Chapter 17: Gossiping
Night Star plopped back into her seat to read some comics, deciding she’d catch a few z’s in the theater after finishing them.
Just then, she sensed some sketchy vibes coming from the entrance of the library—it felt like trouble was brewing.
Glancing over, she spotted a few figures lurking at the entrance, completely silent, just scanning the library like it was a buffet of chaos.
Night Star tilted her head in confusion.
Who the heck are they?
She didn’t know, but something about them screamed “bad news.”
These weirdos sauntered into the library, yet the only sound was the rustle of their shoes as they started wandering around, like they were hunting for something… or someone.
Minutes later, these characters emerged from behind the shelves, all shaking their heads in disappointment.
They then turned their gaze to the two people on-site: Night Star and the ever-so-serious librarian.
Panicking, Night Star quickly turned her eyes back to her comic, pretending to be super engrossed.
After scanning the two for a good while and finding nothing suspicious, the odd group shuffled out of the library.
In the midst of this, the librarian didn’t even look up, glued to her book like an immovable statue, blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding.
“Phew~”
Once the coast was clear, Night Star exhaled deeply.
“Were they bad guys?!” she wondered, her curiosity piqued.
Ever since they walked in, she could vaguely sense they were Star Holders.
And not just any Star Holders, but organized ones.
But they weren’t Night Watchers.
The Night Watchers she’d seen didn’t radiate such weird energy; these didn’t give off the vibe of urban guardians lurking in the shadows.
So they must be from one of those other shady star organizations the Night Watchers worried about.
If these guys got any crime ideas, the fallout could rival a Star Eclipse event—possibly even worse!
So, what brings them here?
What’s lured them in?
Night Star pondered, suspecting plenty like them were lurking outside.
I mean, come on! They weren’t enforcers, nor did they have any permission, just shamelessly searching every nook and cranny—totally bold!
And she had no clue how the local Night Watchers would respond.
“Ugh…”
As Night Star daydreamed while flipping through her comics, a sudden urge to go grab some gossip outside hit her.
Just then, the librarian at the front desk piped up, “You should head home soon; it might not be safe around here recently, so keep your wits about you.”
“Eh? Oh, um, thanks for the concern!” Night Star realized the Big Sister was talking to her, and an odd sense of happiness bubbled up.
She placed her comics back on the shelf with a smile, ready to go check things out.
After all, she was sure there’d be some juicy drama tonight, and she couldn’t miss it!
Filled with anticipation, Night Star strutted out of the library, set to find a safe spot to see what went down.
After she left, the librarian closed her book, letting out a soft sigh.
“Why are they so relentless?”
Meanwhile, outside…
The Star Holders from the Sunset Research Institute had quickly swept through the entire Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District, finding nothing too alarming.
Information began to bounce around.
“Nothing suspicious found.”
“The target is an adult female with an extraordinary presence; there are many fitting that description in this area.”
“Warning: Target possesses high-level hiding skills. Be thorough. Don’t overlook anyone suspicious.”
“Proceed with caution; keep it low-key.”
Just as these folks were gearing up for another round of searching, a wave of psychic energy surged through the area, sending pedestrians scuttling into nearby buildings.
In no time, the streets became as empty as a forgotten park after dark—eerily quiet.
Noticing the odd shift, the Star Organization crew froze, cautiously scanning their surroundings.
Suddenly, hovering vehicles parked right in the middle of the street, and mysterious figures emerged from nearby corners, all eyeing these suspicious individuals.
Then, a Princess-style girl stepped out of a vehicle, coolly fixating on a group a few paces away.
She was Mo Qianmeng, here to deal with the unusual goings-on in the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District.
At the very same moment…
Night Star, perched on a rooftop using Existence Interference to hide, gaped at the unfolding scene.
“Oh my gosh~ The Night Watchers have arrived! I know that girl! Isn’t she the one I bumped into at the Art Museum yesterday? She looks super powerful!”
Watching this entertaining showdown only made Night Star more eager to stick around; she wasn’t going back to the theater until she’d devoured every bit of gossip!
Back to the action…
The research goons were fixated on the black-haired girl leading them, waiting for her to speak.
And Mo Qianmeng, never one to disappoint, coldly declared, “Question: Who gave you permission to search a public space? Operating as Star Holders to stage a massive raid has clearly violated Night Watcher regulations. I, as the Sunlight Night Watcher, command you to return with us for questioning, or face the consequences.”
Night Star, eavesdropping, widened her eyes.
“Oh wow… a Sunlight Night Watcher? And she’s so young?! And so commanding! Just ordering them around without a second thought—don’t they worry about a counterattack?”
Her heart raced with excitement.
This spectacle could be a feast for her gossip cravings.
Of course, if things turned into a brawl, she’d better skedaddle away; getting caught in the crossfire wouldn’t be fun.
Back to the showdown…
The representative from the research team stepped up to respond, “Are Night Watchers always this unreasonable?”
“Reasonable? What’s that? If we’re talking about rules, they’re Night Watcher rules and city rules, and everyone’s got to abide by them. You guys have violated them again; of course, we have to apprehend you.”
“I suggest you b*tt out. This is an internal matter of the research institute, and we simply want to retrieve the experimental subject that escaped a decade ago.”
He wasn’t about to hide anything from the Night Watchers; they’d already revealed quite enough—it’d be a lot easier to communicate like this.
Though he knew they were likely delighting in their misfortune.
Sure, they were both Star Holders, but their differing stances meant any friendly banter was off the table.
Upon hearing this, Mo Qianmeng’s icy demeanor flickered with a hint of mockery, the corners of her mouth curving slightly upward.
“How hilarious! After all this time searching, you’ve still come up empty? Want us Night Watchers to assist you in your little scavenger hunt?”
“Oh, there’s no need for sarcasm.”
“Oh, I insist. You go search for your prize, and we’ll find ours. If you’re really brave, try to continue your antics right under our noses. Just know, the consequences are on you.”
Mo Qianmeng’s cunning side had finally shown itself to the enemy.
The Star Holders from the research institute were left feeling the pressure mount.
Who the heck are these people?
