Chapter 15: A New Beginning: Baoyu’s Suspicions and Polaris’s Reluctance

Having bid a temporary farewell to Ye Xiaoshuang, Baoyu followed Polaris into another room.

As Polaris gently closed the door, her gaze settled upon Baoyu, and Baoyu, who had until then been a mere observer, understood that her moment had finally arrived.

What reason could a legendary magical girl, long vanished from public eye, possibly have for seeking out a fledgling newcomer?

As Baoyu reflected on her brief time within the Magical Girl Supervision Department and the subtle behaviors of everyone she had encountered, a nascent suspicion began to form in her mind.

Thus, before Polaris could even open her mouth, Baoyu preemptively articulated the conjecture swirling in her mind.

“So, Senior Polaris, you’ll be taking charge of Asherah’s and my guidance from now on, won’t you?”

Baoyu’s direct question effectively froze Polaris in her tracks.

Her pink eyes widened perceptibly, and her lips parted into a small, perfect ‘O’, betraying an adorable expression of someone whose innermost thoughts had been unexpectedly laid bare.

“Has another staff member already informed you of this?”

“It was merely a conjecture at first, but now I find myself far more certain.”

This explanation clearly piqued Polaris’s interest.

She pulled a chair close, settled into it, and, with an encouraging smile, gestured for Baoyu to elaborate.

“Do tell, what led you to this conclusion?”

Baoyu took a moment to organize her thoughts, then seated herself as well, beginning to slowly articulate the intricate process of her deduction.

“If, Senior, your sole intention was to reminisce with Asherah, I see no logical reason to specifically summon an unrelated party such as myself to this meeting.

Moreover, I’ve only just completed my registration; it’s highly improbable that most people here are even aware of my presence.

Yet, Senior Polaris, you explicitly referred to me by name, which led me to believe you must possess the information I recently submitted.

This suggests a necessity for you to understand my background, perhaps due to some underlying circumstance.”

“When Asherah inquired about your potential return, Senior, you conspicuously avoided a direct negative answer.

Instead, you skillfully redirected her attention away from the core question, a maneuver that strongly suggested you were concealing something.”

“I require an experienced magical girl for guidance, Asherah needs someone to oversee and temper her actions, and you, Senior, appeared before both of us with impeccable timing… I find it exceedingly difficult to dismiss such a confluence of events as a simple coincidence.”

Upon hearing Baoyu’s comprehensive explanation, Polaris’s gaze softened, and her eyes held a distinct glimmer of approval.

“Had I conceded to those points back then, that girl would have become utterly deaf to any further discussion.”

“That was my thought as well.”

With those words, they exchanged a knowing smile, clearly in silent amusement at the expense of someone still blissfully unaware.

“So, Senior Polaris, you truly are…”

“It’s merely temporary.

The Magical Girl Supervision Department has tasked me with providing you both with essential guidance and assistance for the time being, until they can secure more suitable mentors.

Frankly, I wouldn’t consider myself the most qualified for this role, yet it stands as perhaps the last contribution I can make as a magical girl.”

Each time the conversation veered towards herself, Polaris’s demeanor would subtly shift, tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Nevertheless, her statement affirmed a portion of Baoyu’s astute observations: for the foreseeable future, she would be operating alongside this former legend.

“Asherah will undoubtedly be overjoyed to hear this.”

“Indeed, though I do wish that girl would cultivate a bit more composure.”

Despite it being their first encounter, Polaris and Baoyu found a natural conduit for their conversation in Asherah, their mutual acquaintance.

Polaris proceeded to inquire how Baoyu had come to know Asherah, and how Asherah’s influence had ultimately led her to become a magical girl.

As Baoyu recounted the moment Asherah extended the invitation at her family’s café, Polaris interjected, momentarily halting her narrative.

“So, Baoyu, what was your personal reason for deciding to become a magical girl?”

Was it a matter of going with the flow, an inability to dampen Asherah’s infectious enthusiasm, a pre-existing hope for the life of a magical girl, or perhaps some entirely different motivation?

“Well…”

Why she had chosen to become a magical girl was a question Jin Shiling found herself momentarily unable to articulate.

Did Jin Shiling actually like magical girls?

If the choice was merely between “liking” and “disliking,” her inclination would lean towards the former.

Did Jin Shiling aspire to become a magical girl?

If the options were simply “aspire” or “not aspire,” her answer would unequivocally be the latter.

She harbored immense gratitude for these women who, without cease, selflessly dedicated themselves to protecting human lives.

While the youthful, idealized lens through which she viewed magical girls had gradually blurred with age, she had, amidst the passage of time, discerned certain immutable truths—truths that solidified her unwavering support for them.

Yet, support did not equate to aspiration, nor could mere recognition forge her personal resolve; she held no intrinsic desire to become a magical girl herself.

When Cheng Zhenzhen extended her invitation, and Jin Shiling glimpsed the faint yet tangible possibility it presented, her primal instinct was to refuse.

A tremor of fear ran through her, dreading how this unfamiliar power might disrupt her carefully constructed present, a present she was already expending every ounce of her strength to navigate.

To be an empathetic, academically exemplary student, a daughter capable of making her father proud—these had been his aspirations for her.

While he was alive, she had remained largely indifferent to these expectations, even engaging in numerous quarrels over them.

However, after his passing, that very wish transformed into her sole remaining means of honoring his memory.

All the unspoken words she had harbored for her father transmuted into the impetus for her to continue living out this particular life.

Lacking any personal desires or objectives, she reasoned that adopting her father’s aspirations as her own might not be an entirely undesirable path.

She had believed that she would harbor no further grievances or doubts concerning this decision.

Yet, it was an inexplicable impulse in that precise moment that propelled her forward, causing her to grasp the possibility of becoming a magical girl tightly within her hand.

“…”

“This role of a magical girl… can it actually be refused?”

Baoyu tilted her head slightly, pursing her lips into a semblance of confusion.

She shrewdly utilized Polaris’s question as a temporary shield, much as Polaris had once done with Asherah, deftly redirecting the conversation’s focus away from herself and onto the very nature of magical girls.

The fundamental question of why one would become a magical girl, for most individuals—and indeed, for her own newly initiated self—made it impossible to fully grasp the intricacies of the role.

Few would have ever contemplated the notion that such a mission, responsibility, or occupation might even present the option of refusal.

Therefore, her posing this question now seemed perfectly reasonable.

“Should an individual discovered to possess the requisite qualifications vehemently express their refusal, the Magical Girl Supervision Department will not compel them.

While they would be required to sign a series of rather cumbersome documents, their return to a peaceful, ordinary life would ultimately be assured.

Naturally, this also necessitates their cooperation and a solemn pledge never to attempt to utilize magical girl powers under any circumstances.”

‘On the surface, a reasonably plausible explanation,’ Baoyu mused internally.

The veracity of Polaris’s assertion was, however, beyond Baoyu’s means to verify, given that her entire line of questioning had been a mere diversion to evade a topic she wished not to address.

“Oh, I see… Asherah certainly never brought that up with me.”

Baoyu remained oblivious to the fact that her evasion of the question, stemming from her reluctance to articulate her true intentions, inherently spoke volumes about her actual stance.

“Indeed, that girl truly possesses a remarkable disregard for myriad details.”

As she spoke, Polaris retrieved a white smartphone from her jacket pocket.

Under Baoyu’s curious gaze, she tapped the screen a few times before presenting a QR code to her.

“Come, let’s add each other as friends, Baoyu.

Should you ever have any questions or uncertainties regarding magical girls in the future, please don’t hesitate to consult me.”

“Oh, ah, yes, certainly.”

After retrieving her own phone and navigating its interface, Baoyu observed a new contact named “Polaris” appear within her green messaging application.

The profile picture depicted a breathtaking starry night sky.

‘Wait a moment,’ she thought, ‘I haven’t even added a custom note.

Does this mean her username is simply ‘Polaris’?”

“In truth, my primary intention for meeting you today was simply to converse.

After all, from this day forward, we will temporarily operate as a team, and I believe that establishing a mutual understanding will prove beneficial for our future endeavors.

However, my experience as a mentor is somewhat limited, so please, Baoyu, do not hesitate to point out any areas where you feel I might be falling short.”

“No, not at all, Senior Polaris.

I hope to receive your continued guidance and support in the future.”

Having successfully exchanged contact information, both individuals promptly sent each other a ‘hello’ sticker via the messaging application.

Such seemingly superfluous gestures are far from uncommon in the digital age, even when the participants are conversing face-to-face.

“A bit later, I’ll create a group chat.

Once both of you are added, we can thoroughly discuss our upcoming activities.

Baoyu, you attend Jingping No. 17 High School (TL Note: A fictional high school name, ‘Jingping Shiqi Zhong’, common in Chinese web novels.)?”

“Yes, I’m currently in my first year of senior high.”

“Alright.

I’ll engage in discussions with the Magical Girl Supervision Department shortly to ensure we allocate suitable operational areas and times for you both, aiming for maximum convenience.

Hmm…”

“Is something amiss?”

Recalling certain details Baoyu had provided during her registration, Polaris deemed it necessary to reconfirm them with her.

“Typically, when minors embark on the path of a magical girl, we are obligated to inform their guardians.

We also engage in a degree of preparatory discussion with them to ensure their cooperation and support for your activities.

However, Baoyu, I’ve gleaned some insight into your personal circumstances from the information you provided.

Are you… currently living with your older brother?”

“Yes, he’s the son of my father’s second wife.”

“…I see.

Is there no one else besides him?”

“Occasionally, my brother’s maternal grandmother comes to visit us, but typically, it’s just the two of us.”

“So, you would prefer he not know?”

As the conversation reached this pivotal point, Baoyu had already meticulously prepared her pretense.

“Actually… my brother’s work keeps him quite busy during the week, and he usually comes home late.

We don’t have a habit of eating dinner together, and on weekends, we both have our own plans and arrangements.

So, we don’t actually see each other much at home.

But my brother has always been very caring and looks after me well.

It’s just that I feel it’s better not to trouble him further.

After all, he might oppose me becoming a magical girl, and I… I really don’t want to argue with him over this.”

She then added, almost as an afterthought.

“He… he’s the only family I have left.”

Baoyu presented her thoughts from the perspective of considering his welfare, and her voice softened considerably when discussing the potential for conflict with her brother over her magical girl activities, conveying a sense of cherishing him and wishing to avoid discord.

In front of outsiders, she could effortlessly and naturally refer to Zhang Qingwei as her brother, yet she had never actually called him that to his face.

As for why she consistently feigned a harmonious relationship with her brother despite their strained actual dynamic, it stemmed from a small, stubborn facet of her personality.

Her feigned demeanor seemingly succeeded in deceiving the empathetic Polaris, who stood before her, prompting the senior magical girl to relent.

“…Very well.

But in return, should you encounter any difficulties whatsoever, you must inform either me or the Magical Girl Supervision Department.

We will do our utmost to help you resolve them.”

“Of course, I understand.

Thank you, Senior.”

Baoyu had no intention of letting Zhang Qingwei discover her magical girl identity.

She wished neither to see him nor to witness his superficial concern, which would only exacerbate her annoyance with him.

In any case, he likely disapproved of her anyway.

Next, Polaris inquired about Baoyu’s schedule for the week, hoping to conduct a power assessment and a series of fundamental training sessions.

“How about Saturday, Senior?

I’m free that day.”

“Alright, then.

I’ll send you the detailed notification later.

It’s getting late, so you should head home and rest.

Don’t let your family worry too much.”

“Yes, you too, Senior.

Oh, by the way, what about Asherah…?”

Now that she thought about it, where had Asherah gone?

Though Asherah had stormed off in a huff, they couldn’t simply abandon her; she, too, needed to be informed about their team’s affairs.

“I’ll go talk to her again, don’t worry.

I know where she is right now.”

Putting away her phone, Polaris rose from the chair, her gaze drifting towards the window.

“I do owe her an explanation.

After all, we didn’t leave her many other choices before.”

****

An hour later, Jin Shiling, now home, saw a new message on her phone.

In a small, three-person group chat named “Star Squad,” Cheng Zhenzhen had posted a selfie of herself embracing Polaris.

In the picture, Cheng Zhenzhen beamed, holding a selfie stick with one hand while making a ‘V’ sign against Polaris’s chest with the other.

Polaris, though smiling in her embrace, looked undeniably strained, perhaps due to being hugged by her junior in a manner usually reserved for an oversized plush toy, utterly devoid of any authority.

When Jin Shiling first met Cheng Zhenzhen, she had noticed a unique charm in her smile.

Her laughter was pure and innocent, effortlessly conveying joy.

Of course, it was also possible that Cheng Zhenzhen’s mind was often blissfully empty, possessing a kind of beauty untainted by ‘knowledge.’

In any case, it seemed the issue had been successfully resolved.

Indeed, Cheng Zhenzhen wasn’t typically difficult to appease, and she likely hadn’t been genuinely angry.

Thinking this, Jin Shiling sent a goodnight emoji in the group chat before burying her head once more in the homework piled beneath her arm.

Meanwhile, in another location, Cheng Zhenzhen lay on her bed, scrolling through her phone, gazing at each photograph she had taken of Polaris.

‘Senior is back, truly back.’

Each time this realization dawned on her, the girl would excitedly kick her legs playfully against the bed.

No one truly understood the profound significance Polaris held for Asherah, but her current demeanor offered a glimpse into its depth.

‘This time, I won’t let Senior leave like that again.’

Staring at the photo of herself and Polaris on her phone, Cheng Zhenzhen silently made a resolute vow.

‘This time, I will protect Senior.

I won’t let anyone hurt Senior again, absolutely not.’

Having also sent a goodnight emoji in the group chat, the girl, currently immersed in the joy of reunion, was surely destined for sweet dreams tonight.

Polaris, the object of her thoughts, remained at the Magical Girl Supervision Department.

Her small figure paused before a room, where through the glass, she observed Ye Xiaoshuang weeping, her face buried in the back of a woman.

A moment later, the woman embraced her, her own body subtly trembling.

The understanding and companionship of family often serve as the greatest comfort, always.

Stepping away, Polaris leaned against the corridor wall and pulled out her phone.

[Everyone worked hard today.

Get some rest early.

Goodnight.]

She tapped, sending the message.

Looking at the message she had sent in the group, Polaris scrolled up, her gaze settling on a photo of herself and Asherah.

Compared to the old photograph she remembered, this current picture contained only the two of them.

It was precisely for this reason that she couldn’t bring herself to stop worrying about the youngest member of their former team.

Complex emotions churned within her, and Polaris then shifted her attention to the third person in the group chat, Jin Shiling.

Her pink eyes lowered slightly, an unidentifiable emotion swirling within them.

“…”

Subsequently, she put away the white phone in her hand, then retrieved another blue phone from her person, one she hadn’t produced before.

She tapped the screen, composing a message.