Chapter 18: Weekend Approaches
Night Star’s eyes twinkled as they watched the events unfolding before them, almost like they were munching on popcorn.
“Come on, fight! Fight!”
It was evident that Night Star was living for the drama, hoping for a full-blown brawl to break out.
If the people around knew that a certain loli was secretly egging them on from the shadows, they might have given her a good thrashing before even dragging her out of her hiding spot.
Switching the perspective back to the scene:
The leader of the Research Institute’s action team stared at Mo Qianmeng and said in a low voice, “Are the Night Watchers really going to go all out against us?”
“No, you’re the ones who crossed our lines first. You should be thankful we didn’t discover your shenanigans in the past. Now, you’re so brazenly searching this place without any regard for the Night Watchers. Do you really think we’ll stand idly by?”
“Don’t you know who stands behind us?”
“So what if we do? Why don’t you bring him to the Night Watcher base and see how cocky he will be.”
Neither side seemed ready to throw down; they were just verbally sparring. It reminded Night Star of two senior citizens arguing on the street, and she wondered why things weren’t getting more heated.
“Mmm… Why aren’t they fighting? Is it because the atmosphere isn’t tense enough?”
Well, there went the fun.
Oddly enough, when did she start enjoying watching dramas so much?
She was a fish floating belly up in a pond after all.
After a brief standoff, the members of the Research Institute began backing off.
“Retreat.”
These Star Holders started leaving the Calligraphy and Painting Entertainment District, clearly deciding to stop the search. The Night Watchers didn’t chase them, maintaining their cool stance.
A Night Watcher beside Mo Qianmeng then asked, “Leader, shouldn’t we go after them?”
“Not yet, it’s not time.”
Mo Qianmeng shook her head, suddenly looking up to the third-floor roof.
Night Star ducked, muttering to herself, “I’ve been spotted, better scram.”
In the next moment, she snuck back into the theater through the entrance.
Seconds later, Mo Qianmeng appeared here and scanned the area.
“Huh… I could sense someone’s gaze, but it doesn’t feel like it came from the Research Institute.”
Sinking into thought, she ruled out the Research Institute.
And Night Watchers as well.
It must be some third party then, though she couldn’t figure out who.
That person was also likely a Star Holder, or else they would have been affected by the “idle people repellent” power of the Night Watchers.
“I hope it’s just an ordinary bystander who happens to possess a Star… Let’s keep it simple…”
Muttering those words, Mo Qianmeng gathered the Night Watchers and returned to headquarters. The entertainment district escaped another close call.
Elsewhere in the Library:
The Administrator, who had been reading a book, closed it in preparation for a nap.
…
Morning the next day:
Night Star stayed put in the theater. She had planned to sneak around town yesterday but was stopped by Kong Yu Bai.
“Performing Songstress, give my new song a try.”
“A new song?” Night Star brightened at that.
“Yeah, it took me all day yesterday.”
“Yes!”
There was no thrill quite like hearing world-renowned songstresses’ new hits!
Night Star grabbed Kong Yu Bai’s hand and bounced with anticipation.
“Now, sing it to me! Hurry!”
“Alright.”
Kong Yu Bai sang the freshly written tune. Her pure, ethereal voice filled the theater, captivating Night Star instantly.
When she finished, Night Star clapped enthusiastically.
“It’s amazing! I love it!”
Kong Yu Bai smiled faintly.
“This is for you.”
“Really? What does that mean?”
“You need to learn this song and release it under the name ‘Starry Sky Songstress.’ My goal is for you to become something like Qing Liao Songstress,” explained Kong Yu Bai, deadly serious.
Night Star was flabbergasted.
“Not necessary, right?”
“Yeah… But I want everyone to hear the ‘Starry Sky Songstress’ name around the globe. Consider it my hobby.”
Night Star pondered, biting her lip hesitantly.
Kong Yu Bai understood her unease.
“Don’t worry, you won’t take center stage. Stay as a web-based songstress. Think about it, I’m already done with that—singing again might attract unwanted attention. But by singing my songs, you can share them without causing problems. Doesn’t that work out perfectly?”
“Mmm… It sounds good.”
Night Star nodded fervently, convinced by Kong Yu Bai’s argument.
Kong Yu Bai ruffled her hair, satisfied.
“So let’s get started. I’ll teach you, and more people will hear your voice.”
“Okay! I’ll try my best!”
From then on, Night Star spent days perfecting the song with Kong Yu Bai. After nearly two days, she mastered it nearly perfectly.
With the song down pat, Night Star and Kong Yu Bai quietly went to the music entertainment district. They recorded the track, ensuring it was polished enough for release online.
Seeing the final file on her phone under Kong Yu Bai’s encouraging gaze, Night Star finally uploaded it.
“Phew… Everything’s fine now, right?”
“Yeah, now we just wait for others to find it. I believe it’ll happen soon.”
They returned to the theater, ready for the impending troupe activity.
As for the weekend approaching…
—
Meanwhile:
In a hotel room, a world-famous songstress was working on a new song when she heard a familiar notification sound.
Qing Liao lifted her gaze, puzzled.
She picked up her phone to investigate.
Quickly, she found out why.
Someone she followed long ago finally posted a message.
“Starry Sky Songstress, new song?”
This name triggered memories in Qing Liao. She recalled the Starry Sky Songstress as one of her earliest fans and idolized performers.
Though she couldn’t remember why she’d forgotten many details, nothing seemed out of place.
“Night Star… I wonder how you’ve been. Releasing a new song after all this time, I thought you’d stopped.”
Sighing, Qing Liao opened the message window, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.
“I suppose you still love singing, even if it’s unclear how far you’ve come. I, on the other hand, am already a world-class songstress.”
Having said that, Qing Liao put on headphones and clicked play on the song, listening intently.
Four minutes later, she removed her headphones, her eyes gleaming with delight.
“That was great!”
She listened again, unable to get enough of the melody.
