Ding-dong—

Huh!?

I was sitting there, lost in my worries, when the doorbell suddenly blared. I jumped slightly, my first thought: don’t wake the girl sleeping nearby. Without hesitation, I rushed out of my room, flung the front door open.

“Xiao Nan, this month’s utility bills you— Huh? Young lady, who are you?”

A middle-aged woman stood there, glasses perched on her nose, ledger in hand. Mid-sentence, she snapped her head up. Confusion flooded her slightly wrinkled face.

The landlady!

“Oh no—right now, I’m a girl!” I stared blankly at her. After a long pause, it hit me: today was bill day. In this form, she wouldn’t recognize me at all.

“Hey, how rare… Xiao Nan actually brought a girl home? Sweetheart, are you his girlfriend?” Before I could speak, the landlady grinned, her expression dripping with gossip. I felt like I’d been struck by lightning.

G-girlfriend!? What was she saying? I’m my own girlfriend?

No—calm down. This isn’t my real identity. Breathe…

“Ah, um… I’m Amelia. Su Nan’s friend.” My brain kicked in fast. Priority one: no suspicion. Especially not about the little girl asleep in my room. “He had to go home for a few days, so I’m staying temporarily. He mentioned the bills—just a moment, Auntie.”

I spun back to my room, grabbed cash, and hurried to the door.

“Hmm… exact amount. Good. I’ll be off then.” She counted the bills quickly, nodded. But as she turned to leave, she froze. A warm smile spread across her face. “Oh, dear—mind if I call you Xiao Li?”

“Huh? S-sure.” I replied automatically, my mind racing. What was she up to?

“Xiao Li, listen… Su Nan’s a wonderful boy. Smart, honest, always polite. Life was tough—he’s an orphan—but his adoptive family’s well-off. Educated parents. Hold onto him. Trust Auntie; I never misjudge. Any girl with him will find happiness!”

Still smiling, she turned and left.

I stood frozen. Minutes passed before it clicked—she’d just been recommending myself to me!?