Cooperation (4)

With their combined efforts, the Fish Man Leader was quickly defeated.

As the enemy’s body faded away, dissolving into a beam of white light, Huangxing let out a long breath and plopped down onto the cold concrete floor.

“F-finally…”

“Here.”

Raging Flame tossed something toward her. Huangxing scrambled to catch it.

She held it up—it was the magic crystal left behind by the Fish Man Leader.

Compared to the other crystals they’d collected tonight, this one was noticeably larger, pulsing with denser magic particles.

“You don’t want it?” Huangxing asked, puzzled. “Didn’t the materials from Lao Lin say these are super important?”

“I don’t need it,” Raging Flame said, feigning indifference. “I’m the senior, remember? I’ve got plenty.”

“Really?” Huangxing’s eyes lit up. “Then can I have a few more?”

Raging Flame shot her a look.

“You’re really—”

“You two did great.”

Tidal descended, joining the conversation just in time.

“…It’s late. Let’s call it a night.”

After climbing out through the manhole, the three took deep, grateful breaths of fresh air.

The night wind was cool. The streets were quiet.

Under dim streetlights, mosquitoes danced in the air. Their shadows stretched long in the moonlight, merging together on the pavement.

“Good work today. Go home and rest. You still have the energy to fly back?”

“Hehe, honestly? I’m kinda wiped…”

As she spoke, Huangxing de-transformed.

“This is still a bit far from my place. I’ll just call a cab! Don’t worry about me, Senior.”

“Alright.”

Tidal nodded, then turned to Raging Flame.

“…I can fly back myself,” Raging Flame said.

“Just text your family to pick you up, right? It’s not far from your place, is it?”

Tidal glanced around. The area looked familiar—she couldn’t name it, but she knew it was close to where they lived.

She planned to fly back first, transform into You Dong, and drive over to get her.

“How do you know I live nearby?” Raging Flame asked, curious.

“Oh. I saw your info in Lao Lin’s files. I know a few things about your personal situation.”

Tidal made up an excuse on the spot.

“…Ah, never mind. I’ll just walk.”

Raging Flame canceled the message she was typing, shoving her phone back into her pocket.

“Why?”

“It’s almost 11. My uncle probably thinks I’m in my room, gaming or something. If I call him now, I’ll just get scolded…” Raging Flame grinned.

So the kid actually knows fear… Tidal found it amusing.

“And… my uncle hasn’t been feeling well lately. I don’t know why, but he’s been really tired and drained… I don’t wanna disturb him.”

A simple sentence, but warmth swelled in Tidal’s chest.

“…Didn’t think you could be so considerate of adults,” she said, nodding with quiet pride.

“Ah, I know why!” Raging Flame suddenly snapped her fingers. “My uncle got dumped by his girlfriend recently… That’s why he’s been so down, right? Haha!”

“…”

“Alright! I’m heading out. Bye, Senior!”

With that, Raging Flame turned to leave.

“Wait.”

Mo Li suddenly called out.

“When I got home from school today, my mom told me she already filed a report… so…”

She didn’t even know her own feelings. As she said “filed a report,” her eyes darted away, unable to meet the other’s gaze.

“Yeah. She did.”

Seeming to think it was inappropriate to discuss this as a magical girl, Raging Flame touched her soul gem and transformed back into You Xi.

“I went to the police station a few days ago. We even argued in the mediation room with your mom,” You Xi admitted casually.

“So… what’s the plan? How’s it gonna be resolved?” Mo Li asked.

“Huh? How come you don’t know anything?” You Xi shot her a look. “Your mom wants me to apologize to you. If I do, she’ll drop the case.”

“…”

Mo Li didn’t speak. She just looked at You Xi, her eyes asking: So what’s your decision?

“Of course I’ll apologize.”

“I was too emotional. I lost my head and pushed you… That was wrong.”

As she spoke, You Xi scratched her head, a little embarrassed. Under the streetlight, her smooth black bob with red streaks gleamed.

“If you still feel like it’s not enough… you can push me too.”

She stepped in front of Mo Li, puffing out her chest.

“Go ahead.”

“Y-you idiot! Are you five years old?!”

Mo Li’s face turned red. She turned her head away, muttering angrily.

“And I also have to apologize in front of the whole class,” You Xi added.

“What? Why?”

“For the bullying. Your mom said I slandered your reputation. That’s worse than injuring you.”

“Well, duh.”

Hearing that, Mo Li straightened up, suddenly confident.

“I didn’t bully Bai Mian. Why are you accusing me of that?”

Seeing her like this, You Xi felt a flicker of anger. But maybe because she now understood Mo Li’s nature, she wasn’t as worked up as before.

“You’re really—”

You Xi pointed at Mo Li, exasperated, then said:

“…I just remembered something my uncle told me. Back then, I thought he was just making excuses. Now… it kinda makes sense.”

“You’re the kind of person who’s had it too easy, too comfortable.”

“At home, at school—everyone spoils you, revolves around you. You think Bai Mian is overreacting, that she’s ‘too sensitive’—just because you can’t feel or understand someone else’s pain. In my opinion, you need to be bullied yourself to understand how messed up your actions were!”

“What kind of twisted logic is that? Why should I get bullied?” Mo Li shot back.

“I’m just making a point. My point is—you shouldn’t think your actions are harmless, just ‘a little joke between classmates’… If you keep thinking like that, you’ll never realize how wrong you are.”

“But… I really do think it was just a joke…”

“Ugh, forget it. Talking to a wall.” You Xi gave Mo Li a disappointed look. “Anyway, I won’t apologize—unless you apologize to Bai Mian first.”

“Then… aren’t you afraid of the police?”

“Of course I am.”

You Xi answered immediately.

Even now, the words “under investigation” made her chest tighten, her mind go blank.

“But Bai Mian is my best friend. She only has me to rely on. If even I…”

At that moment, a taxi with glowing headlights pulled up beside them.

The engine’s rumble and tire noise drowned out the rest of her words.

“…It’s just an apology.”

“If you just apologize, can’t we just move on?”

Before getting in, Mo Li said this softly—her voice carrying a faint hint of pleading.

“No. It’s not possible.”

You Xi responded, each word sharp and firm.

“…You’re such a stubborn person.”

With that, Mo Li got into the taxi.

The car started. In the rearview mirror, their figures grew smaller, blurrier—until they vanished.

Ah… so tired.

She let out a long sigh, leaning her head against the seat.

Her eyes had just closed—when You Xi’s face, always stern and serious, naturally appeared in her mind.

So stubborn. So rough. No emotional intelligence. No flexibility…

Ugh, why does someone so annoying even exist?

Mo Li complained in her heart.

Yet, her face showed no sign of distress.

“But…”

Suddenly, the girl let out a soft, quiet laugh.