Ailei, who had been silent while sealed inside Lin Mei's body, finally spoke up.
"Feel the spatial attributes within you—I have something for you."
Lin Mei was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered, a smile spreading across his face. "Lin, you're finally willing to talk!"
"Hmph!" A proud voice echoed in his mind.
Having shared a bond with Ailei, Lin Mei immediately understood the reason for her irritation—she was upset over his excessive use of magic during the Iron Overlord incident. Hoping to appease her, he said with a coaxing tone, "Oh, Lin, I know I was wrong. The situation was urgent, and I had to do everything I could to protect everyone. Look, I'm perfectly fine now! Besides, with you around, I feel stronger."
His words carried a mix of sincerity and playful charm, hoping to soothe Ailei's displeasure.
"Hmph! Don't think a few sweet words will make me forgive you so easily. Do you even realize how much strain excessive magic use puts on your body? If something were to happen to you, I..." Ailei's voice still held a trace of arrogance, but the concern beneath it was unmistakable.
Lin Mei felt warmth spread through his heart at her worry. He softened his tone. "I know, I know. I'll be more careful from now on. I don't want to make you worry. Plus, I'll train harder to refine my control over magic so I can protect everyone—and myself—more effectively."
"Hmph, that's more like it." Ailei's tone finally relaxed. "Alright, back to business. Now, focus on the spatial attributes in your body. I want to give you something."
Lin Mei immediately closed his eyes, concentrating inward. As his perception deepened, he sensed something unfamiliar yet tangible within him. He wasn't sure what it was, but he could tell that he could retrieve it.
Reaching out instinctively, his fingers brushed against something smooth yet angular. Opening his palm, he found himself holding a brilliant red gemstone.
"What a beautiful gem!" he murmured in awe.
Having been raised in a capitalist-influenced environment, Lin Mei instantly recognized its extraordinary value—far surpassing any ruby he had ever seen.
If all the items he sensed earlier were of this quality...!
A sharp breath escaped him. "Ailel You're actually a little rich lady!"
"No! I'm not!" Ailei protested indignantly. "And don't call me that!"
Her immediate denial only fueled his suspicion. "You're totally a rich lady! I bet you're hoarding a whole dragon's treasure trove in there!"
"Lin Mei, I'm going to be angry!" Ailei's voice held an embarrassed edge.
Sensing he was pushing his luck, Lin Mei wisely dropped the subject before she could truly get upset.
At that moment, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Lin Mei, is something wrong? Why are you standing there in a daze?"
Professor McGonagall had just stepped out of the Floo Network and was now looking at him with mild concern.
Snapping back to reality, Lin Mei quickly responded, "Professor, did you need something?"
"Ah, yes! I nearly forgot—I need to give you the shopping list." She pulled a piece of parchment from her robes and handed it to him.
Lin Mei took it and scanned the list:
First-Year Students Require:Three sets of plain work robes (black)A plain, pointed hat for daytime wear (black)A pair of protective gloves (dragon-hide or similar material)A winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings) Note: All student clothing must be labeled with their name.Required Books:The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda GoshawkA History of Magic by Bathilda BagshotMagical Theory by Adalbert WafflingA Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric SwitchOne Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida SporeMagical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius JiggerFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt ScamanderThe Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin TrimbleOther Equipment:1 wand1 standard-size 2 pewter cauldron1 set of glass or crystal phials1 telescope1 set of brass scalesStudents may bring an owl, a cat, or a toad.
Reminder: First-year students are not permitted to bring their own broomsticks.
Lin Mei glanced over the extensive list and couldn't help but inwardly sigh at the sheer amount of required items.
However, something caught his attention. Looking up at McGonagall, he hesitated before asking, "Professor, must I buy only the books listed, or can I purchase others as well?"
"Oh! Lin, as long as it's not a banned book, I have no objections to your purchase. However, I still hope you'll prioritize the knowledge taught by your professors so that your grades don't suffer in the future."
Professor McGonagall valued students with a thirst for knowledge, and she certainly appreciated Lin Mei's eagerness to learn. She had no reason to object to his request—perhaps, she mused, this child would be more suited for Ravenclaw.
Seeing the spark of excitement in Lin Mei's eyes, the thought lingered in her mind.
For Lin Mei, knowledge was the key to advancing further on the path of magic. The more he learned, the stronger he could become.
"Alright, let's go. It's still early—we should buy everything on the list as soon as possible."
With a knowing look, McGonagall reached into her robes and produced a pouch. It was clear she intended to cover Lin Mei's expenses.
Lin Mei was momentarily stunned by the gesture but felt deeply grateful for her kindness. Still, he quickly spoke up. "Professor McGonagall, I have my own funds. Where should I go to exchange them for the local currency?"
McGonagall was momentarily surprised that Lin Mei had such valuable resources but chose not to press for details—respecting his privacy.
Instead, she simply advised, "Put the gems away for now, Mr. Lin Mei. There are many unsavory individuals in Diagon Alley."
Lin Mei immediately slipped the gem back into his pocket. Even in the short time it had been visible, he had felt numerous gazes drawn toward his hand.
Where there are people, there is darkness. The idealized atmosphere of the original story may have misled me, he thought.
Lin Mei realized he had been a bit reckless.
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