Night fell, and the Time Festival began. The streets were crowded with people, everyone wearing joyful smiles. Young people walked in groups of three or five, each dressed in their finest attire and holding festival-specific foods. Pica’s eyes lit up at the sight of these delicacies, and he licked his dry lips in anticipation.
The most spectacular sight was the fireworks display in the sky. Some fireworks blossomed like flowers, while others formed expanding circles of various colors, like ripples in water. Some resembled fountains, scattering multicolored sparks. The vibrant display decorated the night sky, making it look like a brilliantly illuminated palace, creating an illusion of being in a sea of fireworks.
Children dragged their parents to their favorite spots; elderly people, leaning on canes, tried to call back their running grandchildren; and some individuals, reluctantly dragged by friends, wore expressions of pure resentment. The most common sight, however, was couples strolling and enjoying the festivities together.
Selena’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she darted from one stall to another, unable to contain her enthusiasm. Lucia, beside Pica, shared the same excitement but displayed it with more restraint, not jumping around like a monkey.
These scenes reminded Pica of a classic poem by Xin Qiji:
East Wind brings thousands of blossoms at night,
Stars fall like rain as the horse-drawn carriages’ fragrant trails light.
Sounds of the phoenix flute and jade pots turning,
All night, fish and dragon dance without warning.
Butterflies adorned with golden strands,
Smiles and laughter drift through fragrant bands.
Searching among the crowd a thousand times,
Suddenly, turning back, that one stands alone,
Amid the dim and flickering lights.
As Pica happily wandered through the festival, he suddenly spotted a food stall. The enticing aroma lured him in like a beckoning white, inviting arm. Unable to resist, Pica swallowed and made his way to the stall.
The food stall was packed, with those unable to find seats standing and slurping noodles from bowls. The soup splashed on the floor and their clothes, but they were too engrossed in eating to notice, eagerly slurping down the noodles and savoring the hot broth with satisfied expressions.
Pica quickly pushed his way to the counter. “Boss, one bowl of your specialty noodles, please.” He looked ravenous.
“Coming right up! One bowl of Dragon Beard Noodles!” the person at the counter shouted.
Pica rubbed his hands together, his legs shaking with anticipation, lightly biting his lower lip. Lucia, who had followed him in, saw his eager expression and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Here’s your noodles,” the owner said, handing over a steaming bowl of soup noodles. The golden broth was filled with hair-thin Dragon Beard noodles, garnished with green vegetables. The aroma was mouthwatering. Pica grabbed the bowl, picked up the chopsticks, and slurped up the noodles in one go. The elastic, bouncy noodles hit his palate, and he savored their perfect texture.
“Delicious! Boss, you’ve got skills,” Pica praised with a thumbs up.
“Of course! My shop has been standing strong for decades because of our delicious food.”
Pica downed the rest of the broth in one gulp. The rich flavor made his skin tingle, feeling like he was in a forest teeming with life. “Boss, what’s in this broth? It’s incredible!”
The owner smiled proudly. “I used various ingredients and simmered it for days. It’s no wonder you want another bowl.”
“One more bowl!”
Later, on the street, Pica wore a satisfied expression. “Ah, that was so good.” Lucia nodded in agreement. She had also tried a bowl, and the taste still lingered, leaving her craving more.
A fiery red figure rushed at Pica, punching him in the stomach. “You two vanished without a trace while I was looking at some things. Nice job!” It was Selena, who had been searching for Pica and Lucia all over the festival after they disappeared. Seeing Pica’s satisfied look fueled her anger.
Holding his stomach, Pica felt like vomiting. “I saw a crowded food stall and decided to check it out. It was so good!”
“Next time you disappear on me, I’ll cut it off,” Selena threatened, eyes fixed on Pica’s groin. He instinctively clamped his legs together, forcing a smile. “It won’t happen again.”
Selena nodded. “It better not. Follow me.”
After a while, Selena led Pica to a shop selling various animals, from common pets like cats and dogs to rare extraterrestrial creatures. As she entered, Pica felt a hand grab his collar, stopping him. The rich aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, making his mouth water.
“So fragrant!” Pica’s eyes sparkled as he scanned the area, spotting a food stall named Ten Miles Fragrance.
Drawn to the stall, Pica ordered, “Twenty large skewers, please.”
“Got it!”
The vendor expertly grilled the skewers, brushing them with sauce. The fat dripped onto the grill, causing flames to rise and envelop the meat, infusing it with a rich flavor. Finally, the vendor sprinkled cumin on the skewers and handed them to Pica. “Here you go.”
Pica licked his lips and opened his mouth to take a bite when a voice full of resentment called from behind him. “Pica, did you forget what I just said?”
“Oh… sorry!”
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