Sniper at the Middle Gate (Part 1)

“…Xiao Tang, I’ve got some family stuff going on lately. Haven’t been able to focus much at work. Really appreciate you covering for me.”

“Bro You, just head out! I’ll handle the rest.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll treat you to a big meal sometime.”

You Dong lightly patted his subordinate’s shoulder. The younger man grinned.

“What are you thanking me for? I get extra overtime pay anyway!”

It was 5:40 p.m. You Dong clocked out. Night hadn’t fallen yet—the sun hung lazily in the sky, half-asleep.

Morning or night, no time of day stirred memories quite like twilight.

Gazing at the world bathed in a hazy, dreamlike glow, You Dong found himself unexpectedly remembering his high school days.

Him, practicing dribbling on the grass in the park. His sister, You Huimei, watching him quietly from a distance.

There were deeper, more significant moments between them—yet for some reason, this scene was seared into his memory like a brand. Every time he saw this golden hour, his thoughts drifted back to that afternoon, over a decade ago.

An ordinary moment back then—now an impossible miracle. That bittersweet gap was what people called melancholy.

Not exactly sad, but his steps felt heavier. Numbly, You Dong trudged toward the parking lot. Lately, juggling his life as a magical girl had drained him—mentally and physically. Dealing with You Xi was already exhausting. Now, knowing Mo Li would be joining the team? It made it hard to breathe.

As he passed the company gate, a familiar figure caught his eye—standing by the security booth.

Chen Xi.

“…What a coincidence,” he said awkwardly, forcing a smile.

He knew it probably looked worse than a grimace.

“Coincidence? Don’t play dumb. I came here to wait for you.”

Without a word, they moved to a quiet corner.

“How long have you been here? Did you wait long?” You Dong asked.

Chen Xi wore a white off-shoulder top with a belted pinafore dress—stylish, youthful, like a trendy college girl.

If it weren’t for her sharp, almost hostile gaze, she’d probably be approached by admirers in a mall, You Dong thought.

But since he was the cause of that anger, all he could do was laugh bitterly in his heart.

“Just got here. Didn’t wait long. I know you get off at five.”

“How’d you know I’d leave on time?” You Dong asked, puzzled. They’d dated long enough—she should know he usually worked late.

“I asked your junior, Xiao Tang. He said you’ve been clocking out on the dot lately. Figured something must be up at home,” Chen Xi replied.

“…You’ve been investigating me?” You Dong’s eyes widened.

The moment he’d feared had come. Chen Xi was smart—she must’ve noticed something.

“So what? Got a problem with that?”

She met his gaze with calm defiance, pinning him in place.

“…If you have questions, you could’ve just asked me directly,” You Dong said, his voice wavering.

“You’d really tell me the truth? I doubt it.”

“How do you know unless you ask?”

“Fine. Then I’m asking. What really happened that day? What were you thinking?”

“Nothing special,” You Dong said, feigning indifference. “Like you saw—I cheated. No excuse.”

“Alright. Give me your phone.”

Chen Xi held out her hand.

“My phone? Why?”

Hesitant but compliant, You Dong pulled his phone from his pocket.

“Not that one.” Chen Xi shook her head. “The work phone your company issued you.”

“…”

You Dong froze. Instantly, a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead.

“What’s wrong? Scared?”

Seeing her ex-boyfriend’s guilty, flustered expression, a surge of satisfaction washed over Chen Xi. She pressed on.

“You really think I don’t know anything? Do you see me as some naive girl you can just fool?”

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” You Dong tried to resist, unsure how much she actually knew.

“Still playing dumb?”

Chen Xi pulled out her own phone and held it up to You Dong.

“Look. Just look.”

She unlocked the screen and quickly opened her messages.

But just before the message list appeared, You Dong caught a glimpse of her wallpaper.

Huh? That looks… familiar?

“Wait, wait!” he blurted, stopping her mid-scroll.

“What?” Chen Xi was startled, shooting him an annoyed look.

“Your phone wallpaper…”

“What about it? Hmph. I’m dumped, and you’re still worried about my wallpaper?”

When they were dating, their lock screen and background had been couple photos—naturally. But now that they’d broken up, of course she wouldn’t keep those.

Chen Xi assumed You Dong’s reaction meant he was upset she’d changed it—making her both irritated and amused.

“You want to see it? Fine. Look all you want.”

She locked the screen and reopened it.

And there it was—high-resolution, crystal-clear: a photo of Tidal, the magical girl.

“…”

“Cute, right? Super duper cute. She’s my new favorite magical girl.”

At the mention of Tidal, Chen Xi’s mood brightened instantly. Her scowl vanished, replaced by a bright, genuine smile.

“…”

“You’re staring like a creep… Didn’t know you were into little girls. Huh. How come I never noticed this fetish of yours?” Chen Xi teased.

At that moment, if there had been a hole at You Dong’s feet—straight to the Earth’s core, filled with molten lava—he would’ve jumped in without hesitation.

But reality offered no such escape. All he could do was stand there, face burning with embarrassment.

“Wait, I was joking! Why are you blushing? You are guilty, aren’t you?”

“—Ah.”

Chen Xi’s expression suddenly shifted. Her teasing smirk twisted into visible disgust.

“You’re actually a lolicon, aren’t you… That’s so gross.”