Rainy Pickup Story 1: Start
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
The delightful ambiance of people's chatter and the gentle caress of the breeze, entwined with the aromatic essence of blooming plants, bestow a moist and revitalizing allure to the atmosphere.
The last time you and Vyn came to the Four-Gate Market was for his eipluhnight.
Back then, you were both worried about the eipluhnight and got caught in the rain, so you couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed when you were here.
This time, you've come to the market empty-handed and completely relaxed. You wander around with a sense of familiarity.
You: Why do I feel like the market is a little different than the last time we came?
Vyn: Hmm... It must be because they changed the layout slightly. Quite a few of the shops here are mobile stalls, after all.
Vyn hits the nail on the head. Just as he said, the layout of the vendors has changed. The space feels more organized than before.
You: Wow, you've got sharp eyes... It's been a while since we came here, but you could tell right away.
Vyn: ...
Vyn: Shall we go look over there?
You: Sure.
The warm sunlight showers generously down on you. It's as if you are roaming through a world where everything is made of gold.
Golden light and shadows weave through your steps, and you suddenly realize this area seems familiar.
You: Hey, isn't this...
Vyn: It is the clothing store we went to last time.
While strolling around, you end up back at the clothing store you visited last time to change your clothes after getting drenched.
But what's more coincidental is that Vyn is wearing the same outfit he bought at this store that day.
As you realize this, you ask Vyn if he wants to go in and take a look. He happily agrees.
Clothing Shop
You walk into the clothing store to find it the same as you remember, except for the brilliant sunshine pouring in through the windows.
The same vivid, brightly colored clothes are still here, and you two are the only customers in the store.
You: It's just like last time.
Vyn: Yes.
Vyn seems to understand the implied meaning behind your sentence. As he is about to comment more, the shop owner comes over to welcome you.
Shop Owner: Welcome, are you looking for... Hey, you two look familiar... Did you buy that outfit from our store?
You'd assumed that she remembered your faces, but it looks like she only remembers the clothes from her shop.
You: (Well, the clothes in her store are pretty distinctive...)
Shop Owner: So you're return customers. I get quite a few of those, you know.
Shop Owner: Feel free to have a look around. I'll give you two a discount.
It's a tempting offer, but after looking around the store for a bit, you don't see anything that catches your eye.
As you're about to leave, the shop owner comes over with a smile.
Shop Owner: Hey, would you two be interested in joining this event?
She hands you a flyer.
You: The Four-Gate Market Challenge Event?
Shop Owner: You guys remember the Spring Gathering last time, right? This challenge event is the follow-up promotion to the Spring Gathering.
You: (We caught goldfish together and got drenched in the rain last time. How could I forget...)
Shop Owner: The locations and all the tour info are on the flyer. You just need to visit all the places in that order, and you can get a surprise at the end.
Shop Owner: It's a pretty good deal, isn't it? You can try something new and get a prize after you're all done.
Vyn: It looks like a new type of marketing campaign to attract more customers.
Vyn: People who joined in on the challenge event got to tour around the market. Not only does it create a livelier atmosphere, but it also encourages spending.
Vyn succinctly summarizes the nature of the challenge event in just a few words. The smile on the shop owner's face grows brighter.
Shop Owner: Yup, it's a win-win situation. You get to have some fun, and we get to make some money.
You: Then what's the secret prize we get at the end?
When dealing with this kind of flamboyant marketing tactic, it is essential to keep a cool head and think logically.
Shop Owner: Ah...
The shop owner's smile freezes for a moment, and her eyes dart around a few times. Although you're not sure what is going on or what she has spotted, she suddenly looks determined.
Shop Owner: There are all sorts of stuff. I'll give you a little hint—one of the prizes is the coupons for our store!
Shop Owner: One item gets a 10% off, two for 20% off, and so on.
You: (I was going to consider participating if the prize was good, but since it's only some coupons... I think I'll pass.)
You: (After all, regardless of how attractive the coupons are, it might still be impossible for us to find a suitable piece of clothing in this store...)
Just as you're about to turn her down, Vyn gently takes your hand in his.
Vyn: It sounds quite interesting...
Vyn: [Player], we do not have anything else planned. Would you like to give it a try?
Judging by Vyn's previous reaction, you assumed he wasn't interested in this type of event.
Hence, you weren't expecting him to take the initiative and suggest you give it a shot. As you look at Vyn, you can't think of a reason to refuse.
You: Sure...
Shop Owner: So you're taking part in the event? Nice! This store is the first check-in location of the tour, you see.
Before you can react, the shop owner's attitude immediately changes, and she hurriedly "invites" you and Vyn into the changing room.
She hastily grabs clothes from the shelves without even looking at them while explaining the rules of the challenge event to you.
Shop Owner: For our shop's challenge, we'll provide you with the clothes, and you'll need to try on as many of them as you can in a set amount of time.
Shop Owner: Snap a picture each time you put on a new outfit. If you reach the required number of pictures before the time runs out, you pass.
You: (What a weird challenge...)
Vyn: ...
It looks like Vyn hadn't anticipated the challenge the shop owner outlined. He wears a slightly surprised expression, then looks at you, smiling.
Vyn: Let me try them on. Can I trouble you to put an outfit together for me, [Player]?
You look at Vyn's sincere expression, then turn your attention to the pile of colorful clothes in the shop owner's arms. You can't help feeling like you're being put on the spot.
You: I'll do my best... and try not to let you down.
Vyn: It is all right. Just try your best.
Vyn caresses your forehead to comfort you, then walks into the changing room.
Shop Owner: Are you ready?
Vyn doesn't respond, but the rustling of fabric is a good enough answer.
You take a deep breath, look at the shop owner, then slowly nod.
You: Let's start!
Shop Owner: Time's up!
You: Phew—
Shop Owner: Congrats! You passed!
Shop Owner: You two make a great team!
The shop owner absentmindedly compliments you and Vyn as she looks through the pictures you two took.
Vyn: Does that mean... we have completed the challenge here?
The intense "dress up" challenge still leaves your adrenaline pumping.
Even Vyn still sounds slightly breathless, evoking some of the scenes from just now.
Cubicle
You: (That's a cute sweater with a little bear on it...)
While Vyn is getting changed in the changing room, you are trying to put together another outfit from the pile of clothes given to you by the shop owner.
A bright yellow sweater with a picture of a sleeping bear hugging a honey jar catches your attention.
You: (I've never seen Vyn wear something like this before...)
Driven by some inexplicable goal, you find a pair of pants to match with the sweater and take them both into the changing room.
You hear rustling sounds coming from the changing room again, and you can't help looking over expectantly.
You: Vyn, are you done? Can I come in?
After all, you'll need to take pictures of him with the outfits later. To make sure everything looks perfect, you'll go into the changing room and make improvements to each of Vyn's outfits before he comes out.
It's just as you thought—Vyn has a pale complexion, so even bright yellow looks great on him.
Moreover, the cozy-looking sweater matches some aspects of his personality, and the sleeping bear makes him look more innocent.
Vyn is not very used to wearing this style of clothing, and he adjusts his glasses warily. His cheeks are flushed, but it's unclear whether he's nervous or embarrassed.
You: !!!
You: Ah, maybe you shouldn't wear that one!
You run out into the store and grab another shirt, handing it to Vyn and leaving the changing room before he even has a chance to react.
Vyn: Um, is everything okay?
You: All good! I think those pants I picked out don't match the sweater, so it would be better if you tried this shirt instead.
Vyn: All right. But I rarely wear this style of clothing. It might not end up looking good on me either way...
You: It will! We're running short on time, so you should get changed.
After putting on a brave face to say that, you immediately put your hand to your chest, feeling your heart beating like a drum.
You: (He's so cute...)
You: (Good thing I was the only one who saw Vyn like that just now...)
Clothing Shop
As Vyn is still smoothing out the wrinkles on his shirt, you take the bear sweater from the pile of clothes and pull the shop owner aside.
After making sure she has another one in your size, you mention that you'd like to buy two of them after you finish the shop challenge.
The shop owner is happy to oblige. You glance over at Vyn who is looking down, then you move closer to her.
You: Let's keep it a secret for now.
Shop Owner: No problem—I got it. It'll be a surprise!
She nods in understanding. Meanwhile, Vyn comes out of the changing room.
You: Vyn, I've just confirmed that we've completed this challenge. Should we head to the next location?
Vyn: Sure, let us proceed.
Vyn takes your hand. Before you leave the shop, the shop owner reminds you from behind.
Shop Owner: Don't forget—our store has several branches. Go check it out if you see them!
You: (Is she hinting at something? If we run into another one later, I guess we should go in and take a look.)
With that, the shop owner waves goodbye. You don't give it another thought after leaving the store with Vyn.
Amidst the bustling street, the two of you glance at the addresses printed on the flyer and then look at one another.
You: Vyn, was there a special reason you wanted to take part in this challenge event?
At a glance, you can tell that all of the locations listed on the flyer have high foot traffic. You can't help wondering if Vyn is truly interested in visiting these places.
Vyn: Would you like to make a guess?
The sunshine is glaring, but it can't hold a candle to the glint in Vyn's eyes.
Looking at his reaction, you can't help but feel more excited for your next challenge.
You: (Looks like this challenge event is going to be more interesting than I thought.)
Summary
