Frankly, Li Mo had thought his mom was just joking.
But after that, he had no choice but to believe it.
"Why can’t I just stay a guy?"
Even after the doctor explained his condition, Li Mo still couldn’t grasp why he *had* to become a girl.
"Because what’s down there doesn’t work. Got it?"
Well damn. Straight to the point.
Seasoned doctors really did cut through the fluff.
Too bad it wasn’t the answer Li Mo wanted.
"Mom… can’t we… just…"
The schoolyard tough guy instantly turned into a pushover before his mother. He’d planned to negotiate, but one look at her eyes—like she’d devour him whole—and he swallowed his words.
"I’ve discussed the details with your mother. Once you’re mentally prepared, we’ll schedule surgery. Let her help you process this."
The doctor had other patients. Family would handle the hard part. After a few final instructions, he left the room, leaving Li Mo alone with his mom.
"You don’t want the surgery?"
Wang Jiawen saw right through her son the moment the doctor left. But she wouldn’t budge:
"Refuse it and you might not survive. Besides, without it, you couldn’t marry or have kids. You wouldn’t even be a *real* man. You couldn’t date anyone. Honestly, I won’t let you lead any girl on."
"But I’ve lived as a guy for so long… this is just…"
"You’re barely a boy. *Men* are like your father."
His mom cut off his brooding again.
And just like that, she got all starry-eyed thinking about Li Mo’s dad, who was away on a photography trip. Her cheeks flushed.
"Anyway!"
Desperate, Li Mo interrupted her daydreaming with solemn seriousness: "I don’t want to be a girl."
"Being a girl or losing your life. Choose."
"…………"
Truth was, no counseling was needed to make Li Mo accept the surgery.
That ultimatum alone sealed it. He didn’t know if skipping surgery meant death, but he *did* know the pain would keep coming back every few days.
"…………Fine."
Reluctant as he was, he finally nodded.
But… beyond himself, one thing still worried him.
His dad.
"What about Dad…?"
Li Zeyang was a well-known photographer with his own studio. He traveled constantly—even globally—for shoots. Before Li Mo was born, his parents had roamed the world together. But after his birth, his mom stayed home to raise him.
Compared to his mother, Li Mo rarely saw his father. Their relationship was distant. He’d never dare tease him like he did his mom, calling him "Mr. Li."
And… well, his dad was strict. The troublemaker in Li Mo had earned plenty of beatings growing up. He was still scared of him. Now, with *this* happening, he feared his father wouldn’t accept it—and their strained bond would shatter completely.
"I’ll talk to your father. Don’t worry."
Wang Jiawen gently stroked her child’s head—a gesture so unfamiliar it made Li Mo stiffen.
She’d always been kind, but rarely touched his head. She’d thought it might bruise a boy’s pride.
Now, her touch revealed she’d already started adjusting her own mindset.
"…………"
"Ah, don’t look so gloomy."
Seeing his shadowed expression, she patted his shoulder twice. "Your dad actually wanted a daughter at first. I know him best—he won’t blame you. Trust me."
*No wonder he’s my kid. Such a pretty face.* And that height she’d always worried about? Perfect for a girl. No need to be tall.
*Maybe his temper will soften too. He’d be so cute then.*
Thinking of Li Mo as her daughter, she found herself falling in love with him all over again—even if his hair was too short.
"Hmm."
Li Mo stayed expressionless. He didn’t question her reassurance. Instead, he slightly shifted his head to escape her hand, then lay back on the bed, pretending to sleep.
"…………Sigh."
This was… acceptance, of a sort.
But his heart…
She understood. Healing would take time—post-surgery therapy, patience. For now, this was all they had.
"Mom, pass me my phone."
"Sure."
He’d been bedridden for days. His phone had stayed buried in his jacket pocket. Even with a heavy heart, boredom crept in. Only games could distract him now.
His mom handed it over without protest, then stood up. "Play for a bit. I’ll make some calls outside."
"Okay."
Words felt heavy. Li Mo didn’t ask who she’d call. He just logged into his game.
His school buddies were online.
*What time is it…?*
10 a.m.
Perfect—morning break. Of course they’d skip calisthenics. Right now, they were probably crammed in a bathroom stall, puffing on cigarettes while squad-ing up.
Bold move. It was only the make-up semester for juniors.
Wait—*cigarettes*!
His smokes were in that jacket too!
But the flat pocket told him his mom had already confiscated them.
…*Damn*. She’d definitely be keeping score.
"*Sigh*…"
Misfortunes never came alone. Li Mo could only exhale helplessly.
"Yo! Mo’s online? Squad up!"
His teammates spotted him and sent invites.
"You skipping calisthenics again?"
One opened voice chat, probably assuming Li Mo couldn’t type. The moment he joined, blaring school-broadcast music flooded his ears.
"Pfft. When have we *ever* gone? Game’s starting!"
They launched into battle, trash-talking between shots. But Li Mo noticed no one asked how he was doing.
*Tch*.
He crushed that thought instantly.
*Focus on the game. Why get emotional over nothing?*
*Haven’t even become a girl yet, and I’m already acting like one.*
"Hey Li Mo, when you coming back?"
"Hmm… not sure."
At least one had a shred of decency to ask. But honestly, Li Mo didn’t know either.
If surgery was needed…
"Probably next semester. It’s not serious—like getting your appendix out."
"You’re just slacking! An appendectomy doesn’t take half a year. Classic you, man."
The topic veered off again. Li Mo could only chuckle bitterly.
"…Question."
He stayed silent through the banter, then spoke quietly:
"If a girl smoked with you guys, squad-ed up, and trash-talked… could you handle it?"
"Could you date her? If not, don’t bother answering."
"Nah, girls don’t vibe with us."
"Real talk? Yeah. Flirting with girls? She’d kick me in the nuts… uh, I mean *ass*."
"So why you asking, Mo? Got a hospital girlfriend?"
"No way. We’d never mesh with some chick. Right, Mo?"
"…………Heh."
Li Mo gave a light, hollow laugh.
"Yeah." he muttered.
