The Weight of Secrets and a Sudden Fever

Shen Xian rubbed her temples, then lifted her gaze to Zhuang Xun. “About that… I merely used a delaying spell. You mustn’t tell Ning Qi about this, okay?”

Zhuang Xun met Shen Xian’s eyes and nodded gently.

The world of magical girls and monsters currently existed only on the hidden side of society. The fewer people who knew the truth, the better. Headquarters would certainly not approve of her senior’s interference in the purification process, but no matter what, Zhuang Xun would always stand by Shen Xian. Thus, she had no reason to inform Senior Ning.

“It’s fine to give a little push in such matters. If one constantly refuses to face a problem, wouldn’t greater issues arise later?”

Zhuang Xun’s gaze followed Shen Xian’s. Her senior was looking at the moon, which cast a gentle, silver glow, unlike the dazzling, unforgiving brilliance of the sun.

Shen Xian’s expression fell into a brief reverie, a look that seemed both sorrowful and yet relieved. Zhuang Xun was unsure how to break the silence.

“Isn’t that right, Little Zhuang Xun?” Shen Xian’s words startled Zhuang Xun, who was still searching for the right response.

A smile played in Shen Xian’s eyes, as if the sorrowful expression from moments ago had never existed. Without waiting for Zhuang Xun’s reply, Shen Xian continued, speaking as if to herself. “You can’t solve problems by avoiding them, Little Zhuang Xun. What are your thoughts?”

It was as if she were asking Zhuang Xun, and also questioning herself.

Zhuang Xun looked at Shen Xian. “I think if two people sit down and talk, things will get better.” This applied to both the past and the future.

Unresolved emotional knots would only intertwine further, becoming a ticking time bomb—a fuse just waiting to ignite. It was a terrifying thought. For instance… there was a secret unique to Zhuang Xun, separate from an emotional knot, yet still deeply entwined within her soul.

“Right?” Shen Xian smiled. Then her expression suddenly turned serious. She whipped her head around and said earnestly, “Wait! Did we forget something?”

Before Zhuang Xun could reply, Shen Xian smacked her fist into her palm in realization. “Our mission!”

With that, Shen Xian swiftly walked to the large tree adorned with the red ribbons. She rolled up her sleeves, gripped the tree trunk, and began to climb upward, right before Zhuang Xun’s eyes.

Shen Xian declared confidently, “Little Zhuang Xun, you can stay down below. I’m an expert at climbing trees like this.”

My senior always claims to be skilled at the strangest things…

Zhuang Xun paused to reflect, realizing that it was indeed often true. She walked over to the base of the tree, observing Shen Xian’s every move. Though she wanted to take over for her senior, she knew the excited girl wouldn’t agree. If that was the case, it was better for her to stay below to catch her if she fell.

Zhuang Xun’s eyes followed Shen Xian’s every step intently.

Shen Xian climbed nimbly onto the branch adorned with the red ribbons. Then, she slowly untied one and clutched it in her hand. She sat on the trunk, beaming down at Zhuang Xun, and raised the hand holding the prize high. “Little Zhuang Xun, look! I got it.”

Zhuang Xun looked up, her words of affirmation caught in her throat by the breathtaking sight before her. Shen Xian’s figure grew clearer beneath the moonlight as the clouds momentarily drifted away. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze. Shen Xian gently smoothed her bangs, smiling with pure excitement.

Zhuang Xun’s heart skipped a beat.

“Little Zhuang Xun?” Shen Xian called softly.

Zhuang Xun snapped back to attention, her gaze softening. “Yes. Senior is amazing.”

Hearing the praise, Shen Xian proudly exclaimed, “Hehe, right? I am amazing!”

Zhuang Xun took two more steps forward, stopping directly beneath the branch where Shen Xian sat. She slowly reached up her hand. “Yes. Senior, hold onto me. Be careful coming down.”

Shen Xian’s gaze shifted to the side, then she thought for a moment. “Hmm… that’s a bit too far to reach.”

Without another word, she simply jumped down toward where Zhuang Xun stood.

As if anticipating the move, Zhuang Xun caught Shen Xian steadily in her arms, not even stumbling from the impact. Shen Xian wrapped her arms around Zhuang Xun’s neck as her toes slowly touched the ground. “Huh, I thought we’d fall together.”

Zhuang Xun looked at the girl in her arms—who was smaller than her—and calmly stated, “Senior, you are always so unpredictable.”

She had long since grown accustomed to her senior’s sudden impulses.

Zhuang Xun did not let go immediately. Shen Xian merely pouted, playfully saying, “I wanted to see what Little Zhuang Xun would look like if she fell…”

If she fell, Senior would have just landed on top of me. But that would feel like taking advantage of the situation, so I deliberately stood firm. I absolutely cannot tell Senior about this.

With that thought, Zhuang Xun quickly let go. Shen Xian blinked, but her hands did not release their hold. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Zhuang Xun’s waist, stood on her tiptoes, and whispered into her ear, “Little Zhuang Xun, I feel a little dizzy…”

She looked up at Zhuang Xun, and before her words fully registered, she collapsed into her junior’s embrace.

Zhuang Xun’s pupils trembled. She swiftly pulled Shen Xian closer. “Senior? Senior…!”

Shen Xian’s body gradually grew hot in Zhuang Xun’s arms, her warm, ragged breath caressing Zhuang Xun’s neck.

“It seems to be just a slight fever, nothing serious.” Tao Si walked over to Zhuang Xun with a medical kit and placed it by the bed.

They were now in a guest room in the villa. Shen Xian’s face was flushed deep crimson. Seeing Tao Si arrive, Zhuang Xun turned to her and nodded gently. “Thank you, Senior Tao Si, for your help.”

Tao Si stood still, her gaze lingering on Shen Xian with concern. “It’s fine, this is my fault. You two rest well here. As for the club matters, I’ll take care of them.”

Zhuang Xun bit her lip. “I’m sorry, I didn’t help much during your club activity.”

“It’s alright, I was the one who invited you two. Besides, our club president isn’t an unreasonable person. You’ve also paid the team-building fee, so don’t blame yourselves,” Tao Si said gently.

“Xiao Si, the prizes have arrived.” Yin Ning knocked on the door and walked to Tao Si’s side, holding a few gift bags.

Yin Ning then handed the prizes to Zhuang Xun. “These are yours and Shen Xian’s.”

Zhuang Xun accepted the bags, her gaze constantly flickering back toward the bed. “Thank you, Senior Yin.”

“No problem. Xiao Si and I will leave first.” Yin Ning took Tao Si’s hand and said to Zhuang Xun, “You must be exhausted from carrying Shen Xian all the way down the mountain. If you can’t hold on, come find us to take over.”

Yin Ning didn’t wait for Zhuang Xun’s reply and added, “Don’t exhaust yourself taking care of her. Shen Xian and I are classmates, after all. If you truly need anything, contact us anytime. Our contact information is on the prizes.”

As Yin Ning and Tao Si reached the door, Tao Si’s soft voice reached Zhuang Xun’s ears. “Wouldn’t it be better if we took care of her and let the junior rest first?”

Then, Yin Ning, without any hesitation, replied, “It’s better to let them stay together.”

With that, Yin Ning gently closed the door.

Zhuang Xun looked at Shen Xian, who lay on the bed, her body trembling slightly. Zhuang Xun didn’t know where to put her hands. She hadn’t noticed any signs of her senior having a fever at all earlier. She had even let her senior climb a tree alone…

At this moment, the prize in Zhuang Xun’s hand felt like a hot potato, a glaring reminder of her lack of attentiveness.

Just then, Zhuang Xun’s sleeve was gently tugged.

“Little Zhuang Xun…”