Chapter 4: A Date with Lotus
The Rising Sun Theater, as usual, migrated to another city, leaving its footprint in every corner of this vast land sooner or later.
After the grand performance, the troupe began preparations for the indoor show this weekend.
The Night Watcher will be attending the very first show, filling the theater with excitement at that time.
Of course, it’s still a while away yet.
Night Star Lan could now relax and fish for leisure.
However,
Lotus and her friends seemed determined not to let Night Star wallow, but instead planned to invite her on a date!
Rarely did they have free time, so there was no way they would pass up this opportunity.
Night Star had promised them their chance, and she wouldn’t break her word.
First up is the adorable Lotus “Little Lotus.”
When Lotus blushed and timidly invited Night Star, Night Star’s heart melted instantly.
After all, how could she resist someone as cute and emotionally grounded as Lotus?
Of course, Night Star was still excited to see what romantic gestures Lotus had prepared.
Shanghe City.
This was Lotus’s hometown and where Night Star once rescued her, making it a meaningful place for their date.
Lotus took Night Star’s hand naturally, not acting shy like other young couples.
Indeed, deep bonds already existed among troupe members.
What remained was that final step to cement their relationship.
Sure, the date was intended to confirm their feelings further and get closer.
Who wouldn’t want to be closer to the one they love?
Lotus envied how Night Star and Luo Xi were always cuddling.
She fantasized about doing more intimate things with her favorite Audience Performer instead of simple head pats and such.
Now walking down the streets, both discussed the surroundings.
“Uh, didn’t expect that after the grand show here, puppet performances would become popular! Everyone seems really into it.”
Night Star surveyed the scene.
Some shops and stalls were selling puppets and souvenirs related to the recent puppet show. It looked incredibly hot and beloved by everyone.
Even Lotus hadn’t anticipated that this old art would gain such popularity again.
Mother Night Star, if she knew, would be elated.
“That’s all thanks to your effort, Night Star!”
Night Star quickly retorted.
“What? That show was all you. How can you attribute it to me? He who humbly denies credit is rude. You should own up to your greatness.”
“Haha, yes, but you did play an essential role too. Without rescuing me then, we might not even have had this grand puppet show.”
Night Star sighed lightly.
“Phew, it’s been ages.”
“No matter how much time passes, I’ll never forget. After all, I first became your hero in the Audience Performer that day.”
Lotus’s affection poured out through her voice, unhidden and clear.
Night Star wasn’t bashful either, gladly accepting the confession.
“Heh~ this confession really moved me. We could’ve taken this step without a date too.”
“Mmm, regardless, I want to spend more time alone with Night Star, even if just a day.”
No one dislikes having alone time with their loved ones.
Lotus certainly didn’t.
“Fine, let’s start our date then.”
Treated like a spoilt princess by those around her, Night Star similarly indulged Lotus, fulfilling her every wish.
Just a simple date, nothing more.
Thus,
Two little Lolis got lost in today’s plans.
A puppeteer was performing in a park. Despite being an amateur, Night Star and Lotus watched happily, showering applause.
Like that time Night Star first met Lotus doing puppet shows in the park.
So nostalgic.
“Do you wanna see my puppet show, Lan?”
“If you’re doing it, sure.”
“Lemme get started.”
Lotus stood up, stepping away from Night Star, summoning puppets like ‘the Miss’, ‘Hero,’ ‘butler,’ ‘country folk,’ with familiar appearances from the ‘City of Puppets.’
Night Star recognized these puppets immediately, knowing Lotus was performing her most cherished show.
That time Night Star saved Lotus had etched deeply into memory.
Lotus started the show, drawing curious onlookers. Soon, Night Star and Lotus were immersed together.
Without using ‘Existence Interference,’ a crowd soon gathered.
“What a fantastic puppet show! So different from amateurs!”
“A child, yet so skilled? Unbelievable!”
“She looks very familiar, is she from the Rising Sun Puppet Troupe? So cute!”
Finally, someone recognized the little performer.
Audience were delighted.
Since that grand performance, puppet shows had gained popularity, attracting many new fans and reviving interest in slow-paced entertainment.
Soon after,
Lotus finished her show.
Though few outside knew about the recent super nova eclipses, they could tell her story was top-notch.
Clap clap clap—
Cheering erupted.
Lotus courteously bowed to thank the audience, endearing herself even more.
“Thanks, everyone.”
The audience clamored.
“One more for the little lady!”
“No can do, precious seconds today. See you at next chance!”
Today was about her date with Night Star, not others’ performances.
Quickly, Night Star pulled Lotus along.
“Lotus, you’re so popular.”
Leaving the park, Night Star marveled.
Lotus pouted and glanced at Night Star’s cute face.
“If you revealed your Viewer identity, you’d be more popular than I am.”
“Hehe, better not, I don’t need a social d*ath.”
Lotus and Night Star continued their date, exploring many places in Shanghe City.
They finally approached an old residence nearby.
Lotus gazed nostalgically at the house.
“It’s been ages since I came back.”
“Your home.”
“No, this is Father’s place, not mine.”
Night Star observed Lotus’s expression, seeing no sadness, clearly indifferent.
“Shall we visit him?”
“Nah, meeting him won’t change anything. I can’t come back. But he knows I exist. The grand show made my existence public. He probably saw me.”
Lotus reminisced about the home she shared with her dear late mother.
“Let’s go, Lan, to another place.”
At that moment, the house door opened, revealing a middle-aged man.
Seeing the familiar figure, he wished to call out. Yet words stuck in his throat. Guilt and regret washed over him.
“Lotus… my daughter, sorry…I’m relieved to see you’re happy…”
Knowing Lotus was alive yet choosing not to meet him, the answer was obvious.
As a father seeking redemption, he wouldn’t meddle in his daughter’s new life anymore.
…
A short while later.
Lotus led Night Star to the cemetery to honor her late mother, speaking softly about her happiness as if mother listened.
A date.
Deeper connection.
Meeting parents.
Lotus had arranged everything perfectly.
Night Star followed Lotus’s lead, enjoying each moment.
Isn’t it great?
As dusk approached.
Night Star, like the lovestruck girlfriend, arrived at the last stop,
Spike Star Tower.
“Aha, right here! Came here and pulled you back from losing yourself, remember?”
Memories flooded Night Star’s voice.
For Lotus back then, this place was backstage. The entire city, a stage for puppet plays.
Finding it relied on Mo Babbit’s abilities, a journey hard to forget.
“Well, it has significance, hence I love it. Top of the hill, views of the whole city! Isn’t it amazing?”
“Mmm, indeed. A fresh breeze, scenic views, and a clear sunset, such a rare treat.”
“I’m happy today, the best with you, Night Star~”
“So am I, countless moments like this.”
Lotus and Night Star sat tight together, watching the setting sun, sharing stories of their date.
“Night Star, can we have dates like this again?”
“Of course! Time permitting, you can invite anytime.”
Lotus stood up, standing before Night Star, blocking the sunset’s glare, focusing only on her.
“Now I’m grown, not a child you can soothe with head pats. If you’re moved, what will you do?”
“Mm… a tiny bit guilty.”
Night Star averted her gaze, unable to meet Lotus’s pure, hopeful eyes.
Lotus softly chuckled.
“The entire day was my initiative, my territory. Let me sign off the date.”
Lotus tossed back her hair, leaning in to peck Night Star lightly on the lips.
“Please guide me in future days.”
