She stepped into the women’s restroom…

Ever since Jianglai entered, she’d been in a daze. Her mind kept repeating how she’d crossed a line.

Though she now had a female body, and the stalls were private and separate, the real hurdle was in her head.

Having lived as a man for decades, she couldn’t instantly accept herself as a woman—even after years in this form.

Jianglai sat frozen in the stall, hoping to finish quickly and find her sister-in-law. But then, unfamiliar female voices drifted in.

Casual chatter made her heart leap to her throat. Guilt gripped her; shame made her tremble. Every cell tensed at the slightest sound.

She couldn’t bear to listen. Beyond voices, more private noises might come. She forced her mind blank, blocking out distractions.

To protect strangers’ privacy, she covered her ears. “I didn’t mean to… I didn’t mean to…” she whispered, over and over.

She dared not uncover them. Hearing anything forbidden would confirm her worst fears—even if no one called her a pervert, her conscience wouldn’t forgive her.

She planned to stay covered, hurry up, and leave. But her body refused to obey. Outside, she’d been desperate to go. Now? Nothing. Not a trace of urge. She felt like dying.

Using the restroom needed security. Without it, even urgent needs froze under instinctive fear.

Muffled sounds seeped through her hands. When she shifted slightly, voices became crystal clear, as if whispered in her ear.

She prayed for the others to leave. She also worried her sister-in-law might be impatient. Jianglai reached for her phone to text an update.

Just then, Yingyu Chi’s voice came through the stall door: “It’s just us two here now…”

Yingyu Chi had waited by the entrance, watching time slip by. She’d guessed Jianglai’s discomfort. Her presence was meant to reassure.

“Don’t worry. No one can hear you. I’ll guard the door this time—just be quick.”

Hearing the silence, Jianglai finally relaxed. Her worries vanished. She didn’t know Yingyu Chi still lingered inside.

After washing up, Jianglai emerged flushed. She’d need to adapt faster. At home was fine, but outside alone? Her imagination would drive her mad.

Stepping out, she saw Yingyu Chi waiting. Embarrassed, Jianglai tried to explain the delay. But her sister-in-law simply pulled out tissues, gently drying Jianglai’s damp hands.

“Anyone would feel uneasy. It takes time. I’ll help you through it…”

“Okay…” Jianglai grasped her hand, smiling. “I’ll cook your favorite dishes when we get home. Just tell me what you like.”

In the car, Jianglai couldn’t stop staring at Yingyu Chi. A sense of déjà vu hit her—Yingyu Chi looked 60% like her late wife. But beyond looks, they were utterly different.

If her wife saw her sister now, so capable and grown, she’d be proud.

As Jianglai’s gaze lingered, Yingyu Chi’s phone rang.

Jianglai picked it up since Yingyu Chi was driving. Seeing her daughter Le Yi’s name, she glanced at her sister-in-law.

Earlier, Jianglai had texted Le Yi about a vague business trip—leaving room to maneuver. Why was she calling now?

With Yingyu Chi’s nod, Jianglai answered on speakerphone. Le Yi’s excited voice burst through: “Aunt Yingyu! Am I bothering you?”

“Not at all. What’s up?”

“Nothing big! Can you send me photos of my future stepmom? And yours too, please!”

Yingyu Chi stole a glance at Jianglai, catching her panic. Her focus stayed on the road.

“Le Yi, why do you need them?”

Yingyu Chi knew Le Yi wanted this hidden from Jianglai. But the choice wasn’t hers to make.

“Hold on. I’m driving. I’ll call you back later.”