Giving a gift to Ye Xinglan wasn’t a whim for Xiaoxi; in fact, ever since she got paid these past couple of days, she had been thinking about it.
First, Xiaoxi wanted to sincerely thank Ye Xinglan—after all, without her help, Xiaoxi probably wouldn’t have lasted this long.
She might have ended up sleeping on the streets before even finding a job or receiving a paycheck.
Second, Xiaoxi could tell Ye Xinglan hadn’t been herself emotionally lately, so this gift could also serve as an apology.
But since she couldn’t buy the gift at the mall today, it would have to wait… or maybe she could just pass the item directly to Ye Xinglan?
Xiaoxi took out the jewelry box the other girl had just given her. That girl said it contained a necklace, which would be a suitable gift.
Xiaoxi wanted to open the box and see it, but after thinking it over, she decided it was better to wait.
The rich young lady was so wealthy that she might not even appreciate something like jewelry.
Forget it. She might as well go back and subtly ask Ye Xinglan what she liked before deciding on a gift.
After all, they were living together now, so there was no rush.
Xiaoxi had planned to test the waters with Ye Xinglan during lunch, but unexpectedly, the crew dragged her along for a long interview with Little Red Riding Hood. If they kept her any longer, she’d miss making lunch for Ye Xinglan.
When Xiaoxi hurriedly got home and opened the door, she found the living room in chaos, crowded with people.
Movers in gray uniforms busily packed things in small groups. Xiaoxi glanced around; all the items looked like daily necessities Ye Xinglan had bought since moving in.
“What’s going on here…?”
Before she could finish her question, a woman in office lady attire stepped forward. Xiaoxi felt she looked vaguely familiar but couldn’t place where she had seen her before.
“You must be Xiaoxi, right?” Mo Lan’er sized her up and down. “Don’t worry. I’m the one who sent people to help the young lady pack.”
Mo Lan’er waved a house key, making her identity clear.
“So you mean, Xinglan is… moving out?”
“Yes. I’ll pick her up tonight when she returns. In the meantime, please help take care of her.”
Xiaoxi was speechless, clutching the jewelry box tightly in her pocket.
She had suspected Ye Xinglan might move out soon but didn’t expect it to happen so suddenly—this very morning, before saying goodbye, she’d even asked Ye Xinglan what she wanted for lunch.
An inexplicable, indescribable feeling welled up inside her. She took out her phone and sent Ye Xinglan a message.
“Are you moving out? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“Because Arlan contacted me only this morning. I didn’t know either. I even arranged to meet a net friend today and just left not long ago.”
“That’s okay. Let’s talk about this when I get home tonight. I’ll have Arlan wait until you finish work, then pick me up.”
It wasn’t Ye Xinglan’s fault. Mo Lan’er had contacted her suddenly this morning.
After the association dropped the investigation, Mo Lan’er wasted no time tracking down Ye Xinglan, who’d been unreachable for a whole month—Mo Lan’er was practically frantic.
Xiaoxi didn’t know what to say, but then Mo Lan’er came over again, her tone icy.
“Xiaoxi, I need to discuss something with you beforehand. I know you’ve gotten along well with the young lady recently, but I hope you avoid contacting her going forward.”
“You’re simply not from the same world… I hope you understand what I mean.”
Xiaoxi nodded. She knew Mo Lan’er was right. If not for this unexpected cohabitation, she probably wouldn’t have gotten to know such a rich young lady like Ye Xinglan.
At that moment, Xiaoxi’s phone suddenly rang—it was Miss L’s call, so she stepped out to the hallway.
“Axing, I don’t want to disturb your work, but can you take the afternoon off at the café?”
“The association has finished investigating the black market. The higher-ups take this seriously and want to act immediately, so…”
“I understand,” Xiaoxi exhaled deeply. “I’m heading there now.”
……
An hour later, at the entrance of the black market on West Main Street.
“Before we start, let me repeat—our mission today is to infiltrate the black market and investigate those suspected magic devices originating from the Divine Summoners.”
“The association has traced the source of these devices. Today, we’re to disguise ourselves as ordinary buyers to gather evidence. The underground black market in Xiahai City survives for a reason, so once inside, no looking around, no meddling—just complete the task.”
“Also, the black market blocks external networks, so once inside… Sirius? Are you even listening?”
Xiaoxi was startled and quickly looked up. In front of her was Mu Xingge, frowning.
“Sirius, today’s mission is important. No mistakes allowed. Understand what I mean?”
“Sorry, senior, I’m listening.”
Xiaoxi exhaled deeply. Honestly, she hadn’t expected to be so distracted.
People only seem to realize what’s precious when they’re about to lose it… Well, she hadn’t expected Ye Xinglan moving out would hit her this hard.
She had always thought it was clear that Ye Xinglan was from a different world, and the rich young lady would move out eventually. But…
Xiaoxi shook her head, forcing down the messy thoughts. No matter what, she couldn’t let personal matters affect today’s mission.
Moments later, the three entered the black market through an ordinary little shop. According to Mu Xingge, this was just one of many entrances.
The elevator descended for about a minute before stopping, revealing the underground black market of Xiahai City.
“This is the black market? They even have… a bar?”
Little Red Riding Hood whispered, her surprise evident.
Before them stretched a narrow passageway, where reaching up could touch the metal pipes overhead. On both sides were shops of all kinds, their neon signs flickering with cheap glimmers.
“Don’t look around. Just follow me.”
Mu Xingge’s voice was muffled behind her mask. All three wore plain-colored masks, a practical disguise that drew no suspicion. Many around them wore the same kind of mask—not everyone wanted to show their face buying goods in the black market.
Xiaoxi sighed. The black market was better than she’d imagined. She remembered during the chaotic times, the black market constantly smelled of blood—a truly chaotic place.
But she understood Miss L was right: blocking demand only diverts it elsewhere. Where there’s demand, there will be trade.
Soon, Mu Xingge led them into an alley.
“We’re almost there. Remember to act as rehearsed—”
Mu Xingge pushed open the door to a repair shop. Inside, the space was cluttered with various mechanical parts, cramped and messy.
The tinkling bell woke a man dozing behind the counter.
“Looking to fix something?”
“No, we’re here to buy.”
Mu Xingge slid a silver coin across the counter.
It was their “ticket” prepared by the association. Investigating the black market took so long because even here, not all trades are out in the open.
In fact, if you want illegal goods in today’s black market, you need special connections.
The man, now fully awake after seeing the coin, glanced at the three and casually tossed the coin into an electronic piggy bank nearby.
A “ding” sounded, and a smiley face lit up on the piggy bank’s display. Only then did the man step out from behind the counter.
“The ticket’s valid, but I can only take one of you to meet the boss—rules are rules. The boss talks business with one person at a time. Who’s it going to be?”
“Business decisions like this must be made together by all three of us.”
“Sorry, rules are rules. We never break them.” The man shrugged.
The three fell silent. This unexpected obstacle posed a problem. With no signal inside, their communicators were useless, so going alone to meet a possible seller of Divine Summoner devices was dangerous.
“I’ll go.”
Mu Xingge gave the others a meaningful glance and stepped forward. For dangerous missions like this, better to send an S-rank Magical Girl.
“Then no problem. Don’t worry, the other two will be well taken care of. For guests with tickets, we always provide the best service.”
The man pressed a button on the counter, and a wall inside the repair shop suddenly spun open, revealing a hidden room—resplendently decorated with plush sofas and a line of attendants.
The contrast to the dirty, messy repair shop outside was stark.
So this was what they called ‘outwardly shabby but inwardly splendid.’
Xiaoxi and Little Red Riding Hood exchanged glances and sat down voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Mu Xingge followed the man down a spiral staircase. The repair shop truly had another world inside.
As the association’s intel said, this repair shop was secretly a fence for stolen goods. Its owner was known as Scar Eye, a notorious black market dealer.
He’d been in the trade since the chaotic era, selling dubious items. After offending enemies, one had slashed his face, blinding one eye.
The underground chamber contained a luxuriously decorated reception room, where one could buy whatever they wanted—at least that’s what others said about the black market.
But when Mu Xingge finally saw the man sitting on the plush sofa, impeccably dressed in a suit, she noticed he had neither a scar nor a blind eye.
“Alright, I see why you’re staring. Let me just answer directly—if everyone believed Scar Eye should have a long scar on his face, I’d be safe.”
Scar Eye grinned, revealing three or four gold teeth. He was thin, his hair slicked back, giving off a contrast of looking like a corporate worker but dressed like the boss.
“Besides, the name serves another purpose—regulars don’t focus on my face. Even if everyone here wears masks while buying, I can still tell the old customers from the new.”
“So, beautiful lady, since it’s your first time here, do you want me to introduce what I have?”
Scar Eye’s slyness didn’t faze Mu Xingge; she sat naturally opposite him.
“No need. I want only one thing: the Divine Summoner’s magic storage device.”
“Of course, no problem!” Scar Eye rubbed his hands. “This thing’s been popular lately. Looks like I should thank the Divine Summoners for sending me so many customers!”
He slid a black sphere with a metallic sheen across the table. Mu Xingge examined it closely—it was exactly what they were after.
According to the association’s investigation, Scar Eye was just a middleman selling Divine Summoner goods; the real supplier was someone else.
“Interesting. The item’s legit, but I’m curious where it came from. You know, the Divine Summoners vanished three years ago.”
“Sorry, I can’t disclose that. Business rules.”
“Just like I won’t ask this beautiful lady why a Magical Girl wants to buy a Divine Summoner device.”
Scar Eye laughed harder, looking Mu Xingge up and down as if he could see through her mask.
Suddenly, Mu Xingge’s magic wand pointed at Scar Eye’s head, and the atmosphere in the reception room tensed instantly.
Seeing their cover blown, Mu Xingge ripped off her mask coldly.
“If you cooperate and come with me quietly, I can at least guarantee you won’t have to visit the infirmary before the association’s interrogation room.”
“Whoa, whoa! So you’re the S-rank [Songbird Diva], a big star! Can I get your autograph first? Your signature must be worth a fortune!”
Scar Eye showed no fear. “Don’t be angry, Mu Xingge. Your disguise was flawless—well, I didn’t spot any flaws. Lady Black Rose told me you’d be coming today.”
“Lady Black Rose even left you a message. You should at least hear it. Give me some face; I’m a businessman—I keep my promises.”
“Even if you don’t want to listen, think about your two adorable juniors, won’t you?” A sinister glint appeared in Scar Eye’s eyes. “You don’t really think meeting me is dangerous, so you left your juniors upstairs, right?”
“You’re dead wrong. Without you, the S-rank Magical Girl’s protection, who knows who’s really in danger now~”