“Sis Manman, how much longer are we shopping?” Feng Yijiu felt like she was about to collapse, watching Cen Man—who’d been striding energetically for over an hour without a hint of fatigue.
“Huh? Didn’t we just start?” Cen Man blinked in mild confusion. “Let’s keep browsing. I’ll grab you a few outfits and some shoes later.”
“I already said I don’t want to wear women’s clothes,” Feng Yijiu murmured softly.
“Who can predict these things? Just like Li Yu’s Three Great Laws of Humanity,” Cen Man chuckled. “Maybe one day, Yijiu, you’ll crush on some guy and panic over what to wear. So remember—a girl might not wear them, but she can’t not have them.”
“I… How could I like a guy? That’d be like turning into a baby-making machine!” A faint blush tinged Feng Yijiu’s cheeks. Just imagining being pinned by a stranger, sizing him up with her own body, even bearing children… goosebumps prickled her arms.
“That’s not ‘construction’,” Cen Man shook her head. “Genetically, you’re standard XX chromosomes. That past condition was just a physical anomaly—a minor surgery fixed it. Like getting your vision corrected; you’re not nearsighted anymore.”
“Anyway, I’ll never like a guy,” Feng Yijiu declared firmly.
“Fine, fine. How about this—you wear them at home, just for me?” Cen Man’s eyes twinkled. “When it’s only us two, I’ll cook something special matching your outfit. Deal?”
“I can eat out anytime,” Feng Yijiu retorted, though her resistance was softening.
“Can takeout replicate *my* secret recipes?”
“Hmph.” Feng Yijiu turned her head away, chin tilted slightly.
“Then… wear them at home, and I’ll teach you how to subtly downplay certain feminine features,” Cen Man pivoted smoothly. “I went through a tomboy phase too, you know.”
Feng Yijiu’s ears twitched. Silent but obedient, she followed Cen Man into the women’s section—though she deliberately walked shoulder-to-shoulder, as if insisting she was still a boy.
“Hello, ladies! Need help?” A salesperson greeted them warmly. Glancing at Feng Yijiu, she paused a beat, then smiled. “Such a handsome young lady! Try our new arrivals—they’re super trendy!”
*How did she see right through me?* Feng Yijiu froze slightly.
“That’s why I said you’re not convincing,” Cen Man suppressed a laugh. *These pros spot details in seconds.*
Dejected, Feng Yijiu huffed and plopped onto a “Men’s Seating Only” stool, refusing to move.
Cen Man laughed lightly, then pointed. “This one, this, and this—bring them for her to try.”
“Certainly.”
Feng Yijiu peeked at the selections. Relief washed over her—they were modest tops and pants, safely within her boundaries.
“Go on, check the fit,” Cen Man nudged her toward the fitting room.
“Hey, using it as a bathroom in there?” Cen Man called after Feng Yijiu lingered too long.
“No—it’s just… why are these jeans so short?” Feng Yijiu emerged flustered. The denim barely grazed mid-thigh, exposing her fair, slender legs completely.
“In this dog-day heat, capris feel cooler,” Cen Man said. “And weren’t you always in loose shorts before?”
After coaxing, Feng Yijiu shuffled out shyly. The breeze on her skin felt nice, but seeing the girl in the mirror made her cheeks burn.
“Good enough? I’ll change back now.”
“Nope—you’re keeping this.” Cen Man’s eyes lit up. “Yijiu, you look stunning. You’d turn heads regardless of gender.”
“Tch.” Feng Yijiu rolled her eyes, but sighed quietly at her reflection. *Nice legs… shame they’re mine.*
“Wear this home, and I’ll treat you to that amazing cha chaan teng—my treat,” Cen Man deployed the carrot-and-stick tactic again.
“No more shopping after. Straight home after eating,” Feng Yijiu countered.
“Deal.” Cen Man clasped her hand.
Regret hit fast. Barely outside, Feng Yijiu felt glances—intentional or not—drifting toward her legs.
“What the— are these guys gay or something?” She ducked behind Cen Man, muttering under her breath.
“Means they’ve got taste,” Cen Man laughed. “Kidding—you’re overthinking. They’re just walking.”
“Really?” Feng Yijiu remained doubtful.
“Come on! Their shuangpi nai is legendary,” Cen Man tugged her forward.
“Boss! Two bowls of signature beef brisket noodles, two shuangpi nai!” Cen Man ordered without glancing at the menu.
Feng Yijiu’s hand drifted to her thigh. At home, changes felt invisible; outside, every detail screamed. The unfamiliar emptiness between her legs left her uneasy. Pressed to the wall, knees locked tight.
“Relax—you’re practically bristling,” Cen Man smiled. *So bold at home, so adorably reserved out here.*
“It’s these pants’ fault,” Feng Yijiu grumbled, feeling thoroughly scammed.
“Easy, easy~” Cen Man chirped. “Ooh, shuangpi nai’s here! Try it—good for a girl’s skin.”
“You keep it.” Feng Yijiu shoved the bowl away the moment she heard “girl’s skin.” *I’d starve outside before touching this ‘female-friendly’ temptation!*
