Just a Touch of Life's Frost

And so, a remarkable scene unfolded in the store.

Everyone stopped playing the claw machines.

Instead, they split into two groups.

One watching Lucas and Luna.

The other surrounding the twin-tailed girl and her brother.

People have this particular passive trait - when there's entertainment around, they automatically transform into spectators, triggering the effects of "voyeurism" and "enjoying the show."

Just like now.

The clerk clapped his hands, "Wow, this adorable pair has already caught up, with 20 dolls! How impressive!"

Indeed, in less than half an hour.

Lucas had taken the lead.

The dolls were either caught through various "accidents" or grabbed with perfect precision.

Of course, to avoid suspicion, he deliberately missed a few times, keeping his success rate around 70%.

Even so, to the onlookers, this was incredibly impressive.

"This guy is the Claw Machine God!"

"Amazing! To be so skilled at such a young age, I can't even match a kid!"

Hearing the praise.

Luna stood beside Lucas with rosy cheeks, taking dolls from the cart to cuddle one after another, cherishing each one.

She was so happy she felt light as air, her big eyes fixed on Lucas, blinking repeatedly.

On the other side, the situation was tense.

"Tap tap tap!"

Come on, move, you stupid claw!

The twin-tailed girl's brother was sweating profusely.

His sister anxiously urged, "Brother, copy him, tap it quickly! Look at him, just a few taps and he gets one..."

Now the brother was genuinely sweating, "I'm trying, I'm trying, it's so weird, why can't I get it to work... quick, wipe my sweat..."

The twin-tailed girl's attention was completely on the dolls. Seeing her brother still slower than Lucas, she no longer bothered being "thoughtful and caring" about his sweat.

Instead, she ignored him completely, pouting and crossing her arms unhappily, "Almost had it! Dropped again! Always almost... Brother, you're useless! Hmph!"

Indeed, all spectators could see.

The outcome was decided.

...

"Congratulations, you've won our limited edition Stitch!"

"Such an amazing young man, you're the first to collect 48 dolls in one day at our store."

The clerk praised, taking the huge Stitch from the display and handing it to Lucas.

Lucas took it, then immediately passed it to Luna behind him, "Here you go."

But due to her height.

Luna was completely hidden behind Stitch when she hugged it. She struggled to peek her fair little face out from the side, eyes sparkling as she looked at Lucas.

"Lucas, hug!"

Lucas, seeing her like this, realized the plush was indeed too big for her to carry.

He nodded, reaching out to take Stitch back.

But suddenly the Stitch was moved aside, and instead a soft, fragrant body suddenly jumped into his arms, catching him completely off guard.

Lucas froze entirely.

The girl's unique sweet fragrance lingered at his nose, a few strands of hair playfully tickling his face.

Luna buried herself completely in his embrace, nuzzling her little head against him like a kitten.

Lucas felt his heart suddenly racing.

But after about a few seconds, the dumpling-like girl in his arms suddenly sprang away.

Lucas saw her ear tips were crystalline red, and a blush had crept up her fair neck.

Luna's big eyes sparkled with mischief as she hugged Stitch to hide herself, saying softly, "Lucas, you agreed to it."

[As expected of you! Easily passing this trial, but the young sorceress dared to act so improperly without your permission, violating the Dragon Emperor's dignity. If she becomes your cultivation partner in the future, what then? You must show your authority, let her know who's head of the household, the family Emperor's position is sacred and inviolable!]

Lucas: ...

The clerk watched the two children, showing an auntie's smile, "What an adorable pair of siblings."

"Let's go."

Lucas exhaled deeply, taking Stitch from Luna's hands, though his slightly trembling hands betrayed his seemingly calm expression.

Luna keenly noticed this detail, her expression instantly turning cool and aloof as she lifted her little head proudly.

"Lucas, you're lame!"

Then, she received a knock on her head.

After which, Lucas's emotionless voice came from behind Stitch.

"Don't let it happen again."

This daily life was getting more and more out of hand.

But just as they were leaving.

Lucas was called to stop.

Turning around, it was the twin-tailed girl's brother.

He looked about junior high age, a head taller than Lucas.

"Brother, would you sell me this plush? Name your price, anything reasonable works."

This brother sighed, "My sister's a bit difficult, don't mind her. I wasn't really trying to compete with you."

"If I don't bring this plush home for her today, she'll throw a tantrum, get angry, and it'll be such a hassle to comfort her. Help me out, brother."

Luna stood beside Lucas, blinking her big eyes.

Lucas looked at this brother, then at Luna, asking, "If I don't give you this plush, would you get angry and throw a tantrum?"

Luna's expression was cool and aloof as she shook her head, "No."

Then her big eyes curved like crescents, her long lashes fluttering, "Just being able to play claw machines with Lucas made me happy enough. Whether I have the plush or not doesn't matter!"

Instantly, such a healing and beautiful smile, like countless storms striking at once, left this brother standing dumbfounded, as if riddled with wounds.

He couldn't compare, not at all.

Whether in looks, cuteness, or understanding.

Critical hit, straight to the soul.

His own sister completely outmatched.

He hadn't just lost, he'd been utterly defeated.

Lucas looked at him, "So, even though she doesn't mind whether she has this plush or not, I still won't sell it to you, because this way, she'll be even happier."

Luna stood beside him with bright eyes, nodding in agreement, "Mm-hmm, I'll be happier, and Lucas will be happier too!"

The brother was thunderstruck, opened his mouth but couldn't speak, then turned away dejectedly.

Defeated, completely defeated.

"Let's go."

Lucas led Luna away.

Behind them, the utterly defeated brother was being kicked and punched by his twin-tailed sister, who remained angry no matter how he tried to comfort her.

So you see, there are always differences between people.

Luna was well-behaved and understanding. Compared to Sophia, she was more mature, better at reading situations, as if she had an adult's heart in a child's body.

However, she hid it well, rarely showing it.

And Lucas had long noticed this.

Because they two.

Seemed to be the same kind of people.

...

Lucas found the lifeless Mark at the high-end clothing store.

And temporarily left Stitch with him.

Two hours later, Sarah showed no signs of stopping, completely absorbed in the dazzling array of evening gowns.

"Let's go look around elsewhere."

Lucas patted his dad's shoulder, "Good luck."

Dad, you dug this hole yourself, you'll have to cry through it.

Luna also raised her little fist beside him, saying sweetly, "Good luck, Uncle!"

Mark looked at this beautiful little girl, then at his son, and smiled mysteriously.

Son, someday you'll be just like your dad.

"Just a touch of life's frost," he sighed.

...