Chapter 205
Chu Yuanqing remained silent. In her daze, she suddenly recalled Byron's "Springtime".
--If we meet again someday, how shall I greet you? With tears, with silence.
For 17 years, Chu Yuanqing had thought about finding Charlotte. She even had moments when she was so moved that she would write down all the countries whose native language was German on a piece of paper, marking each country, city, and place with a circle, as if they were all treasures waiting to be discovered.
How could I not miss them?
Those memories, those past events, those emotions, are like dust falling under the sunlight, rising and falling in the wind, easily colliding and shattering, crushing the proud will, and entangled into a long and fragmented loneliness.
Chu Yuanqing couldn't remember many things. At the very beginning of the New Era, she had already suffered the greatest curse. Many of the connections, threads, and anchors that were tied to her were stripped away and shattered in the erosion, leaving her with only a few scattered fragments.
Charlotte was the greatest salvation in these few scattered moments.
Of course Chu Yuanqing would miss her. Even just a glimpse of Charlotte as a child, or even an infant, from afar would bring him a sense of warmth and comfort.
That would be too selfish.
The old gives way to the new, and cause and effect shed their shells.
The alteration of the Worldline and the correction of historical roots have buried each other's past.
Charlotte is Charlotte, of course, but she is no longer the Charlotte that she should touch.
Chu Yuanqing had also had expectations.
Hoping the other person will regain their memory.
I hope that one afternoon, she will walk in on her own, hug my bewildered Little Cotton-padded Jacket, and say with a clear conscience, "Call me Mommy!" Then she will happily pinch her daughter's cheeks, put on an apron and cook as if she were old friends, puff out her cheeks, and scold me for not coming to see her for so many years, saying that she is going to get angry and it will be hard to coax her back.
But even as her life entered its final countdown, and she was forced to molt and reincarnate, thanks to her special status as a [Witch], she was granted a few more months to live, yet the scenes in her dreams never came to fruition.
Chu Yuanqing understood that this was the natural outcome.
From the moment Charlotte committed suicide before her eyes, smiling as she accompanied the City of Doomsday to the bottom of the sea, many regrets were already destined.
So logically speaking, she should feel gratified now. As she is about to pass away, on her last trip with her daughter, she was able to see Charlotte shining on stage in a way that is unrelated to cause and effect. This is the best outcome for both of them.
But...
Charlotte, I really miss you.
That suppressed longing, like a surging sea, engulfed my consciousness.
Chu Yuanqing wanted to close her eyes, but the gilded light in her pupils was like a lit candle flame, making the distant scenery clearer. The lantern on her chest glowed, and the rose deep in her soul slowly bloomed. The magic of moonlight seemed to roar like a torrent, even dyeing the ends of her hair pure white.
The lantern is a manifestation of the soul, and it should naturally empathize with all the host's emotions, causing it to waver so much in this instant that even the disguised spells are swaying and peeling away.
The light and shadow on the building's glass shifted, but the woman's smile remained unchanged. The color in her eyes was as brilliant as fireworks, shimmering with starlight in the night. Her soft, rose-like lips parted, uttering gentle yet firm German, weaving a magnificent melody in her breath and voice.
"Die Ruinenstadt ist immer noch schon (The city in ruins is still beautiful)"
"Ich warte lange Zeit auf deine Rückkehr (I have been here, waiting for your return)"
"In der Hand ein Vergissmeinnicht (The Forget-me-not you gave me is right here)"
--βιο?.
This is an interlude from Guilty Crown, but in the present moment, it feels like a greeting of long-awaited reunion. In its stirring melody, it officially sets the stage for the torrent of fate.
Chu Wangshu also stared blankly at the scene. The girl in it was so unfamiliar yet so beautiful. In her daze, she heard the roar of blood flowing, and her consciousness paused for a moment.
At this moment, deep within the soul, the long-hidden blue-green gem, like Cocoon of the Heart, resonates with it. Its leaf-like patterns light up, exuding a beautiful hue, shining brightly in the converging Heart Tide, conveying an overwhelming warmth.
This connection, inherited from blood and soul, created a strange synesthetic phenomenon the moment Charlotte first saw his appearance and heard his voice. It made her unconsciously slow down her pace until she stopped and curiously looked up to admire him.
"It feels so strange, who is she?"
Chu Yuanqing couldn't answer that question, or perhaps... she didn't need to answer it.
The footage on the screen continued to play.
Charlotte walked alone on the vast stage as if taking a stroll. Behind her, the virtual reality scene infinitely expanded, creating a desolate ruin. At her feet, grass and trees struggled to grow from the steel and concrete. The clear sunlight, like a glassy veil, blurred the sky and earth with the strong wind.
It was a song that swayed the soul, interspersed with gentle whispers like poetry, making the notes floating in the air rise and fall passionately, as if to turn the world into a sea on fire.
"Regentropfen sind meine Tranen (Raindrops turned into my tears)"
"Wind ist mein Atem und mein Erzahlung" (The wind brings my breath and my story)
"Zweige und Blatter sind meine Hande (The branches and leaves became my body)"
Upon Kiriwake Yayoi looked over, and the sounds of melting steel and the clanging of swords echoed in her ears once more. The cherry blossom pink in her eyes spread like ink, and layers of illusions lingered like scenes from a movie.
Gods in the black snow, sacrifices born of betrayal, blazing bonfires, the clanging of swords, and... a fairytale city standing tall against the azure sky, its clear songs swirling around it.
In that instant, dreams and reality seemed to intertwine amidst the unfamiliar song.
Xie Qingxuan was suddenly lost in thought. The mist in her pupils outlined a dark cross that flickered erratically. Her Heart Tide was surging even more violently than when she was on stage, flowing Flowing Water Entwined. The Laevatain in her dream became increasingly intense, making the radiance on her body even more terrifying, like a deity descending from the heavens.
Those dusty, imprisoned, and forgotten memories, like the [pure white] gradually uncontrollable Disaster God, pry open the blockade in the apocalyptic song, conveying a strong and bitter sense of déjà vu.
Charlotte's expression was sorrowful, yet her gaze remained resolute. She offered futile prayers amidst the ruins, wandering alone in the desolate land, her ethereal devotion shining through the rising and falling sunlight, continuing to softly chant:
"Denn mein Korper ist in Wurzeln gehüllt (because my body is frozen in the roots)"
"Wenn die Jahreszeit des Tauens kommt (When the seasons change, it melts)"
"Werde ich wach und singe ein Lied (I awaken and sing)"
Tang Liuli was somewhat bewildered. She admired Charlotte's voice, but was even more ashamed of being completely defeated by her skills. At the same time, a strange feeling welled up in her heart, making her feel that this was how it should be.
In an instant, those forgotten dreams, like a counter-current, slowly filled my brain, and familiar voices rose and fell like echoes:
"Liuli, don't use it here."
"The City of Doomsday needs you, humanity needs you."
The boy's whispers mingled with the metallic smell of rust, and drops of blood rolling down from the scorched veins struck her face, spreading a burning and bitter pain.
The hoarse voice squeezed out of the man's throat was like a sharp weapon twisting his heart, watering the long-suppressed buds with blood, causing them to bloom into a unique rose.
The scene abruptly ended, but the moment I heard those words, my chest was filled with a solitary courage rising from timidity, a determination burning from anger, and a love that was both strange and similar, yet even more profound.
Who was that? Was it a dream I had before?
Tang Liuli felt a little strange. Her heart was pounding, and she didn't want to watch Charlotte's performance anymore. Instead, she looked at Chu Yuanqing was not far away.
For some inexplicable reason, without even thinking, the Green Eyed Cat walked over and hugged the other's arm. As if this would give her a sense of security, she let out a long sigh, closed her eyes easily, and smiled.
Although I don't know why, the person in my dream has the same qualities as Xiao Qing. It's a core that's different from the physical body, rooted in the soul, consciousness, and true self. As long as I hold the other person, I won't feel afraid.
Chu Yuanqing subconsciously stroked the cat's head. She didn't know how many terrible chain reactions Charlotte's singing had triggered. She was still looking at that old friend from the New Era, listening to the other person's familiar voice, her eyebrows and eyes were gentle, and her lips were upturned.
Charlotte's singing drifted into my ears, the final lyrics spiraling upwards in the uplifting melody, like a vow etched into the soul, or a greeting after 17 years, slowly falling.
"Das Vergissmeinnicht, das du mir gegeben hast, ist hier (The Forget-me-not you gave me is right here)..."
The music ended and the audience dispersed.
The people on the screen left the stage.
Chu Yuanqing, still savoring the moment, placed one hand on her chest, her fingertips lightly touching the lantern. The disguise spell was reactivated. Her emotions were still surging, but her expression had regained its composure. She then softly said:
"You sang so well."
These words seemed to break the delicate atmosphere, instantly restoring the Little Idol to their usual lively selves.
Chen Xiaoxiao and the staff standing behind her didn't find anything strange. From their perspective, their contestant had only stopped for a few minutes to observe the future rivals in the Vienna Division of Flash Dance.
This kind of reconnaissance can generally only be described as dedication.
With her Kiriwake Yayoi had cast all those messy thoughts to the back of her mind. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. So... there were so many amazing people in the outer competition areas?
If she wins Debut Spot in the Sea Capital region, will she face off against her opponent on different stages and compete against them?
Kiriwake Yayoi is very much looking forward to it.
Although Charlotte's level is very high, in the video of "Flash Dance" that was released in the Vienna Division, the opponent showed a level of singing that surpassed Tang Liuli's. In fact, there was not much singing in this video, and there was no element of "Flow State".
But isn't that precisely why they're worthy opponents?
She said:
"As long as we keep winning, we'll meet sooner or later."
Chu Wangshu barely managed to snap out of her daze. Something felt off; she was finding a stranger strangely endearing. Could it be... that she really liked pretty girls?
That's how I treated Xiao Qing back then, and that's how I treat this idol from the Vienna Division.
Thinking about it carefully, it's really too strange!
But that doesn't make sense, right? Liuli, Yayoi, Sister Xie are all very pretty too, aren't they?
The Little Cotton-padded Jacket fell into deep thought. She felt that she had fallen into a terrible vicious cycle, a profound puzzle that could stump even world-class experts!
Tang Liuli was somewhat discouraged. She decided that she needed to hone her skills more in the future. If she couldn't compete with others in dancing, and she couldn't even compete in the lead vocal category, wouldn't she have no competitiveness at all?
Damn it, shouldn't she learn from the protagonists in manga and develop some powerful special moves?
The Green Eyed Cat hugged Chu Yuanqing tightly, determined to secretly work hard and study his extraordinary talent so that one day it would burst forth, stunning everyone and successfully winning Qing Bao's heart!
The cross-shaped light in Xie Qingxuan's eyes swirled and dissipated. She said calmly:
"No need to wait that far. The format of <Flash Dance> is basically the same regardless of the circumstances. If you're in the Vienna Division, the other person might be doing a commercial performance, so you might bump into them while traveling in Austria."
The advertisements on the building have been changed to feature international luxury brands.
The Little Idol chatted casually as they strolled along the ring road, eventually returning to their resting place.
Chen Xiaoxiao booked the Hotel Sacher, a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Vienna, next to Carinthus Street. It boasts a history spanning hundreds of years and is world-renowned for its Sachertorte. It faces the National Opera House.
Since the Program Group reimbursed the expenses and there was no need to worry about the budget, the five contestants simply stayed together in a 150-square-meter presidential suite, thus avoiding the dilemma of who would share a room with whom.
Chu Yuanqing's room is located on the top floor, resembling a modern-style sky garden. Upon entering, one can see luxurious velvet-covered walls, exquisite oil paintings that complement them, and antique decorations that exude a sense of history.
Chu Wangshu felt somewhat restrained, as everything seemed too luxurious and out of place with her real life.
The girl's cute face was tense as she kept reminding herself that these were all big spenders from <FlashDance>, and had nothing to do with her. She must not be corrupted by capitalism and fall into the trap of consumerism. She had to eat the sugar coating and then fire the bullets back!
Otherwise, even if she really becomes a big idol, she'll definitely squander all the money she earns right away. How can she then achieve her grand dream of buying a new house in Sea Capital and letting her Dad quit his job and rest at home?
Chu Wangshu was determined in spirit and tempered his will.
Then, Little Sakura was equally naive and had never seen anything like it before, happily waved to it:
"Wow, Xiao Shu, the terrace here offers such a beautiful view!"
"Really?"
Chu Wangshu's eyes sparkled as she walked to the panoramic terrace, curiously leaning on the railing to gaze at the magnificent city view below.
Whether it's the river shimmering in the neon lights at night, the National Opera House steeped in history, or the square not far away, you can see them all.
--It's good, I love watching it.
Tang Liuli had stayed in many ancient castles, some of which were even older than this hotel. She didn't feel anything about them. As she bathed in the night and looked at the scenery, she felt only the pure joy of going out with friends.
Xie Qingxuan didn't go over. She opened the map on her tablet and circled the attractions with her fingertip: Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna City Hall, the Royal Theatre...
There are many attractions near this hotel, making it convenient to efficiently check off attractions and take photos in a special forces-style travel manner, accumulating video material for vlogs.
If it's just about completing tasks without any training, everyone can finish several tasks and get 30 points in three days at most.
After all, you can visit and take photos at ten famous scenic spots in a single day if you don't mind the fatigue.
The most difficult task was attracting the attention of a hundred people on the street through dance, but for a team of five who had all mastered [Flow State], they could easily complete it by simply finding a place with a large flow of people.
In fact, the Program Group did not limit the number of tasks that could be completed.
In other words, commercial performances are not even a mandatory main task. As long as the ten side tasks issued by the Program Group are completed, the conditions for returning can still be met.
However, since the dance music in the Third Performance is the same music that will be performed in the commercial performances, the two do not conflict and are a parallel process, so there is no need to deliberately avoid the commercial performances.
Of course, if you're going for a speedrun, simply completing tasks will definitely be faster.
Chu Yuanqing's team didn't think too much about it; they were really aiming to use up the 45 days. They planned to stay in Vienna for two weeks, during which they would dedicate at least three hours a day to dance practice, complete training for a single dance piece, and then move on to other cities.
This model isn't exactly leisurely, nor is it particularly strenuous, but for the Little Idol used to train for eight hours a day, it was practically a blissful life.
Watching her teammates' heartwarming interaction, Chu Yuanqing inexplicably took out the phone that Chen Xiaoxiao had prepared.
This is the most advanced model on the market, and everyone in the team received one. Inside is an Austria SIM card, and all the settings were pre-configured to make travel more convenient. It's a gift that the Program Group will reimburse for.
Chu Yuanqing opened the Lycos search interface, entered a string of names, and looked at the large number of entries that popped up. The most prominent and topmost entries were several media news articles, most of which were exaggerated and meaningless.
Interspersed among these are childish and exaggerated nicknames similar to those used in photos of Donghuangtian, such as "Miracle of the Holy United States," "The Diva Who Ended the World's Voice," and "The National Flower Born in Saint Wolfgang"...
In short, it's clear that she's starting to gain considerable fame throughout the entire Holy United States.