Fortunately, Ouyang’s perpetually icy body kept Little Qiu from sensing her lingering inner tension. The sweat oozing from her palms was equally cold, so it wouldn’t arouse Brother Long’s suspicion.

“I’ve got errands to run after sunset. You guys eat first—don’t wait for me.”

Ouyang, already dressed and ready, quickly left home. She walked the streets as the sun dipped below the horizon. Using errands as an excuse, she finished the brown sugar ginger tea prepared by the Bloodkin Prince—a hint of metallic tang lingered in it. Having skipped meals all day with zero appetite, Ouyang just needed to clear her head.

She couldn’t shake the detailed records about herself in that black-bound book. Worse, Brother Long had shared the trio’s secrets with the other twelve officers.

Seeing photos of her life from childhood to now, a trace of cold sweat crept down Ouyang’s spine.

They treated her like a lab rat, not a human. The thought made her skin crawl.

Frowning slightly, her expression heavy with worry, Ouyang wandered unconsciously into the sparsely populated wetland park. Memories surfaced: Brother Long taking her and Little Qiu here as kids to ride bikes and picnic.

Ever since Brother Long found her abandoned in the Northern District, he’d cared for her like a little brother. He’d buy her anything he thought suited her on the streets.

Xiaomo was Ouyang’s only home. She couldn’t be an ungrateful brat.

Ouyang guessed Brother Long’s decisions were for her own good.

If the plan succeeded—wiping out all Mosterians in the Northern District—she’d live without surveillance. A peaceful life awaited.

As the saying went, sweetness follows bitterness. Endure the training now, and she could spend her later years safe in the Northern District.

Everything was for the future.

Even if Brother Long was using her…

Ouyang’s face fell. She silently reminded herself: since the day he took her in, she’d already given up her life. It wasn’t hers anymore.

After the two finished dinner, Ouyang returned home. Facing the mirror maze’s retake, she resolved to crack the first gate.

Five fulfilling days passed. Her period finally over, Ouyang stood before the mirror maze again. She waited obediently like last time, and Claudia seemed to notice a subtle shift in her.

Claudia sensed a change in Ouyang’s aura—different from before.

“I’m ready.”

Back at the maze’s center, Ouyang silently vowed to pass this time.

During breaks, she’d scoured the web for tips: how girls walk in heels without wincing or tiring.

Staring at her white three-centimeter heels, Ouyang exhaled slowly to calm her nerves.

She reminded herself: no more striding like a boy. Heels demanded grace.

Standing straight, knees locked, she gently lifted her right foot. A tiny step forward—heel first, then toes.

Ouyang took a deep breath. Unsupported, she took that first steady step.

She’d bought matching heels, practicing secretly when Little Qiu and Brother Long were out.

Hard work paid off. Imagining herself as a cat, Ouyang mimicked its smooth gait toward the exit. A rare, hard-won joy bloomed inside her.

Before returning, she’d studied maze guides. She found the exit map and trained alone at a downtown game room with a similar Bagua maze.

“Well? Can we move to the next test now?”

Ouyang stood confidently after exiting, a smug grin on her face.

A grumpy voice crackled from the speaker: “Seventy-five points! Your catwalk screams amateur hour. Real catwalks radiate confidence—you walked like a kitten on a slippery log over water, jumpy and pathetic!”

Given Ouyang’s refusal to accept her identity, Claudia had expected a week to meet standards. Had she suddenly accepted being a girl? Claudia pondered but found no answer—until a mournful sigh reached her.

“I thought I’d score ninety…”

Claudia’s irritation flared at the other deductions. “The rest? Your speech! Only your whimpers sound cute. Otherwise, you talk like a boy—zero charm!”

Ouyang’s pale cheeks flushed. The Bloodkin Prince’s words echoed: *“You sound so good when you cry out. I like it.”* She tensed further.

She slapped her cheeks lightly to stay calm. *Never make that noise in public again.*

“Next test.”

Claudia’s voice came not from the speaker but from behind two square boxes she carried.

“Gifts for passing?” Ouyang blinked curiously.

She opened the boxes—and her smile vanished. She wanted to slam them shut forever.

The white box held white stockings, black round-toe shoes, and a lacy white maid dress.

The black box contained silver-gray cat ears, tight fluffy white pumpkin pants, a heart-print crop top, fuzzy cat paws, and a tail meant for… insertion.

Ouyang stared grimly at the outfits. She dreaded Claudia’s next words: “Pick one.”

“You want me to wear these?”

“Who else?”

Her post-test high evaporated instantly.

“Can’t I wear something normal?”

“Refuse, and you fail.”

Ouyang’s throat tightened. She hated both options.

Gulping, she pointed shakily at one set. “I’ll… choose…”