Chapter 13: Double Twelve Gala

After Feng Jingyu explained the gala-plus-shopping model to Revi Gatz, the head of Interstellar Express ended the call with eyes shining.

Feng Jingyu let out a long sigh and collapsed onto the sofa.

“Dealing with someone that shrewd is just exhausting…”

Cen Lan sat down beside her. “But you were as steady as ever.”

Feng Jingyu replied weakly, “That’s only because…”

“Because you switched to your dark persona.” Cen Lan finished her sentence, blinking in imitation of Feng Jingyu. “Well done, Dark Jingyu.”

Feng Jingyu burst out laughing, “What the heck is Dark Jingyu—hahahahaha…”

Cen Lan joined in her laughter.

When Feng Jingyu had laughed enough, she continued, “Good thing we’ve already finished the prep work. Once Revi Gatz sends over the product list, we can start rehearsals right away. Sister Cen Lan, contact the association in a bit—this gala has to air on December 12th, no matter what.”

Cen Lan didn’t quite understand Feng Jingyu’s insistence on that date, but she never questioned her decisions. She nodded and said, “The association has been waiting for this. They’ll do a good job, don’t worry.”

·

On December 2nd, Earth time, many people entered the virtual space of Interstellar Express out of habit, only to find it completely transformed.

If, before the redesign, Interstellar Express had been like a massive warehouse organized by category, it now more closely resembled the once wildly popular ShanX Supermarket on Earth. Functional AIs were everywhere, handing out coupons, and promotional banners for “Spend 100, save 10,” “Spend 500, save 50,” and “Pay a deposit now, pay the balance on December 12th to save XX credits” could be seen at every turn.

The alien public had never seen anything like it, and they were all left utterly bewildered.

Some even went straight to the StarNet to ask about it on Interstellar Express’s official page, and the reply they received was: This is the prelude to the Double Twelve Interstellar Shopping Carnival, jointly hosted by Interstellar Express and Earth.

Double Twelve?

Interstellar Shopping Carnival?

They understood the words separately, but put together, the meaning eluded them.

Interstellar Express soon released an announcement, explaining in detail the origins and rules of the shopping festival. The alien public erupted with excitement.

[So, basically, shopping on this day is especially cheap?]

[And there’s a concert too? “Yu7” will be there? Aren’t they on tour?]

[As long as the times don’t overlap, and since it’s all holographic live-streamed, it won’t affect the concerts at all.]

[What kind of wonderful lives do Earthlings lead every day? I’m so jealous!]

·

As the only cross-star-system shopping platform in the Interstellar Federation, Interstellar Express already processed a staggering number of orders every day.

But in the days leading up to December 12th, that number doubled twice over. According to AI predictions, on the 12th itself, the number of orders would equal an entire interstellar year’s worth for Express.

Revi Gatz, a veteran of the business world, still couldn’t help his heart racing when he saw those numbers.

“Bugar, the creativity of Earthlings truly is something special. Their sense of time is completely different from ours.” Revi Gatz leaned back in his chair, a satisfied expression on his face.

Bugar bowed. “The short-lived races have lifespans under two hundred years. For them, time is the most precious thing.”

“You’re right, Bugar. In just two interstellar years, how many fascinating things has Earth brought us? Before, the passage of time was something I could ignore. But now, I feel as if every day is different.”

“If you enjoy it, sir, we can deepen our cooperation with Earth.”

“Of course we should deepen it. But let’s wait until they’ve weathered this crisis. What I want is business with no worries behind it.”

“As you wish, sir.”

·

At 7:00 p.m. Earth time on December 12th, the Double Twelve Online Gala began on the Interstellar Express streaming platform.

The first person to appear before the audience was Le Huan from the Dawn Star System.

“Good evening, friends from every star system!”

The virtual stage for this broadcast was circular, with the audience’s virtual avatars surrounding it on all sides. Le Huan spun around, interacting with the viewers.

The audience instantly became lively, erupting in screams.

When the noise died down a bit, Le Huan continued.

“Tonight, I’ll be setting aside my identity as a singer and musician for a while. Instead, I’ll be your guide, leading everyone through the performances to come. Now, please enjoy our first act: the debut of a new song from the Interstellar Girls’ Group—which is also the theme song for this Double Twelve Interstellar Shopping Carnival—‘Interstellar Carnival’! Please welcome the Interstellar Girls’ Group!”

After the girls finished their performance, they didn’t leave the stage right away, but instead chatted with Le Huan.

“So, girls, how does it feel? It’s your first Double Twelve—did you buy anything you really liked? Share with everyone!”

Sela spoke up first: “I bought a super pretty dress! It was a bit expensive, so I hesitated, but then Double Twelve came around and it was half off! I ordered it right away!”

“Buying a beautiful dress at half price—now that’s lucky!” Le Huan’s tone was genuinely envious. “I bet a lot of our viewers bought things they love for the same reason. Just a reminder: the first batch of items is now ready for final payment. Don’t get so caught up in the gala that you miss out on your favorites!”

The sudden flood of data sent the monitoring AI into overdrive, narrowly avoiding a system lag.

·

The gala continued in an orderly fashion. After the Interstellar Girls’ Group’s performance, next up was a duet by Ming Ke and Zhaolu.

Their act was unique: Zhaolu wore her favorite Huaxia hanfu, playing the guzheng she’d just learned. Ming Ke also wore hanfu, but in a dashing swordswoman style. She wielded a traditional Chinese sword, performing a sword dance in time with Zhaolu’s guzheng.

With the powerful art design of Youjian Entertainment, the stage transformed into a bamboo forest. As Ming Ke’s movements shifted from gentle to fierce, bamboo leaves swirled and then fell in a cascade.

When the performance ended, the audience responded with thunderous enthusiasm. The act took their breath away and stole their hearts.

Le Huan caught up with the two for a bit, then introduced the third act.

This time, it was Seeker’s turn. She brought a ballad from an ancient civilization. The song’s desolate grandeur, paired with stage projections of ancient ruins, completely immersed the audience.

After three acts, Le Huan didn’t immediately invite the fourth performer onstage, but instead interacted with the audience—a raffle.

This prize draw had been kept completely under wraps. After Le Huan explained what a raffle was, the audience went wild.

Watching top-tier artists for free, buying discounted goods at will, and now getting a chance to win things for free—Earthlings, you’re amazing!!

·

“The first round of the raffle is over! Don’t worry, everyone—there are more draws to come, with even bigger prizes! Now, let’s welcome…”

Before Le Huan could finish, a fair hand landed on his shoulder, and a voice full of allure echoed across the stage.

“You carry so much love on you…”

Le Huan stiffened, and the audience erupted in deafening cheers.

“Sui You, don’t go seducing people at random.” Sui An appeared just in time, grabbing Sui You, while Le Huan took the opportunity to dash offstage.

“I wasn’t seducing anyone, just making conversation.” Sui You protested, aggrieved. “How was I supposed to know he’d look so startled? Am I that scary now?”

“No—way—!” the audience shouted.

Sui You laughed. “I can feel your love.”

“Say hello to the kids later—our captain isn’t here yet,” Sui An said.

“He went to the Heavenly Court for a report two days ago. By my calculations, he should be back soon.” As soon as Sui You finished speaking, Yao descended onto the stage riding an auspicious cloud.

“Sorry, I was delayed a bit,” Yao said.

“No worries, you’re right on time,” Sui An replied, then waved to the audience. “Good evening, kids!”

“Good—evening—!”

“It’s Double Twelve today. You must have bought a lot, right?” Sui You said with a smile. “We bought a ton, too. Especially Yao—I saw him bring back loads of stuff to the Heavenly Court.”

“The human world has changed so much. I brought these things back to spark some change in the Heavenly Court as well,” Yao explained.

“Not bad. Stagnation leads only to ruin. Yao, you’re thinking ahead,” Sui An agreed with a nod.

“I should thank you. Sui An, you’ve helped me understand so much. Why the Heavenly Court lost faith, why the gods faded away—I only learned these things after coming to the human world.”

“No need to thank me. We’re good friends, after all.”

The audience suddenly grew even louder than before.

It turned out Sui You had wandered into the audience seats.

“That guy…” Sui An rolled up his sleeves, ready to drag Sui You back, but Yao beat him to it, using the Immortal Binding Cord to reel Sui You in.

Sui You shrank to chibi size, rolling on the ground.

“You two just talk to each other and ignore me, so I had to go chat with the fans. And then you used the Immortal Binding Cord on me—big meanies, big meanies!”

Sui An and Yao felt a bit guilty.

Yao retracted the cord and said, “It’s my fault. Don’t be mad.”

Sui You sat on the ground and reached out to them. “Help me up.”

The two pulled Sui You to his feet, and the three exchanged a smile.

At that moment, the prelude to “Heaven · Earth · Man” began, and the fourth performance officially started.