The Precious Daughter

One week had passed since Chen Zeyu began her magical studies.

With Evetti’s guidance, Chen Zeyu’s progress in magic had been remarkably swift over the past week.

Her inherent comprehension also played a part, allowing her to master the basics of psychokinesis and even some fire magic.

The cost, however, was steep: upon returning home, Chen Zeyu found herself with virtually no free time.

Her schedule was packed, rushing from school to her studies, leaving her games and leisure activities utterly neglected.

Today was Friday, and it was the last class of the afternoon.

As luck would have it, the teacher had a meeting, leaving the students to self-study.

Evetti diligently worked on her assignments.

Though the knowledge was new to her, her innate understanding of logic and quick grasp of concepts made the work effortless.

She even had ample time to glance at Chen Zeyu, who lay slumped beside her like a dead fish.

‘…’

Chen Zeyu gazed out the window, wishing for time to accelerate.

Evetti had promised her that today she could rest and do whatever she pleased.

“Are you doing your homework? Didn’t you say you’d study hard?” Evetti poked Chen Zeyu’s head with her mechanical pencil.

Slowly, Chen Zeyu turned her face, her eyes, adorned with black cosmetic lenses, filled with profound resentment.

“I want a break… I’m too tired to move.”

“Well, I’m tired from writing. How about you give my hand a massage?”

Evetti set down her pencil and extended her right hand toward Chen Zeyu.

“Ugh… fine.”

Chen Zeyu roused herself.

After all, Evetti had gifted her an apartment, so she felt obligated to fulfill her massage duties.

Their hands met once more.

Chen Zeyu used both of hers, while Evetti simply closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

The small interaction between them caught the attention of the girl in the front row.

She subtly glanced behind her, then at the surveillance camera.

Seeing that the camera hadn’t moved, she boldly turned around.

“Chen Yuqing, what’s your relationship with Chen Yunyao?”

“Hm?” Chen Zeyu paused her movements, momentarily stunned before realizing the alias the other girl had used.

“We’re sisters,” Evetti answered directly, her purple eyes flicking to Chen Zeyu, silently urging her to continue the massage.

“Yes, sisters,” Chen Zeyu confirmed, then resumed the soothing motions of her hands.

“The way you two go back and forth, it’s like something out of a novel.”

“Like you’re master and servant at home, but sisters in front of others, even though you’re clearly related but pretending not to be, hehe.”

The girl who spoke was named Feng Yan.

She flashed a charming smile, her black ponytail bouncing playfully behind her head.

“Master and servant?” Evetti looked at the girl, initially finding the idea strange.

Yet, considering Chen Zeyu’s domineering behavior, she mused that there might be some truth to it.

“We’re not like that. And definitely not master and servant,” Chen Zeyu mumbled, her gaze darting away as if she were shy, despite having been classmates for years.

Seeing Chen Zeyu’s evasive expression, Feng Yan couldn’t help but recall the original occupant of the seat behind her.

“Chen Yuqing, I feel like your personality reminds me of someone,” Feng Yan remarked casually.

“Oh… does it?” Chen Zeyu felt a flutter of panic in her chest, turning her head sharply to look out the window.

“Aha! I was just about to say! It’s that exact gesture.”

“Chen Zeyu often does that, trying to shift her gaze to avoid eye contact. You’re actually quite cute!”

Feng Yan laughed again, a truly unforced smile that made Chen Zeyu’s heart skip a beat.

She lowered her head, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

“Feng Yan, what do you think of Chen Zeyu?” Evetti suddenly interjected.

“Chen Zeyu? She’s a bit quiet, but she’s like the protagonist of a book I once read—ordinary on the surface, but secretly very mysterious.”

“Like a super powerful gaming expert, someone truly gifted.”

“Oh, a gaming expert. Perhaps she really is,” Evetti said, giving Chen Zeyu a meaningful look.

Chen Zeyu, however, simply listened silently, seemingly unwilling to join the conversation.

“Hey, Chen Yunyao, do you know anything?” Feng Yan’s interest was piqued.

“Of course. I know Chen Zeyu. I hear she’s been playing a game called Dawn’s Prayer recently, and she’s quite enjoying herself. And yes, she is indeed gifted in certain areas.”

Evetti was referring to the negative reviews.

If Chen Zeyu hadn’t caused such a fuss, she might not have become a witch.

“Dawn’s Prayer? Oh, wow! I have the game helmet!” Feng Yan exclaimed, her face lighting up as if she’d found an ally.

“What a coincidence, she and I have them too,” Evetti said, extending an arm to pull Chen Zeyu closer, preventing her from escaping the girls’ conversation.

“…Yes, I do,” Chen Zeyu confirmed with a nod.

“That’s fantastic! Shall we form a team tonight, just the three of us?”

“I can’t even manage the normal puzzles in the beta test; I’m quite clumsy, which is a shame for my dusty game helmet.”

Feng Yan requested with a smile.

Evetti gave a slight nod, then gestured towards Chen Zeyu as if introducing her.

“Now, let’s focus on this one. She’s a genuine master, a pro player who conquered all the beta tests.”

“She even provided many useful suggestions to the official Dawn’s Prayer team, which I believe has elevated the game experience to a new level.”

Evetti’s description was somewhat exaggerated.

Chen Zeyu’s suggestions were a mixed bag; with her somewhat lacking emotional intelligence, she had also given plenty of bad advice based purely on her own preferences.

“That’s wonderful! I feel much more at ease with a master leading the team.”

“I’ll write down a note, and we can add each other as friends when we get home.”

Feng Yan turned back to her seat, tearing off a sticky note to write on.

Chen Zeyu seized the opportunity to glance at Evetti, puzzled by her intentions.

“You don’t like dealing with others, but even a cherished jewel will only gather dust if no one sees its brilliance. You should showcase your own light more often.”

Evetti explained her reasoning.

She had checked Chen Zeyu’s previous game records; her speed in clearing stages indeed suggested natural talent.

Moreover, she had discovered and reported many bugs in the early stages of Dawn’s Prayer, which also contributed to some of the negative reviews.

“I’m… not a cherished jewel,” Chen Zeyu said, still lacking confidence.

“Here you go, here you go! You absolutely must guide me when we get back, Chen Yuqing!”

Feng Yan handed over a note, clasping Chen Zeyu’s hand as she pleaded.

“Uh-huh, I’ll do my best.”

It was Chen Zeyu’s first time shaking hands with a girl other than Evetti, making her movements somewhat timid.

“Haha, seeing how humble you are, I know you’re a true master!”

“I’m sticking with you for the team tonight; you have to protect me!”

Feng Yan said without reservation, her smile as boundless as her lively spirit.

‘Ugh… don’t put everything on me,’ Chen Zeyu thought, feeling a surge of anxiety.

Evetti rested her chin on her hand, silently watching Chen Zeyu handle Feng Yan’s enthusiasm.

She genuinely felt that Chen Zeyu was far too shy.

Correcting her personality was naturally part of her training.

It required diligent practice in the future.

Evetti silently added this to her mental list.

Lately, she had been considering anything that might benefit Chen Zeyu, almost like a doting mother’s meticulous care.