Chapter 59: The Ship of Theseus and a Faltering Resolve

A thing already shattered cannot be rebuilt. Even if one were to meticulously reconstruct it to its original form, it would merely become another Ship of Theseus.

Though it might continue its voyage, replacing the original, no one could truly say if it remained the same vessel.

Thus, rather than clinging to what has been irrevocably lost, it is better to gaze upon the distant, open fields.

For this young girl, stripped of many emotions through a process of ‘purification,’ Yinjin’s only recourse was to meticulously tend to her inner self.

She aimed to help new branches sprout along a path akin yet distinct from her past.

Sensing a soft tug at her wrist, Yinjin instantly halted her steps, following the gaze of the grey-haired girl.

Sure enough, it was that familiar cat cafe once more.

“Yinjin, I want to pet cats.”

The girl’s voice was gentle and clear, like a crisp mint leaf. Her words were succinct and straightforward, yet far from brusque; rather, they were unexpectedly adorable.

It bore some resemblance to Ye Qing’s voice, though not as cool and distant.

Instead, it was more yielding, much like two cats with contrasting dispositions: one, a black cat, preferring solitude, and the other, a grey cat, proving far more affectionate.

“Alright.”

Yinjin offered a slight smile, saying little, merely keeping pace with the girl’s steps.

Thus, time flowed gently onward, slowly…

***

Upon receiving Shen Congqing’s message, which was tantamount to a challenge, Silver Moon’s expression—which had only just softened due to Liu Qingruo—instantly darkened once more.

“What does that mean? Has she colluded with that person too?”

Ye Qing’s name had entered Silver Moon’s purview long ago. Initially, she was a convenient instrument for manipulating Gu Xuanyu, but later, she became an obstructive hindrance.

Just two weeks prior, the day before Silver Moon had asked Gu Xuanyu to accompany her to the aquarium, was when Gu Xuanyu had suddenly shown indications of losing control.

Silver Moon initially dismissed it. It wasn’t the first time Gu Xuanyu had challenged her authority.

As a mimicry of ‘that person,’ Silver Moon had inherited merely one of her abilities: the so-called ‘lover’s filter.’

Armed solely with this, Silver Moon knew she could not achieve absolute perfection; imperfections were inevitable.

Thankfully, Ye Qing, that individual, had left behind a universally potent incantation.

Whenever Gu Xuanyu harbored doubts, Silver Moon only had to mimic that person’s resigned tone and utter, “How troublesome,” to pacify her turbulent heart.

What was so endearing about such a peculiar complaint, Silver Moon couldn’t fathom. Yet, since it proved effective, it was a viable tactic.

This time was no different. Gu Xuanyu almost instantly cast aside her anxieties, accompanying Silver Moon to the aquarium.

Silver Moon felt no affection for Gu Xuanyu, viewing her only as an assigned responsibility. She certainly wouldn’t engage in baseless rendezvous with her.

Her actions were merely to indulge her own recreational inclinations, under the pretext of ‘official duty’—perhaps to further stabilize Gu Xuanyu’s resolve.

Silver Moon detested engaging in pointless endeavors. Even for entertainment, she required a grand, justifiable reason before she could savor it with a clear conscience.

After all, she was but an inferior replica of that person. If she failed to carve out her own unique path and remain perpetually vigilant, she was destined to forever languish in that individual’s colossal shadow.

That legend in the industry, the flawless magical girl and supervisor who boasted that no one could endure her romantic onslaught for more than three days—Su Yi.

Because she oversaw a multitude of magical girls, whose powers were immense and whose reach extended far, suspicion had festered within the CCB regarding her.

This thus catalyzed Silver Moon’s creation, a being cultivated from her very essence.

Although the outcome fell short of expectations, Silver Moon was nonetheless entrusted with significant responsibilities.

Despite being a novice with no discernible accomplishments, she was unprecedentedly elevated to the highest city supervisor, for she was deemed entirely trustworthy.

Silver Moon did not perceive this as an act of favoritism. Rather, she believed she was more than capable of handling far more arduous duties.

Her accomplishments spoke for themselves; within a mere month of her appointment, she had eradicated Jinzhou’s ‘Tea Party.’ As for her capabilities, she far surpassed Yinjin, a mere mortal.

‘What right did that woman have to dictate her actions?’

But ever since Ye Qing’s name began to echo frequently in Silver Moon’s ears, her fortunes seemed to sour.

Gu Xuanyu had defected because of her influence, and the ‘Tea Party’ had once again infiltrated Jinzhou.

At first, Silver Moon had simply assumed Ye Qing was merely a girl sharing a name with Gu Xuanyu’s childhood friend. However, she gradually discerned the truth.

Every piece of evidence pointed to the black-haired girl as the very Ye Qing whom Silver Moon herself had replaced on Gu Xuanyu’s birthday night. She was the prime instigator of all these misfortunes!

Her transformation into a female could only be attributed to succumbing to the ‘Tea Party’s’ insidious allure, having already pledged herself to an evil organization.

‘You inherently wicked, stone-faced brat, I shall personally—’

“Silver Moon, are you there?”

A frigid, unyielding female voice from the doorway shattered Silver Moon’s train of thought. The caller was none other than Shen Congqing.

The suffocating urgency of the inquiry made Silver Moon’s body tense, as if a fatal greatsword pressed against her very throat.

‘Is she trying to kill me?’

‘Curse it, Liu Qingruo remained in slumber. There was no one to impede her now!’

Experiencing fear for the first time, Silver Moon was struck dumb with terror, daring not utter a sound.

Thankfully, the room door remained tightly shut. Presumably, her assailant could not be certain of her presence within.

As the thought crossed her mind, a flash of white light enveloped Silver Moon. In the next instant, she had shrunk into a white mascot, no larger than a teddy bear.

Her jet-black eyes fixed warily on the doorknob, as she stealthily concealed herself beneath the table.

‘I hope she doesn’t discover me.’

After a prolonged silence, devoid of any reply, Shen Congqing, waiting outside the door, grew impatient. She simply pushed the door open, only to find the room utterly empty.

Shen Congqing stood motionless in the center of the room, her thoughts inscrutable. Silver Moon held her breath, paralyzed, daring no movement, remaining hidden in the shadows.

Moments later, having found nothing, Shen Congqing quietly closed the door behind her. At the sound, Silver Moon finally exhaled, a profound sigh of relief, crawling out from beneath the table.

Her gaze drifted towards the door. Beyond the relief, an unconscious flicker of intense loathing ignited within Silver Moon’s golden eyes.

‘It seemed she had completely defected, swallowing that brat’s words hook, line, and sinker.’

Silver Moon reverted to her human form. Her jaw clenched, her teeth grinding together.

‘Then I shall have no choice but to purge you alongside the other fallen magical girls.’

***

Once Shen Congqing had departed, Ye Qing had intended to first clean the mud-stained floor, but Gu Xuanyu intervened.

“You are a patient. Rest first; I will handle the cleaning.”

Ye Qing lifted her gaze to the silver-haired girl and blinked in a daze.

“I believe being ill does not impede my ability to work, and you are not particularly adept at such tasks…”

As Ye Qing spoke with earnest sincerity, it sounded less like she was trying to commandeer the task and more like she genuinely feared Gu Xuanyu wouldn’t manage the cleaning effectively. Gu Xuanyu couldn’t help but pout.

“Did you truly believe I was still that sheltered young lady, whose hands never touched a speck of dirt? In truth, I’ve made considerable improvements, you know. Just watch.”

Gu Xuanyu retrieved a mop from the bathroom, poised to display her newfound domestic prowess before Ye Qing. Yet, in the very next instant, the antiquated mop slipped from her grasp, clattering directly onto the floor.

Flustered, the silver-haired girl fumbled, unable to regain her hold. She could only watch helplessly as it toppled sideways, hitting the floor with a distinct clatter.

Ye Qing calmly picked up the mop and shrugged with a hint of resignation. Her luminous amber eyes fluttered. Her gaze, fixed on Gu Xuanyu, caused the latter’s pretty face to flush warmly, and her words became halting.

“Don’t pay it any mind. Th-this was merely an accident.”