To die...

Xueluo walked down the street, uneasily pressing her hands against her skirt.

She moved lightly, like a butterfly. A white evening gown draped her slender frame, its silky fabric flowing like water. Tiny pearls formed delicate floral patterns across the sweetheart neckline—elegant, refined.

Beside her, Irina strolled with a bright smile. Her off-shoulder black dress made her snow-pale skin glow like a blooming white lotus under the soft sunlight. Her fair, alluring legs whispered temptation from the darkness of the fabric.

Side by side on the street—one in black, one in white—their stark contrast burned the air until it felt thick and suffocating. Naturally, every passerby turned their heads. Men and women, young and old, all stared at the two girls.

Ignoring the admiring gazes, Irina spun gracefully, her skirt rippling like black waves against the pavement. She gently rested her head on Xueluo’s shoulder.

"Everyone’s watching us, Sister~"

"Ah... I know."

Xueluo’s voice edged with complaint as she cursed Guya inwardly for not logging on faster.

"But if I could help it, I wouldn’t be like this."

"Eh~" Irina pressed her cheek against Xueluo’s, rubbing it playfully. "You’re just too stiff. Look how cute you are~"

"How could I accept this so fast? It’s unnatural. Was I some cross-dressing weirdo before...?"

Xueluo shoved her hands into the dress pockets. The unfamiliar skirt made her skin prickle with unease.

*A drafty feeling below...*

She pressed her hands harder against the skirt. Unaware of her distress, the onlooking men melted at the sight, as if charmed by something unbearably adorable.

*Guya, wake up already!*

Xueluo silently called for the one person who might understand. But only silence answered.

*That idiot...*

*Who turns off their phone while sleeping?*

Just as Xueluo grumbled inwardly—

"Hehehe, Sister, look!"

Irina’s shout cut through her thoughts.

Xueluo turned to see Irina pointing at a lavishly decorated restaurant.

"We still have leftover money, right~? I want to try this place!"

*So much for saving travel funds...*

Xueluo forced a bitter smile. "Irina, maybe we should skip it. You see..."

***Buzz!***

Her words died mid-sentence.

A jolt—like lightning—struck her nerves.

*What was that...?*

Her eyes snapped toward the source of the sensation.

Across the street stood a golden-haired youth. Behind him, a maid held an umbrella, shielding him from the sun.

Xueluo knew him instantly.

*Lorath Vialidesil.*

Guya’s fiancé.

As if sensing her gaze, Lorath lifted his head. He offered a faint smile, gave a polite gesture of invitation, then turned and vanished into a shadowed alleyway with his maid.

"Fine, Irina. Let’s eat here today."

"Really~? Sister’s the best! I love you most!"

"Save the excitement for later."

Xueluo ruffled Irina’s hair with a tender smile. "Go inside first. I’ll join you soon."

Her eyes fixed on the dark alley. She drew a slow breath.

"I have something to handle."