### Chapter 67: Shortening One’s Lifespan
The young girl felt she had an immortal characteristic, so if something as unscientific as eternal life could be real, then having a time traveler around didn’t seem too far-fetched.
But first, she needed to confirm something.
“Since you’re my friend, do you know what I’m called?”
If she was really a friend, surely this would have an answer.
But unexpectedly, Night Star fell into silence.
“I don’t know.”
“Ahh, noooo?”
The young girl was at a loss for words.
Noticing her strange gaze, Night Star’s cheeks reddened, pouting and saying, “You never told me! And even your future self wouldn’t know my name; we use code names, like ‘Administrator’ for you and ‘Audience Performer’ for me. Now I’m telling you my real name.”
“Oh, that makes sense.”
She smiled beautifully.
“Okay then, let me tell you. My name is Book Yao, nice to meet you.”
“Mmmhmm! What a lovely name!”
And so, they began chatting.
Book Yao was curious about what future her did for a living.
“What do I do in the future? The term ‘Administrator’ sounds quite odd.”
“Well, when I met you, you were an administrator in the library, very fond of books, hence the title.”
“Librarian? What an odd job; I barely read books now—they’re just boring.”
“It might have been a future hobby.”
Now it was Night Star’s turn to ask.
“So, why are you here, Book Yao? When I saw you before, you seemed distracted, looking rather sad.”
Upon hearing this, Book Yao hugged her knees, burying her chin within them before sighing softly.
“My friend passed away…”
“Friend?”
“Yeah, she was my close buddy. She knew my secrets, but just a few days ago, she left us. Her life had run its course.”
“Well, take care.”
“But for her, it was a fulfilling end. It’s just hard seeing her go; I feel this emptiness inside, something I never experienced before. But after going through many such events, I started doubting the meaning of life.”
A strong wind blew, and Book Yao stretched out her hand, catching floating petals in the air. Her gaze turned misty.
“Eternal life doesn’t seem so great. I’ve watched loved ones leave one by one. At last, only I remain. Every time I step out from the shadow and engage with others, I get new friends, yet the end is always the same. I stay forever, while their lives diminish—many funerals, much sadness, until indifference sets in.”
Book Yao let the petals slip out of her hands, allowing them to be carried by the current.
Many lives end like that, petals symbolizing life, and streams signifying time flowing until everything vanishes.
But not her; she’s an eternal boat, unaffected by currents, always moving forward or landing in vast seas.
Night Star blinked.
“How old are you?”
“Asking a woman her age is rude. Would you say your age if asked?”
“I’m twenty-three, turning twenty-four soon.”
“Liar.”
With disbelief, Book Yao stared at the little, adorable loli beside her, finding it hard to believe she was already an adult.
“Not lying at all. I’m a genuine, legal loli. Believe it or not, up to you.”
Book Yao remained silent, suddenly lost for words.
The loli’s sudden appearance interrupted her thoughts on life.
Now, she had many questions, particularly about the future.
At that moment, Night Star continued, “What plans do you have for the future?”
“I don’t know. Life feels stale. With an indefinite future, I don’t want to endure more loss. If it comes down to it… I might seek a way out of existence.”
Understanding dawned on Night Star.
This was when Book Yao first considered d*ath, the beginnings of an obsession.
Should this obsession form, it would deepen over time, leaving only one choice—d*ath.
Night Star pondered and revealed something to Book Yao.
“Book Yao, you know I have a magical ability rivaling yours. No less impressive.”
“Really?”
“Mmhmm. Actually, I can grant any wish. Because your future self wished, I came here to meet you.”
Book Yao blinked, puzzled.
“What wish?”
“The reason for you to live.”
Hearing this, Book Yao quickly understood, laughing helplessly.
“So, that’s how it is. Back then, I must have given in, huh? Thinking back, my future does look pretty bleak. My nature ensures I’ll be alone, making life meaningless.”
“There is a meaning!” Night Star shouted suddenly.
“Look, your purpose is to meet me, right?”
“Huh?”
Book Yao was taken aback by Night Star’s words.
Night Star found it shamefully revealing to say such things, but pushed on.
“If you meet me, you can achieve any wish. I can solve whatever troubles you face. Being a friend means I should do these things; staying by your side forever is no problem!”
“Stay with me forever… really?”
“Mmhmm, I will!”
“Do you also have eternal life?”
“No, but I can trade infinite years for limited ones.”
Book Yao couldn’t help but laugh.
“Is this like trading years for a shorter lifespan? That’s actually quite appealing.”
She couldn’t resist laying on the grass, gazing at the blue sky.
“But what I need most is company. Comfort when I feel lost, someone to talk to when I’m lonely, people who’d say they need me when I think my presence is useless. That’s what I want.”
“If so, I’ll help you. I’ll be that person,” Night Star said seriously.
Book Yao turned and looked at her, her eyes softer.
Even if this idea was absurd, she was willing to believe the miracle.
“Thank you, future friend. If you do it, I’ll live for you alone. Your presence has given me hope for the future.”
A second later, the timeline broke again.
Night Star’s vision shifted, appearing in an unfamiliar place.
“Huh… What happened?”
Was this Star sending her somewhere else?
But Star’s actions must have significance—no, serious purpose.
For now, Night Star resumed observing her new surroundings.
