Chapter 47: A Stage Play, Meow?

A Black Market Mystery

A few days later, in Miss L’s office one morning.

“Xiao Xi, although Su Ying has no connection to the monster attack, the black market dealer who sold her that mimicry device is highly suspicious.”

Xiao Xi frowned. “Xia Hai City’s underground black market is still operating? I thought the Association would’ve shut it down after the great chaos.”

“It’s not that simple, Xiao Xi,” Miss L replied. “You know the black market emerged during the chaos. Its roots run deep, too tangled to uproot easily. The Association’s strategy is to manage it rather than eliminate it.”

Xiao Xi stayed silent, staring at Miss L.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Xi? Why the stare? Something on your mind, Xiao Xi?”

Finally, Xiao Xi couldn’t take it anymore. She raised her fist, looking ready to pummel Miss L.

“Stop calling me by my real name! Are you addicted to it or what?”

Being called her real name by Miss L felt weird—worse than when online fans shouted it.

“Not my fault, A-Xing,” Miss L said, dodging with a grin. “You’re so secretive. I finally got your real name—how could I not say it a few times for fun?”

“But don’t worry, I only dug up your name and appearance. I didn’t touch your other info.”

“I have principles, you know? Unlike Xingge, who’d go all out doxxing someone if she got mad.”

Before Xiao Xi could respond, a knock came at the door. Miss L shot her a look, quickly sitting up straight.

“Come in.”

An Unexpected Invitation

When Mu Xingge entered, she saw Sirius with her head down, getting scolded.

“You messed up the mission report format? Don’t make such basic mistakes again. Rewrite it and submit it by this afternoon!”

Miss L’s tone was stern. Both switched faces faster than a stage actor.

“What’s up, Xingge?”

“Nothing… I came to see Sirius.”

Mu Xingge shook her head. Miss L could be harsh with subordinates.

“Here’s the thing: our squad’s got a short holiday from the Magical Girl Division. I have some stage play tickets and wanted to ask if you and Little Red Riding Hood want to go during the break.”

Mu Xingge flashed a smile, aiming to bond with them. Being friendly wasn’t enough—small gestures like this were key.

“Uh…” Xiao Xi avoided Mu Xingge’s warm smile, feeling guilty. “I’ll pass. I’m not really into stage plays.”

Xiao Xi thought that was the end of it. But that night, while writing, Xiao Keke messaged her.

“Sis, you free tomorrow night? I’ve got stage play tickets. Wanna go with Xinglan?”

[[Cat peeking emoji]]

Of course, if Mu Xingge asked her, she’d have asked Little Red Riding Hood too.

Xiao Xi declined Mu Xingge to avoid old teammates, but if Xiao Keke invited her… maybe it was fine?

Besides, Xiao Xi realized her sister had been in Xia Hai City for a while, and she hadn’t spent much time with her. She’d been a lousy sister.

“Hang on, I’ll ask Xinglan.”

Xiao Xi planned to check if Ye Xinglan was free, but seeing her glued to her game, she knew it was a silly question.

A rich girl like her did nothing but game all night. Of course she was free.

“Xinglan, Keke invited us to a stage play tomorrow.”

“Sure, I’m in,” Ye Xinglan said, eyes still on the screen. “If you’re going, I’m going.”

A Painful Realization

The next evening, the three met at the theater entrance.

Ye Xinglan glanced at the promotional sign, her face twisting into a grimace.

“Why this stage play?!”

The sign blared: “Eternal Star vs. Blood Moon Witch: Adapted from the Strongest Magical Girl’s True Story!” “Defeating Evil, Justice Never Compromises!”

Ye Xinglan’s mood soured. What the heck? She was wasting time watching herself get thrashed by Eternal Star?

Xiao Xi assumed Ye Xinglan disliked it because it featured Eternal Star. In hindsight, she should’ve asked Xiao Keke about the play’s content.

“Haha, we’re here already. Let’s just watch it.”

Xiao Xi patted Ye Xinglan’s shoulder reassuringly. Grudgingly, Ye Xinglan followed the crowd inside.

Suddenly, Ye Xinglan froze. An uneasy feeling washed over her. She turned, catching a glimpse of a tattooed arm—thorns and flowers—in the crowd.

It vanished as quickly as it appeared.

“What’s wrong, Xinglan?”

“Nothing. Felt like someone was staring… Never mind, let’s go!”

VIP Treatment

Despite Ye Xinglan’s reluctance, the Eternal Star-themed play drew a huge crowd, slowing the entrance.

Things improved once they entered. Xiao Keke’s VIP tickets got them through a less crowded VIP lane.

Staff handed each a paper wristband—VIP area passes, allowing re-entry if they stepped out for the bathroom.

Soon, they understood the VIP perks. Their seats were in a top-floor private box, free from strangers and with an unobstructed view.

“Keke, these seats must’ve cost a fortune,” Ye Xinglan said, peering at the stage below. “Let me pay you back for the tickets.”

“No, no!” Xiao Keke waved her hands. “They’re not mine. They’re… a freshman perk from school.”

“Your school’s freshman perks are that good?”

Xiao Keke gave an awkward laugh. Xiao Xi glanced at her sister but didn’t call out her lie.

Mu Xingge’s tickets were naturally top-tier. Not only was she loaded, but as a famous idol, she knew theater insiders. Getting VIP tickets was as easy as a word.