“I like magical girls?” In response to the rabbit plushie’s reason for choosing her, Wuhua simply tilted her head, blinked, and asked in confusion.
“Do you mean I’m a fan of magical girls? Is that it? Just because of that?”
Why Wuhua thought this way was because she had just met a similar girl, Xin Yu.
“Yes. That… is very important.” The plushie nodded its head. “I need a girl who genuinely likes magical girls to assist me.”
“Ah… I have pretty complicated feelings about magical girls themselves. Saying I like them isn’t wrong, since I’m always following them around and taking photos, but still.”
Wuhua couldn’t convince herself. She had expected to hear something like “a righteous heart,” “a kind soul,” “a gentle personality,” or “outstanding talent”—more common reasons.
“You said ‘assist me.’ What exactly do you need me to do? Fight anomalies, monsters, and evil organizations?” Wuhua pressed.
“That… is also part of the job. My contractor… you have a more important goal.”
The plushie turned around and floated toward the balcony. Wuhua had no choice but to follow behind it.
Compared to the morning, Haizhu City at dusk was a completely different sight. Behind the dazzling brilliance of its advanced development, every unknown corner seemed to hide undercurrents of unrest.
One person and one plushie stood on the balcony, gazing at the towering skyscrapers and the countless lights of the city ahead. Cars sped by on the streets, and citizens strolled leisurely—
“In this world, just this city alone has countless enemy organizations and darkness. And the magical girls who oppose them.”
“But not all magical girls are born with that kind of experience and talent. They often fall into fatal danger.”
“I don’t want to see flowers wither. I don’t want evil to dominate this world. I desire beautiful things to continue.”
“Therefore, Wuhua. My future chosen contractor.”
Despite being bad at speaking, the rabbit plushie still rambled on in fragments. It turned to face the girl standing beside it, speaking in a pleading, prayer-like tone:
“I want you to become the Magical Girl Who Saves Magical Girls.”
.
Perhaps she was moved by its carefully prepared speech, sympathizing with and supporting the future it painted. Or maybe she simply wanted to experience the identity change and miraculous power herself.
“The Magical Girl Who Saves Magical Girls… huh.”
And deep down, her love and longing for magical girls—
“Alright. I accept. I heard that Lianying and Sister Qinglan are also magical girls.”
Wuhua finally made a decision that would absolutely change the trajectory of her life and destiny. She dressed it up in suitable words:
“If it’s for Sister Lianying and more girls like her.”
“Lianying… is the girl sleeping in the room inside, right?” The rabbit plushie seemed to have expected Wuhua to agree; its tone carried a hint of joy and excitement.
“She’s excellent and strong. But she already has a contractor. I cannot guide or influence her path.”
“That’s precisely why I’ll stake all my hopes, time, and energy on you.”
At this unabashed praise, Wuhua shyly turned her face away.
An adult man (internally and self-identified) wishing to become a magical girl—anyone who knew would be surprised.
“Then what should I do now?” Wuhua said.
“Mm, first step—the most important one.” The rabbit plushie faced Wuhua directly.
“Let’s make a contract, Wuhua.”
…
…
“I, Wuhua, hereby swear that from now on I shall act as a magical girl. With justice in my heart, facing the light, cherishing my companions, daring to challenge. I forbid the abuse of power against the innocent, always prioritize the safety of others, and absolutely uphold my bottom line and principles. I will carry out my inner convictions…”
Wuhua followed the rabbit plushie, reciting every word and sentence earnestly. She had closed the balcony’s glass door beforehand, not worried about waking Lianying.
“Actually, this is just a formality. You don’t have to finish it.” The plushie explained.
“…You should have said that halfway through.” It nearly put Wuhua to sleep reciting it. Fortunately, the contract ceremony seemed to be nearing its end.
As soon as she finished speaking, the rabbit plushie seemed to resonate with Wuhua. A unique light radiated from both of them simultaneously, lasting about a minute. When the light faded—
A delicate silver-white accessory quietly fell into her hand.
“What’s this?” Wuhua picked up the accessory that had suddenly appeared in her hand. Examining it closely, she found it was a pair of earrings with impeccable craftsmanship.
“You’ll know when the time comes. As for now…” The rabbit plushie cleverly slipped into the pocket of Wuhua’s pajamas and poked its head out.
“My name is Ruibi (Rabbit Plushie). Nice to meet you from now on, my contractor.”
…
…
.
“…Is it morning already?” Wuhua opened her sleepy eyes, facing a wall decorated with cartoon stickers. She instinctively turned her head to look beside her.
“Lianying’s not here. She must have gone to school.” Realizing she might have overslept, Wuhua hurried to the living room and looked at the clock on the wall.
“Almost noon. (yawn) I guess I didn’t sleep well last night.” Saying this, Wuhua came to the sofa and sat down, as if waiting for something.
Today was the third day since she came to Lianying’s house and became a high school student foster daughter.
Soon, just as Wuhua was about to turn on the TV, the uniquely shaped rabbit plushie crawled out of her pajama pocket.
“Wuhua.” Ruibi greeted first, then asked, “What are you doing?”
Wuhua didn’t answer but instead looked toward the entrance. Sure enough, half a minute later, footsteps and the electronic sound of the door unlocking came—
“I’m home! Wuhua!” Lianying pushed open the door and raised her right hand high, as if confident someone was waiting for her.
“Welcome back… Sister Lianying.” And indeed that was the case. Wuhua said weakly.
“Oh my, still not fully awake, little Hua? I saw you sleeping too soundly this morning, so I didn’t wake you.” Lianying came to the sofa and looked Wuhua up and down.
“Mm.” Still worried, Lianying squatted down in front of Wuhua, bringing them to the same height—
Then slowly pressed her forehead against Wuhua’s. Their noses touched, almost close enough to kiss.
‘S-so close?! And I can feel Lianying’s breath, body heat, and scent.’
This sudden intimate interaction jolted Wuhua’s previously drowsy consciousness wide awake.
“No fever. That’s good.” Lianying pulled her forehead away from Wuhua’s and sighed in relief.
“Judging by little Hua’s expression, you just woke up, right? Come—I’ll take you to brush your teeth and wash your face.”
Lianying gently took Wuhua’s hand and led her to the bathroom. She found the small stool used for bathing earlier and had Wuhua stand on it.
In the clear mirror, Wuhua’s messy silver-white hair and her cute, still-sleepy face were reflected.
Just as Wuhua was marveling at Lianying’s thoughtfulness in letting her see the mirror while washing up—
“Little Hua, open wide—ah.” Lianying wrapped her arms around Wuhua’s head from behind, pressed the toothbrush to her lips, and said softly.
‘Too thoughtful! This is over the top!’
Even so, Wuhua couldn’t refuse Lianying.
“Ah—” She obediently opened her mouth and let Lianying brush her teeth. Though the movements were clumsy, they were gentle and patient.
“Hmph hmph, little Hua is so cute even when brushing her teeth.” Lianying smiled and suddenly gave Wuhua a kiss on the cheek.
“Mwah.”
“…?!”
In any case, Wuhua’s brand-new day began with a slightly thrilling and heart-fluttering moment.