### Chapter 16 A Fateful Connection
The night.
In some mysterious research institute, unexpected information caused quite a stir among the higher-ups.
“Based on various clues, our intelligence operatives have narrowed down the general location of the highest-level experimental subject. The most likely spot is in the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District. You can send people there to search every nook and cranny. Who knows? We might find our target.”
“Great! We finally got a lead! So that guy hasn’t left Qi Yuan City after all. Does he think we won’t be able to find her?”
“I can’t wait! Send someone over right now!”
Under orders from the higher-ups, the Star Holders from the secret research institute went all out, heading straight for the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District.
Meanwhile…
In the Night Watcher base.
One report after another poured in about strange groups of figures gathering somewhere with a clear purpose.
Inside the command room, a short orange-haired boy and a shorthaired girl were staring intently at a screen, looking extremely serious.
These two were Black Yang and Mo Qianmeng, the Sunlight Night Watchers of the city.
Black Yang’s sunny smile was long gone now; his demeanor was cold and antisocial, as if he had completely changed personalities.
With more reports flowing in, the professionals in the command room soon identified the group’s identities.
“Report, these collective movements are most likely the Star Holders of the Sunset Research Institute. Behind them might be major financial powers of this city. Their large-scale operation tonight suggests they’ve discovered a highly valuable target. It’s probable they’re after the rumored highest-level experimental subject. Please make your own judgment, gentlemen.”
Hearing this, Black Yang asked icily, “Where are they headed?”
“Based on their route, it looks like it’s the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District.”
Mo Qianmeng raised an eyebrow.
“Really? That place?”
She wasn’t surprised, considering she used to frequent that area when she didn’t work as a night watcher.
Her paintings were displayed there, and visiting felt like a form of relaxation—perfect for unwinding.
Professional staff asked, “What should we do?”
Black Yang’s eyes narrowed, coldly saying, “Send nearby night watchers to stop them.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hearing the order, the staff immediately informed the patrol watchers outside, who quickly sprang into action.
Black Yang glanced at the map of the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District, snorting coldly.
“How dare they mobilize a bunch of Star Holders? They really don’t respect us night watchers. Wonder how much they rely on their backstabbing patrons?”
At night, Black Yang’s personality was like the flip side of his day self—cold, antisocial, and easily provoked.
As the Night Watcher leader, he wasn’t about to let these people run amok.
Mo Qianmeng looked at Black Yang.
“Senior Black Yang, I’m going too. We wouldn’t want things to spiral out of control and hurt innocent citizens, right?”
“Go ahead.”
“Mmm.”
Mo Qianmeng turned and left, leaving Black Yang alone with his screen.
A while later, Black Yang sneered again, his eyes cold.
“If it were daytime, I’d have already swooped in and put an end to them. Guess they picked the perfect timing.”
—
Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District.
Inside a massive library, a deep purple-haired woman was quietly reading.
Even though she was the only one here, it didn’t bother her at all.
For her, apart from eating and sleeping, the library was the center of her world.
Suddenly, a tiny figure appeared at the library entrance—the silver-haired loli who had escaped from the theater.
“Ughuh~ Those night watchers would never guess that I’d come to read. Hehehe, I’m such a genius!”
Nightingale stood at the entrance for a while, then finally entered the library, seeking something to read before bed.
There’s nothing like the feel of a paper book before sleeping—not quite as cozy as old bedtime stories but better than no stories at all.
But with no one to read to her, she could only read it herself.
The moment Nightingale walked in, she noticed an oddly conspicuous librarian.
This lady sat quietly alone, reading—a sight that somehow enticed her.
“Wow… still reading so late? She hasn’t left the library at all. This can’t be how she spends her days, right? How scary.”
Night Star couldn’t imagine doing so much reading. Hell, even light novels made her eyes hurt.
Only someone incredibly gifted could manage this level of dedication.
Nightingale approached the desk and whispered, “Excuse me… I’d like to read…”
The librarian didn’t even look up. “You can find what you want on your own. Just stay quiet.”
“Mmmm.”
Satisfied with her response, Nightingale headed towards the light novel section she had visited before.
Then, she had a thought: hadn’t they mentioned having a manga section? She decided to skip light novels today and go for manga instead.
After some searching, Nightingale found the manga section. Picking a few of her interests, she returned to the main hall.
This place had plenty of chairs and tables for readers. Plus, she could see the librarian at the desk—seemed like a nice bonus.
Night Star felt uneasy reading alone, but with other people around, she would feel less anxious.
Feeling settled, Nightingale sat down, opened her manga, and started reading intently.
The night was very quiet.
Inside the library, it was even quieter.
All that could be heard was the sound of pages turning between the librarian and Nightingale—a peculiar ambiance.
At that moment, the purple-haired woman paused mid-page and lifted her gaze, sensing something unusual outside—many strange shadows passing by.
“Looking for me…?”
Just as she mused, a silver-haired head popped up on the counter—an unexpected appearance by Nightingale.
“Hey hey, I think this manga is awesome! Want to try it?”
Nightingale’s eyes sparkled hopefully.
The purple-haired administrator gave her a stern glance.
“Quiet reading—don’t disturb others.”
“Oh…”
Nightingale slumped her ears, disappointed—she wasn’t expecting a rejection like that.
Maybe this purple-haired senior wasn’t a fan of younger girls?
Disappointed, Nightingale turned to leave.
However, the librarian’s voice stopped her.
“I’ve seen that manga. Thanks for the recommendation.”
Nightingale’s eyes lit up, she turned, asking, “If I find interesting books, may I recommend them to you?”
“As long as I haven’t read them, sure.”
“Mmmmm!”
Nightingale’s spirits lifted.
She found the purple-haired lady intriguing.
Being alone with just her and herself in this vast library—it must be fate.
And so, Nightingale decided to get to know her.
