Understanding the World

Night, at the academy.

When the bright moonlight streamed through the window and fell upon Mo Xi, the girl she was advising not to be listed as first author was momentarily stunned.

Her gentle voice, paired with her earnest expression, and the all-embracing radiance she seemed to carry despite her young age made the feelings buried deep within the girl’s heart swell.

In a daze, the girl found herself looking into the future: her research had succeeded, her advisor’s confusion had vanished, her classmates’ ostracism had turned to admiration, and her gentle Senior Sister was still by her side.

“... Hey? Are you still there?”

The indistinct sounds gradually grew clear. When Mo Xi’s fingertips touched the girl’s forehead, that faint warmth brought her abruptly back to her senses.

“How strange. Why did you stop responding in the middle of what I was saying? You don’t have a fever, either.” Mo Xi felt the girl’s forehead as she spoke.

Just then, the girl abruptly stepped back and hid her flushed face behind her notebook. “I... I just remembered I forgot to bring a book. I should get going.”

With that, the girl hurried out of the room somewhat awkwardly, leaving Mo Xi looking completely bewildered.

Mo Xi had no idea why the other girl had rushed off. She stroked her chin and mused, “That girl really is studious.”...