Chapter 327 - 327: I Serve Miss Yao

Evelyn led them on a tour of Starloop, a place that offered an unrivaled panoramic view of Lumina Station.

Yet throughout the tour, they couldn't shake the feeling of being watched by a pair of sharp, discerning eyes.

"That guy keeps looking over here every now and then..."

Wise noticed it as well, and the lingering gaze left the siblings feeling somewhat uneasy.

Evelyn simply nodded in understanding.

"Yes. Today's performance is different from the previous ones, and there are far too many details that need to be confirmed."

She knew Hobson was an exceptionally strict man.

"So, what's so special about today's performance?" Belle asked curiously.

Evelyn shook her head apologetically.

"Sorry, that's confidential. Just wait and see what Miss Astra has in store for you."

"Hmm, that guy's gaze keeps sweeping over here. It's so intense... It must be tough working for someone like that, right?"

Almost instinctively, Belle slipped behind Wise, trying to avoid Hobson's intimidating stare.

"I do not work for him. I serve Miss Yao," Evelyn replied matter-of-factly, while Belle pouted and continued voicing her complaints.

"He even asked where we worked... The moment we said we ran a small business, his expression turned completely cold. It was terrifying."

"If you tell him you're Phaeton, you might get to see Mr. Hobson with a big smile on his face," Evelyn said with an amused smile, though her tone remained entirely serious.

So-called social skills often came down to quickly assessing someone's value. You wouldn't waste a single ounce of effort on someone who offered you nothing in return.

It was simply a skill people in positions like his relied on to survive.

If Belle were to reveal her connections, or even just mention that Wise was the son-in-law acknowledged by the Hoshimi Family, that alone would probably be enough.

"Astra wouldn't do that. If we're talking about status, then Astra is definitely someone in that position."

Hearing Wise say that, Evelyn nodded in agreement, revealing a bit of how she truly felt.

"Indeed. Even with her status, Miss has never looked down on anyone. Despite her extraordinary talent, she has never considered herself special. That's why she's so precious. To be honest, before I met Miss Yao, I never believed someone like her could truly exist."

During those first days by Astra's side, Evelyn had quietly waited for the day Astra would reveal her true colors.

"Actually, I feel the same way. Who would've thought Eridu's brightest star could be so unpretentious and genuinely kind?"

Wise nodded in agreement before a trace of concern crossed his face.

"But it's precisely because Astra never puts up a facade that she's more vulnerable to getting hurt."

'No... she won't.'

Evelyn turned her head ever so slightly, as though those words weren't meant for anyone else, but were simply a quiet reassurance to herself.

As they continued talking, a familiar figure came running toward them from a distance.

"Eve! Help! Wise, Belle, you're here too!"

The moment Astra noticed the siblings, she greeted them brightly, while Evelyn's expression immediately shifted to one of concern.

"What's wrong?"

"I just got yelled at by the music director. He was furious. It was terrifying!"

Hearing Astra's unusually carefree response, Evelyn let out a quiet sigh of relief before her expression settled into helpless resignation.

"...I'm sure it's not the director's fault. How's the final song coming along? You've already blown through twenty deadlines we've set for you, and today is the absolute final submission day."

"Huh? Ah, but serving everyone something ordinary just won't do! As long as inspiration strikes, everything will be fine!" Astra replied with her usual easygoing smile.

"So, until inspiration strikes, you expect me to deal with the director?"

Evelyn couldn't help sighing again, as though she'd expected this from the very beginning.

Astra simply responded with a playful grin, "Eve, you promised you'd protect me from any danger, right? Now's your chance to save me from this berserk, deadline-chasing director!"

"Hehe. Sorry, but that monster is outside my jurisdiction."

"Oh no... How could this happen!"

Astra clasped her hands behind her back, lowered her head slightly, and puffed out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout.

Watching the exchange, Belle couldn't help but smile as she glanced at Wise beside her.

"This conversation feels so familiar, doesn't it, brother?"

"Indeed. Conversations like this happen every day between an unreliable younger sister and her capable older brother."

Before anyone could say another word, a deep, booming shout interrupted them.

"Evelyn! Stop protecting her! There's no sheet music! No sheet music! What are we supposed to do for the last song? Improvise?! Huh?!"

The moment the furious music director charged toward them, Astra grabbed Wise's hand without a second thought and bolted, not even bothering to explain herself.

Evelyn followed close behind, unable to suppress a wry smile. No matter the profession, there were always unexpected situations that had to be dealt with, often well beyond the scope of one's job description.

After an exhilarating game of hide-and-seek, the enraged director finally lost sight of his elusive target.

Evelyn led the group into the shadows, watching as the exhausted music director trudged away in defeat.

"Wha—? W-Where did she go...? How does she run so fast in heels?!"

Not long after the bewildered man disappeared, the tightly shut door beside them slowly creaked open, revealing the four people who had been hiding inside all along.

"Poor director... Looks like this time, we're really going to have to push it to the last minute..."

Evelyn rubbed her forehead in exasperation, but before she could say anything else, a gentle woman's voice spoke from nearby.

"Hehehe... My dear Joran used to be just like that."

The speaker was an elegant middle-aged woman dressed in graceful white clothing. Though time had left gentle traces upon her face, it had done little to diminish her beauty.

"Ah... You are...!"

Evelyn recognized her immediately and quickly introduced her to the others.

"Astra, this lady is a VIP guest specially invited by the company for today's concert..."

Before Evelyn could finish, Astra excitedly stepped forward, her pupils transforming into four-pointed stars.

"Lady de Winter! It's really you! I... I can't believe you're actually here! Having you watch my performance in person... it feels like a dream!"

Anyone could tell how deeply Astra admired the woman before her.

"Please, just call me Tessa."

Tessa introduced herself with a warm, approachable smile before her gaze naturally fell upon the record Astra was holding.

"Ah, so this record is...? I know it's a tad bit last minute with the show starting soon and all, but would you mind if I borrowed it for a moment?"

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