Chapter 313 Doll Exhibition Grace skipped dinner and dedicated the entire night to uncovering the person behind Spring Friends.
Upon returning home, Lilly and the others lowered their heads in response to Bettany’s stern expression.
Bettany questioned, “What did you do? Why did the police come here?” Drake maintained a calm as he explained, “We were planning to order a doll for Lilly as she liked dolls. However, Lilly happened to come across something strange, so we decided to call 911,” His words downplayed the situation, making it seem as though the three of them had just entered the premises. Lilly noticed something unusual, and they promptly left the scene.
Bettany looked at Drake suspiciously.
Drake never lied.
Maybe she worried too much...
Anthony said, “What Drake said is true. After he called the police, he thought he had reported a false report, but he didn’t expect it to be true.” Anthony concurred, his resolute expression conveyed his certainty.
Bettany readily believed him and began to scold them, “It's really strange how you can come across such things just by going shopping... Don’t wander like that again, do you hear me? What kind of doll do you want? You can tell Grandma, I'll get one from a reputable store...” Josh and Lilly nodded in agreement, while Drake answered, “Yes,” Bettany waved her hand, and the three of them hurried back to their rooms as if they had been pardoned.
In their room, Josh toyed with an iron basin and asked Lilly, “Lilly, should we leave it at that?” Spring Friends* reputation had been tarnished, but the person responsible had managed to escape.
Who knows if they would change their shop’s name to Spring Buddies? Lilly said, “Don’t worry, let me do something.” She extended her arms, picked up her clothes, and picked up Tortoise who was busy pecking at dried. shrimp in the tank.
Tortoise looked up in confusion.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLilly blew at Tortoise, and said in a low voice, “Ha... Turn around!” Tortoise had been on guard for a long time and retracted his head before Lilly turned it around.
Josh was stunned.
Is this the Turtle Shell Oracle? As Tortoise spun around for an unknown period, it eventually came to a halt. Unsteadily extending its head, he calmly resumed eating the remaining shrimp meat in its mouth.
1/4 Observing this with a solemn expression, Lilly nodded to herself, saying, “Ah, | see,” Josh was puzzled.
Huh? Lilly said. “Tortoise said we should just ask Quinnie” She ran to the table and called Quinnie.
Quinnie, who was working overtime on set, noticed Lilly's phone call and quickly asked, “What's the matter, Sweetie?” Lilly asked. “Quinnie, where are you planning to go at the end of July?” Quinnie was taken aback, wondering where Lilly was getting at. She had not made any plans to go anywhere yet.
Immediately she seemed to think of something, and said “Oh, | remember! I'll be going to the Summer Doll Exhibition and I'm the spokesperson. Are you going too?” Quinnie felt excited, thinking that if Lilly was going, she could dress her up as a cute little Lolita. Lilly nodded and exchanged a few more words before ending the call.
“I got it! It's the Summer Doll Exhibition. Hurry up and check it out, Josh!” With a perplexed expression, Josh entered the search term and finally found information about the exhibition.
Judging from the brochure, it was a doll exhibition, but there was also mention of a peculiar doll sacrifice.
Josh looked at Lilly in shock, “You can do that?!” Lilly put her hands on her hips proudly, “Of course!” When Josh was admiring Lilly, he saw Anthony knocking on the door and coming in, asking about what happened today.
He said in a deep voice, “Summer Doll Exhibition? Lilly, Do you wanna go?” Lilly nodded and said firmly. “Yes,” Master said that when thieves steal the fortune of the country, what they steal is everyone's peace, stability, and happiness. So why would they want to steal something that Daddy worked so hard to protect? Daddy guards the mountains and rivers, and Lilly must protect Daddy! Anthony nodded, determined to allocate time from his busy schedule, and made the decision to personally take Lilly there.
The Summer Doll Exhibition was coming soon.
Anthony took Lilly out, so naturally, Josh wanted to go with them. He had prepared a large backpack from somewhere, carrying his modified and smaller iron basin, the red net, and his camera.
Before they set out, Drake also joined them in the car.
Josh and Lilly looked at him with surprise.
“Drake, didn’t you say you don’t wanna go?” Lilly asked suspiciously.
Josh asked, “Didn't you say it's gonna be boring?” Josh maintained a composed expression as he spoke, “I'm getting a book en route,” Lilly noticed the slight redness on his cars and nodded in agreement.
Hmm... There was truly no flaw in his plan! The Summer Doll Exhibition would be held at Malie Street for the first time.
Walking along this old street, one used to feel a sense of warmth and liveliness, with the fireworks of life bursting everywhere.
However, now it evokes a disorienting feeling of time and space, as if the past and present have become intertwined.
On the street, there was a colorful array of young ladies in Cortando costumes, as well as numerous cosplayers. The vibrant scene showcased young people adorned in a diverse array of colors and hairstyles from various time periods, creating a captivating blend of styles and expressions.
They chatted and giggled, clutching their dolls tightly in their hands, eagerly sharing their passion and affection for their beloved companions with fellow enthusiasts.
Lilly was momentarily taken aback and asked, “Uncle, isn’t today a doll fair? Why does it feel slightly different...” Anthony patted her head, “They're role-playing!” Lilly cast a glance at the square in the distance, focusing on the prominent Olivine Temple at its center. However, what caught her attention was the peculiar sight of numerous individuals in unconventional attire gathered in front of the temple.
“Uncle Anthony, do you know which God is worshiped in the Opelucid Temple?” Lilly asked curiously.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAs Anthony walked alongside Lilly, he began narrating the history of Olivine Temple to her.
“Malie Street holds a significant historical background.” Anthony explained. “During the invasion of Cortando, this street became a refuge for their dens, and many innocent lives were lost,” He continued, “However, our brave ancestors fought back relentlessly. They formed a staunch resistance, sacrificing their lives to create a human barrier. Led by the generals of Malie street, they succeeded in expelling the Cortando army from the city,” In honor of the heroic generals from that time, the people constructed the Olivine Temple on Malie Street. Over time, Malie Street transformed into a unique pedestrian street that blended commerce and tourism.
Lilly could not quite pinpoint the reason, but she could not shake off the growing sense of unease within her.
Olivine the Great, a renowned minister and hero of the city, was highly revered during his lifetime for his contributions to the city’s well-being and protection.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, the people elected him as their guardian deity, crafting sculptures and establishing the Olivine Temple for worship and devotion.
In the past, he used his life to protect the people and drive the bad guys away.
Now the people all over the street are wearing bad guys" clothes, cheering and dancing in front of his temple...
Lilly stopped suddenly and grabbed the dress of a young lady who happened to walk past.
The dress had a straight skirt with a big bow on the back.
Her hair was elegantly styled, pulled up, and adorned with a hairpin in the shape of chopsticks, exuding a distinctive and exotic charm.
Lilly gathered her courage and asked, “Miss, why are you wearing such clothes? In the past, Olivine the Great worked so hard to drive away the bad guys, but you're wearing the clothes of the bad guys.” The young lady was momentarily surprised but quickly understood that Lilly was referring to her traditional Cortondo costume.
She waved her hand and smiled casually, saying, “Don’t be so rigid, little girl. This is just a personal hobby, and everyone has their own preferences.” Lilly clenched her small fists and spoke earnestly, “But it's not right! You shouldn't wear it!” More specifically, what Lilly wanted to express was that they should not wear it in front of Olivine the Great.
The young lady did not take it seriously, observing the undisguised disgust from the other two little boys. and the cold looks from their parents.
Her previously joyful mood was instantly dampened, and she felt a tinge of unhappiness.
“What a world we live in,” she thought to herself. “Is it now a crime to dress in what one likes?”