Chronicle of Counseling/Stages

Qiuhua: Every night, there are these weird noises coming from the windows and doors, one after another, just like what the protagonist heard in "The Port Peak"! And... And when the crying sounds start, there's always this eerie wind outside, like it's gonna blow the house down... I'm scared there might be something evil out there...

It's likely all in her head. Comforting her should help

(CORRECT) Don't worry, it's just the wind blowing through the doors and windows.

Qiuhua: Phew— if the Master from Suibian Temple says so, then it must be true! I guess the figure outside the window and the footprints at the door were just my imagination. Thank you!

You didn't mention that!? Watch out for thieves!

(INCORRECT) Take out the doors and windows, and then they can't make noise.

Qiuhua: Huh? M—Master, is this a secret technique from Yunkui Summit? It... it actually seems like it'd work...? But I can't do that... The lease agreement says there's a huge penalty fee for damaging anything. My sister would have to work overtime every night to pay it back, and I wouldn't be able to help her at all... *sniff*

There must be another way.

Lin: We've barely started work, and the drills, forklifts, cutting machines... every single tool is busted. I haven't slept in days trying to deliver this project ahead of schedule — I might as well cement myself into the foundation at this point! It's just 42 days of non-stop work, right? If I can power through it, why can't these tools keep up? Must be bad feng shui at our construction site. Please come work your magic ASAP!

Working non-stop? It's no wonder they'd break down...

(CORRECT) Both people and tools need rest.

Lin: I hear what you're saying, but this new batch of gear just isn't holding up. Turns out you really can't trust the stuff from Three Gates. Nothing beats the reliable old equipment from Belobog Industries!

Belobog Heavy Industries is definitely reliable.

(INCORRECT) Find another place to work.

Lin: Our site choice was definitely less than ideal. The rock's tough as nails and the strata are unstable... but since we've already started, there's no ground we can't get through! Thanks for the kind warning, young Master, but I'm set on seeing this job through to the end.

Good luck with your project.

Vince: Recently, a little fella wearing a black trench coat and an eye patch came to the shop. He tossed me some Dennies and insisted on "cash for goods, straight up", even saying stuff like "no backing out of the deal"... I only realized yesterday that he's Mr. Dong's nephew, but he's normally so timid — he's never had this kind of aura? Could he have been possessed by something strange?

The little guy's motivation is...

(CORRECT) He's just copying movie scenes.

Vince: So this is what the young folks call "cosplay" these days? Hmm... I'm not one to judge, but looks like he spent all his allowance on the outfit and left no budget for props. Dressed to impress, but only able to afford the shabbiest accessories... Oh well, as long as he's enjoying himself. I'll put a few bargain items aside for him.

Every great warrior comes from humble beginnings.

(INCORRECT) This is the final summons of the Eternal Dark Flame.

Vince: Wh—What? Is that some kind of magic incantation? That doesn't really feel like Suibian Temple's style...

Haha, guess I caught the bug without even noticing!

Nian Zhi: Yesterday I watched a horror movie, and right when things got intense, this girl with messy hair crawled out of the TV... and it was just... so COOL! Like, imagine being friends with someone from inside the TV, that's a chance you can't pass up! Please! Is there any way to make something like that happen to me?

Horror movies are best kept separate from reality.

(CORRECT) It's better to make friends with real people.

Nian Zhi: You don't get it — that's the best kind of friend! When we become friends, we'll play games together, watch movies, count the stars... all the things close friends do. I've already planned it all out!

Such a well-thought-out plan.

(INCORRECT) You just gotta watch thousands of horror movies.

Nian Zhi: See! Faith really does work, right? I'm gonna start watching right now! Rather than those cliquey groups where 4 people have 5 Knock Knock chats, I prefer having cool friends! Those "real-life" friends only care about competing with each other and keeping up appearances. They never think about how the outsiders feel...

You ought to get a "Random Play" membership.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Have you heard? There's a strange ghost haunting Suibian Temple at night! It's the hottest buzz at Spook Shack lately, with its razor-sharp fangs and pitch-black fur, lurking all night long at the fortune-telling stall... Maybe tonight it'll be outside your window!

At the fortune-telling stall...

(CORRECT) That must've been A-Shuo on night shift.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Sigh... looks like these ghost stories aren't spooky enough to scare you. Don't worry, I'll be back with even creepier tales next time, just you wait!

Bring it on.

(INCORRECT) I felt a sudden chill creep up my spine...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Your reaction was exactly like Alice's! You should totally join Spook Shack — it'd make our evening story sessions way more interesting!

I need to think about it.

Lighter: Ever since meeting that show-off Knightboo, Moccus has been hogging my bike, yelling "Giant truck! Charge!" while ramming into Steeltusk. The old-timer at the Bangboo repair shop couldn't find anything wrong, chalking it up to a "restless machine spirit"... Lucy doesn't believe any of it — Proxy, think you can figure out what the real issue is?

Why did Quixie run off to the Outer Ring...

(CORRECT) It was assimilated by Knightboo.

Lighter: So you're saying it doesn't want to be part of the Biker Gang, but wants to become a Knight instead? I never knew Knights could be so... unique? I thought Knights were cut from the same cloth as The Champion. Either way, thanks — at least now we've got something to go on.

You're just like a knight, Lighter!

(INCORRECT) I wanna ride your motorcycle too.

Lighter: If that's what you want, sure, but let's focus on the issue at hand first. Even though the bike, Steeltusk and Moccus are all tougher than my old boxing gloves, we still need to get this sorted before Piper finds out...

Let's hurry up!

Yun Yao: Last night after checking out a store, I was following the map on my way home, but somehow ended up in this weird neighborhood without a soul in sight! I freaked out and tried to run, but kept going in circles, trapped in these creepy alleys... It wasn't this spooky when I came to Failume Heights a few years ago... Could it have been some kind of supernatural maze?

A map from years ago...

(INCORRECT) Sounds like you've been possessed!

Yun Yao: Could it be? An evil spirit so terrible even the righteous power of Yunkui Summit can't hold it back?! Th—That means I'm done for...

No need to panic!

(CORRECT) Try getting a new map.

Yun Yao: Let me update my digital map... Wow, Failume Heights has changed so much over the years, no wonder the old map is useless... Your predictions are eerily accurate, Master! Well, with Yunkui Summit standing guard, evil spirits and demons wouldn't dare cause trouble here. This place definitely won't end up like what happened to my home.

Hold up, how can you get lost right at your doorstep?

Snap: En-nhe? Nhe-nha ne... (What's wrong with me? Out of the thousands of photos I've taken lately, not a single one follows the golden ratio!) En-nhe?! Nhe-nha ne... (Has the photography god abandoned me?! Could it be because I forgot to clean my lens the other day...)

Looks like even Bangboo can be a perfectionist.

(CORRECT) Photography isn't just about numbers and proportions.

Snap: Ehn.... Ehn-ne, en-nhe na! (I mean, sure... but — you're right! How did I let myself get boxed in by all these rules? A true master can reveal beauty from every angle! Thanks for opening my eyes!)

Just don't overthink it.

(INCORRECT) Forget photography, study magic instead.

Snap: Ehn-nhe, nhe-nhu... (Even though I haven't been at my best lately, I know it's only a rough patch. To throw away all the passion and effort I've given to photography so far... that's something I can't bring myself to do...)

Sorry, let me think on it.

Alice: The "Graffiti Phantom" is so cunning... They've attracted a whole bunch of obsessed copycats to create confusion, vandalizing the streets everywhere, always going after objects that are perfectly symmetrical! Mismatched graffiti, one trash can gone from a pair... If this keeps up, the neighborhood streets will— No, I won't let things end up like that! What should I do about this?

Behavior that damages the city's appearance...

(CORRECT) Contact Public Security to deal with it.

Alice: Even for a half-true urban legend, getting law enforcement involved... that's an angle I hadn't considered. As expected of you! Looks like I still have a lot to learn as a Thymefield.

You're pretty amazing too, Alice!

(INCORRECT) Asymmetry is all the rage right now...

Alice: I respect everyone's aesthetic choices, but come on, stealing trash cans is where I draw the line!

Support righteous justice!

Sweety: A few nights ago, one of our staff said he spotted a "black cat gathering" where cats were circling around the steaming hot boiler, like some mysterious ritual. Since then, he's been totally out of it, muttering stuff about "cats good, humans bad," and can't focus on his cooking anymore. I'm trying to figure out what's up with this gathering – mind helping me figure this out?

The animals are getting close to the boiler to...

(CORRECT) The cats are just trying to stay warm.

Sweety: So that's how it is... though he's gone a bit overboard. He's been bathing and burning incense for several days straight, determined to wait in the kitchen out back for the Black Cat Lord's return. Could there really be a miracle at work? Just one look and someone's a devotee of the Black Cat? Still, if it helps my busy staff lift their spirits, I'm sure the cat would be happy too~

Not a believer, just a cat servant.

(INCORRECT) Where? I wanna see too.

Sweety: Listen up, young Master, I'm not joking around here. You need to take this seriously. Yum Cha Sin is seriously short-staffed right now, and missing even one employee means we risk letting our customers down.

Sorry...

KK: Ehn-ne ne, nhu na, ne... (Even though I've been investigating leads around the clock, the case hasn't made any progress. These past two days my logic core's been scrambled, my circuits keep shorting, and yesterday I even dreamed about Ethereals bombing the Public Security precinct with an airship...) Ehn-nha... nhu? (Maybe... I'm not cut out to be a Public Security Officer after all?)

You're just tired.

(CORRECT) Get some rest before investigating the case.

KK: Ehn... Ehn-nha! Nhe-na en.(You're right... instead of doubting myself, I might as well save my energy! My system Plug-Ins haven't been updated in ages either, I should head to the maintenance center and treat myself today.)

You should go to the Fantasy Resort!

(INCORRECT) I'd recommend they use a helicopter.

KK: Nhe-ehn? Nhe-nha... (What? Still, since airship crashes have been happening a lot recently, it'd be safer...) Nhe-na! Nhu... (...why am I worried about Ethereal safety?! Are you going crazy from stress just like me?)

I've been manning the stall for too long, I must be tired.

Yidhari: Surprised to see me? I actually had a dream — a curtain of rain, the air damp, mist drifting between us, and your silhouette gradually growing faint, drifting further away... You usually forget dreams when you wake, but this one remains clear... I heard this place can interpret dreams?

The nightmare must be making her uneasy...

(CORRECT) I won't suddenly disappear.

Yidhari: Mm, I believe you. But... your answer sounds just like what the main character would say~ I can add this to my collection of spooky stories~

I'm looking forward to hearing it.

(INCORRECT) There are still other people in line.

Yidhari: Ah... sorry, I stayed too long... Every second in my dreams feels endless, yet when I'm with you, time always flies by so fast. I wonder why?

'Cause time's about to speed up.

Hugo: Mockingbird's next target has been confirmed— Shh! Let's keep some mystery~ But something's off this time. Lycaon rarely warns me to be careful, and even Vivian has sensed danger in her dreams. Though it's not a prophecy, her intuition is always spot-on. What do you think, Manager?

Looks like security's gonna be tight.

(CORRECT) You've gotta be prepared.

Hugo: After getting a warning, that old guy stood down the original security team and specifically brought in the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team for security. It's a tricky situation... Thanks for the advice, Manager. I look forward to our next meeting.

Zhu Yuan, I'm sorry!

(INCORRECT) Just go for it.

Hugo: I'm honored you put so much trust in my abilities. But... showing the appropriate concern for a friend in danger might be better. Ah, please believe me, I'm not upset, just making a small suggestion.

I care about that too!

Ling: I'm heading to the Hollow to find ingredients! Pan-seared Blastcrawler, salt-baked Fisher Crab, chargrilled Goblin... After an extraordinary morning, a drool-soaked pillow finally convinced this wayward foodie to make up their mind — I'm going to master the Ethereal cooking technique and create a whole new cuisine! Today marks the beginning of my journey! Do you think things will go smoothly?

Cooking Ethereals...?

(INCORRECT) Ethereals must be delicious.

Ling: The journey of exploration is never without bumps... Wait, you're not going to try and stop me? This has got to be my lucky day! Yes, I can finally get rid of those dry compressed biscuits!

G—Good luck...

(CORRECT) Hollows are dangerous! And Ethereals are not ingredients!

Ling: I'm a well-trained investigator, so of course I get that Ethereals fade and fantasies break... but I'm a foodie too. If it must disappear, one tiny taste before it goes is enough. Those lingering minutes of flavor — isn't that enough to savor a lifetime?

Please be mindful of food safety.

Bai Cai: Master, I think I should put everything I own on the lottery! Yesterday I dreamed I'd lost everything — my family left, I was shunned and humiliated. Luckily, with the last of my steamed-bun money I bought a ticket, miraculously turned my fate around, and took back everything that was mine! This has to be some kind of prophecy! You'll support me, right?

Reality isn't a novel...

(INCORRECT) Buy them, even if it means going broke.

Bai Cai: Even if I go broke? That's going too far... If the lottery doesn't pay out, I'll genuinely be down to eating steamed buns — as hard as the stone lions by the gate of Suibian Temple...

You've tried to bite the stone lions?

(CORRECT) Spend wisely, invest smart.

Bai Cai: Even with luck on your side, you have to know when to pump the brakes... That's why you're the Master! I'll test the waters with a small bet first. Say, which lottery stand has better odds... *ahem* I mean, which one's got that lucky glow or auspicious clouds swirling above it...

I can't reveal my secrets.

Seed: I dreamed about you last night, Proxy. In the dream I became part of Seed Sr., but couldn't start up. I waited and waited, until Peony flowers had climbed all over Seed Sr.'s hands, and then you finally showed up. Thank goodness you were there, or the flowers would have eaten us~ If this dream were real, would you want to be the pilot?

I can't think of a reason to say no.

(CORRECT) I'd help you get booted up.

Seed: Mm~ You really are dependable, Proxy. You're wondering why? I actually knew I was dreaming at the time, but the you in my dream said that whether in dreams or reality, you'd always choose to help your friends–

Reality is a continuation of dreams.

(INCORRECT) I don't know how to drive it.

Seed: It's not about whether you can or can't, it's about whether you want to or not. But even I've tried all sorts, and nothing seems to work... If Seed Sr. wakes up in the dream, maybe then we can get him started?

Sorry, I shouldn't have said that...

Qin: I've got entrance exams, performance rehearsals, and an internship in the Hollow coming up, and now a fortune-teller told me I have a bad omen in my chart recently. I can't get any sleep, not a wink... Help me!

Sounds like it's all down to too much mental stress.

(CORRECT) The evil aura has been dispelled, you can relax now.

Qin: R—Really? *sigh* Mom always said sleep makes everything better, and if something doesn't work the first time, just sleep on it and try again. That's a good solution, right? Thanks, Master. Now I can finally get some peaceful sleep~

Have a good rest!

(INCORRECT) If nothing else works... maybe just skip sleep?

Qin: N—No way... even the Suibian Temple Master can't help... If I could just fall asleep, I wouldn't have to know or care about anything. Why do I have to be awake? Being awake means living up to what my family and teachers expect, struggling nonstop... I just... I just want to rest a little... *sob*

Stay calm, I'm sure there's a way...

Shun: Marcel Group's new game is so addictive! I just can't seem to beat it! But! My great-grandfather visited me in a dream yesterday and told me the key to clearing the game was in that box under the bed back home. I checked the box and there was nothing inside! So what is the secret to beating it? Master, please tell me!

Having no secret technique IS a secret technique!

(CORRECT) The secret is never giving up.

Shun: Ohhh, now I get it! So in an open-world game, even a boss that's totally invisible and ignores all damage can be beaten, as long as you don't give up! Thanks, Master. I'm going to go back and give it a shot right now!

Are you sure this isn't a bug?!?

(INCORRECT) I don't play games.

Shun: Meeting my great-grandpa for the first time in my life, and it means nothing? No way, there's gotta be some hidden wisdom here, maybe even the ultimate answer to my life! Please, take another look — this dream has to mean something big!

Let me think about it...

Orphie & Magus: I met a super cute white cat around here the other day. I didn't have any cat toys on me, so I could only give it a quick pet. It seemed to really like me, and I'd love to play with it again! So this time I came fully prepared to find it! I drew this fortune slip that says "Sitting quietly, a hidden fragrance fills the air." How can I find the cat?

a [sic] lucky break! You couldn't ask for a better omen!

(CORRECT) The cat will definitely come back!

Orphie & Magus: Woohoo! Guess I'd better look for a bigger open space, otherwise I might not have room to set up the cat toys I brought.

What exactly did you bring...?

(INCORRECT) You scared it off!

Orphie & Magus: Yikes, that's not good... finding that cat won't be easy. Still, since I've already brought all this stuff, it'd be a shame not to find a cat to play with!

So thorough, you even came with a backup plan...

Lucia: During my afternoon nap, I dreamed of three tall, new Ethereals standing on a cliff edge of the Hollow on the night of the Full Moon in two days! I'm planning to head into the Hollow to see if I can catch one or two. But I woke up with a weird unease, so I checked my fortune. The reading said "Late spring hides the cliff where one might fall," which is quite puzzling, but my intuition tells me this is not a good omen! So? Am I right?

That's definitely a super unlucky fortune.

(INCORRECT) No safety concerns whatsoever!

Lucia: Huh? For real? But dreams just mess with you — this scene is straight outta the manga I read! Don't tell me the manga plot is coming true?!

Why didn't you say so earlier!

(CORRECT) It's way too dangerous, better stay away.

Lucia: Hah, turns out I was pretty accurate after all! Seems like my instincts might just be on par with the pros!

We're a pro team!

Questionboo: Ehn-nha! Ehn-ne-nu? (I heard there are lots of martial artists in Waifei Peninsula, so I came here to challenge them! I'm not sure how this journey will turn out, so I checked my fortune before going into battle: "Bow to the boatman before crossing the river." What do you suppose that means?)

Be kind to others — a moderately good fortune.

(CORRECT) A friendly exchange will get you results.

Questionboo: Ehn-nhu na! Ehn-nhe! (That's a relief! Warriors of Waifei Peninsula, come say hello to my friendly fists!)

F-Friendly fists?

(INCORRECT) This journey is dangerous. Maybe think it over?

Questionboo: Ne? Ehn-nhe-ne... Ehn-nha. (What! I can't believe I'd face such peril! This little Waifei Peninsula really is full of hidden masters. Looks like I'll have to train hard and come back for a rematch another day.)

There's always a bigger fish, always another Bangboo.

Eleanor: Peace Herbal sometimes serves medicinal soups with insects as ingredients, and I heard they work wonders! As someone who also makes healthy drinks from natural ingredients, my tong sui needs to keep up. I actually developed a few insect-based tong sui and had my friends try them, and without exception, they all gave negative reviews... I started doubting my ideas, so I checked my fortune, and it said "A new fire burns down the house before blazing bright." What do you think about that?

Not a great start with this mediocre fortune...

(INCORRECT) It's not crawling with flavor yet, add even more!

Eleanor: Really? Even I was wondering if it might be a little too bold... Don't tell me most people actually enjoy eating bugs? I guess customers' tastes are harder to read than I thought.

You should probably cool off...

(CORRECT) Insect tong sui is still too out there for now...

Eleanor: Maybe this attempt was a little over the top... In the end, new ideas need to be rolled out gradually, and when in doubt, friends are the fallback! I do feel a bit bad though. I better head back and treat them to some of my signature tong sui.

Your friends really saved the day.

Lisse: The limited edition Yum Cha Sin Coconut Red Bean Buns sell out almost as soon as they come out of the oven every day. Before I knew it, today's already the last day of the sale! If I don't get to taste one, I'll regret it for the rest of my life! It's almost time for them to be brought out the oven, so I'm hoping my "Ride the rapids and leap the perilous pass" fortune is a good omen! Please!

A decisive reading, and moderately lucky.

(CORRECT) Go right now and you can still get one!

Lisse: For real! This might be my only chance in life, I can't miss it today! Alright! Delicious coconut red bean buns, here I come!

Good luck!

(INCORRECT) They might be sold out.

Lisse: Word is that most of the red bean buns were snatched up by the same mysterious masked woman these past few days. Is it gonna happen again today? Am I destined to never get my hands on a coconut red bean bun in this lifetime?

Don't give up!

Nekomata: Hoping to fix the Cunning Hares' finances quickly, Nicole has decided she's going to use everyone's dinner budget tomorrow to buy lottery tickets, saying she's sure to win this time! I checked her fortune for her, "Shattered Mirror, Dried River, Vanished Mirage," which doesn't sound like a good omen. Do you think I should rush to convince her to forget it?

Dreams shattered, the worst luck ever.

(INCORRECT) Going all-in is a form of wisdom.

Nekomata: If going all-in was wisdom, Nicole would've been the smartest person in the world ages ago! Are lottery tickets really that appealing that they've got both Nicole and you hooked, Proxy?

Accursed probability!

(CORRECT) Eat well and make an honest living.

Nekomata: You're right! Only when you're full do you have the strength to work and earn more Dennies! That way, Nicole can buy more lottery tickets, and her chances of winning will go up!

Nicole should get to work!

Old Mac: Me? I'm all about dragon boat racing. Used to be quite the beast at it back in the day, but now I'm older I just teach the youngsters. Even though I've been champion for several years running, I still come to get my fortune read before a match. My fortune reads: "Hidden thunder gathers strength to shake a hundred rivers." What do you think?

Patience and preparation pay off. It's a good omen.

(CORRECT) Just conserve your strength, and you'll come out on top!

Old Mac: These fortune readings at Suibian Temple are so spot-on, it's crazy! Every time before a match, it's good fortune, and every time we win! If we take the championship this time, all tenants get free rent for the month!

The more championships, the better!

(INCORRECT) There might be bad weather.

Old Mac: Bad weather means the game's done for. The crew barely fit this into their schedules. I'll check my fortune again tomorrow. If it's a lucky one, perhaps the skies will clear up.

We can't fix the weather...

Xiao Gong: I've got a crush on someone, and I think he likes me back, but we've been stuck like this for so long, I've never had the courage to confess. Recently, a friend told me he seems to be getting a gift ready. That's why I got my fortune, and the result was "Sailing through fog, watching shadows of flowers." Do you think this means he's about to confess?

Wait for the good news with that lucky fortune!

(CORRECT) Congratulations, but you have to pretend not to know!

Xiao Gong: Yay! I gotta get ready! Should I ask my bestie? We should go shopping for some cute outfits tomorrow! Oh, sorry... should I pretend I don't know about any of this?

Keep it cool.

(INCORRECT) He's about to confess... but not to you...

Xiao Gong: Oh... Is that so? Could he be two-timing?! Ah, we're not even dating yet, so I guess it doesn't count... He's not that kind of person, right? Maybe I should keep a close eye on him from now on...

Something seems off here...

Komano Manato: Honestly, I don't think I look scary, but people I meet for the first time always seem startled. Truth is, I've paid the price for this more than once... Do I need to adjust my appearance to look friendlier? Got any advice, Proxy?

Try changing your outfit.

(CORRECT) Why not try carrying some plushies with you?

Komano Manato: That's what they call contrast, huh! Sounds worth a try.

Your heart is all warm and fuzzy too, Manato!

(INCORRECT) Don't speak, and look them straight in the eyes!

Komano Manato: Will that really work? I guess... I'll give it a shot next time?

Go for it! You've got this!

Trigger: I have this friend... she's always been focused on one person. But that person, who once felt like a treasure belonging only to her, has now become the center of everyone's attention. Lately, she often worries she'll be forgotten... Of course, this has nothing to do with me, I'm just curious. Proxy, would you still remember an old friend from long ago?

Is this really a "friend" thing...

(CORRECT) I'd never forget.

Trigger: A watertight answer. That's totally your style, Proxy. My friend can rest easy now.

I hope you and your friend can both rest easy.

(INCORRECT) People's memories are limited, after all...

Trigger: So that's how you see it, Proxy... Subtle, sure, but it's clear chasing the new and ditching the old is the norm. That "creating freshness" trick from the book must apply here... Got it.

Wait, what book is that?

Ivy: Business is a hundred times harder for me than engineering! I'm scared of negotiating prices with customers, I just never know how to respond to them. ...Is there a way to avoid speaking while also preventing customers from haggling?

You need a clear sign...

(CORRECT) Hang a "NO HAGGLING" sign at the store entrance.

Ivy: Nice! Not only will customers be too embarrassed to haggle, but I'll have to talk less too. It'll work out! ...probably...

Two birds with one stone!

(INCORRECT) Cut prices so low just mentioning them is embarrassing.

Ivy: That probably won't work... right? My shop will go under before I even learn how to run a business.

The road of running a business is still long and challenging...

Jia Hao: I stick client-chosen pictures onto wooden posts and give them a good beating, pretending I'm whacking the person in the photo. I've been making a decent amount from this service lately, but the downside... is that it's a bit rough on my hands. Is there any way to protect my hands while still not hurting my business?

A time and energy-saving method...

(INCORRECT) If it hurts, keep practicing. Practice makes perfect.

Jia Hao: Uh, that's an idea... wait, wouldn't that just mess up my hands even faster?

Growth is always painful...

(CORRECT) Why not buy a pair of boxing gloves?

Jia Hao: Good idea. While it's not really Yunkui Summit's style, I do know some other martial arts! Wearing gloves to hit the stake sounds way better than venting with your bare hands.

A Tai Chi boxer, what a curious combination.

A-Ye: Ehn-nhe na nu! Nhe-nha nhu! (The Porcelume Market is so lively, young humans everywhere laughing and chatting! It'd be such a waste not to explore a place like this with friends! Too bad there's no stall for Bangboo, so I can't legitimately trick... I mean, invite my homebody friend to come out and play. Oh dear, what should I do?)

Reasons to invite friends...

(CORRECT) There's way more fun stuff than just the market.

A-Ye: Ehn... Nha-nhu! Nhe-nha en! (The beach, Suibian Temple... turns out there's a ton to do! Humans really are the experts when it comes to entertainment! Asking you was the right call, Master!)

Have fun playing with your friend!

(INCORRECT) It's dangerous with so many people around, little Bangboo, stay inside

A-Ye: Ehn-nu? Nha en-ehn? Nha-nhu en. (Danger? I heard there's this scary urban legend in Waifei Peninsula about "gaining weight just from shopping"... Could that actually be true? Looks like there might be some shady stuff going on in the market.)

That's not something Bangboo have to worry about...

Mika: Master! What's wrong with my Bangboo? It's not moving! I just bought it last week, and we haven't been apart for a single moment this whole week! I even hold it while I sleep! It always looked perfectly fine to me, so why now?

Never left your side, you mean...?

(INCORRECT) May it rest in peace... it's gone to a far away place.

Mika: But my Bangboo's right here next to me, he hasn't gone anywhere! Rest in peas? Should I leave it in a bag of peas?

...Forget it.

(CORRECT) Did you... forget to recharge it?

Mika: ......?
.........! Oh, you're right!
Master, you're amazing!

Remember to charge it next time!

Joey: Are all the supernatural events in Waifei Peninsula fake? I've done quite a bit of research, and every supernatural occurrence turned out to be either a scientific phenomenon or a psychological effect. It seems if I want to encounter real supernatural phenomena, I'll have to join the top authority, Suibian Temple! Master... no, senior! If I undergo training at Suibian Temple, I'll surely get the chance to encounter them, won't I?

Suibian Temple believes in science!

(CORRECT) It's our duty to bust those superstitions!

Joey: Strange, in the movies I've seen, don't mystics always wave wooden swords, draw talismans, chant spells, and drive off demons. Don't tell me Suibian Temple doesn't offer that kind of service?

That's what you call artistic license, don't take it too seriously...

(INCORRECT) This is a secret known only to the High Preceptor.

Joey: Ohh~ is that so... Come to think of it, There's no way I could become a High Preceptor! Guess my dream of "seeing ghosts with my own eyes" probably won't come true...

Maybe we should find you a different dream...

Dialyn: First off! I'm a su~per dedicated customer service rep. Second! The recent number of customer complaints is impossible for one person to handle! If too many complaints pile up unsolved, I'll catch heat from my supervisor again, which I absolutely have to avoid! Is there some kind of trick, something that doesn't take too much time, but clears out a ton of work at once?

Many hands make the fire burn brighter.

(CORRECT) Ask a workmate for help!

Dialyn: Genius! You're such a pro! Ahem... "Dear~ this situation needs someone more specialized~ I'll put you through to them~" — How's that?

AI is gonna lose its job...

(INCORRECT) Overtime is the only option.

Dialyn: Hmm... let me think, so you're saying if we put in some overtime until the customer complaints go down, then we can slack off again... you didn't hear that from me though, okay? A dedicated customer service rep would never think about slacking off~

Didn't hear what?

Ju Fufu: I've studied all kinds of martial arts films over and over, and I've finally come to one conclusion: the most impressive heroes usually have bulging muscles! I have to admit I still have room for improvement in that department. Hmm, come to think of it, I manage to finish mountains of vegetables every day and never skip training, so why am I still not building any muscle?

Watch your nutrition when building muscle.

(CORRECT) Ask Senior Yinhu to create a meal plan.

Ju Fufu: You're right! The reason I wasn't building muscle before must've been that I only ate vegetables, so my nutrition was out of balance. Starting today, I'll ask Junior Yinhu to cook me more meat!

Save some meat for me too!

(INCORRECT) If it's not working, try another way.

Ju Fufu: Oh, Shifu once said "When things aren't going well, know when to quit and cut your losses." At first I didn't know what I was supposed to give up, but now I get it. It can't be helped, If both you and Shifu agree, it's definitely the right call... I'll put the muscle training on hold for now!

R—Right..?

Soldier 11: "Healer with a Devoted Heart", after taking on the 50x spicy noodles challenge yesterday, I feel like there's a fire burning inside my body, and my heart is racing, just like when I'm doing high resistance training. Could pushing the limits of spiciness actually count as training too?

Loving spice is fine, just don't overdo it.

(INCORRECT) The heart beats, for love burns like fire.

Soldier 11: Love...? I heard it only affects how fast you draw your blade, but now it seems it can even mimic the body's response after training. Too many questions, not enough proof. Looks like I'll need to crank the spice up to 70x and test it again.

That sounds scary...

(CORRECT) Eating something too spicy triggered a reaction.

Soldier 11: I see. Noodles that are fifty times spicier... no wonder I couldn't handle it on my first try. To keep Trigger from nagging me, I guess I'll try something lighter once in a while.

The noodles are on me later.

Xianglu: Half a month ago, I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I went to Peace Herbal to get some herbal tea, and to my surprise, I got hooked on it. I've been drinking it every day. Yesterday I started having frequent stomach pains, trembling, and my hands and feet felt cold. The Peace Herbal owner said this isn't something herbal tea can fix. What do you think could be wrong with me?

You've had way too much herbal tea...

(CORRECT) Try some warm food to balance it out.

Xianglu: Seems like even herbal tea, as healthy as it is, shouldn't be overdone. As for warm foods... Perfect timing — I've got plans tonight, might as well book a spot at the hotpot place!

"Warm" doesn't refer to the temperature...

(INCORRECT) Fight fire with fire, load up on cold drinks!

Xianglu: R-really? My hands and feet feel colder than a cold drink... Is that normal?

That's not normal...

Vivian: Lord Phaethon!! Because of Mockingbird's long-term operation, I haven't been able to visit you for so long— *cough cough cough*... Ah, I—I'm fine! Hugo says I've been overworked and wants to force me to take a break, but I think it's just because I haven't seen you in too long that I got sick... Now that I'm here, a little tight chest, shortness of breath, and fatigue is nothing at all!

No rest for the wicked!

(CORRECT) Just take a nice, relaxing vacation!

Vivian: If that's your advice, Phaethon, I trust it! I really need a break. The Fantasy Resort by the sea... Last time was just a quick tour, but this time I'm going for a proper vacation!

Hugo probably thought the same thing.

(INCORRECT) These symptoms... it's definitely a supernatural possession!

Vivian: I see... In that case, there's nothing to worry about! I learned a bit about exorcism when I worked part-time. This is a rare chance to show you what I can do right now!

Hold up, maybe you should just go on a beach vacation instead...

Zhenglin: I've been investigating reports of supernatural activity at that ice factory on the city outskirts, but haven't found any solid leads yet. Plus, I've been getting these chills, followed by a fever, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and then dizziness and extreme fatigue... I must be under some kind of curse from a spirit!

The temperature at the ice factory...

(INCORRECT) These evil spirits are tough. We need to get Shifu involved!

Zhenglin: Ah? There's no need. Shifu has important matters to attend to, there's no need to waste her time because of my carelessness!

Okay. Just be careful.

(CORRECT) Sounds like you've got a cold...

Zhenglin: Huh? Now that you mention it, these symptoms do sound like a cold... Sorry, I was jumping to conclusions!

Remember to get some rest.

Can't Boolieve It: Ehn-nhe na! Ehn-nhu... Nha ne ne! Ehn-nha! (First off, let me be clear — my body's totally fine! It's just that after taking a fall this morning, I've been tripping whenever I walk, not recognizing people I know, and misdialing numbers. A quick recharge will definitely fix it, but Master insisted it was serious and made me come get checked, that's the only reason I'm here!)

Sounds like you're having trouble seeing.

(INCORRECT) The situation's a bit complicated, I recommend a major overhaul.

Can't Boolieve It: Nhu? Ehn-nha?! Nha-nhe... (Wh—What? It's that serious?! Could a bunch of little problems have piled up into one big one?! So Master was right all along...)

Better be more careful from now on!

(CORRECT) No biggie, just need to swap out an eye part.

Can't Boolieve It: Ehn-na, ehn nu! Nhe-nhe na... (Oh... that explains why Master looked distorted today — my vision's acting up! I was terrified... I honestly thought Master had changed form...)

That would be an even bigger problem!

Da Yu: The old man next door can sit there fishing from dawn till dusk, so why do I get back ache from sitting too long? The fish in Waifei Peninsula are incredibly strong, it'd be such a waste not to fish longer! Though if I could catch an 80kg tuna every day like today, I wouldn't mind not being able to sit for that long!

Long stretches of sitting followed by sudden strain are bad for your health.

(CORRECT) Just get up and walk around more.

Da Yu: Now that you mention it... you're right! That old guy next door is always walking around with his fishing rod. Though he didn't catch any fish today, unlike me with my 80kg bluefin tuna...

So you just came here to show off...

(INCORRECT) Let the big fish go and save your energy.

Da Yu: No way! Letting a hooked big fish get away is worse than forcing me to skip fishing for three days! I'd rather have a sore back for a few days than let an 80kg fish escape.

Yeh, that's "reel" over the line!

Xiaocheng: Lately, whenever I'm on night shift, I hear tiny sounds I never notice during the day. At the same time, weird visions keep popping into my head, like becoming a night vigilante hacking away at Ethereals in the Hollows, or protecting the world from the moon... It's pretty trippy. Am I about to unlock some superpowers or what?

Your sleep schedule's all messed up...

(CORRECT) It's just anxiety brought on by chronic all-nighters.

Xiaocheng: Oh, just regular old anxiety? And here I thought I was finally gonna fulfill my destiny of saving the world. What a letdown.

Stop daydreaming and take a day off.

(INCORRECT) Looks like you've awakened!

Xiaocheng: Really? Come to think of it, I'm not mentally prepared to save the world at all! It's way too early for me to have such an awakening...

You seem pretty convinced about this awakening...

(Start a stage)

Fairy: Master, due to power limitations, I can only assist when necessary. Please analyze residents' statements closely and give appropriate guidance.

(After selecting a wrong choice)

(As Wise)

Belle: Wise... something doesn't feel right...

Belle: Probably shouldn't say that...

Belle: Wise... that's not really a good way to respond...

(As Belle)

Wise: Belle... something feels off...

Wise: Maybe shouldn't have replied with that...

Wise: Wait a sec... something's not quite right...

(If the player fails the stage)

Seems like I haven't helped the residents solve their problems, but instead made them more confused...
Time to get my head in the game, listen carefully, sort through the info, and make thoughtful decisions!

(If the player completes the stage)

The residents' issues have all been addressed, it's about time to wrap things up...

(After completing a stage)

(As Wise)

Belle: I was watching for a while, and the residents looked really pleased! That's just like you! Well, let's pack things up together!

There's nobody else, let's call it a day

(As Belle)

Wise: Great work, Belle. I thought I'd come back early to help, but it looks like you handled everything just fine. The residents should all be content with their advice, so let's wrap things up here.

Time to pack up!

Consultation Scoring

(Score 8000 points)

Fairy: You've shown your exceptional skills once again. Fairy will continue to respond to your requests for assistance.

(Score 4000-7000 points)

Fairy: Satisfaction will rise along with Fairy's appearance rate.

(Score 1000-3000 points)

Fairy: I'll filter for the fields of work you excel in.

(Score 0 points)

Fairy: Master, if you run into any trouble, I'm always happy to help.