Sheng Yuguo, February 15, 3021.
Within half an hour of its release, an entertainment news article quickly climbed to the top of the search lists due to its high number of clicks:
"The 20-year-old actress Li Yanqian died suddenly at home early in the morning today, confirmed by her family."
People who were still immersed in the New Year's atmosphere began to speculate and discuss the matter.
Li Yanqian rose to fame through her participation in a holographic live-action TV series. However, her popularity was not the kind associated with admiration and adoration, but rather the kind associated with criticism and contempt.
In the rapid development of high technology in 3021, the film and television industries continued to evolve. Traditional scripted TV dramas could no longer satisfy the demanding appetite of the public.
At this time, a small film and television company called "Feiyue" took a different approach. They collaborated with popular holographic games to create a new form of holographic real human TV series.
This type of TV series had no script; it consisted of group performances set in the game, with real people invited to participate. After signing the participation contract, the actors would lie in a translucent AI electronic warehouse and enter the world of TV dramas with a completely new identity. They would immerse themselves in their performances, completely forgetting their real-life identities.
Li Yanqian participated in this TV series, portraying an extremely despicable and malicious character, which led to severe criticism from the audience.
Li Yanqian became the epitome of a villainous female character, despised by the viewers. Even when she went out in public, she faced verbal attacks, insults, and even physical aggression.
Li Yanqian's home.
Father Li, who appeared several decades older, stared at a black-and-white portrait of his beloved daughter. Next to him was Liang Mengjia, who was crying and sobbing.
"I'm sorry, Dad. It's my fault. I shouldn't have let her participate in that TV series. It's all my fault," Liang Mengjia's voice was hoarse from crying. She had been handling Li Yanqian's funeral meticulously for nearly two days, and her pale, exhausted face made Li Yue unable to blame his eldest daughter anymore.
"It's my fault. I should never have agreed to cooperate with that game company, let alone let Yanqian participate in the show," Li Yue said, fixing his gaze forward.
"In the TV series, my sister played the role of the heroine. I also asked them to give her two abilities. It was my thoughtlessness. I didn't provide enough protection for my sister, and I never expected her to make those choices that caused the audience to lose control of their emotions..."
Liang Mengjia kept confessing her mistakes, but she also defended herself. She secretly glanced at Li Yue, whose eyes were already red, but Li Yue seemed lost in the old photos. He didn't seem to be paying attention to what she had just said, and naturally, he ignored the subtle satisfaction in Liang Mengjia's eyes.
After a long silence, Li Yue let out a sigh. "I am getting old. Once this ill-fated funeral is over, I will return to our hometown. Fei Yue... I leave it to you!"
Li Yue never looked at her again from beginning to end. Liang Mengjia lowered her head and laughed at herself. Although she was just an adopted daughter of the Li family, after so many years of father-daughter relationship, did it have to end with Li Yanqian's death?
She remembered the words Li Yanqian said to her before her death: "It's not yours, and it will never be."
Will never be hers?
Liang Mengjia lowered her head and smiled. But in the end, wasn't Fei Yue hers?
...
The news of Li Yanqian's death and the popularity of the live-action holographic TV series "Apocalypse Duo" turned Fei Yue Film and Television into the hottest production company overnight. Numerous investment offers and cooperation invitations poured in like snowflakes.
Half a month later, Fei Yue Film and Television changed its name to Jiameng Film and Television. Liang Mengjia became the new chairman and largest shareholder, taking over from Li Yue. Gradually, Li Yue disappeared from the industry. Only a niche media outlet reported a piece of news about Li Yue in a small corner:
"Former heavyweight Li Yue passed away due to a cerebral infarction in his country house. His body was discovered by villagers three days later."
In the void, an ethereal figure silently watched beside Li Yue's body. If it had substance, someone would have seen her eyes filled with tears and her silent cries.
Some say that people die like extinguished lamps.
Some say that after death, people retain consciousness for a while, and that ethereal figure is Li Yanqian's consciousness.
She regretted participating in that TV series, and she regretted believing Liang Mengjia's words.
"Yes, you can help me this time. We grew up together, and I know you best. The role of the heroine suits you perfectly."
"Yanqian, you love watching apocalyptic movies so much, and you have so many skills. You think it's just a game."
"Yes, I also want to do something for Fei Yue. This is an opportunity. If we succeed, Dad won't have to struggle for resources at his old age..."
The expression on Liang Mengjia's face remained vivid in Li Yanqian's memory. It was the image of a kind-hearted sister who cared about their father.
However, when everything was revealed, Liang Mengjia's words changed.
"Yanqi, we grew up together, and I know your flaws better than anyone."
"Yanqi, don't worry. If you obediently give up Fei Yue, I will support you, of course. Dad should also be pleased with me, right?"
...
Li Yanqian watched endless episodes of "Apocalypse Duo" on her computer. Every barrage message, every scene in the TV series was deeply imprinted in her mind. The audience's insults and attacks didn't crush her, but Liang Mengjia's words did.
After several days and nights without rest, she finally collapsed. However, she didn't expect that her departure would also lead to Li Yue's misfortune.
Li Yue had high blood pressure, but as long as he took his medication on time, there would be no major issues. However, disheartened, Li Yue stopped taking his medication, leading to a cerebral infarction. People discovered it too late.
None of this should have happened, but it did... Li Yanqian felt immense regret.
If only time could turn back...
Suddenly, in the darkness, a light as bright as daylight appeared on the table where Li Yue had fallen. At the corner of the table, a jade finger glimmered with a dazzling light, drawing Li Yanqian's last trace of consciousness.