“Huh?”

Su Wei froze. If Zhou Xi was the Imperial Princess, then her grandfather must be the emperor, right? Asking the emperor for personnel—wouldn’t that require the Royal Guard? And if he actually granted it… wouldn’t the whole country collapse?

“No worries. I’ll just go to a security company myself.”

“No need…”

Zhou Xi lifted her chin, her expression shifting from anger to delight. “I couldn’t get active-duty agents, but I secured two retired ones for you. Don’t underestimate ‘retired.’ Men or women, they’re among the absolute elite—each capable of taking on twenty armed opponents solo.”

“Wouldn’t that be a waste of their talent following me?”

“Not really.”

Zhou Xi spoke slowly. “Though the military household system was partially abolished back in 1872, some descendants remain. You know—families where every generation serves as soldiers. The two I found? Military household lineage. Their families have served since the founding of Grand Zhou.”

Hearing this, Su Wei felt immense pressure. These people had pledged loyalty to the Grand Zhou imperial line for centuries. How could they possibly agree to guard *her*?

“Some retired due to personal reasons. They’re well-educated, but many fell into depression afterward. Bringing them here… it’s also a way to help.”

“Alright.”

Though overwhelmed, Su Wei trusted Zhou Xi’s judgment. Seeing her agree, Zhou Xi eagerly made the arrangements.

That day, news of Zhou Xi slapping Sharon in the cafeteria spread like wildfire. Sharon—the Grand Duke of Luxembourg’s daughter—was widely recognized. Zhou Xi kept a low profile, but her stunning looks? Anything but subtle. Many students had eagerly awaited the drama.

Disappointingly, there was no follow-up. The school banned further discussion. Luckily, Zhou Xi took no further action, and no videos surfaced online. With students buried in work, the incident quietly faded.

On the weekend, while the company buzzed with activity, the two directors slipped into the sports hall for badminton. (Naturally, it was Zhou Xi’s private facility—otherwise, Su Wei would never have worn that short skirt.)

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

Watching Su Wei’s long legs and the faint blush on her face, Zhou Xi felt a thrill. *Is this the legendary “uniform temptation”?* No—pure long-leg allure!

“Are you sick?!” Su Wei shot her a glare. “Go stare at yourself in the mirror all you want!”

“How’s that the same?!”

Zhou Xi chuckled mischievously and gave Su Wei’s arm a playful tap. Su Wei punched her shoulder repeatedly. “How can *you*, a young girl, act like this?”

“What’s wrong with being a young girl?” Zhou Xi puffed out her chest. “Young girls achieve greatness everywhere! Look at Grand Zhou—we’ve had over a dozen renowned female generals!”

“Okay, okay, I surrender!” Su Wei apologized quickly. “I never said girls can’t. I *am* one, after all.”

…Wait. When had she said that so naturally? Sigh. No matter how strong her soul felt, her body was undeniably female. A sex change wasn’t happening. From dreading *that time of the month* to quietly accepting it—Su Wei had become a full-fledged woman.

“Hey, Weiwei… why don’t you like skirts? Your wardrobe’s untouched. Stockings too. Even when I buy them, you refuse.”

“Well… everyone has preferences.”

Su Wei hesitated. It wasn’t that she hated skirts. Being a woman now, wearing one wasn’t the issue—she wouldn’t have agreed today otherwise. It was the stares. Even in trousers, eyes followed her. A short skirt? The whole street would lose it.

“Honestly… I hate how people look at me. If I wore shorts or a mini-skirt… I’d feel creeped out.”

“Right?!” Zhou Xi hooked her arm around Su Wei’s, energized. “I *loathe* how men stare—thinking they’re subtle. We *all* know where they’re looking. Hmph. Total jerks.”

Su Wei nodded wryly. Ugliness brought trouble; beauty did too. After nearly a year, confession letters and daily approaches had finally slowed. Next semester? Freshmen would reignite the chaos.

“Hey… have you ever had a boyfriend?”

A classic dorm-topic they’d somehow never touched. They’d come to play badminton, yet sat in the locker room, deep in girl talk.

“No. Why?”

“Hehe, just curious. Me neither.” Zhou Xi relaxed, then added, “So… ever imagined your ideal boyfriend?”

“I’m not looking.” Su Wei shrugged. “I’ve got food, shelter, peace. Why invite trouble?”

“What if family pressured you?”

“No one will.” She smiled softly. “Parents gone. Grandfather’s open-minded. Distant relatives don’t visit. Zero pressure.”

“Then… have you ever considered a gi—”

*Knock knock.*

“Princess! The two bodyguards you requested are waiting outside!”

Zhou Xi’s face tightened—*so close* to the real question. She sighed. “Let them in.”

“Yes.”

After the maid left, Su Wei tilted her head. “What were you about to say?”

Zhou Xi offered a strained smile. “I was going to say… I feel the same way.”

“Heh…”

Su Wei chuckled, stood, and swung her racket. “Still playing?”

“Obviously!”

“What about them?”

“Invite them in. Let’s all play.”