On a bright summer afternoon, bathed in golden sunlight, Xia Mi's tall yet delicate figure shimmered with a soft, porcelain-like glow.
With a ballerina's grace, she slightly leaned forward in a mock bow toward Shirou, pretending to plead. Her movements were light and fluid, exuding a kind of charming vulnerability. Though her mouth spoke nonsense about sugar daddies and the like, the fresh and mischievous gleam in her eyes was enough to stir anyone's heart.
Shirou sucked in a sharp breath. Beneath Xia Mi's adorable exterior was something terrifying. This junior of his—how could she be so monstrously alluring? No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't resist her. Where had this little demon come from…?
"…I currently have no plans to start a research project here," Shirou said, trying to stay composed. "Besides, Xia Mi, you're still a student. What kind of research could you even conduct? And I'm heading overseas soon—to Japan—"
What began as a casual encounter at the entrance escalated into something far more troublesome. Shirou imagined if Xia Mi really did tag along as his assistant, his daily life would become a circus.
To his left, Nono, the noble ojou-sama, scolding him with her brows raised three centimeters: "You must come with me to the aquarium and shopping mall today!"
To his right, cute little Xia Mi leaning in close, her sweet scent tickling his nose: "Shirou-senpai, I drafted this research report—would you look it over? Pretty please?"
Behind him, Melusine, the silver-haired, dragon-like loli, tugging his sleeve with her tongue slightly out: "Shirou, I still didn't get enough. Let's find a private spot and go wild again, okay?"
And at the worst possible time, the Wazhu calling him with a critical update—hearing everything.
One look, and the multi-directional chaos would explode like a firework festival…
Shirou shuddered in the summer heat. No. Absolutely not.
"Xia Mi, I think you should reconsider," he said seriously. "Japan is not Shen Zhou. It's far from your home, and there are cultural differences and unfamiliar environments."
"Also, while some of your instructors might see me as a role model, personal worship is dangerous. The legend and the reality are two different things…"
"Ehh? Shirou-senpai, do you think I'm some fangirl?" Xia Mi giggled brightly.
"Come on, I'm not the type to fall head over heels just like that. Sure, you're powerful and kind, but you must already have tons of admirers. I wouldn't survive the competition! This little kouhai knows her limits!"
Then she stuck out her tongue playfully and shifted tone.
"But visiting Tokyo has always been my dream! I want to see Asakusa Temple, Akihabara, Tokyo Skytree… but I'm just a schoolgirl. Traveling alone is tough. Money, passports, visas—it's a lot."
"Plus, I have elderly parents and a mentally ill older brother. If I go abroad and lose touch, with no income and high expenses, I can't bear to leave them."
"But now I hear that being part of a research team offers a decent salary. If I perform well, I could even get bonuses and patent revenue. I did the math—I could cover tuition and send money home."
Oh no. She was playing the tragic backstory card.
Shirou could practically feel the aura of "overworked, underpaid part-timer" radiating from her, piercing through her sweet scent.
Passersby overheard and began whispering among themselves, their hearts aching for this lively girl's hardship. What kind of cruel world forced such a cheerful beauty to wash dishes, hand out flyers, and scrape by just to support her family?
Then their attention shifted to Shirou.
To them, he was the god-slaying hero, radiant and noble. A beacon of justice. The one who vanquished the Chen family's abominable experiments and divine threats from afar. And now, he was hearing the woes of a downtrodden maiden.
He was her savior.
Surrounded by that many judging eyes, Shirou could feel the pressure. If he outright rejected her now, Xia Mi might just burst into tears right then and there.
"You don't need to panic. I never said I wouldn't give you a chance," he said, trying to defuse the situation.
"If you're determined to join the project in Japan, I'll need to confirm if it's feasible—not in terms of procedure, but your capabilities. As a student, do you have the necessary knowledge and qualifications to conduct independent research?"
While Xia Mi's situation was sympathetic, Shirou couldn't just bend the rules.
He'd already studied the assistant requirements laid out by the Wazhu. The role wasn't open to just anyone. Total beginners couldn't qualify. Even excellent students had to study for years before passing the entry tests.
These apprentices were freshly recruited. Most were still building their foundations with intense cramming. Forget practical application—they weren't ready for hands-on research.
"Your case is unique, so I'll speak to the academic office," Shirou continued. "Maybe I can arrange a special test for you. Normally, students wouldn't be eligible, but if you're exceptional, exceptions can be made."
"If you fail, it's fine. I'll explain your family situation and maybe you can apply for a grant."
Shirou felt he'd navigated the situation perfectly. He showed sympathy without abusing authority. If Xia Mi failed, it'd be the system's decision—not his.
But Xia Mi showed no signs of concern. Instead, she extended her soft hands and gave his a quick shake, her expression beaming—with a flicker of cunning in her eyes:
"Thank you, Shirou-senpai! If I pass the test, I'll treat you to KFC—wait, no!"
Realizing her budget, she bit her lip and corrected herself, "I'll treat you to Quanjude roast duck!"
"No need. Either way, I'll already be on a flight to Japan by then. I doubt I'll be around to eat it… Just promise you won't go around telling people I helped you cheat the system."
He released her hand, the warmth of her touch quickly fading, and turned to walk toward the administration building.
"Didn't expect Shirou-senpai to crack jokes too," Xia Mi laughed as she skipped off toward the academic dorms, vanishing like a nimble rabbit from everyone's view.
With her travel and lodging issues resolved, she was in high spirits. Humming a light tune to herself, she whispered playfully:
"My, my, Shirou-senpai is so sweet—he totally has my back! I was so stressed, but everything's settled now. Still, Xia Mi, be careful not to get swept off your feet. Stay vigilant—fireproof, theft-proof, and Shirou-proof!"
———
When Shirou left the academic zone and approached the grand palaces of Tang City, he noticed the sun had already begun to set.
He went straight to the academic office, explained everything, and—just in case someone thought he was playing favorites—insisted on making the test especially hard.
After personally reviewing the questions and confirming they'd be ridiculously difficult for a magic novice, he finally felt relieved. No way Xia Mi could pass this. It wasn't a rejection—just a matter of her not meeting the standard.
Just like a job recruiter who says: "Everyone's welcome to apply," knowing most applicants won't make the cut.
He already had a shrine maiden, a dragon girl, and a snake girl in his entourage. Adding a demon girl would be overkill. They'd be one member away from forming a mahjong table…
That evening, during a grand feast hosted by the Wazhu, Shirou, Nono, and Melusine finally sat down for a proper Zhou-style dinner.
"...I had the kitchen deep-fry the eels until crispy, then slow-steamed them in the original Mianyang triple-steam method. And this Dongpo pork from Huangzhou—don't miss it. Oh, and this 'Du Fu Dish' is great for your digestion," Wazhu said cheerfully.
"Mmngh." Shirou, whose appetite had recently grown monstrous, stuffed his face in silence. Wazhu assumed her cooking had simply hit the mark.
But Nono, sitting nearby, suddenly paused mid-bite.
"Shirou… I heard a rumor. Something about you and a student girl today in the courtyard?"
(End of Chapter)
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