And so, I stepped out of my home. My first move? Sending a text to Mom’s phone:

[Mom, the study stress is crushing me. I’m on the verge of breaking down. Gotta find a master to cleanse my soul. Don’t worry about me.]

*Sigh*. That’ll buy me some time. After hitting send, I yanked out my SIM card—no way was I answering Mom’s inevitable call.

Midnight streets still buzzed outside my neighborhood. At a nearby barbecue stall, a few tank-top-clad guys, clearly drunk, wolf-whistled and yelled crude remarks at me. I ignored them, strolling slowly while weighing my options.

First things first: I needed a place to crash. Sleeping on the streets wasn’t an option. My wallet held over 500 bucks, but without an ID? No hotel would take me these days. Guess I had to crash with a friend.

He Wei? No way. His family squeezed into a shabby one-bedroom apartment—adding me would make it four people crammed together. Plus, he thought I was a girl. Who knew what creepy stuff he might pull while I slept? Just the thought made my stomach churn.

Besides He Wei, only one person counted as a real friend: Xu Wanrou, our class flower.

Her house had three whole floors—plenty of space for a guest. And since she was a girl, no risk of her getting handsy at night… Wait. I *was* a guy. Wouldn’t being flirted with by a beauty be… acceptable?

Thirty minutes later, I reached Wanrou’s gated community. A young security guard blocked my path: "Visitors aren’t allowed in after hours."

"Uncle," I pitched my voice higher, batting my lashes with wide-eyed innocence, "I’m here to see a classmate."

His stern expression softened when he saw my face. "Little miss, could you give me the address? I’ll call ahead from the main desk."

"Her name’s Xu Wanrou. House 17. Tell her Wu Tong’s here to see her…"

Five minutes later, Wanrou sprinted to the gate, grabbing my hands with a bright smile. "Tongtong! What brings you here so suddenly? You didn’t even text ahead!"

"Uh… unexpected stuff came up…"

"It’s late! Come inside and tell me everything!"

Back in her house, I noticed no one else seemed home. "Sis Wanrou, are you alone?"

"Yep! Mom’s away on business, and my sister stays in her dorm—only comes back on weekends. I’ve been so bored!" She ushered me to the sofa, handing me a juice bottle. "Tongtong, what’s so urgent you came running over at midnight?"

I cleared my throat, reciting the story I’d rehearsed on the walk: "Sis Wanrou, the Sect Leader suddenly decided to stay at my place for a while. My parents worried he’d discover my… true gender if we lived together. So they sent me away to lay low."

"Ohhh! That makes sense! Welcome! Our house is huge—you can stay as long as you like!"

"Thanks, Sis Wanrou." I beamed like a docile bunny, though a big bad wolf lurked inside me.

"Don’t be silly—we’re sisters! Let’s hit the hay soon; it’s getting late. Oh! Wanna shower together?"

*Shower with a beauty?* My heart skipped a beat. But then I remembered what hung between *my* legs. Ruining the moment wasn’t an option. "N-no thanks! I showered right before coming."

"Pfft, okay. I’ll go first. Wait—why didn’t you bring anything?"

"The Sect Leader’s visit was super sudden. Dad only sensed his aura when he reached our building lobby. I had to bolt down the emergency stairwell—no time to pack." Lying came way too easily now.

"I see… Wait here!"

A minute later, Wanrou returned with polka-dot pajamas. "These are mine. We’re about the same size—you can wear them tonight!"

While she showered, I changed. A month ago, I’d stood 171cm tall, but after the Elemental Baptism, I’d shrunk to around 167-168cm. My frame had grown slender too, so Wanrou’s pajamas fit perfectly.

The full-length mirror reflected a cute girl in cotton polka-dot PJs. Fluffy short hair framed a delicate face. Long lashes shadowed bright, gem-like eyes. My slightly parted lips looked like sweet summer strawberries. My chest? Flat as a board—but for a loli build, it wasn’t weird. Lower down, though… a mysterious bulge strained the pajama pants.

*Crap.* The shower sounds had triggered my male instincts. I crossed my legs inward, chanting the Great Compassion Mantra in my head until my little soldier finally stood down.

Fifteen minutes later, Wanrou emerged in matching pajamas. Her bare face glowed with pure, unadulterated beauty—untouched by makeup. A single droplet clung to her thin, pink lips. My pulse spiked. I almost reached out to wipe it away.

Unaware of my turmoil, she grabbed a hairdryer and pointed upstairs. "Tongtong, head to my room. I’ll be right there."

"Mhm."

Her bedroom was spotless. Gleaming floors held not a speck of dust. Stacks of college prep books sat neatly on the desk—all exactly the same height. Pens in the holder faced one direction. *Definite neat freak*, I thought.

Then I spotted a photo frame on the desk: a family of four. Two little girls clearly resembled Wanrou and her sister. Their mother was stunning—but the father’s face was scribbled over with correction fluid. *Something bad happened with him*, I realized.

My gaze drifted to the open wardrobe. Girls’ clothes were folded with military precision, each item looking brand-new. Among them hung the lace top and pleated skirt Wanrou had once lent me. A faint floral scent lingered in the air.

*If outerwear’s up here… underwear must be in the drawers below.* I’d never even touched girls’ underwear before. What a loser. This was my chance. Should I…?

*Thump-thump-thump.* Wanrou’s quick footsteps on the stairs snapped me back. I yanked my hand from the drawer handle and sat rigidly on the bed’s edge.

"Tongtong, sorry to keep you waiting! I grabbed my sister’s spare quilt. Let’s sleep, okay?"

"Sure… Wait, this is *your* room. Where will you sleep?"

"Together, of course!" She plopped down beside me, patting the wide double bed. "Plenty of space for two slim girls. What’s the problem?"

*The problem is I might lose control and devour you in my sleep!*

Seeing my hesitation, she pouted. "Fine. I’ve got empty rooms, but no beds yet. Earliest I can buy one is tomorrow. I’ll sleep on the living room couch tonight."

A gentleman couldn’t let a lady take the couch. I scrambled for an excuse: "It’s not that, Sis Wanrou! I just… snore really loudly at night. I’d hate to keep you awake."

"Pfft, I sleep like a rock! Don’t worry!"

*Sleep like a rock? So I could do naughty things to you without waking you up?*

Mistaking my silence for agreement, she chirped: "Alright, Tongtong! It’s late—we’ve got school tomorrow. I’ll grab another quilt. Let’s turn in!"