"Star's situation is even more worrying."
Welt took over the conversation, his tone heavy. "She was pulled in by Ms. Herta for high-intensity 'simulated universe' testing, which in itself is understandable. But her state every time she returns is truly concerning. She often sits alone in a corner, letting out strange giggling sounds, and repeatedly mutters things like 'Fake, it's all fake,' or 'I never left.' I worry... did she experience something in the simulated universe that caused some cognitive confusion?"
As an elder who has weathered countless storms and watched these young people grow, Welt felt a great sense of responsibility.
"They are still young, and they might encounter troubles that we Can't immediately detect. Himeko and I are older, after all, and some topics might be easier to discuss among peers."
He looked sincerely at Danheng: "Danheng, you are around the same age as them, and you usually act together. Could you... find a chance to talk to them separately? Find out what they've been encountering recently, and see if we Can help? I worry that if this continues, it will affect their physical and mental health, and even... pose risks in future missions."
Danheng saw the genuine concern in Welt's eyes, recalled March 7th's recent abnormality and Star's unsettling 'obsession,' and nodded seriously.
Although his handsome face remained expressionless, his gaze had become resolute.
"I understand, Mr. Welt. I will find a chance to talk to them."
So, just as he was about to rest, he went to March 7th's door and gently knocked.
Immediately, a rustling sound came from inside the room—the slightly flustered sound of tidying up—followed by March 7th's slightly nervous question.
"Who, who is it?"
"It's me, Danheng."
The door was pulled open a crack, and March 7th poked half her body out. Her pink-and-blue hair was slightly messy, her eyes darted around, and her face showed obvious panic.
"D-Danheng, is there s-something wrong?"
Danheng's expression was calm as water, his tone gentle yet direct: "Nothing in particular. I just noticed you seem a bit distracted lately, and as a companion, I'm concerned. Have you run into some trouble?"
"No! Nothing at all!"
March 7th immediately shook her head, her voice unconsciously rising, as if she were vehemently denying it. "I'm fine! Perfectly fine! Eating well and sleeping soundly!"
She even tried to change the subject. "Star should be the one in trouble, right? She's the one who seems abnormal lately..."
Danheng naturally knew Star's condition was worrying, but he keenly sensed that March 7th's current attempt at concealment was too deliberate; that panicked look meant something was definitely going on.
He didn't expose her immediately, merely nodding faintly: "We are also keeping an eye on Star's situation. If you are fine, then please get some rest."
"G-Got it!"
March 7th hastily agreed and quickly shut the door.
Danheng returned to his own room but did not rest immediately.
He leaned against the door, waiting patiently.
Sure enough, when it reached the Astral Express's usual late-night rest time, March 7th's door next door was gently opened again.
A small head peeked out furtively, looking left and right. Then, March 7th tiptoed out and headed straight for the Party Car.
(Something is definitely going on.)
Danheng silently opened his door, watched March 7th disappear around the corner of the corridor, and followed immediately.
His steps were light, like a hunter in the dark night, making no sound at all.
Arriving outside the Party Car, he didn't rush in. Instead, he pushed the door open a tiny crack and peered inside.
He saw March 7th sitting with someone next to the bar counter.
When he clearly saw the person's profile, even someone as calm as Danheng instantly flashed a trace of unconcealed surprise in his eyes.
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