"Hmm..." When Xu Yecheng heard that reply, another wave of hesitation washed over him.

Yeah, something practical would be better.

"He’s recently decided to change and start flirting with girls. You could get him skincare stuff like face masks—something around a hundred bucks would do."

Xu Yecheng’s face instantly lit up at He Xiaohan’s suggestion.

"You really know this stuff best," Xu Yecheng admitted, genuinely impressed.

Unlike him—he never paid attention to such things.

He Xiaohan leaned back in his chair, his handsome face still smiling.

"You gotta understand human relationships a little."

Xu Yecheng felt another pang of admiration.

He Xiaohan wasn’t just great with girls; he had solid friendships, good looks—you just couldn’t compare. Xu Yecheng felt like a total rookie.

His life truly lacked direction.

For once, walking with Ji Qingying had given him purpose.

"Short on cash? There’s a school event to earn money—five hundred bucks," He Xiaohan said, noticing Xu Yecheng zoning out.

"What event?" Xu Yecheng snapped to attention at the mention of money.

"Campus theme photography contest. Our department’s hosting it—few participants. First place gets five hundred. Unique themes win three hundred, plus other random prizes."

"Just participating earns credits—0.1. Winning adds another 0.1," He Xiaohan added, seeing Xu Yecheng hesitate.

"Really?" Xu Yecheng perked up. Easy money and free credits? "Team up with you?"

"Yeah. In?" He Xiaohan crossed his arms, confident. "Winning a few hundred is no problem. We split it fifty-fifty."

"That sure?" Xu Yecheng frowned. "Who says we’ll win?"

"I won twice in department contests and once school-wide. Got cash each time," He Xiaohan grinned, amused by Xu Yecheng’s doubt.

"Damn." Xu Yecheng whistled. But something felt off. "Why not ask someone else? I’ve zero experience."

"You want money?" He Xiaohan sighed at the dumb question.

"Yes! Yes!"

He Xiaohan wasn’t a real enemy—just someone Xu Yecheng disliked for dumping Ji Qingying. But honestly, he had no right to hold a grudge. He and Ji Qingying weren’t even connected now.

Xu Yecheng knew he was fighting himself.

"Settled then. Sign up by 7 PM tomorrow," He Xiaohan stood, picking up his empty bowl.

Xu Yecheng glanced up. He Xiaohan frowned. "What’s up, bro? More questions?"

"Nope." Xu Yecheng buried himself in his phone again.

He wondered why He Xiaohan ate so fast.

Xu Yecheng opened the event app, found He Xiaohan’s team, and hit "Join."

He took a deep breath and shoveled in two more bites of rice.

Sure enough, the stares he’d felt while eating vanished the moment He Xiaohan left.

Xu Yecheng reluctantly ordered a box of mud masks as Zheng Wenxuan’s birthday gift.

Then he opened Taobao to browse women’s clothing.

Ugh, this stuff was impossible to pick...

He scrolled endlessly but liked nothing. Skirts were flashy, exposing waists and backs.

When girls wore them, the sexier the better—enough to make you explode from one look.

But on himself? Better keep covered.

Wearing something that revealing felt no different from running naked in public.

His male dignity was getting trampled by life.

A wave of helplessness rose in him.

At least only he and the store manager knew about his cross-dressing job. Even if it was twisted and shameful, no third person would ever find out.

He trusted the manager wouldn’t betray him.

Xu Yecheng prayed silently.

So many worries.

He felt utterly drained—deep, soul-crushing exhaustion.

His freshman year of slacking off left him with pitiful credits. Now a sophomore, he needed eight credits. Earning 0.1 per event meant he couldn’t slack anymore.

Work. Buying women’s clothes. Disguising himself. Nervously measuring sizes. Even underwear. His broken phone. Everything cost money. A new one meant a year of installments.

Xu Yecheng sighed, pushing down his frustration. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted two figures. He turned—two girls smiled at him.

Confused, he asked, "What’s up?"

The taller girl blushed. "Um, are you He senior’s friend?"

Xu Yecheng wasn’t dumb. He Xiaohan had warned them: if girls asked for contacts, just share.

Zheng Wenxuan had thought He Xiaohan was showing off—but it was real.

Girls actually approached them.

But Xu Yecheng always refused—for everyone’s sake.

"Sorry, He senior said not to give them out."

Their faces fell.

"Oh... okay. Sorry to bother you. Bye, senior."

Watching them leave, Xu Yecheng finally understood why He Xiaohan bolted after eating.

He finished his meal slowly and stepped out of the cafeteria.

The moment he exited, the gloomy sky unleashed a downpour as if mocking him.

Frustration exploded in his chest.

Damn it... should’ve brought an umbrella.

Rain poured harder. Drops hammered his head. People sprinted past in the storm.

Rain slapped his face. Soaked through, water streaming down his cheeks, Xu Yecheng trudged back inside to wait out the rain.