She said, "Right in Mondstadt, the place we're going to. She sang for so long in Snezhnaya."
"There aren't many people in Mondstadt. I've heard her sing before. She has such a beautiful voice; I think it's a real shame."
"I want to keep it a secret from her, secretly set up the venue, rent the space, install the lighting, decide on the music—everything's arranged. Then, I'll blindfold her and lead her to the venue—"
"The whole city came to hear her sing."
After she finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the cabin.
Odette was the first to speak, her eyes lighting up as she moved forward slightly.
"I'll help you."
"Really?" Bai You looked at her.
"Yes." Odette nodded, her expression serious. "I can be her backup dancer."
"We've worked together so many times in the theater, it can't be wrong."
"She seems very casual, but I know she truly loves the stage."
She paused, then said softly, "You handled this well."
Bai You felt a warmth in her heart.
"Me too! Me too!" Columbina raised her hand, eager to answer.
"Or I could check it out! Anyone who dares to cause trouble that day, I'll make sure they come in upright and leave horizontally."
As she spoke, she clenched her fist, looking excited.
"No one causes trouble at a concert."
Sandrone scoffed, rolled her eyes, then crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair, and said slowly.
"I understand now. All this fuss you've put in, the most troublesome work will all fall on my shoulders."
"Lighting, set design, advertising—none of these can be done without skill."
She listed them off one by one, "Renting a shabby stage and hanging a few pieces of rags, is that what you call a concert? If you're going to hold one, it can't be shabby."
Bai You sensed something was up from her words and quickly replied, "So, you... you agreed?"
Sandrone turned her face away, but her cheeks flushed slightly, and she let out a soft hum.
"... I've been so bored lately," she said.
"Just think of it as getting some exercise. Lighting, set design, and promotional activities—it's all up to me."
"With my intervention, within three days, everyone in City of Mondstadt, and even the surrounding villages, will know about it."
"Really?" Bai You exclaimed with delight, "That's wonderful!"
"Don't be so happy yet." Sandrone turned her head, her blue eyes fixed on her, and suddenly asked.
"I'm asking you, all of this requires Mora. Where did you get so much Mora?"
Upon hearing this, Odette and Columbina both looked over.
Bai You looked at them and couldn't help but reveal a smile that was both smug and mischievous.
"You don't need to worry about Mora," she said. "I've already taken care of it."
"All done?" Sandrone was taken aback. "With whom?"
"Who else could it be?" Bai You blinked. " Pantalone, of course."
She recounted in detail how she got through to Pantalone and how she talked to him in the communications room that morning.
The three people listened, and then they were all stunned.
"No upper limit?" Columbina clicked her tongue in astonishment.
"Good heavens, you've got that miser wrapped around your little finger?"
"He agreed so readily?" Sandrone was also a little surprised; she had been Pantalone's colleague for many years.
"I know that person best. He seems generous, but he's incredibly shrewd and calculating." "What's he after?"
Sandrone stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly laughed and shook his head.
"Okay, Bai You," she said. "I didn't realize you were so thorough in getting things done."
"Then let's do this perfectly."
The group immediately sat down at the table and began discussing the matter, each contributing their own perspective.
"I know what I'm doing with the venue," Bai You said.
"In the center of City of Mondstadt, there is a large square with a statue of the Anemo Archon; it's spacious and can hold many people."
"Once we reach the shore, let's go and take a look in person."
"How should the stage be set up? How should the backdrop be arranged? I'll provide a design plan after I inspect the site."
Sandrone answered promptly, his finger already swiping across the screen.
"The lights can be adjusted from the Star Raft; there are some on board. If that's not enough... I'll go and buy more."
"Publicity is easy to handle," she said.
"Print tickets, post notices, and I'll send a few small machines out to fly all over the city, spreading the news faster than the wind."
As the discussion progressed, even miscellaneous tasks were divided up.
Odette was tasked with secretly helping Varesa with the music and choreography, without letting Voyanissa notice.
In Columbine, security that day was her responsibility, and she was also in charge of... well, that's all.
Bai You, in charge of the overall situation, manages the finances, liaises with the Northland Bank, and also tries every means to keep this surprise a secret until the very end.
"Remember, just act naturally," Bai You gave as a final instruction.
"Especially Columbina, make sure she doesn't give herself away."
"Don't worry," Columbina nodded with a smile.
"If she asks, I'll just say I don't know," Columbina said, patting her chest.
Sandrone snorted, said nothing, and simply displayed the few lines he had just memorized on the screen.
I showed it to them—it was already covered with a dense list of things to be prepared.
Bai You looked at it and felt very at ease.
Everything is ready.
Just then, the small mechanical doll guarding the door suddenly let out a soft "squeak".
Bai You's heart tightened, and she immediately understood. She gestured for everyone to be quiet, and then quickly gathered the things on the table.
"Let's call it a day, let's call it a day." She lowered her voice. "Everyone, pretend nothing happened."
" Columbina, if you stay with me, just say I'm at your place eating."
Suppressing their laughter, one by one, they understood and slipped out as if nothing had happened.
Bai You was the last to leave, closing the cabin door behind her. She glanced out the porthole.
On the sea, Varesa was swimming back to the side of the boat, one hand on the gangway, her wet hair plastered to her shoulders.
She tilted her head back, and it seemed, by chance, she glanced in her direction.
Even from that distance, Bai You could almost see the faint smile on her lips.
Bai You felt a sudden, inexplicable unease, but then quickly regained her confidence.
She didn't do anything wrong.
Bai You straightened her chest, turned around, and headed to the restaurant with Columbina.
My steps were light, but in my heart, that secret was both heavy and sweet.
At that moment, Varesa climbed the gangway and boarded the ship.
Her gaze swept lightly across the cabin in the direction Bai You had left.
She didn't say anything.
But looking at the empty corridor, he slowly smiled.
Her Little Bai You.
What sweet web is this weaving for her again?
She waits for the day she walks right into the trap.