Chapter 181: A Witch's New Year Alone

As Liji Silks said, for a minor actress like her who could only receive a fixed salary each month from the Nightingale Opera Troupe, these additional earnings from “flower offerings” had absolutely nothing to do with her.

Even though today’s “flower offerings” were mostly directed at Janna herself, it couldn’t be helped—she admired her.

“The number of flower offerings this time is already far beyond the usual level. According to the old rules, the lead actress of the performance should get some reward at the end of the year, more or less.”

“Are you serious?”

Upon hearing Shuka Berg’s words, Liji Silks, who had only felt a little envious earlier, suddenly perked up. But after a brief moment of joy, she couldn’t help glancing at Janna beside her and said hesitantly:

“But these flower offerings don’t really have anything to do with me—logically, they should go to Janna, right—”

“You’re actually worried about her?”

Hearing Liji Silks voice concern for Janna, Shuka Berg couldn’t help shooting her a look, and then started to doubt whether Liji Silks was really a veteran in the opera scene. Otherwise, how could she not even have this level of discernment?

“Relax, she’s not like us. The more the theater earns, the more she naturally gets.”

“You mean Janna signed a profit-sharing contract?”

“It’s enough that you know that—no need to say it aloud.”

Upon hearing that, Liji Silks suddenly remembered that Janna had once mentioned to her that she had signed a one-year contract.

However, as far as she knew, profit-sharing contracts generally lasted at least three years. A one-year contract was unheard of. “So that means the one-year contract was something Janna specifically requested?”

At that thought, the look Liji Silks gave Janna became a bit complicated. Then she gave a self-deprecating shake of her head.

“I knew it—how could her treatment be the same as mine? She’s clearly so outstanding—let’s be real, those were just comforting words she said to avoid discouraging me.”

Having been colleagues with Janna for over half a year now, Liji Silks naturally understood her character.

There was no doubt Janna wasn’t lying about the one-year contract. It’s just that she had hidden some facts that might have hurt Liji Silks’ confidence. Moreover, the fact that she was even able to play the role of 【Lilia】 now was entirely thanks to Janna’s help.

“Sigh, she’s a witch so perfect it makes people jealous—

“Oh no—that perfect to the point where jealousy doesn’t even arise—”

As the grand curtain call drew to a close amid roaring applause, the stage lights dimmed.

Because Song of the Ocean was so overwhelmingly popular, the Nightingale Opera Troupe had added an extra evening performance on short notice.

So, Janna had to break her original plan of spending the New Year with Vivian at her home.

“Hmph, I think you just didn’t want to go in the first place.”

Though she understood, Vivian still felt a bit down hearing that Janna wouldn’t make it due to having to work on the first day of the New Year.

What made her saddest wasn’t just the disappointment, but the heartache she felt for Janna.

Alone in a foreign place, without family.

No matter how glamorous or perfect she appeared on the outside, Vivian knew that Janna had always been alone—even on New Year’s Day.

“This really was unexpected. Let’s say I owe you one.”

“I got it. I’ll be going now.”

Seeing the disappointment in Vivian’s eyes, Janna could only sigh silently and apologetically bid her farewell.

To be honest, aside from the “last-minute performance” reason, Janna herself truly didn’t want to intrude on Vivian’s family reunion as an outsider.

Even though she knew Vivian meant well, Janna didn’t want to force herself into socializing on a day that easily stirred memories and longing.

No matter how gentle or considerate she acted around others, it was all just a façade made possible by her 【Muscle Control】 talent.

Simply put, Janna was well aware that she wasn’t someone who easily opened up to others.

It had been over a year since her reincarnation, but she still felt like a wandering soul in a foreign world. No family, no clan, and not even anyone she could truly trust. Though it seemed like she was surrounded by many people, the sheer number of secrets she carried made her constantly guarded—against everyone, including Vivian, and even those who approached her with partial sincerity—

“Sorry, Vivian.”

Watching Vivian leave the theater with Richard Eva and the others, Janna silently apologized once more.

She then returned backstage to prepare for the final performance of the night.

“Janna, are you really not staying for dinner?”

“It’s really okay, David. After all, I still have to go home to celebrate the New Year.”

“All right then. Just stay safe—and Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year.”

The evening performance was again a great success. Having completed all her work, Janna gently declined David Berg’s invitation to dinner for the cast.

“Janna, wait a sec.”

Just as Janna was about to push open the door to leave, Liji Silks suddenly came rushing over with a paper bag and handed it to her.

“Take this. It’s a scarf I knitted myself. Consider it a New Year’s gift.”

“Thank you, Liji.”

Seeing the snow-white wool scarf inside the bag, Janna’s face softened with a genuine smile.

“You don’t have to thank me. After all, I only got the role of 【Lilia】 because of your help...”

“That’s because you’re talented enough. I just nudged things along.”

After bidding farewell to Liji Silks with a smile, Janna put on her Wizard Hood and, under the bright moonlight, cast 【Featherlight Spell】 and slipped through the end of the alley. Once she was out of Turin City, she cast 【Partial Transfiguration】.

Spreading her butterfly wings, she flew swiftly toward White Coral Academy.

“It’s snowing—”

By the time she reached the dormitory entrance, tiny snowflakes were already drifting down with the cold night breeze, landing softly in her palm. But without lingering long, Janna quickly stepped into the elevator and returned to her dorm.

“Miss Janna, a gift just arrived for you—”

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