As an ex-web novelist who dabbled in the gaming genre, Han Leng had always been an avid fan of Rosemary's novels. He would not fail to subscribe any of Rosemary's novels.
Now that "The Strongest King" had been successfully adapted in anime form and was being broadcasted on Bilibili, he had unhesitatingly spent 10 RMB to enjoy the privilege of having early access to the episodes. He loved this Esport novel that much.
Of course, Han Leng did not know that Zhao Youyue was actually the mysterious VA for Xiao Yu. It had left him very concerned over Yu Shengfan's VA's performance. Although he was not a crazy fan, he was afraid that the overall quality of the entire anime would be ruined, due to the VA's inexperience.
There were far too many rumors about Yu Shengfan's VA, causing panic among the masses. Even though Song Gang had jumped up to help the VA, the public believed him to be acting at the behest of the company. He had practically been paid to lie with his eyes open. He could have boasted about anything else, yet he had chosen to boast about the voice acting capabilities of the newbie VA. How would those words quench the fire?
The greater the boast, the more false hope it gives, and the greater the disappointment.
Han Leng was pleased with the first few episodes of "The Strongest King." He felt that the established Tian Yi animation company had put much effort into the production. It was a work of caliber, and the VAs had carried out their lines diligently. As long as they could maintain such conditions, this anime might not necessarily satisfy all the fans of the original novel, but would certainly deserve to be referred as an excellent example of Industry Conscience.
However, the better the contents in the early stage, the more worried Han Leng grew about the mysterious VA who would be voice acting for Yu Shengfan. His instincts told him that she would be the Achilles' Heel of the entire production!
If that really is the case, all those exaggerated rumors might actually come true. Everything, from the great start to the decent Vas, would be undone. After all, Han Leng understood all too well how crazy those Xiao Yu fans can get!
"Speaking of which, Lady Zhao was definitely a veteran Xiao Yu fan. She must be very uneasy by now..." Han Leng thought.
He could never forget how hurt and lost Lady Zhao became, when Rosemary wrote Xiao Yu to death.
This gave way to feelings of envy towards Rosemary, as when he wrote Chu Luoxun to death, Lady Zhao barely batted an eyelid. This made him consider his Goddess Chu to be inferior to Xiao Yu.
Chu Luoxun was too perfect, to an unrealistic extent. Of course, there would be some form of dissonance when one reads about her.
As for Xiao Yu, her 'monarch with the strongest mouth' quirk was rather interesting. Many readers who lacked quick wits and sharp tongue would like Xiao Yu very much, as she would be able to take their place and take a stand against the injustice in their lives, firing back at all who are slighting them.
Han Leng was chatting with one of his fans at that moment. This fan went by the alias, 'Jian Bing.' He became a fan after reading his book "Conquering the World in an Online Game." The fan was rather loyal, to the point of even sending presents on Han Leng's birthday. These presents usually came in the form of taste treats, suiting his alias.
Han Leng treated such loyal fans with relish. Although he had withdrawn from the web novel world and had entered the world of youth novels, he shouldn't forget his old loyal fans, should he?
Han Leng was nothing like Su Li, who only recognized her tycoon fans. When he gets along with a reader, he would judge them as equals. If he finds the reader nice, and if the reader's comments scratch his itchy bits, he would certainly include them into his inner circle.
'Jian Bing' was such a reader. He was coincidentally a book fan of "The Strongest King" as well. Thus, the subject of their chat would revolve around the new anime, "The Strongest King."
"I suppose that the new episode of "The Strongest King" will be broadcasted tonight? It seems that it's finally Xiao Yu's turn to appear. I am feeling so nervous. I'm still afraid that the mysterious newbie VA will ruin the character," typed 'Jian Bing.'
Han Leng read the message and replied, "Thank God I am not a crazy Xiao Yu fan. I don't have high expectations of this VA. As long as she doesn't ruin the character too much, I would be fine with that. I think the other VAs are doing okay. They did well in the first few episodes."
"I'm just worried that a rat would shit into the entire porridge pot! Song Gang, the VA for the male protagonist Lin Feng, is a publicly recognized VA. He has the skills to back his popularity. He's one of the few out there who treats his work with a passion. If his partner is a VA who had been snuck in through the 'backdoor,' just because she let somebody use her 'backdoor,' this would definitely affect their overall performance. After all, Xiao Yu would practically be the main character over the next arc or so."
"We can only believe in the Tian Yi animation company. Their projects have always been well-received," Han Leng comforted him.
"Track record aside, they really deviated from the norm, even by their standards! They were so secretive this time. Something fishy is going on behind the scenes! I'd say, Ding Hui should have been the VA. She is a true veteran. Besides, her voice would be more suitable for the role..."
Looking at the anxious 'Jian Bing,' Han Leng smiled helplessly. He could only comfort him once more. Then, he sent a message to Zhao Youyue, "My lady, are you feeling nervous right now?"
Zhao Youyue received the message, and was confused. She asked, "What do you mean, nervous?"
"Still putting up a strong front? Xiao Yu is going to appear in the anime adaptation of "The Strongest King" soon. Nobody has faith in this new VA. As a Xiao Yu fan, don't you feel nervous?"
"Not at all. I'm a picture of calm. Just wait and see. The 'Yu Shengfan Disease' will spread like wildfire after this, as more fans beg for Xiao Yu to insult them," Zhao Youyue replied.
Han Leng was at a loss of words. Where did this Lady Zhao's inexplicable self-confidence come from?
Is it because that she already knows who the mysterious VA is?
Oh, right. Whatever it is, after tonight's broadcast, the VA's name would come up in the credits. All will be known.
Finally, the new episode came online. Han Leng watched it right away. There, Yu Shengfan appeared. Even though he was not a crazy Xiao Yu fan, he could feel his eyes lighting up. This golden-haired twintail loli lady had been drawn rather well. She had the aura and gait befitting of a tycoon lady!
All that's left now was her voice…
When Yu Shengfan spoke, he was stunned. The VA was nothing like the rumors. It sounded like the perfect reproduction of Yu Shengfan's voice!
Han Leng was totally fascinated by the episode. At the same time, all the doubts within his heart vanished completely. This mysterious, newbie VA deserved the role!
He was relieved. Only one question rose in his heart: why did this Yu Shengfan's voice sound slightly familiar?