Interview with the School (1)

“With July approaching and summer vacation near, we’ve entered the season when aberrations are most active.”

The [Shangjing Special Operations Bureau] reminds you: for your safety and that of your loved ones, please avoid going out at night or visiting isolated areas such as abandoned factories and unfinished buildings. If traveling to another city, use only authorized transportation with professional security personnel. Do not ride unlicensed taxis or boats…”

The newscaster’s rhythmic voice echoed through the living room, reaching You Dong’s ears.

He tapped his phone screen off and stood up to head to the bathroom. But the moment he looked up, he froze—

On the other end of the sofa, You Xi lay sprawled lazily, scrolling on her phone. One leg stretched flat; the other was raised high, her black thigh-high sock resting against the cushion, a slipper dangling precariously from her toes.

Her school skirt, though not short, had ridden up to her upper thighs, leaving little to the imagination.

…Does this kid have no sense of modesty?

You Dong felt embarrassed for her. He reached out and lightly tapped the sole of her foot propped on the cushion.

“—What!?”

She snapped upright, glaring at him like she’d been ambushed. Then, realizing her posture had been less than appropriate, she instantly sat up straight, pulling her skirt down.

“…Summer’s almost here again,” she said quickly, trying to deflect the awkwardness.

“Yeah. Got any plans this year? Want me to take you somewhere? The earlier you apply for an outbound permit, the easier it is to get approved. Wait until vacation starts, and you’ll be stuck waiting.”

“No thanks. Didn’t the news just say there’s an aberration alert this year?”

“Aberrations, huh… Well, can’t be helped then.”

“In that case, we’ll just have to rely on the magical girls,” You Dong said—deliberately, testing her reaction.

He wanted to know: had You Xi truly given up on being a magical girl? It would affect his next moves.

“M-Magical girls!?”

She flinched, voice sharp with surprise. Realizing she’d overreacted, she cleared her throat twice, forcing calm.

“Well… yeah. I guess we can only count on them.”
“…After all, we ordinary people can’t do anything, right?”

As she spoke, a clear shadow of melancholy passed over her face—a quiet lament of helplessness.

That’s not acceptance, You Dong thought. That’s regret.

There was no doubt in his mind now—she hadn’t moved on. You Xi still longed for that identity, that power.

A complex wave of emotion rose within him.

On one hand, as her guardian, he wanted nothing more than for his sister’s daughter to live safely, protected under adult care—a carefree high school girl focused only on studies and fun.

But on the other hand, as someone who loved her deeply, he also wished for her to shine on the path she chose—with passion, confidence, facing every challenge head-on… even if that path was dangerous, thorny, and uncertain.

And that was precisely why Tidal existed—to sacrifice his career prospects, his male identity, everything—for her protection.

These two conflicting desires churned inside You Dong, dragging him back into old memories.

He recalled being a child, refusing to do homework, making his mother so angry she’d scolded and even slapped him.

Every time, after the storm passed, she’d retreat alone to the dark balcony, sighing quietly, tears of regret glistening in her eyes.

“Pushing your child to succeed” versus “letting them live happily and freely”—

Even back then, these two cold, opposing ideals had tormented parents’ hearts, demanding the impossible.

Now, faced with the same dilemma, You Dong felt lost—like wandering a maze with no exit.

No matter which direction he chose, obstacles and dangers loomed. And whichever path he took, he feared he’d regret it later.

“…Old Uncle.”

Just as he wrestled with his thoughts, a soft, almost pleading voice reached him.

He turned—only to find You Xi staring at her toes, fidgeting slightly.

“Hmm?” he responded.

“It’s just… uh…”

She hesitated, glancing at him briefly before quickly looking away, acting suspiciously.

No need to think. When she speaks like this, with that tone and expression, she definitely wants something.

After living together, You Dong had long since cracked her behavioral code.

“Spit it out. What is it?”

“Hehe…” She grinned sheepishly, scratching her head.

“It’s just… are you busy tomorrow afternoon?”

Tomorrow afternoon?

Of course, he couldn’t tell her he’d be training with Rosetta—trying to master the strength needed to defeat Heilou and save Bai Mian.

So he brushed it off. “Oh. If you need help with something, I can probably take time off.”

“Really?!” Her eyes lit up. “It’s just… the school scheduled a meeting with me tomorrow afternoon. About… that whole thing…”

“What? A meeting?”

“Yeah. Teacher Li said the school has stepped in to mediate between me and Mo Li. They’re dropping the disciplinary action, and they want us to talk—just casual chat, ‘checking in on our emotional well-being’ and all that.”

“But… I’m kinda nervous doing it alone. So…”

She lowered her head, giving him big, pitiful eyes—the kind that screamed please come with me.

“That’s strange. Why didn’t I get a call from your homeroom teacher?” You Dong frowned.

“Um… maybe the school thinks parents don’t need to attend?” You Xi offered.

“No.”

As a seasoned professional, You Dong’s instincts prickled.

Normally, a situation like this required parental presence. Yet according to You Xi, the school was treating it like some informal chat—deliberately keeping parents out of the loop.

He couldn’t blame himself for thinking too much. After the school’s repeated failures—brushing off responsibility, ignoring students’ mental health—he’d lost all trust. He had every reason to be suspicious.

“What time’s the meeting?” he asked.

“Around three p.m. In the small conference room on the first floor of the admin building.”

“Got it. I’ll be there.”

“You will?”

You Xi’s eyes widened.

She knew her uncle was swamped with work—lately, he’d even been coming home late, sometimes not at all.

She’d thought asking him on a weekday was too much to hope for. His immediate agreement caught her off guard—and made her feel guilty.

“If you’re really busy, it’s okay. I mean… I’m not that scared.”

“…Only a little scared. Just a tiny bit, really,” she added quickly.