CIATB Chapter 472 The treasure is in the forest
Chapter 472 The treasure is in the forest
"Sister Tao Tao~ Can I take a look at that Port City team journal you made last time?"
Later,
Lin Muyao moved closer to Xia Taotao, who was roasting marshmallows by the campfire, and spoke to her in an almost fawning tone.
The crackling sound of burning firewood echoed under the grill, accompanied by wisps of smoke and warm flames, dispelling the chill of the evening.
Upon hearing Lin Muyao's words, Xia Youyou's bunny ears immediately perked up, and she snuggled up to her sister to ask:
"Sister, you can also make journaling supplies? That's amazing!"
"Sister Tao Tao's journals are so beautiful! I collected one too! She even took photos and videos of them, look, Youyou."
"Wow...it's so beautiful...like a delicate work of art..."
Through Xia Taotao, Xia Youyou curiously peeked at the video recorded on Lin Muyao's phone—she was very seriously showing off a gorgeous and exquisite notebook.
"Wow... Wow, that's amazing... I thought journaling was just about sticking on lots of washi tape and cards, I never imagined it could have so many variations..."
"That's right~ Sister Tao Tao's craftsmanship is amazing. Even a simple planner she makes can cause a huge sensation in her social circle!"
"Ah...ahhh..." Xia Taotao murmured, her voice trembling.
Even through the campfire, Su Tianqing could still sense the social anxiety emanating from Tutu, and her drawing style gradually became sloppy.
What is the thing that people with social anxiety fear the most?
Of course, it's someone talking about you to your face! Whether it's praise or criticism, it will make someone with social anxiety think they're a cyberbully.
"But then again..."
Nan Jiayu spoke, drawing everyone's attention to her and saving the scruffy rabbit from a near-cyber psychotic state.
This catgirl is demonstrating her signature charcoal-grilled pork belly. The fragrant aroma of the skewers on the bonfire grill has already tantalized the noses of countless people, and now it's even stealing their attention.
"What exactly is this treasure we were talking about?"
"Heh heh heh, I'll explain it to you then!"
Jin Lanshuang volunteered to stand up, straightening her slightly heaving chest.
As a local, Xia Youyou also joined in the segment introducing urban legends. The two of them, like a comedian performing a crosstalk routine, turned a rumor that could be explained in just a few words into a whole show:
"Does anyone know about the magical girl from Snow City?"
"I know, marigolds and winter jasmine," said Xia Youyou, the straight man.
"Ah, that's right. But if we're talking about the previous magical girl of Snow City, people might not know much about her."
"Well..."
Su Tianqing scratched the fox's ears, realizing she really didn't know what was going on in Snow City.
There are so many magical girls in the world, I can't possibly know them all perfectly well.
"Many years ago, there was a magical girl born in Snow City from a neighboring country to the north—codenamed [Kalia]."
"This magical girl isn't very famous, and her combat abilities aren't particularly outstanding, but she has always protected the safety of Snow City, earning the respect and admiration of the entire city."
"Later, Kalia's study abroad life ended, and a magical girl team was born in the neighboring city of Liaocheng. She decided to retire and return home to reunite with her family, leaving behind a legend of a treasure."
"I have buried a treasure in the mountains of Silver Sand Valley, and I hope that whoever finds it will keep it a secret."
"After this news came out, Yinsha Valley immediately became an important tourism development project, and the once remote valley suddenly became a popular tourist attraction."
"What kind of treasure could a magical girl bury so carefully? And what important secret does it hold?"
"People have all sorts of opinions, but no one knows the answer, and no one claims to have found the treasure."
"Later, everyone felt that this matter was very strange, so they asked the Hero Association to contact Kalia herself, who had returned to her home country, to ask her whether it was a prank or if there was really a treasure."
"Kalia gave a very confident answer—there is definitely treasure."
"Since then, Silver Sand Valley has been developed into a natural scenic area, and hiking programs have been specially set up to satisfy people's curiosity, allowing everyone to explore the valley safely."
"As for where the treasure is... no one can say for sure."
After the story was told, the people around the campfire immediately started chattering and laughing as they discussed the topic of the treasure.
"The idea of a treasure trove sounds too far-fetched," Nan Jiayu said bluntly.
"But if she really was playing a prank, there's no need for her to deceive everyone with the Hero Association involved," Su Tianqing replied with a smile.
After all, magical girls are all good kids, so the Guardian Star Selection brand is quite effective.
Another burst of laughter followed.
Su Tianqing felt that the daily lives of magical girls should be like this:
When there are monsters, they will attack and deal with them. After defeating the monsters, they will return to normal and enjoy life with the salary and profit sharing from the Hero Association.
Whether they are laughing and joking with their companions or choosing their own lifestyle, the Hero Association and those who were once protected by magical girls will give them their full blessings and respect.
As for their income levels... well, that depends on each magical girl's individual combat abilities and popularity.
It's said that the association splits the profits from merchandise sales for magical girls 50/50, meaning popular magical girls can earn a fairly good salary.
For ordinary teams without Star Shadow or insufficient performance skills, the attendance pay for fighting monsters is quite considerable.
Popular magical girl characters like Bai Lili and Qiu Gui Squad generate substantial revenue from merchandise and concerts, while the Hyacinth Squad also boasts impressive attendance earnings.
Take Lin Muyao for example. As a poor student, she shouldn't have been able to afford an imported SLR camera, even though she was adopted by Teacher Liuxing.
Although she didn't quite understand how much an S-class hero's salary was, she figured it would be difficult to afford this level of spending, so Mu Yao had to buy it herself.
This was especially true when Mu Yao wanted to buy a lot of magical girl merchandise.
What? You're asking where Chengdu, this city with zero casualties from attacks by strange people, gets such a high attendance rate?
That's so hard to guess.
"Let's call it a day! Everyone, get some rest, and we'll go hiking in the valley tomorrow morning!"
"Yay!"
The firewood burned out, the barbecue was finished, and at the fox girl's command, everyone dispersed and returned to their pre-booked hotel rooms to rest.
In the stillness of the night, only the faint sound of the heating system could be heard in the hotel room.
Nan Jiayu, having finished washing up and preparing to go to bed, turned her head and saw the fox girl standing on the balcony, gazing blankly at the secluded woods. Curious, she called out:
"Tianqing, aren't you going to sleep yet? Be careful not to catch a cold on the balcony."
"…Little Fish, I want to ask you something."
Su Tianqing suddenly turned around, her expression a mix of seriousness, leisure, and a sly smile.
Nan Jiayu immediately recognized the villainous fox's signature expression, raised an eyebrow, and its cat tail stood up high.
What trick is this little fox up to now?
"...Do you want to go treasure hunting?"