After school and work ended, it was nearing dusk. The commercial street in District C of Haizhu City would hit its peak crowd every day at this time. Students out shopping with friends and housewives preparing ingredients for dinner were everywhere.
Among them, a group of two high school girls leading an elementary school girl stood out. A unique attraction that made passersby frequently turn their heads.
“Little Flower, this is the pedestrian street. Qinglan and I pass by here every day after school,” Lianying enthusiastically introduced to Wuhua walking beside her.
“How is it on the way? You insist on coming here every day after school, and you always take a detour before catching the bus,” Qinglan complained from the side.
“Oh, can’t help it. A high school girl’s daily life is shopping!” Lianying said, spouting a twisted logic as her eyes locked onto a display case nearby.
Inside were various exquisite dolls, cute accessories, and suitable decorations. Paired with unique light strips and music, it created a toy miniature garden resembling an ecological park.
“So, so cute!?” It was exactly the kind of thing Lianying would like. Her eyes sparkled as if she were about to press her face against the glass.
‘She really is the type Lianying would like… After all, her room is decorated like this.’
Wuhua thought to herself, then turned to Qinglan. “Big Sister Qinglan, what do you usually like?”
“Me? I’m not as obsessive as Lianying. I occasionally buy some books and video games,” Qinglan answered seriously despite her confusion.
“Eh, Big Sister Qinglan likes games too.” Wuhua remarked in slight surprise—
As a former male college student and game enthusiast, this might help her get closer to Qinglan.
Although Lianying was her main target, as a fellow magical girl and teammate, Qinglan also needed to be approached.
“Ahem, listen up, everyone.” Lianying coughed twice with feigned seriousness, putting on an adult air.
“Today’s mission is to prepare daily necessities and bedding for Little Flower. Also, we need to get daily supplies for both me and her.”
“Can’t you just order this stuff online and have it delivered? Why bother coming in person?” Qinglan couldn’t help complaining.
“It’s easier to pick out preferences in person. You can see and touch them,” Lianying successfully persuaded Qinglan, and the three girls entered the mall together.
“Wow, so many people.” Looking at the bustling crowd, Wuhua felt a bit reluctant to go in—
Everywhere—stores, seats, and even the escalators—was packed with people.
“After all, we’re standing in the largest commercial center in this city,” Qinglan also remarked. “If you can’t buy something at the convenience store downstairs, you come here to try your luck.”
“Yeah. They have all kinds of stores. For example… Ah, found it!” Lianying scanned briefly, then pointed to a distant spot on the same floor.
It was a store called “Baby Love Store.” From the interior decoration, merchandise, and name, it was undoubtedly a mother-and-baby shop.
“Let’s go,” Lianying said, just about to step forward, but Qinglan stopped her.
“…You really plan to buy things there?” Qinglan looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“Eh?! What’s wrong? I am a mother, aren’t I?” Lianying poked her fingers in frustration.
“Never mind Wuhua… We’ll definitely be stopped looking like this,” Qinglan said, adding, “Also, don’t call yourself a mother in public. What if someone misunderstands?”
“In that case… we’ll have to go to an ordinary department store,” Lianying settled for second best.
“Please, for me and Wuhua. Just a regular store.”
After deciding on the destination, the three girls continued walking. They weaved through the crowd, brushing shoulders. Sometimes when they wanted to stop and look, they’d be pushed forward by the people behind.
“Little Flower!” Noticing that the lower floors were more crowded, Lianying gently took Wuhua’s hand.
“Hehe, now we won’t get lost,” she explained with a smile under Wuhua’s puzzled gaze.
…
…
After several rounds in the department store, a careful selection (mainly by Lianying) and Wuhua’s approval, they had presumably purchased bedding, pillows, pillowcases, pajamas, and toiletries.
“This one, and that one. Please deliver them to Chunhui Community—” Lianying confirmed the delivery address with the clerk at the front desk.
“In the end, it still has to be delivered,” Qinglan complained from the side.
“After all, we can’t carry that many things, right, Big Sister Qinglan?” Wuhua smiled wryly. They had let Lianying have her way.
‘Last time I went shopping with a girl was with my sister. Back then, she hadn’t been admitted to the hospital yet.’
‘But… my legs are sore and my feet hurt. Girls really are born with the talent for shopping!’
‘Right now I just want to go back and collapse on the sofa.’
Wanting to cry but unable to, Wuhua sighed in relief, thinking today’s mission was successfully concluded. After all, those things were bought for her. It wasn’t her place to complain.
At least in her heart, she was very grateful that Qinglan and Lianying had brought her.
“Alright, let’s head back, you two.” After wrapping up, Lianying regrouped with them. Just as they were about to board the return bus—
—
“Help!?”
“A monster has appeared!”
“What are you waiting for? Run!”
“Magical girl! Where’s the magical girl!”
Suddenly, cries erupted one after another from the distant pedestrian street. As the commotion grew worse, unease instantly spread across everyone’s faces. They all shouted warnings and fled in the same direction—
Even without seeing it directly, they knew what was happening through word of mouth. An emergency that had become ingrained in common knowledge.
It was like the scene before chaos struck, a catastrophe about to occur, appearing before Lianying and the others in just a few seconds.
“…A monster? It appeared, and in a crowded place like a commercial street.”
Unlike the others present, Qinglan’s face remained calm and composed, despite a moment of surprise.
“Things might not be as simple as they seem. Better to be cautious… Lianying, what should we do?”
It was rare for Qinglan, who usually brushed off Lianying, to seriously ask for her opinion at a time like this.
“Eh, well…” Lianying, who usually went with the flow, hesitated as if something was holding her back.
She twirled a strand of light pink hair with her fingertip, and involuntarily looked at the silent Wuhua beside her.
—
‘I didn’t expect to run into this while shopping. Or is it because I’m with magical girls?’
‘But… the way they’re not reacting, it doesn’t seem like they’re about to fight.’
‘Is it because I’m here?’
Realizing the issue, Wuhua decided it was time to put on an act.
“Um, Big Sister Lianying, Big Sister Qinglan! Let’s hurry and evacuate with everyone!” Wuhua suddenly looked at them and called out with a worried expression.
“I’ve heard about monsters. They’re really, really scary, right? I don’t want you to be in danger, so…”
Hearing Wuhua’s words, Lianying and Qinglan exchanged glances, then smiled in unison.
“Um, Little Flower,” Lianying crouched down to be at eye level with Wuhua and spoke in a gentle tone.
“Qinglan and I have something more important to do. We can’t just leave everyone behind.”
“That’s right. Wuhua, go with everyone first. Once this is over, we’ll come pick you up,” Qinglan added.
“But…” Wuhua still showed worry and concern, with a look that said she didn’t want to be separated.
“It’s okay. You’re a good and strong kid, right?” Lianying continued to persuade her calmly.
“Don’t worry. Qinglan and I will be fine. More importantly, I won’t let Little Flower get hurt.”
Lianying stood up again and looked toward the place where the commotion first started.
Perhaps this was the real highlight of today.