"Leaning in, the lyrics read: At thirty-two, Qin Xianglian sued the imperial prince consort for deceiving the emperor and hiding the truth from the throne... 🤬"
Another bright, sunny Friday...
Old Man Liu hummed along to the Peking opera playing on his phone, savoring each note. He took a slow sip of tea, peering through the glass at the unchanging neighborhood view. He sighed inwardly—how time had flown...
Wait!
Something’s up! 👮🏻♂️😎
The guardian of the community’s safety, who’d adored bear-shaped cookies for decades, snapped to attention.
Old Man Liu set down his teacup and grabbed his whip. A familiar motorcycle pulled up to the gate, and he reached for his megaphone to deliver his usual line.
But the slender figure stepping off the bike made him pause. He sank back into his seat.
Ah...
Old Man Liu sighed softly, fanning himself.
That kid managing to go out and make friends—it really wasn’t easy...
How many years had it been?
——————————
"I—I’m fine here."
Hua Xin released the crumpled fabric she’d been clutching, smoothing her oversized clothes. Her voice tried to sound steady.
The girl clutched a pitch-black helmet, her backpack slung behind her. If she were any shorter, she’d look like an elementary student.
(Going home meow, going home meow...)
Her heart swelled with the joy of almost being home.
"So... Saturday or Sunday for the homework?"
Xia Yan cradled his helmet, watching Hua Xin’s back. A hint of mischief flashed in his eyes.
He’d brought it up on purpose—to make her look forward to going out.
After all, it’d be with him, right? 😉
Hua Xin froze. Reluctantly, she whispered, "S-Sunday... 🥺"
Then she bolted like she was fleeing.
Xia Yan chuckled, pulling on his helmet and starting the motorcycle.
So cute (personality-wise)...
He’d help her heal. A flicker of memory crossed Xia Yan’s eyes.
That suffocating loneliness and rejection—he’d turn it into anticipation and joy for life.
The blazing sun seemed to blast his personal BGM:
The light of justice! 💡 Shining on the earth...
————————
Home at last...
Hua Xin exhaled, stripping off her clothes and mask in one go. Only her snug tiger-print shorts and baggy tank top remained.
Unwrapping the cloth binding her chest, her bust finally swelled free—relief washed over her after hours of pressure.
No choice; cross-dressing was like this.
She lunged onto the sofa like a zombie, melting into it with a blissful, cheese-snow-leopard-like sigh.
"Home is my safe zone..."
"Home is just... home..."
Rolling on the worn couch, she suddenly remembered her parting words with Xia Yan.
Hua Xin’s eyes dimmed. Dark aura visibly seeped from her body.
During some class today, the teacher had sprung a fieldwork assignment: pick a theme, team up, interview strangers on the street, and film a video report.
She’d wanted to bolt.
Xia Yan had dragged her back.
Now they were partners.
"Damn Xia... 🤔 Shrimp Head 🧂! 😡 I’ll get my revenge..."
She pounded the sofa with tiny fists, mustering all her might, eyes burning with shame.
Well... going out was fine. She’d just hide far away with her phone, sneaking off like a deer. 🦌
Slowly, Hua Xin calmed down.
Her gaze landed on the mountain of delivery boxes 📦 before her. A slow smile spread across her lips.
All hauled yesterday by that free labor—Shrimp Head 🧂! She’d only carried two trips upstairs.
Next month’s groceries had arrived.
Hua Xin hummed a tune, her bare feet—tinged pink—padding softly on the floor.
Grabbing a box cutter, she plopped cross-legged amid the packages, tearing them open one by one.
"250g mung beans... for soup! Would adding Thirteen Spices make it tastier? 🤔"
Worth a try! 🤩
"500g scallion soda crackers... breakfast sorted! And midnight snacks too. 🤤"
"200g farmhouse purple sweet potato chips... perfect chew toys."
Tossing the cardboard aside, Hua Xin stared at the massive carton before her, swallowing hard.
This was her favorite...
The healthiest, sweetest milk 🥛 (don’t think dirty 👆🏻)!!! And not expired!!! 😋
She ripped it open, checking for leaks. Satisfied, she guzzled a big gulp.
A pink tongue darted out, licking the milky droplets from her lips before she swallowed. Hua Xin sank into pure food bliss.
Reluctantly, she set the half-empty carton aside. Good things shouldn’t be rushed—save the best for last.
Next!
"380g salted egg yolk cheese cookies... lunch!"
"300g coconut coffee shortbread... dinner!"
"50g rose cakes... uh, too little—eating now! 😋"
She popped one in her mouth, cheeks puffing like a hamster as she chewed.
Delicious... 🥺
Tears pricking her eyes, Hua Xin kept unpacking.
"Purple-skinned garlic... uh, grow big fast? 🤗"
No garlic, no flavor! Save it for instant noodles and stir-fries.
"218g chili pepper sauce."
"Hawthorn plum jam."
Critical supplies—equal to Thirteen Spices in rank! 😡!
Perfect for mixing into rice, noodles, or as a dip. 🤤
Done...
Hua Xin stared at the flattened boxes, once vessels of joy and life, now just cardboard. A flicker of loss crossed her face.
"So quiet..."
She gathered the cartons, stacking them in a storage room already piled with flattened boxes 📦 and water bottles.
Seeing the heap, her eyes sparked again.
Once sold as scrap, she’d feast like a queen! Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ
Back in the living room, Hua Xin eyed the snacks on the floor.
"Friend fee..."
"Hmph! 💢..."
Fine—she’d let that sunshine-filled popular guy taste real gourmet food (tsundere mode)!
She stuffed three cookies 🍪 from each pack into her backpack (generous—she’d never treat herself this way 😭), a tiny thrill of anticipation warming her chest.
Unconsciously, Hua Xin had started seeing Xia Yan as a friend.
"Hakimi hakimi, chubby baby chubby baby~"
"Baby, you’re such a fluffy, soft strawberry 🍓 cake, baby baby~"
Hua Xin booted up her computer, facepalming at the video playing.
"Oh right!"
She remembered her half-carton of milk left in the living room.
No waste allowed! 😡
She dashed to grab it.
But as expected, the unexpected happened.
*Thud.*
Hua Xin slipped, crashing to the floor.
Wetness spread across her skin. Trembling, she pushed herself up.
Flattened.
Her bust gleamed under a slick coat of white.
😨
"My..."
"My milk!!!! 😭😭😭"
Seconds later, she silently lifted her shirt, trembling.
