Chapter 26: No Other Choice
Inside the theater.
One performance after another unfolds before Night Star Lan’s eyes, each more spectacular than the last.
After every act ends, Night Lan and Night Star clap enthusiastically, pouring their hearts and souls into it, which greatly uplifts the performers.
While it’s a shame they can’t see the audience’s faces, these two are truly there for the performances.
Not to pass the time or socialize, but because they genuinely love watching shows.
The performers feel that passion too.
They sense the adoring gaze of the two girls.
That look doesn’t lie; they’re really enjoying the shows.
What a rare treat!
It’s well worth it for the troupe to perform for such dedicated fans.
Anyone willing to watch them in this moment must be true fans.
A while later, the performances come to an end.
The group leader approaches Night Lan and Night Star, bowing slightly with a warm smile, “Thank you for your support. Your presence means a lot to us. If you don’t mind, please come back next time.”
“Uh-huh, we will!”
Night Lan whispers her promise.
Today has been so wonderful.
Because, this time, the Rising Sun Theater Group performed just for her.
Such opportunities are rare.
Even though the stunning performance was only for one person, it almost feels better that way.
The performers mostly focused on her, which had no negative effect at all.
As long as their faces aren’t seen, who cares if they’re a bit nervous?
Will the group leader remember this when she returns to the future?
Probably not.
Once someone becomes a Star Eclipses, their human memories likely fade away completely, leaving only obsessions.
It’s probably like that.
Who knows, maybe this group leader is special.
Back to reality…
The troupe members descend from the stage and inquire about the audience’s impressions.
Normally with many viewers, they wouldn’t do this.
But since it’s just these two, they performed specifically for them.
So, they naturally want to ask what the audience thinks.
This feedback helps them identify areas needing improvement.
Night Star Lan’s take: “Everyone’s performing is fantastic. I love everything from operas to plays, music, and magic. You’ve captured our hearts, and we’ll definitely be here next time.”
Hearing that response from the heart, the troupe members are very encouraged. They vow to up their game even further for the next show.
Night Star Lan decides it’s time to go.
Who knows how her actions might affect things.
If she messes with things the group leader doesn’t want changed, she might become unpopular.
She promised herself as much.
Thus, even though the current troupe members look vulnerable, she won’t act on impulse.
“Alright, we need to leave now. If we get the chance, we’ll visit again.”
“Take care. The theater is always open to you,” says the group leader tenderly.
Nodding, both Night Lan and Night Star depart.
Night Sakura follows.
Once they reach the theater members’ blind spot, they remove their masks and return them to Night Sakura.
“Phew, we’re done. Here you go.”
Taking the masks, Night Sakura smiles and says, “Thanks for your help.”
Night Lan shakes her head.
“Don’t mention it. My goal was to see the show anyway. Everything else was just coincidence.”
“Still, thank you. Without you, there would have been lots of conflict inside the troupe. I didn’t want anyone’s relationships ruined over this.”
“Ah well, forget it. We should get going now, it’s getting late.”
Night Lan finds a pretext to make her exit with Night Star.
Night Sakura has no objections.
“See you next time.”
“Bye-bye.”
They wave goodbye as they vanish into the night.
Far away, Night Star Lan finally sheds the sister act persona.
“Phew, I’m exhausted. Feels like my personality just split into pieces.”
“Yeah, acting different roles strains the mind.”
“But I seem to do it often.”
“So? It’s nothing to worry about.”
“Guess it’s okay then.”
Post-show, Night Star Lan feels extra cheerful.
“Close-up contact showed me how amusing the seniors are. The Enthusiastic Singer asked me if his singing was loud enough and if he’s being annoying. Is he worried about scaring me off? So funny!”
“And the others are such nice people. Asking for my opinion puts me in the spotlight. I’d feel bad giving bad advice, even if they seem confident onstage. This shows they worry too, making them genuine performers.”
“Mmmhmm, seeing them this real, they seem incredibly friendly. I really want to blend in with them.”
Night Lan and Night Star ramble aimlessly as they return to their hideout.
Tonight, she’ll have a good sleep. Tomorrow, she’ll keep an eye on the group leader and others as they weather this storm.
Night Star Lan believes the group leader can lead the troupe out of its troubles and towards a bright future.
—
Cut to:
Rising Sun Theater.
The group leader stands at the door staring into the dark night, ready to embark on a journey.
Behind him, Night Sakura asks, “Group leader, are you heading out?”
“Yeah, I’ll be back soon.”
“Be careful on the road.”
Night Sakura watches silently as he walks away.
Heading into town, the group leader ponders his next move.
His goal is to solve their current predicament.
If the church continues its opposition, the troupe can never succeed, unless they leave the country.
Not all members wish to abandon home. Thus, he must resolve this here.
He’s decided to apologize to the church.
Only hoping they’ll stop targeting the troupe.
He’s the group leader, and his members joined him for the performances.
No longer can they dream of grand stages or audiences.
Without change, harmony within will break down, leading to the troupe’s collapse.
A bleak future lies ahead.
The group leader doesn’t want to drag his members into such despair.
That’s why he’s willing to humbly apologize.
If need be, he’s prepared to submit his leadership role to gain the troupe a future.
After all, what choice does he have?
“Let’s hope this works.”
