Caelus arrived at the front desk, spotting Uncle Yang and Himeko, with the area already packed with people.
"Sorry, but there really isn't a name like that in the system." The hotel receptionist, named Ellie, was checking the reservation list in her hand.
"But the information the Astral Express received clearly stated that rooms were booked for us. Could you please check again?"
"Alright." Ellie carefully reviewed the list, "Let me check again. Please wait a moment. Astral Express, four platinum suites… for Mr. Welt Yang, Ms. Himeko, Ms. March 7th, and… Mr. Dan Heng. That's all the reservation information we have."
Caelus cleared his throat, deliberately saying in a cold tone, "Yes, I am Mr. Dan Heng."
Hearing Dan Heng's name, Welt Yang immediately understood—they had booked the hotel before Caelus boarded the train.
Welt Yang asked if it was possible to update the check-in information.
But for a hotel of the Reverie's scale, such a service was unlikely to be offered. Opening that door once would lead to countless requests, resulting in endless trouble.
Ellie, the receptionist, could only express her helplessness.
Caelus, thinking the issue was a lack of trust, presented his roaming visa.
Ellie gave an awkward smile, "No, it's not that I doubt your identity, it's just…"
The situation wasn't progressing, and the crowd waiting in line was growing larger…
A flamboyantly dressed blond man approached slowly. Onlookers instinctively parted to make way for his striking appearance.
"It's just that we're on the eve of the 'Harmony Festival,' the most important moment of every epoch in Penacony. With The Family's invitation, guests from across the galaxy are flooding in, packing this place to the brim… Hotel security is already stretched thin, and no mistakes can be afforded. This really isn't something this young lady can decide—folks from the Astral Express, don't make things harder for her."
[Handsome? No question!]
[He's genuinely handsome, but he gives off a chatty vibe.]
[Chatty? He's downright noisy. Totally fits my stereotype of a rich kid.]
[What's that around his neck? Didn't notice it before.]
[Product barcode?]
[LMAO, a barcode on a person?]
[Sigh, who cares when I'm just looking at his face? Aventurine! Hubby!!!]
—
Welt Yang adjusted his glasses, sensing the newcomer's intentions weren't simple. After exchanging a glance with Himeko, he asked politely, "We've run into some issues with check-in, and we're sorry for the inconvenience. May I ask who you are, sir?"
"Your humble servant, Aventurine, from the IPC's Strategic Investment Department, a specialist in distressed asset liquidation under 'Diamond.' I'm here at the invitation of the 'Watchmaker'…" Aventurine glanced playfully at the long queue behind, emphasizing, "And also a tourist who's been waiting behind you for quite a while."
[Oh? A bit cheeky?]
[Yo, I've seen this episode—classic face-slapping trope, old-school plot.]
[miHoYo's out of ideas. I saw this kind of scene 500 years ago.]
—
Seeing the newcomer's demeanor, Himeko spoke to Welt Yang, "I'll handle this."
She seized the opportunity to ask if Aventurine could vouch for Caelus.
Aventurine remarked that his time was worth millions per minute, but he was willing to make friends with the Trailblazers of the Astral Express.
He raised an eyebrow at the receptionist, "Miss, you saw that. For my sake, let this gentleman check in."
[Got to say, this part's pretty solid.]
[Himeko's great with words, and Aventurine's a master at negotiation.]
[Himeko gives you emotional value, while Aventurine toys with your emotions. Nice, nice, it's got that vibe.]
—
Hearing Aventurine's words, the receptionist grew even more flustered, "This, but…"
"Ellie, calm down."
A man with wings behind his ears broke the silence, "The Family can't let guests enter the dream with burdens."
Aventurine flashed a polite smile at the newcomer, "Speak of the devil—look who's here! Sunday, Penacony's most handsome man! And the universe-renowned singer, Robin."
Robin's lips curled slightly as she teased, "He says you're Penacony's most handsome man. That's amusing."
The camera shifted to Himeko. She noticed something off about Robin's voice and gave Welt a subtle look.
Sunday made a welcoming gesture, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Aventurine. This way, please. Let's step aside for a talk."
The siblings divided their tasks clearly: the brother dealt with Aventurine, while Robin stayed with the train crew.
Aventurine nodded but didn't immediately join Sunday. Instead, he approached Caelus, "Hey, friend, you good? Just joking earlier—hope you don't mind."
Caelus shook his head, "No worries, I don't mind."
"I apologize for my rudeness. Take this, 10,000 credits—a little welcome gift as compensation."
Caelus eyed the credits Aventurine offered, squinting at him, "Thanks, but no need for the gift."
Aventurine chuckled and pulled out more from his pocket, "So upright, I like that! You're my kind of friend—here, 20,000 credits!"
Before Caelus could firmly refuse, Aventurine stuffed the credits into his hand and quickly headed toward Sunday, "I've got business to attend to, so I'll head off. I'm sure we'll meet again soon."
[Sorry, Brother Aventurine, I wanna be your friend.]
[I'll admit I was a bit loud earlier, shouldn't have called you fake.]
[Aventurine, you still need friends? If you do, you gotta tell me.]
[Spot-on judgment!]
—
Caelus reluctantly accepted the 20,000 credits, "Sigh, 20,000 credits. How long would it take an average person in Penacony to earn that? Better spend it quick."
[What's that, Caelus bro? Who're you shading?]
[Feels like a foreshadowing. Note it down.]
[Just a random line and it's foreshadowing? Why's everything a clue?]
Caelus rejoined the train crew, and Robin expressed her apologies. From the conversation, it was clear that Sunday held a high position in Penacony.
Just then, Sunday approached them. After seeing Aventurine off, he had upgraded their rooms for free and offered another apology before politely excusing himself.
Caelus rubbed his chin, murmuring to himself, "Sunday's the big shot in Penacony. For someone so high up, was it really necessary to get involved in this little hiccup? Still, it shows their attitude is top-notch—service truly at a cosmic level. Time to check in and get some rest."