Roadside.
Chi Yuzhou strolled home leisurely, carrying newly bought exercise books and two steamed meat buns.
He rarely came this way. The roadside bustle here felt livelier than near his apartment.
So, what to eat tonight?
Maybe head to that snack-filled street for something nice?
But... he’d already eaten at noon. Spending again tonight would bankrupt him sooner or later.
Sadly, he couldn’t cook.
Chi Yuzhou sighed softly. When he looked up, a roadside clothing stall caught his eye.
It was surprisingly well-stocked with outfits for adults and kids alike.
Seeing the children’s clothes, Chi Yuzhou suddenly had an idea.
Moments later, he held another bag.
Honestly, clothes here were quite affordable.
Back home, Chi Yuzhou’s first move was tossing the new clothes into the washer—just as the vendor advised.
Its dryer function meant weak sunlight wouldn’t delay wearing them later when hunger struck.
Thinking of his plan, a hint of a smile touched his eyes.
Clever, wasn’t he?
...
As night deepened, Guanmingxue finally drove home after a long day.
She’d taken on extra home visits for a reason. But unfinished goals didn’t excuse neglecting duties.
After three busy days, she’d wrapped them all up.
Waiting at a red light, Guanmingxue in her formal suit sighed quietly.
Lately, she hadn’t even cooked meals. Forget winning over her neighbor—that classmate.
His brother wasn’t blood-related. But what if that adorable little boy showed up unexpectedly?
Or what if she bumped into him while delivering food?
Guanmingxue knew a real-life, perfectly cute white-haired boy was dangerously tempting.
Yet a little boy’s charm lasted only a few years before time forced him to grow.
She had a premonition.
No second fluffy, soft white-haired boy would ever match her taste so perfectly.
In a few years, he’d surely grow up.
Then her love would retreat back to the 2D world.
Sigh. Her heart was just too small.
So small it could only hold one tiny boy.
Footsteps in the hallway triggered the motion-sensor light. Guanmingxue entered her room.
Soon after she closed her door, the neighbor’s door cracked open. A small head peeked out cautiously.
...
Inside his cool apartment, Chi Yuzhou sensed movement while doing homework.
His hair turned pure white. His body shrank into a tiny form.
He slipped on the prepped clothes, opened his door, and scanned the corridor.
Unable to spot the neighbor, he shut it again.
Fine. A few more problems, then check on Guanmingxue.
The shrunken Chi Yuzhou sat back down, focused on his exercises.
Only his body had changed. His mind stayed sharp.
Twenty minutes later, his stomach growled. He set down his pen.
Did thinking really make him hungrier? Or was it just him?
Chi Yuzhou stood, stepped into the empty corridor. No one saw him leave his room.
He reached room 202 and gently knocked.
Guanmingxue should be home, right?
Tricking someone for food in this form felt a little nerve-wracking.
But Guanmingxue’s unnaturally fond gaze at kids made it feel justified.
Even if caught later, he’d still be in the right with her.
No answer after knocking. As he raised his hand again, the door swung open fast toward his face.
“Ugh.”
Guanmingxue lost control of the door’s force. Hearing a whimper, she looked down.
There sat the white-haired boy she’d longed for, rubbing his nose with a slight pout.
“Ah... you...”
In her apron, Guanmingxue crouched instantly, heart aching. “I’m so sorry... little brother, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Dusk draped the hallway. Guanmingxue puzzled over this sudden visitor at her door.
Chi Yuzhou rubbed his nose until the sting faded. “I came to play with big brother. He’s not home... but he said the pretty sister next door is kind.”
“Can pretty sister play with me?”
“But I’m cooking...”
Guanmingxue’s thoughts spun dizzy from the boy who perfectly matched her taste. Her voice sounded giddy.
She reached out. He placed his small, cool hand in hers.
So tiny. She wanted to hold it forever.
He stood with her help. “Mom and Dad aren’t back yet... can I stay with sister awhile?”
“Of... of course!” Guanmingxue bit her tongue but pushed through the pain to reply fast.
Even now, seeing her dream boy in her room felt unreal.
The impossibly cute white-haired child sniffed the air, surprised. “So fragrant! Is sister cooking?”
“!”
Guanmingxue rushed back to the stove. The food was unharmed, thanks to his reminder.
While she cooked, Chi Yuzhou glanced around her room.
Layout mirrored his own. Only the bed’s position differed. An extra computer sat nearby. Neat pots and bowls by the door added warmth.
Unlike his cold, empty space.
When Guanmingxue finished, she turned to find the boy standing politely, hands clasped.
“Last time I was sick... thank you so much for caring for me, sister.”
“N... no problem.”
Truthfully... I’d care for you forever.
If only you never grew up.
