A Stardew Valley farmer came to Gensokyo.

"Reimu, why did you suddenly come to see me today?" Alice had already gotten up and walked to the center of the courtyard, placing her hands together in front of her, maintaining an elegant demeanor.

Her gaze first fell on Reimu Hakurei, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible expectation, after all, this old friend of the shrine maiden rarely took the initiative to visit.

"Me?" Upon hearing this, Reimu Hakurei shook her head and pointed her index finger at Natsumi, who was surrounded by fairies beside her. "It wasn't me who looked for you; it was Natsumi who said she needed to talk to you."

Alice's fingers, hidden in the wide sleeves, twitched slightly.

Is this decisive and even somewhat aloof attitude the way to treat a friend you haven't seen in a long time?

That stupid dream!

Alice couldn't help but let out a soft snort in her heart, but she maintained a proper smile on her face.

However, upon hearing that it was Xia Xun who wanted to see her, Alice couldn't help but turn her gaze to the boy who was listening to the fairies' conversation with a gentle smile.

Xia Xun, who can be so natural and become friends with these little devils, must be a gentle person.

Like her, she was willing to listen to these little ones and become their friend.

Although Alice's puppets each exhibit individual personality and intelligence, all their actions and dialogues are actually controlled by Alice herself; in other words, it is a puppet show performed by one person.

Following in the footsteps of the little fairies, the Shanghai doll also flew over lightly, hovering in front of Xia Xun. Its delicate little face showed a curious expression as it tilted its head to observe the lively gathering.

Sunny immediately spotted her new companion and excitedly grabbed the Shanghai mascot's hand, pulling her onto Xia Xun's shoulder: "Shanghai too! There's still plenty of room here!"

So, the soft doll-like girl was pulled to sit on Xia Xun's right shoulder, and because of the limited space, she had to press her face close to Xia Xun's cheek.

Xia Xun felt the slight cool and soft touch, turned her head, gave Shanghai a friendly smile, and gently tapped Shanghai's cool cheek with her index finger.

Hello, Shanghai.

Through the tightly connected magical threads, the warmth of her fingertips and the sensation of her skin were transmitted to Alice's senses without any delay.

As if she were the one being caressed, Alice's fair cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of shyness flashed in her eyes, and she subconsciously looked away.

This sudden, subtle change also made Reimu Hakurei, who was standing in front of her, look at her curiously.

"Well, anyway, please come in." Alice coughed lightly, quickly composed herself, and gracefully gestured to the side, "It's too impolite to speak in the courtyard."

The Hourai doll beside her silently flew up and turned towards the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks for the guests.

Natsumi and Reimu followed Alice into the courtyard and sat down under the vine-covered trellis.

Seeing that the adults were about to discuss serious matters, the three little fairies exchanged glances and, in perfect unison, grabbed the Shanghai doll and flew away with a whoosh.

They don't want to listen to those boring talks; it's more fun to keep playing!

The Penglai doll quickly brought over a porcelain teapot of black tea and an exquisite dessert plate.

Alice personally poured fragrant black tea for the two of them, her movements fluid and graceful, demonstrating her excellent manners.

"Alice." Xia Xun didn't exchange many pleasantries. After thanking her, she got straight to the point and stated her purpose, "The main reason I'm here is to invite you to the festival to be held at Hakurei Shrine tomorrow evening."

"Huh?!" Alice's hand paused slightly, and she looked up at Xia Xun.

An invitation to attend the festival?

This realization, combined with the touch she had just experienced through the doll, made Alice's heart skip a beat. A touch of shyness crept back into her heart, making her eyes flicker and making her hesitant to look directly at Xia Xun's face.

“Invited, invited me to the festival…” she repeated softly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the porcelain cup.

Upon hearing this, Reimu Hakurei's slightly lazy expression instantly turned sharp, and her gaze swept back and forth between Xia Xun and Alice.

What's going on with these two people?

“Yes.” Xia Xun nodded, her smile filled with pure anticipation. “Because this is my first time participating in a festival since coming to Gensokyo.”

"So I wanted to invite my friends to travel together and create some memorable moments."

Upon hearing this, Alice noticed Xia Xun's expression and her inexplicable tension subsided.

I want to create memorable moments with my friends at the festival.

Hasn't she also had such a wish?

She would arrive on time for every festival in the past, and in a designated area, she would offer prayers and greetings to the spectators.

After the performance, she would wander alone among the festival lights and crowds, quietly watching others laugh, tasting local delicacies, and then quietly leave.

Alice didn't dislike enjoying the festival alone.

But occasionally, when I see groups of friends sharing the same string of dumplings, pointing at fireworks and exclaiming in surprise, or encouraging each other at a goldfish catching stall, I feel a sense of wonder.

She also thought that if someone could be by her side to experience this excitement together, it might be a different kind of wonderful feeling.

Facing Xia Xun, a gentle smile appeared on her face. She nodded slightly: "Thank you for your invitation, Xia Xun. I will be there on time."

"Great!" Xia Xun's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but let out a small shout of joy.

Being able to invite important friends is part of the joy of the festival.

However, Reimu Hakurei, sitting to the side, couldn't help but pout slightly when she saw Natsumi's happy expression because Alice had agreed.

What? You're so happy to have Alice invited?

Also, why did you only invite Alice and not me? I'm the one who follows you around every day and even saved you!

A hint of resentment and slight grievance stirred within the shrine maiden, a feeling she herself was unaware of.

Unfortunately, Xia Xun didn't have mind-reading abilities and couldn't sense the turbulent emotions churning within the expressionless priestess beside her.

With her main objective achieved, Xia Xun visibly relaxed.

He picked up his black tea and took a sip, then remembered something else: "Oh, right, Alice, there's something else I'd like to ask you to help me examine and guide my magical training."

Scratching her head, Xia Xun's face showed a hint of lingering fear: "Thank goodness Lingmeng stopped me in time yesterday, otherwise I might have made a big mistake."

"What's wrong? What happened?" Alice immediately looked at him with concern, leaning forward slightly.

"Haha, I just got a little carried away while practicing magic and accidentally forced myself to maintain a spell for too long, almost draining my mental energy." Xia Xun laughed awkwardly and explained simply.

"What?!" Alice was so surprised that she stood up and walked around the small round table to Xia Xun's side.

She didn't even bother to maintain her usual elegant demeanor, and gently touched Xia Xun's forehead.

A cool palm touched her skin, and then a gentle and delicate magic flowed from Alice's palm, slowly seeping into Xia Xun's body, beginning to explore carefully along the magic path.

Xia Xun had already gotten used to the feeling of other people's power entering her body several times yesterday, having been baptized by Reimu Hakurei's spiritual power.

However, he did not expect Alice to react so strongly, to be so directly and urgently concerned about his condition.

This undisguised concern warmed Xia Xun's heart. No wonder she was an angelic girl who offered him help on their first meeting.

Alice's magic was like an intricate net, traversing every corner of Xia Xun's body, carefully examining the flow of magic, the stability of his mental sea, and whether there were any signs of damage or overdraft.

A few minutes later, her tense face finally relaxed, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, just as Xia Xun said, it was only a close call and did not cause any real damage or leave any aftereffects.

Relieved, Alice immediately adopted a serious expression and looked intently at Xia Xun: "Xia Xun, magical training is no child's play. Overdrawing one's mental energy is extremely dangerous; in severe cases, it can even damage one's foundation and affect one's life."

She then glared at Xia Xun and said, "To prevent you from doing this again, I've decided that you'll have to come to me every three days for a check-up and guidance on your magical training progress."

“I taught you magic, so it is my responsibility as your magic teacher to ensure that you continue on the right path safely.”

Xia Xun looked at Alice's serious yet deeply caring expression and felt a surge of gratitude.

After arriving in Gensokyo, everyone he met was truly a kind and gentle person.

He sat up straight seriously, nodded vigorously at Alice, and replied loudly, "Yes! Understood! Teacher Alice!"

Chapter 73 Hehe, I'm really tired of living.

It was past nine o'clock at night.

Natsumi and Hakurei Reimu said goodbye to Alice.

Xia Xun felt she had a very pleasant afternoon.

Not only did they successfully invite Alice to participate in the festival, but they also had many exchanges and guidance with her about magic.

This not only clarified his future training direction but also gave him a lot of inspiration for developing his own magic spells.

Xia Xun had witnessed the power of various abilities online before, and she was tempted to try it out.

on the way back.

Xia Xun was suspended in mid-air by the barrier emblem of Hakurei Reimu.

Suddenly, Xia Xun spoke up: "Lingmeng, have you been a little unhappy since this afternoon?"

"No way!" Reimu Hakurei retorted quickly, but she wouldn't turn her head to look at Natsumi.

That's just childish sulking.

Seeing Hakurei Reimu's expression, Xia Xun couldn't help but chuckle to himself, pondering what he had done to upset her.

Upon careful reflection on his actions that day, he suddenly realized something.

"Reimu, you're not saying it's because I didn't invite you to the festival, are you?" Xia Xun's tone was slightly suppressed laughter.

Upon hearing this, Reimu Hakurei couldn't help but turn around and glare fiercely at Natsumi, puffing out her cheeks in anger, "What's wrong? Is it not allowed?"

"Pfft~!"

Once her guess was confirmed, Xia Xun couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Laughter echoed through the magic forest.

"Damn it, Natsumi, if you laugh again, I'll throw you off!" Reimu Hakurei threatened angrily.

"Sorry, sorry, I surrender!"

Xia Xun quickly gave a French military salute, and looked at Reimu Hakurei's angry expression, and laughed: "Reimu, you were the one who invited me to this festival in the first place."

“We’ll be together during the festival anyway, you idiot Reimu.”

Upon hearing this, Reimu Hakurei suddenly understood, and the entanglement in her heart immediately dissipated.

Yes, she was the one who invited him first; she was the first one.

Immediately, her face turned bright red with embarrassment. What had she done today?!

A mournful cry arose in his heart.

Reimu Hakurei's intelligence returned immediately, and she glared angrily at Xia Xun: "You're the idiot!"

"Also, I wasn't angry just now, I was just hungry."

She quickly retorted, then grabbed Xia Xun's sore spot: "Xia Xun, you haven't paid me for yesterday and today's wages yet! Pay me!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Xun immediately stood at attention, clearly not daring to tease his creditor.

"Wait, wait, once I send the fish to Miyo, I'll have money."

"Hmph~, that's for the best." Seeing Natsumi's timid and submissive appearance, Hakurei Reimu couldn't help but smile smugly.

But Xia Xun secretly looked up and gazed at Hakurei Reimu deep in thought.

I have a feeling that Reimu's attitude towards him has changed subtly today.

Like a small animal guarding its food.

But is this change due to his probing yesterday, or because Reimu cherishes him as a friend?

Uncertain.

Xia Xun thought for a moment, then smiled indifferently.

There's no point in dwelling on this; you'll find the answer in how you get to know each other in the future.

Now, let him immerse himself in the happiness of this new life.

As usual, the place was bustling with people.

When Xia Xun and Bo Liling had their dreams, it was nearly 10 p.m.

As always, the human guests have left, and the drunken demon king, Suika Ibuki, makes her appearance.

"Meixiao, quickly bring the fine wine and delicious food!"

As soon as she sat down, Suika Ibuki slammed her little hands on the table and shouted.

"Good evening, Ms. Suika, please wait a moment."

Okunoda Miyo responded with a sound of agreement, then remained standing in front of the counter with her head down.