"Wait a moment." Su Chen immediately stood up, crooking his finger at Sparkle who was behind Robin.
"Did I hear correctly? Boss Sparkle!"
"Oh dear." Sparkle poked her head out from behind Robin, a mischievous grin on her face as she looked at Su Chen. "I was just joking with Miss Robin, that's all."
Robin looked at the two with a bewildered expression, her gaze eventually settling on Sunday.
"So, brother, what are they talking about?"
"Actually, the boss of miHoYo is none other than the gentleman standing before you: Mr. Su Chen." Sunday pointed toward Su Chen.
Then he turned to Sparkle. "Since Miss Sparkle here possesses such profound mastery in the art of humor, even managing to trick my little sister, if you'd like, I would be willing to spend some time with you. How does that sound?"
Su Chen, reading Sunday's expression, naturally knew that Sunday had probably already developed killing intent.
To ensure Sparkle wouldn't be beaten into a sprinkler by Sunday,
he stepped in as the peacemaker. "It's fine, it's fine. It's all a minor matter. I guarantee nothing like this will happen again."
"Huu~" Sunday let out a heavy sigh. "Then... alright."
However, Sparkle bounced over to Su Chen and pulled a contract from her satchel, handing it to him. "See, Miss Robin's contract is already signed. Surprised? Shocked?"
"Uh..." Su Chen took the contract, glancing guiltily at Sunday. He could feel a gaze burning into him from Sunday's eyes.
"Actually, I can explain."
The next moment, Sunday sighed.
"Let it be. What's done is done. Let it stand. Penacony should have a place for Robin."
[PS: Over a hundred chapters ago, Su Chen had shown Sunday a script, trying to trick him in the same way, but was politely refused.]
Su Chen nodded silently.
If Robin was already here, why would he fear Sunday not taking the bait?
"Looking at this contract, huh?! Why isn't it the 2021 version? How did it become the 2024 version?"
After flipping through a few pages, Su Chen grew increasingly uneasy. He frowned, looking at Sparkle. "Why is the boss's name actually yours? Even the company name is different?"
Su Chen raised a single eyebrow. "Translate this for me."
"Translate what?"
"Translate for me what the hell is meant by 'surprise,' what the hell is meant by 'surprise'!"
"This is the surprise! I said it was Boss Sparkle, didn't I?" Sparkle even blinked at Su Chen.
"Hahaha, hahaha." Su Chen laughed. "You're the first person who dares to go against me like this!!! Compared to you, Sampo is as pure as a blank sheet of paper."
Sparkle laughed wildly. "Heehee, ta-da! Of course, I'm just doing it for fun, so... Robin is my employee now! Hahaha..."
However.
Su Chen sat back down on the sofa, smiling as he looked at Sparkle.
Sparkle's laughter faded slightly. She sensed something was off. "Hey, this isn't fun at all. Why aren't you getting angry?"
"Why should I be angry? We each used our own methods. You did well." Su Chen pursed his lips. "Miss Robin, you might have to work at Sparkle's company. But then again..."
Sparkle's smile finally vanished because what she feared most was Su Chen saying "but then again."
These three words always signaled a reversal.
So...
"Where's the reversal? Tell me quickly."
Su Chen glanced at Robin. "Should you tell her, or should I?"
Robin smiled gently. "It's better if you do it."
"Alright." Su Chen slowly flipped through the contract until he reached the signature page.
"Robin's English name is—'robin.' Every time she signs for fans, she also draws a robin. So on your contract, in the signature space, there's only a little bird drawing, not her actual name."
"What!" Sparkle hurriedly grabbed the contract and flipped through it. "It... it really is! But why? Was it premeditated?"
"Miss, Robin is a huge star! How many autographs do you think she signs in a day? Did you take her for March 7th or Stelle? For her, without confirming Sunday's safety first, she would never write her actual name."
Su Chen shot Robin a look, signaling her to take over.
Robin nodded. "The reason I draw a little bird is to leave a safeguard. But since I've drawn the bird, as long as your intentions toward me are genuine, I will sign my name."
Sparkle sat down in her seat, full of regret. "Miscalculated, miscalculated!"
...
Not long after.
Jiaoqiu, Aventurine, and Sampo regrouped with Su Chen.
According to Jiaoqiu's account, Kevin had left the hotel early, but he promised to give miHoYo an explanation.
Then,
with the help of Aventurine and Sampo, Sparkle was finally forcibly tied up and placed in a car.
Jiaoqiu and Robin also tactfully left.
The office was now empty except for Sunday and Su Chen.
Su Chen broke the silence first. "The matter between us two should be discussed."
Sunday walked to the office window, looking at the scenery outside. "Actually, there's nothing to discuss. This is for the best."
"The reason you asked me here was to give the hotel a chance to settle accounts anew, but given your position, you had no choice but to step in.
I've resolved all the issues, and this is already the best outcome. So what are you still hung up on?"
"It's just..."
"Sentimental." Su Chen said this one word, then stood up to leave. "Don't push yourself so hard. Think carefully about your sister. She is your only true treasure.
By the way, I've established a Robin Anti-Defamation Association. It usually specializes in dealing with trash who deliberately smear Robin and bring her negative publicity. I can let you manage it. Do you want to join?"
"I DO!!!"
—
Two days later.
miHoYo Interactive Film and Television City.
"Welcome, everyone, to the first miHoYo Comic Con!
Right now, the interactive city has gathered nearly 30,000 tourists and fans. We hope everyone has a great time.
We will also be hosting many small activities throughout the event. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Moreover, during the entire event, we will be conducting a vote for the most popular character in Honkai: Star Rail!
Campaign for your favorite character! The results will be announced at the very end of the comic con events!"
Owlbert, wearing a snowy owl hood, delivered the opening speech with passionate energy.
Immediately, the entire interactive city erupted in excitement.
Meanwhile, inside Himeko's coffee shop,
Su Chen had gathered everyone.
"Everyone, today is miHoYo's biggest celebration—the comic con event.
So everyone must actively participate, interact with the fans and audience. How does that sound?"
Everyone: "..."
"How about it!"
Everyone: "..."
"Could I get some reaction here?"
March 7th rolled her eyes at Su Chen. "Instead of wasting time here chattering, you should just let us out. Why bother with a pre-battle pep talk?"
"Exactly, I just want to ask one question." Silver Wolf looked at her outfit. "Why am I wearing the clothes I wore during the play?"
"If you don't wear them, what if you get recognized?"
Silver Wolf: "????"
"Alright, alright, meeting adjourned! Remember, except for the team represented by Wise and Belle, everyone else must participate in the annual vote."
Silver Wolf dismissed it with a scoff, a bold idea forming in her mind.
"Yay!" Billy charged straight out of the coffee shop. "Today, I must pilot the Creation Engine!!!"
Almost everyone scattered in a rush.
Just then,
Stelle suddenly approached Su Chen. "Little brother, I want to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Um... how do I put this? It's a bit strange. How about... you come with me to my room to take a look?"
"You didn't run into some trash can deity, did you? Don't worry about it; that thing doesn't exist."
"Hey! You." Stelle hooked her arm around Su Chen's neck. "You're coming with me whether you want to or not. Come to my room and see."
"What are you trying to do? We're siblings! Besides, I only like one person in this lifetime! Don't mess around! No! Don't..."
...
Soon.
The siblings arrived in front of Stelle's bed. After exchanging a look with Su Chen, Stelle yanked the blanket aside.
Under the blanket, they saw a young girl in white sleeping soundly. Her white hair was tied into two conspicuous braids.
"I'm so puzzled. When I woke up this morning, I found her curled up in my blanket, and I couldn't wake her no matter how hard I tried."
Su Chen looked at the girl's appearance and couldn't help trembling. Could it be this coincidental? How is she here?
"It's perfectly normal. When the weather gets cold, cats start growing in blankets!"