Luo Xiaolu was probably stepping into a women’s clothing mall for the first time.

Whether as an otaku guy or a delinquent girl.

Her shame was about to explode!

The spacious, brightly lit mall gleamed with polished marble floors. Shelves overflowed with dazzling outfits, all radiating that nauseatingly sweet “couple” aura Luo Xiaolu found utterly revolting.

Giggles from besties and lovey-dovey pairs drifted nearby. The whole place reeked of a “youth” forever out of reach for a hardcore shut-in like her.

Ah… I really wanna crush this thing called “youth”!

Yes—to welcome Editor Lu Ye’s visit, Luo Xiaolu had finally decided to buy a few nice skirts.

Ever since wearing that JK uniform skirt last time, she’d kinda accepted it.

Skirts are seriously awesome!!

Luckily, it was a weekday. The mall wasn’t packed, but scattered shoppers still left Luo Xiaolu feeling awkward.

“Hey there, little sister! Come take a look?” a voice called from behind.

“Huh?”

Luo Xiaolu turned. A salesclerk stood at a store entrance, flashing a practiced smile.

“Wow… you’re so cute, little sister!” The clerk covered her mouth in delight.

Hmph! These clerks always butter up girls with sweet talk to lure them in, then trick them into splurging! And some still fall for it!

“Any dress recommendations?” Luo Xiaolu asked, stepping inside.

“Oh! Try this new light-yellow maxi dress!”

The clerk pulled down a dress: oversized white collars, lace trim cascading to the waist, a tiny bow tie in the center.

Super kawaii…

Wait—this is basically kids’ wear! Do I look *that* young?!

Delinquent Luo Xiaolu felt instantly belittled. Rage surged from her chest, ready to incinerate the whole store!

“Ah, sorry sis~ I don’t like *this* cute stuff. Anything else?” she chirped sweetly.

“What style do you prefer?” the clerk smiled.

“More mature.”

The clerk’s eyes lit up. She fetched another piece—

The legendary backless sweater…

Hold up! You’re handing *this* to a sixteen-year-old?!

“I’ll pick for myself,” Luo Xiaolu declared.

…

Leaving the store, she carried three bulging shopping bags.

This impromptu spree made her already tight finances even worse.

Over a month since her novel launched, she’d only received one royalty payment—3,000 yuan, back when views were low.

*Please let next month’s payout be bigger…*

Surprisingly strong, Luo Xiaolu glanced up at the five-story mall. *Still got energy.* She marched upstairs.

Guys passing by winced seeing such a petite girl hauling three giant bags.

Who lets this cute girl carry all this alone?!

Where’s her boyfriend??

…Does she *not* have one?!

How?! Unless…

*Sob… is she suffering from… at such a young age?*

Oblivious, Luo Xiaolu only noticed one guy suddenly wearing a devastated expression.

????

At the second floor, she froze before a store.

*My skill level isn’t ready for this.*

But her feet refused to move.

Her cheeks flushed crimson.

…Fine. In she went.

“Xiao Yu Lingerie Store.”

As a former delinquent, her old lingerie had been… let’s just say, *way* too questionable.

Time to buy normal stuff.

Inside buzzed teenage girls—mostly with besties. Zero guys. *Obviously.*

*What’s wrong with men?! Why can’t men enter lingerie stores?! Gender discrimination! When will we rise?!*

Head down, Luo Xiaolu hurried deeper.

Her cup size was above average for her age—needed bigger fits.

Before a shelf, she pondered: *Pink too embarrassing? Black too bold? White… decent.*

She pinched a white bra thoughtfully.

Hmm, stiff.

Stretched it sideways.

Good elasticity.

“Hello, miss.”

Startled, Luo Xiaolu flung the bra straight into the clerk’s face.

*Caught red-handed!*

“…”

The clerk calmly returned it, offering an awkward but polite smile. “How about trying a bralette instead?”

Luo Xiaolu nodded weakly.

*Bras can wait till my level-up.*

After picking plain bralettes, she had them bagged and left.

Roadside, she checked her phone.

6:20 PM.

*CRAP!* Meeting Editor Lu Ye at 7!

Shopping really erases time.

No time to grumble—she hailed a taxi and sped home.

She burst through the door. Little sister Luo Xiaotang was gaming on the couch.

Snack wrappers and soda cans littered the floor.

*Forgot… I’ve got a hikikomori little sister!*

The ultimate home-image boss!

6:50 PM.

“Xiaotang, stop! My friend’s coming over!” Luo Xiaolu urged.

The slumped girl shot upright like she’d chugged an energy drink.

Socially anxious Luo Xiaotang feared all strangers.

“Those… mean older sisters?” the loli whimpered.

“No! Not them!” Luo Xiaolu sighed.

“Clean up—*now*!”

She yanked the blanket. More trash spilled out.

Luo Xiaolu: “…”

*Sis is trying to make me explode.*

Knock, knock, knock…

A knock echoed from the door.