### Chapter 3: Cooperation
Night Lan and Zero Meow, along with a few other loli, chatted for a bit before deciding to go alone and greet Boss Xiao Jin. Luo Xi remained in the resting room, chatting with more lolis.
On her way, Night Lan bumped into White Paint and her three-person gang, looking quite busy.
“Little Night Lan, long time no see! It’s reassuring to see you still full of energy.”
Cai Xun patted Night Lan’s head as if she were his little sister.
Bu Jie chimed in, adding to the commotion.
“Little Night Lan, when will you sing us some more songs? We haven’t heard your voice in so long, Jie and I almost have withdrawal symptoms!”
Night Lan blinked her big eyes adorably.
“I promise next time.”
“Great, based on that answer, I guess you just want to slack off again. Guess we’ll just have to enjoy Qing Liao’s voice to relax.”
Cai Xun sighed, seemingly disappointed.
Night Lan thought these two guys must have catfish dreams.
Qing Liao was clearly better at singing and was loved worldwide, yet they kept pestering a loli like her who just wanted to laze around.
Could they be lolicons?
Bu Jie shrugged.
“Alright then, Little Night Lan. Slack off all you want, even if you had time, we probably wouldn’t either. You know, work has piled up lately; I’m worried Jie might burn out.”
“Get lost, how frail do you think I am? Why don’t you burn out first?”
“Ha! Anyone can tell you’re more fragile than me.”
Bu Jie sneered.
Cai Xun instantly bristled.
“Really?! I dare you to come fight me in the arena later! No cheating and no stars!”
Cai Xun and Bu Jie then grabbed each other by the neck, making it look like they were walking off like scolded kids.
Left standing there was the silent White Paint and Night Lan who looked utterly perplexed.
Night Lan turned her gaze toward White Paint.
“White Paint nee-chan, are you busy?”
“Yes, seems so. Maybe I won’t have time to play anymore.”
A smile tugged at the corner of White Paint’s lips as she gently patted Night Lan’s soft cheek.
“Father said you did great during the disaster, thank you for all your hard work.”
“It’s okay, I didn’t do much.”
Night Lan really enjoyed having her cheeks pampered, feeling like a cherished sister.
Having an older sister was nice, sharing one with White Fish seemed pretty good too.
White Paint then crouched down and lifted Night Lan’s bangs, leaving a kiss on her forehead.
“Once things settle down, I’ll play with you and White Fish. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”
“Okay.”
White Paint bid farewell and took her leave soon after.
Though she wanted to chat longer, her mission wasn’t done yet, she couldn’t afford to be distracted.
Night Lan watched White Paint depart and could not help but touch her own forehead.
“I actually got kissed…”
Even though she and Luo Xi had kissed plenty of times, those kisses were much more intense than this forehead peck.
This kiss felt warm though.
Was she being treated like a little sister now?
When she’s actually older!
Night Lan quickly shook it off and continued on to find Boss Xiao Jin.
She soon found him in his office.
“Boss! I’m here to punch in!”
Xiao Jin put down his work and chuckled.
“It doesn’t really matter whether you clock in or not. Just consider this place your home.”
“Eh, this feels too extravagant. There’s no way my family could house so many people.”
Xiao Jin burst out laughing.
“So, what brings you here? If you’re interested in taking on proper work, I’m not opposed to giving you something.”
Night Lan shook her head like a tambourine.
“No, no, no… Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think that would be appropriate. Boss, you’re kind of asking the impossible.”
“Just joking, Night Lan. I truly appreciate all the contributions you’ve made to national order. By the way, almost all Night Watchers have heard about the crucial role you played; your reputation is through the roof, almost rivalling the Night Watcher leader. If you want even more fame…”
Night Lan shook her head again.
“Boss, I’m just fine with being low-key, success and popularity aren’t my ultimate goals. A simple life is true happiness.”
“I understand. Then I guess things are settled. The leader asked me to let you know that your plan can start now. Work with the Rising Sun Theater Group to create more performance channels and increase their recognition.”
Night Lan’s eyes lit up.
“Really? This is fantastic! We’re always ready!”
Over the next few days, the Night Watchers’ official website announced that the Rising Sun Theater Group was partnering with them.
The announcement sparked heated debate.
However, most Night Watchers expressed support and excitement.
Although the Rising Sun had caused issues in the past, their recent behavior showed progress.
Plus, their heroism in the end of the world earned them respect from many Night Watchers.
Under these conditions, the cooperation plan could only succeed.
Moreover, representative Night Lan’s backing sealed it; other Night Watchers naturally supported fully.
And the process would be a breeze.
Tech personnel began creating a website for the Rising Sun, so even if they performed indoors, they could wait for virtual audiences as if in a futuristic world.
In Rose City’s theater…
Yesternight Star talked excitedly with other troupe members.
“This is the perfect time to debut to audiences. How about starting with a formal indoor show for Night Watchers as our initial audience?”
The group leader nodded.
“Sure, but we already have a final rehearsal planned for this weekend.”
Yesternight Star mumbled.
“Yeah, yeah… But I haven’t performed well since arriving in Shanghe City, either missing shows or missing key roles.”
There was also a good friend, Am.wind Suyu, to catch up with there.
After the grand performance, Yesternight Star intended to celebrate with sweets at a café.
Gentleman remarked, “I’m looking forward to this grand performance where the performer will shine.”
Fraudster chuckled.
“The performer is excellent, but I’m more curious about the puppet master. After all, the theme revolves around puppetry.”
Lianhua felt embarrassed but nodded.
“I won’t disappoint.”
Yesternight Star added, “Let’s all give our best!”
…
Finally, the weekend arrived.
The Rising Sun Theater troupe headed to Shanghe City for the grand performance.
This performance was extra special because of the Night Watchers organization backing it, pushing the troupe toward nationwide prominence.
Not only would citizens enjoy the visual spectacle, but the Night Watchers would also livestream the event online, reaching a huge audience.
More importantly, Night Lan with her Night Watcher status would make her debut in this grand performance.
Initially, she disliked such high-profile exposure, feeling overly bashful.
Though famous in her circle, it was still too bold to show herself publicly.
But for Yesternight, it was different.
Yesternight usually performed masked, leaving audience guessing who she was beneath the mask.
Wearing a mask meant becoming someone else, allowing full expression without revealing identity, known only to troupe members and close friends.
Thus far, Yesternight hadn’t revealed her identity.
Only Mo Rabbit had told the leader and chief, and Zero Meow ensured secrecy.
If Night Lan was asked to perform…
Perhaps she’d rather just fish.
But Mo Rabbit persuaded her it would boost collaboration, leading to global success.
With a mask, only Night Watchers would know she was involved—she was already well-known enough.
So more attention would be fine.
Night Lan found the logic sound.
Mainly, it’d feel like wearing a mask, known only to Night Watchers.
It worked for her.
Soon, the performance began.
Focused on puppet theater, Lianhua used fine strings to control the actors, mimicking puppet movements.
Audiences witnessed the intricate strings on each joint, along with actors’ stiff, mechanical actions that seemed controlled by unseen forces.
With music and stage effects enhancing the atmosphere, the performance drew gasps of surprise.
Everything—stage, performance, methods, plots—was perfection, leaving a significant impression on the crowd.
When the puppet show ended, every attendee felt a pull toward the invisible strings.
How could anyone resist such immersion?
Quickly,
The grand performance in Shanghe completed successfully.
Rising Sun smoothly left the stage, leaving an unforgettable impression on the city folk.
Meanwhile, social media buzzed, sparking discussions fueled by live streams, creating massive impact.
Backed by Night Watchers’ full support,
Rising Sun Theater’s popularity reached new heights!
