In the original 'Clannad' visual novel, the story had over a dozen routes.
In each route, after completion, players could earn a Light Orb. And only after completing three full playthroughs could players unlock 'Clannad: After Story's true ending—the grand, happy conclusion.
Most people didn't think much of this setup while playing. But more attentive players, especially those who remembered Kotomi's discussion of parallel worlds during the school arc, would understand.
The game's different routes represent parallel universes. The Light Orbs that Tomoya Okazaki collected in each one transcend worldlines, gathering into a mysterious force—powerful enough to grant Nagisa Furukawa a perfect ending in the final timeline.
So who was the girl in the fantasy world?
She was actually Ushio Okazaki, from one of the first two playthroughs of 'Clannad: After Story', having died and ended up in the lonely fantasy world, growing up there.
And the robot?
He was, for reasons unknown, likely the spiritual incarnation of Tomoya Okazaki, who died alone and whose soul ended up in the same world.
But both had lost most of their memories from the real world, so they didn't recognize each other.
Only at the end, as the fantasy world approached collapse, did the girl—Ushio—recover her memories and recognize her father. That's when she said:
"Goodbye… Daddy."
Revealing her true identity.
The fantasy world's power transcended timelines, influencing the past, future, and present.
In the game, once Tomoya collected all thirteen Light Orbs across different routes, he could unleash their power—
and with the help of his soul's projection (the robot) and his daughter, Ushio, in the fantasy world,
His consciousness returned to the past.
And the Light Orbs…
prevented Nagisa Furukawa's death.
This was content that only players who completed every route would fully understand.
In Jing Yu's previous life, the Clannad anime—though excellently produced—was an abridged version. Without playing the full game, fully grasping the story's depth through the anime alone required god-tier IQ.
Obviously limited by screen time, the live-action 'Clannad' Jing Yu created in this world only slightly expanded on the multiverse concept—not much more.
But Yu Zhihong was one of those rare, highly intelligent viewers.
He understood everything the moment the girl said:
"Goodbye… Daddy."
Then the screen shifted.
Back to the town-world.
Back to the hill with cherry blossoms from Season 1, Episode 1.
But this time, it wasn't fantasy or illusion.
This was Tomoya Okazaki, empowered by the thirteen Light Orbs, whose consciousness had traveled back to this body in this exact moment.
And he now had a chance to choose again.
If…
If you were given a chance, knowing full well that meeting her would mean falling in love, spending a few beautiful, sweet years together—
only for her to die after giving birth to your daughter…
and that your daughter would die too, at age six, from the same illness…
With that knowledge—
All Tomoya had to do was not speak to Nagisa Furukawa here.
If he stayed silent, this tragic fate would never be his.
He could meet someone else, fall in love again, and build a happier, painless family.
Since the tragedy hadn't yet occurred, it could be erased—as if it had never existed.
What would he choose?
Tears welled in Yu Zhihong's eyes.
He watched as Tomoya Okazaki turned and shouted with all his strength toward the departing Nagisa Furukawa:
"Nagisa!"
Even if he knew the future would be darkness…
No matter how many chances he got,
He would never regret meeting Nagisa.
He ran toward her, caught up to her, and embraced her tightly.
"Nagisa… I'm right here!" Tomoya choked out.
"I'm so glad you spoke to me," she whispered gently, returning the hug.
"I was afraid you were overthinking it… thinking that not meeting me would be better."
"I'm so lucky to have met you. I've been so happy.
So please, don't be lost.
No matter how many hardships lie ahead, never regret our meeting."
Tomoya clutched Nagisa's hand, sobbing.
"I understand now.
Thank you."
Without even realizing it, Yu Zhihong was weeping uncontrollably.
So Nagisa remembered too…
Who could've seen this coming?
He used to believe in science.
But screw science.
The screen flickered.
Time jumped to a moment that was unexpected, yet completely fitting—
The cry of a newborn.
It was that Episode 8 scene—when Ushio Okazaki was born.
"Dango Daikazoku" began playing in the background.
Tomoya looked down at his newborn daughter, then at Nagisa Furukawa, lying weakly on the bed.
Remembering how he had lost her once before, he couldn't help but cry.
"Nagisa…"
But this time—
Nagisa did not die.
"Tomoya… what's wrong?" she asked softly.
Their voices were gentle.
Only Tomoya remembered everything.
In this new world—where Nagisa didn't die after childbirth—
He bathed his daughter for the first time by her side.
Yu Zhihong smiled through his tears, watching the scene.
And those who had stuck with the show this week—the most loyal fans—
They were now celebrating like it was New Year's in their group chats.
"Mr. Jing Yu, I apologize! I was too loud two weeks ago. I'm bowing my head here."
"Who called him 'Old Bastard Jing'? Get out of here and apologize!"
"I'm crying like crazy. This episode…"
"Masterpiece. Who dares talk trash now?"
"I'm recalling the knife I mailed to BlueStar Media. I acted rashly. I'm sobbing, Jing Yu. Why would you cliffhang us like that? If you'd just aired this last week, there wouldn't have been so much hate!"
"I love you, Jing Yu! Thank you for bringing Nagisa back!"
"I didn't understand everything, but I still cried."
"So this is the power of the Light Orbs, huh? Giving Tomoya a second chance to choose—and when he chose to meet Nagisa again, the Light Orbs saved her."
"What about Ushio, though? Now that the timeline has changed, Ushio shouldn't die, right?"
"Of course not! If Nagisa's saved, then Ushio is too!"
"My faith in science is restored."
"Everyone, rise! Bow to Master Screenwriter Jing Yu!"
"I'm giving my knife a proper burial. If Jing Yu were in front of me right now, I'd kiss him. This episode elevated the entire show!"
"This show made me understand what it means to cry while smiling.
HP restored. The best decision I made this year was not dropping the show—
I got to experience this finale unspoiled.
Those who quit? Poor clowns.
Tomorrow, when the show's reputation rebounds, they'll come crawling back to resubscribe—only to get spoiled in every thread.
Sure, they'll be moved too, but never like us. Hahaha."
The rest of 'Clannad' Season 2, Episode 12, used a fast-paced narrative to show a happy life for the Okazaki family—Nagisa, Tomoya, and Ushio.
With her mother alive and her father doting on her, Ushio smiled far more.
Every week, she traveled with her parents, playing in fields and laughing.
Flashbacks showed how all the other characters' stories developed, too.
The show's theme was "Dango Daikazoku"—Big Dumpling Family.
And its ending?
The big family. The happy reunion.
The final scene ended on a lighthearted exchange between Fuko and her sister Kouko.
Fuko rushed into the grass under the tree where Ushio was napping—the two cutest characters in the series were about to meet again.
'Clannad' – Complete!
These words flashed on screen.
Yu Zhihong sat there on his couch, stunned—his thoughts still immersed in the story.
It was…
too moving.
He couldn't snap out of it.
Only after a long time did he let out a deep sigh.
Blowing his nose with tissues from the table,
He realized—
He couldn't sleep.
He wasn't usually the type to post online much, but right now…
He had so much he wanted to say.
'Clannad' wasn't one of those shows you forget after watching.
At the very least—
Yu Zhihong looked at its 5.9 rating on YindouNet—
And decided:
No matter the reason, that score was unacceptable.
He opened his laptop—
and began typing out a 10,000-word review of 'Clannad'.
That night,
There were many others like him—fans who, after watching the finale,
They were so emotional that they couldn't let go.