*Chapter 19: Starlit Laughter and Awkward Hearts*
Master Qiao's "no magic drills" rule landed the friends smack in the middle of Jade Spirit Academy's Firefly Festival—a night packed with dazzling color, music, and joy. Every corner glowed with floating lanterns as students in bright robes darted between game stalls. Li Wei, for once, let himself relax. He challenged Bao Yu to a lucky charm toss, only to lose spectacularly when Bao's vine sneakily nudged the target. Jin Ming ran a booth serving steaming buns; he tried to eat more than he sold, and the teachers had to cut him off after his tenth round.
Mei Fen, quick-fingered and mischievous, conjured a sky full of silver butterflies to the crowd's delight. Rui, with squirrel in tow, organized a fireworks relay (it went hilariously wrong, ending with half the athletes covered in rainbow dust). Chen Xiulan talked herself into the role of festival MC, her laughter echoing above the lively chaos.
All evening, Chen Xiulan found herself stealing glances at Li Wei. Every time their eyes met, her heart hammered. When the crowd thinned, and the moon climbed high, she mustered her courage and slipped him a tiny paper crane she'd folded and charmed herself. "For luck—and maybe braveness," she mumbled, cheeks flaming. Li Wei was startled, then smiled so gently it warmed her all over.
Later, as the group sprawled on picnic blankets beneath lantern-lit trees, Jin Ming teased them about being "the most adorable duo at Jade Spirit." Mei Fen grinned, Bao Yu offered jade blossom tea, and everyone watched as Chen Xiulan—shy but glowy—leaned a little closer to Li Wei. The air felt softer, laughter sweeter, magic sparkling just beneath every word and glance.
Long after the lanterns faded, the friends wandered back to their dorms. Li Wei cradled the enchanted paper crane, thinking that even with all the dangers ahead, some nights were simply meant for happiness—and that sometimes the strongest magic was a friend's touch or an uncertain smile.