Quickly, I remembered this was a public place and immediately let go of Qingli, stepping back.

So embarrassing.

The strange stares from bystanders stung. Without a word, I grabbed Qingli’s hand and marched forward, head down like an ostrich.

All Qingli’s fault! She’d insisted on those questions, making this body lose control!

“If Xiao Yao wants to shop,” Qingli said after I’d wandered aimlessly for ten minutes, stopping abruptly, “let’s do it another time. If you still want to attend afternoon classes, come with me to buy boys’ pants.”

She smiled warmly at me, her gentle words jolting me back to the forgotten fact. Right—I had no pants.

“But I,” I hesitated, looking back at her, “I didn’t bring any…”

Before I could finish, Qingli held up a khaki wallet, forcing my words back down my throat.

Today was utterly humiliating. Ripped pants, wetting myself, crying on a girl’s chest, and now having her pay for my trousers. At this rate, my manliness would vanish completely before next week.

No! I had to regain my dignity and show my charming side!

Thinking this, I started chatting: “Qingli, what do you usually do? Do you go to school?”

“No,” she shook her head. “Elder Mink taught me human knowledge. I don’t need school—I help at the shop.”

“So you’re free?” My eyes lit up. “Come to our school the day after tomorrow evening. We’re holding a festival with amazing performances.”

I was in charge of it too. Not a great gig—seniors were swamped with studies, freshmen clueless—so the school dumped it on juniors like us as labor and scapegoats. I’d been “elected” leader by accident, but technically, it was my responsibility.

After she watched, if she loved it, I’d reveal I organized it. If not… haha, I’d figure something else out. Either way, I’d make her see my excellence!

“Okay,” Qingli agreed obediently, sparking excitement in me.

With my mind clear, energy surged back like a recharge. Holding the navy pants, I returned to the noodle shop. Elder Mink waited at the counter.

“Welcome back, Nine Tailed Fox Lord.”

Hmph. You were mean earlier—I’ll ignore you.

“It’s late—you must be hungry. Please try my noodles to fill up. In all my years, besides this old body, my noodle craft is my pride.”

Elder Mink squinted a smile, presenting steaming noodles. Juicy meat chunks dotted with green onions made my stomach growl—I gulped loudly.

As… as the clan leader, I should be magnanimous. A true leader forgives unintentional disrespect. Of course, I’d generously pardon him!

After finishing the noodles contentedly, Elder Mink helped me transform back. I said goodbye, grabbed my pants, and headed to school.

I’d stayed too long in the youkai den. Time to return to normal life. With only one week left on the deadline, couldn’t I enjoy it?

Then I realized—enjoyment wasn’t allowed.

“Luo Xiaoyao!”

Homeroom teacher Ms. Liang dragged me to her office, nearly frantic: “What were you doing all morning!”

“Sorry, Ms. Liang,” I kept my head low, playing the repentant child. “I felt unwell and went to the hospital. I’ll make up the missed classes.”

Wrinkles crowded Ms. Liang’s forehead as she spread her hands helplessly. “It’s not about classes. Luo, have you forgotten something?”

Huh? Forgotten what?

I tilted my head, flashing an innocent smile—I genuinely couldn’t recall.

“Do you know your festival’s in trouble?” Ms. Liang eyed me, pity in her gaze. “School leaders searched for you all morning. They even called your mom.”

——Holy crap!