Video Editor

Consciousness, as if breaking free from the shackles of the deep sea, struggles to rise from the endless chaos.

After a slight dizziness, Su Ning slowly opened her eyes. The familiar ceiling came into view, and the air was filled with the unique and comforting sandalwood scent of home.

Outside the window, the city's night view remains dazzling, with cars flowing like a never-ending ribbon of light.

It just feels very different from the 2020 world of "Sito", but Suning still feels that 2013 is more creative.

Everything in the study was exactly the same as when he left: the novel "Film Editor" that he had read halfway through was open on the table, the cup of coffee that had long since gone cold but still had half a sip left, and even the barely audible buzzing of the air purifier was just as it had always been.

[Ding! Main Quest (II) has been completed, and all rewards have been distributed.]

The system's cold, emotionless notification sounded in my mind, like a final verdict, officially bringing that bizarre and love-hate adventure to a close.

Su Ning sat there in a daze again. Deep in his consciousness, the broken system interface seemed to become clearer again, and the recovery process had jumped to 16.3%.

The astonishing sum of 110 million RMB that appeared out of nowhere in the account is enough to make any ordinary person feel the joy of financial freedom.

There's even a somewhat comical "40% improvement in interpersonal skills" reward, which seems to mock the various interpersonal entanglements he experienced in that world.

However, the anticipated ecstasy did not materialize.

Instead, a heavy, almost tangible sadness surged forth from the deepest part of his heart like a silent tide, quickly engulfing his limbs and bones, pressing down on his chest, and making his breathing ache with indescribable pain.

In my mind, the final scene plays out repeatedly with unparalleled clarity...

Si Teng was in his arms, her body gradually becoming transparent and light, and finally turning into countless crystal petals of light, like dandelions scattered by the wind, drifting away into the vast world.

All the obsessions, madness, love and hate, entanglements and relief in that world eventually return to a void of silence.

"Heh..." He subconsciously twitched the corner of his mouth, letting out a short, dry self-deprecating laugh. "It's just a dungeon quest... a more realistic holographic game. Am I... getting too caught up in it?"

He habitually uses such rationality to "arm" and console himself, attempting to define the surging emotions as "the aftereffects of the immersive experience".

Tell yourself that it's all just a plot simulated by a sophisticated algorithm, that Si Teng is an NPC, that Qiu Shan is an NPC, and that everyone is a phantom woven from data streams.

Sure enough, he quickly suppressed his complicated emotions, took a deep breath, and tried to squeeze out those inappropriate feelings of melancholy and refocus on the real reality in front of him.

He got up and went to the bathroom, wanting to use the stimulation of cold water to completely wake himself up and erase that dazed feeling that shouldn't exist.

However, just as he subconsciously raised his hand to pull open his collar, his gaze inadvertently swept across the mirror above the sink, and he froze as if frozen by an invisible ice, his movements suddenly stiffening...

It was on his left chest, directly above his heart.

A palm-sized, exquisitely intricate, mysterious, and alluring vine pattern is clearly imprinted there.

That was no ordinary tattoo.

The texture was incredibly delicate, as if it grew naturally from beneath his skin. The winding path of each vine, the delicate veins of each leaf, and even the tiny curled tendrils were all lifelike, containing a kind of indescribable vitality.

When touched with fingertips, the skin is smooth as usual, without any pigment or raised scars, yet strangely, one can feel a faint, distinct warmth that is different from the surrounding skin.

This is not a sticker, not an illusion, and certainly not temporary data that should be deleted after the mission is over!
Su Ning's breathing suddenly stopped, her pupils contracted violently in the mirror, and her fingertips trembled uncontrollably. She dared not touch them a second time for a long time.

All the carefully constructed psychological defenses were shattered and routed at this moment by this silent brand.

That's not a game.

Si Teng... is not an NPC.

Qiu Shan's lifelong obsession and madness, Bai Ying's deep-seated hatred and ruthlessness, Yan Furui's clumsy yet sincere kindness, and...

And then there was his own feeling, quietly growing amidst the smoke and crisis, a feeling that he never spoke of but was genuinely and intensely stirred within him…

None of it is a cold, hard stream of data.

That world is real.

Those struggles, those sacrifices, those unspoken words of farewell, that figure that vanished in his arms…

All of these are real, indelible, and burning realities!
This vine tattoo on my heart is eternal proof that I have transcended the barriers of the world.

It was a tragic yet magnificent past, leaving a silent yet deafening mark on the place closest to his heart in his life.

It transcends time and space, stubbornly remaining, as if silently declaring:

Some encounters are destined to be unforgettable; some traces have long been etched into our bones, becoming a part of life itself.

It did not disappear with his return, just as the heavy concern in his heart would not diminish in the slightest because the "game was over".

Su Ning's fingers finally fell again, stroking the warm vine mark with extreme gentleness, as if afraid of disturbing a fragile dream.

In the mirror, the last shred of feigned calm in his eyes completely crumbled, leaving only a surging, undisguised sorrow and grief.

He raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the cold mirror, through layers of time and space, looking towards the end of a world that no longer exists. He murmured softly, his voice hoarse yet carrying a deep-seated prayer:

"Sito... I hope that in some new world you can truly break free from all shackles, enjoy freedom and peace... and have a perfect life."

……

Su Ning continued to sit quietly for a long time, closing her eyes and concentrating, carefully sensing the state of her body that was completely different from before she left.

A faint yet real spiritual energy was slowly circulating along the path of the "Heaven and Earth Harmony Technique," bringing a subtle but perceptible increase in strength with each cycle.

The spiritual energy flowed gently like a stream, warming the meridians wherever it passed, and bringing an indescribable sense of comfort to the limbs and bones.

Fifth level of Qi Refining.

Low-level cultivator.

This title, which once only existed in his imagination, is now his real identity.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing like lightning, disappearing in the void.

With each breath, he could vaguely sense the thin spiritual energy permeating the air, and the world appeared in more delicate layers in his eyes, even the veins of the leaves outside the window were clearly discernible.

It seems we're one step closer to uncovering the secrets behind my own time travel and the system.

More importantly, this journey through the world of "Sito" brings far more than just power and system rewards.

He glanced down at the date displayed on his phone screen—October 2013.

However, the story of Si Teng that he experienced took place in 2020.

This seven-year time difference has become an unexpected and invaluable "God's-eye view".

During the days when he followed Si Teng to fight against the conflict between the Xuanmen and the Kai tribe, he was not oblivious to what was happening around him.

On the contrary, with his memory that transcends time, he has imprinted the vicissitudes of the next seven years into his mind.

Between 2013 and 2020, which TV dramas and movies became phenomenal hits, which unknown actors rose to fame overnight, which types of variety shows emerged as dark horses, and which social hot topics ignited public opinion...?

This information about the future, like a detailed strategy guide, was clearly imprinted in his mind.

Without the slightest hesitation, Su Ning immediately contacted his "bizarre and fantastical" film and television company.

When the call connected, his tone was calm yet carried an undeniable authority: "Mr. Li, it's me. From now on, the company must secure every project I mention, regardless of the cost."

Then, with absolute certainty, he issued a series of instructions that seemed extremely bold and even absurd to outsiders: to use all available funds to invest in several film and television projects and novels that were currently considered niche or not yet favored; to sign several amateur actors who were still playing minor roles or had just graduated from art school with generous terms; and even to make early arrangements and acquire the copyrights of certain IPs that had not yet been approved.

When Li Wei, the person in charge on the other end of the phone, received this list that was far beyond the ordinary and had a clear objective, she was extremely shocked.

So Li Wei tried to raise her concerns: "President Su, the market doesn't seem to be optimistic about these projects right now, especially 'Nirvana in Fire.' Historical dramas about political intrigue haven't had a hit in a long time. Isn't the risk too great...?"

Su Ning interrupted her, her voice still calm, but with a certainty that seemed to see through the future: "Do as I say. Remember, this is not a discussion, it is an order."

"But..." "Mr. Li, have you not forgotten the relationship between 'Bizarre and Unusual' and Shandong Film Studio?"

"Alright! Boss, I will definitely carry out your decision."

"Yes, I heard that Director Kong and Shandong Film Studio have acquired all of Teacher A Nai's works. Next, we at 'Guang Guai Lu Li' must coordinate well. These are all rare and excellent projects, and we absolutely cannot miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Boss, didn't you personally go to Ningbo to find Ah Nai last time? Why didn't you secure 'The Great River Flows East' and 'All Is Well' in advance?"

"Being incompetent made Teacher Anai think we were frauds! So if we don't live up to expectations, we'll just be seen as a shell company by others."

"I understand! Boss, I will definitely not let you down."

"Yes, that's great! Let's work hard together so that others will respect us!"

"Yes, Boss!"

Of course, Li Wei's doubts were not particularly stubborn. Suning's past "accurate vision" led them to ultimately choose to execute the plan.

Then, funds began to quietly flow into the entertainment and film industry boom that would take place over the next seven years.

Of course, for Suning, which has a clear vision for the next seven years, making early moves in the cultural and entertainment sector is just a trial run, a convenient way to quickly accumulate cash flow by taking advantage of information asymmetry.

What he truly set his sights on was a much broader, potentially revolutionary wave – the internet.

Sitting in a classroom in the Computer Science Department of Zhejiang University, listening to the professor on the podium explaining the still cutting-edge Java and C++ basics, Su Ning's thoughts had already flown to a much farther place.

His fingertips unconsciously traced across the notebook, not writing class notes, but names that would shine brightly in the coming years, names that were currently still in their nascent or even conceptual stages:

That short video startup team still tinkering with "algorithm recommendations" in a residential building; that knowledge-sharing community that hasn't yet found a clear business model but is poised for explosive user growth; that e-commerce upstart struggling with logistics and payment systems but destined to change the shopping habits of the entire nation; and that technology company focused on big data and cloud computing, currently not favored by most...

These names, in the fall of 2013, were perhaps just a concept on a PowerPoint presentation or a topic of conversation among a few geek circles.

But in Suning's eyes, each of them represents the prototype of a future giant, a high-speed train to wealth and influence.

He hardly hesitated.

They established another investment company, "Daning Capital," and through a series of offshore investment channels, funds far exceeding those invested in film and television began to be quietly injected into these nascent projects with almost precognitive precision.

The investment methods are also completely different.

For these future giants in the internet sector, Suning's demands are often not simply about economic returns.

He prefers to acquire valuable original equity, as well as veto power with some influence on key decisions, and must ensure that he is not ousted when other capital is introduced in the future.

These "grassroots projects" were naturally like rain after a long drought, and they did not resist the demands of "Da Ning Capital" at all. In this way, they also became branches and tendrils of "Da Ning Capital".

Investment teams are often baffled by their bosses' almost "gambling" yet unusually resolute instructions, turning their noses up at high-quality, popular projects while showing particular focus and fondness for "junk projects."

But Suning never offered explanations, only demanded compliance.

As a result, the numbers that had been rapidly accumulating in his personal accounts and the offshore fund accounts he controlled due to film and television investments began to grow wildly in a more terrifying, almost geometrical manner.

This is not simply a numbers game, but rather signifies his early anchoring and deep embedding into the future economic landscape.

He knew that these dormant shares would awaken in the near future, unleashing an energy that would attract global attention.

By then, he will possess not only astonishing wealth, but also an invisible yet powerful network, sufficient to support him in exploring the system's deeper secrets and responding to any potential challenges.

The professor in the classroom was still explaining loop statements, while the sunlight outside the window was warm and gentle.

Su Ning put away her pen, a slightly shy smile appearing on her face, the kind of smile a student of her age should have.

Unbeknownst to anyone, beneath the tranquil surface of daily campus life, a timeless capital storm, spearheaded by him, was quietly taking shape.

The numbers in his account are destined to only increase, exceeding the imagination of anyone in this era.

Having dealt with these matters that could cause a huge upheaval in the future, Su Ning closed his laptop, his aura subtly receding, the sharpness and profundity of a cultivator and behind-the-scenes manipulator quickly disappearing.

He changed into simple casual clothes, slung a backpack over his shoulder, and the person in the mirror had clear eyes, even showing a touch of youthful naiveté.

He stepped out of the apartment and merged into the bustling crowds on the Zhejiang University campus.

On the sycamore-lined avenue in autumn, there is a peaceful and prosperous atmosphere everywhere.

All around me were classmates hurrying by with their books, discussing evening club activities or difficult calculus problems.

Occasionally, a passing sweet campus beauty would make Suning stop and turn around; these beautiful scenes in the world are the essence and pursuit of life.

However, this overwhelming youthful energy stands in stark contrast to the bloody battles he experienced in the world of Si Teng.

At this moment, he is Su Ning, an ordinary freshman in the School of Computer Science at Zhejiang University, who has just returned to the classroom after a short "leave of absence".

Walking through the youthful campus, experiencing the ordinary daily life seamlessly connected with reality, who would have thought that this young body harbors a unique soul that has experienced the turmoil of another world, holds the pulse of the next seven years, and is quietly cultivating itself?
From this moment on, his daily life is destined to be extraordinary.

……

At this moment, a sweet voice suddenly interrupted Su Ning's thoughts.

"Junior, are you Su Ning from the Computer Science Department, class of 2013?"

Suning looked up at the sound and saw a girl with curved eyebrows and a gentle temperament.

She stood under the sycamore tree, bathed in the soft glow of the autumn sun.

She should be around 1.70 meters tall, with a curvaceous figure and a full, rounded shape...

Su Ning was slightly taken aback and quickly searched her memory for this face, but found nothing.

"Uh? I'm Su Ning." He looked at this unfamiliar senior with a perfectly timed look of surprise and a hint of confusion.

"Great! It really is you. I knew I hadn't mistaken you for someone else." The girl smiled, her eyes crinkling slightly, making her look friendly and natural. "I saw you walk by here just now, and your profile looked so similar, so I took the liberty of coming over to ask."

"You are...?" Su Ning asked politely, feigning confusion.

"Hello, junior. I'm Song Yujie from the English Department, Class of 2011. I'm also a graduate of Qingdao No. 2 High School. Although I'm two years ahead of you, actually I'm only one year ahead." Her tone was light and cheerful, filled with the joy of meeting an old friend in a foreign land. "I've seen you before at the school's commendation ceremony. Back then, you were quite a celebrity at our No. 2 High School."

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible look of understanding flashed in Su Ning's eyes.

He then revealed a hint of apology and regret: "So it's Senior Song. I'm so sorry, something happened to me a year ago. I injured my head, and I don't remember many things from before."

A look of concern immediately appeared on Song Yujie's face: "I heard about it from my high school classmates at Zhejiang University! How is your recovery going? Is there anything bothering you?"

"Thank you for your concern, senior. Apart from some memory loss, I'm fine now." Su Ning smiled, his smile carrying the youthful naiveté unique to boys his age, as if the person who had been strategizing behind the scenes was just an illusion.

Song Yujie was clearly relieved.

She bent down and took out an exquisite notepad from her canvas bag, quickly wrote down a string of numbers, and then gently tore off a page and handed it to Su Ning.

“Su Ning, this is my phone number.” Her gaze was sincere. “You’ve only been in Hangzhou for a short time, and… you don’t remember much from before. If you encounter any difficulties or need any help in the future, feel free to contact me anytime. There’s no need to be so polite between alumni.”

Su Ning took the note with both hands and saw that the neat handwriting not only included a phone number but also a name and department.

He carefully put the note away, and when he looked up, his eyes were full of gratitude: "Thank you so much, Senior Sister Song."

Then Song Yujie gave a few more words of advice on taking care of her health before smiling and waving goodbye.

Su Ning stood there, watching her senior's figure disappear at the end of the tree-lined path.

He looked down at the note with the number on it in his hand, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips.

This note that appeared out of nowhere was like a pebble accidentally thrown into a lake; it didn't cause much of a ripple.

...(End of chapter)