Chapter 61 I Want It
Linda pointed out the direction to the central hall, and Sylvia nodded her thanks. Though they hadn’t explained what brought them there, encountering such an enthusiastic little fan made both Sylvia and Juliet happy. After a quick look, they decided to focus on their primary task–knowing that the buzz of the event cruidn’t be settled just by their presence, they didn’t linger, valuing their own time over the spectacle.
Their inspection didn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary, aside from the fact that today’s exceptional event made usual operations challenging. Still, they knew that it was precisely these times that demanded foresight and precautions.
Having completed their rounds, Sylvia and Juliet found a spot to compile their observations into a report for the upcoming meeting. While they understood the day’s exceptions, they pondered how the mall would handle everyday issues.
“Today’s showcase might last three hours, followed by a meeting–it feels a bit rushed, doesn’t it?” Juliet glanced at the makeshift stage where Brock was performing. His every note seemed to unleash waves of excitement, a testament to his importance to the fans.
Sylvia turned away from the spectacle, playfully berating her brother in her thoughts. “Forget him. He’s acting like a complete show–off,” she remarked dryly, eliciting laughter from Juliet.
“You’re lucky he can’t do anything about your teasing right now. If he could… well, let’s just say he probably wouldn’t be too pleased,” Juliet said with a grin.
Sylvia just shrugged, well aware that she’d never dare to tease him like this to his face.
After discussing their findings, Juliet caught sight of a claw machine nearby, but this one was unique–it required playing a dance game to win prizes. She was clearly enthused but lacked the coordination to give it a go herself, so her eyes inevitably turned to Sylvia.
Sylvia knew exactly what her friend was thinking–they’d grown up together, after all. For all of Juliet’s talents, coordination was not among them. Despite their parents enrolling her in various dance classes, her instructors would invariably send her back with a message to its futility. Now, Juliet’s hopeful eyes pleaded wordlessly for Sylvia’s aid.
“Please, I really want it,” she begged with a look so pitiful it could soften the hardest of hearts.
Sylvia tried to resist, feeling the activity was too childish and fearing it might tarnish her professional image. But Juliet’s imploring gaze eventually won over. “Alright, but just this once. Next time, just buy it. You have plenty of money, and you’d probably save if you didn’t keep getting me to win these things,” she conceded, draping her coat over her arm and heading to the dance game.
“You don’t get it. Buying takes away the fun, it’s the thrill of winning them that counts,” Juliet argued.
“But you’re not the one winning.” Sylvia pointed out with a smirk, fully aware of Juliet’s lack of response to that contingent reality.
Realizing she had no comeback, Jullet shot Sylvia a glare that only made her laugh harder. It was all in
good fun between friends.
“Alright, enough joking. Which one do you want? Sylvia asked, arriving at the dance game and turning to Juliet for her choice.
Juliet couldn’t decide–she wanted every single one. Sylvia understood, realizing this meant she’d be dedicating the entire afternoon to this venture.
“Well, if it means that much to you,” she sighed. “I’ll try, just this once–and there won’t be a second time.”
Sylvia’s acquiescence sent waves of excitement through Juliet. As Sylvia approached the machine, it was deserted; everyone was captivated by Brock’s performance. The attendant barely glanced Sylvia’s way, taking her money with disinterest before returning attention to the stage.
Sylvia tossed in her coins and steeled herself for the challenge, not expecting the game to launch with a song of stratospheric difficulty. Despite her best efforts, the first round ended in dismal failure.
The abysmal score plunged both Sylvia and Juliet into silence, Juliet tentatively suggested, “Maybe we should call it quits?”
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