Kiana: 「Well said!」
Keqing: 「Striking where it hurts the most—that's the essence of a true verbal takedown. Mr. Bai Heng certainly understands this art!」
March 7th: 「Hehe, and she couldn't even retort because the Star-Followers genuinely possess the ability to discern beauty from ugliness! This was so satisfying to watch!」
Stelle: 「So this is how cultured people argue? Even their insults are... refreshingly elegant. Not like me—I'd just be like, 'What the f—', 'You f—ing—', 'Damn it!' Why does this livestream have a censorship filter?」
Kafka: 「Good girls shouldn't use such language, you know~」
Stelle: 「O-okay... Mom Kafka!」
--+--
Bai Heng's appearance had electrified the entire livestream audience.
Though everyone present possessed extraordinary abilities, they had all experienced powerlessness before obtaining their powers.
In those moments, they too had yearned for someone like Bai Heng to shine a light upon them and extend a helping hand.
That was precisely why, as bystanders, they felt such anxiety watching Firefly trapped in that situation.
But fortunately, Bai Heng appeared.
He brought with him a sky full of starlight and dispelled the shadows enveloping the young girl.
The simulation continued.
[Mel Bicanan found herself unable to refute your words. The Tear of Stars hanging around your neck testified to your identity. Suppressing her fury, she could only storm off resentfully. But before leaving, her low muttered curses reached Firefly's ears.]
"What Star Children! Nothing but short-lived mayflies! If not for the 'Family' needing your Evangelion, you wouldn't even be qualified to step foot in Penacony!"
[Though the woman's voice was soft, Firefly heard every word with perfect clarity. A flicker of astonishment crossed her delicate features, and then her gaze shifted to your face, as if seeking an answer.]
[But she found none. Your face still wore the same gentle smile as before, as if you hadn't heard Mel Bicanan's curse—or simply didn't care.]
[You resumed your usual routine, exploring every corner of Penacony together. Your enthusiasm remained as high as ever, though Firefly seemed somewhat distracted today, often slow to respond when you called her name.]
[In her mind, the woman's words continued to echo.]
Leaning close to Firefly, who was lost in thought with her chin propped on her hand, Bai Heng gently flicked her forehead and said with a smile:
"Daydreaming on the job? Normally, that deserves some punishment, don't you think?"
"Mmm..." Rubbing her forehead, the girl let out an adorable, soft sound. "Sorry... I just have something on my mind."
"Something on your mind? Then tell me—I'll help you analyze it!"
As he spoke, Bai Heng's smile was like the winter sun—warm, brilliant, yet gentle.
Seeing him like this, a faint, almost imperceptible bitter smile touched Firefly's lips.
Ahh... If it's Bai Heng, he'd answer any question I ask. That's just the kind of person he is.
Kind, yet straightforward.
But I... can't bring myself to ask.
Someone like me, hiding secrets... what right do I have to inquire about his past?
The atmosphere fell into silence. Gazing into the boy's warm brown eyes, the girl seemed to be hesitating about something.
Bai Heng didn't disturb her, simply watching quietly.
It was as though they had reached a silent understanding, maintaining a tranquility that existed only between the two of them.
Around them, a cacophony of sounds persisted—advertisements for Suplada soda, car horns, the chatter of tourists—all blending with the dazzling lights into a chaotic, overwhelming painting of noise.
But it all seemed irrelevant to Firefly and Bai Heng.
It was as though the God of Time had stranded them in some hidden pocket of reality, and in that space, their gaze felt endless.
In that moment, countless scenes flashed through Firefly's mind—memories of the time she had spent with Bai Heng.
Their first meeting in the Golden Hour, shared laughter in the Hour of Hot Sand, complaining about the plot of Hanu-boy's adventures at Clock Studios Theme Park, and just moments ago, Bai Heng stepping in to rescue her when she was cornered.
All of it had already left a permanent mark on her heart.
Firefly wanted to know everything—every last detail!
Everything about Bai Heng! All of him!
But to get that, she had to be honest first.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. When she opened them again, her mind was made up.
"Today... I want to take you somewhere..."
"There's something I need to tell you. I hope... you won't hate me after you hear it."
"And if it's not too much to ask... after I tell you, I'd like to know everything about you, too..."
Her eyes, shimmering with hues of blue, violet, and pink, shone with unwavering resolve.
--+--
Stelle: 「It's happening! The big moment is finally here!」
Ganyu: 「Is Miss Firefly... going to reveal her true identity? But isn't that supposed to be a major secret? Will it really be okay?」
Yae Miko: 「In that moment of silence, she found her answer. She knows that even if Bai Heng learns the truth, he won't do anything to harm her.」
Yae Miko: 「That's why she said, 'I hope you won't hate me,' and not 'please keep my identity a secret.' Because deep down, Firefly trusts that Bai Heng would never betray her~」
Pela: 「Wow... what sharp insight!」
Yae Miko: 「It's nothing—just the basic skill set of a novelist~」
Lumine: 「I'm more curious about how Bai Heng will react when she reveals herself.」
Silver Wolf: 「(patting his shoulder) Hey, Bai Heng, you might not believe this, but I'm actually the armored rider, SAM!」
Kiana: 「Does that mean we'll get to learn Bai Heng's secrets too?!」
Kafka: 「If all goes well, I believe so~」
Paimon: 「Whoa!! Now I'm getting excited!」
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.