Chapter 17: Opening Performance
“Want to meet the members of the Rising Sun Theater Group?”
“Hmm, I just want to see them from afar. It’s not like I’m going to interact with them; it’s just fulfilling a tiny wish for the fans. What do you think?”
The makeup artist pondered for a moment and then nodded.
“That’s fine, I’ll take you to see them.”
“Yay~”
Night Lan followed closely behind the makeup artist, while Night Star stayed behind, not following along.
There was no need to reveal Night Star yet. Just Night Lan would suffice.
Not long after, they arrived at a large tavern. It was close to the theater, making it convenient for the theater group members to prepare for their performance.
“I’m so nervous…”
Night Lan followed the makeup artist inside, being very careful and standing by the edge.
Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was extremely lively. Tables were full of people, and the air was filled with a strong scent of alcohol.
The makeup artist pointed in a direction.
“Look over there, those are the members of the Rising Sun Theater Group.”
Night Lan’s gaze followed the pointing finger and saw a large table surrounded by approximately ten people—men and women with very unique auras. Only those who have performed long-term on stage could possess such distinctive confidence.
Night Lan observed this detail.
“The Group Leader…”
Right away, she recognized that familiar face.
It was an elderly gentleman who looked serene, almost like the future Group Leader. However, his aura was different.
The current Group Leader gave off a very down-to-earth vibe. Hmm… perhaps it’s the difference between a regular person and someone like Star Eclipse. The current Group Leader wasn’t Star Eclipse yet, appearing quite normal and not eerie at all.
He also wasn’t wearing the same black magical tuxedo as in the future; in Night Lan’s view, this was quite distinct.
“Mmm, so this is the early style of the Group Leader? It doesn’t differ much from what I imagined.”
“What’s that?” the makeup artist’s puzzled voice rang out, missing Night Lan’s mumble.
Night Lan shook her head slightly and immediately changed the topic.
“Nothing. Is that old man really the Group Leader of the Rising Sun Theater Group?”
“Yes, if you enjoy watching their performances, you should know him. His shows are amazing, at least in my opinion.”
“Mmm-hmm, me too.”
Then, Night Lan shifted her gaze to the others, but there was no sign of the Fraudster or the Gentleman here.
It seemed they only joined after the Group Leader became Star Eclipse.
The current members weren’t familiar to Night Lan.
“Um, could you introduce me to the other members of the Rising Sun Theater Group? Though I’ve seen their performances, I can’t seem to remember them well.”
Night Lan fibbed a little here, mainly to stick to the current setup.
The makeup artist nodded without suspicion.
“The actor at the right hand side of the Group Leader is a very talented tenor. His voice is mesmerizing and filled with passion. Everyone calls him the Enthusiastic Singer due to his enthusiastic spirit.”
“Mmm-mmm.”
“The actor sitting on the left is a superb stage actor. He can portray all sorts of roles incredibly well, even playing a female character convincingly in a female gown and makeup. He’s very handsome and popular among women, earning him the name ‘Thousand Faces.’”
“Wow, a cross-dressing master!”
“There’s also a lady on the right side of the Group Leader. She’s an outstanding dancer, capable of dancing gracefully on stage. Her moves resemble those of a fairy, earning her the title ‘Dance Fairy.'”
“Sounds impressive.”
Through Night Sakura Mirror’s introduction, Night Lan slowly got to know the members of the current Rising Sun Theater Group, every one of them exceptional in their own way.
Singers, musicians, dancers, each excelled in their respective unique performance techniques.
Night Lan thought it was so cool!
She never imagined that the initial lineup of the Rising Sun Theater Group was this impressive.
If the current lineup was combined with the future ones, they would definitely form an unstoppable troupe!
Night Lan really wanted to introduce herself, but upon deeper reflection, realized it wouldn’t be appropriate.
She didn’t want to change anything by making her presence known. It was a promise made to the Group Leader.
At this time, she was here just to witness the performance, not to alter it. Just staying around the edges would suffice.
For Non-Observing Performer Night Lan, acting now signified determination.
“Meh, I can’t wait to watch tonight’s show.”
Time passed to nightfall.
Darkness enveloped the scene.
Night Lan returned to the theater to reunite with Night Star, waiting quietly in a corner.
Night Sakura Mirror was backstage, preparing the cast’s final make-up to showcase their most perfect forms for the audience.
This was her duty.
Performance about to start.
Many spectators started entering the theater and taking their seats, none of whom noticed Night Lan and Night Star.
Night Lan Star did not pay attention to the others’ interactions — her focus solely lay on anticipating the show.
Soon, the stage lights flickered on.
Audience members’ gazes turned towards the stage, the atmosphere gradually hushed.
Maintaining silence during the performance is basic etiquette, a rule followed by everyone, even titled nobles, who kept to themselves as well.
This place is a public forum, and nobles had to maintain decorum.
Most present were high-ranking dignitaries. The theater was partly akin to upper-class society. Disregarding etiquette here was like disgracing oneself in front of everyone.
Back to the plot.
In the instant the stage lights illuminated, those on the lower level gradually dimmed, signaling the start of the performance.
A figure emerged from behind the curtain, bowing to the crowd before delivering a monologue.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s splendid performance will be brought to you by the Rising Sun Theater Group. Please look forward to it.”
Afterward, the host withdrew.
Instantly, the stage lights went dark, rendering the entire theater pitch-black.
Moments later, the lights flickered again, revealing a towering figure, an impeccably handsome older gentleman.
Night Lan Star’s eyes sparkled in recognition from the darkened corner of the audience.
“Group Leader, how dashing!”
Could any little lolita resist such an impressively skilled, cool-as-a-cucumber old man?
If not for concern about drawing attention, Night Lan Star would have held up a banner to support the Group Leader.
Looks like the Group Leader is responsible for setting the mood for the opening performance at this time. In the future, this job is supposed to belong to the Singer!
Indeed, the Group Leader must be a formidable presence in this era.
“Meh, stop daydreaming, let’s concentrate.”
Night Lan Star snapped back to reality, focusing intently on the Group Leader’s performance.
Maintaining focus during the show is fundamental etiquette.
All other spectators’ gazes converged on the Group Leader.
Next, the spectacular magic performance began.
That was the Group Leader’s specialty.
