Chapter 3: The Theater’s Guest
After Neko Shinna and Star Yoon brought back hot snacks, Night Lan promptly contacted Bai Yu and told her she was back.
Not long after, Bai Yu returned to Zero Meow’s rest chamber.
“Night Lan, welcome back.”
Cute little Bai Yu sat next to Night Lan, completely unable to hide her joy from her face.
Night Lan couldn’t help but cuddle up to her.
“Mmm, you don’t mind me surprising you with not telling you earlier, right?”
“Of course not! Night Lan wanted to surprise us, right? I love surprises!”
“That’s great. Actually, I brought back a few things from the capital for everyone. Here they are.”
Then, Night Lan pulled out gifts from the small backpack she had on.
These so-called gifts were just a few stuffed toys that Lianhua had won extra at the game arcade. Perfect for sharing among friends.
To be super strict, these weren’t actually from the capital, but from Qi Yuan City.
Besides that, Night Lan did indeed buy some things in the capital:
For instance, the latest gaming console, meant for Star Yoon. After all, what else did she do except for playing games?
She also got the chef handbook from the Night Watcher HQ’s superstar chef. This naturally went to Neko Shinna, as requested by Leader.
As for that troublesome Xiao Lingling, she could have a poorly drawn portrait from Night Lan.
After giving away the presents,
The girls clearly enjoyed Night Lan’s offerings greatly.
Neko Shinna held the chef’s book with bright eyes.
“How cool! Now more yummy food for you~”
She loved cooking, and this handbook was literally her dream gift.
Star Yoon held her new gaming console, looking like she was ready to play right away.
“Night lan, can I play with this right now? It feels awesome.”
Nodding, Night Lan patted Star Yoon on top of her head.
“Sure thing. It’s yours anyway.”
“Yay! Viva La Night Lan!”
Star Yoon flopped onto a giant pillow and began playing.
Meanwhile,
Zero Meow examined her drawing closely.
“Hmm… which big-shot drew this? It looks exactly like me?”
Night Lan didn’t want to confess it was her, or she’d never hear the end of it.
“It’s a portrait done from your photo by artist friend. What do you think?”
“Not only is it beautiful! It’s almost an art piece! If you get the chance, let me meet that friend!”
“Hehe… we’ll talk about it.”
Night Lan chuckled, averting her gaze.
Playing around cute girls wasn’t easy.
Now there was only Bai Yu without a special gift.
Seeing her expectant eyes, Night Lan leaned over and whispered, “Bai Yu’s gift is tonight. Keep your hopes up.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
Bai Yu hugged her stuffed animal close, smiling with anticipation.
Actually… She felt content with the toy already.
After all, it was from Night Lan.
No matter the gift, anything from Night Lan held a special value.
She was Bai Yu’s best and most unique friend after all.
Time slowly passed,
Somewhere around nine o’clock PM.
Night Lan and Bai Yu walked out of the restroom, ready to leave for somewhere else.
“What if we go to my place?”
“To your house, Night Lan? Hmm, I’d like that.”
Bai Yu blushed slightly, seeming quite willing to be led by Night Lan.
Then she sent a message to her sister and father, saying she would visit Night Lan’s home and to worry not.
She agreed too, no worries about staying overnight.
It seemed Bai Tu and Bai Yuan both trusted Night Lan to protect Bai Yu.
After, Night Lan took Bai Yu back to Fish Playing House.
Bai Yu carefully took off her shoes, gently stepping into guest slippers, then stepped inside Night Lan’s place with a bit of curiosity.
“Night Lan, why did you bring me here?”
“Well, bringing you here isn’t really the plan. I actually want to take you somewhere else.”
“Someplace else? Where?”
Just as Bai Yu wondered curiously, Night Lan waved her hand.
A dark square door popped up before them.
Then she gave a mysterious smile.
“Welcome to my secret hideout. It’s where I hang out with some friends I wanna introduce you to.”
Seeing this, Bai Yu recalled something, followed Night Lan inside.
After a dim tunnel, a whole new scene presented itself before her eyes.
An empty theater, slightly eerie yet mesmerizing in its own way.
Bai Yu, visiting this place for the first time, got swept up in the awe of it.
“This place is…”
Night Lan began explaining, “This is the Rising Sun Theater Group. They rest here, and it’s also secretly shared between Night Lan and Night Star. Cool, isn’t it?”
“Hmm… Are we really supposed to be here?”
Bai Yu felt a slight unease within.
This secret seemed genuinely important.
She knew from the Night Watcher’s website about rising sun’s special status. She understood how critical their information was.
Many were curious where they were hiding; it was always a mystery.
Previously, Bai Yu was intrigued by this, now she was actually invited here.
In the dim light of the Rising Sun Theater, something mysterious lingered.
Did Night Star live here all along?
Bai Yu felt a mix of elation and apprehension when Night Lan gently touched her soft cheek.
“Don’t worry. If even you can enter, who wouldn’t? If I approve someone, they’re allowed here.”
“If that’s true, and you trust me so much, I’m really happy.”
“Ah… good.”
At that moment, several figures approached, catching Bai Yu’s attention.
Glancing back, she found three girls nearing her, including one familiar figure— Night Star, Lianhua, and Kong Yu Bai.
Two others were strangers—a girl with pink hair and another with purple hair, making Bai Yu feel out of place.
Just as Bai Yu was zoning out, Night Star stepped towards her lightly.
“Look, Night Star is right in front of you.”
Bai Yu snapped out of it, smiling tenderly.
“Uh… Yeah. Her name is Observer, right? She’s quite famous outside; no, in the Night Watchers group. Everyone says Observer is super skilled for getting along with countless Eclipse Stars. Even Xiao Lingling often talks about it.”
“Oh…”
