Chapter 464: Free Amusement Park Companions

It was almost noon, and many office workers and students were on their lunch breaks. During this time, many people would open their favorite live streams to accompany their meals.

After being live since 6 a.m., the "Huadu Xiaoxiao" live stream had climbed to the top of the platform's popularity and gift charts.

Many people who opened "Big Peach Live" were immediately drawn to the title: "Huadu Xiaoxiao Dual-Line Immersive Tour of Magic Century Theme Park and Lion Lake Castle Resort Hotel," and chose to enter the live stream.

Due to the platform's algorithm, since Xiaoxiao's live stream had ten times the viewers of Huadu's, most new viewers were automatically directed to Xiaoxiao's stream.

"Wait... didn't I click into the Magic Century Theme Park live stream?"

"Can someone explain which area of the Magic Century Theme Park this is?"

"I went there once during the beta test, and I didn't see this street!"

"Hey, this is the amusement park inside Lion Lake Castle Hotel. If you want to watch the Magic Century Theme Park live stream, you can switch to Huadu's line."

"I'm shocked. This is actually a hotel's internal amusement park... The scale and design are almost on par with a large amusement park in our city."

"Honestly, this street really has that magical movie vibe!"

Although the live-stream audience's immersion was slightly dampened by their preconceived notions of "black technology" and "movie prop techniques," the street was filled with so many fascinating little things that they quickly got distracted and started discussing the Wizard Town with Xiaoxiao.

"There's an introduction board for Crazy Wizard Town. Let's see what it says."

Xiaoxiao walked over to a meter-tall introduction board and read the text aloud.

"In the mysterious and grand world of magic, people draw power from the stars."

"The great wizard Vikam dedicated his life to exploring the connection between the stars and magic, hoping to develop more magical formations to bring peace and tranquility to the world."

"But during a star-gazing session, Vikam's mind was corrupted by a dark constellation."

"Slowly, this once bright, kind, and great wizard was consumed by darkness."

"Torn between light and dark, Vikam descended into madness..."

"This zone hides three magical artifacts left by Vikam. Wizards who collect all three artifacts will uncover Vikam's true fate."

After reading the board, Xiaoxiao paused.

"Wow, this amusement park actually has a storyline and characters!"

"And according to this, only by collecting the three magical artifacts can we uncover Vikam's true ending."

"I think Vikam's true ending might be revealed in the souvenir we get after collecting the themed items."

Xiaoxiao spoke seriously, "Based on the amusement park's hints, these magical artifacts should be hidden in the park's attractions."

"Let's see... what should we play first?"

Xiaoxiao held her phone and looked around Wizard Town.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she ran toward an attraction.

"That scale over there looks amazing! Let's go play that first!!"

The attraction in front of her was a classic "scale" design. The central axis was dozens of meters high, with a massive horizontal beam extending from the top. On either side of the beam hung two large semicircular trays.

The entire scale was made of black metal, with no visible gears or mechanisms.

Despite its height, size, and footprint, the scale didn't feel bulky. Instead, it had the delicate appearance of a small pharmacy scale, as if even the weight of a feather could tip it.

"Guys, what do you think this is?" Xiaoxiao asked curiously.

"Based on the height, it looks like a drop tower."

"Those two big trays make it look like a seesaw."

"I think it might be a spinning ride, with the trays whirling around in the air."

As the audience speculated, Xiaoxiao walked over to a sign near the scale and read the introduction.

"The Wizard's Scale:"

"In the battle between light and dark, Vikam is like a person constantly swaying on a scale."

"As the weights on both sides increase, the choice between light and dark will determine Vikam's final fate."

"Wow, this amusement park is really interesting. The attractions are tied to the storyline."

Although there are many themed amusement parks nowadays, Xiaoxiao had never seen one where you had to follow a storyline, collect items, and unlock a character's ending like in an escape room.

"Sir, are you here to play the 'Wizard's Scale' attraction?" an employee near the scale approached and asked warmly.

"Yes," Xiaoxiao replied, looking around.

Since it was the first day the hotel's amusement park was open, and Lion Lake Castle didn't have many guests, the streets were mostly filled with employees.

Only a few guests in wizard robes were wandering around the town.

The bustling crowds seen at the Magic Century Theme Park were nowhere to be found.

Xiaoxiao felt a bit disappointed.

"Can we play now? Do we need to wait?" she asked tentatively.

Many amusement parks, due to cost constraints, rarely operate attractions for fewer than half the required number of guests.

Let alone opening a ride for just one person.

"No need, sir," the employee said warmly. "You can play anytime you want. No waiting required."

"However, this attraction is quite intense. Playing alone might be a bit scary."

"If you'd like, we have a free companion team at the hotel's amusement park who can join you."

Wow...

Xiaoxiao's eyelids twitched.

This hotel is so thoughtful!

An amusement park with free companion teams?!

"Then I'll trouble you to accompany me for a round," Xiaoxiao agreed without hesitation.

It's not that she's scared!

Although she's a brave, positive, and resilient young woman,

who knows what this amusement park's attractions are like?

If she were left hanging in mid-air, unable to go up or down, she'd be terrified.

Having someone with her would be much safer.

Besides, amusement parks are more fun with more people.

"Of course, sir."

The employee warmly replied, then spoke into a walkie-talkie.

Soon, four or five young men and women emerged from a room inside the scale.

Perhaps to create a better atmosphere and blend in with the guests,

these companions weren't wearing the standard employee uniforms. Instead, they were dressed in the same castle robes as Xiaoxiao.

If she hadn't known they were companions, Xiaoxiao would've thought they were fellow guests.

"Sir, we're the Scale Companion Team. We're thrilled to have the chance to experience the 'Wizard's Scale' with you," one companion greeted Xiaoxiao warmly.

"Scale Companion Team? Are you only responsible for this attraction?" Xiaoxiao asked, puzzled.

"Yes, sir," the companion replied as they led Xiaoxiao into an elevator.

"Since our park is large and has many attractions, we have dedicated companion teams for each one to ensure every guest has a great experience. You can enjoy any attraction you like, anytime."

"My god... How many people do they employ?!"

"So, these companions' job is to play amusement park rides all day, every day?!"

"How do I become a companion at Lion Lake Castle Hotel? Asking for a friend!!!"

The live-stream chat exploded.

The idea of an amusement park with companion teams blew everyone's minds.

"Does this hotel need more staff?!!!!"

"Does anyone have the hotel owner's or HR's contact info? I want to apply!!!"

"I'll work for free during summer break, as long as they provide food and lodging."

"I live in Zaomen. I can even bring my own lunch. Just let me feed the little black horse, pet the rabbits, and throw sunflower seeds to the chipmunks. Sob!"

Xiaoxiao glanced at the live-stream chat.

At this point, even she wanted to see if she could get a part-time job at the hotel.

When the elevator doors opened, they were on a high platform at the top of the scale.

The bright midday sun was slightly scorching, making it hard to keep their eyes open.

After a few minutes, Xiaoxiao adjusted to the sunlight and looked around.

They were standing at the top of the scale's central axis, nearly 100 meters high. From here, they could clearly see the two massive trays hanging from steel cables on either side.

On the ground below, there was a track with a small car resembling an amusement park ride.

The car was small, with only two seats per row,

and a total of four rows, seating eight people at most.

"Sir, the front row offers the best view and experience."

"The middle row feels safer,"

"and the back row is the scariest and most thrilling. Where would you like to sit?"

The companion didn't rush Xiaoxiao into the car. Instead, they warmly explained the options and let her choose.

"Based on my analysis, this is definitely a high-altitude seesaw."

"I say go for the front row. The view must be amazing!"

"Nah, the middle row feels safer. You're surrounded by people, so it's less scary."

"Pfft, you're all weak!"

"Only the back row gives you the real experience!"

"Trust me, I always sit in the back row on pirate ships. The wind feels like it's from the stratosphere. It's exhilarating!"

"Damn, stratospheric wind... Are you on a pirate ship or a dream island?!"

The live-stream audience eagerly debated, but Xiaoxiao was feeling nervous.

She wasn't great with intense rides and would've chosen the safer middle row if she could.

But since she was live-streaming,

her professionalism and dedication to her audience meant she had to go for the best experience.

The back row... no way!

"I'll take the front row," Xiaoxiao said, trying to sound confident.

"Of course, sir."

Since Xiaoxiao and Huadu had anticipated amusement park attractions during their live stream planning,

they had prepared head-mounted cameras for situations like this, allowing Xiaoxiao to continue streaming even on rides.

The companion helped Xiaoxiao secure her seat and fasten her seatbelt, while the others also took their seats.

As she settled in, Xiaoxiao spoke to her audience:

"This seat is really comfortable!"

"I feel completely snug in here, with no wobbling at all."

"The buckle is heavy and tight,"

"and the footrest feels great."

"I just pressed down on it, and it's very sturdy. It should help reduce the sense of weightlessness during the drop."

Xiaoxiao tugged at her seatbelt and showed the footrest to the camera.

"Everyone ready?"

The scale employee's voice came from a distance. "If you're ready, we'll start."

"Ready!!" Xiaoxiao gave a thumbs-up.

With a low hum,

Xiaoxiao felt a "click" beneath her, and the car began to rise.

It ascended about 20 meters before stopping.

"Click." A gear engaged, and the car locked into place on a nearly 8-meter-long track high above the ground.

The "stratospheric" wind whipped across Xiaoxiao's face, and she could see Lion Lake Castle and birds flying in the distance.

They were at least 100 meters above the ground. Xiaoxiao's legs were trembling. The main event was about to begin!

Xiaoxiao gripped the handrails tightly, took a deep breath, and waited for the scale's judgment.

Sure enough, before she could react, the track tilted like a seesaw, and the car plunged downward under gravity, as if it were about to crash to the ground.

"Ah...!!"

The intense weightlessness, the breathtaking view, and the sudden drop made Xiaoxiao scream at the top of her lungs.

Her screams, along with the companions', echoed across the park.

"Wow, that scream was intense!"

Inside the park, Chen Jianhai looked at the swaying trays of the "Wizard's Scale" in the distance, his eyes wide with shock.