As if on cue, Lao Jiu nuzzled against his mistressâ finger and gave a soft squeak. The panda mostly didnât move, but Litchi knew how to get him to respond. His fur was so soft, she frequently gave him pets throughout the day. She rubbed him absently as she listened to the stranger, nodding along and giving verbal cues when needed. She was entranced with what she was learning. It was truly a whole new world for her.
âReally? I see. I guess that would be pretty easy, given the size of these machines.â All of the arcade cabinets had such flashy, eye-catching displays. Litchi could understand why people so frequently spent time on them. âIt must be fun, playing against other people and all that.â Part of her wanted to try, but another part of her knew she wouldnât be much good. It wasnât as though she had time to practice either.
âOh, arenât those games pretty old?â She asked, the words coming out of her mouth before she could stop them. âI mean⊠I guess those wouldnât be considered old nowadays. Ignore what I just said, please.â Sometimes, even with the 21st century architecture surrounding her, she forgot this wasnât her time period anymore.Â
When he answered in the affirmative, Litchi gave a broad grin.
âOh, good! Well, I donât mean to impose, but could you perhaps help me? Iâm trying to win a stuffed toy for my panda, but honestly I havenât been able to get anything. Iâm not the greatest at this.â She rubbed the back of her neck. âIf you could get something for me, Iâd be really grateful. Iâll pay to use the machine, of course.â
Sevenâs eyes were immediately drawn upward at the sound the panda on her head gave off. Holy shit that was a real living panda, it was way too small and it lived on someoneâs head? This city truly was a learning experience and he just learned he found a contender for one of those cute pet websites.
âSometimes playing against other people is fun, sometimes playing co-op with them is too. But sometimes you just need to focus on the game on your own to really enjoy it. Just get immersed.â
He laughed when she tried to correct herself. âNah theyâre pretty old by game standards. If itâs the year I think it is, theyâre all like... in their thirties at least. Thatâs ancient for a video game. Still though, sometimes you gotta go back to the basics.â He looked almost fondly at a Hopper cabinet next to him.
âOooh? So you were scouting talent? I see your game. Okay, Iâll play and win your panda something but the condition is you owe me chips when I win? Is that a deal?â He was embarrassed he hadnât found anywhere selling Honey Buddha Chips in this city yet but maybe someone like her would know where to get his elusive treats.