Their palms met in mid-air with a forcefully loud, crisp smack.
The expressions on the two laughing faces twisted simultaneously as they both yanked their hands back, shaking them vigorously.
You detestable fellow, trying to sneak in extra force during a high-five to give me a good one, weren't you?!
How despicable, how shameless...
What do you mean, it takes two to tango?
Is that the same?
This is called taking advantage of... uh... a brilliant stratagem!
The two of them took a sharp breath in unison, shot each other an indignant glare, and then... burst out laughing at the other's expression.
In the end... the other person was truly just like him!
Their smiles held both relief and exhilaration.
It was as if, at this moment, they had finally found a part of their complete selves, feeling exceptionally at ease.
And at this moment, they didn't need to consider the troubles of being split, nor did they need to remember the fatigue of their disguise, forgetting all the unresolved crises, forgetting all the possible difficulties...
They were "Stelle," members of the Kiana fan club.
They were partners who had fought together with these lovely girls, partners who had reveled together, partners who had seized victory together!
The barrier was broken, and the walls around their hearts collapsed amidst the cheers.
Perhaps everything would change tomorrow, perhaps they would rebuild their barriers afterward.
But at least at this moment, in this second of their high-five, in this glance they shared... they were just like everyone around them, immersed in pure and fervent joy.
...
It's different from being accepted...
The feeling of being completely acknowledged...
So simple, yet so precious.
You see.
He was never an "alien" after all.
On the edge of the roaring celebration, Mei and Kiana stepped back a few paces, leaving the center stage to the ecstatic fans.
Both had gentle smiles on their faces, watching the boiling sea of people.
Kiana gently nudged Mei, her blue eyes twinkling with a sly light.
"Mei, you clearly joined my fan club too, and you're my number one fan, and you even personally went on stage to act in such a touching play. Why aren't you going over to celebrate with everyone now?
"Aiya, Mei is clearly a huge contributor to me becoming number one... Are you too shy to hug me in public?" Kiana giggled, raising her hand as if to wrap it around Mei's waist.
Mei's eyes were filled with a light smile. Her body was very honest as it was embraced by Kiana, but her words were a counterattack.
"Compared to a temporary actor like me, shouldn't the one who should be accepting everyone's flowers and cheers be tonight's true champion, the most beloved Miss Kiana?
"And..." Mei's gaze swept over the two "Stelles" who were surrounded and seemed to have finally let go a little, her tone also a bit subtle.
"The two biggest contributors seem to be about to be drowned by everyone's enthusiasm. I'm afraid they need a little space to breathe."
"Hehe, that's true! After all, they are the biggest contributors~" Kiana's eyes curved into crescents, clearly enjoying the title of "champion."
But soon, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"But... why do I feel like those two sisters look so familiar..."
"Maybe it's because Kiana has seen them in the base before..." Mei said with a smile, then turned the tables, placing her hands on Kiana's shoulders and pushing her towards the others.
"Eh? Have I?" Kiana was a little puzzled, but she was quite obedient as she turned around.
When she turned, she saw Bronya and the others who had also stood up at some point. She put her hands on her hips and immediately switched to "I'm so awesome" mode.
"Bronya! Headmaster! And big sister! Rita! Class Monitor! Did you see that? My fan club is number one! Awesome, right!"
Bronya had already put down the exquisite Kiana figure she had used to intimidate Kiana herself. After hearing Kiana's boastful words, Bronya looked up without any expression.
"But Kiana's performance was the biggest drag among the three scoring items. Kiana's number one popularity is entirely due to Kiana's fans being very supportive." Bronya deliberately emphasized "Kiana's fans."
"Bronya, you're just being stubborn! Is it that hard to admit that I'm number one in popularity!" Kiana's cheeks puffed up like a little pufferfish.
Theresa had already recovered from the terrible "Teriri" shame and returned to the untortured, energetic Theresa.
"Kiana, you did a great job this time! And everyone's fans are really super hardworking!" She suddenly thought of something, her eyes darted around, and she added in a low voice, "Uh... it would be even better if some programs focused more on substance rather than... uh, replication accuracy..."
Rita had already elegantly put away the handkerchief stained with red plum blossoms and continued with a smile: "Lady Bianca believes that your group's victory reflects excellent logistical support and core cohesion.
"Especially the quality of the merchandise, which is a strategic advantage."
Bianca nodded vigorously, then looked at Rita with a confused expression.
"Ah? Is that what I think?"
Fu Hua also walked over and calmly joined the conversation.
"Kiana, your supporters are commendable in their enthusiasm, and the program is also full of genuine feelings.
"Our preparations this time were also very thorough. Victory and defeat are common in warfare. We will meet again next year."
Fu Hua said it calmly, even as if she were reading from a script.
But Li Sushang's laughing mumble still came from the side.
"Our preparations this time were clearly not thorough enough. Mother and Master only prepared for a few days before going on stage. If Master and Mother had known earlier..."
Fu Hua raised her hand and covered Li Sushang's mouth.
Kiana was a little embarrassed by everyone's words, but she was so happy that she couldn't hide her tail.
"Anyway, a win is a win!
"Oh, right, Mei. Weren't you guys asking me why I stayed in Sapphire City for so long and rushed back today just for the gala?"
This topic attracted everyone's attention.
Mei nodded.
"Mmm, Bronya said that according to calculations, your mission cycle should have ended long ago... Did you encounter any unexpected situations that needed to be handled?"
The two Shus also took the opportunity of the high-fives to slowly "wriggle" out of the overly enthusiastic crowd.
But just as the two of them were taking a slight breather, Kiana's voice came clearly.
"That's because I found the Herrscher core left by big sister Yunmengxi in Sapphire City."
—
The cheers in Shu's ears came to an abrupt halt.