As Misaka Mikoto performed on stage, the audience below grew restless, with more and more realizing that the performance had deviated from the original piece.
The violin music had long lost the stability characteristic of classical masterpieces, becoming dangerous and agitated. But precisely because of this, it was even easier to stir people's emotions.
This was not a professional stage after all, nor was the audience professional, so they readily accepted such a change, and the atmosphere on site was even hyped up because of it.
The stirred enthusiasm of the audience, however, startled Misaka Mikoto, making her suddenly realize the presence of other audience members below the stage.
Her gradually soaring emotions instantly calmed down, and Misaka Mikoto immediately noticed that her performance time was almost over.
Misaka Mikoto had no time to savor the special feeling from just now; she seized the opportunity and skillfully guided the already unrestrained melody back to “Liebesleid” for the final conclusion.
To the audience, the improvised interlude was Misaka Mikoto's display of skill, elegant yet technically proficient, classical and dignified while also showcasing a youthful and vibrant side, truly worthy of being an outstanding representative of Tokiwadai Middle School.
Misaka Mikoto's performance concluded perfectly. Only after returning backstage and her emotions had completely settled did she vaguely realize what she had just done and what she wanted to do next.
What a pity…
“No, perhaps this is a blessing,” Misaka Mikoto shook her head.
Only upon reflection did she notice that Shokuhou Misaki and Hu Feng Toumi were right beside Lin Wuming.
If she had directly attacked just now… it was hard to imagine that the two of them would remain indifferent and allow her to act.
“Onee-sama!” Shirai Kuroko suddenly appeared backstage, showering her with praise, “Your performance just now was truly amazing!”
“Thank you for the compliment…” Misaka Mikoto, however, showed a wry smile, “Didn’t I completely go off-key in the middle? Now that I think about it, I feel quite ashamed.”
“That was Onee-sama’s improvisation!” Shirai Kuroko said, “Everyone’s reviews of it are very good.”
“Eh? Is… is that so?” Misaka Mikoto scratched her head.
Shirai Kuroko nodded seriously: “That’s right, Onee-sama’s performance was truly wonderful.”
“I see.” Misaka Mikoto finally relaxed and smiled.
“Oh, by the way, Lin Wuming asked me to tell you that there will be a party tonight to celebrate Onee-sama’s successful performance.”
“Eh? There’s no need to celebrate such a small matter, is there?” Misaka Mikoto felt a bit embarrassed.
However, she would, of course, still go to Lin Wuming’s house.
Because they had worked hard playing maids and entertaining guests today, and the performance was also considered a success, the Dorm Supervisor, for once, was gracious and approved their request for late return from going out.
Saten Ruiko and Haruue Erii were also invited to the evening gathering, as everyone present deserved a share.
“It was indeed correct not to eat too much at noon!” Recalling the scene of seeing the big eater Index at the restaurant, Saten Ruiko couldn’t help but exclaim, “Thanks to that, I can enjoy dinner even more!”
“Speaking of which, Saten Student is also very good at cooking, right?” Shirai Kuroko said.
“It’s just ordinary home cooking level,” Saten Ruiko said, “Compared to Lin Wuming’s culinary skills, I’m still far behind.”
“You flatter me, Saten Student.” Lin Wuming said, “I just take advantage of Nen, so efficiency will be improved. But the actual taste is just home-cooked level.”
“That’s enough, the standards for your home cooking and family meals are too high.” Misaka Mikoto complained, “It would be better to honestly admit that your cooking is very good.”
“That’s right,” Shokuhou Misaki nodded, “Saten Student, I really hope to have the opportunity to taste your cooking.”
“You’re welcome anytime!” Saten Ruiko was not shy, even a little eager, “It’s just a pity that we’re all full now and have no appetite… How about I make a late-night snack later!”
Saying that, Saten Ruiko looked at Lin Wuming with sparkling eyes: “Lin Wuming, can I use your kitchen?”
“Saten Student!” Haruue Erii was surprised by her friend’s proactive attitude.
Lin Wuming, of course, didn’t mind, but before he could reply, Shokuhou Misaki spoke first.
“Saten Student.” Shokuhou Misaki’s expression was serious, as if discussing a very serious matter, “Have you, truly made up your mind?”
“Of course!” Saten Ruiko puffed out her chest, replying with an equally serious expression, “I’ve already made up my mind!”
Shokuhou Misaki nodded, then said: “But Haruue Student doesn’t seem to understand yet.”
As she spoke, Shokuhou Misaki pointed to the balcony: “I’ll give you a few minutes.”
“Okay, I understand!” Saten Ruiko jumped up, “Haruue, come out with me for a bit.”
Although still confused, Haruue Erii obediently followed Saten Ruiko to the balcony.
Closing the balcony sliding door, they turned it into a temporary private space.
Saten Ruiko then began to explain: “Haruue, I plan to stay and participate in the upcoming events.”
As for borrowing the kitchen and preparing late-night snacks, that was just Saten Ruiko’s way of ensuring she could stay.
“Eh?” Haruue Erii was still confused, “This… Saten Student, I still don’t quite understand what the connection is between the two…”
Saten Ruiko pointed to the living room on the other side of the sliding door and said: “Lin Wuming and Misaka Student are planning something—you’ve noticed that too, Haruue, haven’t you?”
“Yes.” Haruue Erii nodded; she even knew it very clearly.
“This is a living, breathing urban legend happening right before Our eyes!” Saten Ruiko’s eyes lit up, “A legendary hero, plus a legendary major event, don’t you think it would be a pity to miss such an opportunity? No, it would even be a lifelong regret!”
“Uh… I think only Saten Student would feel that much regret.” Haruue Erii retorted, “Alright, I understand your meaning and your plan.”
Saten Ruiko said: “If we don’t get involved, they’ll definitely try to send us back first, and then discuss the main business, right?”
“You don’t have to put it so harshly.” Haruue Erii said, “But the problem is, even if we stay and get involved, we won’t be of much help.”
“Of course I know that.” Saten Ruiko showed a crestfallen expression, “Haruue is fine, your hacking skills are strong—speaking of which, Haruue, have you also decided to stay?”
“Since Saten Student is staying, I can’t very well leave alone, can I?” Haruue Erii said.
