At noon, after school let out.

"Qinmu, walk with me. Don’t forget the promise I made this morning," Qi Yao called, waving. Yue Yang, who’d been walking beside Qinmu, had to leave first. Yufei Han, trailing behind, saw her plans ruined—she’d wanted to talk to Qinmu now, but missed her chance again. Damn it!

Qinmu immediately fell into step with Qi Yao.

"What do you plan to buy?" Qinmu asked curiously.

"Hmm, we’ll see when we get there. Buy some accessories you think are decent—I trust your taste," Qi Yao replied. He felt discouraged about chasing Yufei Han. Besides, he believed Yufei Han liked Qinmu. As a brother, he had to let go and avoid this love triangle.

"Alright, I won’t refuse your kindness. Since you trust me, I’ll pick the best," Qinmu said with a lovely smile. Qi Yao couldn’t help blushing. If this guy were a girl, he might fall madly in love—no other woman could compare.

Near the school, noon streets buzzed with idle students and office workers. Qinmu passed shop after shop, searching for boutiques or accessory stores. But all she saw were clothing outlets and phone shops. She felt lost. Could she even find one?

Qi Yao followed calmly, accompanying her. After nearly a kilometer, they’d found nothing. He couldn’t hold back. "Let’s go to the street near your place. It’s close, and there are chain stores there, right?"

Qinmu turned, puzzled. "Stores like that? I don’t recall any."

Qi Yao frowned. "Could I be wrong? I saw them last time near your house. It should be accurate. Let’s go together."

Qinmu nodded reluctantly. "Fine, we’ll check."

They wound their way to Shimu Street, a place Qinmu rarely visited. Sure enough, several chain stores stood together, shelves overflowing with dazzling items—so many choices it was overwhelming.

"See? I was right. Let’s go in," Qi Yao said proudly.

Inside the boutique, Qinmu gazed at hats, wallets, jewelry, and trinkets girls adore. As expected, this was her first time here. She’d never worn hair clips or necklaces, yet now wanted to buy some. But buying them in front of Qi Yao felt awkward. Better to pretend it was for her sister.

"Qinmu, what about this silver cross necklace?"

"That? Isn’t it a bit cringey? I’m no grand mage—why wear it?"

"Qinmu, how about this blue bow?"

"A proper lady wouldn’t wear this color. Purple or black looks nobler, more aloof."

...

"How about this crystal blue bracelet?" Qi Yao asked after searching, showing her another pick.

Qinmu vaguely remembered this bracelet. She’d bought one for her sister before, but gave it away—she couldn’t recall to whom.

"It’s fine, but blue isn’t flattering. Doesn’t the pink one look better?" Qinmu suggested, just avoiding repeats.

"Alright, settled. Anything else you want?" Qi Yao had chosen his item, ready to pay. He’d lost all drive to give it to Yufei Han; he’d find an excuse to gift it to Qinmu later.

"I’ll browse more. Wait—I’ll get nice things for my sister."

"Fine, I’ll wait outside."

Qinmu emerged with a silver necklace studded with crystals and pearls, plus two pink floral hair clips. It was 12:40 PM—they hadn’t eaten. The crowd had thinned into a sudden afternoon hush. The boutique’s soft music faded unnoticed. A gentle breeze swept by, hinting the cold would pass and warm sunlight reclaim the world.

"What to eat? Cafeteria or nearby?" Qi Yao asked.

"Right here. I’m exhausted—no more walking. Fast-food places should still be open."

Seated in a Chinese fast-food joint, they ate face to face. Not their first time, but Qi Yao felt a date-like vibe. He pushed it away—Qinmu was a guy. The thought made him feel like some gay. Disgusting.

"When will you give it to her?" Qinmu pressed.

"Hmm, not yet. I’ll wait until we know each other. She doesn’t even know my name," Qi Yao said with a faint smile.

"As expected—you’re scared. A lady like her isn’t as easy as your past girlfriends," Qinmu sneered.

"How about I give it to you, Qinmu? You’d suit this bracelet better," Qi Yao joked, but meant it deep down.

"I don’t want it. It’s girly. Remember your leg acting up? I’ll kick you to fix it," Qinmu snapped.

Qi Yao didn’t flinch this time. "I’m sincere. I don’t see you as a girl. If you refuse, give it to someone else. I don’t care anymore."

"You don’t care? But you liked her. Why the change? So fickle," Qinmu couldn’t understand.

"Yeah, I’m fickle. But no matter how many girlfriends I have, you’re my only true brother. Cherish who’s here, not them. This bracelet’s for you—it’s worth it." He stuffed it into Qinmu’s hand. Qinmu resisted, then accepted.

"Thank you. But I’m not suited for it. I’ll give it to the right person," Qinmu replied tactfully.

"Whatever." Qi Yao kept eating, uncharacteristically serious. Qinmu worried—had he been heartbroken? This was so unlike him.