Chapter 1: Reopening the Show
Night Watcher Base.
Night Lan held her phone, deep in thought, but eventually gave up and just put the device down.
Turns out writing a script isn’t something you can rush. She could write some garbage scripts, sure, but that’s really irresponsible to the theater group. Night Lan didn’t want any of the troupe members acting in something that embarrassing.
Bai Yu stayed by her side, soothing her softly.
“Hey, does Night Lan also need to be part of the opera?”
“Huh? No way. I’m not an actor. I’d even struggle being a prop.”
“But I think Night Lan would be great at it! You sing beautifully and look so cute, you’d make a great lead.”
“But having a cute face and a good voice isn’t useful if I don’t have any acting skills. It’s not like there’s magic singing.”
“Well, do a self-portrait type thing then. Just show who you really are. So no risk of bad performance.”
“Huh?”
Night Lan fell into deep contemplation.
Bai Yu gave an interesting idea. If she focused on herself, she could come up with a lot of ideas for a script.
But as usual, Night Star was the audience member. Once she stepped on stage, things changed. Acting as the main character was out of the question.
So she had to focus on other storylines. In the troupe, only the Singer would sing, so maybe she could be the opera’s lead, her voice giving life to the performance.
The other characters around her would carry a great story. First, she needed to decide what kind of persona to give the Singer, then work out the rest of the script from there.
So Night Lan began her studies. She scoured the net for script templates and expert insights, working very seriously.
Furthermore, she anonymously asked Night Watcher’s site about scripting techniques. Many seniors provided guidance.
After accumulating this knowledge, Night Lan felt incredibly enriched!
Going this route, Night Star could become more than just an audience member. She might end up as a playwright. The thought was exciting.
But that’s just wishful thinking.
…
As time passed.
It was finally the weekend.
Two days ago, Night Star had finished a script.
Quality-wise, it wasn’t top-notch, but it was good enough for the troupe to try.
No big operatic masterpieces first time up. Night Star was happy enough the script was halfway decent.
Once delivered, the troupe practiced the script non-stop.
The Singer composed the lyrics, quickly producing suitable verses. Background tunes were handled. Night Star had no worries.
Group Leader also became familiar with the role Night Star assigned him without issue. After all, Night Star knew the troupe well and tailored the parts to the members.
Like the Singer, who was a cute young lady, high-class, wanting to share her vocal talents with commoners, aspiring to earn public admiration.
And Group Leader was a world-renowned magician, widely respected, his tricks a source of wonder. He’d encounter the young lady on tour and support her dreams backstage.
Except for minor details, Group Leader could play himself accurately.
Everyone else was similar.
Gentleman was the Singer’s brother, always secretly supporting her, acting accordingly.
Lian Hua was a commoner who often listened to the Singer’s songs and gifted a handmade puppet.
Lian Hua’s puppet companions—Villager, Butler, Lady, and Hero—could serve as extras in the opera, enriching its visuals.
Fraudster was the antagonist. Due to certain circumstances, he’d use deception to stop the young lady’s aspirations, planting obstacles in her path.
All of this centered around the young lady’s dreams.
Looking back, it was quite dull.
But this was Night Star’s best attempt. With no prior experience, finishing a presentable play within days was impressive.
“Mmm… with more time, I surely could have written a better script…”
Night Star sat in the audience, watching the troupe’s rehearsal on stage, feeling disheartened.
The petite announcer sat nearby, eyes fixed on the performers.
“Don’t be so down. You did okay.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
“No need. It’s true. Coming up with a script that everyone can perform in such a short time? Not many can do that. Even if this opera isn’t a masterpiece, it’s still awesome.”
“Really?”
“Of course,” the announcer nodded.
Those words warmed Night Star’s heart. A new curiosity arose.
“If I may ask, Announcer, are you interested in opera?”
“Sort of.”
“So why did you refuse when I suggested you should become an opera performer?”
“For one thing, I lack the skill. The Group Leader is right. Performing isn’t my strong suit. I lack that spark with the stage. And I enjoy opera mainly because of watching it. Enjoying the viewership is what I love.”
Just then, the announcer looked at Night Star with a mysterious smile.
“In fact, I think you’ve got potential to be an opera star. You could carry a grand performance.”
“Wait, what?”
Night Star almost said, “Are you nuts?”
Luckily her decorum held.
“It’s because I am part of the audience.”
“Who said that?”
“The Group Leader.”
“Do you really get his point? Why cling so tightly to your role? Besides cheering for them, what else do you want to do?”
The announcer started speaking in riddles, making Night Star even more confused.
This girl reminded her of someone long gone.
“I don’t understand…”
“I do. You can stay as-is, or change. If unsure later, pretend to be someone else. Might build your courage, get you to that destiny stage.”
Now Night Star had a blackline on her forehead.
What to do?
Wanting to smack the announcer, for learning riddles from somewhere no one cared about.
Darn it!
Meanwhile, onstage, the troupe was done rehearsing.
Group Leader straightened his top hat, “It’s time to go. Our tour starts now.”
Night Star stood up, excitement bubbling.
“Alright, let’s go!”
