A piece of steak was cut off with a dinner knife.
The dinner fork picked up the piece of steak, dabbed some black pepper sauce on it, and brought it to her glistening lips, turning the Mu Yao Meimei's expectant expression into a joyful smile.
"Mmm-hmm~ This restaurant's steak is indeed delicious!"
Su Tianqing said with a smile.
Hua Ling Meimei nodded gently in agreement and put a piece into her own mouth.
This was a fairly popular chain steakhouse, specializing in Western-style cuisine like steak, and it had a pretty good reputation.
But most importantly, the private rooms in this restaurant were very quiet and had a great atmosphere.
It was perfect for two people to chat!
"Tianqing Jie, weren't you playing with Jia Yu Jie today?"
Hua Ling Meimei swallowed her food and asked the Golden Fox across the table.
Ever since she had met Tianqing Jie, she had always been inseparable from Jia Yu Jie — at least that's how it seemed to her. It was rare for them to act alone, like today.
Su Tianqing replied with a light chuckle:
"Xiao Yu was tired from playing yesterday, and she also has a course ending with an exam recently, so she's busy studying."
"I see… It's true that studies should come first," Hua Ling Meimei sighed.
Come to think of it, everyone was busy with exams. Most people, like Jia Yu Jie, would get stressed during exam month, while people like Tianqing Jie, who didn't worry about it at all, were a rarity.
"That's right, although it's fun to play with Xiao Yu, I can't let it delay her studies."
"But then again, Hua Ling Meimei…"
After a brief pause, Su Tianqing continued,
"Is it because you're busy preparing for exams? I feel like you've been quite stressed lately, Hua Ling Meimei. You should pay attention to getting enough rest."
"It's not because of exams, it's just…"
Hua Ling Meimei opened her mouth, intending to say something, but then realized she couldn't tell Tianqing Jie about it, so she swallowed her words back.
How could she say it? Should she tell Tianqing Jie, "Actually, I'm Magical Girl Iris, and I've been beaten badly by the Monsters recently, so I feel very depressed"?
If she really said it, there would be no turning back!
"It seems to be something quite private."
Seemingly sensing the young girl's hesitation, Su Tianqing didn't rush to ask further.
"It's okay, everyone has their own little secrets, and that's perfectly normal."
"Thank you, Tianqing Jie…" Hua Ling Meimei breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the understanding of the Fox Fox sister in front of her.
At this moment, both sides' words fell into a stalemate.
Su Tianqing had originally intended to initiate a topic, but unexpectedly, Hua Ling Meimei seemed to have no intention of picking up her cue, which made the Fox Fox feel quite distressed.
What's going on? Hua Ling Meimei had chatted quite happily with her in their previous conversations, so why had the atmosphere suddenly become so dull today?
Could it be that the experience of being beaten badly by the cat last time had given her some unsettling thoughts?
But that's not right. Didn't the righteous Fox Fox say that they got along quite well during their special training? Besides, from the Fox Spirit's perspective, Hua Ling Meimei's situation seemed quite normal, so why would she suddenly…
No, I must find a way to ask again! The well-behaved and adorable Iris cannot be allowed to become gloomy!
"Hua Ling Meimei."
Su Tianqing continued her offensive, throwing out a new topic.
"How are things going between you and Mu Yao Meimei? Have you become good friends?"
"Yes, we get along very well. Nan Xiaofeng and Mu Yao have similar interests, and Mu Yao also loves to read," Hua Ling Meimei nodded and replied.
"That's wonderful then. But, you're not just saying that to comfort me, are you…?"
"No way! Nan Xiaofeng and I really like playing with Mu Yao!" Hua Ling Meimei quickly denied, a little flustered.
"I was just joking, but since you can become friends, I, your sister, am also very happy~" The Golden Fox covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
That's right, this is how we should chat. This back-and-forth, with occasional teasing, is a healthy and harmonious conversation.
As the topic expanded, the communication atmosphere also improved significantly compared to before. At least the hesitant expression on Hua Ling Meimei's face was no longer visible.
However, Su Tianqing still couldn't find a way to delve deeper into the conversation.
Unlike Nan Xiaofeng and Lin Muyao, Hua Ling Meimei's quiet personality was usually very likable, but precisely at this moment, it caused her immense trouble.
Nan Xiaofeng couldn't wait to speak her mind, and Lin Muyao was only taciturn due to her aphasia, but even with a whiteboard, she could say a lot, essentially being a very talkative person.
Only Hua Ling Meimei was an exception.
She was not only quiet but also not very fond of talking, and she was very reserved and shy. When discussing some matters with her, she would even use notes.
This was probably one of the reasons why she put Hua Ling Meimei last on her list to 'conquer' — this child was too difficult to handle.
It seems I must try an unconventional approach!
Su Tianqing thought to herself.
If she wanted to 'conquer' Hua Ling Meimei, she had to make her open up to her!
Learning about someone's past from others was simple. She had known for a long time that Hua Ling Meimei's parents had died in a Monster attack four years ago, but Hua Ling Meimei herself had never mentioned it to her.
Did this mean Hua Ling Meimei didn't trust her enough? Did it mean Hua Ling Meimei still harbored a sense of caution towards her?
"I must break down this barrier and make this child let down her guard so that my plan can proceed!" Su Tianqing thought to herself.
It was as if to prove someone's complete trust in her, she had to make her personally speak of the past buried deep in her mind!
"Speaking of which, there was something I was quite worried about, but now it seems I was overthinking it," Su Tianqing began.
Hua Ling Meimei was drinking her post-meal soup at the moment. Hearing the Golden Fox say this, she immediately lifted her head.
"Hmm? What is it?" Hua Ling Meimei pressed.
"It's about you and Mu Yao Meimei,"
Su Tianqing sighed,
"I really wanted to help Mu Yao at the time, but when I introduced you two, I was also a bit worried… Hmm… worried if it would make you feel a bit strange…"
"Mu Yao's father left very early, and she was also abandoned by her mother. I was worried if such a background would… affect you, Hua Ling Meimei…"
"Ah, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bring it up, I just thought…"
The Golden Fox curled up, her ears drooping on top of her head, making a timid expression as she looked at Hua Ling Meimei, like a child who had said something wrong.
Hua Ling Meimei was at a loss for how to reply.
So Tianqing Jie was worried about this kind of problem?
No wonder she specifically asked her out. Such a gentle and cautious demeanor was truly…
…What dazzling charm.
"It's okay, Tianqing Jie."
The young girl's lips curved into a smile.
"I used to often feel sad alone because of this… But ever since you, Tianqing Jie, told me those words, I felt that I should also make some changes."
"Especially after I heard about Mu Yao's background, I quietly made up my mind that I must help Mu Yao, to the best of my ability."
Brief silence.
Su Tianqing smiled softly and reached out to hold Hua Ling Meimei's hand, which was resting on the dining table.
"Hua Ling Meimei is also a very understanding person, but if that's the case, the pressure you carry will only increase, Hua Ling Meimei, and that's not a good thing."
The young girl couldn't refute it.
Indeed, it was as Tianqing Jie said. When she reviewed her recent experiences, she also felt as if she might be trying too hard.
"Having the determination to help others is a good thing, and I, your sister, fully support you, Hua Ling Meimei, in doing so."
"But if one day… when you can no longer bear it, Hua Ling Meimei, just come to me, your sister~"
The Golden Fox grinned, her smile bright and sunny, almost making Hua Ling Meimei unable to open her eyes.
—Thus, the seed of spiritual solace was planted.
Looking at the shy and reserved young girl in front of her who still nodded vigorously, Su Tianqing thought to herself.
Then, it's time for her to arrange a script specially prepared for Hua Ling Meimei.
A second round of the Star Shadow plan, tailor-made for Magical Girl Iris!