Chapter 4: A New Beginning

Doctor Chen’s clientele was never extensive, with most visitors seeking dental extractions; it was a common adage that among quack doctors, nine out of ten were dentists. Due to the firmly closed bedroom door, these patients remained unaware of anyone inside. At mealtimes, Doctor Chen would consistently bring in a small amount of food, typically steamed buns or pan-fried dumplings purchased downstairs.

Initially, every ring of the doorbell sent a jolt of extreme tension through Lin Duo, who feared his father would come storming in, belt in hand. As the rings grew more frequent, however, he gradually found a measure of peace, reasoning that his father had no logical way to locate him so swiftly.

He even meticulously scanned the news on television, worried his face might appear with a plea like ‘Middle schooler missing from [City Name], citizens requested to assist in search.’ Of course, this proved to be pure overthinking; with countless missing persons daily, television stations simply lacked the time for such trivialities.

Three days passed swiftly. On this particular day, Doctor Chen wiped the last traces of mud from Lin Duo’s back, nodding with satisfaction. “Excellent,” he declared, “this way, there won’t be any scars! Here, take a look in the mirror yourself.”

Lin Duo moved to the mirror, discovering that the previous bloodstains were indeed gone. Yet, a series of deep red marks remained, starkly visible against his tender, pale skin.

“These are just skin reactions; they’ll naturally fade away in about half a year,” Doctor Chen explained simply. “But never mind that, let’s talk about something else. In my long life, I’ve watched many little girls like you grow up. I can affirm, in a few years you will blossom into a beautiful young maiden, and then many young men will surely line up to propose to you!”

“Thank you, Doctor Chen!” Lin Duo’s heart swelled with a sweetness akin to honey.

“However, friendship is one thing, but we still need to settle the finances,” Doctor Chen stated. “You’ve stayed for three days, and with the medication and procedure fees, I’ll charge you 300 yuan in total!”

This price was actually quite fair; a hospital stay would have cost at least a thousand.

After the medical fees were paid, Doctor Chen couldn’t help but offer a reminder. “At your age, you can’t possibly establish yourself independently in society. You should quickly find a reliable relative to turn to. Alas, how could there be such cruel parents in this world, beating their daughter like this?”

“I understand, and truly, thank you for everything these past few days!” Lin Duo bowed deeply and earnestly.

“I’m a country person myself; there’s no need for such formalities,” Doctor Chen said, waving a hand. “Well then, may we meet again if fate allows.”

“Yes, may we meet again!” Lin Duo’s eyes were slightly red as he bowed once more in farewell.

****

The ticket counter at the provincial capital’s long-distance bus station was bustling with activity. Lin Duo waited for a long time before finally reaching the window, stating in a tender yet clear voice, “Hello, I’d like a ticket for the 5 PM bus to Nan’an City. Uh, I’m buying it for my dad.”

The ticket agent, without suspicion, checked her computer. “That batch of tickets is sold out. The next departure is at 11 PM, but there aren’t many seats left, so you should quickly call your father to ask his opinion.”

“My father said any bus today would be fine.”

“Alright then. 380 yuan. It’s a double-decker sleeper bus.”

Having purchased the ticket, Lin Duo glanced at the large clock on the wall; it was only 3 PM. Feeling bored and being his first time in the provincial capital, he decided to wander around, making the most of his time there.

Lin Duo left the station and strolled aimlessly. The streets teemed with traffic, so he had no need to worry about safety. However, the endless sight of towering buildings and shopping malls quickly grew tiresome.

Unconsciously, Lin Duo found himself passing a clothing store, his gaze fixed on the array of beautiful women’s clothing displayed in the window, unable to tear his eyes away for a long time. Even when he was still at home, Lin Duo would often browse various pretty outfits online, imagining how they would look on him. Yet, he never dared to buy them; after all, his home was small, offering no private space, and an extra piece of women’s clothing would quickly be discovered by his parents.

As Lin Duo indulged in his reverie, the clothing store owner noticed his unusual behavior and stepped out to greet him. “Little sister,” she said, “come in and have a look if you want to buy something. It’s perfectly fine even if you don’t.”

Lin Duo no longer hesitated, stepping into the store. Gazing at the colorful array of women’s clothing all around, he yearned to take every single piece home. Maintaining his rationality, however, he selected a cute pink striped hoodie with a hood and a pair of blue casual jeans before slipping into the fitting room.

This was the first time Lin Duo had ever worn women’s clothing. He stared blankly into the mirror, where he saw clearly a cute little girl, still developing. Due to long-term medication, Lin Duo’s frame was exceptionally slender, and his hands and feet were small, much like a young loli, easily inspiring a protective instinct in adults.

However, one discordant element remained: his hair. Although Lin Duo’s deliberate procrastination had allowed his hair to grow somewhat long, it was unkempt from lack of trimming. This unruly mop clashed slightly with his delicate, rosy face, indicating it was time for a haircut.

Emerging from the fitting room, Lin Duo was naturally showered with compliments from the shop owner. Delighted, he paid for the clothes without even bargaining. Upon leaving the store, Lin Duo unhesitatingly tossed his original male school uniform directly into a trash can.

The next stop was, naturally, a barbershop. Lin Duo repeatedly cautioned the stylist not to cut his hair short, and the stylist readily agreed, ultimately shaping it into a feminine, side-parted bob with bangs. While Lin Duo’s ultimate goal was flowing long hair, he knew it would take time; at least now he had his first common girl’s hairstyle.

As he walked down the street once more, Lin Duo noticed his increased number of glances, occasionally hearing passersby remark, ‘What a cute little sister.’ Indeed, he was already delicate in appearance and slender in build; now, paired with women’s clothing and a feminine hairstyle, he instantly looked prettier and more adorable than many girls his age. All of this immersed Lin Duo in a profound sense of happiness, further solidifying his resolve to leave home and become a girl.

Passing a post office, he hesitated for a moment before entering to buy an envelope and stamps. From his backpack, he retrieved a blank sheet of paper and began to write a short letter to his family.

“Dad, Mom, I’m sorry. I stole money from home and ran away. I understand you can’t accept my feelings, but I truly don’t want to continue living as a boy. I have no lingering attachment to our hometown. I will go to a city far, far away to pursue my dreams. Please don’t look for me; I will write to you regularly to let you know I’m safe. I wish you both good health.”

Lin Duo did not include a signature, nor did he leave a return address on the envelope. He simply affixed the stamp and dropped it into the post office mailbox. Along with the letter, he cast away the old Lin Duo, the boy he used to be.

From this day forward, he would live completely as a girl in this world.