Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
Three, two, one... Okay! You can open your eyes!
Pulao moves her hands away from your eyes, and as you open them, colorful lights fill your vision, illuminating the night.
You have heard many vendors' shouts on your way, but seeing them in person still feels a bit unreal.
I promised a birthday surprise for you, Commandant, so tonight... I have rented out the whole street!
Commandant, grab whatever you want to eat. My wallet is right here! And don't worry about spending my money. I'm not a kid anymore!
Charge! Tonight, we stuff our birthday star before we return!
Pulao enthusiastically pushes you, and you stumble and walk forward, smiling as you linger at each fragrant stall and colorful signboard.
How about a grilled sausage? We're closing soon, so I can give you a 90% discount.
Don't be surprised. A lot of food and ingredients can't be kept overnight, so shops often sell them at lower prices before closing.
Here. Take it.
A shiny grilled sausage is placed in your hand, the meaty aroma wafting into your nose, and you cannot help but feel a little hungry.
It looks so delicious... Commandant, I want a bite too!
That first bite goes to me, then, Commandant! Nom nom nom... Delicious!
Pulao gives a thumbs-up, exhaling dramatically from the heat.
Hey! You over there!
Someone seems to be calling out for someone from behind. Turning around, you find a middle-aged man enthusiastically waving at you.
Yes, you! I feel a connection with you. How about a free slice of Sachima?
Hearing the call from the Sachima vendor, other stall owners also begin to beckon you despite how lost you look.
Sugar people! Freshly-made sugar people! Hey, this one looks just like you! Here, take it!
Check out my shop! How about a glass of our new waxberry smoothie?
Try a tanghulu! You're our... uh, thousandth customer! This one's on the house.
You begin to have a strange suspicion that everything around you has been planned.
You turn around, and the girl bouncing around just moments ago has vanished, along with a hawthorn tanghulu from the stall.
Just as you begin to worry, the familiar figure pops up again in the distance.
Ta-da! The master chef is here! Look over here, Commandant!
With a beaming smile, Pulao runs toward you through the crowd, holding a wooden tray with a bowl of noodles.
No mountains or oceans can stop the energetic girl. She seems to part the crowd effortlessly.
Happy birthday, Commandant!
These longevity noodles were handmade by me. I learned it from Uncle Li at the noodle shop.
I was worried you'd figure out my plan early, so I had everyone help keep you busy... Alright! Try it quickly before it gets cold!
You take a bite under Pulao's expectant gaze. The broth is delicious, the noodles perfectly chewy, and her effort is evident in every bite.
Hearing your praise, Pulao's smile grows even wider.
I'm glad you like it! People say eating longevity noodles on birthdays ensures a long and healthy life.
By the way, have you made any birthday wishes today? Can you make one more?
How about... wishing that you can celebrate every birthday with Pulao? That's it!
