The onlookers also let out a collective gasp.
Just as the metal ring was about to strike Baiheng, she stood her ground, seemingly making no attempt to dodge—only she could feel the slight ripple of the invisible shield surrounding her.
The metal ring, less than an inch from her nose, hit an invisible wall with a faint "clang" and dropped weakly to the ground.
Although the danger had passed, Guinaifen's face was pale with fright.
She rushed forward, bowing repeatedly and apologizing: "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, Miss! It's all my fault for my lack of skill, I lost control! Are you, are you hurt?"
She nervously scrutinized Baiheng, only then noticing her extraordinary aura—a set of exquisitely crafted Xianzhou Attire, a special eye mask covering half her face, snow-white long hair, and the distinctly Foxian features that were hard to conceal even when deliberately suppressed. All of this exuded a sense of mystery, making her look... extremely difficult to deal with.
(Oh no, oh no, surely not. Did I just arrive at Luofu and immediately get into big trouble?)
Guinaifen's heart pounded, and she couldn't help but swallow.
Baiheng looked at the girl who had been radiant just a second ago but was now as panicked as a small animal caught doing wrong, and she felt a slight amusement.
She waved her hand, her voice calm and devoid of emotion: "It's fine, just a false alarm. Your skill is excellent; just be careful next time. Continue your performance."
Even though Baiheng said she wouldn't pursue the matter, Guinaifen remained distracted throughout the rest of her performance, her gaze occasionally drifting apologetically toward Baiheng.
As soon as the performance ended, she immediately packed up her gear and quickly walked over to Baiheng, who had been waiting quietly nearby.
"Miss!"
Guinaifen offered a sincere, slightly fawning smile. "I truly apologize for frightening you earlier. To make amends, I... I'll treat you to a meal! I know a good Eatery around the corner; the food is authentic, and the prices are fair!"
She calculated that she needed to spend money to avert disaster and maintain an excellent attitude, hoping to appease any potential displeasure from this seemingly mysterious "noble person."
"Do you think... that's acceptable? I hope you can forgive my carelessness this time."
Baiheng's heart stirred; this was the perfect opportunity to execute her mission.
Her expression remained calm, and she nodded slightly: "I would be rude to refuse your kind invitation, Miss. However, as we are just chance acquaintances, I feel uneasy letting you pay."
"No, no, no, it's necessary, absolutely necessary!"
Seeing that Baiheng was not angry and had instead accepted, Guinaifen felt as if she had received a great pardon. Her smile instantly brightened, and she eagerly led Baiheng toward the Eatery she had mentioned.
After sitting down at an elegant window seat in the Eatery and ordering a few Luofu Specialty Dishes, Guinaifen's lively nature returned somewhat. She began to introduce herself: "Miss, my name is Guinaifen, but my birth name is Guinevere! I haven't been in Luofu long; I make a living performing small tricks. What should I call you, Elder Sister? Judging by your extraordinary aura, you must be a remarkable person, right?"
"You can call me Bai Heng."
Bai Heng answered gently, avoiding the latter question. "Your performance was very interesting; I can tell you put a lot of hard work into it."
"Hehe, just trying to make a living."
Guinaifen scratched her head sheepishly. "By the way, Miss Baiheng, that ring earlier... are you really okay? I saw how fast it was flying..."
She was still a little worried.
"Truly, I am unharmed."
Baiheng affirmed again. Then, as if remembering something, she took out a delicately woven pendant from her Brocade Pouch, which held a small Jade Stone containing a faint stream of light.
"Our meeting is fate."
Baiheng handed over the pendant, her tone natural and warm. "I give this to you as a souvenir of our acquaintance. Perhaps... it can ensure your performances go smoothly and prevent accidents."
Guinaifen's eyes lit up as she looked at the delicate yet elegant pendant.
Being naturally straightforward, she was immediately filled with gratitude and surprise upon seeing that Baiheng not only wasn't angry but was giving her a gift.
"This... this is too valuable! Miss Baiheng, how can I accept this..."
She refused verbally, but her gaze was firmly fixed on the pendant.
"Take it."
Baiheng interrupted her. "The use of an object lies in finding its proper place. In your possession, it might better reflect its brilliance than by my side, a person of dull complexion."
(Just take it already, my dear girl. Only then can I complete the first step of my mission.)
"Then I won't be shy! Thank you, Miss Baiheng!"
Guinaifen's smile was even brighter than before. "If you ever need help in Luofu, just look for Guinaifen!"
Perspective shift.
Stelle felt like all her energy had been drained, and every step was taken on cotton wool.
Ms. Herta's "great favor"—several days of non-stop, high-intensity simulated universe testing—had practically squeezed her dry.
At this moment, her only thought was to collapse onto a soft bed and let her consciousness completely sink.
However, the hunger pangs in her stomach, gripping her like an invisible hand, reminded her that this humble wish could not be immediately fulfilled.
Looking around, the Astral Express corridor was silent. It was standard rest time, and Pom-Pom was likely asleep too.
She truly couldn't bear to, nor did she dare to, disturb any of her companions.
"...I'll try my luck in the Party Car."
This thought popped into Stelle's dizzy head. "Maybe at the bar... there might be some leftovers..."
Driven almost entirely by instinct, she dragged her legs, which felt like they didn't belong to her, and staggered to the entrance of the Party Car.
The sound of the door sliding open was especially clear in the silence.
Only a few dim, yellow ambient lights were on inside the carriage, making it seem completely different from its usual boisterous self.
In this hazy light, Stelle spotted a familiar figure standing by the bar—that delicate silhouette... "March...?"
Stelle subconsciously mumbled the name, her voice as hoarse as rusty gears grinding together.
She figured she must be hallucinating from exhaustion. Why would March 7th be here alone at this hour, and... wearing clothes she had never seen before?
Hearing the sound, the figure turned its head.
Using the dim light, Stelle finally got a clear look at the person.
It was indeed the facial outline of March 7th, but upon closer inspection, everything was different.
The hair color was deeper, as if steeped in night, and the eyes were fiery red like burning embers, not March 7th's clear blue.
A black and red dress added a layer of mystery and an indefinable sense of danger to her.
A fleeting look of surprise crossed the person's face, but it was quickly replaced by an elusive calm.
Stelle rubbed her dry, aching eyes, staggered a bit closer, and spoke with a hint of admiration: "March? Did you change outfits? You look... pretty cool!"
Her exhausted brain couldn't process more complex information, so she simply categorized this as a companion's image update.
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