Chapter 410: So-Called Loneliness, Raspberry in Late Winter

Three days later, Donghong Federation, Daxia, Sea City.

Art Palace Station, Exit 4.

Xu Ling’s eyes sparkled. She wore a cute crossbody bag with little dinosaur prints slung over her shoulder. Her vintage white dress was decorated with lace, ruffles, and buttons. Usually delicate-faced, she now had a neat makeup look, making her seem extra youthful.

Pei Xiaotong followed behind her. She wore an army green school uniform with a khaki butterfly-shaped tie at the collar. Her skirt hung down to her calves beautifully. She wore black long socks and little shoes. She looked even younger than Xu Ling.

The little girl looked at the crowded people ahead and already guessed how long this crowded scene would last. She spoke tiredly like a frost-bitten eggplant:

“Honey Ling, I regret it. We should have just found a hotel nearby to stay last night!”

Xu Ling was still full of energy.

Today was Pure White’s very first big show. She and her little cousin were very lucky to get two tickets out of 200,000, from millions of people all over the country trying to get them.

Compared to that, standing in a crowded subway entrance or slowly going to check tickets at the venue was nothing. No matter how hard or hot it was, it wasn’t as tough as when she waited outside Little Sakura in the rain and heat.

Yes, it wasn’t worth mentioning at all!

Xu Ling took a small fan with a power bank from her bag and handed it to the girl next to her who was complaining. While walking, she said:

“Honey Tong, you’re still too innocent. This is Daxia’s ‘Dazzling Stage’ most popular team.”

“Even if you didn’t get a ticket, lots of fans came just to hang around and see their favorite stars in person. The hotels nearby have all been booked for a long time.”

Xu Ling’s family was quite well off, middle class in Sea City. She was a blogger with millions of fans, so money for a hotel was no problem. She had already planned and booked hotels a few days ago.

But all the hotels were full. Not just yesterday, but today and the day after too. Only the day after that had rooms available, which was really surprising.

This was the true popularity of Great Devil, Little Sakura, Genius Child Star, and Honey Moon, four little idols who were also magical girls.

Even without much preparation, just livestreaming for half an hour and posting a few messages on Weibo, the fans of the four idols quickly pushed this news to the top of the trending list, announcing that Pure White would go on a nationwide tour next month.

Sea City was the first stop.

Although the announcement said that Xie Qingxuan, Kirimi Miyuki, Chu Wang Shu, and Tang Liuli would visit eight cities including Kyoto, ChuanYu, SuHang, and ShanCheng over the next 15 days for the tour.

But the debut return at the first stop meant something very different for the fans and the idols who had just debuted.

Also, doing nine shows in 15 days, without considering that magical girls were very tough, was an overwhelmingly huge task. In the past, fans would have angrily blamed the greedy bosses and it would have caused a big uproar.

Remember, each show lasted at least two hours, and sometimes as long as four or five hours.

Unlike normal concerts, idols had to sing and dance the whole time. Running all over the country for 15 days in a row with that workload, plus rehearsals, was like a funeral right at debut. No matter how greedy the bosses were, they wouldn’t do this.

Neither “Dazzling Stage” nor the Countermeasures Bureau could tell people that Pure White was falling apart and that there wasn’t much time left for humans, so they had to speed up crazily.

They could only explain that the tour was good for magical girls, revealing the idea of “shining” a bit, and emphasize that only a team made up entirely of magical girls could pass the approval for such a tight tour schedule.

Even so, many fans still thought that after such a busy tour, the quality of the later shows would definitely not be as good as the first ones, so tickets for the first few shows were especially popular.

It was worth mentioning that this time the tickets were sold normally, and the prices were quite expensive, with the front-row tickets costing as much as 3,600.

But considering the venue rental, popularity, magical girl identities, and most importantly, the positive energy fans got after watching Shining Stage, these prices were not more expensive than a star concert, so they were actually a good deal.

Xu Ling and Pei Xiaotong, like two sardines, squeezed into the slightly crowded crowd, and only relaxed when they reached the area outside the entrance and entered the ticket-checking zone where the large space made them feel at ease.

After getting there, many fans without tickets, just wanting to watch their little idols, or media and fan site managers, were kept outside the ticket-checking area.

From far away, they could see some rich fans actively handing out goodies and snacks in an organized way to promote their favorite idols, and some were holding banners or signs showing their fan group and support.

As Pei Xiaotong moved forward in line, she didn’t forget to look back at the lively scene. She blinked and looked around at the words on the banners, signs, and posters, then said,

“By the way, there are surprisingly few couples in Little Sakura’s team.”

“I remember there aren’t many couples in the fan discussions either; most are either group fans or fans of just one member. It’s a bit strange for a girl group, isn’t it?”

Xu Ling was surprised and replied,

“Oh, you’re right. If we don’t talk about the ‘Sun and Moon Book’ next door, there are even people who ship Lin Baor, Ruan Wutong, and Liang Xiaoxiao together, but it seems no one ships Xie Qingxuan, Miyuki, Liuli, and Honey Moon.”

Pei Xiaotong agreed and said,

“Right, right! Why is that? When they are all together, they look great, they’re very popular, and they get along so well. It’s weird there isn’t a big group ship. Even if they’re all a bit straightforward, fans don’t mind that, and shippers don’t care either.”

Xu Ling asked,

“Then who do you think from the four of them would make the best ship?”

Pei Xiaotong became excited and started imagining, naming many different pairs and almost all combinations. But as she talked, she wrinkled her nose, feeling bored. She pouted and said,

“It feels like any ship is the same. It’s more fun to just ship the whole team.”

The girl said this and suddenly understood something.

Got it, the case is solved.

It turned out Little Sakura and her friends had such a strong bond that the fans’ power couldn’t break it. This is true friendship in a girl group, something everyone can see and admire.

Alright, fans of the group are the strongest!

Listening to her little cousin’s thoughts, Xu Ling scanned her ID at the ticket gate and went inside. Then she said thoughtfully,

“Lately, I’ve felt like the fan club’s group files are missing a lot. Now that you mention it, it’s because the naughty fan stories are gone.”

Pei Xiaotong looked confused at her serious face, not understanding how the two things were connected. Luckily, a glowing gel ball caught her attention from afar.

The chair was exactly the same style as the one they sat on during the last show. Curious people in front of them sat down and were wrapped in clear covers, zooming away like race cars. It was a little funny, like old men racing in wheelchairs.

Xu Ling and Pei Xiaotong’s eyes sparkled as they watched. They didn’t say a word, just took pictures. Excitedly, they lined up, and when it was their turn, they hurried to sit down.

Then, the ticket was scanned, the seat number locked in, the “door” closed by itself, and the gel ball woke up to take them to their destination. The speed was as fast as an electric scooter, stylish and cool.

This time, Xu Ling was wise and started recording as soon as she sat down, capturing the first-person view of gliding on the smart “seat.”

It must be said, it went so fast for a reason. The place was still some distance from the venue. Probably to avoid too many people and for safety, they designed it in groups, so the seat glided for three minutes before reaching the venue.

Pei Xiaotong looked outside excitedly, as if she had gone back to the happy times playing in the water park’s ball pit.

Suddenly, a gel ball just like theirs, flashing a red light like a police car, sped past from the front, brushing by them. For a moment, she heard a cry inside, faintly calling “Honey Xuan,” like a fan of Xie Qingxuan.

Pei Xiaotong’s face changed oddly. She remembered the announcement for “Dazzling Stage” said the smart seat also worked as a second ticket checker and connected to a big data system that could recognize people in real time.

This meant if a wanted criminal bought a ticket from a scalper and sat down, once identified, it was like sitting in a little police car, and they would be taken to the nearby police station right away — very strange indeed.

But why did people still fall for it?

Was he just too silly, or were the little idols in “Dazzling Stage” just too charming?

This little event didn’t spoil their mood. When the smart seat reached the right seat number, they looked back and saw a large crowd slowly taking their places, which in a way helped prevent stampedes from the start.

After waiting for about half an hour, the spacious hall, larger than a normal gym, began to come alive. The top-notch lighting and sound systems started working.

At that moment, with the sound of gentle music, the T-shaped stage rose together. Dozens of virtual screens for broadcasting appeared in different areas inside and outside the hall. Light effects and mist covered the screens, and the small idol’s figure became clearer, giving a soft and mysterious feeling like “half hiding behind a lute.”

The next moment, with a guitar chord, the mist faded away.

“Hello everyone, this is the debut stage of Pure White. Thank you to the fans who came to support us!”

Kirimi Miyuki’s eyes naturally lowered, showing a pure and gentle smile. She happily greeted the fans, who shouted “Sakura” loudly. Her pink eyes curved with joy, looking especially cute.

“The stage will not disappoint everyone’s expectations.”

The girl’s platinum hair sparkled in the light. She held a brand-new black and gold bass guitar and lifted her eyes to the many fans like a sea of stars in the distance. After speaking, her usually cool face lifted into a soft smile, making all the platinum glow sticks wave together like waves of light.

“I am very happy to stand here. I am the lead singer, Tang Liuli.”

Tang Liuli stood in the lead singer’s place. She didn’t hide herself with acting, nor did she enter [Heart Flow]. She simply stood there, shy but brave, finishing an introduction that everyone already knew was not really needed.

Then, she lifted her little hand and waved to everyone.

The fans in the audience seemed to understand that this little cat needed gentle pets, so they shouted with all their might from the start, showing their feelings and joy, and acknowledging Liuli’s courage to come this far, waving green glow sticks to create a sea of emerald light.

Chu Wang Shu stood at the Carry Center. She looked at the endless, scattered glowing lights all over the venue, like constellations linked in the sky, and said with shining eyes:

“Because it’s being live-streamed, I was worried a lot of seats might be empty, but I didn’t expect so many people to come. I’m so nervous, but it makes me very happy that everyone likes us!”

After she spoke, the four of them looked at each other. Under the watch of 200,000 people, they said together seriously:

“The song we bring today is Pure White, our debut song — ‘Raspberry in Late Winter.'”

“Please look forward to it!”

As the words ended, the gentle yet sharp prelude filled the air. The four-part harmony of [Heart Flow] swept through the huge venue holding 200,000 people like a storm, officially starting Pure White’s debut and leading them to a shining peak.

…

…

Dongliu Island, Hokkaido, a small town.

At this moment, in a cozy apartment, a family gathered around the TV, watching the debut show with only a few seconds of delay.

As the Kirimi couple watched their daughter truly fulfill her dream, they remembered how hard she had struggled alone in Tokyo, their eyes filling with tears as they wiped them away, deeply moved.

Kirimi Yuki sat in the arms of a mysterious guitarist, her pure eyes fixed on her sister on stage, reflecting her shining and glowing figure, showing the joy and happiness of a child.

Chu Yuanqing cleared her thoughts and gently pinched the little girl’s cheek, boasting proudly:

“See? Your sister is amazing, isn’t she?”

Little Yuki nodded quickly but felt that something was not quite right.

Huh? Isn’t that supposed to be her line?

But the little girl sniffed the big sister’s sweet scent and immediately forgot about her. She blinked her eyes and said clearly:

“Sister Little Lin is amazing too. She plays the guitar even better than big sister.”

Chu Yuanqing carefully corrected her:

“No, your sister taught me to play guitar, so she is definitely better.”

“That’s a lie! Sister Little Lin can’t spoil Sister Miyuki too much.”

“… It’s true.”

Chu Yuanqing and the little girl naturally teased each other, and together with Little Sakura’s family, they watched her debut stage. Their golden eyes shone softly, smiling happily.

Time passed as the Kirimi family talked about Little Sakura’s funny past while watching TV. The mood was warm and friendly.

During this time, the shrine maiden sat nearby with a gentle smile, glancing at her little sister, dad, and mom. After easily joining everyone in just one hour yesterday, she felt like part of the family, like a pure white succubus, relishing this warm feeling she had never known before.

Sadly, when the last note faded away, this meeting that was never meant to be came to an end.

In front of the Kirimi family, Chu Yuanqing played and sang the song “Raspberry in Late Winter” that the four of them had just sung.

Then she bowed politely to say thank you, stood up, walked to the entrance, and without taking time to change shoes, prepared to leave.

The Kirimi couple couldn’t help but ask her to stay:

“Won’t you stay a few more days? You can stay in Miyuki’s room as long as you want.”

“There are many beautiful places in Hokkaido, and Yuki likes you very much too.”

“That’s right, at least have dinner with us?”

Chu Yuanqing picked up her guitar case and apologetically said,

“Yes, I like Yuki and uncle and auntie too, but my schedule is already set.”

Mr. and Mrs. Kirimi sadly expressed their understanding.

Kirimi Yuki suddenly realized something. She grabbed the older sister’s sleeve, looked at her seriously, and asked with a heavy heart,

“Sister Little Lin, will you come back to see Yuki again?”

Chu Yuanqing paused, was silent for a moment, then gently touched the little girl’s hair without saying a word. Her delicate face appeared so gentle in the soft backlight, like a kind and dreamy spirit. Through the shrine gate and temple, she gave a look that would only happen once in a lifetime.

“If you still remember me, I will.”

Her words faded away.

The mysterious and beautiful Sister Little Lin, whom they had known for only two days, disappeared like the fading twilight outside the window, turning into dust in a bubble, slowly vanishing bit by bit.

The little girl looked around in confusion but saw her parents puzzled about why everyone was standing at the entrance. As if forgetting everything, she hurried outside and only saw a bright yellow butterfly flying high into the sky.

The kind Sister Little Lin, who gave her lots of food, spoiled her, smelled nice, and made her want to hold her forever, was gone just like that.

That feeling was like her most treasured toy, suddenly thrown down hard and broken, bringing a deep, mixed-up sadness that a child could not understand, only able to express it with tears.

Kirimi Yuki didn’t comprehend much, she could only gather all her child’s courage and run into the twilight, shouting loudly to the sky:

“Of course I will remember, Sister Little Lin!”

“So, you must, must, must remember to come back and see Yuki!”

But after saying this, as the tears spilled out, the mark Sister Little Lin left in her heart grew fainter and fainter. A hateful, cold, and harsh force gnawed away at those two days, leaving only an empty space where not even sadness remained.

The little girl stood still and cried. She looked confused at the sunset, and with Kirimi and her husband hugging and comforting her, she cried for no clear reason.

At the same time, pure white’s debut was a great success. Not long after their tour ended, the videos of the four idols’ stage performances were watched by millions. Everyone praised their gentle song, “Raspberry in Late Winter.”

And the person forgotten by the world walked alone in the fading light, carrying a guitar on her back, slowly sinking with the setting sun, disappearing at the edge of the horizon.