Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
As you wander around, a roadside stall catches your attention. It's set up like a tiny stage, taking up more space than the other stalls—and more importantly, there seems to be some kind of "dispute" here.
Come on, don't be so rigid! I keep telling you I can handle this. Just cut me a little slack, alright?
The figure chatting with the stall owner seems familiar. You step forward, and the moment you do, the boy in the middle of the crowd spots you.
Commandant! Perfect timing. Back me up here—tell them I'm totally capable of beating this challenge on my own!
This...
Changyu shifts aside so you can finally glimpse the stage that was hidden from you just moments ago.
This is Kowloong's specialty—shadow puppetry! Bet you haven't seen it before, right?
Exactly. It's not often you see something like this nowadays.
I saw this challenge and immediately decided to give it a try. But the stall owner keeps insisting that it has to be done in pairs—he's so rigid! It's not like it'll hurt him if I go solo.
While Changyu complains, the stall owner just smiles calmly and starts explaining.
Listen, kid, I'm not questioning your ability. It's just that our little stage has its own traditions.
Today is the Double Seventh Festival. We focus on a paired challenge to highlight unity and happiness. See? Even the acts you can choose from are all about joyful reunions. If you do it alone, you lose the whole point.
See? Even your friend over there doesn't disagree, right?
Exactly. See? Your friend's being really reasonable.
Changyu can't stand up to the stall owner's persistence, and that last comment makes him waver just a little more.
Even if that's the case...
All right, all right—two people it is! Perfect timing. There's a ready-made helper right here, isn't there?
It looks like Changyu just assumes you're part of the team.
The prize for the challenge sits on a tall stand beside the stage. Changyu gives it a confident glance, then breaks into a brilliant grin.
This level of difficulty is a breeze for me! If I'm teamed up with you, Commandant, I'm more than happy to share the prize.
Anyone can tell this is something Changyu is used to—and quite good at—but...
Don't worry! It's no big deal.
I'll handle all the singing and announcements. You just need to get familiar with the storyline and operate the puppets when the time comes.
Commandant, you can definitely handle something like this without any trouble.
Changyu finishes speaking, selects the play, and outlines the plot. To set the mood, he chooses Kowloong's famed legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. After summarizing it, he starts demonstrating how to control the little shadow puppets.
Check this out—if you position your fingers like this and lift gently, the puppet moves right away. Lift here for a kick, and there for a wave...
He walks you through every detail, though it still feels a bit tricky at first.
Here's what we'll do: I'll guide your hands so you can practice. You'll master it in no time.
Changyu's hand rests over yours, guiding your knuckles in unison as you maneuver the small shadow puppet.
You can't deny this approach works a lot better than before. After a few quick practice sessions, you can already pull off some basic moves.
This should be enough, but...
Heh heh, always aiming for perfection!
Let me think... I feel like there's not enough conviction here! How can any good show do without it?
You really need to believe every story on stage is real—that's how they come alive!
This is no big deal. Let me take a moment to think, and I'll give you an example.
Changyu picks up the small shadow puppet and studies it carefully.
Got it! You know that simple game where you hold your hands up to a light and form animal shapes, right? You've definitely tried it before.
That's exactly it. If you treat a shadow puppet show like that old game, it starts to click, doesn't it?
Instead of fingers, you've got puppets—just try telling a story with their shadows, that's all.
See? I'm pretty quick on my feet, right? But don't worry too much! All that stuff I said is just a bit of extra flair.
What really matters is...
Changyu idly twitches the strings on the shadow puppet and shows off a graceful martial arts move.
It's as smooth and effortless as a gently flowing stream—swift, satisfying, and utterly invigorating.
"Synergy"! All we need to do is hold on to it, and we're set.
As long as we keep that ultimate secret in mind, our performance will always bring down the house.
Absolutely! When you think about it, any kind of show is really just carrying people's hopes and longings.
Just like those songs we play and sing, or those random bits of poetry—without anyone to bring them to life or interpret them, they're basically dead.
That's why it all hinges on us, the "performers."
So relax! I'm totally cool with trusting you to handle the other half.
Don't overthink it—just go for it. Let's put on this show exactly how we've imagined!
Working together, I know we can make it happen.
The boy's words feel like a soothing reassurance, stirring a deep sense of security within you.
With Changyu's encouragement, the two of you grow more and more in tune. After making sure you're ready, you head onto the stage to begin your performance.
There's something different about Changyu once he's under the spotlight. Whenever those lilting lines escape his lips, a dazzling gleam flickers in his eyes.
He's right: that synergy can flow from one to the other. Under shifting light and shadow, your energy courses from fingertips to strings, breathing life into the little shadow puppets and weaving tales of sorrow and joy—of partings and reunions.
Knowing most challengers aren't professionals, the stall owner simplifies the performances. The unique light-and-shadow approach sparks fresh curiosity, and overall, the response is surprisingly positive.
Congratulations on completing the challenge! Here you go, son—this is your prize.
Changyu takes the prize from the stall owner.
See? I told you I wasn't making it up. Doing this with someone important to you really makes the festival vibe even better, doesn't it?
Definitely! Thanks so much. I'm really glad I took on this challenge—it gave me a whole new kind of fun.
I had a great time, no doubt—but there is a downside...
I can't help feeling a bit more "greedy" now.
One prize isn't going to cut it! I saw plenty more stalls like this on my way over.
As he says this, he holds out his hand, inviting you to join him.
All right, Commandant—let's keep "tearing it up" out there!
