Ch. 21Laxus Gradually Realizing Himself
Key plot points and events
- Ling Yuan visits Han Yurou’s family. Her parents ask about his university plans and encourage him to attend Modu University with Yurou.
- Over dinner, Ling Yuan explains that he wants to upload a game promotional video to Han Li’s anime website and proposes transforming the site into a more distinctive video platform, drawing on ideas such as categorized content and bullet comments.
- Han Li is intrigued but notes that bullet comments could obstruct viewing and says a major redesign will require discussion with his colleagues. He is nevertheless astonished by Ling Yuan’s highly polished 3D game footage and considers bringing him into the company.
- Ling Yuan leaves late, declining an offer to stay overnight. He plans to register a game studio with Wang Ming and begin work on Honkai.
- On a riverside walk, Ling Yuan shares a nighttime city photo in the chat group. The members react with admiration: some miss seeing such a city, while Ren Kouen asks for modern lighting, which Ling Yuan promises to provide.
- The following morning, Wang Ming arrives at Ling Yuan’s home, curious about what he is planning.
Character developments and interactions
- Ling Yuan confidently pitches his platform ideas and impresses Han Li with his creative and technical ability. He remains independent-minded, declining to join a conventional university or company outright.
- Han Li moves from skepticism about the proposed redesign to genuine interest after seeing Ling Yuan’s exceptional game CG.
- Yu Qianluo warmly quizzes Ling Yuan about his future and dating life, while privately worrying that his game features many female characters.
- Han Yurou watches Ling Yuan attentively and appears reluctant when he leaves.
- Ophis accompanies Ling Yuan during his walk, sharing the quiet scenery with him; he lifts her so she can see over the railing.
- Chat-group members reveal different reactions to Ling Yuan’s modern world: Maple and the Eighth Princess admire it, Akame longs for a life she feels she cannot yet have, and Ren Kouen recognizes how technologically disadvantaged his own world is.
Significant themes
- Innovation and unconventional thinking: Ling Yuan argues that a small platform can stand out by taking a different approach rather than imitating larger services.
- Technology and inequality between worlds: The modern city and electric lighting impress chat members from less-developed settings, highlighting stark differences in their circumstances.
- Ambition and independence: Ling Yuan pursues his own game studio and creative projects rather than simply following expected paths such as university or corporate employment.
- Companionship and longing: The riverside scene and chat reactions emphasize both Ling Yuan’s closeness with Ophis and other characters’ yearning for freedom, comfort, or a better life.