Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter

Lately, life has been a bit too uneventful.

Or perhaps it’s not quite that simple, but there’s a distinct feeling of missing someone who loves to stir up trouble. Ye Qing is quite content with the peace, having no intention of provoking An Yueying.

For her, the absence of An Yueying is the best scenario.

However, given An Yueying’s nature, how could she possibly stay idle? Her absence from Ye Qing’s side is clearly due to her finding other victims to bother.

The street corner below Tang Nuo’s apartment is usually quiet, with only occasional visits from those buying fruits or early morning snacks. Generally, people in costume distributing flyers wouldn’t choose such a place.

After all, the residents of the old neighborhood are quite savvy. Unless it’s a supermarket special, they rarely accept handed-out flyers.

The only way to ensure completion of the task is to discreetly toss the flyers into the trash when no one is looking.

Yet, at this moment, a broad-shouldered, stitched bear stands in the middle of the road, holding a thick stack of flyers, casually pacing back and forth.

It doesn’t seem interested in distributing them to passersby, which piques curiosity.

Some curious individuals approach it, and it doesn’t refuse. However, once they take the flyers, they are left speechless upon reading the content.

A recruitment flyer for an evil organization? With secrets of defeated magical girls as a bonus?

The flyers are intriguing, but not suitable for widespread distribution.

Most people don’t take it seriously, but An Yueying’s initial target was only Tang Nuo.

Soon, the blue-haired girl appears at the street corner, walking briskly home. Seeing this, An Yueying deliberately moves to the center of the road, blocking Tang Nuo’s path.

Having recently acquired a beloved magical girl figurine and made new friends, Tang Nuo is in high spirits, walking without paying attention.

She collides with the soft, fluffy belly of the stitched bear, ricocheting backward and landing on the ground, her bottom bruised and tears welling up.

“Waa…”

Tang Nuo, her good mood instantly replaced by distress, pouts but doesn’t dare express her displeasure to the annoying bear. Instead, she rubs her sore bottom and attempts to circumvent it.

An Yueying, quick on her feet, blocks Tang Nuo’s path again. Tang Nuo lifts her watery golden eyes, sniffs her red nose, and looks utterly lost.

Is it trying to kidnap me? I have to get out of here…

“No, you can’t leave.”

An Yueying holds down Tang Nuo, her tone suggestive. Tang Nuo is so frightened she nearly collapses, but just as she’s about to scream for help, An Yueying hands her a flyer.

“Here’s a flyer for you, girl.”

Hearing An Yueying’s gentle, drawn-out voice, Tang Nuo feels slightly at ease, her fear gradually turning into confusion.

“F-flyer?”

Not skilled at refusing, she takes it.

“To the talented you:

do you yearn for the ability to create miracles?

do you wish to be the center of attention?

do you dream of battling magical girls?

do you hope to support them in secret after their defeat?

…”

With each line, Tang Nuo’s spirits lift, a sense of happiness overwhelming her, as if a beautiful future beckons.

Could I become a magical girl too?

“So, join the evil organization!

If you wish, you can meet your favorite magical girls in person!

We’ll provide you with a unique stage, props, and adorable mascots to cheer you on!

…”

The moment her eyes land on “evil organization,” Tang Nuo feels as if she’s been doused with cold water, instantly sober.

“H-help…”

Tang Nuo sobs as she scrambles to her feet, running in the opposite direction. But An Yueying, anticipating this, follows at a leisurely pace.

“Girl, you dropped your figurine.”

Hearing this, Tang Nuo glances back tearfully, her heart sinking as she sees the magical girl figurine in An Yueying’s hand.

I’m sorry, idol, I’ll rescue you after calling the police…

“Don’t worry, girl, it’s just a prank.”

Tang Nuo blinks in confusion.

A prank? That explanation sounds familiar…

“Here’s your magical girl figurine. Oh, and a bonus.”

An Yueying pulls out a thick photo album from her costume, handing it to Tang Nuo.

“Open it at home, it’s quite valuable.”

Tang Nuo takes the heavy album, her eyes lighting up at the cover featuring a mysterious yet striking purple-haired magical girl.

It’s not the evil organization, she’s a good person, today is my lucky day!

“Thank you, thank you!”

Tang Nuo expresses her gratitude, unaware of the playful smile on An Yueying’s face beneath the costume.

What a cute girl, and she has real potential.

Little Ye Qing, make sure she uses this talent to the fullest.

***

The bell rings, and Ye Qing automatically looks toward the back row, but doesn’t see the familiar blue-haired girl.

Another tardy…

This is the umpteenth time. Her recent demeanor suggests she’s not in her best state. Perhaps I should check on her.

Lin Shaoyao is still dozing, leaning against Ye Qing’s soft shoulder, trying to use her as a pillow. Ye Qing, of course, shakes her awake.

“The teacher is watching you.”

Hearing this, Lin Shaoyao immediately awakens and exchange an awkward glance with Shen Congqing, quickly focusing on her textbook.

Fortunately, there’s no trouble. Soon, Lin Shaoyao leans in, whispering to Ye Qing.

“Hey, what exactly happened when Shen Congqing called you to the office?”

“We didn’t go to the office, she took me to an empty art studio.”

Sensing a juicy piece of gossip, Lin Shaoyao presses further.

“Just the two of you? She didn’t do anything to you, did she?”

Hearing this, Ye Qing’s cheeks flush.

“What are you thinking? She’s different from you all.”

“How so? Shen Congqing is the biggest lesbian in the department, right? Think about it, she’s only in her twenties, incredibly talented, and just graduated before becoming a teacher.

Such an outstanding woman wouldn’t go unnoticed.

But she chose to come to our art department and has never been linked to any rumors. Anyone can see the implications, right?”

Listening to Lin Shaoyao’s analysis, Ye Qing’s face grows redder, and she protests.

“It’s not like that, she’s a great teacher. She even cleared out an old studio for my private lessons and taught me personally…”

“Personally?”

Seeing Lin Shaoyao’s shocked expression, Ye Qing realizes she’s digging herself a deeper hole.

“Ugh, Ye Qing, you’re into older women, aren’t you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous…”

Ye Qing responds softly, maintaining a cool demeanor, but her flushed cheeks betray her inner turmoil.

After a moment, Ye Qing sighs resignedly, gripping Lin Shaoyao’s sleeve and speaking in a near-whisper.

“Shen Congqing just wants to take me as her student, don’t spread rumors about it.”

Hearing this, Lin Shaoyao narrows her mischievous, alluring eyes.

“Sure, but keeping a secret comes at a price, you know?”

“A price?”

“Mm-hmm, and what that is… I’ll think about it and tell you after class.”