Chapter 207: The Summer Festival

As they climbed the stone steps, the path widened significantly at the mountainside, with a stone-paved road extending toward the mountain top. On either side of the road, small shops lined up, selling various snacks, souvenirs, and offering mini-games, overwhelming Ryan with options. The crowd was dense, gradually moving toward the top of the mountain. Long lines had formed in front of each shop.

"It's so lively," Hua exclaimed as she looked around in awe. "Senior brother, doesn't this remind you of the crowded markets when we were young?"

Though there were more people here and the focus was more on 'fun' than usual, it didn't feel much different.

"Today, it's on me. Anything you want to eat or play, just go for it," Ryan said, casually waving his wallet. He had a little savings stashed away.

Hua had initially planned to pay for it herself but then recalled Carol's advice. She gave a small nod. "Alright, then let's start with the candy apples."

Because of the crowd, Ryan didn't want to use Honkai energy in such a dense area, so he gently grabbed Hua hand.

"Let's get some candy apples, then try fried bananas, and finally fill our stomachs with octopus balls. After that, we'll go from one shop to the next."

"Sounds good."

They didn't use Honkai energy and, like ordinary people, queued up, shoulder to shoulder, in front of each shop. Before long, Hua had so many treats in her hands that she couldn't hold them all.

She gave up on being reserved, taking bites of the sweet candy apples, then immediately devouring sticky rice balls. After finishing one, she moved on to octopus balls.

"The most important thing is femininity. Figure out what your senior brother likes and develop that direction. Of course, your chest might be beyond help."

Carol's advice had long been thrown out of the window. This wasn't Fire Moth, so there was no need to maintain the dignity of an officer here. She didn't have to worry about Ryan lecturing her.

While enjoying the food, Hua suddenly heard a laugh beside her and pouted, "Why are you laughing?"

"No reason," Ryan replied with a smile. "It's just rare to see you so lively. Finally doing something that matches your age and understanding a long-standing problem."

Hua was momentarily puzzled. She had never been rebellious since childhood. She didn't want to make Ryan angry, either.

"Today, just enjoy the festival. Do what a 17-year-old girl should do," Ryan continued, brushing away crumbs from the corner of her mouth with a gentle hand.

Hua was momentarily confused. She had long left the "girl" phase, becoming a "soldier." As she thought about it, she realized what Ryan meant.

"Carol, you were wrong. I don't need to change at all. I just need to stay true to myself. Why bother with all that nonsense?"

She relaxed, realizing that for Ryan, there was no need to cater to anyone's preferences. She didn't want to admit it, but he and Elysia shared some similarities.

"Let's go. I'll show you what I can do," Hua said, her competitive spirit ignited.

Ryan saw the determination in her eyes and knew she had understood. Whether it was her usual reserved and steady demeanor or her youthful exuberance at this moment, this was Hua. There was no need to burden herself trying to become someone else.

Small, but so cute.

"Heh, well, you better take this seriously," Ryan teased as he placed a bill on the counter. The shopkeeper, looking wary, was quick to notice that the two of them were professionals.

The air was tense as they each picked up the air guns, ready to compete.

The shopkeeper swallowed nervously, recognizing that these two were no ordinary customers. He silently signaled to his subordinates to be ready.

A few minutes later, the shooting stopped, and the shopkeeper was left with a downcast expression while Hua triumphantly carried two giant plush toys.

"I won. Your aim needs work; it took you too long to aim."

"I usually use my fists and feet..." Hua muttered, pointing to a stall in the distance. "How about throwing darts?"

"Isn't that too simple?"

"Let's make it a hundred meters. I've trained for it."

"Alright, I'll indulge you."

...

As the night deepened, the festival became even livelier. However, people soon realized that the challenging games along the road were all closing down. Upon asking around, they discovered a strange rumor.

A couple had swept through the entire festival. From air guns and darts to ring toss, fishing for goldfish, and even eating challenges, they had won every game. The shop owners were left in tears.

This wasn't a festival visit—it was clearly a shopping spree.

But they soon realized that the prizes they had won had been returned, neatly arranged in front of each shop. The owners, too embarrassed to reopen, simply locked their doors.

Passing through the commercial area, they reached another plaza, surrounded by several wooden houses selling ice cream and cold drinks. Tables and chairs were placed in front of the stores.

Ryan sat down with an iced coffee, watching the stars in the plaza. The girls were playing with sparklers, and Hua, with her gray-blue hair, stood out particularly.

She squatted, watching the sparkler burn, illuminating her bright eyes and perfect smile. There was an innocence about her, with the sparks reflected in her pupils, making everything look incredibly beautiful.

Hua lit more sparklers, occasionally chatting with the nearby girls. Ryan didn't know what they were talking about, but he could tell that Hua face had flushed slightly. She would occasionally sneak a glance at the edge of the plaza.

"So, she's never played with sparklers before... Looks like her life has been quite monotonous," Ryan thought as he paused mid-sip of his bitter coffee. He realized Hua had been overly serious and focused lately.

Before, it was all school, part-time work, and practicing martial arts. After joining Fire Moth, things only got worse. It was all about getting stronger, wasn't it? She was just trying to catch up with me.

She had a hard time. Even though she was among the lowest level of the 13 Heroes, she had worked hard to get this far.

Too serious, too focused, and too sensible. Realizing that I was tired, she decided to play by herself. It was almost like I wanted someone pestering me to teach her a lesson.

Ryan set down his coffee cup and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He quickly snapped himself out of his wandering thoughts, raised his head slightly.

"Bringing a girl out on a date is quite fun, huh?"

A cup of orange juice was placed in front of him. The blonde youth stood silently, his gaze on the couples in the plaza, sighing after a long time.

"It's so beautiful, like a crystal ball—beautiful but fragile."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. He had already sensed this man's presence. He casually said, "Do you think your job is meaningful?"

"Of course. Despite all the helplessness, being able to ensure the peace of a few people is still good. I want to experience a passionate love affair too," the man replied, a smirk on his face as he pulled out his phone.

"But you've received a lot of slaps."

"That's because they don't understand my charm. There's something good about the brothels, but you still have to pay," the man said, sitting down. He flicked his golden hair and proudly shook his phone. "And there are people who appreciate it. I made quite a few new friends tonight, no need to worry about expenses."

I see, you want to get a free ride.

Ryan couldn't quite understand this man in front of him and didn't want to engage in pointless conversation. He asked coldly, "So, why are you here tonight?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the man become serious, adjusting his posture and gently stroking his chin.

"To be honest... it's because of... the desire," the man said.

Ryan almost couldn't hold himself back and lightly cleared his throat to mask his shock. His lips twitched.

"You're such a... pure person."

"Right? The most important thing in life is to follow your instincts. I'm truly honored that Dr. Ryan praised me," the man said, bowing slightly, then slowly stood up.

"As a fellow, I hope we can be friends, not enemies. Some people here in Neon are getting desperate. If you can remain calm, that would be great. At least within Fire Moth's framework, there is no absolute authority. Sometimes it's better to just endure certain things."

He left those vague words, took the orange juice, and walked toward the neighboring table where several beautiful young women were sitting. He then pulled out his business card, flashing a lascivious smile.

Slap.

Ryan heard the sharp sound of a slap and, before he could process the man's words, tossed the empty coffee cup into the trash.

Tch, who's your kind.