Chapter 7: Art Museum
In the time that followed, Night Star began searching for books she wanted to read.
She walked over to a nearby bookshelf and glanced at it.
“Wow~ I’ve seen the anime adaptation of this novel. It’s super good! I didn’t expect they also have the physical book here.”
“What is it?” Lianhua leaned in closer.
“It’s called _The Slothful Little Urban Administrator Every Day_. Super good.” Night Star excitedly pulled out the book and recommended it to Lianhua.
“Just that I’ve only watched the anime version and haven’t read the original yet. Maybe I can catch up on the rest of the story through this opportunity.”
“Since it’s recommended by Night Star, I’ll give it a go.”
Lianhua took the light novel from Night Star’s hand, ready to dive in.
Meanwhile, Kong Yu Bai was browsing another bookshelf, her fingers skimming over numerous books until she picked up a BL-themed light novel.
Yeah, she was just looking. There was nothing weird going on in her head…
Night Star found the sequel to the light novel she had been reading earlier and started from where the anime plot had cut off.
Thus, the trio got engrossed in their reading.
At the library’s front desk.
A certain administrator returned and sat down, flipping open the book they had been reading before.
“Looks like someone amazing has arrived. Are they really here to read?”
Muttering under her breath, the administrator put the thoughts aside.
If things went as expected, Qi Yuan City would likely see its share of complex events soon.
But it basically had nothing to do with her; she would spend long years at the library.
Then, patiently await the arrival of her destined person who could liberate her.
She didn’t know who it would be.
Even if she couldn’t find them, she wouldn’t worry—she had all the time in the world.
The administrator calmly turned to the next page and refocused.
Another hour later…
Night Star and friends were about to leave.
Within this hour, Night Star had finished the remaining part of the novel. Well, there wasn’t much left anyway.
Lianhua was attentively reading the book recommended by Night Star, trying to glean something out of it.
“Gotta stick~ gotta stick~ still gotta stick, so many sticks, does the author’s mind always revolve around sticking?!”
Lianhua couldn’t help but complain and placed the book back on the shelf.
Still, she agreed with one point: sticking with the person you like was the best.
Like how Night Star frequently stuck close to her, Lianhua enjoyed doing the same with Night Star.
That made it easy for Lianhua to empathize when reading the book and not feel repelled.
As for Kong Yu Bai’s haul:
During the BL novel journey, she opened a whole new world and learned plenty.
Even though she once was a world-renowned songstress, this was her first encounter with such knowledge. She found it pretty fresh.
She decided—
From now on, she would search more for this kind of light novel just to learn.
“Mmm~ let’s stop here for now. If any of you are interested in other books, feel free to come back later. We’ll probably be staying in the city for quite a while anyway,” Night Star said.
Lianhua and Kong Yu Bai nodded and left the area with Night Star.
As they approached the exit, Night Star sneakily glanced at the library administrator at the front desk, noticing she was still deeply engrossed in her book.
“Huh… if you’re so focused, would you mind the books getting stolen? Although physical books don’t hold much value now, it’s pretty irresponsible for an administrator, isn’t it?”
Muttering lowly, Night Star shook off the thought since it had nothing to do with her.
It was back to exploring for now.
As they walked out of the library, the administrator looked up the moment they turned, observing their departing figures, especially the petite silver-haired figure leading the way.
Could it be her?
—
Outside.
Night Star exhaled, smiling at Lianhua and Kong Yu Bai: “So, where should we head next?”
“Let’s check out the nearby exhibition. After reading a book, it’s natural we should see some art too, right?”
“Umh, indeed.”
Nodding thoughtfully, Night Star was in agreement with Kong Yu Bai.
Although she couldn’t draw, she truly enjoyed viewing all sorts of artworks—landscapes, portraits, even certain kinds!
Night Star didn’t fancy critiquing anything.
She just enjoyed quiet viewing.
She’d linger longer on what she liked.
In any case, viewing art didn’t take up nearly as much time as reading a novel—hours could be spent appreciating countless works.
Thus, Night Star, Lianhua, and Kong Yu Bai stepped into the “Art” section.
Different from the book area, this spot housed exhibits from renowned painters.
These masterpieces were displayed in galleries across the city.
Next, Night Star and company headed to a nearby gallery, bought tickets, and entered.
Upon entering, Night Star saw multiple spectators admiring the artworks on display. The walls were adorned with exquisite pieces, exuding a sense of luxury.
Stopping before a wall, Night Star gazed upward at the artwork hung there.
“Wow~ that painting looks amazing.”
Kong Yu Bai, following closely behind, chimed in after hearing Night Star’s comment: “Of course, it’s part of an exhibit at the gallery. These are all excellent works.”
“Umh~ umh~ if only there was a museum for those kinds of artworks.”
Night Star mused.
“In my opinion, such works are also a form of art, though often misunderstood. They bring joy, and if shown, would definitely be a hit!”
“If that ever happened, I bet it’d be restricted viewing.”
“Hmph~ as a legal loli, there’s absolutely no issue.”
Following that, Night Star, Lianhua, and Kong Yu Bai ventured further into the gallery, eager to see more works.
…
On the other side.
A black-haired girl was wandering alone within the gallery, pleased with the series of paintings on the walls.
“These artworks seem well-liked.”
This girl went by the name Mo Qianmeng, a renowned prodigious young artist. Much of the gallery exhibited her creations.
Now, a group wandered nearby, engaged in conversation.
One adult spotted Mo Qianmeng and quickly approached her, speaking with those beside him.
“Master Qianmeng, I didn’t expect you to visit on your own. My apologies for not treating you properly.”
This adult was the gallery owner, displaying respect for the young artist.
Mo Qianmeng shook her head nonchalantly.
“Just passing by; I’ll be heading back shortly.”
“Yes, I look forward to seeing your new pieces at my gallery.”
“You can rest assured; I’ll send them over once done.”
“Thank you for your trust in my gallery. Displaying your work here is an honor for us.”
Hearing this, Mo Qianmeng felt a bit exasperated.
For her, it didn’t matter which gallery showcased her pieces—once she had chosen, there was no need to switch.
She preferred brevity.
Just as Mo Qianmeng was about to find an escape route, she noticed strange figures approaching.
“Those…?”