Chapter 473: Watching Drama at Paperfold University, This Ojisan Is a Big Shot Now Too!
"Student, this is the latest hit item!"
"You must have watched the previous version's story, right?"
"Our Master Dan Heng never parts with Cloud-Piercer. When facing Dragon Master Taoran, he started at turn zero and pinned that old guy to the wall with a single thrust!"
"This 1:1 replica model of Cloud-Piercer reproduces that exact scene!"
In front of a stall filled with a dazzling array of goods.
An enthusiastic Pepeshi shopkeeper was eagerly pitching this hit item to March 7th.
March 7th giggled.
"If you put it that way, I really have to buy one!"
"Student, you have great taste! I also have newly arrived Hunt: March 7th cosplay outfits. I feel it suits you very well—care to take a look?"
March 7th immediately waved her hands: "No need for that."
She grabbed Stelle and quickly slipped away.
Weighing the Cloud-Piercer model in her hand.
Although it didn't weigh much.
It really looked almost identical to the real thing!
No wonder the stall owner said it was made with some latest high-tech polymer material technology, ensuring a realistic appearance while being completely harmless to people, and it wouldn't be confiscated at security checkpoints…
Just then.
March 7th noticed.
On the adjacent street, many students were running in one direction.
And every single one of them looked extremely excited!
As if someone was about to hold a concert.
Stelle took the lead.
She randomly grabbed a passing lucky student.
And asked her what was going on.
"Wait, are you guys new here?"
"Honkai: Star Rail's main storyline has started! It's being livestreamed right now over at the central stage!"
"Hurry up, or you won't get a good spot!"
With that.
The lucky student hurried off as well.
March 7th was startled!
"The version updated already? Darn it, when did that happen?!"
"Quick, quick, quick! Let's stop messing around here and head back to the Express to watch the story!"
However.
Stelle remained unmoved.
Crossing her arms, she said calmly, "Go back to the Express for what?"
"Didn't you hear what that student just said? They're setting up a livestream here too."
March 7th was taken aback and countered, "Wait, how could anything here be as comfortable as lying on the Express, drinking boba, and watching the story?"
"You don't get it. Sometimes, watching it together with a big crowd creates the best atmosphere."
Stelle wore a meaningful smile.
She recalled the last time she participated in a show, joining many players on-site as a representative to watch the story.
Though there were cringey moments, there were still plenty of highlights.
The cheers and gasps of the entire crowd.
They often made the people involved feel an overwhelming rush of adrenaline and immense satisfaction!
Seeing Stelle so confident and calm, March 7th nodded as well: "Alright then."
"Then let's watch it together with the students this time!"
With that.
She pulled Stelle, who was still savoring the feeling, and ran toward the central stage.
"What are you standing there being narcissistic for!"
"If we don't hurry, we won't get good spots, hey!"
Soon.
The two arrived at the scene.
On the huge screen.
The livestream had actually already begun.
And the streamer was an old acquaintance!
—Guinaifen!
This was a relay broadcast platform.
After all, Guinaifen could be considered the top streamer for Honkai: Star Rail story broadcasts right now. If the entire universe flocked to her main channel, the platform's servers would probably crash.
Therefore, Guinaifen's livestreaming rights had long been distributed to various platforms.
It served as a way to divert traffic.
"Ahhh, I'm late!"
"Did I miss any major plot points?"
"Hehehe, you cuties, I was watching the stream on my phone just now, so now it seamlessly connects!"
"No heavy plot points yet, nor any new characters. It's just the Astral Express crew arriving at our Paperfold Academy to attend the anniversary celebration."
"Phew… That's good, that's good."
March 7th and Stelle had arrived fairly early.
They were not far from the big screen.
Every single detail in the plot could be clearly seen.
After a brief spell of noisy chatter, the crowd gradually quieted down.
Everyone settled their minds and focused their attention on the story playing on the big screen.
…
March 7th asked, "Dan Heng, do you know something? What did the front desk mean when they said Pom-Pom checked into the hotel too?"
"If I had to guess, this guest impersonating Pom-Pom… is likely Boothill," Dan Heng replied expressionlessly.
"When we acted together in Penacony earlier, he also borrowed Pom-Pom's name. He's the only one I can think of."
"Boothill? What is he here for?" March 7th showed a look of confusion.
"Unclear. Galaxy Rangers have always operated alone, but Boothill wouldn't do anything harmful to the Express."
"Since this 'Pom-Pom' checked in three days ago, we'll likely find him in the dream. We can ask him in detail then."
March 7th giggled: "Then let me head out! Paperfold Academy is located in the Moment of Sun, and the hotel has already set the dream-entry location near the campus. Let's meet at the school entrance!"
"My room is still the one from last time… Time to prepare to enter the dream," Stelle muttered to herself.
Then,
Familiar with the route, she arrived at her room door.
The door was half-open.
Two people were already standing inside the room!
The two were urging each other.
"Hurry up! I heard the major shareholders have already arrived in the lobby. We must not disturb them!"
"I know! But that guy clearly ran in this direction, how did he vanish all of a sudden…"
"Shh, someone barged in—Who are you?"
[ I am the big shot. ]
Stelle stood with her hands on her hips.
Exuding sheer arrogance!
The Hound gave a disdainful laugh: "Give me a break, sister. Everyone who comes here claims to be a big shot, I'm sick of hearing it."
"No matter who you are, the Hound Family is investigating a case here, please take a detour…"
The other Hound whispered: "Hey! Gray hair, yellow eyes, weird straps hanging off her clothes… She seems to be that major shareholder!"
"What?! My Lord, why didn't you say so earlier!"
"—Oh my, honored guest, I spoke a bit too loudly just now, please forgive me! The Hounds are just conducting a routine check. The room facilities are completely normal now, so please feel free to stay."
"But the suspect…"
"You—Ah right right right, suspects are such a nuisance! But these procedures are all for the safety of our guests, and the Hounds never mind the trouble! We'll take our leave now, please rest well."
The bullet chat on the left suddenly surged!
…
"Hahaha, weird straps…"
"That's the Express Crew's anti-counterfeiting tag, son."
"The shift from suspect to nuisance, love it."
"Our Trailblazer is actually considered a Penacony big shot now."
"[ No matter who you are ]"
"I still prefer your previous arrogant and unyielding look, please switch back."
"Sigh, when can our Stelle finally get a change of clothes?"
"Don't bother asking, the closet is full of this exact same outfit."
…
Seeing the bullet chat.
Stelle shook her head helplessly.
Isn't she wearing a new outfit right now in real life!
If she really changed her outfit in-game, you guys wouldn't even recognize her!
Though, what did those two Hounds mean by a suspect just now?
In this plotline, could it be that she was going to have to take the fall first again?