Just then, the atmosphere on the deck grew even merrier. Even Little White demonstrated his "head-retracting turtle" technique, drawing laughter all around.
Life like this was actually quite pleasant, apart from the poor state of the wider world.
And Lord Stone Mama delivered a perfect assist, declaring breezily, "Hey, Gourd Girl, why don't you show off your talents?"
"Everyone else has performed. Why haven't you? You should have the most talents of anyone here, right?"
[I... I... I don't think I have any talents,] Gourd said rather shyly.
"You used to talk nonstop. Why have you been so quiet lately? Start by telling this old fellow a dark joke."
Zhang Ming's scalp prickled. Elder Stone Mama, do you know what happens when [Unfulfilled Wish] has its true identity exposed?
It'll fly into a rage and kill you on the spot!
Unexpectedly, the fake Miss Gourd actually fell silent for a moment before telling a dark joke. [All right, I will now tell you an amusing dark joke.]
[One day, a friend asked me: If you discovered that the person you liked was having an illicit relationship with someone else, what would you do?]
[I replied: I would go around asking people, just like you.]
[What do you think of that dark joke?]
It was a very strange joke, though it seemed to have a little something beneath the surface. The audience froze for a while before grasping what was strange about it.
Stone Mama squawked, "Why do I feel like you've turned back into that dumb little gourd we first met?"
"I wish for a story combining a blond guy, a minotaur, and pure love..."
Gourd seemed rather troubled. [I no longer accept wishes from other people, esteemed Mr. Stone Mama...]
"Please, Lady Gourd, don't spoil everyone's fun! Just do