The Truth about the Flower Heir (3)

“What was my sister, You Huimei, like as a magical girl?”

You Dong knew he had decent emotional resilience—but even he didn’t expect to accept so quickly that his sister had once been a magical girl.

Then again… it was You Huimei.

If he could become a magical girl, then of course his sister would have surpassed Tidal with ease—stronger, more brilliant, effortlessly extraordinary.

If something seemed absurd, but involved You Huimei? Then somehow, it wasn’t absurd anymore. To You Dong, she had always been that kind of person—someone capable of anything.

Still, the fact that his supposedly well-known, deeply loved sister had kept such a massive secret from him… left a faint bitterness in his heart.

For a moment, Shi Minjun didn’t answer. She seemed to weigh her words carefully before finally offering:

“…An annoying type. At least, that’s how I saw her.”

“…Huh? So you two didn’t get along?” You Dong asked, confused.

Judging from the photo earlier, they had looked close—like good friends.

Shi Minjun didn’t respond immediately.

As if annoyed by the sunlight streaming through the car window, she placed one hand on the steering wheel and used the other to pull a pair of sunglasses from the overhead compartment, sliding them on with effortless cool.

The W12 engine roared beautifully. Along the quiet, secluded highway, the emerald-green Continental raced toward the outskirts of Shangjing City.

“You know why I became a magical girl?” Shi Minjun suddenly turned the question back at him.

You Dong, who had only learned her name hours ago, obviously had no idea about such personal history.

“It’s simple,” she said. “Money.”

“When I was in middle school, my father fled because of debt. My family was practically destroyed. That’s when I realized—money is everything.”

“I waited until university. When I found out I had the compatibility, I took the chance and became a magical girl. But honestly? I cared far less about fighting monsters than I did about using this identity to make money.”

“That company you saw—the one under my name—it was built from connections and resources I gathered during my time as an active magical girl. It handles trade between the mortal world and the Magical Kingdom. Doesn’t look big, but the profits? Very real.”

As she spoke, Shi Minjun ran a hand over the Continental’s steering wheel and gave a self-deprecating smile.

You Dong recalled correctly—the car’s interior was stitched from over four hundred pieces of premium leather, a true work of art on wheels.

“Money has such power. Back then, I was just an ordinary high school student, not even graduated—and yet, single-handedly, I saved my entire family and built up this wealth.”

“So that’s why I became a magical girl. Money was my source of strength, my motivation. But becoming a magical girl wasn’t the end goal. My dream was to build a cross-dimensional financial empire—to make money reach its fullest potential in my hands.”

“I think… you understand this feeling, don’t you?”

She glanced at You Dong.

He nodded. Of course he did.

Even now, still just a high school student, his own goal was to build a business empire. That’s why he studied relentlessly, accumulating knowledge and connections. He knew better than anyone—dreams weren’t achieved with talk alone. Action was everything.

Seeing the determination in You Dong’s eyes, Shi Minjun smiled again.

“Looks like we’re cut from the same cloth.”

With that, she removed both hands from the wheel.

Just then, a phone rang, breaking the calm inside the car.

Shi Minjun glanced at the screen and answered.

“Yeah. Got it.”

She hung up and turned to You Dong.

“Sorry. We can’t keep talking.”

“Huh? What happened?”

“Someone’s causing trouble.” Her tone was flat, as if commenting on the weather.

“You mean a fight?” You Dong’s eyes lit up, eager.

Shi Minjun shot him a look. “Do I look like you? I’m a magical girl, not some street thug.”

“Then what’ll you do?”

“Nothing. Just wait.”

“…Seriously?” You Dong sighed.

Shi Minjun pulled into a convenience store, stepped out, and returned with two bottles of water—one handed to You Dong.

“What’s this for?” he asked, taking it.

“Drink it. Once you finish, I’ll show you a good show.”

A mysterious smirk played on Shi Minjun’s lips.

Skeptical but curious, You Dong twisted open the cap and downed the water in one go.

Shi Minjun restarted the car and drove off.

This time, the speed picked up noticeably.

“Where are we going?” You Dong asked.

“To a place you’d never expect.” Her voice was cryptic.

Watching the scenery blur past, You Dong felt a creeping unease.

Eventually, the car stopped in front of an abandoned factory on the outskirts.

“Get out,” Shi Minjun said.

You Dong followed her.

Inside, darkness swallowed everything. The air reeked of decay.

“This is…” You Dong began, but Shi Minjun silenced him with a sharp “Shh!”

Footsteps echoed. A shadow emerged from the dark.

“You Huimei… you’ve finally come.”

You Dong froze. Why was this stranger calling his sister’s name?

“Who are you?” he demanded.

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is—you die here today.”

The voice was cold, rasping.

You Dong glanced at Shi Minjun. Her expression remained calm, unshaken.

“And you really think you can kill me?” Shi Minjun sneered.

“Of course. We prepared a special gift—just for you.”

More figures stepped forward from the shadows.

You Dong squinted. They wore matching black uniforms, their faces hidden behind masks.

“Magicians?” he whispered.

Shi Minjun shook her head. “Not magicians. Illusionists.”

You Dong blinked. “What’s the difference?”

“Magicians rely on innate talent. Illusionists use tools and tricks.”

“I see.”

Shi Minjun cracked her knuckles. “Well then… let’s play.”

A flicker of concern crossed You Dong’s mind.
There were so many of them—and they looked strong.
Could she really handle this?

Before he could react, Shi Minjun charged.

BOOM!

One punch. One illusionist flew backward, crashing into the wall.

You Dong’s eyes widened. How strong is she?!

She moved like a phantom—dancing through the dark.
Each opponent fell with a single strike.

In minutes, all the illusionists lay unconscious on the ground.

You Dong stared, stunned.

Shi Minjun turned. “Done.”

“You… you’re incredible,” he breathed.

She smirked. “Easy.”

“But… didn’t you forget someone?” You Dong asked.

Shi Minjun frowned. “Forget who?”

“The one who first appeared,” he reminded her.

Her expression shifted. She’d forgotten.

“Where did he go?” she muttered.

“He’s right here.”

A voice came from behind You Dong.

He spun around—only to see the figure standing inches away.

“You—”

A palm slammed into his chest.

Pain exploded. You Dong flew backward, slamming into the ground.

“Youdong!” Shi Minjun rushed to his side.
“Are you okay?”

He coughed, shaking his head weakly. “I’m fine.”

The attacker sneered. “Didn’t expect backup, did you?”

“Shut up.” Shi Minjun growled, lunging forward.

You Dong watched as she clashed with the enemy.
This one was stronger—much stronger.

Shi Minjun fought fiercely, but slowly, she began to falter.

You Dong clenched his fists, desperate to help—but powerless.

Suddenly, the attacker raised his hand. A bolt of black energy shot toward Shi Minjun.

She barely dodged. The beam struck the wall—leaving a gaping hole.

You Dong’s breath caught. Magic? He can use magic?!

Shi Minjun stepped back, eyes narrowed.

“Who are you?”

“The one sent to kill you.”

She laughed. “Is that all you’ve got?”

“It’s more than enough.”

They clashed again.

But this time, the attacker gained the upper hand.

Just as it seemed hopeless—

The attacker cried out in pain.

Shi Minjun had drawn a dagger and plunged it into his side.

He collapsed, twitching, then went still.

You Dong exhaled in relief.

Shi Minjun approached, crouched, and removed the mask.

You Dong gasped.

He knew that face.

It was the delivery driver who had brought him food yesterday.

“It’s him?”

Shi Minjun nodded. “Yes. Him.”

“Why does he want to kill you?”

She hesitated. “He’s part of an organization. They train girls like me—use us for missions.”

“What kind of missions?”

“I don’t know. Tasks are given in isolation. After completion… our memories are erased.”

You Dong’s blood ran cold.

“How do you know, then?”

Shi Minjun smiled bitterly. “Because I’m no longer one of them.”

“You defected?”

She nodded. “I refused to be controlled. So I left.”

“Then why are they trying to kill you?”

“Because I know too much.”

“What will you do now?”

She smirked. “Wait and see.”

You Dong groaned.

She retrieved a data drive from the body.

“What’s that?”

“The organization’s files. I’ve wanted this for a long time.”

A strange look passed over Shi Minjun’s face—like she knew something dangerous.

She tucked the drive away, grabbed You Dong, and left.

Back in the car, she started the engine.

“Where to now?”

“Home.” Her voice was calm again.

You Dong stared at her profile, mind swirling with questions.

She was hiding something. Something big.

And it was tied to that mysterious organization.

That night, You Dong made a decision.
He would investigate.

The next morning, You Dong sat across from You Huimei at breakfast.

“Hey, Sis… do you ever feel like something’s… off around us?”

She paused. “Off? What do you mean?”

He told her everything—from Shi Minjun, to the attack, to the organization.

You Huimei’s expression darkened.

“So… they’ve resurfaced.”

You Dong nodded. “And they tried to kill Shi Minjun.”

After a long silence, she sighed.

“I guess… I can’t hide it anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was part of that organization too.”

You Dong’s eyes widened.

“Why did you leave?”

“I refused to be their tool.”

“Do you know their goal?”

She shook her head. “No. Missions were isolated. Memories wiped after each one.”

You Dong’s hope dimmed.

Then he noticed something.

“Sis… your power feels… strange. Like it’s sealed.”

She flinched. “How can you tell?”

He pointed to his eyes. “I can see it.”

Another pause.

“Yes. My power… is sealed.”

“By who?”

“I don’t know. Every time I try to remember… my head splits with pain.”

You Dong shivered.

This organization was deeper, darker than he imagined.

Then, another thought.

“Sis… do you feel something… pulling me toward you?”

She blushed. “Wait—are you saying you like me?”

You Dong rolled his eyes. “No, Sis. I just sense a mystery in you I need to uncover.”

She chuckled. “Fair. But you’re right. I do have secrets. And… they involve you.”

“What kind of connection?”

“I can’t say specifics. But I can tell you this—your power and mine… share the same origin.”

You Dong’s heart pounded.

Same source?

Does that mean… he was destined to be a magical girl too?

Then—another realization.

“Sis… is your power awakening?”

She stared. “How do you know?”

Again, he pointed to his eyes.

“Yes,” she whispered. “It’s waking up.”

“Then… is mine too?”

She nodded. “Yes. And yours… might be even stronger. Growing every day.”

You Dong grinned.

Power was coming.

But then—

“Sis… does your power… call to me?”

She blushed again. “Are you saying you like me?”

You Dong groaned.

She laughed. “But you’re right. I do have secrets. And they involve you.”

Back in the car, the conversation resumed.

“You mentioned my sister was different,” You Dong said. “Why?”

Shi Minjun’s voice softened.

“In my time, most magical girls had selfish reasons. Some chased endless power until they lost themselves. Others hoped to fulfill dreams—love, revenge, wealth—using magic as a shortcut.”

“Does that disappoint you?”

“No,” You Dong said firmly. “You admitting it honestly? That takes courage.”

“You sound just like her,” Shi Minjun murmured, smiling faintly.

Then, her tone shifted.

“But… there were idealists.

Girls who believed: if I fight aberrations, if I protect others… everyone will be happy.

Foolish? Yes. But they existed.”

You Dong thought of You Xi.

“But almost none last, do they?” Shi Minjun countered.

Most break after seeing battle’s cruelty. Fear sets in. Disillusionment. They abandon their ideals.

“Everyone wants ideals. But when you have to pay the price? Most people run.”

“But your sister… she didn’t.”

“I said ‘almost’—because of her.”

“She endured more battles, more grief than anyone. Yet she never wavered. Either she was a saint… or insane.

To see someone so pure, so unwavering in belief and action… it’s annoying. Jealous-inducing.”

“In her presence, we ordinary people felt like monsters under a mirror—constantly reminded of our flaws. It was infuriating.”

She laughed bitterly.

“You praise her so much… you must’ve really liked her, didn’t you?”

Shi Minjun sighed.

“Yeah. Who wouldn’t love someone like that?”

As they spoke, the Continental sped across the city’s serpentine elevated highways, leaving the urban sprawl behind.

“By the way,” Shi Minjun said, “how long has it been since you left the city?”

“Never,” You Dong admitted. “I flew back and forth for school. Never traveled by land.”

For most, beyond the city meant danger. No reason to go.

“Well, enjoy the view.”

She lowered the windows.

Before You Dong stretched an endless plain.

Golden wheat fields swayed in the wind. Above them, white irrigation arms rotated 360 degrees, spraying nutrient-rich mist.

Drone swarms followed precise algorithms, planting and harvesting in perfect rhythm.

On roads carved between plots, autonomous trucks carried goods in all directions.

This was Jing City’s pride—the Sixth Ring: a fully automated agricultural and livestock base spanning thirty million mu. It fed not only Jing City, but smaller cities lacking farmland.

“A miracle…” You Dong whispered.

He saw no workers. No oversight. Machines handled everything.

“Magnificent, isn’t it? Me and Huimei used to love driving here.”

“…Wait. You brought me here just for a joyride?”

Shi Minjun smirked. “Unromantic. But no—we’re almost there.”

The car turned onto a dirt path, climbing a rough hill.

The sports car jolted violently, but the W12 engine roared onward, carrying them to the summit.

At the top: a vast, unnaturally flat plateau.

“Feels smooth, right? Me and Huimei carved this out ourselves.”

“Carved?”

“Get out. You’ll see.”

They stepped out—only for Lao Lin to appear as if waiting.

“You’re here.”

“You’ve been hiding, haven’t you?” You Dong snapped.

Since being defeated by Heilou, Lao Lin had vanished—avoiding confrontation about the truth of the “Flower’s Heir.”

Worse than lying—this disappearance was infuriating.

“Calm down,” Lao Lin said. “I know you have questions. That’s why I called you here—to answer them one by one.”

“First: your immense magical power isn’t natural. It’s because you’re the Flower’s Heir.”

“I couldn’t confirm it at first. I didn’t know Sandalphon was your relative. She wasn’t my contracted girl—just a former ally. I didn’t know her true identity.”

“I already know my sister was a magical girl. But what does that have to do with me being the Flower’s Heir? What is that title?”

Lao Lin nodded.

“Let me explain. There’s a final stage in a magical girl’s journey—Great Full Bloom. Only a few ever reach it. Those who do wield magic powerful enough to create small miracles.”

“Traveling between worlds. Becoming eternal beings of pure magic. Even briefly warping space-time—these feats have been done.”

“And your sister—Sandalphon—after achieving Great Full Bloom, did something… we believe…”

Here, Lao Lin pointed directly at You Dong.

“She granted you an entirely new life.”