"Chili powder? Could it be Bai Yuxuan’s doing? I knew my clothes felt tampered with earlier—he’d stoop this low just to win?" Ouyang Qianxue muttered, lying face down on the bed with ointment on his sore butt.

"But Bai Yuxuan doesn’t seem like the scheming type," he murmured conflictedly. In past matches, Bai Yuxuan never cheated; he’d even looked bitter losing that Go game when Ouyang was off-form. He couldn’t believe Bai Yuxuan would resort to such dirty tricks now.

"So what really happened?" Ouyang Qianxue whispered to himself.

"Excuse me…" The dorm door creaked open a crack.

"Ah, Qianxue!" The figure outside rushed to the bed upon spotting him.

"Oh, Caiwei. What’s up?"

"Well… actually…" Ning Caiwei fidgeted, her expression awkward.

"Actually?"

"I was the one who sprinkled the chili powder!" she blurted out desperately.

"What?"

"I did it to guarantee your win! I thought those boxer shorts were Bai Yuxuan’s!"

"Even without that, I’d have beaten him! You always played fair before—why cheat now?" Ouyang Qianxue snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes.

"I didn’t know you were so much stronger! As your friend, I felt useless just watching. I acted on impulse…"

"And came up with that terrible idea?" Ouyang Qianxue sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Mhm." Ning Caiwei ducked her head low.

"Caiwei, I know you meant well, but winning like this feels hollow. If word gets out, our reputations are ruined."

"I’m sorry—it’s all my fault. I got your butt swollen and cost you the match. I’ll confess to Bai Yuxuan. I’ll take the blame and his punishment." She turned to leave.

Qianxue grabbed her wrist. "Wait! You can’t admit it!"

"Why not? If you don’t, you’ll have to grant Bai Yuxuan’s request. What if he asks for something awful?"

"Admitting it brands us co-conspirators. That’s worse than any match penalty."

"Then I—"

"Take this as a lesson."

"But you’ll still owe him a favor for losing!"

"Don’t worry. He won’t cross the line—he still owes me one from last time."

After tearful apologies, Ning Caiwei finally left.

"Sigh… so that’s it," Ouyang Qianxue muttered alone.

"How was it?" A voice behind him made him jump. He spun around to find Qian Wang standing there.

"Qian Wang! When did you—?"

"Since you mentioned Bai Yuxuan. Explain properly, Qianxue. How are you mixed up with the White Clan’s heir?"

Under her stern gaze, Ouyang Qianxue spilled the story—but skipped Bai Yuxuan’s birthday incident.

"Unbelievable! He caught you meeting your sister and took photos?"

"He deleted them."

"How naive! He said he deleted them—does that mean he did? I must report this to Auntie Wang Shimin!"

"Wait!" Ouyang Qianxue lunged off the bed, hugging her legs. "Please don’t tell her! This job is my life—if I lose it, I’d rather die!" His eyes pleaded with raw fear.

Qian Wang hesitated. Wang Shimin had warned her: the White Clan was untouchable in Western River. If she learned Ouyang Qianxue provoked Bai Yuxuan, she’d scrap his role in the plan—and his career. But betraying Auntie? Wang Shimin secured her parents’ jobs and her spot at Cherry Blossom Academy. Torn between loyalty and pity, she sighed.

"Fine. Just this once. Keep your secret from Bai Yuxuan—and cut ties fast."

"Thank you, Qian Wang!" He hugged her impulsively.

"Idiot! What are you doing?" Her cheeks flushed pink.

"Ah—sorry!" He released her.

"I’m covering for you now, but one thing’s non-negotiable," Qian Wang said, her tone turning icy.

"W-what?" A chill ran down his spine.

"Ning Caiwei mentioned the chili powder mix-up happened because you wore boxer shorts. Right?"

"I’m a guy!"

"Your identity is a girl now. No suspicious underwear. Starting today: feminine panties and a bra."

"That’s perverted!"

"You’ve cross-dressed this long and still say that? Accept it!" She dragged him to a lingerie store, forcing him to try on dozens of sets before returning, satisfied.

Ouyang Qianxue felt his last shred of dignity vanish with that pair of men’s boxers.