bigabreads Chapter 200 Shopping
Chapter 200 Shopping
BICk0 marked this trip as non-official.
Then she added a list of security routes, risk levels, and emergency response plans after the non-official route.
Yin Vector stared at the mobile terminal in silence for a long time: "BICk0, I just went shopping."
BICk0 said seriously, "That might also explode."
As soon as Arcee reached the door, she heard these words and stopped in her tracks.
Alita laughed out loud.
Vector looked at them, trying to persuade the still meticulous BICk0:
"I'm on vacation today. There will be no court hearings or visits to the academy, and I certainly won't be arresting anyone and taking them back to the judicial center."
BICk0 only questioned the last item: "The last item is questionable."
Pointer vector: "..."
Alita stepped forward and naturally took her hand: "Let's go."
Before the vector could speak, Alita handed her other hand to Arcee.
Arcee hesitated for a moment, then gently placed her hand on it from a distance without actually touching it.
Without hesitation, the vector pulled her aside.
Arcee then let herself be pulled along, keeping pace with them.
-
They went to the East District's newly reopened commercial complex.
There were still a few weld marks at the entrance that hadn't been completely smoothed out, and a sign that read "Partial Area Reopened" hung next to the temporary support.
The security gate has been replaced with a new model, and the screen next to it scrolls through announcements about postwar reconstruction volunteer recruitment, the progress of the medical tower repair fund, and the pilot cleanup of the Insect King Kong ruins.
The real-time public comments below the announcement scrolled by rapidly.
[Using insectoid giants to demolish buildings? Who came up with this idea?]
[Chief Justice.]
That's all.
I hope they don't include my apartment in the rebuilt building complex.
As they passed by, Arcee saw them and exclaimed, "Even Insectoids are working now?"
"They are a great workforce," Vector said, "and they communicate better than many machines."
The commercial area is more lively inside than outside.
It hadn't yet returned to the bustling crowds of the pre-war era, but the lights were on, the shops were open, and the glass cases displayed glowing parts, attracting many Cybertronians to stop and look.
The repair stall owner was shouting in the corner, the projection board of the autopsy shop kept changing colors, and there was a queue in front of the beverage shop. In the queue was a young machine who had just had his prosthetic leg replaced and almost dropped the drink he had just bought.
The streets still bear traces of repairs, but the noisy background sounds are now the shouts of bargaining, the complaints of those in line, friends calling out to each other, and someone suddenly bursting into laughter.
At first, Arcee was memorizing exits, searching for safe passages and cover.
The vector didn't expose her, but simply tightened its grip and pulled her forward.
Alita was on her other side, walking at a moderate pace.
-
The staff in line at the beverage shop quickly recognized them.
The first person to recognize the vector was a shop assistant.
The other person was holding several cups, and the optical lens instantly became as bright as if it had been connected to a high-voltage line.
"Chief Justice?"
Vector: "...Not on official business today."
The shop assistant immediately pointed to the sign: "We have a new product, the ultimate bubble tea, and it's selling exceptionally well today!"
What a bizarre name! What kind of naming aesthetics do Cybertronians have...?
She paused for two seconds: "Who started it?"
"Boss," the clerk said proudly, "everyone loves to order it."
Arcee asked, "How does it taste?"
The shop assistant paused for a moment: "We mainly sell names."
Alita laughed again.
I originally wanted to change to another type, but the staff had already pushed over three cups of "Final Battle" sparkling water.
"Free for the three of you."
"No, normal payment." The vector had already been handed to Shaniks.
"But……"
"Payment as usual," Alita added gently.
The shop assistant, being watched by two high-profile machines simultaneously, obediently collected the money.
Yin Vector picked up the cup and took a sip, and immediately his entire mask froze.
Arcee asked in confusion, "Is it hard to drink?"
The vector slowly swallowed.
"It's like pouring a handful of industrial saccharin into coolant and then letting it explode in my mouth."
Alita took a bite and remained silent.
Arcee also took a sip, then remained silent.
The staff member overheard this, but instead of being discouraged, they quickly turned around and shouted to the kitchen, "The chief judge said the flavor is very impactful!"
Vector: "Wait, I didn't say that!"
It's too late.
Someone in the group immediately peeked out.
"Does the Chief Justice drink this too?"
The vector instinctively replied, "Can't I drink it?"
The machine quickly waved its hand, and the words slipped out:
"No, it's just that I thought you only ingested the pain of Fay and Megatron."
Arcee almost choked on her sip.
Alita turned her head away and quickly covered her mouth.
The vector was expressionless.
"Megatron's pain does not provide energy."
Someone in the group burst into laughter first.
Laughter quickly spread, carrying the ease of daring to joke in front of her.
-
Not long after, a new post appeared on the public channel.
[Eyewitness Account: Vector, Alita, and Arcee are drinking Final Battle Bubble Tea in the East District Commercial Area!!]
【real or fake? 】
[Seriously! The Chief Justice looked like he'd been betrayed after drinking!]
[The final battle bubble finally has victim reviews.]
[Didn't she just buy a house? Why is she still out shopping?]
[You wouldn't understand life with a room rental machine. (shaking finger.gif)]
But don't disturb them; they rarely go shopping.
[Agreed!]
+n
-
They then went to a nail care and spray painting shop.
The shop assistant was so enthusiastic that they almost brought out the entire color swatch.
"This one features a post-war rebirth color scheme with a subtle shimmering coating, making it suitable for commemorative occasions."
"This is a Crystal City exclusive soft-focus layer, which is perfect for Commander Alita."
"This one is Speed Blue, Miss Arcee should like it."
"And this one too, the Chief Judge limited edition, with its majestic black and gold trim and subtle subtle patterns—"
Vector quickly raised his hand: "No need."
The salesperson quickly switched the projector: "We also have a softer, non-business-oriented version."
Arcee immediately became interested: "Show her."
"Arcy!"
Alita smiled as she scanned the projection: "I think it's okay."
The vector stared at them as if they had been betrayed.
Arcee said, "It's not like I'm asking you to apply it right here."
The shop assistant very tactfully selected the softer version.
The color is indeed beautiful, a dark blue with a hint of purple that can only be seen under certain lighting conditions, and the edges resemble a thin layer of starlight, clearly due to the addition of glitter.
The vector pointer was also flawless: "It's alright."
Alita bought the color sample directly.
Vector: "What are you doing?"
"Keep it." Alita handed her the color box. "Use it when you want to change it later."
-
They then went to a small parts store.
The store displays decorative wristbands, vehicle-shaped ornaments, optical lens protective films, and a whole row of small signs that glow slightly at night.
Arcee was just browsing casually until she stopped in front of a lightweight wristband.
The color is understated, the edges don't feel rough to the touch, and there's soft metal cushioning on the inside, making it perfect for training.
When she took a second look, she simply picked it up and paid.
Arcee: "I didn't say I wanted it."
"But it suits you."
"I'll hand you the wristband," Arcee commented with a smile.
"You're like buying protective armor for an infant."
"You can give it back to me if you don't want it."
Arcee immediately put on the wristband: "I've already bought it, returning it is too much trouble."
Alita couldn't help but laugh, and casually picked out a small red ornament.
After noticing this, Arcee reached out and took another one that fit her car door wing better.
Alita took it and liked it very much: "Good taste."
After searching through a pile of parts for a while, Vector bought Alita a Crystal City-style brooch with a soft, shimmering crystal in the center.
Alita put it on after she paid, and casually remarked:
"You really do seem like someone who's just bought a house; you're very confident right now."
"...Alita."
The shopkeeper watched the three of them buying things from each other, and after holding back for a while, he suddenly pulled out his camera equipment.
"Can we take a photo together?"
The vector instinctively wanted to refuse.
The boss wouldn't give them a chance: "A non-official group photo is fine too!"
Alita: "One."
So the three cameras stood at the store entrance and took a picture.
In the photo, the expression of the vector is slightly stiff, Alita is calm, and Arcee stands a little awkwardly, but the corners of her mouth are slightly raised.
The boss was printing photos and backing up data as if he had received a priceless heirloom.
-
Shortly after they left, the public channel was updated again.
[A group photo taken at a small parts store in the East District! The photo is real! They really were shopping!]
[I saw it! Arcee is wearing a new wristband!]
Who bought it?
[Chief Justice.]
What kind of after-sales service is this from the judicial center?
I want one too.
[You first waged a four-million-year civil war before being questioned by the Chief Justice.]
"Never mind then, wristbands aren't absolutely necessary."
-
Midway through, a relatively young machine carefully blocked Arcee's way.
Arcee almost instantly stopped laughing, her body instinctively preparing to react.
The other person simply handed over an energy drink.
"Are you Arcee?"
Arcee did not answer.
"I used to be in Cloud Mist Mountain City," the machine said. "You and Hot Rod protected us for a while."
Her voice was soft, as if she didn't want to disturb her.
"I've been wanting to say thank you."
Arcee looked at the drink, another sparkling beverage, but she eventually took it.
"It's good that you're alive."
The other person nodded vigorously and skipped back to their friend's side.
Vector and Alita watched as Arcee actually lowered her head and took a sip, then her mask froze.
After meeting their gazes, Arcee moved the cup a little further away.
"After all, it's a gift."
-
In the afternoon, they went to see a holographic short film.
The cinema has just reopened, and the seats are not yet fully repaired. A sign at the entrance reads "Light Comedy Special".
The film is an old short film from a peaceful era.
A delivery machine's navigation system malfunctioned, causing it to travel halfway around the city and deliver goods to the wrong receiving machine, ultimately leading to a series of even more absurd misunderstandings.
The plot wasn't complicated, and was even a bit silly, but everyone in the screening room laughed a lot.
At first, Arcee sat near the aisle, with her back a certain distance from the seat.
Later in the story, when the delivery machine brought a box of armor care wax to law enforcement and was chased for three blocks, she finally couldn't help but spit out a "pfft".
The vector heard this, and after exchanging a glance with Alita, it smiled so broadly its optical lenses curved.
-
After the short play ended, someone in the screening room recognized Alita.
The two young officers immediately stood at attention: "Commander Alita!"
Alita turned her head: "Don't be so nervous."
One of the machines whispered, "This machine is even cooler than the announcement video."
The vector slowly turned its head to look at Alita, admiring her heroic figure.
Alita's smile remained unchanged: "Thank you."
Arcee, unusually mischievous, chuckled and said, "Calm down."
The vector player immediately joined the group buy, grinning even more broadly: "Very composed."
Alita acted as if she hadn't heard, only the flap of the car door twitched slightly.
-
As evening falls, the awning lights in the commercial district come on one by one.
They were sitting on the outside of a beverage shop, where they could see the crane moving in the distance.
Unlike during the war, shops now stay open later, and pedestrians are not in a hurry to go home.
The positive vector force, baring its teeth, pushed the third cup of final battle bubbles away.
"Why did you still buy it?" Arcee asked sincerely.
Yin Vector said expressionlessly, "I want to confirm if the second cup was an accident."
Alita chuckled and asked, "And the conclusion?"
"no."
Arcy basked in the evening breeze, letting herself reveal a rare, obvious smile.
Alita looked down at the street.
"It's been a long time since I've walked the streets like this."
"It's not a patrol," Arcee remarked.
"It's not an evacuation," Alita replied with a sigh of relief.
The vector thought for a moment.
"It's not about which spot is best for Megatron to wrestle."
Both machines looked at her at the same time.
Vector: "What?"
Both machines burst into loud laughter.
"Today was great," Arcee said softly after she had finished laughing.
Alita's fingertips slid along the rim of the cup.
"You can come out again next time."
Just as the vector was about to say something, a message from BICk0 popped up on the mobile terminal.
BICk0: [Should I indicate the risk level of the drink if this is your third purchase at the beverage shop?]
Yin Vector remained silent, only ordering a fourth cup, which was quickly delivered to BICk0 by a delivery drone.
The reply came quickly: "I've already marked it as Devastating."
-
After nightfall, they went to the entertainment district and played a few rounds of cards.
The game on Cybertron is a bit more complex than on the human side, involving colors, changes in energy properties, and special card positions.
Alita played steadily, while Arcee made quick judgments. The first two games were lost peacefully, but the third game saw a sudden winning streak, with seven games won in a row.
Arcee stared at her.
"Are you a card counter?"
"no."
Alita quickly discovered the trick:
"You hesitated."
The vector pushes the last card down.
"I just thought about it for a moment."
Arcee crossed her arms: "Then it exists."
"The brain modules are grown to be used."
Alita rested her chin on her hand, watching them chatter back and forth.
"It seems that the Chief Justice finds it difficult to relinquish his advantages even outside of official business."
The vector is presented with righteous indignation.
"I didn't ask you to throw the game when I lost."
"Because you lost with dignity," Arcee said leisurely. "Now you don't win with as much."
Pointer vector: "..."
Their accounts ended up being quite chaotic.
Because the vector won the hand, Alita and Arcee unanimously ruled that he had "overused the brain module" and he was punished by having to buy the next round of drinks.
The vector vector issued a serious protest.
- Invalid, after all, she is not the chief judge now.
-
Night fell completely, and the three planes separated at the exit of the commercial district.
Alita and Arcee both need to return to Iron Castle.
Arcee took two steps forward, then suddenly turned back:
"Come out again next time."
She was a little surprised herself after saying it; she didn't realize that such words were so easy to say.
Yin Vector laughed so hard his optical glasses looked like slits: "Remember to call me."
Alita walked over and gently hugged the vector, a simple yet warm hug that would likely be repeated countless times in the future.
"Don't go back to work overtime."
Vector: "Absolutely not."
Finally, they parted ways, and Yin Xiang walked alone along the commercial street towards the judicial center.
Her reflection was in the glass shop window; she walked briskly while humming a little tune.
Before long, she stopped in front of a side street.
There's a bar over there with its lights on; the sign outside has been repaired.
A low, melodious string sound flowed from within.
She suddenly remembered that Jazz had said that several bars still owed him a stage.
The mobile device vibrated.
BICk0: [Another last-minute arrangement?]
Vector glanced at the half-open door and replied: "Yes, I'm going to listen to music."
BICk0: [Non-business trip has been extended.]
BICk0 then switched from his work account to his personal account: 【I want to drink sweet fermented rice!】
Vector input: 【Okay, I'll bring you a large cup.】
He pulled back the vector terminal and pushed the door open to go inside.
The bar was warmly lit, with not many machines and people sitting scattered around.
There were people chatting quietly in the corner, the owner behind the bar was wiping cups, and a machine with a cow and cat color scheme was sitting on the small stage.
Jazz was holding a Cybertronian sans-serif, having just finished playing an intro.
He looked up and saw her; the optical reflection behind his goggles flashed briefly.
He saw her find a corner to sit down.