"Chengcheng, we're here to pick you!"
At that moment, March 7th's bright smile was like a little sun.
--------------------------------
When March 7th called out Li Chengcheng's name, the entire class turned to look.
Oh my god.
March 7th actually called out Li Chengcheng's name?
Is this for real?
And with March's call, Li Chengcheng's previously lifeless eyes suddenly regained their light.
Blade's tall figure blocked most of the view.
And at the same time helped shield Li Chengcheng from showing her most pathetic side.
"I- I'm fine."
Li Chengcheng mumbled.
Her mind was completely blank.
"Don't worry, take your time." Looking at the dazed Li Chengcheng, Robin said gently.
She didn't say much, just took the handkerchief from Blade's hand and helped clean Li Chengcheng's face.
March 7th also helped tidy up Li Chengcheng's hair.
The actions of the two superstars made Li Chengcheng stiffen all over.
But in contrast, in her heart rose a long-lost sense of hope.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xinyue, still standing in place, had turned pale as a sheet.
She wasn't stupid.
The behavior and reactions of the Mihoyo members all pointed to a result that filled her with fear.
The carefully crafted image of the "perfect goddess" had long been seen through by them.
All the bullying done in secret, the false pretenses on the surface, had already been exposed.
It was as if all her darkest thoughts and bullying behavior were laid bare in front of those sharp, piercing eyes.
Especially just now, that indifferent look from Mihoyo's director.
And the earlier promise of a class selection suddenly becoming a direct appointment.
It was as if they were saying: This had all been planned by Mihoyo in advance.
Planned for Li Chengcheng.
Zhao Xinyue trembled like a leaf.
There wasn't even a trace of anger left in her heart, only panic and disbelief.
And a bit of confusion.
If Mihoyo was willing to make this special trip for Li Chengcheng…
If Li Chengcheng had such connections…
Then why, why didn't she say so earlier?
Thus, in front of the whole class, her face was paper-white, her body trembling slightly, her proud heart practically collapsing.
She didn't even want to stay here another second.
She just wanted to escape.
"Then let's go with student Li Chengcheng."
"Today's charity event, let her come along with us."
Xia Wen looked at the contrasting reactions of the two groups, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and turned to the teacher.
"Oh, okay, no problem."
"But… Li Chengcheng… should we maybe…"
The teacher looked at Li Chengcheng, a bit unsure.
After all, Li Chengcheng's current appearance wasn't very presentable.
Seeing the hesitant teacher, Xia Wen smiled and asked:
"I heard you're a fan of Honkai: Star Rail too, teacher?"
"Ah, yes."
The teacher immediately nodded enthusiastically:
"I really love the Xianzhou arc! Your performances were amazing."
"In that case, I'm sure you also noticed one of the messages our show always tries to convey."
Xia Wen nodded with a smile:
"A beautiful appearance does not equal true kindness, and true kindness does not need beauty to support it."
"That's a very good point."
The teacher was about to respond, but suddenly realized something and gave an embarrassed smile:
"You're right… I was being a bit too superficial."
"Not at all."
Xia Wen waved her hand and looked toward the back.
March 7th and Robin, both were thoughtful and empathetic.
On this important day, they naturally would take care of everything for Li Chengcheng.
They wouldn't let her fragile heart be hurt again, nor would they make her stand out too much.
Their goal today was clear, to help Li Chengcheng escape bullying and ensure the bullies received their deserved punishment.
Everyone in the company may have their own beliefs, but in the end, they all share one goal: to bring hope to people, to tell everyone that no matter how difficult the journey, the future will definitely be better.
That's what the Honkai: Star Rail series conveys too.
And now, they were fulfilling that vision with their actions.
As the boss, of course she would fully support it.
"Come on, Chengcheng, let's go get you changed."
"Don't worry, we won't dress you in anything flashy, just everyday clothes."
With March 7th's enthusiastic invitation, Li Chengcheng was led out of the classroom, eyes blank like she was in a dream.
Once she was gone, Xia Wen didn't follow right away.
Instead, he returned to the podium.
"Everyone here's a fan of Honkai: Star Rail, right?"
Xia Wen asked with a smile.
"Yes!"
The class responded in unison.
"Then which Paths in Honkai do you like the most?"
Xia Wen continued asking.
"Preservation!"
"Trailblaze!"
"Of course it's Trailblaze! I want to be a Nameless!"
"Beauty!"
Most of the responses were for the positive Paths.
And basically none of them mentioned Elation.
Xia Wen was very satisfied.
Good.
No one here has turned into jokers yet.
"You all like Preservation, like Trailblaze, very good. That shows that deep down, everyone yearns for something positive and uplifting."
"You there, do you know what the true meaning of 'Preserve' is?"
Xia Wen's lips curled slightly as his gaze swept over the young, inexperienced faces of the students.
Some of them were excited, some happy.
All of them eager to express their understanding of paths.
Yet, due to their limited experience, they stammered, unable to articulate clearly.
Zhao Xinyue still stood in place.
But this time, she lowered her head, not even looking at Xia Wen's face.
Xia Wen paid no attention to the troublemaker.
He put away the dazzling smile that made the girls swoon.
"Exploration, Preservation, these mean holding on to that spark of greatness in your heart even amidst endless darkness."
"It's the courage Miss Himeko taught us: 'May this journey lead us to the stars.'"
"It's the conviction Mr. Welt holds to protect, even while bearing a heavy past."
"It's March 7th's persistence in searching for her true self, even without memories."
"It's the kindness of the Astral Express crew, who still choose to help others after witnessing the suffering of countless worlds!"
These words, spoken by Xia Wen, inexplicably stirred the students' hearts.
The classroom quieted.
Boys and girls alike stared at Xia Wen, hopeful, yearning.
Even the teacher nearby seemed as though they were about to salute.
Xia Wen's voice suddenly rose, filled with an undeniable force:
"But students, have you ever considered, before these beautiful things arrive..."
"Destruction often comes first."
"And that destruction does not come from the skies or from things beyond your imagination, but from around us."
"From the coldness of human hearts, suspicion, and the despicable 'behavior' of bullying the weak for amusement."
These words struck like a heavy hammer, hitting the hearts of those with a guilty conscience.
Many suddenly realized.
After all, Li Chengcheng being bullied and harassed was still vivid in their memories.
Even the teacher suddenly looked up, staring at Xia Wen in disbelief.
"Isn't her experience the same as those heart-wrenching stories we see in shows?"
"Isolation, ridicule, humiliation, simply because she didn't meet certain narrow 'standards,' because she was weak and lacked the strength to fight back."
"Isn't that the truest form of 'destruction' happening right beside you?"
Xia Wen's gaze swept across the classroom.
No one dared meet his eyes.
His sharp words brought to mind Li Chengcheng's experience for many of the students.
The contrast was stark.
Most of them, when watching shows, fantasized about being the kind of person who could warm the world, like Mihail.
Like the trio on the train.
But in reality, when facing Li Chengcheng's situation, for various reasons, they didn't extend a helping hand.
Compared to their fantasies, many lowered their heads.
"I'm not blaming you. You're still young."
Xia Wen suddenly softened his tone and said sincerely, "We, or rather everyone at MiHoYo, believe one thing, human nature is fundamentally kind."
"Why do those injustices, those evil acts, leave such a deep impression?"
"Because in our daily lives, most of what we encounter is kind and good, so the ugliness stands out so starkly."
"If humanity were inherently wicked, we'd have perished long ago."
"The order and civilization we have today are not built on the wickedness of the vile, but on the meaning and warmth created by the silent majority."
"You are that kind of people too. You are the future."
"In your lives ahead, you will face many moments where you must make similar choices. When the time comes again, please be the person you want to become."
"Go 'Trailblaze' a better future, and be the 'Preserver' who guards hope."
How could Xia Wen blame these people?
That was never MiHoYo's intent, nor did it align with the original spirit behind the creation of Honkai: Star Rail.
Just as Clockie said in the show, many people may just be missing a small push.
The students no longer feared meeting Xia Wen's gaze.
Some looked dazed, some remorseful, others indignant.
A seed of emotion had been planted in these young hearts.
Just like the tricks performed by Clockie.
And without anyone saying a word, everyone's eyes slowly shifted from Xia Wen to Zhao Xinyue.
This moment, the silence in the classroom was deafening.
Zhao Xinyue's head was buried under her long hair, making it impossible to see her expression.
"Alright, alright, does it have to be this heavy, students?"
"Compared to Path of The Hunt or Preservation, I'd rather everyone be a bit more joyful right now."
Xia Wen relaxed his tone and said with a smile.
As expected, Aha, no matter the situation, always manages to make everyone chuckle and ease up.
"Last question."
"Do you know what kind of villains will never appear in Honkai: Star Rail?"
Seeing the atmosphere was about right, Xia Wen snapped his fingers and asked with a smile.
"Those... twisted weirdos?"
"Good-looking ones? No, Phantylia is beautiful."
"Ugh, can't think of it!"
The students racked their brains but couldn't come up with an answer.
"It's simple."
"People who trample on others' dignity without hesitation, act recklessly, and yet go out of their way to maintain a 'perfect image' with flawless disguise."
...
Xia Wen grinned at this moment and said, "The glamorous facade of being good is wrapped around a core more nauseating than any vice."
"People like that, they won't appear in the game."
"Because those people are just too-"
Before finishing the last two insulting words, Xia Wen shut his mouth and winked at everyone with a mocking look.
If it weren't in front of students, he might have just cursed straight out.
But clearly, everyone understood what he meant.
From beginning to end, Xia Wen never named any names.
But all the descriptions eventually pointed to Zhao Xinyue.
The students finally understood.
All the bullying behind the scenes, Zhao Xinyue's actions, and the huge contradictions within the class...
This time, it was obvious, they came to resolve it.
Clang.
Zhao Xinyue fainted.
"Oi!" The boy next to her was startled.
He quickly reached out to support her.
Even now, though their hearts had been turned by Xia Wen, in the face of this bully, the students still lent a helping hand.
No matter what, Zhao Xinyue was done for.
From this day forward, she would live under the shadow of this moment.
Her glamorous appearance and privileged background could no longer mask anything.
Xia Wen didn't feel this was cruel for a young girl in her blooming years.
If anything, it was far from enough. It was merely letting Zhao Xinyue experience one of the countless days that Li Chengcheng had endured.
He didn't even intend to blow this matter up.
During the preparations, the PR department of miHoYo had already strictly controlled the flow of information to the highest standards.
All to keep what happened on campus, contained within campus.
Zhao Xinyue was never important.
What mattered was extending a hand to Li Chengcheng, helping her rebuild hope and confidence in life.
Just like in the stories of Honkai: Star Rail, The Nameless always step in when things like this happen.
"This... will this..."
At this moment, the teacher, already stunned, looked at Xia Wen and asked, "Will this cause other issues, after all she's still just a child."
Xia Wen looked back at the teacher and suddenly smiled: "But that's how the Nameless are. You're not one, so you wouldn't understand."
"Huh?"
With the teacher looking completely baffled, Xia Wen left the classroom.
"Done."
After sending a message in the group chat, Xia Wen stretched lazily.
Li Chengcheng's case was resolved.
For MiHoYo, it was like fulfilling a special mission through this practical journey.
And it was done perfectly.
This only solidified Xia Wen's belief, miHoYo was still far from enough.
Amphoreus, PV's, film projects, and games...
Surrounding the Star Rail IP, Xia Wen wanted to reach every corner, so that the meaning of Star Rail could reach the hearts of more people!