11.24 Tuesday Afternoon

The next afternoon, with the boys handling the basketball tournament entirely, Qinmu headed straight home. She borrowed some decent-looking clothes from HuiXiang’s room—no way could she stroll around town in a boys’ uniform. A cyan floral maxi dress layered under a denim jacket, paired with black thermal leggings, instantly brought out her youthful glow. Glancing in the mirror, Qinmu felt gorgeous. She stepped out, her mindset gradually shifting toward embracing femininity—no longer resisting girls’ clothes, even starting to adore them.

Standing on Xinyu Street, Qinmu spoke slightly awkwardly into her phone in a feminine voice: “Yue Yang, have you arrived?”

The clock had struck 5:10—ten minutes past their agreed time. Yue Yang came darting down the school road in her uniform, spotting Qinmu scanning the street.

“Qinmu! Over here~”

She dashed across the road, beaming beside her. “See? This looks amazing on you. Girl clothes suit you best.”

Not just Yue Yang—passersby, too, were captivated by the girl’s beauty. A few even paused to glance back. Perfectly natural.

“How about that shop on the corner first?” Yue Yang suggested, unable to hide her excitement. Who knew where her usual school shyness vanished? Everyone has their contrasts, after all—depending on company and setting.

“Sure. I’ll follow your lead today. I’m not familiar with this area.” Qinmu had never visited Xinyu Street before. Packed with women’s boutiques, it’d been the last place she’d ever set foot in as a boy.

“Great! Tell me if you spot anything you love. I’ve been itching to gift you something—not expensive, just from the heart.”

“Got it. Though I do need new clothes. My old boys’ outfits aren’t fit for going out anymore. Even my sister complains about me borrowing hers.”

“Boys’ clothes? Why buy them? You’re a girl. Are you really cross-dressing to attend school?”

“What? I *was* a boy! Didn’t I explain this yesterday? I thought you understood.” Qinmu stared at her, baffled.

“Oh—sorry! I’m forgetful. I keep picturing you as a girl who disguised herself as a boy to enroll. But... suddenly changing genders? It sounds unreal, like fantasy.”

“I felt the same. But here I am—a girl. No physical explanation fits. I’d rather believe it’s fate than something stranger.”

“Doesn’t matter. What matters is shopping together! I haven’t hit the streets in ages. Perfect timing!”

Yue Yang radiated pure joy, as if starved for retail therapy. Watching her bright smile, warmth flooded Qinmu’s chest. Today, she’d forget gender swaps and transformations—just enjoy this happy outing.

Inside the boutique Yue Yang recommended—*Crystal Love*—the decor oozed artsy charm. The sign hung on weathered wood, simply carved and painted white: clean, elegant. Racks held autumn-winter staples—wool coats, trousers, maxi dresses, shearling jackets—but space was sparse.

“Not many items here... and so much empty space. Is it expensive?” Qinmu murmured.

“Nah, it’s affordable. The owner’s an artsy type. Hates clutter. Some pieces are order-only to keep the vibe minimalist.”

“Ah.” Qinmu understood now. Priorities differed: money-chasers crammed stores full; style-chasers curated under a hundred pieces, letting the ambiance speak.

Qinmu picked blouses and skirts; Yue Yang chose trousers and a coat. At checkout, Qinmu reached for her wallet—only to be stopped.

“I said I’m treating today. Relax and let me pay.”

Qinmu yielded to the stubbornly earnest girl, though shame prickled at letting a girl foot the bill.

Outside, she fretted: “How much did it cost? I’ll transfer you—really, I can’t accept this.”

Yue Yang waved her off. “Ugh, so traditional! A gift’s a gift. Do you think I’ll hold a few bucks against you?”

After repeated refusals, Qinmu dropped it. *Dinner’s on me*, she resolved.

“Almost seven—no wonder it’s dark. Let’s eat. I’m starving!” Yue Yang checked her phone.

“Chinese, Western, or street snacks?”

“Ramen! There’s a killer spot nearby—always packed, always delicious. Try it?”

“Lead the way. But *I’m* paying this time. Ramen’s cheap, but my conscience can’t take another freebie.”

“Fine, fine—to save your conscience tonight.” Yue Yang winked. “Movie after? I’m loving this date.”

“Okay. But pick a short one. Late nights worry my family.” Qinmu stayed cautious—two girls alone after dark meant real risks.

“Deal! Let’s hurry—dinner rush should be over. No lines.”

Yue Yang grabbed Qinmu’s hand, pulling her down the bustling street. Near the university district, neon signs lit a hundred meters of food stalls. Students swarmed—eating, laughing, flirting—under strings of lights. Orderly chaos; security here was tight.