As the Abacus-Bead Lantern strings in the Chang'an Night Market swirled like a fiery dragon, Pei Hongxiu's Sogdian Dance troop suddenly wheeled out an abacus mechanical beast. The abacus beads bounced in the beast's eyes to form the character for "Attract"—and as the mechanical beast opened its mouth, instead of fire, it spat out fluorescent petals shaped like abacus beads. A child cried out in amazement, "The abacus beast is raining beads!" The abacus beads instantly bounced into the character for "Candy," and the petals turned into abacus-bead soft gummies upon hitting the ground, causing children all along the street to shriek and scramble for the candy.
In front of Xiaotao Eatery, abacus beads bounced into the character for "Fragrance" atop the steamer baskets. As the newly launched "Perfect Match" set meal made its debut, the abacus beads arranged the steamed buns, noodles, and porridge into an Abacus Array. A burly man slammed the table, shouting, "Give me three portions! Anything arranged by abacus beads is sure to bring success in the imperial exams!" The abacus beads instantly bounced into his bowl, spelling out "Foolish," yet quietly added an extra charge for an abacus-bead candy to his bill after he finished eating.
Moli's Calligraphy and Painting Boat rocked amidst the crowded throng as abacus beads bounced into the character for "Fast" across a wolf-hair brush. Whenever someone shouted, "Lady Moli, bestow a painting," the abacus beads automatically embroidered …
Chapter 234