My ex-girlfriend is a magical girl junior?

Chapter 178 The End of the War for Ownership (Temporary)

Outside the dilapidated school building, fine rain continued to relentlessly patter against the glass, while inside the classroom, a silent war had already broken out.

Grabbing tightly from either side by two magical girls with vastly different styles but equally resolute expressions, Jiying stared wide-eyed, his face filled with bewilderment and innocence.

She couldn't understand why, just a second ago they were seriously discussing the issue of command, and the next second—the flames of war had inexplicably spread to her.

However, Liuli and Xingxian, who were locked in a stalemate, clearly did not give her any time to think or react, nor did they consider her complex feelings at this moment, which were like an innocent rope in a tug-of-war.

Xingxian looked at the stubborn, unyielding dark blue magical girl in front of her, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. She spoke first, trying to use her identity as an inspector and "serious business" to take the initiative in this dispute: "Let go, newcomer."

"Xiaoying and I have important matters to discuss regarding Jingjue and the traitor from the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs. These matters need to be discussed immediately. This is not a topic for you to get too involved in, nor is it the time to fool around."

"Xiaoying's existence is of great significance to our overall war against the Void Realm. Her time is precious and cannot be wasted on such meaningless arguments."

"Her safety and subsequent plans should also be the full responsibility of me, the inspector."

Xingxian's voice was calm, but her words conveyed an undeniable authority. Her gaze was sharp as a knife, shooting straight at Liuli opposite her.

Upon hearing this, a flash of displeasure crossed Liuli's eyes, and she retorted without backing down, "As local magical girls, we also have the right to know. Besides, you're the outsider who just arrived. What right do you have to take Xiaoying away as soon as you arrive?"

She pulled Ji Ying's arm a little closer to her, her tone becoming more forceful, as if declaring something, "Xiao Ying has long been a partner fighting alongside us; she trusts us more!"

Upon hearing Liuli's words, Xingxian gave a soft hum, a smug expression on his face.

"Fighting side by side? Trust? Isn't Xiaoying protecting you because of her partner's entrustment?"

Ultimately, this is simply a responsibility she needs to fulfill; it has little to do with you personally.

"And I—" Xingxian's gaze fell on Jiying, and the sharpness she had shown when she looked at Liuli just now instantly turned into a gentle warmth like spring water.

"Xiaoying and I have a friendship based on mutual respect for each other's strength and intelligence. Who do you think she would be more willing to exchange the most crucial intelligence with?"

She paused, then added, "And after all, you're still only Stardust level. Although I promised to let you contribute to the fight against Mirror Lord, that was only because of your determination."

"It's too dangerous for you to keep following me, and it's also a burden for Xiaoying."

"you--!"

Xingxian's seemingly reasonable statement, which defined their relationship with Jiying as "responsibility" and "burden," thoroughly enraged Liuli.

"What do you know!" Her voice trembled slightly with anger. "Xiaoying said herself that her concern for us was of her own free will, not on anyone's orders."

"What do you mean Xiaoying is taking care of us because of Senior Xingshuang's instructions? You don't understand anything at all! She is—!"

The words were on the tip of her tongue, but Liuli suddenly stopped as if something had choked her. A chill rose from the bottom of her heart, instantly calming her feverish mind.

She suddenly realized that Xingxian was unaware of the crucial secret that Xiaoying was Lin Che. If she were to impulsively reveal this truth now, it could have irreversible and severe consequences.

What will this arrogant inspector think after learning that "Xiaoying," whom he had used as a lap pillow and who had become his so-called friend last night, is actually a man?

Will she become furious because she feels deceived, and take her anger out on Lin Che, causing him trouble?

This could even lead to conflict between the only two high-end combat forces in Jiangchuan City, which would undoubtedly be fatal when facing the formidable enemy, Jingjue.

not to mention----

Another thought that made her equally uneasy flashed uncontrollably through Liuli's mind.

—What should I do if this Xingxian, just like me, has fallen for his gentleness and thoughtfulness?

No way! Absolutely not!

—One is already ——We absolutely cannot have one more!

It was these dual concerns that made Liuli swallow the truth that was on the tip of her tongue. She took a deep breath, suppressed all the impulses in her heart, and chose to remain silent.

Meanwhile, Xingxian, seeing Liuli's hesitant and ultimately powerless expression, mistakenly believed that his words had struck a nerve, leaving her speechless.

She felt a little smug and, taking advantage of Liuli's mental state and lack of exertion, launched a "surprise attack".

With a sudden burst of strength, she snatched the helpless-looking Ji Ying from Liu Li's arms and pulled him tightly into her embrace, leaving no gap between them.

"Huh?!"

Ji Ying felt a blur before her eyes, and a light and refreshing fragrance instantly filled her nose.

Xingxian held her tightly with an irresistible force, and the soft touch and reassuring warmth made her brain freeze again.

What?! Here we go again? What's wrong with Xingxian? Why did she attack without warning?!

—And what's more—it happened in front of Yuqing and Xiaoli! We're completely doomed now!

Ji Ying's heart was roaring wildly. She could even feel the two gazes behind her suddenly become sharp, as if they were tangible, piercing her back and making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

And the truth was just as she had imagined.

Yin Xue, who had been looking at everyone with a worried expression, fearing that another conflict would break out, clearly turned hostile after seeing Xing Xian so domineeringly snatch away his favorite Xiao Ying and hold her tightly. Not to mention Liu Li, who was already in a "battle" state beside him.

As Xingxian embraced Jiying, she even seemed to be asserting her dominance by slightly raising her chin and looking at Liuli with a victorious gaze. Her voice was calm and elegant: "Now, do you understand? Xiaoying and I are close friends, allies who can discuss top-secret matters together, while you—are just juniors she was entrusted to take care of."

Please, I beg you, stop talking! If you say another word, I might really die here today!

Where no one could see, Ji Ying was on the verge of tears.

Xingxian's abrupt action and condescending words infuriated Liuli, but she also realized that no matter how she refuted him, she could not persuade this stubborn inspector without revealing the core truth.

Since that's the case—

Liuli's gaze shifted to Jiying, who was being held in Xingxian's arms, motionless, as if her soul had left her body.

"Fine," she said coldly, interrupting Xingxian who was about to continue, "Since you put it that way, then let Xiaoying choose for herself."

Xingxian was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. She glanced down at the petite girl in her arms who seemed quite frightened, then confidently curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

In her view, this is not a question that requires a choice at all.

On one side is his reliable and powerful ally and friend, and on the other side are two Stardust-level rookies who need protection and know nothing.

As long as Xiaoying remains rational, she will definitely make the right choice.

"Of course." She released her grip on Jiying, but remained standing beside her, holding her hand intimately. "Jiying, tell them yourself—who do you want to go with now?"

Almost at the same time, Liuli looked at Jiying with a gaze filled with anticipation and nervousness, and asked in a deep voice, "Xiaoying, you choose!"

In an instant, all sound in the classroom disappeared.

All eyes and all the pressure were focused on the petite girl, who was once again in a situation where she had to make a choice.

Having been thrust into the eye of the storm, Ji Ying felt overwhelmed by the intense gazes from three sides.

On one side is Xingxian, the patrol officer with whom he has initially established a friendship. She is powerful and an indispensable ally in the future fight against Jingjue.

On the other side are the two people who are incredibly important to me, whom I have devoted the most effort to protecting and establishing emotional connections with since my rebirth—Liuli and Yinxue.

Although Xingxian also has her own pressures and troubles, as a powerful inspector, her mind seems to be more resilient than Liuli and Yinxue.

And what about Liuli and Yinxue? They had just learned the cruel truth about their seniors' disappearance, and it was precisely when they were most vulnerable and in need of support.

More importantly, Hoshino seems to have a huge misunderstanding about her relationship with them, believing that they are just people she needs to take care of out of entrustment.

She couldn't understand how much harm it would cause to the two girls if she chose to leave with her here.

The answer — it was actually perfectly clear from the very beginning.

After a brief silence, Jiying slowly raised her head.

She took a deep breath and finally gently released Xingxian's hand, which she hadn't completely let go of, and slowly walked to Liuli and Yinxue's side.

"I'm sorry, Hoshizora."

Ji Ying's voice wasn't loud, but it resonated clearly in everyone's ears. With a sincere apology on her face, she calmly gazed at Xing Xian, her voice soft yet incredibly firm: "Although I really want to discuss the follow-up battle plan with you immediately, but—"

"At this time, they need me to be with them even more."

Xingxian's confidence and composure froze the moment she heard the answer. She looked at Jiying in disbelief, seemingly unable to understand why he would make such a choice.

Seeing the instantaneous change in her expression, Ji Ying felt a pang of pity. She knew what her choice meant for this proud patrol officer.

She pleaded cautiously, "Just—in a little while, after they all go to class, I'll come find you right away, okay?"

Xingxian quietly gazed at Jiying, at her dark red eyes filled with sincerity and distress, and searched for an excuse for her earlier "failure" in her heart.

—Hmph, Xiaoying must have had no choice. After all, those two looked so pitiful, and she was so kind that she couldn't bear to refuse them at a time like this.

—I'll just be magnanimous and wait for her for a while.

However, rational attempts to compensate cannot completely mask the sudden sense of loss and frustration, as well as the immense damage to one's self-esteem.

He himself—an inspector of the Magic Kingdom, a recognized genius—had actually lost to two Stardust-level juniors in this selection?!

Xingxian knew that she would soon be unable to maintain her composure.

If she doesn't leave immediately, she will reveal her most vulnerable side in front of that little girl and these younger generations she should be guiding and caring for.

In the end, she didn't say anything, but looked deeply at Xiaoying, whose face was full of guilt, and—the two girls beside her who looked relieved—with an extremely complicated gaze.

Immediately, she turned around abruptly, her figure transforming into a pale purple streak of light, instantly passing through the broken window frame and disappearing into the endless rain.

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