Just as a hypothetical, Bai Ming could still manage it.

Suppose he had to spend all his month’s money today—what then?

“If I only eat steamed buns or mantou daily… that’s one yuan per meal… so three yuan a day… oh, buns can be cabbage-filled too…”

Calculating this possible future life, Bai Ming clenched his wallet tightly.

“Damn it!”

Today, too, he was fighting for money.

Anyway, he’d made it into the mall. Unlike his imagination, the ultra-luxurious exterior hid a surprisingly down-to-earth interior. No grand crystal chandeliers. No smooth jade floors.

This easygoing atmosphere relaxed Bai Ming. He finally felt some self-worth here, not looking so shabby.

“I’ll grab some figurines on the way back… if I’m spending, I might as well enjoy it…”

Moments ago stingy, now carefree—any mind-reader would find this indecisive guy utterly weird.

“Hey!”

Just as Bai Ming geared up for big shopping, a hand reached from behind and gently patted his shoulder.

He turned. A girl with perked fox ears and a swaying tail smiled at him. A katana hung by her side, catching his eye. Her outfit: pure white shirt, knee-length skirt, sheer black pantyhose highlighting her thighs’ curves, pitch-black Doc Martens.

Yes… this was the girl who’d stood up for him on the subway.

“Yo, yo…”

Bai Ming responded awkwardly, his expression souring instantly.

He hated sudden approaches. And of all people—it had to be this self-proclaimed “Hero.”

“Ah! It really is you. What a coincidence! Shopping too?”

His lips trembled. He wanted to snap, “Duh, what else? Rob it?” but bit it back for politeness. His public image mattered.

Besides, judging her age… this fox-eared girl was likely just of age or underage.

“My name is Shen Yuan Yuhu.”

She smiled, extending her right hand.

“Ah… oh… Bai… Bai Ming…”

Her boldness left him speechless. A beautiful stranger freely giving her name? Unthinkable.

“Ah, Bai Ming! A name as lovely as you are.”

Only then did Bai Ming realize—she didn’t see him as a man at all.

“So, Bai Ming, here for clothes?”

Before he could explain, Shen Yuan Yuhu rambled on.

“No… buying for my sister. And… I’m a ma—”

“Oh! Running errands for your sister! Such a responsible big sister!”

This was too much. Beyond his handling. Communication grew harder. Even stating his gender failed. Plus, her “Hero” title annoyed him. He just wanted to escape, find a quiet spot.

Even though she was a fox-eared girl he liked.

“Um… Miss Fox…”

“Huh? Call me Featherfox!”

“Ah… Miss Featherfox… can I go now?”

“Huh? Why leave?”

Bai Ming realized the problem. Shen Yuan Yuhu expected something. He’d rushed off the subway without thanking her for giving up her seat and defending him.

She wanted a thank-you to feed her ego.

“Thank you very much.”

Bai Ming bowed deeply, head nearly touching the floor. If this freed him, he didn’t mind.

“Eh?! EH?! Wait… what are you doing?!”

But Shen Yuan Yuhu didn’t smile. She panicked. Bystanders’ stares made her flustered.

“Huh?”

Bai Ming raised his head slowly, eyes wide with confusion.

“But didn’t you help me on the subway?”

“Th-that’s just my duty… even without being a Hero, as fellow women, we should look out for each other…”

“Wom—”

She couldn’t stop mentioning gender. Just as he softened, those words grated his ears again.

“I… am a man…”

“Huh?”

Finally, Bai Ming said it cleanly. The air froze instantly.

The scene was painfully awkward. Bai Ming would never forget the fox-eared girl’s scream of disbelief.

“EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! EH?! !!!!!!!!!!”