Chapter 33: New Feature – Premier Preview

“Whoa—!”

“Is this really the modern metropolis of the new federation? No wonder it’s so different from the outside!”

Inside the port exit tunnel of Deep Blue Metropolis, Tian Dao was pressed flat against the transparent shield, his sunglasses sliding down to the tip of his nose, his pale blue eyes wide with wonder as they took in the breathtaking spectacle beyond.

Coral-built skyscrapers shimmered under the sun, refracting rainbow hues into the air.

A three-dimensional transportation network shaped like kelp stretched across the sky, with floating vehicles gliding through it like jellyfish.

Even the walkways were paved with specially crafted shells—hard-wearing yet undeniably beautiful.

Everything around him made Tian Dao feel less like he was in a futuristic city, and more like he’d stepped into a surreal underwater world, suspended above the ocean.

Just as he was utterly captivated, he suddenly felt a tug at his sleeve.

“Hey, Kalolin—what’s wrong? Why’re you pulling me?”

Tian Dao turned, puzzled, to look at Kalolin beside him.

She was hunched over, her cat ears twitching nervously, her expression clearly hiding something.

Before she could explain, Tian Dao instantly brightened with realization.

“Ohhh~ So that’s what you wanted! You’re dying to see it too, huh? Just say so! Come on, this angle’s perfect!”

Kalolin froze.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

How could this guy’s brain work like this?

Just as she opened her mouth to scold him—remind him to behave, to not let people laugh at them—

A chorus of soft giggles erupted around them.

A group of local girls in glowing jellyfish-style dresses were whispering behind their hands, pointing and snickering at Tian Dao and Kalolin standing by the transparent shield.

Other locals who had just disembarked from the same ship gave them pitying looks—another country bumpkin, clearly out of place.

Tian Dao finally got it.

Now he understood why Kalolin had pulled him.

But to his surprise, she was even more shocked by his reaction.

Because Tian Dao didn’t care.

He gently brushed a hand over her tense head.

“Seriously, Kalolin? That’s all you were worried about?”

“Just a bunch of petty, narrow-minded people. Why waste a second on their opinions?”

“Come on, let’s check out that giant jellyfish!”

“Who’s the genius who designed this? Turning a skyscraper into a jellyfish? That’s next-level creativity!”

Kalolin was stunned.

Before she could process his words, Tian Dao grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close to the shield.

Following his gaze, she spotted the distinctive structure—a sleek, shallow-blue tower that looked almost identical to a giant jellyfish.

Though she’d never been to Deep Blue Metropolis before, she’d read about it in the Deep Blue Travel Guide during the voyage.

This was the Deep Blue Pearl—the iconic landmark of the Coastal District, known for its ability to shift colors depending on the weather.

Under the clear blue sky, the tower stood radiant and unique, its form both elegant and whimsical.

For the first time since leaving home, Kalolin’s nervous heart began to calm.

She glanced at Tian Dao, his face alight with childlike joy, and couldn’t help but smile.

She didn’t care what others thought.

Let them stare. Let them whisper.

She leaned in beside him, eyes locked on the view beyond the shield—just as he had promised.

After all, as Tian Dao said—what did they know, really?

Just as Tian Dao was about to explore more of the city’s wonders, his system chimed.

【Premier Preview feature loaded. Real-time Danmu function now activated.】

Hmm? Premier Preview?

Tian Dao narrowed his eyes, scanning the update with fresh focus.

After reading through the details, he quickly grasped what this was all about.

For fans in the Reality world, Premier Preview was a premium perk unlocked by subscribing to the website’s VIP tier—allowing them to unlock the next two episodes of The Prequel of the Stars: Embers early.

But for this Tian Dao—living in Reality—the feature was something far more unique.

It was a kind of live stream, but unlike traditional broadcasts where the camera is always on you…

His stream wasn’t always on him.

The camera could be anywhere—anytime.

But he wasn’t completely powerless.

By spending Popularity Points, he could claim an Exclusive Camera Angle—a personal viewpoint that gave him control over how he was seen.

【Exclusive Camera Angle: Spend Popularity Points to unlock a portion of exclusive camera perspectives.】

【Cost: 10,000 Popularity Points per minute (3-minute cap per episode)】

Though the price was steep, the potential was massive.

If used wisely, those points could bring back tenfold returns—especially when the moment was right.

And for someone like Tian Dao Siming—master of risk, lover of chaos, and undisputed king of the gamble—this was nothing short of perfect.

The ultimate tool for the ultimate player.

At that moment, the system overlay appeared in his vision.

A live stream of Real-time Danmu was now hovering in front of him.

No doubt—this was their scene.

“Whoa! Already unlocked a new map?”

“So beautiful! The production budget must be through the roof!”

“Taking your wife on a jellyfish tour? Haki, you’re such a romantic!”

“So sweet!”

Tian Dao’s eyes flickered.

A mischievous spark lit up in his gaze.

Another idea… perfect for boosting popularity.

“Hey, Kalolin—let’s take a photo!”

Before she could react, Tian Dao suddenly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

Then, with practiced ease, he pulled out her phone from his pocket, unlocked the screen, and pointed the camera at the two of them.

Click!

The shutter snapped.

Only then did Kalolin snap back to reality—snatching her phone back with a glare.

She stared at the image.

And immediately, her face burned.

In the photo, she looked utterly dazed—eyes blank, expression frozen, like she’d just been caught in a trance.

Nothing like her usual self.

She could accept being photographed looking bad—she’d just laugh it off.

But Tian Dao?

He’d planned this.

He’d chosen the pose—perfectly angled, effortlessly cool.

And the camera angle? Masterfully selected.

The result?

Tian Dao’s looks were enhanced by a virtual 10%.

Kalolin’s? Downgraded by the same.

She gritted her teeth, ears flared.

“Tian Dao! You could’ve at least waited until I was ready! You did this on purpose, didn’t you?!”

Tian Dao adjusted his sunglasses with a smirk.

“Wait until you’re ready? Where’s the fun in that? We want authentic moments!”

Kalolin’s eyes narrowed.

Oh, he was definitely messing with her.

No longer the composed, quiet girl she usually was, she shoved his arm hard.

“Authentic? You’re just a prankster!”

“Hey, I am looking good, aren’t I?”

“What about me?”

“Me? Whatever. As long as you’re in frame, that’s enough.”

“Tian Dao Siming!”

He ran. She chased.

Laughing, shouting, the two of them bolted down the tunnel—still tangled in their playful chaos.

They’d fallen behind Yun Meng and the others—Tian Dao had slowed down too long to admire the view.

They had to catch up.

And as they dashed, the Real-time Danmu exploded with reactions.

“If they don’t get married, I’m not sure I can handle it!”

“Tian-Kalolin combo—level up again!”

“Wait… something’s off. This isn’t a battle anime. Why’s it so sweet? I feel like something’s wrong…”

“Selfie? Could they be separated for some reason? Will Kalolin end up staring at this photo alone, heartbroken?”

“Dude, are you a demon?! Cancel that, don’t let the staff see it!”

“No shipping cuts! If you cut the ship, I’ll cut you!”

“If the crew dares to split them up, I’ll cut the crew. My knife’s just as sharp.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end