Chapter 7: Don’t Let Others Ruin It!
Lianhua was feeling a bit flustered.
It was her first time being praised like this, especially in the unique realm of puppet shows.
She couldn’t help but mumble to herself.
【What if it’s just someone who has never seen a puppet show before? They only think my performance is amazing because it’s their first time seeing one?】
Most people think what they see is fantastic until they witness something even cooler. Then they return, and it’s like, “Meh.”
“Um… are you talking about my puppet show when you say ‘amazing’?”
Lianhua asked softly to confirm.
“Uh-huh!”
The silver-haired loli nodded gently, indicating Lianhua was spot on.
“Wow…”
Lianhua’s eyes widened slightly, feeling as if she had stumbled upon a magical portal. A curious sensation bubbled within her.
If this silver-haired loli genuinely thought her puppet show was spectacular, then Lianhua had her first audience!
“Ah… um… uh…”
Her head was a bit dizzy—was it excitement or something else? Either way, she was just so happy!
After stumbling over her words for what felt like forever, she managed to squeak out, “Thank you!”
Lianhua suppressed her excitement and took a closer look at the silver-haired loli.
First impressions? She seemed around the same age, maybe a teenager like Lianhua.
And those silver locks were gorgeous! Her eyes sparkled like crimson stars, her skin smooth and silky, and that exquisitely soft face was just begging to be bitten into; she probably had some serious bounce!
Lianhua thought this loli looked like a super fancy porcelain doll.
If she made a puppet based on her, it would definitely be a hit!
In that instant, Lianhua felt a strong flutter in her heart.
【I wish she could be my puppet!】
No, wait. Why was she even thinking that?
Lianhua took a deep breath to calm herself.
“Phew…”
Looking at the silver-haired loli, she began to initiate a conversation.
“Um… do you like puppet shows?”
The silver-haired loli pondered for a moment.
“This is my first time watching a puppet show, but after seeing your performance, I thought it was great! It looked really fun, so I guess that means I like it!”
“Is that so? Actually, my skills in puppet shows are pretty much that of a newbie. There are masters out there who are really amazing. I’m working hard to reach that goal!”
“Oh~ Is that so? Then I believe you can definitely do it!”
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
Lianhua was feeling really happy; her heart was beating faster than ever!
At this moment, the silver-haired loli continued, “Can I watch you perform again?”
“Of course!”
Having someone wanting to watch her perform was music to Lianhua’s ears.
This was her first audience, after all!
How could she not fulfill the silver-haired loli’s request?
“Here we go!”
With that, Lianhua manipulated the puppet in her hands to put on a simple puppet show for the silver-haired loli.
With an audience this time, Lianhua put in even more effort into her performance.
It felt like this show was even better than before, more heartfelt.
As the silver-haired loli clapped, the little stage curtain dropped once more, signaling the end of the puppet show.
Clap clap clap~
The silver-haired loli applauded with excitement, as if she were stimulating Lianhua’s spirit.
“That was amazing! The moment I met you, I really looked forward to watching your puppet show, and you definitely didn’t disappoint! You really are the puppet master of the theater group!”
“Theater? Puppet master?” Lianhua tilted her head, a bit confused about what this audience member was rambling on about.
Then the silver-haired loli suddenly realized she might’ve misspoken and quickly covered it up.
“Ha ha~ Don’t mind me, let’s just pretend I’m babbling.”
“Oh…”
Lianhua felt like the silver-haired loli was hiding something but figured it was probably none of her business.
“So, um… you’re my first audience! If you want to see more puppet shows, I can perform another one for you!”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
“Uh, no need to thank me! I should be the one thanking you,” Lianhua said a bit shyly.
The silver-haired loli looked at the puppet in Lianhua’s hands and curiously asked, “Is this your puppet?”
“Yep! This is my favorite puppet, given to me by my mom. I cherish it so much and want to perform a grand puppet show with it, but that goal is still a bit far off.”
“I see! It looks really cute!”
“Yeah, I think so too!”
Lianhua was over the moon.
Having someone call her puppet cute was such a compliment!
If there were a visible gauge for affection, Lianhua’s feelings for the silver-haired loli were shooting up like a rocket!
The silver-haired loli said in a kind of admonishing tone, “Since it’s your favorite puppet, you have to take good care of it! You can’t let anyone ruin it.”
“For sure! I’ll protect it well. I wouldn’t let anyone mess it up!”
“Uh-huh, that’s good.”
The silver-haired loli looked relieved, as though she had just released a significant burden.
Lianhua thought that was a bit strange but didn’t want to pry.
The two chatted about many things, mostly Lianhua introducing the loli to the wonders of puppet shows.
As time passed, dusk began to fall.
Lianhua glanced at the clock and realized her father was about to get off work.
Quickly, she stood up and bowed to the silver-haired loli.
“I’m really sorry for keeping you for so long, wasting your time!”
The silver-haired loli waved her hand, saying, “No, it’s fine! I was a bit bored anyway; I should be the one apologizing!”
“Nope, it’s definitely my fault!”
“It’s my fault!”
Finally, they both laughed, deciding to stop the debate there.
Lianhua packed up her puppets and puppet box, a somewhat reluctant expression on her face.
“I have to head back now, but I’ll be here every afternoon to perform puppet shows! Probably around three o’clock, so if you’re interested, you can come watch!”
“Okay, I’ll definitely come!”
After packing up her things, Lianhua found it really hard to leave.
“Um… can you tell me your name?”
“My name’s Night Star.”
“Night Star, huh…?”
Lianhua looked down, repeating the name to herself as if to commit it to memory.
“Got it! My name is Lianhua.”
“Uh-huh, that’s a lovely name.”
Lianhua shyly brushed her hair back, her cheeks a tad pink.
“Ah, you’re making me blush!”
After a small bashful moment, Lianhua bounced back.
“I gotta go now. See you tomorrow~!”
“Yep, see you tomorrow!”
With that, Lianhua left with a cheerful spring in her step.
“Hmm…”
Night Star stroked her chin, getting lost in thought.
She had just come out to roam around out of boredom and didn’t expect to stumble upon a loli puppet master—talk about luck!
Originally drawn in from afar by the puppet show, she only realized how familiar it was once she got closer, and finally recognized her.
“So this loli puppet master is named Lianhua? And her puppet is still in perfect condition—now what should I do next…”
Night Star sighed softly, feeling a bit perplexed.
