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Seven Rainbow Town Lantern Festival
墨書 Inktalez
On the riverbank, there were small stalls set up by the people of Huizhou, and Xiao Ming stood by the small bridge next to a willow tree, bending down to talk to a few children holding lanterns. They were laughing and giggling, not knowing what they were discussing.
It was the Lantern Festival, and the lights on both sides of the river formed a continuous line. From a distance, it looked like a starry path paved with flames. The surrounding vendors were calling out their wares, and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream. The Lotus Lanterns floated gently on the shallow water, creating a lively atmosphere, but he felt utterly alone.
Lin Zimo looked up at the night sky; a full moon hung brightly. He recalled that it had been a long time since he had seen such a round and beautiful moon.
Before Lin Zimo could think further, he heard a familiar voice.
Following the sound, he saw Xiao Ming by the stone bridge, holding a sword in one hand and waving at him. "Lin Zimo, over here! Come this way!"
Seeing Xiao Ming standing on tiptoe and calling out to him struck a chord within Lin Zimo, causing his lips to involuntarily curl into a smile.
However, Lin Zimo quickly realized this and lowered his head, putting on a cold expression as he walked towards Xiao Ming.
"Hey, Lin Zimo, are you going to release your Lotus Lantern? I just bought two; we can each have one. I heard that the Lotus Lanterns from Qihong Town are quite effective. They say Goddess Qihong ascended from here, and wishes made with them are sure to come true. So, how about getting one?"
Xiao Ming spoke with that little proud expression directed at Lin Zimo. Although he clearly wanted to share this joy of releasing lanterns together with Lin Zimo, his demeanor often made others feel uncomfortable.
Lin Zimo replied as usual, "Okay."
Seeing that Lin Zimo agreed, Xiao Ming seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as he turned around and squatted by the water's edge, playfully splashing in the river.
Lin Zimo noticed that there were no lanterns around Xiao Ming and asked curiously, "Where are the lanterns?"
Xiao Ming replied, "I asked a few kids to help me buy them just now. We just need to wait a bit; let's play for now."
Lin Zimo asked, "Are they the kids holding lanterns earlier?"
Xiao Ming said, "Yes, didn't you see them?" After saying this, he playfully scooped up some water and turned back to smile at Lin Zimo.
Delicate and fair fingers were unable to contain the flowing water, which continuously spilled through the gaps. The flickering lights on the shore occasionally danced over those jade-like fingers. With a smile directed at him, Lin Zimo momentarily froze.
At that moment, a sudden gust of wind swept across the shore, causing the willow branches to sway. The half-moon stone bridge reflected in the water seemed on the verge of collapse, and the lanterns hanging on both sides swayed slightly, as if a small stone had dropped into the calm water.
"Splash."
Xiao Ming released his grip, and the water immediately cascaded down, dripping back into the river. He stood up and patted Lin Zimo, who had his head lowered, saying, "The Lanterns are here."
Lin Zimo looked up and turned around to see several children approaching them with two large and ornate Lotus Lanterns in their hands.
"Immortal Lord, the Lotus Lanterns you wanted have arrived."
Lin Zimo took one of the lanterns from the child's hands and handed another to Xiao Ming beside him.
"Thank you. It's getting late; you should head home," Xiao Ming said.
"Understood, Immortal Lord. We'll be on our way now," replied the children before they giggled and left.
After finishing his conversation with the children, Xiao Ming noticed that Lin Zimo was still staring intently at the Lotus Lantern in his hands, as if he were looking at something very unfamiliar.
"What's wrong, Lin Zimo? You look like you've never seen a Lantern before. Why are you leaning in so close? Is this Lantern really that beautiful?"
After saying this, Xiao Ming placed his own Lantern next to Lin Zimo's and scoffed, "Aren't they all the same? There's nothing new about them."
"Alright, stop staring, Lin Zimo. Let's finish up and head back early; we have to continue our journey tomorrow."
Despite his words, Lin Zimo remained unmoved. Just as Xiao Ming was about to pat Lin Zimo's shoulder with his damp hands again, Lin Zimo finally moved.
"Thank you."
Although the voice was very soft and faint, Xiao Ming still heard it. It seemed that Lin Zimo had been in Cloud Palace for over a year now, and perhaps he was feeling homesick.
Xiao Ming, who rarely comforted others, said, "It's okay, it's just lighting a Lantern. From now on in Cloud Palace, I'll accompany you to do this every year."
Lin Zimo turned around and looked directly at Xiao Ming, saying, "Alright, it's a promise."
Seeing Lin Zimo's sudden seriousness, Xiao Ming smiled and replied, "Yes, it's a promise."
After receiving Xiao Ming's response, Lin Zimo knelt down on his right leg and gently placed the Lantern down. Just as he was about to write some wishes, he heard Xiao Ming's voice beside him.
Xiao Ming stood behind Lin Zimo, slightly bending over to peek and asked, "By the way, Lin Zimo, what wish are you making? Oh no, I shouldn't ask. Don't tell me; if you do, it won't come true. Just stay away from me; don't let me see it."
Upon hearing this, Lin Zimo silently got up and moved away until he hid behind a willow tree. There, he gathered his energy with his fingertips and used his spiritual power to write down what was in his heart.
When Lin Zimo emerged from behind the willow tree, Xiao Ming had already finished writing and was waving for Lin Zimo to join him in placing the Lantern into the river.
"Why are you writing so slowly? Come on, let's do it together."
Under the stone bridge, the two lifted their garments and placed the Lotus Lantern into the water, gently pushing it forward. The Lotus Lantern floated along the river until it blended with other Lanterns and became indistinguishable. Only then did Xiao Ming pull the reluctant Lin Zimo away from there and return to the inn.
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