I borrowed Yejia Yin's phone and scrolled through the contacts until I found Qingli's name.

Hmm, she was grouped under "Allies." Quite equal status, huh.

Hiding in my room, I hurriedly dialed Qingli's number. After a few beeps, it connected.

"Hello? Who's this? What can I do for you?"

Clearly, she thought it was Yejia Yin calling from the caller ID—polite and formal. I quickly pressed the phone to my ear.

"Hey, Qingli! It's me, it's me!"

"Oh, Xiao Yao!" Her voice brightened instantly. "What's up? Why call so late?"

Of course, I couldn't blurt out the truth right away. Remembering my chat with Yejia Yin last night, I pulled the same trick: "Nothing much. Just missed you."

"Nonsense," Qingli shot back, sharp as Yejia Yin. She saw right through me. "We just saw each other this afternoon—you hung out at my place for ages. How could you miss me already? Spit it out. What's wrong?"

"Gulp... well..." I hesitated. "It's about the wedding. Yejia Yin said it's the day after tomorrow. We're heading to the Provincial City tomorrow."

I wanted to ask if Qingli would come with me. She always called following me her duty, but she had her own life—and Xiao Rui needed care. This call was just to feel her out.

Honestly, I really wanted her there. Over there, I knew no one. Yejia Yin's attitude had improved slightly, but only to "polite but distant." Alone, I'd struggle terribly.

But I couldn't rely on Qingli for everything. I scratched my ear hair, frustrated.

"What? The day after tomorrow?" Her voice turned shocked. "How? So soon?"

"I don't know. Yejia Yin just announced it." I spoke softly, but her panic gave me a bad feeling.

"Well... Xiao Yao," Qingli's tone grew somber. "If it must be these days, I can't leave. You know, Xiao Rui..."

"It's fine! I was just asking if you wanted to come for fun. The Provincial City seems cool. If you're busy, next time!" I kept it light. "Don't worry—I'm sixteen inside, not this appearance!"

Truthfully, I wasn't relaxed at all. Sigh. Looks like I'll solo the wedding dungeon. I sighed inwardly. Adopting Xiao Rui was sudden, but I knew—it was probably the "legacy" of their Spirit Cat Clan Qingli mentioned before.

A sixteen-year-old and a toddler under three? Obviously, the kid needed more care. I mocked myself. Seriously, at my age, competing with a child for her "mom's" attention.

"Really... are you sure it's okay?"

"Totally fine! You said Yejia Yin's super capable, right? She wouldn't ignore her wife, would she?" To avoid deeper talk, I switched topics. "Oh, Qingli—I need a favor."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Teach me to cook! I want to learn."

"Huh?" Qingli sounded surprised. "Weren't you dead set against it last time?"

"Ahem, no choice," I scratched my flushed cheek, making excuses. "I just... want to cook at home."

Qingli wasn't fooled. She pressed: "Then why not yesterday? How'd your mind change in one day?"

I almost choked, coughing. Cornered, I snapped shyly: "It's that someone! Coming home late every night, no dinner, just munching bread in front of me. It looks pathetic—like I'm mistreating her! What can I do? I have to cook!"

A "hehehe" laugh echoed from her end. After a long giggle, just as I was about to snap, Qingli teased: "So our Xiao Yao's learning to cook for her husband? Hmm, such a dutiful wife and mother."

"You're the dutiful wife and mother! You even have a kid!" I shouted, face burning.

"Alright, alright—I'm the dutiful wife, I'm the good mother," Qingli dodged smoothly. "Anyway, someone's becoming a bride. If not dutiful or good... could she be a wicked wife or ghost mother?"

"No way!"

I yelled into the phone and hung up. Before it cut off, I heard her muffled giggles.

So mad! Next time, I'll really get her back—make her remember the terror of being pinned down and groped by me!

(Actually, it was just an accidental fall where I landed on her. I got up and ran away, scared.)

I tossed the phone aside—forgetting to return it to Yejia Yin—and flopped onto the bed, burying my face deep in the pillow.

Tomorrow was almost here. A day incredibly special to me.

Why? Getting my wedding dress? No. Traveling with Yejia Yin to a new city? No. Waking up early? Even less so—I was a high schooler, used to early mornings.

What churned my mind was this: tomorrow was my last day as a boy.

No—strictly, my "last day I could be a boy."

The final day of this week. After tomorrow, next week began... and I'd completely become a girl.

Though right now, it felt pretty much the same.