[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl":3,"chapter-off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-chapter-56":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Off the Clock, Then a Magical Girl",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2349976,4594,"Chapter 56","off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-chapter-56",56,"\u003Cp>Screaming as she turned, Lin Xiaolu first stumbled back with a \"thump-thump,\" hit the railing behind her, and then, losing her footing, slammed her head straight into the glass panel beside the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a sharp pain in the back of her head, she couldn't help but cry out, then slumped down toward the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Lin Yun was quick-eyed and nimble-handed; before she actually fell, he bent over, reached out, and grabbed Lin Xiaolu’s arm, pulling her back up to her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Xiaolu wincing in pain, he subconsciously reached out to rub the back of her head. Finding no wound, he let out a sigh of relief: \"Xiaolu, you really need to be more careful when you walk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\"It’s not like it’s my fault, you scared me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu stood straight, pushed his hand away from the back of her head, and said with some resentment: \"Don't just start talking behind people's backs!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw you two acting all sneaky, so of course I had to come and ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun raised an eyebrow: \"You’ve been lurking on this third floor for so long, did you really think I wouldn't notice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he hadn't noticed; it was hard for an average person to imagine someone watching them from the high floors of a shopping plaza. But since he could now track their movements, he needed some kind of excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such an excuse was a bit far-fetched on a normal day, but since the two girls had been following him first, they felt guilty and didn't doubt the excuse he gave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sorry, Uncle, it's my fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Liang reacted the fastest, immediately playing the part of an obedient child, looking innocent: \"I didn't mean to, I was just a bit curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who was acting sneaky? I was standing here perfectly openly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu’s attitude wasn't as friendly, and having just bumped her head, she covered the back of her skull and retorted: \"Can't I even see what you're doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why are you here?\" Lin Yun stared into her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu could only remain silent and look away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't answer, but as always, she was poor at hiding her emotions; her guilty expression was on full display, so Lin Yun understood and asked again: \"Did you follow me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just a little curious, that's all,\" Lin Xiaolu muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're curious too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun suddenly found it amusing: \"You two went to such lengths, watching for so long, just because of that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that not allowed? What about you? Why are you dressed like this and going out alone on your day off?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught in the act, Lin Xiaolu decided to go all out and admitted with a sense of resignation: \"Dressing so formally, I thought you were going to, were planning to...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun finally understood why she had appeared here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Xia Liang, who gave an awkward, apologetic smile and lowered her head, clearly aware that following people was not a good thing to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, why should he bicker with children?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mocked himself internally, brushed away the little remaining dissatisfaction, and looked at Lin Xiaolu to confirm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You thought I was planning to find you a stepmother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't that it?\" Lin Xiaolu looked up at him, her expression filled with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could that be? Even if I were to look, I would definitely have to ask for your opinion first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun shook his head and sighed: \"You really don't remember, do you? Today is clearly the wedding anniversary of your mother and me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu couldn't help but widen her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wedding anniversary?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She repeated the words, stuttering for a moment: \"Eh? But, but, we didn't do anything last year or the year before...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because this year is the fifteenth anniversary. The last time your mother and I celebrated this was our tenth, when you were only nine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun continued to explain: \"Besides, you know that in a week we have to go see your mother, and I need to prepare a gift for her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha...\" Lin Xiaolu let out a breath, looking dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Releasing her hand from the back of her head, she stared blankly at Lin Yun, then lowered her head and repeated: \"So that's how it is... I thought...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, she didn't even know why she felt relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her father wasn't out on a date with another woman; he was simply commemorating her mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this still didn't mean he had no connection to that woman named Hong Siyu, nor did it mean he didn't know Cui Que, at least it meant that all the wild thoughts in her head when she arrived...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu felt her cheeks burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her, Xia Liang giggled and gently nudged her arm: \"I told you, it might not be what you thought, didn't I? You just wouldn't believe me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu glanced at her, knowing full well she had made a fool of herself, but her personality wasn't one to stay quiet and take the loss, so she subconsciously wanted to retort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before she could say anything, she suddenly saw Lin Yun’s nostalgic expression, and it felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her; the words on the tip of her tongue were swallowed back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I know, it's my fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She admitted her mistake honestly, whispering: \"Since that's the case, I'll go home in a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you're already here, why talk about going home now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun sighed, forcing a smile onto his face: \"Since you followed me, come help me pick something out; consider it choosing a gift for your mother together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I...\" Lin Xiaolu looked at him hesitantly; after realizing she had made a mistake, she didn't know how to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\" Lin Yun tapped the railing and pointed toward the atrium below, \"Or are you saying you don't plan to go to the grave-sweeping next week?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could that be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this topic came up, Lin Xiaolu perked up, muttering: \"I'd go even if you didn't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what are we waiting for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun took a step toward the elevator and looked back at her: \"Or do you want to keep standing up here, acting like a commander on a podium?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Do you think I want to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then hurry up.\" Lin Yun urged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there anything you want to eat for lunch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ice cream.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Xia Liang, who had watched the whole process, smiled with relief as she saw the father and daughter’s atmosphere gradually harmonize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps there was a little envy, even jealousy, in her heart, but those feelings were secondary. More importantly, Lin Xiaolu was her friend, and she was happy for her, empathizing with her ability to get along with her parent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well then, Uncle, Xiaolu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She waved at the two of them, her face full of smiles: \"Since that's the case, I'll head back on my own now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...\" Lin Xiaolu frowned, wanting to say something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she had only managed one word before Xia Liang interrupted: \"Xiaolu, you should focus on the gift; your mother will be very happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't give Lin Xiaolu a chance to finish, even though they both knew it might have been a request to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in her view, this was a rare opportunity for the father and daughter to communicate properly, and there was no need for her to stick around like a third wheel, which would only make everyone feel uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after saying that, she turned and quickened her pace, walking toward the crowd as if trying to escape. But before she could disappear into the crowd, she was stopped by a voice from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\"The student over there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man behind her said: \"If you're not busy, why don't you come along with Xiaolu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No need, thank you, Uncle, it's very convenient for me to go back on my own.\" She turned back and declined with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so formal? You're Xiaolu’s classmate, Xia Liang, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yun tried to keep his expression and tone gentle: \"Thank you for indulging her in this nonsense, so I should thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't actually know what Xia Liang was thinking, but that didn't stop him from remembering that night, when Xia Liang, showing her rare vulnerability, said to Cui Que: \"Don't be biased.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he wasn't Cui Que now, and she wouldn't realize it, that was no excuse for him to leave this girl behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come with us, I'll treat you to lunch, and then I'll drive you both home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Xia Liang and said earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Liang looked at him, her mouth slightly agape, not knowing how to refuse further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be so wishy-washy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaolu, standing to the side, found her chance to finish her thought, crossing her arms and looking away: \"Didn't you say before that you hoped I would treat you like family? Why are you acting all reserved now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Liang looked at Lin Yun, then at Lin Xiaolu, and found them both looking at her with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reason told her she was just an outsider here, and seeing the intimate family relationship of others was merely a torture to her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, emotionally, she longed for the very relationship she couldn't have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should she get close to them? She asked herself, trying to stop herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at this moment, the concern and invitation from the father and daughter cracked the barrier she had set for herself, sending a warm current through her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget it, let's be a little selfish this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling someone's teachings, she nodded and revealed a smile that was somewhat helpless, yet heartfelt:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, I won't be polite.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1633,"2026-06-21T02:45:47.620Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","a3c570cfa1c667d33b2aaaa4af8fe0369703dc32a42d9927047bb35f6916f25d","off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-chapter-57","off-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-chapter-55",364,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foff-the-clock-then-a-magical-girl-cover.jpg"]