Dark-colored Fairy Tale: Seven Magicians - Chapter 53
Chapter 53
A Glimmer of Hope
Liu Menglu knelt on the ground, carefully feeding the pill to Chloe. As soon as it entered her mouth, a faint hint of color returned to Chloe’s pale face. Only then did a little of Liu Menglu’s tension ease, though she remained wary of Li Li.
Li Li, however, didn’t seem to notice. He stood to the side, watching the two girls huddled together. He felt a mix of relief and disappointment at having missed the chance to uproot Li Qiuyu’s inner demon. Yet, his gaze held a subtle hint of admiration for both Liu Menglu and Chloe.
“She’s a stubborn one,” Li Li said. “She was so badly hurt, but she still used her last bit of magic to detonate that lightning charm to snap Li Qiuyu out of her daze. For that, I should thank her.”
Liu Menglu pouted slightly.
Li Li’s tone suddenly shifted. “Li Qiuyu, do you think Chloe detonated that charm for you?”
Li Qiuyu fell silent. She knew what their relationship was like. How could Chloe have done it for her? The main reason was likely that Chloe wanted her to check on Liu Menglu. As this thought surfaced, Li Qiuyu truly realized the depth of Chloe’s care and affection for Liu Menglu. Her last shred of magic was the most important thing a magical being possessed, often used as a last resort for survival. Every magical being carried a healing artifact or a pill with them. While a pill was simple to use, an artifact required magic to activate. It was clear just how important that last bit of magic was to a magical being.
Li Qiuyu glanced around and, sure enough, found a seed-like artifact in a corner of the factory. Seeing the artifact that had been pulled out but not used, Li Qiuyu came to a firm decision.
“Father, I think Chloe just came to China for a few days of fun. As a nation of propriety and etiquette, how can we send a guest away before they’ve had their fill? Let her stay.”
“‘Fun’? Let her stay?” Li Li let out a sudden laugh, his fierce face becoming even more intimidating. “Do you know the consequences of what you’re asking?”
Li Qiuyu knew, but she was willing to pay the price.
However, before she could confirm her decision, Liu Menglu, who was still tending to Chloe, spoke up first. “Excuse me, can you tell me what Li Qiuyu has to give up to let Chloe stay?” Liu Menglu stared at Li Li, demanding an answer.
Li Li turned to the girl, frowning with displeasure at the interruption. His terrifying expression felt like a storm was brewing. “You want to know the price Li Qiuyu has to pay?”
Seeing his fearsome face, Liu Menglu was a little scared, but she held her ground. “Yes, sir, I want to know.”
“Very good,” Li Li said, satisfied. Although he didn’t usually interfere with his daughter’s choice of friends, he was pleased that her friend was someone who genuinely cared for her. He was just about to make the price sound more severe when Li Qiuyu interrupted him.
“Father, shouldn’t Chloe be taken to the hospital for a full examination, given her condition?” Li Qiuyu wanted to change the subject, not wanting her father to reveal the price.
Liu Menglu’s attention was immediately diverted. She looked at Chloe with concern.
Li Li waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t underestimate our Chinese pills. For minor injuries like these, one is all it takes. She hasn’t woken up yet because the pill is repairing her injuries. It also has a sleep-inducing effect.”
Liu Menglu nodded thoughtfully, then looked back at Li Qiuyu. Li Qiuyu felt her scalp tingle. She understood the meaning in Liu Menglu’s eyes: she wasn’t giving up on knowing the price.
“Father, shouldn’t our people be here by now?” Li Qiuyu tried to avoid the question again.
“No hurry. First, let’s talk about you. The price she has to pay is simple. It is…” Li Li smiled, making him look even more menacing.
Li Li wasn’t a good explainer, but Liu Menglu got the general idea. In short, Li Qiuyu was now Chloe’s guarantor. If Chloe violated any of China’s security regulations, the authorities would not only hold Chloe responsible, but Li Qiuyu, as her guarantor, would also face the same punishment. It was a form of guilt by association.
Upon hearing the terms, Liu Menglu let out a sigh of relief. Chloe was not a troublemaker. Though she had been talked into doing something foolish, she had no ill intentions. Li Qiuyu would not be held accountable for any of Chloe’s actions.
With her mind at ease, Liu Menglu heard the sirens from outside. “Why are the police here?” Liu Menglu panicked slightly. Looking at the terrible state of the factory, she was genuinely afraid they would be arrested. A bunch of magical beings being detained by the police sounded quite exciting to her.
Unfortunately, Liu Menglu didn’t get to see what she was hoping for. The police were Li Li’s allies. After understanding the situation, Liu Menglu and Chloe were sent home to rest, and Li Qiuyu went with Li Li to file a report at the Ministry of Magic.
A Peaceful Resolution
Back at home, Liu Menglu looked at the peacefully sleeping Chloe. In addition to her gratitude, there was also a sense of helplessness. No one would be indifferent to a person who risked their life to save them. Looking at the sleeping Chloe, Liu Menglu decided to make some good food for her.
Fortunately, it was a Sunday, so Chloe didn’t need to miss any school. Before leaving, Li Qiuyu had explained the pill’s effects. The Revitalization Elixir, whose name meant “to bring back to life,” was useless and even mildly poisonous to ordinary people, but it was an excellent healing medicine for magical beings. Even with three broken ribs and countless other injuries, Chloe was expected to be fully healed overnight.
Liu Menglu found it hard to believe, but seeing Chloe’s face getting a little redder, she finally let go of her worry. After cooking, she sat by the bed, resting her chin in her hands and tracing the sleeping girl’s features with her eyes. For some reason, Liu Menglu felt like the prince from a fairy tale, lovingly watching over Sleeping Beauty and waiting for a chance to kiss the princess awake.
After that thought, Liu Menglu suddenly laughed. What am I thinking? Chloe was a magical girl, how could a normal person like her kiss her awake? With that thought drifting in her mind, Liu Menglu slowly fell asleep with her head on the side of Chloe’s bed.
Although Chloe wasn’t an ordinary person, she was severely injured. She didn’t wake up until the next morning. Liu Menglu was sleeping soundly by her bedside. Sunlight streamed through the window, the golden light dancing on Liu Menglu’s hair, carrying a gentle warmth that knocked on Chloe’s heart again and again.
It’s so good that she’s alive.