This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [222]
After confirming that Alhaitham had indeed uploaded the canned knowledge into the Void system, Luo Qing immediately contacted Dori.
He instructed her to mobilize her army of ten thousand trolls to spread the word across Sumeru. The goal: to make Clannad a household name.
With a generous check in hand, Dori didn't disappoint. Her subordinates began saturating Sumeru's streets with buzz about a must-watch animated drama newly uploaded to the Void. The claim? Its story was so heartwarming that it moved even the coldest hearts.
And just like that, Luo Qing's once-stagnant frustration value logs began climbing steadily again, a refreshing change after the dry spell caused by the indifferent denizens of the Tanit Tribe.
---
That night, Zubayr Theater's star dancer, Nilou—the undisputed beauty of the Grand Bazaar—returned home after another exhausting performance.
Tonight's show had ended earlier than usual, leaving her with unexpected free time.
Relaxing at home with nothing to do, she recalled the recent buzz among her colleagues and the Bazaar's locals.
Apparently, a mysterious animated drama had been uploaded to the Void system recently. The story was said to be incredibly moving, leaving viewers teary-eyed and emotionally healed.
Might as well give it a try, Nilou thought, slipping on her Void Terminal as she lay back on her soft, pink bed.
Guided by her colleagues' earlier descriptions, she quickly located the anime, Clannad.
With a quick mental nudge, she downloaded it to her Void Terminal.
The cover art was unusual, depicting characters in strange outfits with unfamiliar text, which piqued her curiosity. She pressed play.
---
The next day...
Having wrapped up the Clannad launch campaign, Luo Qing was eager to keep the momentum going. He briefly considered using his leverage over Alhaitham—"You wouldn't want your meow, meow, meow moment leaked to your Akademiya fangirls, would you?"—to get him to upload a few more capsules.
But there was a problem: Luo Qing hadn't experienced another realistic dreamscape with Nahida since their last meeting. Without her assistance, extracting additional canned knowledge would be impossible.
For now, he shelved the plan.
That afternoon, Luo Qing's plan to spend the day fishing outside the city was thwarted when Makoto insisted on going to the Grand Bazaar under the pretense of buying household supplies (she really just wanted to shop).
Reluctantly, Luo Qing accompanied her.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, Luo Qing couldn't help but notice the growing chatter about Clannad. Judging by the discussions, the anime's popularity seemed to be soaring.
"Hey, have you heard about that animation thingy?"
Makoto clung to Luo Qing's arm, her soft touch rubbing pleasantly against him, making the stroll far more enjoyable than anticipated.
"What animation thingy?" Luo Qing asked.
"You know, that Cla...Clannad or something," Makoto said, her brows furrowing as she tried to recall the name.
"Everyone keeps talking about it—it's supposed to be some kind of innovative animated drama. I've heard about it multiple times while shopping for groceries."
"..."
"Have you seen it?"
"Not yet!" Makoto pouted, puffing her cheeks. "I wanted to watch it at night, but you never let me sleep properly!"
"Is that my fault?" Luo Qing chuckled, leaning closer to whisper in her ear.
"Last night, you didn't seem to mind at all~"
"Last night was last night. This is now!"
Flustered, Makoto blushed and pinched Luo Qing's waist before storming off ahead of him.
Luo Qing laughed and shook his head, following her.
As his self-proclaimed queen of the harem, Makoto insisted on a solo day with Luo Qing every week. Initially, Luo Qing had been puzzled. With only two people in their arrangement so far, why settle for just one day? Surely three or four wouldn't be an issue?
But Makoto had been adamant. No matter what happened in the future, this single day was non-negotiable, and Luo Qing had long since accepted it.
Today was their day.
After an hour of browsing, Makoto's basket was brimming with fresh produce. Sumeru's tropical climate meant food didn't keep for long, so she made it a habit to shop every few days.
She was quickly becoming a quintessential housewife.
---
As they prepared to leave the Grand Bazaar, they passed Zubayr Theater, just as the day's performances were about to begin.
"Why don't we go watch?" Makoto's subtle, expectant gaze was impossible to ignore.
Luo Qing sighed, offering his arm with mock exasperation.
"Fine. Let's go take a look."
Makoto smiled triumphantly as they entered.
Seated comfortably, Luo Qing scanned the program. Nilou's dance performance was next.
Not bad. We got lucky today.
But before he could voice his approval, Zubayr himself—sweating profusely—stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that Nilou will not be performing tonight due to health issues. Please remain seated as we prepare the next act: 'Chest-Smashing Stone!' Thank you for your patience."
With that, he hurried offstage, and the lights dimmed.
The audience erupted in murmurs.
Speculation swirled:
"Health issues? Is it that time of the month? Quick, note it down!"
"I paid to see Nilou dance, not this! Refund!"
"Another day without seeing Nilou... My heart aches..."
Some even attempted to sneak backstage, only to be stopped by staff.
"Health issues?"
Luo Qing frowned in thought.
Last night, while I was...busy with Makoto, my system logs showed several frustration points from Nilou.
Did she...watch Clannad?
As he pondered, Makoto's teasing voice cut through his thoughts.
"You look so disappointed."
"Huh?" Luo Qing blinked.
"I said, you seem upset that Nilou isn't dancing tonight," Makoto said with a sly grin.
"..."
"Am I that kind of guy?" Luo Qing countered, feigning indignation. "I'm only sad that Miss Baal won't get to see such a splendid performance."
"Hmph. Always quick with the excuses," Makoto huffed, leaning closer with a glint in her eye.
"So... want to see me dance?"
"You'd dance for me?" Luo Qing perked up, suddenly intrigued.
"Of course~" Makoto's lips curved into a playful smile. "But there's one condition."
"What is it?"
Luo Qing's curiosity was piqued.
"From now on, whenever I argue with the others, you have to take my side."
"By 'others,' you mean..."
"Who do you think?" Makoto raised an eyebrow.
"..."
---
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