Xuye Cheng's face stiffened. Damn it, why was this guy here!?

He Xiaohan's gaze swept over her face. Her skin was fair, her eyes clear and lovely. Her lips were slightly pursed, and her face had paled a hint from fright.

He Xiaohan met her eyes. Xuye Cheng instinctively looked away, her expression turning embarrassed.

She saw him wearing goggles, holding an empty beaker. He looked fully geared up, like he was conducting an experiment.

"What's wrong?" He Xiaohan noticed her glancing and asked quietly.

"Nothing." Xuye Cheng replied flustered, her voice crisp and melodious.

He Xiaohan frowned as she turned to continue downstairs. His expression held a trace of amusement.

He turned back to wash lab equipment. Her face lingered in his mind. He'd spotted the mole at her eye's corner instantly, a strange familiarity washing over him.

She was a pretty girl. He felt he'd seen her somewhere before.

After washing the beaker, He Xiaohan straightened up again.

Why did she seem a bit afraid of him?

Was she insecure?

He recalled how she'd avoided his gaze. His eyes dimmed slightly.

Xuye Cheng hurried downstairs. Her skirt hem fluttered with each step.

Running into He Xiaohan here wasn't odd. Just the timing was too perfect.

Probably the lab faucet was acting up again, forcing him out to clean gear.

Xuye Cheng was still shaken.

He probably hadn't noticed anything. She seemed normal now.

She reached the ground floor, pulled her ID from her bag, and walked slowly toward the sports field.

A breeze blew. A chilly sensation swept over her legs. She felt uneasy, sensing stares from boys passing by.

It felt incredibly embarrassing.

Xuye Cheng took a deep breath. This feeling, between clothed and unclothed, was indescribable.

She reached the field's edge, scanned a code with her phone, paid a deposit, and locked her things in a locker.

That should be fine.

Holding her phone and ID, she disliked how skirts had no pockets. Everything had to be carried.

Xuye Cheng took another deep breath. A boy suddenly blocked her path.

He had a buzz cut, black-rimmed glasses, dark skin, and a sturdy build.

"Junior, can I take a moment of your time?"

Xuye Cheng frowned, instantly repulsed.

"What? I'm in a hurry."

Seeing her impatience, he smiled kindly.

"Ah, I'm doing a social practice project, and..."

"No, no—don't bother me. I'm busy." Xuye Cheng snapped.

She hadn't even agreed, and he'd started talking.

She turned and walked away, giving no room for argument.

"Hey, junior..."

She disliked overly cheerful guys. "Social practice" probably meant selling stuff.

The boy mentally wiped sweat. How could she look so approachable yet be so blunt?

Xuye Cheng swiped her ID to exit and finally reached the café.

"Manager, I'm here." She texted the manager.

"Got it. Enter the café, tell the front desk you're here for the interview. They'll let you in."

Xuye Cheng took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The retro-style café was busier than yesterday. She approached the counter. The front desk girl gave her a warm smile.

"Hello, what can I get for you?"

"I'm here for the interview. Where do I go..." Xuye Cheng's voice rose slightly, nerves creeping in.

Hearing "interview," the girl's eyes lit up. She opened a small side door. "Sis, walk in a bit. There's a door inside—the manager's in that room."

Hearing "sis," Xuye Cheng felt flustered inside.

Yeah, sisters now...

"Okay, thanks." Xuye Cheng walked into the manager's office.

Nervousness returned.

What would the manager think?

She knocked. A familiar voice called out.

"Come in~"

Xuye Cheng entered. The manager wore a maid uniform.

The manager smoothed her hair, studying Xuye Cheng's face with confusion.

"Who are you?"

Xuye Cheng's expression turned awkward.

"I... uh, Manager, I'm Xuye Cheng."

The manager froze, staring at her face, stunned.

"Really you? Wow, your cross-dressing skills are amazing!" She stepped closer, examining Xuye Cheng intently.

Xuye Cheng felt uneasy under that gaze.

"You're not even wearing makeup!?" The manager gasped, circling her. Realizing she was barefaced, she grew flustered.

"Uh... this..." Xuye Cheng's face tightened.

"Could you naturally look like this?" The manager's eyes dropped to the ID. "Show me your ID."

Xuye Cheng hesitated, reluctance showing.

"Oh, it's fine! You look great. Your voice sounds natural too—perfect. Hand it over; I need to register it."

Xuye Cheng passed the ID, lacking confidence in her looks.

The manager took it, saw the photo, and froze.

"...Are you really Xuye Cheng?"

Xuye Cheng stiffened. She felt the mask slipping. Shocked, she pressed it back firmly.

The manager frowned, watching her slap her own face. Confusion deepened.

"It's me..." Xuye Cheng sighed in relief after checking the mask.

That was close...

She thought silently.

"I feel like you two aren't the same person."

The manager studied her face again, still puzzled.

"This is weird. Quick—prove it's really you."