Chapter 14: One Hundred Times, No Less!
“Ugh uh uh!”
Night Star was spacing out in the theater when she suddenly snapped back to reality.
“Mm, I’ll be off for a bit, don’t worry about me,” Night Star declared, disappearing into the crowd amidst the bewildered stares of Lianhua and company.
The makeup artist watched her go, puzzled. “Does the Audience Performer usually have so much on her plate?”
Book Yao chimed in, “Not really. She’s usually pretty relaxed. Must be helping another version of herself. Dual identities are quite a hassle.”
“Yeah, sounds tough. What can I do then? Pray, I guess.”
Kong Yu Bai smiled gently. “She’ll handle it. Even if she can’t, she’ll seek our help—she’s just a little cute bundle of nerves.”
Indeed, besides performing, helping the Audience Performer seems to be an unspoken obligation for the theater troupe.
It’s not officially stated, nor is it a rule, but more a sort of unspoken agreement.
If the Audience Performer asks for help, the group leader charges ahead.
Even if it had nothing to do with the performance.
Being the only Audience Performer in the troupe, after all.
Her pampered status was earned through genuine dedication.
The troupe members responded just as sincerely.
That was all there was to it.
…
Scene change.
Night Star appeared in some city. It wasn’t the capital, not Qi Yuan neither. Rather, Yun Chang, where her journey began.
Now, she stood in her little house, feeling nostalgic.
No matter how upscale the Night Watchers’ HQ, her Fish Playing House felt much homier.
This place had more of a homey vibe. Sticking close to Night Lan here was heavenly!
She should have been back here yesterday, but the bizarre Star Eclipse event in the capital got her caught up.
Night Lan couldn’t return as a Night Watcher until they resolved the star eclipse.
So she sought reinforcements!
And that reinforcement was none other than Mo Tu, whom she trusted.
Mo Tu had helped her countless times; surely this would be no different.
But Night Star walked out her door, knocked on the adjacent one.
“Is Mo Tu there?”
“No.”
A lazy voice replied.
She knew he was present.
“Open up! I’ve something to ask you!”
“No.”
Veins popping from her forehead, Night Star pounded Mo Tu’s door fiercely.
Bam bam bam!
“Mo Tuzi!!”
The door swung open, revealing a Black-Haired Man with a slightly exasperated expression.
“I thought you wouldn’t be in Yun Chang. Isn’t that show beginning in Qi Yuan? Or did you stick around the capital dealing with some star stuff? Crying and shouting here is so out of character.”
“I don’t care. I need your help this time.”
Pouting, Night Star was determined to drag Mo Tu into this.
He liked mischief; let him experience it personally, rather than just watch.
Unexpectedly, Mo Tu shook his head.
“No way. Figure it out yourself. You’re capable, even without me. You’re the unbeatable Audience Performer!”
Hearing this vague praise, Night Star’s face turned black.
“Do you want me to turn you into Mo Tuzi and grind you into the ground one hundred times?!”
“One hundred times?!”
Mo Tu panicked.
“Yes, one hundred times! Not even once will be spared!” she proclaimed confidently.
“Lmao.”
Mo Tu couldn’t help laughing, looking all too smug.
“Lmao?!”
Fuming, she wanted to bite this guy to d*ath; what an insufferable joker!
She had hoped turning into Mo Tuzi would change him. Turns out, he was still that bad.
Training needed to start immediately!
Mo Tu chuckled.
“Alright, stop blocking my doorway. Looks like I’m being unfairly accused, come in and talk properly.”
“Hmpf…”
Though reluctant, Night Star shuffled inside obediently.
Mo Tu served up some freshly made sweets, then sat across from her.
“What’s up?”
Gobbling down the dessert quickly, she explained, “We need your help with the star eclipse. You’re powerful; you’ll speed things along.”
“You could manage on your own, why involve me?”
“Wishing won’t work quickly. Plus, I need this sorted before dragging back. I don’t want delays.”
“Just wish for it.”
“It’s because I don’t want to wish that I came to you. Handling unknown star shenanigans? Too terrifying!”
Mo Tu sighed at Night Star’s melodramatic face.
“How can you still lag behind after all these years? Has living been all for naught?”
“Hmph, no matter how many years pass, I’ll never become a social butterfly. My life’s already done.”
Whispering, she looked demotivated indeed.
No friends were involved, no immediate danger—thus far.
Mo Tu stared blankly.
“Running away isn’t very admirable. But, hmm, looks like fun. Life should be carefree and enjoyable. Being a cared-for, worry-free Loli isn’t half bad, eh?”
Mo Tu lounged comfortably in a sofa, exuding a laid-back vibe.
Eyes narrowing, Night Star grew sharper.
“You seem to know a lot…”
“Not much. I know nothing. To the point, I’ll help out. Join the fray a bit.”
“Really?”
Eyes lighting up, Night Star’s spirits skyrocketed.
With Mo Tu’s help, her job would lighten, and that pressure would fade.
Malingering perfectly suited her!
Nodding lightly, Mo Tu waved dismissively.
“I tell no lies. Go back first, I’ll jump in when needed.”
“Ugh ugh!”
Giddy, she left Mo Tu’s hut.
Yet upon getting halfway, she doubled back, carrying leftovers.
“Don’t chicken out. Turn into Loli forever if you do!”
“Yeah, yeah.”
She humphed.
Satisfied with the response, Night Star departed happily.
Watching her go, Mo Tu grinned on the sofa and muttered.
“Even if you hadn’t come, I’d join in out of curiosity. Whether for real work or play, who knows?”
In summary, always good times.
