The next day was packed with classes. Xuye Cheng was busy from morning till night. His university had two campuses, far apart. He was at the old campus. Teachers' dorms were all at the new one. So his 8 a.m. class moved to 8:30. His so-called "early eight" actually started at half past eight.
The extra half hour gave him breathing room. But it cut his lunch break short by thirty minutes. Classes ended at noon and restarted at one. Time was tight. Xuye Cheng couldn't even return to his dorm to charge his phone.
Once busy, the unhappiness in Xuye Cheng's heart faded under exhausting coursework.
Over the weekend, Xuye Cheng just lazed around in his dorm. He'd been in a daze. Time slipped away while he slacked off.
Monday arrived quickly. Xuye Cheng had morning classes. Work started in the afternoon.
He hadn't eaten yet. He needed to return to his dorm to pack first. Once Zheng Wenxuan and the others came back, things might get tricky.
Just like before, Xuye Cheng stuffed his clothes into a bag. He headed to the lab building.
The clothes had already been worn once...
He really needed spare outfits for changing. Barring surprises, he'd stay at this store awhile.
The pay was just too good! Xuye Cheng thought. He'd buy replacements after work. Undergarments needed changing too.
What a hassle.
Xuye Cheng walked slowly to the lab building's top floor. It was lunchtime. The building was nearly empty.
He put on the mask. That familiar sensation returned. He hadn't appeared like this for days. A weight settled on his chest. Xuye Cheng suddenly felt uncomfortable.
So he really had to work again...
Xuye Cheng sighed helplessly. After changing clothes, he used his phone as a mirror. Everything was ready.
He stuffed the old clothes and shoes into his backpack. Familiarly, he opened the restroom door and walked toward the sports field.
Xuye Cheng grabbed food at the cafeteria. School meals were cheap. The quality beat outside options at the same price.
But with so many people, she couldn't help feeling nervous.
She stood at the queue's end. Her legs felt strangely bare. Strands of hair brushed her face, tickling her skin.
No one could tell it was him, right...?
Xuye Cheng thought inexplicably. The tightness across her chest made breathing hard.
She carried her tray to the dining area. Seats were scarce during peak hours. Xuye Cheng scanned the room. She spotted He Xiaohan and two others sitting together. Her face lit up with surprise. After two steps toward them, she abruptly remembered: she was in girl form now.
Xuye Cheng's expression turned awkward. Helplessly, she looked away.
"Classmate, join us," a girl's voice said nearby. She turned. Two girls sat at a four-person table.
The girl patted the empty seat. "Sit here. It's free."
Xuye Cheng's expression grew troubled.
Sitting with strangers...?
What was she thinking...?
They must think she's a girl. That's why they invited her.
Nervously, Xuye Cheng sat beside the older sister. Seats were hard to find. She shouldn't refuse kindness.
"Thanks," she said softly, picking up her chopsticks.
"You're welcome," the bespectacled girl replied. She resumed chatting with her friend.
Xuye Cheng silently warned herself: don't be unrestrained. Act reserved...
Chew slowly. Take small bites...
She'd never been this ladylike, fearing exposure.
As she ate, Xuye Cheng realized she was full before finishing her bowl.
Her appetite had shrunk since the change.
She forced down a little more. Wasting paid-for food felt shameful.
When truly unable to eat more, she dumped the leftovers.
It still hurt to waste it.
Xuye Cheng thought helplessly.
She probably needed a handbag too. Carrying things while in a skirt was troublesome.
At the coffee shop, she slipped into the office like last time.
She knocked. "Come in," the store manager called.
Xuye Cheng pushed the door open. Seeing the people inside, she froze.
The manager smiled. "Ah, Xiao Ning's here."
The girl near the door gasped, "Wow!"
A stiff smile formed on Xuye Cheng's face. Inside, she panicked.
The girl—slightly shorter, hair in a bun, two strands framing her face—had doll-like, clear eyes. She leaned in immediately. "Is it really Xiao Ning?"
Xuye Cheng hesitated. "It's me..."
"Wow! So cute! The manager wasn't lying!" she exclaimed, flustering Xuye Cheng.
The manager chuckled helplessly. "Alright, Yuwei, stop it. You're scaring Xiao Ning."
Dou Yuwei frowned, realizing her mistake.
"Uh, surname Dou, name Yuwei. Call me Dou Dou," she said cheerfully.
"Um... I'm Xu Ye... ahem, Xu Wenning," Xuye Cheng corrected himself, flushing with embarrassment.
Dou Yuwei nodded. "An engineering department beauty—I can't help adoring you!" She grabbed Xuye Cheng's hands. Xuye Cheng stiffened further. She stared at their joined hands, her face reddening.
Seeing the blush on Xuye Cheng's fair cheeks, Dou Yuwei looked amused.
"Oh? You're blushing?" she teased.
"Enough joking," the manager said sternly. "Get your uniforms and start work. I posted your zones in the group chat. No slacking off."
"Absolutely not!" Dou Yuwei declared. She hooked her arm through Xuye Cheng's. Xuye Cheng stiffened again. Dou Dou grinned mischievously.
"We're together. Both on the second floor."
