Filming a funny video with Screwllum and Ruan Mei—that was, of course, impossible.
Not all geniuses were like him, in such good spirits that Aha would constantly watch him.
Although Bai Luan knew that if he asked, the two of them might actually agree, it would then become him imposing on them, losing his composure.
So Bai Luan simply had Screwllum and Ruan Mei participate as guests, building upon the existing videos.
He would showcase a little-known side of these two geniuses to the audience of the StarNet.
It was still the same old saying: not all geniuses were as keen as Bai Luan to create entertaining content on the StarNet, to the point where netizens could judge whether he was slacking off or working his heart out based on his video update frequency and content.
Most Genius Society members maintained an air of mystery, rarely appearing in public, and many people would never get to see a genius's true face in their entire lives.
Before Bai Luan burst onto the scene, Herta's program, launched in collaboration with the Company, was considered a groundbreaking move for the Genius Society, making her the initial template for the public's image of a genius.
As for Bai Luan, he was different; he couldn't be considered a breakthrough, he was more like an eye-opener for the entire StarNet.
This was the first time anyone had ever seen a genius create their own funny content.
He was arguably the most widely accepted genius, almost achieving household name status.
After Bai Luan told the two geniuses his idea, they didn't agree on the spot but went back to consider it for a while before giving their reply, indicating their agreement.
However, the most unbearable thing for Bai Luan happened—these two geniuses actually came to him separately and privately, one after another, to ask:
"What dance do we need to do?"
No... did you already assume I'd be leading you in abstract performances?
With what kind of tragic and heroic feelings did you ultimately accept my invitation?!
No wonder they went back to consider it for a while before giving him their answer.
Bai Luan imagined Screwllum and Ruan Mei gathering together, pulling up Yi Mu's videos, and opening one of his funny performance videos.
Then, looking at the energetic dance video within, they exchanged glances, their faces showing difficulty.
Finally, they gave themselves psychological counseling, convincing themselves to agree.
I know it's immoral to think this way... but this scene is really hilarious, hey!
Don't be so funny, you two!
Just thinking about it makes me lose my composure.
He hadn't expected his standing in the hearts of these two geniuses to be so high that they would make such a great sacrifice for him.
Don't worry, I won't make you film abstract videos; I've already found the most suitable video type for you.
First, for Ruan Mei, she likes pastries, so Bai Luan catered to her preference by having her participate in pastry-making videos.
Initially, Bai Luan only wanted Ruan Mei to be a background figure, to pose for a cover, to attract readers' interest.
After all, with Ruan Mei's beauty, just standing there was very appealing, thus achieving the effect of drawing traffic.
If you scrolled past a video with a plain close-up of a pastry as the cover, most people wouldn't click on it if you covered up the 'Yi Mu' IP watermark.
But if Ruan Mei was holding a plate of crystal-clear pastries as the cover, would you watch it?
You'd click in to take a look even if it killed you!
Do I not know what you guys want to see? (A knowing smile that sees through everything)
Bai Luan only wanted Ruan Mei to be a background figure, as he only had a few leave slips and didn't want to ask too much of Ruan Mei.
However, what he didn't expect was that Ruan Mei herself developed a strong interest in this project.
During the filming process, she often wasn't satisfied with just being in the background; she would actively participate in the pastry-making process, kneading dough, mixing fillings, and carving flowers with her own hands.
Furthermore, she was very happy to taste the finished products at the end of the video, giving very professional and detailed food reviews.
Hmm... participating is fine too.
And so, Ruan Mei became a regular guest on the pastry-making videos.
While Ruan Mei's videos were being filmed, Screwllum's videos were also being filmed simultaneously.
Unlike Ruan Mei's lifestyle and gourmet style, the videos collaborating with Screwllum focused more on showcasing the beauty of mechanical structures.
Bai Luan liked to start filming from the simplest basic parts, then demonstrate step-by-step how to assemble them into increasingly complex and intricate mechanical structures.
Screwllum would be alongside, using his gentle and magnetic electronic synthesized voice to provide timely explanations, elucidating the function and interaction principles of various components in a simple yet profound way, revealing the rational beauty and logical power contained within machinery to the audience.
The video specifically included an intermission segment, during which Bai Luan would chat with Screwllum and popularize some knowledge about automatons.
For example, although automatons could extend their lifespan by replacing parts, this didn't mean immortality.
When all the parts on an automaton could no longer be replaced or repaired, it would also reach the end of its life.
The launch of this program was quite successful, garnering considerable popularity.
Although Bai Luan filmed the production process in great detail and Screwllum's explanations were sufficiently easy to understand, the audience who could truly fully comprehend the intricate mechanical principles still constituted a very small fraction.
A considerable proportion of the audience, by the latter half, was basically in a state of "although I don't understand it, I'm deeply impressed."
Isn't this a completely negative buff?
How can it be considered a successful program?
This is, of course, because—
Even if a large number of viewers completely lost track of what was happening in the video by the end, it didn't diminish their enthusiasm for watching.
Their reasons for staying were varied.
Some wanted to see what kind of outrageous mechanical creation would ultimately be built.
Some found the "Automaton trivia"Science Popularization Section very interesting.
And others simply felt that listening to Screwllum speak in his calm and elegant voice was an ultimate auditory pleasure in itself... Ultimately, the video filming received good feedback, and Bai Luan was happy to issue leave slips for it.
Bai Luan's condition was that each video filmed would consume two leave slips.
In Bai Luan's opinion, two leave slips for a genius to appear was already an outrageous price.
As a result, Ruan Mei and Screwllum both fell silent after hearing the quote.
Was the asking price too low?
Should I add a few more leave slips?
Just as Bai Luan was wondering whether to raise it to seven or eight slips for a genius's appearance, Screwllum spoke.
"Logic: Participating in such a video shoot is, for me, a rather pleasant experience.
I do not believe this beauty should be a reason to reclaim leave slips; on the contrary, in my heart, being invited to participate in such a creation is an honor."
After speaking, Screwllum took out another leave slip and handed it to Bai Luan:
"Conclusion: I should give you a leave slip."
Bai Luan looked at the leave slip Screwllum handed over and fell silent.
No, wasn't our initial goal to use up the leave slips I have!?
How did I end up with more leave slips in my hand!?
Just as Bai Luan was complaining, another hand holding a leave slip was extended.
Bai Luan looked up at Ruan Mei.
You also think I should be paid, don't you?
This can't be for nothing.
Do you seriously expect me to make you dance to use up leave slips?
Bai Luan scratched his head and said:
"Filming such videos with you makes me feel very happy; in my eyes, it's no different from resting, and it's worth exchanging for leave slips."
Hearing Bai Luan's reply, Screwllum's voice carried a hint of amusement:
"A clever resonance; in fact, we think so too."
"Then what should we do?"
Screwllum was silent for a moment, then said:
"Shall we talk about dance videos?"
Screwllum's remark left Bai Luan speechless for a moment.
"Next time, definitely next time."
When Stelle finishes dealing with Penacony, I'll definitely drag you two into some serious fun.
Who would have thought you two would be so open-minded... I finally tried to be serious, but you made me lose so completely!
Finally, after a negotiation, both sides made concessions, and the appearance fee for these types of videos for the geniuses was reduced to one leave slip.
As for the funny videos, the geniuses would receive an appearance fee of ten leave slips per session.
Bai Luan looked at the pile of leave slips in his hand.
One leave slip for a genius's appearance, ten leave slips for a genius to join him in making funny content... A smile, a mix of helplessness, pride, and a touch of absurdity, couldn't help but curl at the corners of his mouth.
Can anyone else do this!?
Looking across the entire universe,
Perhaps only I can do it.