eat together?"

Chen Qi waved her off, amused, "No need to be so formal with me."

Why bother with such deliberate dinners when there's nothing important to discuss?

He'd rather go home and relax. Maybe it was because his previous life had been so exhausting—now, he shunned unnecessary social obligations.

He wouldn't eat.

Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate for just the two of them.

...

Leaving Simple Video, Chen Qi headed straight to the restaurant arranged by Xu Buyan, where he enjoyed a cheerful dinner with the entire crew.

Many people toasted him.

Zhao Wu.

Bai Xiaoke.

The cameraman, makeup artist, stylist...

They all expressed deep gratitude for his recognition.

Chen Qi didn't make a fuss, simply clinking glasses with them using a soft drink instead of alcohol.

He really didn't want to drink. Perhaps it had something to do with his journey across worlds—he now had a bit of a trauma when it came to alcohol...

The meal lasted over an hour, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Meanwhile, Simple Video released the final two episodes of "Wanwan" Season Two.

Viewers who thought today would be just the grand finale were delighted to see two episodes posted at once.

Especially upon seeing the title of the last episode, many were curious and clicked right away.

This special episode was called—Origin.

"This episode has no ads!"

Seeing the opening credits and hearing Chen Qi's unmistakable voice, viewers were both amused and exasperated.

No ads—so proud? Was it necessary to point it out?

After that, another line appeared:

"This episode is adapted from the real experiences of certain people."

Real experiences?

The audience was momentarily surprised.

Before they could react, the story began.

"My name is Wang Dachui. My dream is to be an actor..."

Hearing this flat, emotionless line, the more irreverent fans started to roast:

"Didn't you already achieve your dream?"

"You said you were an actor in the first episode!"

"It's over—Wang Dachui has split personalities!"

When such comments crowded the screen, everyone erupted in laughter.

Then, they watched Wang Dachui being scolded, disliked, and repeatedly frustrated by the crew.

Because Chen Qi's direction was exaggerated, the audience found it hilarious.

Even though they guessed these were probably Bai Xiaoke and others' real experiences, they still laughed heartily.

Being scolded by directors, stars acting high and mighty—while most hadn't witnessed it firsthand, they'd heard plenty about it, so it was nothing new.

Then, Bai Xiaoke talked about meeting Chen Qi.

At that moment, many realized the meaning behind the episode's title.

So that's how the drama came to be—so that's how they met.

Finally, they saw Chen Qi.

"Yes, I am Chen Qi. The man who combines talent and handsomeness in one."

Hearing this line and watching Chen Qi's self-satisfied expression on screen, the audience's smiles grew even wider.

But in stark contrast, the barrage of comments at the top of the screen was unanimously filled with "ugh!"

"My damn talent that can't be contained..."

At this line, the comments went wild.

"Please, have some shame!"

"You're really not embarrassed, are you?"

"Hello everyone, I'm Chen Qi's face—he doesn't want me anymore!"

Then, they heard Chen Qi's thanks and saw the whole crew waving.

In that moment, viewers suddenly felt a wave of emotion.

They knew this series really wouldn't have a third season.

To their surprise, in the end credits, Chen Qi was no longer listed as the sole writer.

They saw the names of Bai Xiaoke, Zhao Wu, and others.

Clearly, this episode was adapted from their real experiences.

Even more unexpectedly, after all the credits rolled, a line appeared on the black screen.

"May all dreams never be disappointed."

Watching this line linger for seven or eight seconds, the viewers were stunned.

Origin?

Dreams?

Never disappointed?

This episode... seemed to hold something special.