Space station 4: Firefly: Quickly dismantle the surveillance!

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["Firefly leads you to the outskirts of Golden Hour, which marks the edge of the Dreamscape construction area, typically off-limits to tourists."]

[You have witnessed yet another side of Firefly.]

[She is far from the fragile appearance she presents; instead, she is resolute and highly proactive. Leading you to evade The Family's hounds, bypass Troubled Dreams Theatre, and unravel Dreamweaver mechanisms along the way.]

[Finally, you reach the depths at the edge of the Dreamscape - her secret hideout, located on a rooftop.]

[From here, you can overlook the entire Golden Hour with an exceptional view.]

[It is also at this place that Firefly reveals her hidden secret to you.]

[Why did she often avoid common topics? Now, you understand the reason.]

[Firefly shares much information, confessing that indeed she is a "stowaway," as her homeland has been destroyed.]

[Her arrival in Penacony and pursuit of The Watchmaker's legacy stem from her affliction with Entropy Loss Disease.]

[This disease causes individuals' physical structures to undergo irreversible gradual disintegration. It means Firefly will slowly vanish, with such fading barely perceptible to others...]

["In reality, she is always confined within the cold medication pod. Only in Penacony's Dreamscapes can she experience life like others, seeing, hearing, and touching as normal."]

A gentle breeze swept across the rooftop, but now it felt heavy.

With a sorrowful expression, Firefly apologized, "I'm sorry... for keeping this from you for so long."

"As a guide, perhaps finding someone more familiar with Penacony might have been better."

[After speaking, Firefly bowed her head in silence, awaiting your response.]

[At this edge of dreams, with just the two of you remaining in the world, everything finally quietened down.]

Su Qing took a moment to process the information before shaking his head gently.

As a guide, Firefly had already gone above and beyond. Most likely, no one else would have accompanied him on such a whirlwind journey.

He initially wanted to give a casual reply, saying something along the lines of "it doesn't matter" or "I don't mind."

However, as his gaze swept over, Su Qing noticed Firefly's hands nervously twisting together in front of her. Her beautiful eyes, reminiscent of the starry sky, also lowered anxiously.

Su Qing understood the significance.

For Firefly, this confession held immense significance, requiring all her courage.

After a moment's thought, Su Qing chose different words to respond, "I still remember your peculiar expression when you invited me for dinner."

"Why bring that up now?" Firefly lifted her head, slightly puzzled and somewhat embarrassed. "So, you did notice back then...?"

Despite her best efforts to conceal it, she had been caught.

Su Qing assumed a thoughtful look. "At first, I thought you were trying to resist the temptation of food while on a diet. But later, I realized that your timid, pitiful expression was actually due to having an empty wallet yet insisting on treating me, despite the financial pain."

A blush appeared on Firefly's cheeks. She released her intertwined hands and gently tugged at his sleeve. "Um, let's not talk about that right now... We should focus on serious matters."

Unfazed, Su Qing continued, "Unfortunately, we weren't close enough back then, so I didn't document it - those expressions were truly vivid. I distinctly recall how you swallowed nervously as you watched me eat..."

"Hey!"

Blushing deeply, Firefly forcefully smacked his shoulder. "I've already told you, stop talking about that!"

"Alright."

Su Qing smiled, putting an end to his teasing. His tone turned earnest as he said, "Then let me just say, there's no need for apologies.

"Whether it was your pitiful expression back then or the contented look when eating cake, whether it was my joy at capturing great photos or our shared disappointment after running tirelessly with no results.

"Despite some hidden truths between us, from the moment we met, our interactions and emotions have always been genuine.

"As long as these most precious feelings are real, what does the rest matter? Some concealments, some falsehoods... We're already within a dream, so these things aren't significant."

Firefly's expression softened slightly.

Su Qing looked at her intently. "Come to think of it, what you were hiding wasn't really secrets but rather personal privacy, right? Even I would find it difficult to open up about such matters easily.

"The fact that you confided in me shows trust. With this mutual trust, I believe our future interactions will be even smoother. Our roles as guide and photographer should also become more efficient."

"So, there's no need to apologize. If you truly feel sorry, just accompany me to a few more places—that would be enough."

[Upon reading this, not only was the simulated Firefly visibly moved, but even the live-stream viewers couldn't help their emotions.]

[Himeko: My verdict—full marks.]

[Seele: Wait, isn't he too smooth with his words?]

[March 7th: Let Detective March 7th analyze it for everyone.]

[March 7th: First, he lightens the mood with a joke, then responds seriously by putting himself in her shoes. Finally, he expresses delight in being trusted while seamlessly bringing the conversation back to work...]

[March 7th: Notes, quick! Where are my notes?! I must take notes on this!]

[Bronya: How did you start taking notes halfway through your commentary?]

[Himeko: Calm down, little March. Even the person involved isn't as excited as you are.]

[Stelle: Not necessarily. Right now, Firefly might be happily rolling around hugging a pillow.]

[Firefly: ...Nope, don't make things up.]

[Firefly: (puts down pillow)(suddenly looks around frantically)(Where exactly is that hidden camera!?)]

In the simulation, upon hearing these words, Firefly visibly displayed her emotional response.

She took a step forward, wanting to say something.

Just then, music began playing, and the lights of the distant Penacony Grand Theater illuminated accordingly.

"Oh right! This is an excellent spot for overlooking the entire Golden Hour," Firefly realized, placing her hands on the railing. "Quick, take a photo—right now it's perfect for..."

As she spoke, she heard the clicking sounds nearby.

It turned out that even before she mentioned it, Su Qing had already positioned the camera to capture the scene.

A smile couldn't help but spread across Firefly's face.

Turning slightly, she observed Su Qing's focused demeanor and whispered softly, almost too quiet for herself to hear, "Thank you."

Instead of saying sorry...

All she could express was gratitude, wasn't it?

Su Qing reviewed the captured photograph.

With the expansive backdrop, the Penacony Grand Theater stood at the center, its radiance illuminating the surroundings. From this elevated angle, the full splendor of the Golden Hour was effortlessly visible.

The system prompted with feedback.

[Evaluation: This is nearly a perfect photograph, filled with skill and craftsmanship. It beautifully captures Penacony's essence; it might even be used officially for promotional purposes.]

Even the System acknowledged its quality.

Firefly leaned over to look at the photo. "It's truly stunning."

Su Qing also gazed at the image. "Yes, indeed, it's very beautiful."

[March 7th: At this moment, shouldn't you glance at the girl beside you while saying such lines?]

[Seele: That's way too cliché.]

[March 7th: Classics never go out of style!]

However, as Su Qing studied the photo, he felt something was missing.

Over the past month, his perception of Penacony seemed to encompass more than just these images.

Despite pondering, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Deciding not to dwell further, he contented himself—capturing such a remarkable photo was already an achievement.

Just then, the prelude ended, giving way to a mellifluous female voice singing.

Su Qing recognized it as the famous song "Free a Heart from Sorrow" by Penacony's renowned singer Robin.

"Birds are born with no shackles, Then what fetters my fate?"

(Birds are born without shackles, so what binds my destiny?

"Blown away the white petals, Leave me trapped in the cage.")

(The endless isolation cannot wear down my illusion, Someday I'll make a dream unchain...)

(Such boundless solitude won't diminish my dreams; One day, I will liberate my aspirations...)

Su Qing and Firefly fell silent.

They sat on chairs at the skydeck, appreciating the song.

Firefly offered Su Qing a piece of oak roll cake, while he shared a bottle of SoulGlad with her.

As Su Qing ate the oak roll cake, his mouth filled with bitterness. The taste was truly not pleasant.

Only by pairing it with the sweet beverage SoulGlad, combining it with the joy of this city in dreams, could he manage to swallow it.

Su Qing glanced to his left.

Firefly seemed genuinely delighted as she ate. Holding the cake, she savored the music while occasionally taking bites, her expression radiating happiness that appeared sincere.

Su Qing had a vague suspicion.

Perhaps due to Entropy Disorder, she was unable to perceive ordinary sweetness. Consequently, only this bitter cake could provide sufficient stimulation for her taste buds.

[Accompanied by music, you spent a tranquil moment together. Such an atmosphere is exceedingly rare in Penacony.]

[Despite harboring your own thoughts, the distance between you has noticeably diminished.]

***

[Upon hearing this speculation about the cake, the mood in the live broadcast room turned slightly somber.]

[It was Bronya who broke the silence once again.]

[Seele: Ha ha, thankfully this is just a simulated scenario. Otherwise, with terminal illness, hometown destruction, and financial struggles... Firefly's situation would be unbearably tragic.]

[Firefly: Um (timidly raising her hand), actually, it's similar for me in reality too.]

[Stelle: ...]

[March 7th: ...]

[Bronya: ...]

[Seele: Oh no! I'm so sorry!]

[Sparkle: Looks like someone won't get much sleep tonight...]

***

[After enjoying the cake and the music, you leave the skydeck.]

[On your way to the Dream-Building Fringe, you unexpectedly discover a patch of exposed Dreamscape. It seems to belong to a deeper, more primitive layer of Penacony's dreams.]

[Firefly's eyes light up.]

She now trusts you completely and candidly shares that this represents a precious opportunity for her. She must venture inside to explore. However, aware of potential dangers within, Firefly hopes you'll return first while she goes alone.]

[After some thought, entering the primitive Dreamscape would allow you to document Penacony's hidden aspects as well.]

[As for the danger, to you, delving into the primitive Dreamscape as a cameraman to capture images is akin to venturing deep into a beast's lair as a chef seeking ingredients—there isn't much difference.]

[Facing this situation, several options flash through your mind:]

[A. Enter the primitive Dreamscape with Firefly and explore deeply.]

[B. Enter the primitive Dreamscape with Firefly but persuade her not to venture too far.]

[C. Persuade Firefly not to enter the primitive Dreamscape at all.]

[D. Ignore her and return to the hotel to drink SoulGlad.]