Chapter 35: Purification, Control, Fandom Transformation

"Cheng, who are you exactly?"

This question lingered in Sani's mind, but for some reason, she didn't voice it out loud. Initially, the Asian guy slept in the park where the Revival Point was located, pacing around her tent every day. Sani was on edge for quite a while because of it.

After her former neighbor, the old man, met his maker, Cheng Daqi's predecessor inherited the old man's equipment and became her new neighbor. They began an awkward cohabitation.

The harsh reality of America and the gap between ideals shattered the hopes of the original person. Before they could become acquainted, the original person passed away, and Cheng Daqi, the new occupant, inherited everything.

Then the story became magical.

Cheng Daqi seemed like a completely different person, embarking on all sorts of absurd ventures, refreshing Sani's impression of him time and time again.

However, today, Cheng Daqi's conversation with Tom made Sani realize the stark difference between them.

How did someone like Cheng Daqi end up a homeless wanderer? A bankrupt entrepreneur? Various thoughts swirled in her mind before dissipating. Eventually, Black Meimei fell asleep.

Sani hadn't seen "The Shawshank Redemption," so she didn't know that line.

"Some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright."

Homeless people were just unfortunate souls trapped in invisible prisons.

The autumn night in St. Louis was already getting chilly. The thin blanket was inadequate against the October cold. Cornelius hugged his worn-out phone, watching videos of people in martial arts attire. He was watching videos of Chinese kung fu.

He had no idea who edited the video, but it featured not only ordinary fights but also scenes from the movie "Storm Riders."

The ignorant black guy began to fantasize, envisioning himself mastering Chinese kung fu and becoming the future Captain America. But where could he learn?

After a few seconds of contemplation, he grasped the concept of learning from the best: "I can learn from the person who defeated me. He's a master of Chinese kung fu."

Cornelius's brief moment of clarity alleviated his difficulties, at least temporarily. He didn't dwell on the obstacles but immediately reached out to Cheng Daqi.

"Teach me Chinese kung fu. I want to learn."

"Can you teach me this from watching the video?"

"Get lost!"

Cheng Daqi responded grumpily. He regretted his actions from the previous day. He should have just run away with Sani instead of getting into a scuffle with this idiot.

Cornelius's presence made Cheng Daqi realize that he had never discriminated against black people.

He started browsing through his Jumping Video comments and compiled today's footage of him holding signs, eating burgers, and passing through the red-light district.

He quickly edited them together and wrote a simple caption: "Worked day labor today, earned $100. Had a few burgers after getting paid. The burger names are a bit strange, can anyone help me figure them out?"

Simple captions, combined with the video content, already provided two explosive points and a twist.

Exploiting, indeed.

Not only was this tactic prevalent in the influencer, entertainment, and product circles, but it had also spread to various other industries, including XX.

It was a universally applicable method, a bible of operation!

After posting the new video, Cheng Daqi scrolled through the comments section. The video had been fermenting for over a day, accumulating over a thousand comments.

2018 was truly a good time. With distinctive content, attracting viewers was easy.

A familiar comment caught his attention, triggering a flurry of reactions from netizens. Cheng Daqi promptly replied under the unknown commenter's post:

"Old friend, can you lend me some money? Being homeless is tough."

If it were 2023, Cheng Daqi's begging would have garnered at least half a million views, and a professional e-pet influencer would have provided free promotion. Even the headlines were predictable:

"Failed Internet Beggar Unable to Beg a Penny." "Facing Reality, Homeless Beggar Resorted to Begging." "No Dignity, Homeless Man in America Begging for Food."

Cheng Daqi didn't care. He was legally uploading videos without breaking any rules. What did he have to fear?

People laughed at Old Eight for eating burgers, but little did they know that no matter how many burgers they ate, they could never become the next Old Eight.

What determined a person's value wasn't how others saw them but their own abilities and clear perception.

As the saying goes, don't let emotions interfere with business—this includes self-pity.

Make money, no shame.