"Go on, go on," the store manager waved dismissively.

Xuye Cheng was being pulled out by Dou Yuwei when the manager called out.

"Ah, Wanning, wait a moment."

Dou Yuwei looked puzzled. Seeing the manager beckon, she released Xuye Cheng's arm.

Xuye Cheng turned back, confused.

The manager closed the door. Dou Yuwei's frown deepened.

That cheerful smile while locking up felt off.

Could this cute engineering girl have some secret tie to the manager?

Things weren't as simple as she'd thought.

Xuye Cheng felt unease flood her as the door shut.

"Wanning..." the manager smiled at her, tone playful yet soft.

"What is it?" Xuye Cheng replied, flustered.

The manager was the only one who knew she was a boy...

Having that leverage felt awful. Would slacking get her fired and exposed? Social death?

The manager's brow furrowed.

"Didn't you give me your uniform size?" She crossed her arms. "I bought the women's style. Forgot you're a boy."

Her gaze slid down Xuye Cheng's slender waist.

"Oh, your figure puts my worries to rest. That slim waist—you've got charm," she said, relaxing.

Xuye Cheng stared, dumbfounded.

This was bad. The manager felt... off.

"Why are you still in that outfit?" the manager asked softly, scanning her.

Xuye Cheng stiffened.

She only had this one...

"You don't have many clothes, do you?"

"Not enough money for women's wear," Xuye Cheng admitted helplessly. Truth.

"Poor thing." The manager sighed, taking her hand. "Cheer up. Work hard. Buy pretty clothes later."

Xuye Cheng blinked, puzzled. Her held hands felt like a TV drama scene.

"Off you go~" The manager released her, noticing her blush. "Your skin's lovely."

Xuye Cheng chuckled lightly, playing dumb. "Manager, I'll try the uniform."

"Fine, fine~" The manager relented, exasperated.

Weird. Yecheng was a boy, yet so petite—girl-like hands, soft to touch.

A man more feminine than her? It stung.

Xuye Cheng opened the door, bemused.

After a month with Ji Qingying, she'd barely held hands.

Today, two girls grabbed hers. Was she lucky? Or just lucky?

Dou Yuwei beamed her signature smile as Xuye Cheng emerged.

Her grin showed tiny canines; dimples dotted her cheeks—adorable.

Dou Yuwei boldly hooked arms again. Xuye Cheng was startled.

So forward!

"What did the manager say?" Dou Yuwei asked curiously.

"Just work stuff." Xuye Cheng felt the soft pressure of her grip...

Dou Yuwei noticed her unease.

The arm loosened. Dou Yuwei looked embarrassed.

"Was I too excited?" Her voice held apology. "Hard to find a girl coworker. I got carried away... I'm naturally friendly. Sorry if I bothered you."

Seeing her crestfallen, Xuye Cheng rushed to reply. "No, no—I don't mind. Really."

Dou Yuwei nodded tearfully. Xuye Cheng froze.

What to say...

"Sob... others find me annoying."

"Not at all."

Dou Yuwei clung to her arm again. "Xiaoning's pretty and sweet. You're amazing—I'm crying."

Honestly, Xuye Cheng felt flattered.

Like the praise wasn't for her.

"Most upstairs are guys. I don't fit in," Dou Yuwei sighed.

Xuye Cheng stayed silent. Guilt rose.

She was a boy too.

"Ningning, why haven't you accepted my friend request?" Dou Yuwei asked carefully.

"Huh? Must've missed it."

Dou Yuwei froze.

"That busy?"

"Mm." Xuye Cheng sounded helpless.

"Okay, I forgive you."

Xuye Cheng laughed. Dou Yuwei stared, stunned.

This...

Do all beauties laugh like this!?

So... suave. Nothing like Wanning's gentle first impression. Dashing.

Xuye Cheng got her uniform—simple white top, black pants. Safer than her current clothes.

She scrambled into the fitting room.

"Ningning~ Done changing?" Dou Yuwei's voice came from the next stall.

Xuye Cheng jumped.

So close!?

She felt awful.

"Uh, yes." She hesitated, scared of slipping up.

Dou Yuwei waited at the door. Xuye Cheng emerged—and was instantly arm-locked again.

"Ningning, ever done..."

"Huh?" Xuye Cheng looked bewildered.

"This job..." Dou Yuwei flushed, embarrassed by her own "huh."

Xuye Cheng covered her face, cheeks burning.

Damn it! She was dead!

"Ever?" Dou Yuwei teased, grinning at her red face.

"No... but I've waitressed." Xuye Cheng swallowed her awkwardness.

"Great! Ask me anything." Dou Yuwei patted her chest—then glanced at Xuye Cheng's, deflating.

Engineering girl. Pretty. Gentle. Taller. Better figure...

Inferiority hit.

"Thanks," Xuye Cheng said softly.

"No problem!" Dou Yuwei beamed like a sunflower. "Second floor's got hot guys. That one's absolutely stunning..."