Chapter 40: A Revealed Identity and a Looming Hunt

Huh? You… you… how did you discern that?

No way. How could you tell at a glance? Does this mean my true gender is easily discernible to others as well? If that’s truly the case, then all my efforts at disguise would have been utterly in vain.

Yet, if I’ve been recognized so directly, what would he do next? Would he expose me, or exploit this discovered truth to coerce me into something?

“Your reaction was a touch too obvious. I merely intended to prod you a little, an innocent query, for I assumed girls wouldn’t be particularly interested in such matters. I never imagined your expression would betray your secret.”

Huh? Is that so? Damn it!

“You know now. What do you intend to do?”

‘Casting a wary glance at him, I realized that with my true gender exposed, this situation could hardly end well.’

“Nothing, really. It’s just that… we are one of a kind.”

‘One of a kind? What do you mean by that?’

What had initially been a youthful male voice suddenly transformed the moment he spoke again, becoming sharp, delicate, and altogether different—a sweet, melodious tone.

‘It was then that I finally understood what she meant by “one of a kind.” To put it plainly, she was a woman disguised as a man, and I was merely a little cross-dresser. No wonder she claimed we were kindred spirits.’

My cross-dressing was forced, but what about her? Why would a perfectly normal girl choose to teach at school in male attire? If she presented herself in her true form, I’m certain she’d be far more popular. Regardless, her current appearance clearly indicated something amiss. For her to teach while masquerading as a man, there could only be two plausible reasons: either a peculiar predilection, or a deliberate attempt to conceal her true identity.

The former seemed highly improbable; if it were merely a quirk, her identity would likely have been exposed, and the school would hardly permit her to teach under such circumstances. Thus, it was more likely she was intentionally concealing her identity. If she possessed the means to hide who she was, then forging her documents would be well within her capabilities.

‘So, what exactly was she hoping to achieve by adopting this disguise? I didn’t know, nor could I guess, and frankly, I truly didn’t want to know. Curiosity kills the cat, and the more one knows, the greater the peril. It was far safer to remain ignorant.’

Since she now knew my true gender, she likely wouldn’t actively expose my identity. I should be safe, free from worry.

From now on, I needed to be more careful. As a girl, I had to strive for a more convincing act. I couldn’t afford to be so transparent just because someone asked a casual question. This would serve as a valuable lesson.

Glancing back, Lan Baiyuan remained leaning against the rooftop railing, gazing at the sky. Was it truly that captivating? Didn’t she see it every day?

‘Could it be that she still clung to something precious? Or was it truly as she said, that time was running out?’

‘I dared not delve deeper into those thoughts.’

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Lan Baiyuan lowered her head and met my eyes.

“What’s wrong? Are you hoping I’ll teach you how to be a proper girl?”

Huh?! Who—who wants to be a girl? Are you mistaken? I want to return to being a true boy! Asking me to be a girl would only push me further from my original goal!

“But your current appearance… it would be such a waste to let it go.”

‘Let it be a waste, then. I absolutely refuse to become a girl.’

Observing the silver-haired loli vehemently shaking her head from a short distance, Lan Baiyuan could only sigh. “Very well, then. It truly is a bit of a pity.”

‘My features certainly fit the bill, but a pity? What utter nonsense! Bah! What a ridiculous notion. Seriously, what on earth goes through your mind all day?’

‘I needed to leave at once. If I were to accidentally be swayed by her, I would truly be doomed.’

‘Right, time to go, time to slip away.’

As I reached the stairwell leading down from the rooftop, I unexpectedly bumped into a familiar face. Hiss! Why do I encounter you everywhere, Senior Mo Yuyan?

After a brief exchange of glances, I decisively chose to flee the scene. At such a moment, disappearing without a trace was undoubtedly the best course of action.

Watching the silver-haired loli sprint past her once more, a fleeting hint of regret momentarily flickered across Mo Yuyan’s otherwise impassive face.

But just as swiftly, it vanished, her composure fully restored.

Casting a brief glance at Lan Baiyuan, who still leaned by the window, Mo Yuyan walked directly towards her.

“Your habits haven’t changed in the slightest.”

“Naturally. Time is short, so one must cherish the present moment.”

Withdrawing her gaze, Lan Baiyuan then flung herself onto Mo Yuyan, tightly clinging to one of her arms.

‘If I hadn’t known that this person, masquerading as a man, was actually a girl, given Mo Yuyan’s personality, any male who dared such a thing would likely have been pinned to the ground and thoroughly humiliated by now.’

“You’re a grown adult. Can you not be so undignified?”

Only when confronted by Lan Baiyuan would Mo Yuyan allow a flicker of emotion to show; such was the clinginess of this person.

“No, I’m clearly only in my early twenties, even if my forged identity claims twenty-six. Besides, who can resist touching your soft body, Young Mistress?”

Suppressing the urge to tear Lan Baiyuan off her, Mo Yuyan could only swallow her irritation. She had grown somewhat accustomed to Lan Baiyuan’s antics.

“I didn’t come for anything in particular. Just… how are the investigations proceeding?”

“Don’t worry, the mission from the leader has certainly been completed flawlessly. It’s just that when I first saw the leader, I truly couldn’t believe that our boss was *that* kind of person.”

Mo Yuyan nodded faintly. If the task was indeed complete, there was nothing more to discuss.

‘However, recalling the adorable creature she had just encountered, and knowing only the two of them were here before her arrival, it stood to reason that Lan Baiyuan would know of this charming individual.’

From the depths of Mo Yuyan’s eyes, Lan Baiyuan had more or less deduced her unspoken thoughts, for she had, after all, studied a measure of psychology herself.

“Young Mistress, you’re not perhaps inquiring about *that* person who just left, are you?”

Lan Baiyuan knew that Mo Yuyan had always possessed a peculiar weakness for cute things. Though her face might remain impassive, her actions invariably marked such adorable beings as her prey. This time, she had likely set her sights on Luo Ye, preparing to commence her hunt.