Chapter 4: Approaching the Distillery
Night Star felt a bit embarrassed when White Fish started talking about the Audience Performer.
Thankfully, White Fish was one of her best friends, so it wasn’t as mortifying as she thought it would be.
“Hehe, let’s put that aside for now. First off, let me introduce you to some other members of our theater group. We don’t need to bother with Kong Yu Bai and Lianhua since they already know each other. They’re the singers and puppeteers in the Rising Sun Theater Group. So, we’ll focus on introducing the makeup artist and playwright.”
Night Star moved next to the Makeup Artist and Shu Yao, draping her arms around their shoulders warmly.
“The person to my left is the Makeup Artist. Her real name is Night Sakura Mirror. She’s this ultra-cute girl from ancient times who excels at makeup. Normally, she’s very soft and gentle, but when it comes to makeup—watch out! Currently, she handles the makeup duties for our Rising Sun Theater Group, usually staying behind the scenes.”
After the Makeup Artist politely bowed to White Fish, she said with charm, “Hello, nice to meet you. Hopefully, there might be another chance to apply makeup on you someday.”
“Uh, hello, Mirror-senpai,” White Fish responded politely, her obedient demeanor endearing herself to everyone.
Then, Night Star continued with introductions.
“Now on my right is our Playwright, whose true name is Shu Yao. She’s a quiet big sister who loves reading and writes various scripts specifically for our Rising Sun Theater Group.”
White Fish whispered a gentle greeting to the beautiful big sister.
“Hello, Shu Yao-senpai.”
Shu Yao nodded slightly in response, acknowledging the greeting.
“It looks like you also have some unforgettable memories with our Audience Performer, huh?”
Shu Yao could immediately tell from White Fish’s demeanor that they had similar experiences, both apparently being rescued by Night Star from another time.
White Fish nodded in agreement, noting the meaning in Shu Yao’s eyes.
“You also had a similar experience?”
“Mm-hm.” Shu Yao nodded gently.
“In that case, let’s share each other’s stories.”
White Fish quickly found a common ground to chat with them, which was quite impressive given Night Star’s social anxieties.
And Shu Yao agreed—she was actually quite interested in all things Night Star.
She wanted to write a book about Night Star’s adventures one day. She’d store it away to revisit the stories time and time again. But first, she needed to understand Night Star even better.
Just then, Lianhua suddenly popped up, looking eager.
“Want to share our stories? Leave it to me—I’ve recorded White Fish’s story through puppet shows. They’re all based on real events, but I can perform them just as originally as possible.”
“Sure thing, Lianhua!”
“Leave it to me!”
Next, Night Lan took White Fish to the front row, while Lianhua took the stage, magically conjuring a variety of life-like puppets to manipulate in her hands.
Thus, the story began with a puppet show featuring White Fish.
When Lianhua first met White Fish, she already adapted the story into a puppet show.
Even though White Fish had seen it once, watching it again stirred a sentimental feeling.
Kong Yu Bai and others watched attentively too; technically, this showcased the Audience Performer’s initial abilities before proper growth.
Night Lan watched intently, no longer fazed by the unusual storytelling method.
Then White Fish whispered to her, “So… Is this a special gift from you to me?”
“Well, sort of. I didn’t know what else to give you, so I invited you to the theater so the members could perform for you. They were really excited about having new audiences.”
Night Lan scratched her head shyly.
After all, she wasn’t sure what White Fish liked. It felt quite embarrassing to admit as a friend.
The only thing she figured was that White Fish must really like her. But she couldn’t exactly give herself to White Fish.
Therefore, she brought White Fish to the Rising Sun Theater knowing her secrets.
To such a dear friend, bringing her to the inner sanctuary of the Rising Sun Theater was no big deal.
“I love this kind of gift! Knowing more of your secrets feels wonderful. It gives me a sense of belonging. I’m so happy.”
“Yes yes… I’m glad you’re happy.”
But White Fish suddenly remembered something.
“What about Zero Meow and the others? Are we going to keep hiding it from them?”
Night Lan sighed softly.
“At first, I wanted to take them to the theater, but now it doesn’t seem the right time. Telling them this secret right away would shock them.”
White Fish pondered and agreed—they’d likely react poorly to the news.
“But Neko Shinna and Star Yoon probably wouldn’t mind? They don’t seem to have strong views on the Night Watchers, so they won’t be scared of the Rising Sun Theater. I think they’d easily accept my friend; after all, they’re cute and simple.”
Night Lan pondered and admitted that sounded right.
Star Yoon and Neko Shinna were super adorable.
They had only been in the Night Watcher base for a short time, barely grasping the basic knowledge, so they probably weren’t scared of Star Eclipses.
As she considered bringing Neko Shinna and Star Yoon to tour the theater, White Fish continued, “Neko Shinna and Star Yoon are fine, but Zero Meow seems more difficult.”
“Indeed.” Night Lan quietly agreed.
From what she knew, Zero Meow had a deep-seated Night Watcher mentality and even understood the basics well enough to teach others.
Zero Meow likely knew more about the dangers of Star Eclipses and might instinctively resist coming near them.
Though she had dared peek at Star Eclipse incidents in the past, it’s not like she was fearless.
If Zero Meow learned about Night Lan’s deep involvement with the Rising Sun Theater and Night Star being the Audience Performer, she’d be shocked.
Thus, she needed to reveal the information gradually.
Night Lan being by her side spreading the “no harm from Star Eclipses” message would eventually get her to accept it.
The only issue was ensuring she kept the secret.
Upon completion, it’d seem like three new double agents had joined the Night Watcher base in Yun Chang City.
The tricky part would be no one would suspect such a cute innocent-looking kid as an insider.
Thinking this way, Yun Chang City’s Night Watcher base seemed like an old tavern now ready for drinkin’.
