### Chapter 25 – So Similar
Zero Meow curiously sized up the members of the Rising Sun Theater Group.
Especially the Audience Performer.
Is this really the mysterious Audience Performer?
Finally getting a close look at her.
But why is she still wearing a mask?
It feels like she’s intentionally hiding something, a bit too familiar for comfort.
From the looks of it, her body shape, skin, and even height seem eerily similar to Night Lan.
If not for the voice and hair color, Zero Meow would’ve almost mistaken her for a rebooted version of Night Lan.
“Indeed, she’s quite similar…”
Before, Zero Meow had drawn fan art of the Audience Performer, even sometimes replacing her with Night Lan’s cute face. It looked perfect, no mismatch at all.
Now, seeing her up close made Zero Meow feel like she was biased by preconceived notions.
But despite their similarities, there wasn’t much to worry about.
Night Lan is Night Lan, Audience Performer is Audience Performer, they’re two completely different people.
Ignoring these thoughts, Zero Meow began observing other members of the group.
Firstly, there was the alleged Singer. She was so adorable, it felt like Zero Meow had seen her somewhere before, but trying to recall where only brought out blank spaces, as if her memory was hindered.
Still, the Singer seemed genuinely friendly, maintaining a warm smile that invited closeness.
Then there was the Puppet Master, super cute loli she was, looking at them out of curiosity, as if very interested in the person Night Lan brought along.
It boggles the mind how such an adorable young girl could be the embodiment of Supernova Star Eclipses in Doll City. Just goes to show appearances can be misleading.
Zero Meow continued scanning the others. The Playwright and Makeup Artist were both stunning women. They were apparently responsible for writing scripts and handling makeup respectively.
The Playwright wasn’t a Star Eclipses, but rather a human like the Audience Performer.
As for why a human Playwright would join the Rising Sun Theater Group, that’s an untold story.
Just like every member, their past is a mystery, even the Night Watchers don’t know about it.
Night Lan hasn’t spilled any secrets either; probably doesn’t know herself.
Before coming in, Night Lan had briefed them on everyone, so no need to fear not knowing a soul.
After a brief inspection, Zero Meow noticed the members were indeed as friendly as Night Lan said.
At least from the surface, none of the members seemed put off by their arrival.
The Group Leader welcomed all audiences, the Gentleman loved polite children, while the Fraudster remained low-key—true to their descriptions.
This is the Rising Sun Theater Group?
Seeing them firsthand, Zero Meow’s prior perceptions started to wobble.
They seemed like a pretty decent group.
No wonder the Audience Performer could mingle naturally with them.
Ignoring the chaos they caused in various cities, there’s no reason to be afraid of them now.
Right then, Night Star spoke to Zero Meow, “You’re Zero Meow, right? Night Lan mentioned you. She said you wanted to be friends, and I’m okay with it.”
“Mwaaa…”
Zero Meow’s face flushed, suddenly unsure of what to say.
She wished to chat casually like that first meeting with Night Lan, but this situation was awkward.
Too embarrassing.
“Greetings, Audience Performer. Can I see your face? I’d like to draw a picture for you.”
“Ah… Sorry, not now. Maybe later since we need to keep it confidential.”
If she took off the mask and revealed the same face as Night Lan, Zero Meow, Star Yoon, and maybe even Neko Shinna wouldn’t just be shocked—they’d probably faint.
“Got it, sorry for being presumptuous.”
Then, Zero Meow leaned closer to White Fish and whispered.
“White Fish, have you seen the Audience Performer’s face?”
White Fish smiled gently.
“Nope.”
Clearly, betraying Night Lan wasn’t in her plans.
Since her best buddy decided to keep things secret, Zero Meow decided to play along.
“What a pity. I thought you’d sneak a peek and describe it to me.”
Zero Meow sighed in regret.
Remembering something, she added, “Speaking of which, there’s another Announcer, right? Where is she? Why isn’t she here?”
Zero Meow remembered the Announcer as an adorable black-haired loli.
But there was no sign of her among the Audience Performer’s group.
Where did she go?
Night Star heard this and glanced in a particular direction.
Just then, the secluded and gloomy Mo Rabbit had vanished, having presumably run off after recovering somewhat.
Looks like Mo Rabbit didn’t want anyone seeing her in this state, even though she was visible on stage.
Night Star responded, “The Announcer is unpredictable, often absent from the theater. She’s probably already left.”
“What a shame.”
Night Star then continued in her Audience Performer identity, “Since you’re here, you want to see our Rising Sun Theater Group’s performance at the Rising Sun Theater, right? You’ll be the only audience. The last time Night Lan and White Fish came, they received the same treatment.”
This sparked some interest in the group.
But Zero Meow hesitated, “Mmm… Sorry, it’s late, and we snuck away from Yun Chang City. We should check it out another day.”
“It does seem like you’re about to leave?”
“Yeah, we’re headed back.”
Actually, Zero Meow really wanted to stick around and observe more in this strange theater.
But it’s nearly dark.
Delaying any longer and the Night Watchers of Yun Chang City might find out about their absence.
With no way to explain, especially since Zero Meow’s sister knows nothing of their plan.
So it’s best to head back.
Night Lan understood this and prepared to return with Zero Meow and the others to Yun Chang City.
“That’s settled. Let’s head out. We’ll visit the theater again sometime. Goodbye.”
After saying goodbye to the Audience Performer and other members, Night Lan led Zero Meow and the rest out of the theater.
Watching them leave, Night Star exhaled.
“Phew… That Zero Meow really has good instincts. She looked at me so oddly.”
Next to her, Kong Yu Bai patted Night Star’s head.
“Why didn’t you tell them earlier? You’re such good friends.”
“Just slow down a bit. It’s better to let them absorb this first. Spilling everything at once might cause problems.”
Night Star had her plans, figuring out how to avoid a potential awkward moment.
Sigh.
Once Zero Meow and company left, the Group Leader and others dispersed, readying themselves for their upcoming move.
