Xuye Cheng instantly felt a headache.

The manager’s expression turned troubled as she looked at her.

Xuye Cheng’s mind raced. How could she explain this without exposing herself?

Miscalculation…

Xuye Cheng felt another headache.

“Your voice sounds so natural—not like a disguised one,” the manager added.

Xuye Cheng sighed, her expression turning wronged.

She’d prepared for so long and quit her old job. Was it ending here?

Xuye Cheng suddenly felt like the biggest clown was herself.

The manager noticed her dimmed eyes, furrowed brows, and slightly pressed rosy lips. She understood.

“Are you really a boy?”

Xuye Cheng looked at her helplessly and nodded woodenly.

“Is this your real voice?”

Xuye Cheng was slightly stunned. The manager picked up the ID again, gazing at her face.

“Do you… hate your male self?” the manager asked carefully.

Xuye Cheng had been wronged, but this question stunned her completely.

“So, with such a big change, are you taking medicine or something?”

It took Xuye Cheng a while to process this.

The manager’s thoughts were so jumpy!

Then Xuye Cheng realized this was a good excuse.

“Mm…” she replied guiltily. Hearing that, her mood turned complex. “I do hate that version of myself.”

Giving up. No goals. Worthless…

“Well, I offended you earlier. Sorry,” the manager’s tone softened. “Don’t worry—I won’t tell anyone.”

Xuye Cheng suddenly felt touched.

“Mm, thank you, manager.”

Xuye Cheng thought this was the only way.

She had to keep it hidden for now.

Xuye Cheng sighed helplessly.

“Wow, you look so cute as a girl,” the manager examined her face.

A wave of embarrassment washed over Xuye Cheng.

After all these years, this was the first time someone called her cute. She felt like she was losing face.

She wanted praise to feed her vanity, but her rough self being called cute?

It gave her goosebumps.

Though, this current look was indeed cute.

“Uh… thanks,” Xuye Cheng smiled wryly, replying softly.

“Let me explain your duties,” the manager said, flipping her hair, then started detailing the work.

Basically, odd jobs—but the store had high hygiene standards, so Xuye Cheng needed extra attention to cleanliness.

Wear the uniform. Serve coffee. Coordinate between front and back…

When no one’s around, you can slack off. The rest were details for maid days.

Xuye Cheng was assigned to the second floor. Work hours would follow her class schedule.

So maid days were upstairs. She’d thought it—this retro decor wouldn’t match maids anyway.

One day off per week. Maid days tentatively on Sundays, when everyone was free.

The manager detailed the cleaning specifics. From the thoroughness, Xuye Cheng felt immense pressure. No wonder the pay was high.

“After work, get a dessert backstage as a reward,” the manager said, registering Xuye Cheng’s ID.

Xuye Cheng was stunned, then touched. “That’s so nice!?”

“Of course—I’m kind. I won’t mistreat you,” the manager huffed lightly, checking the time. “Change your WeChat profile. I’ll add you to the group.”

Xuye Cheng was confused.

“Change the profile?”

“Your profile says male… you don’t want your secret exposed, right?” The manager smiled meaningfully.

“Oh—I’ll use another WeChat account.”

Xuye Cheng had two SIM cards, so two accounts.

The other was specifically for work.

Xuye Cheng thought for a moment, logged into it.

“Oh no—I’m running late. Handing out flyers outside. Send me your WeChat after setup. Remember your class schedule for scheduling,” the manager said, smoothing her skirt.

“I’ll contact you later. If nothing else, I’ll take my leave…” Xuye Cheng hesitated.

“Sure, no problem.”

Xuye Cheng turned to leave but was called back.

“Ye Cheng… Wan Ning, wait.”

Xuye Cheng turned back. “What else?”

The manager grabbed something from the table and stuffed it into her hand.

Xuye Cheng looked down—candies.

“Cheer up. You’re the best~” the manager said cheerfully, walking out.

Xuye Cheng was stunned, a wry smile on her face.

Chocolate…

“Thank you,” Xuye Cheng whispered. Though the manager was gone, she felt grateful inside.

Then nothing else. Walking on the street, never stared at like this before, Xuye Cheng quickened her pace but worried the skirt might expose her with larger movements.

Though she knew it was unnecessary. With such a long skirt, unless she did a handstand, it wouldn’t happen.

She unwrapped the chocolate, put it in her mouth. The rich, smooth texture and unique aroma lingered.

The sweet taste truly lifted Xuye Cheng’s mood.

Occasionally eating sweets wasn’t bad…

Xuye Cheng looked at her skirt, her mood turning strangely.

Better change back and hurry to the dorm. Film appreciation class tonight. Xuye Cheng sighed helplessly. No evening classes in sophomore year—nights were freer than freshman year.

Xuye Cheng swiped her ID to enter the school gate. Luckily, no facial recognition; otherwise, entering like this would be awkward.

She entered, thinking to buy snacks, turned toward the campus supermarket.

Probably because she looked good now, before reaching it, she was stopped again.

“Hello classmate, can I bother you for a moment?” A girl with a kind smile held a recording device.