### Chapter 68: The Eternal Reunion
Night Star realized that this place seemed to be where she and Book Yao first met.
Right there in the outskirts just moments ago.
The time span was vast; much had changed here. Even the trees were few and far between now.
Night Star looked all around and headed toward a nearby brook, successfully spotting a slender figure.
She appeared as unaltered as ever, only her clothes were different—she still sat beside the brook, spacing out.
Seeing this, Night Star walked over and sat next to her.
“Um… long time no see?”
Upon hearing the familiar voice buried deep in her memory, the young girl stiffened momentarily, then gradually relaxed.
“Yeah, it’s been ages. I never thought you’d stay the same while everything else changes. You still look so adorable.”
Book Yao lay down, dragging Night Star along, burying her head in Night Star’s chest without a word.
“Eh?”
Night Star was taken aback but didn’t resist, letting her have her way.
“What happened?”
“I had another friend pass away. Just got back from her funeral.”
“Mm, take care.”
“Well, Night Star, do you think it’s better for me to stay away from human society? Like, live alone without getting close to anyone, since I get easily won over by a little sincerity and end up with true friendship, which always results in me bearing the pain of parting. It really gets tiring sometimes.” Book Yao softly said, treating Night Star like a sounding board.
Only this one person would appear by her side when she needed it most.
Night Star gently stroked her hair to soothe her.
“Do you like making friends?”
“Mmm, yes! I like genuine friendships. Even if they know I’m special, they don’t reject me. I want to be friends with people like that; it makes me feel content, though it’s fleeting, and in the end, I’ll keep losing important things.”
“If you like them, why avoid it? Face it head-on! At least, you’ll have some happy memories. Your friends will appreciate having such a loyal friend who stands by them until the end, so they can leave without regrets. Sure, you’ll grieve her departure, but would you regret being friends with her?”
“No, those are cherished memories I’ll remember forever.”
Night Star smiled faintly.
“See? There’s nothing to worry about. No regrets, meaning it’s meaningful. Your sadness proves your friendship, and I’ll accept your sadness and show up when you’re lost, just like now. You’ve still got me, and I can be your eternal companion.”
Book Yao chuckled.
“Always by my side… does that mean you’ll turn my infinity into a finite existence, sharing natural deaths at life’s end?”
“Mm, sure, you could see it that way.”
“If that’s true, I’m game. With you, my long life seems to have found its support, less likely to crumble.”
Time slowly ticked away as Book Yao drifted off in Night Star’s arms.
They may both be adults, yet they acted like immature teenagers.
Perhaps not only their appearance stayed constant but also their youthful hearts.
In her eyes, there still shone a light, symbolizing her love and hope for life.
Night Star wasn’t sure if she brought this about, only wishing to be there for her when needed and give her the courage to live on.
This seemed more reliable than any magical wish coming true.
A gust of wind blew through, and Night Star closed her eyes.
The space-time warped again, and the silver-haired figure vanished.
When Night Star opened her eyes, the surroundings indeed changed once more.
Without a doubt, someone needed her now.
She would emerge to heal Book Yao’s inner wounds, like a goddess descending.
Night Star stepped forward without hesitation, after a walk finding the silhouette of someone.
Book Yao stood by the brook, turning around, giving a helpless smile after noticing her.
“Sorry, it seems I need company again. Can you talk with me a little bit? My dearest friend?”
“Sure, anytime.”
Night Star approached, feeling no annoyance.
Book Yao began pouring her heart out, finally releasing built-up stress.
Negative emotions often destroy a person.
And Book Yao accumulated significantly more negative emotions, rarely sharing her troubles due to her unique nature; she felt excruciatingly sad each time a friend died.
Night Star could tell, perhaps explaining her obsessive tendencies.
Time slowly passed as they spent half a day together. Night Star’s form vanished again, reappearing at an unknown time.
Again, the familiar location. Whenever Book Yao’s heart got a crack, she’d wait here for a certain friend.
Night Star kept her promise, appearing when needed most.
“Bothering you, dear friend, can I lean on your shoulder? Just need a moment to rest.”
“Of course.”
Book Yao leaned against Night Star’s shoulder, despite its crampedness; it provided her comfort.
No words needed, just the joy of companionship was enough.
Many sad souls endure alone, forced to bear their burdens solo.
Lucky for Book Yao to have such an extraordinary friend now, experiencing this tender treatment.
If she ever stopped showing up, her heart would surely crumble.
Such a stark contrast could truly break one’s spirit.
Half a day later, Night Star and Book Yao lingered for a long time.
A strong wind blew through.
Space-time froze again.
Night Star lost count of how many times this cycle repeated; she knew she’d be there every time Book Yao needed her.
Time and again.
This made Night Star realize how extensive and lonely Book Yao’s journey had been.
When Night Star wasn’t around, Book Yao likely endured one sorrow-filled moment after another, all alone, numbness slowly settling in.
Perchance, this led to her losing all hope for life.
How heartbreaking.
Night Star’s vision blurred, and the scene changed once more.
She knew another reunion was approaching.
With each new arrival, the initial surroundings radically altered: rivers disappeared, forests turned into modern structures, revealing the passage of much time.
Night Star scoured for Book Yao’s presence.
Yet when she spotted her, she found herself surrounded by many people.
“Immortal Stars holder, we need your contribution to science; please come with us.”
“Can I refuse? I’m waiting for someone and can’t leave you.”
“If you refuse, we’ll forcibly take you. Don’t suffer if you cooperate.”
Night Star, observing covertly, finally deciphered their identity—they were members of the Sunset Research Institute.
