The Story of Little Joseph and His Master

Prologue 8

Joseph ran over to Qinxin and gently patted her head. Her warm, reddish hair flowed softly, and she lay under a blanket with a white top and red underside, her face serene and relaxed.

Feeling the gentle touch, Qinxin rubbed her eyes and sat up, blinking. "Little White? Joseph? Why are you here? Are you both here to try out the virtual machine together? The IV1900 just arrived—it's the latest Sound Field Virtual Machine developed by our team."

Joseph grinned, "Qinxin, sweetheart, let's go on a trip together." A warm smile blossomed on Qinxin's face. "Sure thing, little Joseph. This time, you better serve me well!" Joseph nodded enthusiastically, "Of course, of course."

Together, Qinxin, Joseph, and Little White entered the virtual machine. As Joseph stepped inside the pod, he felt the cool, jelly-like texture of the soft interior. The blue-and-white capsule quickly sealed shut.

Joseph found himself enveloped in darkness before suddenly feeling as though he were floating among the clouds. Looking up, the sky stretched endlessly in all directions, a vibrant blue, with clouds floating like giant whales drifting in the heavens. Below lay a sprawling metropolis, its towering buildings gleaming under the pale sky.

In the distance, Joseph spotted two tiny figures—Little White and Qinxin. Before long, all three began to descend.

Joseph swam toward his owner, moving his arms through the viscous air, as if struggling through thick jelly. He reached Little White, who was gracefully falling head-first through the sky. Joseph hurried over and wrapped his arms around his owner. Little White, now embraced, gently hugged Joseph back. The two floated together in midair.

Seeing this, Qinxin swam over as well, and the three of them linked hands. After what felt like an eternity, they descended toward one of the towering buildings below.

Sixteen years later.

"Little White! Get to point A, now! He's right by the gate! Hurry, we're about to win!" Little Wish shouted eagerly, rapidly clicking his mouse as he called out to Little White. "Got it, on my way!" Little White responded calmly. A gunshot rang out, and large, glowing letters flashed across their screens: "You Win."

Little Wish leaped from his seat and hugged Little White tightly, shaking him with excitement. "Little White, you're amazing!" he exclaimed, while Little White affectionately ruffled Little Wish's hair. The internet café buzzed with life, as groups of young people, many with dyed blonde hair, laughed and cheered around them.

Joseph took his owner's hand. "Little White, let's go." Little White's hand was warm, and as Little Wish gently grasped it, he felt a sudden flutter in his heart. Holding hands, they walked out of the bustling café together.

Outside, the wind was strong, swirling fallen autumn leaves that trembled weakly in the air, carried by the chill of the season. Joseph glanced over at Little White, holding his hand as they walked home.

The buildings on either side of the street were plastered with advertisements—some newly posted, vibrant with color, while others had been worn down by the wind and sun, leaving only a few tattered remnants of paper clinging to the walls. Along the street stood women with heavy makeup, their outfits overly glamorous, which, rather than enhancing their youth, only accentuated their age.

Joseph and Little White turned into a narrow gray alley, also covered with faded advertisements. They walked hand in hand to the rusty iron gate of an old stairwell, where they began their quiet ascent together.