"Ning Chu~"The P.E. class wasn’t even over when Yan Xinya finished her basketball game. Her ponytail swung as she dashed over, plopping herself down next to Ning Chu with a grin, trying to press her sweat-soaked body against Ning Chu.
“Ew! You’re covered in sweat—don’t come near me!” Ning Chu protested, pushing the wolf-girl’s face away. She glanced at her up and down and then asked with concern, “Aren’t you cold without a jacket?”
“Not cold at all! I just finished exercising!”
The wolf-girl proudly exposed her tanned waist, even arching her chest out on purpose. She tightened her stomach, making her faint abdominal muscles a bit more pronounced.
“What’s there to show off when it’s that small?”
“I’m showing off my waist, okay? Can you even wear a crop top?”
“I can’t~”
Although the succubus silver pattern was located on her lower abdomen and would generally stay hidden with high-waisted skirts or pants, Ning Chu couldn’t take any chances. If her pants slipped even a little, exposing the mark, it would spell trouble.
After a bit of playful banter, Yan Xinya’s gaze drifted toward Qing Qing, who was seated not far away.
Her cheerful expression froze briefly, and she leaned closer to Ning Chu, whispering in her ear, “Who’s that? She’s pretty, but kind of... flat.”
“She’s called Qing Qing. Even shyer than Lily, and not much of a talker.”
“She looks so easy to bully~ So cute~ I want to take her home~”
“You want to take everything home,” Ning Chu shot back, rolling her eyes. She glanced toward Qing Qing again and noticed the girl lowering her head even further. Her short hair, which had no ears to cover, hid her eyes, leaving only her delicate nose and elegant chin visible.
Why does she seem so skittish?
According to the novel’s setting, Qing Qing was supposed to identify more as female, wasn’t she?
Which raised the question—did she live in the boys’ dorm or the girls’? Ning Chu grumbled inwardly, irritated at the author for skipping such details.
Yan Xinya broke her thoughts. “Ning Chu, should we go out during the May Day holiday?”
“I’d rather stay in my apartment.”
“What, to have a battle royale with Wen Yang? It’s a three-day break—do you think he can last that long?”
Ning Chu’s face flushed as she glared at her. “No way!”
Shouldn’t you be asking if I can last that long?!
“Then come with us!” Yan Xinya had already made plans. “What about Lily’s place?”
“Again...?”
“The hot springs near Lily’s house are famous! It’s the perfect time before summer fully kicks in. A little detox wouldn’t hurt~” Yan Xinya hugged Ning Chu’s arm, swaying like a child begging for candy. “Come on~ Come on~”
Hot springs...
Ning Chu had never been to one, but she had a vague idea from certain scenes in... questionable sources. From one-on-one romantic moments to full-blown chaotic parties, the hot spring setting fit everything perfectly.
She also remembered writing a short hot spring scene in one of her novels.
“What about Wen Yang?”
“He’s coming too, of course! Let’s invite Zhang Shaoqing and Qian Qian as well—and make Shaoqing pay!”
“That many people? Lily’s house can’t fit everyone.”
“We’ll do a big sleepover! The more, the merrier!”
Ning Chu massaged her temples, exasperated. “Fine, I’ll ask Wen Yang. If he’s in, I’ll go.”
“He’ll definitely say yes~”
That was true. Wen Yang had never once gone against her wishes when she asked for something, though Ning Chu wasn’t particularly domineering. Even with his devotion to her, she had never forced him into anything.
“But what if he has plans during the holiday?”
She casually dismissed the thought, her gaze drifting to Qing Qing, who had quietly moved to another tree’s shade. Qing Qing wasn’t on her phone; instead, she was fiddling with her fingers, seemingly lost in thought.
Yan /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ Xinya followed her gaze and muttered, “Why does she seem so withdrawn?”
“Yeah, she does.”
“She looks super self-conscious.”
Despite her usually loud personality, Yan Xinya was perceptive about emotional nuances, something Ning Chu hadn’t considered even after sitting with Qing Qing for nearly half an hour. The explanation made sense, especially given Qing Qing’s hermaphrodite identity, which would naturally lead to insecurity.
Great. Another tragedy caused by my random character setup...
Ning Chu let out a bitter smile. From Wen Yang’s family to Zhang Shaoqing’s unrequited love, and now to Qing Qing, it seemed like all the hardships stemmed from the personality traits she had casually written into her characters.
Unlike the others, though, she felt a stronger sense of empathy for Qing Qing.
After all, she had once experienced being neither fully male nor female. She understood the cautious mindset, the fear of being exposed as a freak.
The fear of relationships—unsure whether to date a man or a woman. The anxiety of using public restrooms. The intense paranoia under others’ gazes, wondering if her secret had already been discovered.
Fortunately, she had Wen Yang.
“Xinya.”
“Yeah?”
“I have a task for you.” Ning Chu tugged Yan Xinya’s hand, motioning toward Qing Qing. “Use your shameless charm to get Qing Qing’s contact info—anything will do.”
“Shameless charm?!”
“Fine, your warm and outgoing personality.”
“Now that’s more like it!” Yan Xinya stood proudly. “Remember to treat me to milk tea afterward!”
“Put on your jacket first...” Ning Chu sighed as Yan Xinya sneezed, nonchalantly rubbing her nose before throwing on her jacket. Then, with a skip in her step, she headed toward Qing Qing.
Ning Chu watched her go. Yan Xinya was the kind of person who could get along with anyone. Annoying, but irresistibly charming—success was practically guaranteed.
After all, Ning Chu had somehow ended up as her best friend thanks to Yan Xinya’s relentless pestering.
A faint floral scent reached Ning Chu’s nose. Without looking up, she asked, “Where did you disappear to?”
“Lily and I were looking for the demonic creature! We searched all around the school but found no clues!” Xi Xi’s voice rang out energetically.
Finally turning her head, Ning Chu saw Lily holding a cup with an octopus figurine floating inside. The water was filled with random debris—grass, flowers, bugs, and even a butterfly. The once-vibrant octopus lay motionless at the bottom, its tentacles barely twitching. Half of its legs seemed ready to step into the afterlife.
Isn’t it right there...?
Xi Xi stood with her hands on her hips, complaining loudly. “I think Lily just wanted to catch bugs to feed her octopus pet! She wasn’t even seriously looking for the demon!”
“Did Xinya say something about going to a hot spring over May Day?” Ning Chu ignored Xi Xi’s rant and turned to Lily.
“Mm.”
Although Lily only hummed a response, her lackluster tone betrayed her disinterest.
“Can I come too?” Xi Xi immediately perked up, her face lighting up with excitement. “I’ll buy a cute swimsuit!”
Lily suddenly froze, then hurriedly sent Ning Chu a link to a three-piece bikini, eagerly typing, “This one’s so pretty! You should get it!”
“Not happening!” Ning Chu shot back.
