Chapter 63: A Web of Distrust and a Risky Gambit

‘Qing, you say? Heh, I’d quite like to see her too.’

Hearing the familiar name, Yinjin couldn’t help but reveal a nostalgic smile. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to carry a hint of undetectable amusement.

It appeared she also harbored fond memories of the time she spent disciplining that rebellious magical girl.

But as Silver Moon came to mind, a flicker of worry involuntarily crossed Yinjin’s golden eyes.

Despite having warned Silver Moon last time, Yinjin ultimately lacked the authority to restrict her actions. There was no guarantee that Silver Moon wouldn’t once again do something to send everyone’s blood pressure soaring.

Had it not been for the fact that the evil organizations in Jinzhou had been completely eradicated, Yinjin would never have entrusted the jurisdiction of Jinzhou’s CCB to her.

Even now, she would occasionally take time away from her work in Yuzhou to come here, precisely to prevent Silver Moon from acting erratically.

When Yinjin first met Silver Moon, she had disguised herself perfectly.

Perhaps influenced by the filter magic emanating from that individual, Yinjin had even developed a slight fondness for her, mistakenly believing her to be a trustworthy young colleague.

However, by the time she arrived after receiving Violet’s message, the purification damage suffered by Fading Star was irreversible. All that could be done was to gently and carefully tend to her now fragile and delicate inner self.

From that moment on, Yinjin realized a crucial truth: Silver Moon—no, this artificial being cloaked in human skin—was incapable of empathizing with others.

She was brimming with rationality, interspersed with only a sliver of emotion that revolved solely around herself.

She was clearly an incomplete failure, yet she was still entrusted with significant responsibilities, serving as Jinzhou’s highest authority and even the administrator of the Magical Girl Academy.

Even though Yinjin had repeatedly submitted proposals to the CCB internal council for Silver Moon’s removal from office, those proposals seemed to be relegated to propping up table legs each year, failing to stir even a ripple.

After all, Silver Moon possessed the merit of eradicating Jinzhou’s evil organizations on paper. For those who supported Silver Moon, this was a valuable bargaining chip, easily refuting most accusations against her.

‘What, you say she’s incompetent? She effortlessly achieved what you couldn’t, completely expelling the Tea Party from Jinzhou.’

‘What, you accuse her of violating regulations? She is a newcomer, eager to prove herself. Since she has completed such an arduous task, a little understanding wouldn’t hurt.’

‘What, you criticize her for using forbidden methods? If those methods are so effective, why don’t you use them? You are all magical girls, so why do they shine so brightly in her hands?’

These arguments infuriated Yinjin, yet left her feeling utterly powerless. All she could do was reclaim her own Magical Girl Medium from Silver Moon’s grasp, preventing further damage.

The last time she departed from Jinzhou, Violet had also resigned from her Magical Girl duties. Watching the once spirited Magical Girl Violet cast a helpless gaze upon her, Yinjin’s heart couldn’t help but tremble.

She had misjudged Silver Moon, failing to discern her true nature. Had she known earlier, she would never have accepted the so-called promotion, entrusting Jinzhou’s responsibilities to another.

Now, regret was too late. Although disappointed with the CCB’s internal workings, it existed to combat evil organizations. Yinjin wouldn’t entirely deny the CCB’s purpose; she could only attempt to change this unsatisfactory status quo.

‘Alas, I only hope it doesn’t descend into corruption.’

***

“Ye Qing, you intend to bypass the CCB and deal with Silver Moon directly, don’t you?”

Shen Congqing’s tone was notably low, laden with profound meaning.

Listening to her words, Ye Qing fell silent.

“Teacher Shen, are you implying that Silver Moon doesn’t truly represent the CCB?”

Shen Congqing nodded slightly.

“Precisely. To my knowledge, many within the CCB oppose her actions, including my superior. If you were willing…”

At this point, Shen Congqing was naturally prepared to set aside her minor grievances with Yinjin. However, she was unsure if Ye Qing would be willing to trust Yinjin—or rather, to trust Shen Congqing’s judgment.

Having known Yinjin for many years, Shen Congqing trusted her character. In this situation, Yinjin would most likely not make things difficult for Ye Qing, even if the latter had become a member of an evil organization.

Moreover, with Violet backing Ye Qing, an explanation from her would undoubtedly carry more weight.

“I apologize, Teacher Shen, but given our position, we cannot trust anyone from the CCB.”

Ye Qing gently shook her head, an expression of helplessness etched onto her delicate face.

She understood that Shen Congqing was considering her best interests, but at this moment, Ye Qing had to make the most rational and safest judgment.

She could not entrust her fate and the fate of those around her to someone she had never met, especially not a CCB executive who was fundamentally at odds with evil organizations.

It was worth remembering that when Shen Congqing first appeared before her as a Magical Girl, she had consistently shown resistance and distrust towards Ye Qing.

Such aversion to evil organizations was deeply ingrained in their subconscious, unlikely to change easily.

If she placed her trust in the wrong person, Ye Qing would have to be mentally prepared to “disappear.”

If it were only herself, it might be manageable, but it would involve many people she couldn’t abandon.

Tang Nuo and Lin Shaoyao, both trusted her. She couldn’t gamble with their trust in such a reckless manner.

However, there seemed to be no perfect solution at hand. ‘Alas, at the very least, we must first apprehend Silver Moon. Only then can we consider colluding with that so-called Senior Yinjin.’

“Teacher Shen, I intend to capture Silver Moon first. She will only grow more vigilant from now on. I have a premonition that she might resort to extreme measures, or attempt to escape, so…”

Just then, Shen Congqing’s phone suddenly rang. She picked it up with a puzzled expression, and upon seeing the caller, her emerald pupils sharply contracted.

“Silver Moon wants me to go to the Magical Girl Academy. She claims she was coincidentally busy yesterday… A pack of lies.”

Shen Congqing let out a cold laugh, then turned her gaze to Ye Qing, seeking her opinion.

The black-haired girl’s eyes were clear and serene, making it impossible to discern her thoughts.

After a moment, she scratched her rear, which had inexplicably become itchy after applying expired Yunbei Green Ointment, and spoke:

“Didn’t she hide from you yesterday? She’s definitely up to no good again. I suspect she’s set something up, planning to give you a harsh welcome.”

Shen Congqing raised an eyebrow. She had arrived at the same conjecture as Ye Qing, but unlike her, Shen Congqing knew that Silver Moon had no available Magical Girls at her disposal.

Though Chi still obeyed Silver Moon, the girl was ultimately rash, and her strength as a Magical Girl couldn’t compare to Shen Congqing’s. Therefore, there was no need to worry about Silver Moon using her to fight.

So, where did Silver Moon’s confidence stem from? Had she gained control over other Magical Girls from those behind her?

“Teacher Shen, I think we can turn her own scheme against her. I currently have Little… *ahem*, two evil executives here. I guarantee they won’t harbor ill intentions, and Gu Xuanyu can now freely use her powers.”

Ye Qing couldn’t help but scratch her rear again, her delicate face creased in a frown.

“Gu Xuanyu and I have already discussed it. Even with a conservative estimate, our combined strength is overwhelmingly superior to hers. So, why not turn her own plan against her…”

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