Qiu Li’er left without hesitation, slipping away unseen by Nan Shi and Yuenina.

She’d promised to meet Xi Xi alone after the match. If they found out, they’d surely insist on tagging along.

So why not vanish first and text them later? Strike first, explain after.

“Sparkle Mall?”

Qiu Li’er gazed up at the glittering golden sign overhead. “This should be it.”

Monday meant the mall was quieter than weekends—only a few couples strolling hand in hand in sight.

She glanced around but didn’t head straight to the meeting spot. Xi Xi had said: *Buy me flower nectar, or I won’t even barely forgive you for the punishment.*

That word “barely” was tricky. A hair more effort, and harmony returned; a hair less, and Xi Xi wouldn’t just refuse forgiveness—she’d pinch Qiu Li’er’s cheeks right back. And she absolutely could.

No way would Qiu Li’er accept being bullied by a naughty loli four years younger. This nectar had to be the priciest—overflowing with sincerity.

“Little miss, step right up! Lilith Academy’s most popular dress is here! Simple elegance, perfectly balanced colors—paired with your stunning beauty, 100% head-turning guaranteed! Buy now, get sheer leggings free~”

“I’ve seen this dress five times today.”

“Sis, with your willowy waist, jade-smooth arms, porcelain skin—you’re breathtaking! But so delicate… Night walks? Dangerous! Check our new self-defense gear: sleek, portable, packs a punch! Most importantly—works even without magic! Tempted?”

“Isn’t that just a gun? Why use it if you have magic?”

“Gorgeous~ Still stressed about being too pretty to find a boyfriend? Try *Shared Boyfriend*! Gentle, sunny, kind, thoughtful, dominant—pick your vibe! Bring your bestie for 20% off! Don’t miss out!”

“I can’t even… Go away.”

Alone, Qiu Li’er kept getting ambushed by salespeople every few steps. Their pitches? Pure cringe.

Seriously—merchants in this other world too? Can’t they be a *little* reserved?

She sighed in relief spotting a flower nectar shop ahead.

“What’ll it be, miss~?” The clerk smiled professionally.

“One flower nectar,” Qiu Li’er said. “The most expensive. Something that *screams* sincerity.”

“Sincerity?” The clerk blinked. “Well… maybe make it yourself, dear~”

“What?”

“N-nothing! Right away!”

The clerk gestured her to wait. Soon, an elegant box sat before Qiu Li’er. Leaning close, the clerk whispered with a wink: “Enjoy! Wishing you and your sister a hundred years of harmony~”

*Harmony?* Qiu Li’er tilted her head slightly, didn’t dwell, grabbed the box, and left.

Deeper in the mall, under the seventh tree, stood the petite Xi Xi.

“Took you long enough,” Xi Xi huffed, arms crossed in her familiar grayish-yellow coat. “Stuck in that trashy match? And what’s in the box?”

“The drink you asked for.” Qiu Li’er handed it over.

Xi Xi’s face lit up. “Hmph~ Smart fox. I won’t tell your teacher… Wait—EEP! You flirty fox, wh-what is *this*?!”

“What now?” Qiu Li’er frowned, peeking over. “Flower nectar. Correct.”

“Why extra-large?! And and and—” Stars sparkled in Xi Xi’s eyes. “Why’s the straw… *couple-style*?!”

“Couple-style? No way.” Qiu Li’er checked. A bold pink heart split the straw cleanly in two—clearly for sharing.

“So it’s couple-style. Big deal. It’s for you,” Qiu Li’er shrugged. “Just make do.”

“But I only drink small cups!” Xi Xi pouted, disappointment written all over her face. “Too much… my tummy’ll get big…”

Qiu Li’er blinked, puzzled.

Two days apart, and this naughty loli felt… softer? Like those ill-tempered girls in doujinshi who, after rough treatment, suddenly turn obedient.

But Xi Xi wasn’t ordinary. And Qiu Li’er had only pinched her cheeks—was *that* rough?

She scratched her fox ears. *This loli’s getting harder to handle.*

Catching Qiu Li’er’s stare, Xi Xi puffed her cheeks. “Staring? Then *you* help me drink it!”

Before protest, she hugged the cup and slurped hard. “Mmm~ Phew… sooo good~”

Hugging the giant cup, cheeks puffed like a squirrel with a pinecone—adorably tempting.

*Overthinking again. She’s always been this cute.*

Qiu Li’er tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned down.

A shadow fell. Xi Xi looked up—Qiu Li’er’s cherry lips gently sharing the straw.

From this angle, soft curves hinted beneath the thin school uniform.

Yet the flirty fox remained oblivious, eyes fixed on the pink heart, blinking as if puzzled by Xi Xi’s frozen gaze.

*Slurp, slurp…*

Drained between them. Just as Xi Xi opened her mouth, Qiu Li’er stood, tossed the cup into the bin.

*That flirty fox… shameless… pure-faced bully…*

*Lock her in a basement for a few days of… see if she dares—*

Xi Xi clenched her teeth. “I *still* can’t forgive you!”

Qiu Li’er stared, utterly bewildered.

*Naughty lolis really are impossible to please…*