Chapter 5: Nothing Much Happens
Eyes bolt open from a near-d*ath experience!
Wait, am I the antagonist?
It turns out that the Rising Sun Theater Group is the Tragic Shadow Theater, and all its members are targets for the Night Watcher to take out. Talk about your typical bad guy role.
Night Star gazes at Mo Tu, pleading with her eyes like a baby seal asking for mercy.
“Gimme a break, what should I do? Should I quit?”
Next to her, Lianhua opens her cherry lips slightly but remains silent, opting instead to sulk in silence.
Mo Tu looks bewildered as if he just saw a cat walking on water.
“Come on, are you this scared? Summon up the courage to save your friends.”
“Courtsey doesn’t cost anything! Plus, this isn’t just about bravery; it’s about infiltrating the lair of villains – not exactly child’s play.”
“But you’ve been a member for so long without anything happening, right?”
“Funny you mention that. The moment I think about how the group leaders are societal disasters, I just can’t bring myself to face them…”
Night Star has always had a strong instinct to avoid danger. Due to her timid nature, she is definitely less daring than others.
In the past, she would get even more apprehensive near danger zones and with riskier people.
Now, the newfound truth about the Rising Sun Theater Group leaves Night Star feeling somewhat confused.
She currently believes that Mo Tu is her most reliable Night Watcher, and has also helped her.
Since he seems to know something about her secrets, she feels no pressure reaching out to him.
To which Mo Tu suggests, “Why don’t we just pretend nothing is happening?”
“Huh?” Night Star freezes.
Lianhua, too, exhibits a puzzled expression. She wonders why the Night Watcher Mo Tu, who has a natural enmity with Star Eclipses, would advise this.
Mo Tu smiles gently.
“Not buying it? Your friend is in the theater troupe, right? Do you want to cut ties with her or make her leave the group?”
“Er…”
Instinctively, Night Star glances at Lianhua, noticing her tense expression, indicating she’s anxious about Night Star’s decision.
Right, Lianhua is still with the Rising Sun Theater Group, a detail night Star must not overlook.
But why does Mo Tu insist on acting like nothing has happened?
This is a dangerous Star Eclipses organization after all. The group leaders often trigger phenomena that trouble the Night Watchers immensely.
From a Night Watcher’s perspective, it is correct to deal with them swiftly and efficiently.
At least, that’s how Night Star understands it.
Mo Tu continues, “While members of the Tragic Shadow Theater are all Star Eclipses, they do not cause major disasters; everything remains within the Night Watcher’s control, unlike that level of severity from Lianhua’s [Doll City].”
“Uh-huh, then what?”
“The Tragic Shadow Theater’s Star Eclipses phenomenon is quite unique; it only causes severe problems during grand performances, which require a lot of preparation time. They’ve only succeeded once since their appearance; the rest were stopped by Night Watchers.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, but they excel at escaping and hiding; that’s what makes them the most troublesome for us.”
“Oh~”
In Night Star’s mind, an image of a dimly lit theater comes to mind—it probably wasn’t constructed properly.
No wonder the atmosphere was so strange.
“But I’m still scared.”
“Just blend in with them!”
“What?!”
“If you’re scared because they are Star Eclipses, then just become one with them yourself.”
“Why would I do that?” Night Star is getting more and more perplexed, leaving her even more mystified about Mo Tu.
At this, Mo Tu chuckles.
“For the thrill, naturally.”
“Ugh! As expected, seeking your advice was a mistake!” Night Star pouts furiously, looking like an angry kitten.
Beside her, Lianhua giggles softly to console her, refraining from interrupting.
Mo Tu’s suggestion essentially keeps Night Star around, which suits Lianhua just fine. For her, the Rising Sun Theater Group provides a sense of belonging.
Leaving the group wouldn’t be good for Lianhua. Besides, staying would benefit everyone.
The Rising Sun Theater cannot afford to lose viewers, much like how the West can’t afford to lose Jerusalem.
Night Star begins to calm down and simply stares silently at Mo Tu.
“Really?”
“Absolutely serious.”
“Entertainment?”
“This is only part of the reason.”
“Tragic Shadow Theater is a peculiar organization,” Mo Tu explains, smiling. “It harbors countless secrets, and I’m barely privy to any information. Perhaps, they are more exceptional than other Star Eclipses. Using lethal force might not be the best solution here.”
“Can they regain their humanity like Lianhua?” Night Star asks curiously.
“Perhaps. You could try it. Isn’t this what you’re good at?”
“No… not really…”
After muttering to herself, Night Star falls into deep thought, seriously considering Mo Tu’s advice.
Sometimes, when faced with critical decisions, people do deliberate heavily.
And so does Night Star.
However, it’s easier for her. If she feels intuitively right, she acts.
“Alright. I’ll stay in the Rising Sun Theater.”
Next to her, Lianhua seems relieved and displays a cute smile.
It’s great that Night Star will remain!
Mo Tu appears satisfied with Night Star’s decision.
“Great. I support you. Perhaps, you’ll even become the leader someday. Imagine that!”
Night Star looks at him blankly.
“But what about the Night Watchers? What if they find out?”
“Worry not. Only we three know; and hey, aren’t you already a Night Watcher? You’ll see things coming way ahead of anyone else, won’t you?” Mo Tu winks.
Night Star gets it immediately.
“Feels like a spy movie.”
“Suit yourself. Now, the mission of unifying the Tragic Shadow Theater lies with you,” Mo Tu stands up, seemingly ready to leave.
“Who cares! When trouble comes, I’ll bail anyway. Don’t expect me to bear heavy burdens.”
“Yes, true to form. Go with your instincts. The world will cater to you. Farewell.”
Mo Tu leaves the hut, disappearing from Night Star’s sight.
Lianhua covers her slightly opened cherry lips, eyes widening in mild surprise.
“Mr. Mo… quite the peculiar person, indeed.”
Night Star nods, clearly agreeing with Lianhua’s sentiment.
“Whatever, let’s eat first.”
Then, Night Star pulls out a sweet treat Mo Tu brought over.
“Mmm~ delicious. Want some, Lianhua?”
“Huh? Sure…”
“Really tasty!” Night Star offers a cookie.
“Mmmm… okay, thanks~”
Lianhua leans on the chair shyly, opening her glistening lips.
Night Star places the cookie between her small pink lips, her thumb and index finger barely touching them.
Small and delicate, she tilts her head, playing with her hair with her dainty hand, a shy hint flashing through her eyes.
Her slender feet stretch under the ground, her graceful toes pointing forward. Her tensed feet resemble the newly appeared crescent moon above the clouds.
Both food and Lianhua’s lips hold onto Night Star’s finger.
“Yummy~”
