Artem "Thin Veil"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

After securing an agency agreement with Stellis City Movie Museum, the museum's curator suggests Artem and the MC see their main tourist attraction, Star Avenue -- a simulated red carpet walk. The area is crowded, and museum staff urge some patrons to visit the Film Art Gallery next door. The MC agrees to in order to learn more about her new client.

The MC discusses the recent movie that was filmed on Star Avenue, finding that her opinion of the movie differs from Artem's and easily changes his mind about its main focus. She tries to compromise with Artem's opinion, citing a review from the famous film critic "Mockingbird" that agrees with Artem. Artem dismisses the review as inaccurate but is surprised by a fiery defense of the film critic's unique perspective.

A museum staff member greets Artem familiarly and suggests he and the MC try their shadow puppetry exhibit's experience event, which will lead them through creating their own puppets and putting on a skit with them from start to finish. The process of sculpting the puppets goes poorly since neither attorney has talent or practice with visual crafts, but they succeed.

Having finished the puppets, Artem and the MC are prompted to choose a script; while Artem explains the characters they've chosen, the MC muses that Artem and Mockingbird have very similar interests. The MC initially chooses a romance script, but she can't go through with the reading, so Artem improvises a comical law skit based on a problem he'd mentored her through instead.

After the performance, the two discuss their reasons for enjoying movies; the MC notes that Artem and Mockingbird share many views and would probably be good friends, but she points out there are big differences between them as Mockingbird never discusses feelings. One of the museum staff asks to use part of the pair's earlier performance in a commemorative video he's preparing for his teacher.

The museum staff send a pair of handcrafted shadow puppets in the likenesses of Artem and the MC as thanks for permission to use their performance in the video. The MC watches the video at home, surprised to see a top comment by Mockingbird with several photos from the museum the same day they visited. In his study, Artem -- as Mockingbird -- writes a revised review incorporating the MC's perspectives on the movie they'd discussed.

Illustrations

Art and LifeMy story has ended, but life goes on.

Text Messages

Text Message		Artem: Hip Hop (After Story 3)

Text Message script

You: I heard from Kiki that the theme of the sequel to "Blossom in the Wind" might be about "Kunqu Opera."

Artem: Similar to shadow play, Kunqu is also one of the intangible cultural heritages.

Artem: I think that the producers are hoping to be innovative by using traditional cultural elements.

The "father of all operas"?

You: I just checked the Big Data Lab. Kunqu is also crowned as the father of all operas.

You: That sounds amazing! Why haven't I ever looked deeper into it before...

Artem: My mother liked Kunqu. I've accompanied her to a few.

Have you heard Kunqu opera before?

You: Have you listened to Kunqu before?

You: I remember that there was an interest group about it in university.

Artem: I've never looked into it before.

Artem: Are you starting to get interested in Kunqu?

I like traditional culture

You: I've always liked traditional cultures.

You: It's just that I'm too busy and never had the time to delve deeper into it.

Artem: Sorry... Have I given you too much work lately?

Artem: Maybe we can get a chance to take a break this week. Why don't we go watch a Kunqu performance?

I would like to know more

You: I'd like to know more about it.

You: If the theme for the sequel really is Kunqu Opera, then we'd be preparing for it!

Artem: I see. So, we're preparing for the movie.

Artem: If you're interested, I can go to a Kunqu Opera with you.

Itching to try

You: Really? I can go with you?

You: I'm getting excited!

Artem: Okay, I'll go book the tickets.

Hesitant

You: Um... I'm afraid I won't understand it...

Artem: Don't worry about anything.

Artem: Just enjoy the performance.

Artem: If you'd like to know more about it, I recommend that you take a look around the performance institutes.

Artem: I'm sure the teachers would be more than happy to answer your questions.

Go together?

You: ...Can you come with me?

Artem: Of course. I'd be happy to.

Artem: I'll arrange a date.

Artem: I'm looking forward to this weekend.

Don't want to be troublesome

You: No, no, no. I'd be too embarrassed to bother the teachers...

Artem: No need to feel embarrassed. The teachers will be happy to explain it for you.

Artem: Leave the arrangements to me.

Artem: I'll make sure you have a pleasant weekend.

Text Message		Artem: Movie Enthusiast (After Story 6)

Text Message script

You: Mr. Wing, that documentary on shadow play is going viral on the Internet right now.

Artem: Yeah. I've shared it too.

Artem: Soon after, the system said I won a prize...

Praise the good luck

You: Wow, lucky you!

You: I wish I was as lucky as you!

Artem: It's just a coincidence.

Artem: However, the prize was two movie tickets...

Critique documentary

You: You did? Doesn't that mean that all your friends will see it...

You: We appeared in that documentary. I hope that didn't cause you any trouble.

Artem: Trouble? Of course not.

Artem: They kept asking me who I was going to take to the movies...

Artem: If you're free, I'd like to ask you to come with me.

Agree

You: Sure! What kind of movies have you been into lately?

Artem: I'm more into sci-fi movies.

Artem: But I would also watch other genres too.

Hesitate

You: I actually don't know much about movies.

You: You might not find it very interesting if you watch it with me...

Artem: No. You make me feel and experience new things.

Artem: I find being with you... to be very interesting.

Artem: So... what type of movie do you like best?

Romance movie

You: Romance movies! There's going to be a sequel to "Blossom on the Wind"!

You: But, the ending might be another tragedy... I might not be able to hold back my tears...

Artem: It's ok. You don't need to.

Horror movie

You: I want to try something more exciting.

You: Let's go watch something really scary! The type that gives you nightmares!

Artem: Sure... I can go with you if you'd like.

Artem: If a movie can stir up so much emotion in the audience, then it has proved itself a success.

Artem: But... I've never experienced that before.

Become the main character

You: Imagine yourself as the protagonist of the movie.

You: It will make the movie more memorable for you!

Artem: ...Even the female protagonist?

Artem: Ahem. Thanks for the advice. I'll try it next time...

Try discussing the plot with others

You: Try discussing the movie with others.

You: You'll find yourself experiencing new emotions. There might even be things you never took notice of.

Artem: Yes, you're right.

Artem: The clash of different viewpoints will spark new ideas.

Artem: Let's see if there are any movies like that.

Artem: And let's go watch them together.

Story Locations

Stellis City Movie Museum
Museum Office

Themis Law Firm
Pantry

Stellis City Movie Museum
Outside the Film Museum

Stellis City Movie Museum
Film Museum

Stellis City Movie Museum
Shadow Play Experience Room

Themis Law Firm

Themis Law Firm

Main Character's Residence
Your Bedroom

Artem's Residence
Artem's Study

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Kiki Bennet

Museum Curator

Couple A

Couple B

Audience A

Audience B

Staff