"Ling, do you have any special plans today?" Hoshimi Aya asked groggily as she sat up.
Hoshimi Miyabi's departure earlier had left her feeling restless and unable to sleep.
She had to get out of bed to ask Ling if there were any other arrangements for the day.
"None. Bai Zhi Heavy Industry hasn't said if they found the last machine yet."
"There are no other arrangements for now. Go back to sleep for a bit longer."
After speaking, Ling turned over, pulled Hoshimi Aya back down to lie down, and held her while sleeping.
Seeing this, Hoshimi Aya had no choice but to sleep a little longer.
After all, there didn't seem to be anything to do if she got up, and even if there was, Zhe would probably come to remind her.
So, sleeping a little longer should be fine.
...
As noon approached, Ling and Hoshimi Aya finally got out of bed.
"Aya, Sister, why are you two getting up so late today?" Zhe asked while handling something of unknown nature.
"It's a rare chance to sleep in," Ling declared righteously.
"I definitely have to sleep a little longer."
"Uh, Sister, Miss Ya already left a while ago."
"You should have woken up around that time."
"Never mind, it's not important."
"Sister, although we received this big order from Bai Zhi Heavy Industry, we still can't let our guard down."
"Our current Inter-Knot level is still a bit too low."
"Even with the order from Bai Zhi Heavy Industry, our expenses won't last."
"And because of Fairy, our electricity bill has also gone up," Zhe reminded her.
They needed to raise their Inter-Knot level quickly now.
"Mmm... I know, Brother."
"I know a relatively reliable partner whom I haven't contacted in a while."
"I plan to go check it out this afternoon."
Ling nodded.
Relying only on Shepherd as a partner was not enough; they needed to find some other partners as well.
"Ling, do you need me to go with you?" Hoshimi Aya asked, twisting her body and stretching her limbs.
Her body felt a bit stiff from sleeping too long.
It turned out that diligent people really did feel uncomfortable after sleeping in too much.
"No need, I can handle it alone."
As she spoke, Ling touched her phone, texting someone.
"Oh, okay."
"I understand."
Hoshimi Aya nodded.
...
After lunch.
Hoshimi Aya, feeling bored at home, followed Ling to the Tingman Cafe.
However, Ling didn't notice the little shadow trailing behind her. After finding the person she was meeting, she sat down opposite them.
"Huh?!"
"Is that the Morning Star?" Hoshimi Aya looked at the person opposite Ling in surprise.
But because they weren't very close, and they were on the street, she couldn't hear what the two were saying at all.
She could only see them chatting and laughing, unsure what they were discussing.
"Forget it, I won't listen."
"I'll just go up."
After watching secretly for a while, Hoshimi Aya actively went forward to greet them, arriving by Ling's side.
"Ling, what a coincidence.", Hoshimi Aya greeted her.
"Huh?!"
"Is this young lady Ling's friend?" the Morning Star asked with a smile.
"Aya? What are you doing here?" Ling asked, puzzled.
She remembered Hoshimi Aya should be at home playing the old game console her brother used to play.
"Just wandering around. I didn't expect such a coincidence."
Hoshimi Aya sat down proactively as she spoke.
"Alright, Miss Morning Star, where were we in our conversation?"
"Aya is one of us, no need to worry."
Ling explained. Although it was unexpected, Ling didn't press Hoshimi Aya about coming over.
Hoshimi Aya listened to Ling and the Morning Star's conversation, then ordered a cup of coffee like they had.
However, after taking the first sip, Hoshimi Aya's delicate face contorted.
"Uh... Aya, I forgot to remind you."
"Coffee is very bitter for first-time drinkers."
"And you like sweets, so it must taste even more bitter."
Ling found Hoshimi Aya's expression amusing.
Especially the way Hoshimi Aya stuck out her tongue from the bitterness, which was both cute and funny.
"Alright, Ling, that's the commission for this time."
"I'm relieved to entrust it to you."
"Remember to contact me after the commission is completed."
After saying that, the Morning Star finished the remaining coffee in her cup and left.
"Ling, stop laughing."
"It's killing me with bitterness."
Hoshimi Aya licked her tongue to get rid of the taste.
For someone who liked sweets, coffee was indeed bitter.
"Okay, don't waste the coffee."
"Let's go buy milk tea later."
"After buying it, we have to go do the commission."
"I wonder how things are going over at Bai Zhi Heavy Industry."
Ling took the cup of coffee from Hoshimi Aya's hand.
Hoshimi Aya nodded upon hearing this.
...
About an hour later.
The two bought milk tea and returned to the Video Store, preparing to start the Proxy commission they received from the Morning Star.
But before they could start, Ling received a message from Bai Zhi Heavy Industry.
Seeing this, she had no choice but to have Hoshimi Aya take Eous to Bai Zhi Heavy Industry.
...
Bai Zhi Heavy Industry
"Aya, Proxy, you're here!" Anton greeted them with a smile.
"Yes, we came as soon as you sent the message."
"Since there's news about the third pile driver machine, let's set off," Ling said, controlling Eous.
"No problem."
After speaking, Anton went to notify the others.
Soon after, Koleda, Grace, Ben, and Anton walked over.
"Everyone is here, let's go," Hoshimi Aya looked at the group.
Everyone nodded upon hearing this, and they all headed towards The Hollow together.
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