Chapter 64: Various Arrangements

Chapter 64 Various Arrangements

Considering that the pixies were likely already on Tianlan Star, officials acted swiftly. They feared even a slight delay might lead to another chance encounter for the pixies, similar to the 'kite flying' incident.

No one wanted a repeat of past mistakes.

Sheng Qingquan soon heard the community broadcast start.

"Encourage good manners and embrace new trends, advocate hard work and perseverance, and be down-to-earth..."

"Be down-to-earth in your actions and honest and practical in your character!"

"Avoid impatience and superficiality, be down-to-earth, step by step, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step..."

Various slogans rang out, each one emphasizing the phrase 'be down-to-earth.'

Finally, the broadcast also read an article themed: "People yearn for the sky, but there's no need to grow wings. Flying is an ancient dream, but there's no need to rush. Humanity will achieve its goals step by step through its own efforts."

Sheng Qingquan was stunned.

"From earlier events, it was clear the pixies understood Tianlan Star's language."

"Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gotten the idea to make all humans fly just because she heard Shan Keyu talking in her sleep about wanting to fly."

"Since there’s no language barrier, the officials would naturally start from this angle. Broadcasts are standard; they’ve done this before."

But the straightforwardness of the broadcast still surprised Sheng Qingquan.

"However, it might be quite effective."

"With kids, it’s best to keep it simple. They might not understand something too complex."

"If they don’t get it, more words won’t help."

"It’s better to weave 'be down-to-earth' into every slogan. Even if we ignore other meanings and just take the simplest literal interpretation, it can still be effective."

"With this kind of repetitive messaging, a pixie who thought humans liked flying just because she heard people say they wanted to fly, upon hearing 'be down-to-earth,' would naturally think that humans prefer to have their feet firmly on the ground. She wouldn’t dream up any unnecessary ideas."

At this thought, Sheng Qingquan couldn’t help recalling earlier events.

"Compared to a sky packed with people, their bodies helpless, carried to their deaths by flight, I’m sure everyone on Tianlan Star would agree: having your feet on the ground is a blessing!"

"This is the honest truth—no deception here."

Beyond the broadcast, Sheng Qingquan also observed through the plants that many storefronts outside had their electronic banner screens, originally used to promote their products and services, now displaying similar slogans.

They were determined to hammer the phrase 'be down-to-earth' into everyone’s heads.

This was especially true in places like the community square, the stadium, and Taotang City’s kite festival venue—places where the pixies were most likely to appear—the propaganda was even more intense.

Electronic screens flashed the slogans directly. Where there weren’t screens, banners were hung everywhere, impossible to miss.

Meanwhile, Sheng Qingquan’s phone buzzed with multiple text reminders.

[Warm reminder from Yunteng City Government: Due to unusual high-altitude conditions lately, activities like 'kite flying' and 'balloon releasing' are not suitable. For your safety, please choose another form of entertainment. Wishing you a pleasant life!]

[Warm reminder from Yunteng City Government: Due to complex high-altitude environments lately, no high-altitude work is allowed anywhere. This message has been communicated to all companies. If a company fails to notify in time, please be informed now. The public is encouraged to report any violations. Report hotline...]

Seeing the second message, Sheng Qingquan was a bit confused, but he quickly realized what was going on.

"This is to prevent the pixies from seeing humans tied with safety equipment hanging in mid-air, mistakenly thinking that humans really want to fly, hence going through such complex setups just to fly."

"Or perhaps they might think that humans cannot fly and find such tasks too strenuous, wanting humans to fly to make things easier."

"To prevent such misunderstandings, even high-altitude work has been temporarily banned."

"Besides, based on how the pixies are portrayed in the novel, without such bans, such incidents could indeed occur."

However, with this in place, Sheng Qingquan checked online and unsurprisingly found that all amusement parks and tourist attractions had temporarily closed their roller coasters, free-fall rides, bungee jumping, paragliding, skydiving, and hot air balloon sightseeing activities.

Even airports had suspended all flights.

At first, many people didn't think much of it until some who had booked flights in advance were notified that their flights were delayed or even canceled for the next few days, with suggestions to switch to high-speed trains.

Even though airlines offered compensation, those whose travel plans were disrupted couldn't help but complain.

As more people complained, the situation got worse.

With flights grounded, everyone began to realize the seriousness of the situation.

Compared to leisure activities, living is certainly more important! Flying kites, balloons, or sky lanterns can wait; there's no need to do it now.

As for workers at high altitudes, it goes without saying that working hard is for a living, but risking one's life for money is hardly worth it.

In addition to the notifications, Sheng Qingquan also noticed that local workers were patrolling various areas. They would approach and discourage anyone engaging in related activities to prevent stubborn people from causing accidents.

After making all these arrangements to minimize the risk of 'misunderstandings,' the authorities also considered how to accommodate the pixies once they appeared.

Of course, they couldn't let her fly around by herself.

After all, even with bans, it's hard to make sure that no one on Tianlanxing would do something that could be misunderstood. So, it's best for the pixies to have escorts.

This way, no matter what happens, explanations can be given quickly to avoid misunderstandings.

Even though the story ended in a tragic way, those who have read it know that the pixies didn't mean any harm. On the contrary, they came with good intentions.

With such a friendly presence, Tianlanxing surely wants to build a good relationship. Not necessarily forming alliances or diplomatic ties, but at least making a good impression. At least to keep them from leaving upset after coming with good intentions.

If a child is treated unfairly, wouldn't the parents step in to make things right?

With this in mind, the authorities arranged many activities that children would enjoy.

Sheng Qingquan looked over the schedule.

"Making beautiful clothes, taking her to amusement parks, zoos, and botanical gardens. If she can adapt to the food, she can also be introduced to various cuisines. Besides main meals, ice cream, candies, fried chicken, cola, jelly, cakes, etc., can be provided in moderation."

"She can also visit toy factories to see if there are any toys she likes. Not limited to toy cars or dolls. Skateboards, roller skates, etc., can also be checked to see if she likes them."

"In addition, there are cartoons..."

"Almost everything is prepared."

Even so, Sheng Qingquan was still a bit uneasy.

"If it were a human child, seeing all this would probably drive them wild with joy. But after all, she is not human, and her interests might differ from those of human children."

After a moment of worry, Sheng Qingquan quickly realized.

"She is a communicative being. And she doesn't seem like a mischievous child."

Setting aside the ending in the story, a pixie who wants to befriend humans, even if it means using up all her energy to grant her new friends' wishes—how could anyone call her a bad kid when she uses granting wishes as a way to introduce herself?

Though her kindness is a bit too much for Tianlanxing to handle.

Even if racial differences keep her from having fun, Tianlanxing's sincerity will surely reach her.

Plus, child psychologists will be on hand to help out if needed.

Even if the child doesn’t notice, if she complains later, her parents would surely see Tianlanxing’s good intentions.

So everything should be fine.

Tianlanxing has done everything possible. Realizing he might be overthinking things, Sheng Qingquan quickly relaxed.

The officials had made all the necessary arrangements, but the pixie, who should have appeared long ago, still hadn't shown up.

For three days straight, there was no sign of the pixie.

Sheng Qingquan even checked the square and stadium using the imperial seal but sensed nothing out of the ordinary.

It’s unclear if the imperial seal only keeps out hostile beings or if the pixie just isn’t around.

Two more days passed, and still, nothing happened.

Sheng Qingquan thoroughly read the novel.

"Maybe the pixie showed up that afternoon when Shan Keyu was flying a kite? She stayed to befriend Shan Keyu. This time, since Shan Keyu stayed in, the pixie passed the square and saw no one."

"With no one to befriend, she just left Tianlanxing?"

That’s entirely possible.

Sheng Qingquan thought it over and decided it was very likely.

The thought that the pixie might have slipped away left everyone, including Sheng Qingquan, both disappointed and relieved.

Even though all the preparations were for nothing, safety comes first!

To be cautious, the officials decided to wait two more days, and if nothing happened, life would go back to normal.

Shan Keyu had been skipping school lately. Thanks to Sheng Qingquan’s advice, the psychologist’s help, and her parents’ support, her emotions didn’t spiral further but started to improve.

Still, Shan Keyu wasn’t doing well, so she stayed home to rest.

That night, Shan Keyu sat on her bed, zoning out at the cartoon on her tablet.

Wanting some alone time, her family didn’t stay in her room. Shan Keyu watched the cartoon alone, grabbing two chocolates from a plate to play with.

Her mother was strict, always saying that too much sugar was bad for children, fearing cavities. Even after having her teeth sealed, her daily sweets were limited.

Not only limited, but they could only be eaten during the day, and she had to brush her teeth or at least rinse her mouth after eating.

But now, not only was her snacking not controlled, but her mother also bought many of her favorite snacks, offering them without limit.

Just before leaving, her mother even brought in sweets that were absolutely forbidden at night. Shan Keyu knew her mother hoped she would be happier.

Her father too, had previously worn a mascot costume to cheer her up, even learning a very funny dance to perform for her, hoping to make her laugh.

She was trying her best to stay cheerful.

But compared to her past genuine happiness, her smile now seemed forced.

Her parents noticed but chose not to say anything.

She had to snap out of it soon!

With that thought, Shan Keyu decided to distract herself by watching cartoons and shaking off her bad mood, when she suddenly heard a noise coming from the window.

What was that noise?

In the past, Shan Keyu would’ve been scared and run to her parents. But now, after having 'lived through' the apocalypse, what was there to be afraid of?

She paused the cartoon, got off the bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains.

When she saw what was outside, Shan Keyu’s jaw dropped in shock.

What was this?!

"Hello, I'm Dai Dai."

A tiny, dreamlike figure sat sideways on the windowsill, tilting her head playfully. Her delicate, translucent wings fluttered gently behind her.

One hand rested on the windowsill, while the other tapped on the glass—it was clear she’d been the one making the noise.

"A pixie?!" Shan Keyu immediately guessed.

Unlike the sharp-toothed, scary pixies she’d imagined, this little figure matched her idea of what a pixie should look like.

Maybe people really do judge by appearances.

Before meeting her, even though Shan Keyu knew the pixie hadn’t meant any harm and had misunderstood, leading to the tragedy, she still couldn’t help imagining her as terrifying, like the scariest monster from her dreams.

But now, seeing the pixie up close, with her harmless appearance and friendly vibe, Shan Keyu didn’t know what to think.

She... she didn’t seem so scary after all.

"You know me?" Dai Dai asked, looking at Shan Keyu with surprise. "Mind if I come in?"

"I’ve wanted to be friends with you for so long, but you haven’t been outside lately," Dai Dai said, sounding a little hurt. "I waited and waited, but I couldn’t find you."

"So I thought, why not just come find you myself?"

Shan Keyu had wanted to say no, but before she could think, she’d already opened the window and even lifted the screen.

It was clearly a welcoming move, and Shan Keyu felt a little annoyed with herself.

But the pixie had already happily flown inside.

She flew around Shan Keyu a few times, leaving trails of colorful light that formed ribbons around her.

Dai Dai hovered in front of Shan Keyu, her wings fluttering rapidly.

Shan Keyu watched her wings moving so quickly and couldn’t help but wonder if she was getting tired. She remembered how her legs would ache after walking a lot with her parents during hikes. The speed of their walking back then wasn’t even close to the frequency of the pixie’s wing movements.

Shan Keyu instinctively held out her hand.

Before she could say anything, the pixie seemed to understand her intention.

With a gentle flap of their wings, the pixies landed on Shan Keyu's palm.

So small, Shan Keyu hadn’t expected the tiny pixie to actually land on her palm. Afraid she might drop her, she quickly extended her other hand for support.

As she lifted her other hand, she realized she was still holding a piece of chocolate, having forgotten to set it down.

Before Shan Keyu could set the chocolate aside, the pixie noticed it in her hand.

“What’s this?”

“It’s food! You can eat it. It’s fragrant, sweet, and a little bitter,” Shan Keyu struggled to describe it. Seeing the pixie’s curiosity, she handed her a piece, saying, “Here, try it!”

The chocolate was suddenly thrust into her arms, and Dai Dai instinctively hugged it.

The chocolate wasn’t big, but in her tiny form, holding it felt like an ordinary person holding a basketball.

Seeing Dai Dai like this, the remaining fear in Shan Keyu’s heart gradually disappeared.

She deftly peeled the wrapper off another piece of chocolate and demonstrated, “Like this!”

Shan Keyu put the peeled chocolate into her mouth and chewed.

Dai Dai tried to copy her, struggling to peel the foil. Her hands were too small, and the chocolate was too big to handle easily.

After a lot of effort, she barely managed to peel back a corner.

“So clumsy.”

If she couldn’t even peel the wrapper, no wonder she struggled with giving gifts. Seeing this, Shan Keyu suddenly couldn’t hold any resentment.

Before Shan Keyu could help, the pixie flew to the side.

In a flash of light, the pixie’s small body suddenly grew taller.

A little girl, about Shan Keyu’s size, appeared.

The girl had pointed elf ears and beautiful, shimmering wings on her back. Otherwise, she looked like an ordinary human child—just a bit prettier.

“Dai Dai?!” Shan Keyu gasped in surprise.

“It’s me!” Dai Dai said casually, smiling at Shan Keyu before turning back to the chocolate.

This time, though still a little clumsy, Dai Dai quickly peeled off the golden foil. She popped the chocolate into her mouth and tentatively chewed.

“So good!” Sweeter than nectar. Dai Dai was instantly hooked.

Had she never tasted chocolate before?

Feeling a pang of sympathy, Shan Keyu led Dai Dai to her bed, picked up the plate of chocolates, and said, “Here, take them all.”

Though the chocolate was delicious and she hadn’t finished the one in her mouth, Dai Dai’s eyes were drawn to the glowing tablet. “What’s this?” she asked.

“It’s a cartoon,” Shan Keyu explained.

She’s never even seen a cartoon? Are pixies really that deprived?

She probably hasn’t been to school either—no wonder she struggles to understand things.

Shan Keyu tapped the screen, opened the menu, selected the first episode, and hit play. “Let’s watch it together!”

The two of them lay on the bed, heads close together, watching cartoons. Only after the episode ended and they finished the plate of chocolates did Dai Dai reluctantly look up.

"Good friends shouldn't just take without giving. You gave me a gift, and I really like it. I should give you a gift too."

"What do you like?" Dai Dai thoughtfully inquired.

Spending time together, Shan Keyu had almost forgotten the unpleasant things.

But at the mention of the word 'gift,' in that instant, bad memories came rushing back.

Help!

The best gift you could give me is not giving me a gift!