The minced pork and eggplant over rice tasted amazing, especially the rice. Though not finely processed, it carried a faint, fresh rice aroma. Unlike future rice—altered by genetic tweaks and pollution, stripped of its true flavor—ordinary rice like this would be mid-to-high-end goods someday.

I’d been watching Yue Feather closely. His expression had turned uneasy the moment I asked that question. Truthfully, I already guessed why.

No one knows you better than yourself.

In high school, my allowance was tight. I could barely afford my own meals, let alone cover for two people. So he either skipped eating or just grabbed cheap filler.

This morning, he’d likely done the same—maybe bought steamed buns or wontons.

Sure, he’d stuff himself at lunch, but that meant barely one real meal a day. How was that acceptable?

He was still growing. My past self had terrible nutrition during puberty. That’s why I stayed stuck at 165 cm as an adult. In an era where men averaged over 175 cm, that height was practically a third-class disability.

Improving his diet was one thing I had to change. How could I let it get worse?

But I knew my own stubbornness too well. Once decided, no one could sway me. Force wouldn’t work; I had to be gentle.

So… I needed a subtle way to get him to eat something at night.

Felt almost fatherly—though with this body, I was more like playing an older sister.

Though I’d only eaten breakfast today, this girl body didn’t get hungry easily. After half the rice bowl, I was full. I pushed the container toward Yue Feather, who stood dazed before me. "A little left. I can’t finish it. You eat it—don’t waste food."

"Huh?"

"I haven’t touched that half. If you’re worried about my germs, just scrape off the edges I touched."

"N-no… uh… are you really full?"

"Yeah, sorry. Help me finish it? I hate wasting food."

"S-sure…" Yue Feather blushed as he accepted, awkwardly shifting topics. "By the way, you eat so fast, Silver Bell."

"Hm? Fast? Not really," I replied casually. In my memories, I’d been a key researcher with little free time. That’s why I ate quickly.

Seeing Yue Feather finally eat, I relaxed. At least this kid was full. Boys in growth spurts must eat enough, even if the food’s poor.

My past self had a slower puberty. My growth phase stretched longer; even at sixteen, I was still developing, unlike others nearly done by then.

All tied to family issues, I supposed…

I pushed those memories aside. I took the notebook filled with crucial recollections and hid it under the living room sofa cushion—a spot Yue Feather wouldn’t find.

I hadn’t told him everything. Too much knowledge might change him too drastically, shifting the worldline beyond my control. Even as someone from the future, I might not help my past self in an unpredictable new reality.

Back in the room, Yue Feather’s satisfied face confirmed he’d finally eaten his fill. He’d skipped dinner again. What a… foolish guy. Why did he always care so much for others?

Maybe I also needed to teach my past self: "Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little selfish."

But first, one thing had to change: our meals. With an extra person, eating out wasn’t cost-effective. Cooking at home would save money.

I wasn’t a great cook, but I could manage. Before becoming a full-time researcher, I often cooked alone. Decent food was doable.

But now, a problem: grocery shopping. My high school self was clueless about it. He’d pick bad produce or get ripped off—short weights, overcharging.

Yet now… in this girl’s body, I really didn’t want to go out. Especially the chest bulge—that was my biggest headache.

Ah well. What must be done must be done. I couldn’t stay indoors forever.

I sighed, turning to Yue Feather as he pulled out textbooks. "Um… Yue Feather, do you have a jacket and sweatpants?"

…

Yue Feather tossed the takeout box into the trash. Bending for his homework, his eyes drifted unavoidably to Silver Bell’s smooth, bare legs. She faced away, letting him admire freely.

Flawless legs. For a boy like him, no impure thoughts—just pure appreciation of beauty.

So beautiful, like art. Impossible to look away.

Every tiny detail was perfect.

Yue Feather almost let his gaze rise higher but stopped himself. With someone he liked this much, even a trace of impure thought felt like desecration—even if she’d never know.

Silver Bell, lost in thought with her back turned, slowly faced him. He snapped his head down, pretending to search for his book. His focus was elsewhere.

"Um… Yue Feather, do you have a jacket and sweatpants?" Silver Bell asked softly, brushing her bangs aside. The graceful motion made his heart flutter. It reminded him of something.

"Yes… oh, here." He pulled a hair tie and clip from his pocket. "You seemed uncomfortable with your hair down…"

"Oh? This is a huge help. Thanks," Silver Bell said, pleasantly surprised, then smiled.

Yue Feather quickly dug out a jacket and sweatpants from his closet—his old, washed school uniform, just slightly worn.

"These… my uniform jacket and pants. They’re used a lot…"

"No problem," Silver Bell nodded readily. She didn’t seem picky, but Yue Feather thought it was just her kindness, sparing him embarrassment.

Such a kind girl…

Thinking this, he felt deeply moved. Truly rare these days.

Watching Silver Bell swiftly change, he asked, "Going out?"

"Yeah, grocery shopping. You’re coming too."

"Huh? Me?"

"Of course. Who else will pay?"

"Hmm… eating at home is more cost-effective…"

"So let’s go. Won’t take long."

"Okay! Sure!" Yue Feather agreed instantly, though he still wondered, "Um… aren’t you tying your hair up?"

"My hair?" Silver Bell glanced at the hair tie on the table, paused, then chuckled wryly. "Well… I don’t know how."

"Huh? You can’t braid hair?" He was shocked. Pretty girls should know styling. Silver Bell didn’t mind his clothes, but not tying hair? That made no sense.

"Yeah, whatever. Let’s go," she said casually, opening the door. "Hurry up."

"Ah… um…" Yue Feather hesitated, then mustered courage. "I… I might know a little… c-can I help you?"

"Oh? You do?" Silver Bell looked surprised but agreed after a pause. "Okay… then help me."

"O-okay…" He took a blue hair tie, stepping behind her. His voice trembled. His hands shook. Even his legs quivered… violently.

As if about to do something thrilling. It was just tying hair.

His hand reached out shakily. That short distance felt like light-years. In his heart, an entire century passed.

Finally, his fingertips brushed Silver Bell’s hair. The smooth, silky texture sent a jolt through him, flooding him with fulfillment.

Right then, dying might’ve felt worth it.

A girl’s hair… probably his first time touching it…

He licked dry lips, straining to recall how Zhan Qi tied hers. But she’d been too fast. His memories were fuzzy, fragmented.

"Oh no… how… how do I even do this?" Panic rose in his chest.

…