November 14th, Saturday Morning

The next morning, Qinmu opened her eyes. She grabbed the mirror she’d set aside last night and held it up like a game lottery draw. Nothing happened. Her long hair remained long, and the curves of her chest still had their shape. Qinmu felt acutely that this change wouldn’t reverse anytime soon.

“Brother, are you up yet? Qi Yao called. Basketball practice today—we need to be there by 8 a.m.”

HuiXiang pushed open Qinmu’s bedroom door. Qinmu sat on the bed, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong? Feeling unwell? I can tell Qi Yao you’re skipping.”

“I’m fine. Just not used to being a girl all of a sudden. I’ll go. If I don’t, those guys will call me irresponsible. It’d ruin my class reputation.”

Qinmu jumped off the bed, stripped off her pajamas, and pulled on a sweater and jacket. She spun before the mirror. “How do I look? Should be fine, right?”

HuiXiang sighed, grabbing a hat from the rack. “Don’t forget your long hair. Without this hat, anyone’d spot you’re a girl.” She pinned Qinmu’s hair up and stuffed it inside. The hat was big enough—hopefully it wouldn’t slip.

“Do I look like my old self now?” Qinmu asked worriedly.

“Outwardly, yes. But your voice—it’s still a girl’s. Try mimicking how you used to talk.” HuiXiang adjusted details to keep her hidden from classmates.

Qinmu cleared her throat and spoke in a deliberately deep voice: “Better?”

HuiXiang flashed an OK sign. “Not bad. Pretty close. Always remember you’re a girl now. Avoid bumping into them or close contact. Got it, brother?”

Seeing HuiXiang’s serious face, Qinmu replied firmly: “Crystal clear.”

“Good. Come back for lunch. I’m tired of takeout boxes. No slacking off.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Qinmu grabbed her usual basketball and headed toward school. It was within walking distance, so no time wasted.

Her phone rang. She swiped to answer. “Yeah? Who is it?”

“Qinmu? Where are you? Everyone’s here but you. Hurry up!”

“On my way. Chill. Why’d you call me directly? Why not have HuiXiang pass the message?” She’d been annoyed HuiXiang relayed the practice news earlier.

“Oh, I worried you’d sleep through it. Easier for her to wake you. See? You’re almost here.”

“Lame excuse. Don’t you dare eye my sister. Stay away. I won’t let someone like you bother her.”

“Alright, alright. I’m ‘someone like that,’ yet you call me a friend. Relax—I’ve no improper thoughts about her.”

Qinmu knew he didn’t mean it. He was probably scheming something bigger.

“Hanging up. We’re at the west court. Move it.” Qi Yao ended the call impatiently.

Qinmu bristled. He’d hung up first? His nerve was growing.

From the field entrance, Qi Yao yelled: “Over here! Hurry!”

Nearby girls chatting by the track noticed Qinmu walking. “Fei, look—that guy’s so handsome, like a girl. Flawless skin.”

“You’re mistaken. That’s a girl. See the hair pinned under her hat? Just dressed neutral.”

“Oh, right. A girl playing basketball with guys? Total tomboy.”

Qinmu reached the court center.

Qi Yao tossed her the ball. “Cutting it close again, huh? Exactly 8 a.m. Guys, stop lazing! Get moving!” Boys lounging in the corners stood up and gathered.

Everyone sprang into action—stealing, passing, dunking—in one fluid motion. Qinmu struggled to keep up. Her stamina was low; agility and jump height had dropped sharply. Qi Yao passed to her twice, but others intercepted both times.

Qi Yao cursed inwardly. What was she doing? The tournament was days away. Without a miracle, they’d get crushed by other classes.

Qinmu knew it too. She tried hard, but among boys, the disadvantage was obvious. Qi Yao shifted tactics: let Qinmu pass to him. He’d be the main shooter. He trusted her aim was better, but reality said otherwise.

After forty minutes, Qinmu’s stamina drained. She sat behind the hoop, gasping. Qi Yao walked over, unbothered, and handed her water. “You bragged about basketball skills. Why so weak now? Guess I’ll need special training for you. Why the hat? It’s in the way.” He reached to lift it.

Qinmu slapped his hand hard. “Don’t touch it! My hair looks awful today. Hiding it.”

Qi Yao rubbed his stinging hand. Suspicious but respecting her wish, he dropped it.

“Still playing? You look wiped. Go rest.” He hated pushing exhausted people.

“Done for today. I’ll train again when I’m fresh.” Qinmu knew pushing further would harm her body.

“Fine. I won’t walk you. Watch traffic—don’t zone out.” He tossed her the ball. “Take this. We’ve got extras. See you tomorrow. Hope you’re sharper then.”

Qinmu nodded, dejected. She’d wanted to show off, but as a girl, her stamina halved. Losing face in front of everyone felt awful. Better leave fast—every second here risked discovery.

HuiXiang stared in surprise. “Brother? It’s not even 9 a.m. Back so soon?”

Qinmu nodded glumly. “Yeah. I’m useless. They said I’m optional, so I came home.”

“They’d never think that! You’re overthinking. Shower now—you’re drenched in sweat.”

After showering, Qinmu complained: “This long hair’s a nightmare to wash. I’m cutting it today. Such a hassle.”

HuiXiang glanced at her. “Dry it first. We’ll cut it later. Though… it’s actually pretty.”

Qinmu saw through her. “Must cut it. I’m not a girl. Long hair’ll get me caught.”

HuiXiang sighed. “Alright, alright~”