Withdrawing the Shadowfang Dagger, Bai Xia stood still, ready to savor that manly thrill of battle—only to feel a gentle tap on her head the next moment.

She looked up with a hint of displeasure to see Tianzheng’s faintly helpless expression. He withdrew his hand and led the way deeper into the cave.

“Spacing out again? Hurry up and follow.”

“Hmph. Didn’t you think I was cool just now?” Bai Xia snorted, chugged a few healing potions, then caught up and boastfully flexed her arms in the classic muscle pose.

But with her slender limbs and flat chest, the gesture came off rather comical.

Tianzheng said nothing. He simply watched her in silence for a moment, then shook his head with an unreadable expression.

“What’s that look for… You mocking me?”

His dismissive gaze pricked Bai Xia’s fragile dignity. She frowned, trying to project stern anger—but forgot her baby-faced cheeks held zero intimidation. If anything, they made her seem more pinchable.

Tianzheng wasn’t teasing. He sighed. “Is your real-life build this… petite too?”

“You *did* say ‘short,’ didn’t you?”

Seeing her narrow her eyes in genuine irritation, Tianzheng cleared his throat. He reached to pat her head—only for her to flinch away like he was contaminated.

Helplessness deepened on his face, though amusement still flickered in his eyes.

“Ahem. Being petite isn’t a big deal. You’re still in middle school, right? Don’t worry—you’ll grow into a stunning beauty.”

Thinking he’d comforted her, he was baffled when her mood visibly sank.

Then came a voice from the abyss: “My apologies—I’ve already graduated university, *hehe*… Sorry for having a middle schooler’s face despite that. Sorry for being such a pathetic woman who can’t grow curves. Sorry for probably never gaining another inch… ever.”

Tianzheng: “….”

In this world’s Huaxia, adulthood began at sixteen, academics were lighter, and most graduated university by nineteen or twenty. So yes—the original owner had finished school a year ago at twenty. That’s why Bai Xia could live as a shut-in.

Swapping bodies and escaping exams felt great… but being a university grad trapped in a body that could pass for elementary school? Not so much.

“Can I slash you a few times to vent?”

Bai Xia drew the Shadowfang Dagger and made mock cuts through the air beside him, voice thick with resentment.

Truth was, she wasn’t upset about being a loli—becoming a mature beauty might’ve bothered her more. She just hated the *fact* of it.

As said before: “legal loli” was adorable on others. On yourself? Not so fun.

Spending life looking *up* at everyone? Seriously… infuriating.

Watching her murder-glare brimming with killing intent, Tianzheng knew he’d stepped on a landmine—and had no clue what to say.

He hadn’t been joking. He genuinely thought she was a middle schooler!

At first, he’d been curious why anyone would use such a young avatar. Later interactions reinforced it. *Maybe she really is one?* Intrigued, he teamed up with her.

He’d gamed for years but never with someone this age. Novelty factor: high.

Turns out she was a *legal loli*? Who could’ve guessed?!

Just as Tianzheng scrambled for damage control, Bai Xia murmured softly, “Hey, big shot… what about you?”

“Me… what?”

“Secrets exchange! I spilled my ‘legal loli’ status—don’t you owe me something juicy? Like… are you actually gay?”

Tianzheng was deeply grateful they were still in-game. Otherwise, he’d have choked on her words.

Her mischievous squint cracked his composure. His handsome face darkened. “My orientation is perfectly normal.”

“Really? But crafting such a pretty-boy avatar… doesn’t that give off *flamboyant* vibes?”

Her eyes sparkled brighter. Tianzheng went speechless. “…So all handsome guys must be gay?”

“I’d say most yaoi fangirls think exactly that.”

*Speechless.* He finally saw it: angelic face, devilish soul.

Rubbing his temples, he felt a headache bloom. First time ever meeting someone who left him utterly lost.

Fearful of another bombshell, he cut in before she spoke: “Don’t bother. I’ve got no juicy secrets.”

“Hmm… So what *do* you do IRL, big shot? With combat skills like that—you’re not some shut-in NEET who games all day, right!?”

*(Pure payback for the ‘short’ comment.)*

Under her sparkling, mischievous gaze, he finally relented with an amused sigh. “Call me a shut-in if you want. Real life? Let’s say… nouveau riche. Plenty of free time for gaming. Skills followed.”

“N-nouveau riche?”

The blunt term surprised her—it often carried sarcasm (or envy). But her eyes lit up instantly.

“So… you’re *rich*, big shot?”

Her intense stare sent a chill down his spine. He shifted slightly—then stiffened, forcing calm: “I… have some spare cash.”

“Then, rich guy—do your legs need an accessory?”

“Big shot” became “rich guy” in a heartbeat. Bai Xia made zero effort to hide her gold-digging intent.

Tianzheng chuckled wryly, then mischief sparked. After a cough, he deepened his voice: “No accessory needed. I need a wife.”

“Ew—!”

The eager girl instantly recoiled. Her blank face twisted into pure disgust—as if spotting a cockroach.

“Thick eyebrows, bright eyes… and *you’re* the creep?! You loli-con pervert—don’t you fear being trampled by public outrage!?”

Her utter contempt made his cheeks twitch. He stared up at the cave’s glowing blue crystals… and fell into a very, very long silence.