Chapter 60: Super Extra Depressing
The train arrived.
Night Lan and Mu Ling waved goodbye as they walked out of the station with Li Yan.
Chatting with people on the way was pretty enjoyable.
Maybe running into Mu Ling here was actually fate.
Since the Night Watcher in charge of the train works in shifts and isn’t permanently stationed there.
And today happens to be Mu Ling’s shift, which is why they met today.
Isn’t this fate? Don’t think about it so much.
Next up is finding another child.
Li Yan’s usefulness became apparent again.
Soon after.
Li Yan took Night Lan to a remote place, making her feel a sense of déjà vu.
When Night Lan saw Li Yan open a basement door, that feeling grew stronger.
“Hmm… Li Yan, do you prefer hiding the Little Loli in basements?”
Night Lan complained silently.
“This is the best hiding spot I could find after exhausting all methods.”
Seems like he took it personally.
Indeed, even though Li Yan has the essence of a Star Eclipses, he still has human emotions and can be influenced by words.
“Sorry…”
Night Lan stuck her tongue out and stopped complaining.
Then she went down into the basement with Li Yan.
Taking a closer look, the environment was still dim, kind of like a theater.
It practically screams ghost story material.
Good thing the basement has lighting tech.
Li Yan flipped the switch, and everything was illuminated.
Now Night Lan could clearly see.
This was just like a hall with other rooms nearby.
She sensed a faint Star Eclipses aura, much like Star Sheng.
Another child might be hidden in one of those rooms.
But before they got there, Li Yan explained, “First off, the person we need your help for is named Shiyu Qianyi—her name when she was human.”
“Shiyu Qianyi… Got it.”
Night Lan nodded.
That name didn’t sound like a typical Huaxia name. Maybe she’s from somewhere else, perhaps even from the land of the rising sun.
Li Yan added, “Plus, her personality is quite problematic; communication might be difficult. So, be prepared.”
“How troublesome?”
Night Lan asked carefully.
She had seen information about 【Thoughts Drowning】 at the Night Watcher Base, but nothing about her personality.
From where they found her before, it seemed she was a quiet and introverted little loli.
Could she be a loner like Star Sheng?
Li Yan hesitated, unsure how to describe her.
“You’ll have to experience it yourself.”
“OK.”
Night Lan braced herself.
Star Eclipses generally have mental health issues.
If it’s an issue of attitude, Night Lan figured she could handle it.
“Come with me.”
Seeing Night Lan ready, Li Yan led her to a room and opened the door.
They stepped inside this dark space.
It wasn’t lit, much like the initial basement.
The dim hall light barely allowed Night Lan to make out the general layout, a very spacious area.
There was no bed or other living essentials, not even a bit of clutter, perfectly clean.
However, in some corner, a tiny figure sat crouched.
Milky white hair and a petite body were exposed in the weak light.
Seeing this scene…
Night Lan almost confirmed it.
Definitely a shy loli!
Crouching in the corner had become her standard.
Feeling safest only where she is.
“Is this Shiyu Qianyi?”
“Yes.”
As Night Lan talked with Li Yan, Shiyu Qianyi looked up, looking dazed.
Night Lan’s attention was quickly captured by her bright purple eyes, like glowing amethysts in darkness, very beautiful.
She also noticed Shiyu Qianyi’s tear-streaked face.
Was she crying?
Then Shiyu Qianyi spoke.
“Are you here to abandon me…?”
Her voice had a distinctly mournful tone, soft yet pitiful.
Just hearing those negative words could soften anyone’s heart.
Like a small animal craving affection.
Any kind-hearted person would instinctively want to give her care.
Why does she seem so lowly?
Night Lan glanced at Li Yan with her eyes, seeking an answer.
Li Yan calmly stated, “She’s very pessimistic, always thinking the worst.”
“What an unhealthy state of mind.”
Only someone who’s been through it could be like this.
Night Lan pondered deeply.
Then she readied herself to approach.
As she took each step, they drew closer.
Shiyu Qianyi seemed unaware.
Once she realized Night Lan meant to get closer, her pitiful expression quickly changed.
“Don’t come! Get away! I hate you!”
“Uh?”
Night Lan froze momentarily, unsure what to do.
What just happened?
Did she do something wrong?
Why does Shiyu Qianyi dislike her?
Why this way?
“Grr…”
Night Lan’s expression sunk.
Seemingly being disliked by such a little loli hurt her pride.
“What now?” Night Lan asked Li Yan desperately, looking for help.
Li Yan should know Shiyu Qianyi the best.
After all, they temporarily shared the burden of an obsession.
Which means Li Yan knows about Shiyu Qianyi’s obsession.
Li Yan started speaking, “She sees herself as a disaster-bringing monster. She pushes people away, yet deep down, she craves affection. This conflict causes her to push away those trying to give her comfort, creating a paradox.”
Night Lan understood.
“So…”
“Yeah, don’t take those words seriously. She was just pushing you away. Just disregard them.”
“I see.”
Night Lan crossed her arms, her eyes brightening again.
Of course.
If she hadn’t done anything, why would she be hated mysteriously?
Now knowing the reason, this only strengthened Night Lan’s resolve to help Shiyu Qianyi.
A Star Eclipses with self-awareness wants to spare innocent people.
Still such a pessimistic and pitiful kid. For such darlings, she must yank her out of the shadows.
With that thought, Night Lan stepped forward again toward Shiyu Qianyi.
Shiyu Qianyi seemed to want to say more.
But before she could, Night Lan used 【Flash】 to appear suddenly before her.
“Now I’m here. I’m standing right here, no problems. Your power won’t work on me. Get ready to be manipulated.”
For a moment, Shiyu Qianyi stared blankly at Night Lan, then lowered her head again, filled with pessimism.
“It won’t help…”
“No, with me, it will definitely help.”
