Ark Simulator, Didn't I Not Have a Physical Body?
Moe Moe Xiang's fingers traced the USB drive hidden in the concealed pocket of her costume. It contained all of Mifune's incriminating evidence—the transaction records of the Oni Clan children, the forged forging contracts, and even his plan to detonate the mine. She recalled that near-death night in the mine, Hoshiguma's back as he shielded her, and the warmth of Su Rui's silver hair brushing against her cheek when she materialized.
"I can't play dumb anymore." She looked up, her eyes shining brightly in the mirror. "Those children... those Oni Clan children who were sold, they might be hiding in one of the audience's homes."
Ling's fingertips tapped out a rhythmic pattern on the table. "Although Mifune is dead, his accomplices are still around. Tonight, standing on this stage, you're a sitting duck."
"That's why I need Mr. Su Rui!" Moe Moe Xiang suddenly turned around and grabbed Ling's sleeve with both hands. "If he's on stage, those people definitely won't dare to make any rash moves!"
Ling's snake-shaped tattoo glowed slightly. "You know Hoshiguma won't agree."
"That's why I need your help..." Moe Moe Xiang blinked, her expression pleading like a little animal, "Mio-neechan~"
Ling's lips twitched, and she shook off her hand. "Don't try that." She walked to the window, looking at the stage being set up in the square in the distance. "I can't control Su Rui's affairs, but we can strengthen security." She suddenly turned her head, "Are you sure you want to sing that song?"
Moe Moe Xiang nodded, her fingers unconsciously touching her throat. It was a new song she had secretly written, the lyrics directly pointing to Mifune's crimes, yet the melody was so tender it was heartbreaking.
"Then don't mess it up." Ling tossed her a communicator. "Wear this and stay in touch."
The central square of the Smithing Town town was bustling with people at dusk.
On the giant screens on both sides of the stage, trailers for Moe Moe Xiang's concert played on a loop. The pink-haired idol was full of energy in the videos, a stark contrast to the trembling girl in the dressing room. Moe Moe Xiang peeked through the curtains at the sea of people below, her palms sweating profusely.
"Ten minutes left," Ling's voice came through the communicator. "Su Rui and Hoshiguma are in the southwest corner, proceeding as planned."
Moe Moe Xiang took a deep breath and suddenly pulled a small box from the vanity drawer. Inside the box was a silver earpiece, exquisitely shaped like a cherry blossom—something she had specially prepared for tonight. She hesitated for a moment, then put on her right earpiece.
"Test... Mr. Su Rui, can you hear me?"
A slight static hum came through the headset, followed by a clear male voice: [Hmm.]
Moe Moe Xiang's eyes lit up instantly. "Great! Um... the chorus part later..."
"I know." Su Rui's voice was so calm it was devoid of emotion. "I'll do as you say."
There was a sudden knock on the dressing room door, and a staff member reminded her it was time to go on stage. Moe Moe Xiang took one last look at herself in the mirror: pink twin tails, a white lace performance costume, and a decorative short knife at her waist—a gift from Hoshiguma, who said it was for "self-defense."
Volume 16, 903 Concert and the Inside Story
The stage lights suddenly went out.
Moe Moe Xiang stood on the elevator platform, feeling it slowly rise. The moment the spotlight shone on her, screams from below surged like a tidal wave. She squinted and saw the conspicuous green figure in the southwest corner— Hoshiguma leaning against the railing with her arms crossed, Su Rui's silver hair shimmering beside her.
"Good evening, everyone." Moe Moe Xiang's voice echoed throughout the venue through the microphone, "Today... might be Moe Moe Xiang's last performance."
The noise from the audience stopped abruptly.
She took a deep breath and pressed the controller hidden in her sleeve. The large screen behind the stage suddenly changed the image— Mifune's face appeared on the screen, he was checking a stack of documents in a secret room. "This batch of goods will be shipped out tomorrow, especially that Silver Horn child, the buyer offered double the price."
The scene shifts to a dozen or so Oni Clan children locked in an iron cage. The youngest is only five or six years old, and the demon horns on their heads still have a childish curve.
An uproar erupted in the square.
"This is Mifune's secret deal," Moe Moe Xiang's voice trembled, "He's been buying and selling Oni Clan children under the guise of the Metalstone Society for ten years."
The commotion below the stage grew louder and louder. Some people started cursing, while others covered their mouths in disbelief. Moe Moe Xiang saw that several girls in the front row had already started crying, and they were holding up signs that read "Support Moe Moe Xiang forever."
"I'm sorry." Moe Moe Xiang bowed deeply. "I... I only recently found out about these things."
She straightened up and suddenly looked to the side of the stage. "So today... I'd like to invite a special guest to the stage."
The spotlight suddenly shifted to the southwest corner, completely exposing Hoshiguma and Su Rui to tens of thousands of spectators. Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed dangerously, while Su Rui's silver hair shone like flowing mercury under the bright light.
"Mr. Su Rui..." Moe Moe Xiang's voice echoed throughout the venue through the microphone, "May I invite you to come up on stage?"
The screams from the audience instantly rose eight octaves. Hoshiguma's green hair stood on end, and she grabbed Su Rui's wrist. "You're not allowed to go."
Su Rui turned to look at her, her amber eyes questioning.
"Don't I know what that girl's up to?" Hoshiguma gritted her teeth. "She just wants to—"
"Ghost Sister~" Moe Moe Xiang's voice suddenly came from the stage, with a sly smile, "Can I borrow your partner for a moment~"
The jeers from the audience nearly lifted the roof off. Hoshiguma's ears burned instantly. She glared fiercely at the stage, but Moe Moe Xiang had already skipped off the stage and grabbed Su Rui's other hand. "Mr. Su Rui! Help me!"
Su Rui was sandwiched between the two, his silver hair gleaming softly under the spotlight. He glanced at Hoshiguma's ashen face, then at Moe Moe Xiang's pleading eyes, and suddenly sighed softly.
"... Ten minutes," he said to Hoshiguma.
Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed dangerously. "Five minutes."
"Deal!" Moe Moe Xiang cheered and dragged Su Rui towards the stage.
The stage lights dimmed.
Moe Moe Xiang stood in front of the microphone, while Su Rui stood quietly beside her. The audience below held their breath, and even their breathing became clearly audible.
"The next song..." Moe Moe Xiang's voice choked slightly, "Is dedicated to everyone who has been hurt."
The music began softly, a slow-paced ballad. Moe Moe Xiang's voice was clear and gentle, singing a story about courage and redemption. Su Rui stood beside her, his silver hair swaying slightly with the music. Occasionally, during the harmonies, his voice was deep and clear, like a stream under the moonlight.
As the song entered its interlude, a crystal piano suddenly rose from the center of the stage. Screams erupted again from the audience. Moe Moe Xiang turned to Su Rui, her eyes shining brightly. "Mr. Su Rui... could you please play the last section?"
Su Rui's silver hair shimmered softly under the lights. He turned to look at Hoshiguma on the side of the stage, his eyes questioning.
Hoshiguma crossed her arms, her green eyes slightly narrowed. Finally, she nodded almost imperceptibly.
Su Rui's lips curled into a slight smile as he walked towards the piano. The moment his slender fingers touched the keys, the entire square fell silent.
The piano music flowed like moonlight, clear and gentle. Moe Moe Xiang stood beside the piano, her singing and piano playing blending perfectly, as she sang her final farewell.
As the last note faded, there was a three-second silence, followed by thunderous applause and screams. Moe Moe Xiang's eyes were red-rimmed as she bowed deeply to the audience. "Thank you everyone... This really is... the final performance."
Su Rui stood up from the piano, his silver hair gleaming softly under the spotlight. He looked at Hoshiguma on the side of the stage, a faint smile in his amber eyes.
Hoshiguma's lips curled into a slight smile, her green hair swaying gently in the night breeze. She watched as Su Rui approached her, then suddenly grabbed his collar. "You play quite well. When did you learn?"
Su Rui's ear tips turned slightly red. "... A long time ago."
"I'll deal with you when we get back." Hoshiguma lowered his voice, but the smile on his lips was impossible to hide.
Standing in the center of the stage, looking at the fans below, Moe Moe Xiang finally shed tears. "Thank you... Goodbye."
She turned and ran off the stage, throwing herself into the arms of Ling, who had been waiting for her. The lights in the square gradually dimmed, but the cheers of the fans continued to surge like a tide.
Seeing this, Hoshiguma suddenly felt the unease in her chest dissipate considerably. She turned to Su Rui: "Let's go."
The silver-haired boy nodded and quietly followed behind her. Their figures gradually disappeared into the night, leaving only the lingering songs and starlight in the square.
The lanterns of Naniwa House mist, and the aroma of oden mingled with the sea breeze into the alley. Moe Moe Xiang, carrying a paper bag full of fan gifts, had pink twin ponytails with sequins still clinging to them, sparkling under the streetlights. She tiptoed and peeked into the shop through the gap in the curtain, her nose almost bumping into the wooden door frame.
"Sister Mio! They're really inside!" she whispered, turning around, her fingers excitedly clutching the cuff of her manager's trench coat. "Mr. Su Rui is sitting by the window, and Sister Ghost is pouring him tea!"
Ling slowly adjusted the snake tattoo on her cuff, her black nails gleaming coldly under the light. "If you keep making a fuss, the whole street will know." She grabbed Moe Moe Xiang by the back of her collar. "Remember, tonight is just a simple celebration. Don't mention the mine."
"Okay~" Moe Moe Xiang stuck out her tongue, then suddenly pulled a small box from the bottom of the paper bag. "Look! A gift I specially prepared!"
Inside the box lay a pair of exquisitely crafted silver Bell earrings, their clasps engraved with tiny wave patterns—exactly the same as the Hoshiguma's katana. Ling raised an eyebrow slightly. "When did you...?"
"I secretly took the measurements at the blacksmith's last time!" Moe Moe Xiang shook her head smugly. "Mr. Su Rui would definitely look good in it!"
Volume 16, Chapter 904: Stop Laughing Like an Idiot
Ling's snake tattoo suddenly slithered to her fingertip and gently flicked her forehead. "Don't drag me down with you if you're looking for trouble."
The curtain was suddenly flung open, Hoshiguma's green hair exploded in the light. "Haven't you made enough noise?"
Moe Moe Xiang froze instantly, and the gifts in the paper bag scattered all over the floor. Su Rui peeked out from behind Hoshiguma, his silver hair falling over his shoulders, his amber eyes like melting honey in the warm light. Seeing the mess, he twitched his fingertips slightly, and a few wisps of silver dust quietly floated out, neatly stacking the scattered gifts back into the paper bag.
"Wow!" Moe Moe Xiang's eyes lit up. "Su Rui, Mr. Suri!"
Hoshiguma's demon horns gleamed coldly beneath her bangs. "Shut your mouth as soon as you come in."
Moe Moe Xiang nodded like a chick pecking at rice, tiptoeing to the other side of the table. Her gaze darted back and forth between Su Rui and Hoshiguma — Hoshiguma's hand rested on the back of Su Rui's chair, exuding possessiveness; Su Rui's silver hair cascaded over Hoshiguma's shoulder like a soft shawl. The unspoken understanding between the two made Moe Moe Xiang unable to help but chuckle, only to be tapped on the head with chopsticks by Ling.
"Let's order." Ling slammed the menu in front of Moe Moe Xiang. "Stop grinning like an idiot."
The old owner of Naniwa House brought over a cup of hot tea, his wrinkles streaked with charcoal ash. "Hoshiguma, it's been ten years since you've been here." His cloudy eyes swept over Su Rui. "And this is...?"
"My man." Hoshiguma's thumb rubbed the rim of the teacup. "Same as always, extra tofu in the miso soup."
Taking the opportunity, Moe Moe Xiang pushed the gift box towards Su Rui: "Mr. Su Rui! This is a thank-you gift!"
The box slid to the center of the table, the Bell tinkling softly. Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed dangerously, his fingertips pressing against the lid. "What's this?"
"An earring!" Moe Moe Xiang clasped her hands together. "It's the same pattern as Sister Gui's sword! I've been eyeing the scraps from the blacksmith's workshop for ages..."
Su Rui's eyelashes trembled slightly, and silver dust seeped from her sleeve as she gently lifted the box lid. The Bell shimmered softly under the light, and the word "cute" was engraved on the inside.
"No, you can't wear that." Hoshiguma swept the box back in front of Moe Moe Xiang. "He doesn't need these fancy things."
Moe Moe Xiang pouted and looked at Su Rui, who was feeding Hoshiguma a piece of fish with a silver duster, a secret smile in her eyes.
"[Take it.]" Su Rui's voice echoed in all three people's minds simultaneously. "[It's beautiful.]"
Hoshiguma's ears turned red instantly, and she chewed the fish as if biting an enemy. "... Whatever."
Steam rose from the oden on the table. Moe Moe Xiang chattered excitedly about the concert, while Ling occasionally poured cold water on her enthusiasm. Hoshiguma, meanwhile, focused intently on picking out fish bones and piling them around Su Rui's bowl. When Moe Moe Xiang mentioned the fan support station created for the "mysterious pianist," Hoshiguma's chopsticks snapped in the sauce dish with a "crack."
"Those photos are absolutely gorgeous!" Moe Moe Xiang swiped her phone screen, "Especially this profile shot..."
The phone was suddenly snatched away by silver dust, reappearing in Hoshiguma's palm a second later. The photo showed Su Rui playing the piano with her eyes lowered, her silver hair cascading down like a waterfall, her profile so perfect under the stage lights it seemed unreal. The screams in the comments section almost overflowed the screen. "[I need all the information on this man in three minutes!!]"
Hoshiguma's green hair moved without wind, and the Hannya Shield hummed in the corner. Su Rui gently pressed down on the back of her hand, and silver dust quietly wrapped around her fingertips under the table.
"Ahem!" Ling suddenly tapped the table. "Kid, go get a pot of fresh tea."
Moe Moe Xiang blinked. "Eh? But..."
A snake-shaped tattoo peeked out from Ling's sleeve, revealing fangs. Moe Moe Xiang immediately jumped up and rushed towards the counter, almost knocking over the delivery boy.
Taking advantage of the situation, Hoshiguma grabbed Su Rui's collar. "You seem to enjoy being an idol?"
Su Rui's silver hair brushed against her wrist: [Just helping out.]
"Does helping require such a beautiful smile?" Hoshiguma's thumb brushed against his lips. "When you're playing the piano."
Su Rui suddenly leaned forward, their noses almost touching: [Jealous?]
Warm breath, carrying the aroma of tea, brushed against her lips, and Hoshiguma's green eyes widened slightly. Before she could react, Moe Moe Xiang's shrill scream came from the direction of the counter, "Mio-neechan, help! The boss wants to show me his family heirloom!"
Ling's kunai was already pinned to the boss's trouser leg. "Sit down."
The old shopkeeper chuckled and pulled out a sandalwood box, "It really is a family heirloom..." Inside the box lay an old bronze bell, "Left behind by Hoshiguma when she first came to the shop."
The patterns on the surface of the copper bell were blurred, but Hoshiguma recognized it at a glance as the amulet she had worn at her waist when she was fifteen. She took the bell, and the moment her fingertips brushed against the rust, the clapper suddenly emitted a faint blue light—a reaction that could only occur after being immersed in Su Rui's silver dust for a long time.
"..." Hoshiguma suddenly looked at Su Rui, "You've been keeping this all along?"
Su Rui's ears turned red, and she quietly wrapped the copper bell with silver dust: [That day you were drunk and fell into the alley.]
Moe Moe Xiang cupped her face in her hands. "Wow! A token of love!"
"Shut up!" Hoshiguma stuffed the bell into his pocket, his ears turning as red as boiled shrimp.
As night deepened, Moe Moe Xiang, tipsy, lay sprawled on the table humming a song, while Ling held her by the back of her collar to prevent her from slipping to the ground. Su Rui's silver hair spread out like a silver Milky Way under the lamplight as she used silver dust to pick out scallions from Hoshiguma's soup.
"Hey," Hoshiguma suddenly lowered her voice, "That earring..."
Su Rui's fingers paused, and Yin Chen rolled out Bell earring from Moe Moe Xiang's gift box: [Want to see me wear it?]
"... Wear it when you get home." Hoshiguma turned her face away. "You're only allowed to show it to me."
Su Rui's lips curled into a slight smile as Yin Chen quietly wrapped his arm around her wrist under the table: [Yes, sir.]
The shop door was suddenly pushed open, and the night breeze carried in cherry blossoms. Tetsusai stood in the doorway, leaning on his forging hammer, his one eye sweeping over the messy table. "Oh, you didn't invite me to your little meeting?"
Moe Moe Xiang instantly sobered up. "Lord Tetsusai!"
The old blacksmith sat down with an air of authority, pulling a paper packet from his robes. "Freshly forged tassels, mixed with Star Iron Ore." He tossed it to Su Rui, "So that someone's shabby shield won't keep scratching my work."
Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield clanged in protest against the wall.
Tetsusai's one eye suddenly fixed on Moe Moe Xiang: "Girl, what are you wearing on your ear?"
Moe Moe Xiang subconsciously touched her earlobe—where she wore the same silver bell earring as Su Rui, except the clasp was engraved with the character "star." Her face instantly turned red. "I... I found it!"
"Bullshit." Tetsusai tapped the ground with his forging hammer. "That's something I made from scraps." He squinted at Su Rui with his one eye. "When did you...?"
Su Rui's silver dust suddenly swirled around the teapot, pouring tea for Tetsusai with fluid, graceful movements. Hoshiguma's green hair bristled, and she snatched the teapot away, yelling, "Old man, mind your own business!"
Tetsusai laughed heartily, a sly glint in his single eye. "Young man..."
As the night fog thickened, laughter from Naniwa House drifted far away. Moe Moe Xiang was asleep on Ling's shoulder, still clutching a photo of Su Rui playing the piano; Tetsusai and the boss were drinking and singing off-key old folk songs; Hoshiguma's green hair and Su Rui's silver hair intertwined under the lanterns, like two strands of entangled starlight.