Chapter 528: with translation of chapter title

The perpetually silent Shishang You silently took off her earphones: "Who knows these things, Tengyuan senior? Everyone who can board the Glowing Stone Ship is either rich or noble; if we really threatened their personal safety, their crime wouldn't be light."

"Shishang! If you don't understand romance like that, you won't be able to find a girlfriend!" Tengyuan Qianhua approached Shishang, putting on an air of someone who's been there, "You must cherish the opportunity to be alone with a girl, like Xing and Liuying—do you know what kind of plot development would be most suitable?"

What?

"Of course it's to run away together! For example, holding hands while fleeing during a chase, running with racing hearts under neon lights, protecting each other in desperate situations, feelings heating up instantly! That's the correct direction!" Tengyuan clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling.

"Hey hey, Tengyuan senior... even daydreaming needs to be realistic, right?" Shishang sighed helplessly, "A person glanced at by the three star gods of Preservation, Destruction, and Harmony, who has a Star Core inside, and a Gramercy veteran who has survived countless battles, are being chased by two people from the Hound Clan... It feels like once they reach a deserted corner, those two will be 'physically' dealt with."

——

No choice, Liuying had to hide first to avoid the spotlight, but it's also a pity she can't personally watch Zhigengniao's opening ceremony.

After a while, as the opening of the Harmony Music Festival approached, Zhigengniao appeared amidst the crowd's escort and cheers.

The maiden stood tall in the center of the light, her pure white dress seemingly absorbing all light, making her shine on stage. The brief opening remarks and warm-up performance were like an exquisite prelude, skillfully stirring the audience's emotions and lifting the atmosphere to a subtle peak.

""Ladies and gentlemen, do you still remember the watchmaker? In fact, the family has spared no effort for this grand ceremony, also to commemorate this legendary tycoon—the 【Pinokangni's Father】 Lagewoke·Xiaer·Mihai'er, one of the legendary nameless patrons who laid the foundation for Pinokangni!""

Upon mentioning Mihai'er, Xing and March 7 exchanged a smile.

""In the most bewildering years of the Star of the Gala, it was he who descended from the heavens with his companions, teaching us through pioneering where freedom lies; it was also they who, as pioneers in the development of dreams, earned the current 【Harmony】 paradise.""

""It can be said that Pinokangni's splendid achievements today are inseparable from the watchmaker's pioneering spirit deeply rooted in our hearts. Only by remembering this pioneering aspiration can we fulfill our mission and bring Harmony to more people.""

""Hehe… hearing that feels really nice. No wonder it's us!" Little March 7 chuckled secretly from below."

""And the fact that this beautiful dream has gotten back on track also owes to the help of pioneering. Therefore, after the five major clans unanimously agreed, the Pinokangni branch families will present a gift to all the nameless patrons on behalf of the clan members across the galaxy——"

March 7 could no longer contain herself, eagerly grabbing Xing's hand: 'Ooooh… is something big coming?!'

Zhigengniao cleared her throat and spoke solemnly: '—We wish to transfer the ownership of the Glowing Stone Ship to the Astral Express! Please accept this unadorned offering.'

——

MYGO。

"Eh——!! Wait, wait a minute! Is this… something that can be casually given to someone?"

The performance of RING had just ended, the air still faintly tinged with the scent of sweat; the girls sat around on the slightly worn backstage floor, about to take a sip of water and rest, when Aiyin's surprised voice reached their ears.

"This airship looks super valuable, eh! Did we miss something during our performance? Just a short while ago the company had just given out 5% of its shares, so how come the family and the company are being so lavish one after another!?"

Aiyin waved her arms excitedly, her face practically overflowing with undisguised, almost dizzying envy. After all, even without the company's 5% shares, just having a Glowing Stone Ship meant the train crew was equivalent to having an additional moving gold mountain.

"Tsk, so noisy." Lixi also frowned and pursed her lips upon hearing it, "If you could save Pinokangni and defeat Xingqiri, the family might just send you something of equal value."

"Ahahaha, I guess I'll pass..." Aiyin embarrassed, scratching her head, "Just seeing Miss Zhigengniao on the Glowing Stone Ship's stage made me suddenly wonder what it would be like for our MYGO to perform up there."

"Huh? You actually have time to dream about something so unrealistic? You're the one who needs the most practice here—you still haven't fixed that mistake from the last live, right? The audience might not have noticed, but the recording makes it crystal clear. And the time before that, if I hadn't forcibly dragged the drumbeat back, your guitar part would have collapsed already."

Lixi put on a stern face; the moment she spoke, the slight restlessness in the backstage brought by the curtain instantly cooled, her eyes locked onto Aiyin, the surrounding low pressure almost condensing into substance.

"Please fix these flaws, practice well, then come back to dream, okay?"

Aiyin's smile froze; she lowered her half-raised arm embarrassedly, instinctively gripping the neck of her sticker-covered guitar, her fingertips unconsciously picking at the edge of the guard plate.

"Lixi… you're too strict, Aiyin was just speaking off the cuff, right? Besides, is it wrong for the band to aspire to a higher, bigger stage?"

In the end, Su Shi spoke up to defuse the situation for Aiyin; Lixi still wanted to retort a few more times, but seeing Deng looking at Aiyin with worry, she hated to see Deng wear that expression—her previously imposing attitude immediately softened a bit, and after a light hum she fell silent.

"'Ano…' Deng cautiously approached Aiyin, reaching out to gently, tentatively tug at Aiyin's sleeve, the motion as light as a feather."

"Her voice was very soft, carrying her characteristic timid tone: '…It's okay. Mistakes can be practiced again; I also have many parts I can't sing well. As long as we all… practice together slowly, it'll be fine, so…'"

"'…Mm.'"

Somewhat awkward but sincere comfort, Aiyin finally slowly lifted her head to look at Deng. Deng seemed a bit embarrassed by her gaze, immediately lowering her head, her ears faintly reddening, but the hand holding Aiyin's sleeve did not loosen.

The gloom on the girl's face seemed to dissipate a little; she turned her hand to hold Deng's: '…Thank you, Tomorin.'

——

The venue instantly erupted with a tsunami-like cheer of 'nameless patrons,' Zhigengniao also proposed that everyone present raise their glasses together—for Harmony and pioneering, for Pinokangni and the galaxy's future, as well as for the generous head of the Alfalfa Clan, Lord Ott·Effa, and everyone shared a drink.

Gazing at the splendid scenery outside the window, the old Ott in the lounge was holding a cup of wine, unable to help but sigh with emotion:

""Heh heh heh! To actually make such a decision, this little bird's talent is no less than her brother's!""

At the same time, the crowd's cheers and the symphony merged into a deafening wave, celebrating the smooth opening of the Harmony Music Festival. Meanwhile, as Xing and March 7 were immersed in the lively atmosphere of the opening, a voice that clashed with the surrounding revelry—carrying a hint of frivolous teasing and slyness—suddenly slipped into Xing's ear.

""Everyone's happy… right?""

Xing jerked in surprise, her clapping motion freezing.

The surrounding din seemed to be instantly cut off by an invisible membrane, becoming blurred and distant. The festive atmosphere felt as if a bucket of ice water had been suddenly poured in, the temperature dropping sharply.

""But little gray fur… have you forgotten who?""

Huohuo appeared behind her at some point, she handed Xing a button, but before Xing could react, she pressed it——

""Click.""

Almost at the same moment, a familiar whisper sounded in Xing's ear…… a voice that only the two of them could hear.

""I've planted a bomb on this ship—you have ten minutes—go find it?""