Chapter 45: A Day of Transformation and Joy

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, spilling into the bedroom. Zi Yanran’s eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, her consciousness gradually stirring from sleep.

Her first sensation was the soft touch and cool body temperature of the person nestled in her arms.

“Mmm…”

Zi Yanran hummed softly, lowering her gaze. Only then did she realize that Bai Mengqi was curled up in her embrace, sleeping soundly, though she couldn’t recall when she had gotten there.

Silver hair fanned across the pillow, gleaming with a pearl-like luster in the morning light.

Bai Mengqi’s pure and beautiful face still held a faint blush, her long eyelashes casting delicate shadows on her eyelids. Her rosy lips were slightly parted, her breathing even and tranquil.

Zi Yanran’s heart softened instantly, a warm current washing over her.

She leaned in, unable to resist, pressing a light kiss to Bai Mengqi’s smooth forehead. A blissful smile unconsciously graced her lips.

Everything that had transpired over the past two days felt like a beautiful dream to her.

“Ugh…”

Bai Mengqi was roused by the gentle touch. Her golden eyes slowly opened, meeting Zi Yanran’s mischievous gaze.

Their eyes locked. Bai Mengqi paused for a moment, then a shy blush crept onto her face. However, she quickly burrowed deeper into Zi Yanran’s arms, deliberately, like a kitten seeking warmth.

“Morning, sleepyhead.”

Zi Yanran chuckled softly, her fingers playfully coiling a strand of Bai Mengqi’s silver hair.

Bai Mengqi wrinkled her nose, her voice still thick with sleep, replying, “You’re the big sleepyhead! What time is it, and you’re still not up?”

Zi Yanran glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was already nine in the morning.

“It’s already this late. Didn’t we say we’d go shopping today? Come on, get up.”

At the mention of shopping, Bai Mengqi’s eyes immediately lit up. Like a nimble fish, she slipped out of Zi Yanran’s embrace, lightly leaping out of bed.

Zi Yanran gazed at her suddenly empty arms, a hint of melancholy welling up in her heart, but she was quickly amused by Bai Mengqi’s vibrant energy.

****

After they had both washed up, they stood before the wardrobe, selecting their clothes.

Today, Zi Yanran had deliberately chosen a more youthful ensemble: a white off-the-shoulder T-shirt paired with a denim mini-skirt, simple and fresh yet undeniably stylish.

She turned to look at Bai Mengqi, who, naturally, was wearing the only outfit she had left from yesterday.

As they stood before the full-length mirror, they looked exactly like a fashionable pair of sisters. The black and white combination was both harmonious and eye-catching.

While Zi Yanran adjusted her hair in the mirror, she suddenly froze.

She leaned closer, scrutinizing her face. ‘That’s strange, I feel… younger?’

Bai Mengqi emerged from the bathroom, tilting her head as she looked at Zi Yanran. “Are you? You’re not old to begin with.”

“No…”

Zi Yanran touched her cheek. “I really do feel like I’ve shed a few years.”

Bai Mengqi walked over, examined her seriously for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

“Perhaps it’s because you’re with me; you’re reverting to youth.”

Zi Yanran was amused, momentarily putting the thought aside.

After they were ready to leave, Bai Mengqi habitually extended her divine sense to check on Wang Lei next door.

“He’s not home,” Bai Mengqi sighed in relief.

Zi Yanran winked mischievously. “How exciting! I suddenly really want to see Big Brother Wang’s face when he sees you like this.”

The image immediately flashed through Bai Mengqi’s mind, making her shiver. “I think it would scare him to death.”

They exchanged a smile, then walked hand-in-hand towards the underground garage.

Zi Yanran’s red sports car gleamed in the sunlight as Bai Mengqi settled into the passenger seat.

“Relax, don’t be nervous. Today, we’re going to have some fun.”

The car drove out of the complex, merging into the city’s traffic.

Bai Mengqi watched the scenery rapidly receding outside the window, her heartbeat gradually quickening.

This was her first time appearing in public with her true face; her silver hair was no longer disguised, nor were her golden pupils concealed.

“Is it really okay?” Bai Mengqi asked uneasily when they stopped at a red light.

Zi Yanran reached out and squeezed her hand. “Trust me, no one will suspect a thing. It’s perfectly normal for young people to dye their hair all sorts of colors these days. As for your golden eyes, everyone will just assume they’re high-quality colored contacts.”

Zi Yanran’s car pulled into the underground parking lot of Jianghua Commercial Street.

On a weekend, the commercial street was bustling with people, lively and vibrant.

Bai Mengqi took a deep breath, following Zi Yanran out of the car.

As they stepped into the crowd, they immediately drew countless gazes.

Bai Mengqi’s silver hair shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, and her golden pupils sparkled like dazzling gems.

Passersby turned their heads, whispering amongst themselves.

“Wow! That girl’s silver hair, it’s dyed so realistically!”

“Oh my god, her colored contacts are so beautiful, they look real!”

“This pair of sisters is truly a feast for the eyes!”

Hearing these comments, Bai Mengqi’s taut nerves gradually relaxed. Zi Yanran was right; to ordinary people, her appearance would only be perceived as a fashionable statement.

“See? What did I tell you?” Zi Yanran said proudly, linking her arm through Bai Mengqi’s and smiling.

Bai Mengqi nodded, her lips curving upwards unconsciously.

This feeling of not needing to hide allowed her to experience an unprecedented sense of freedom.

****

They first arrived at a high-end hair salon.

Upon entering, an enthusiastic stylist immediately greeted them. “Welcome! What services do you two beauties require?”

Zi Yanran stated directly, “I’d like to dye my hair wine-red. Use your best dye.”

The stylist’s attention was instantly drawn to Bai Mengqi. “This young lady’s silver hair is stunning! Which salon did you get it done at? It looks absolutely real!”

Bai Mengqi was unsure how to respond, but Zi Yanran quickly intervened. “It was dyed abroad. I can’t quite recall the specific salon.”

The stylist sighed regretfully, then led Zi Yanran to get her hair washed.

Bai Mengqi sat quietly in the waiting area, observing her surroundings while cautiously scanning the area with her divine sense.

Only after confirming there were no anomalies did she relax, flipping through a fashion magazine.

Over an hour later, Zi Yanran’s hair was completely transformed. Her original black hair had turned into a vibrant wine-red, gleaming with an alluring luster under the lights, adding a touch of allure to her typically aloof demeanor.

“How is it?” Zi Yanran turned her head left and right in the mirror, pleased with her new look.

Bai Mengqi walked behind her, her fingers gently caressing the soft red hair. “It’s very beautiful, like flames.”

Zi Yanran giggled.

“Next, it’s time to buy things for you.”

****

Over the next few hours, they practically explored every high-end boutique on the commercial street.

Zi Yanran purchased a vast array of clothing for Bai Mengqi, from casual wear to formal gowns, from lingerie to outerwear—everything imaginable.

With each store they entered, she would select the most suitable styles for Bai Mengqi.

“Try this one,” Zi Yanran said, holding up a pale purple dress against Bai Mengqi.

Bai Mengqi showed some resistance. “Isn’t it too bright?”

“Trust me, you’ll look absolutely stunning in it,” Zi Yanran whispered close to her ear.

Under Zi Yanran’s insistence, Bai Mengqi reluctantly entered the fitting room.

When she shyly emerged, Zi Yanran’s eyes instantly lit up.

The pale purple dress perfectly accentuated Bai Mengqi’s slender waist, its hem falling just to mid-thigh, revealing a pair of long, fair legs.

The silver hair and purple dress created a magnificent pairing, making her look like an elf stepped out of a fairytale.

“It’s perfect! This is the one, wrap it up!” Zi Yanran couldn’t help but applaud.

Bai Mengqi looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity, yet also a strange hint of pleasure.

So this was what it felt like to be complimented as a woman.

The shopping trip was far from over.

Zi Yanran then took Bai Mengqi to a jewelry store, selecting a diamond-studded silver necklace, a pair of diamond earrings, and a diamond-studded silver bracelet for her.

For herself, she chose similarly styled gold jewelry, but inlaid with rubies.

“Are these… matching items?” Bai Mengqi asked softly, looking at the jewelry on their hands.

Zi Yanran simply smiled without answering, merely taking her hand and walking out of the store under the envious gazes of the staff.

Time flew by, and soon it was three in the afternoon.

They had practically swept through the entire shopping center.

“Let’s call it a day here. We’ll wait for them to deliver everything,” Zi Yanran finally declared the shopping concluded, her voice tinged with satisfied exhaustion.

Most large shopping malls offered home delivery services; otherwise, all the items they bought wouldn’t even fit in a single car.

****

Back at their residence, as soon as they arrived home, Zi Yanran kicked off her high heels and collapsed onto the sofa with a contented sigh.

“Ah! I’m exhausted…” She stretched her limbs like a lazy cat, her shirt lifting slightly with the movement, revealing her slender waistline.

“You were so excited earlier, how did you wilt as soon as we got back?”

Bai Mengqi sat beside Zi Yanran, playfully poking her cheek.

Zi Yanran, acting spoiled, lifted her legs and rested her feet on Bai Mengqi’s lap. “My feet hurt so much, rub them for me~”

Bai Mengqi shook her head helplessly, yet gently took hold of Zi Yanran’s ankle.

Zi Yanran’s feet were elegantly shaped, her toes painted with wine-red nail polish, though her soles were a little red.

“Alright, alright, you are my Queen. Your humble servant obeys.”

Bai Mengqi mimicked the tone from ancient dramas, making Zi Yanran laugh aloud.

Zi Yanran comfortably narrowed her eyes, her face full of smiles as she looked at her partner, whom she had only known for less than a week.

“Where do you want to go tomorrow?” Zi Yanran asked lazily, twirling a strand of her own hair.

Bai Mengqi thought seriously for a moment. “I want to… go to an amusement park.”

Her eyes lit up as she spoke the answer, like a primary school student anticipating a spring outing.

Zi Yanran raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Really?”

“Mm, why don’t we bring Xiao Xuan and Xiao Yi along?” Bai Mengqi suggested, her eyes filled with expectation.

Zi Yanran paused. Since giving birth to them, she had never taken them out to play. Bai Mengqi’s suggestion touched her deeply and also filled her with guilt.

She reached out and ruffled Bai Mengqi’s silver hair. “Okay, we’ll bring them both tomorrow.”

But she paused, then added coquettishly, “However, I still prefer to have our time as a couple. The children were just an accident.”

Bai Mengqi spread her hands, a helpless smile on her face.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do about that. Who told us we’re their parents? Since they’re born, we can’t just keep leaving them aside. Anyway, we have plenty of time ahead of us.”

Zi Yanran didn’t argue further on the matter, but her eyes darted, and she put forward her own condition. “Alright, but tomorrow, I want you to wear that pink dress I bought you today.”

Bai Mengqi immediately protested. “Ah? That’s too girlish!”

“If you don’t wear it, we won’t bring them,” Zi Yanran interrupted, pretending to be serious.

The two stared at each other for a moment. Ultimately, Bai Mengqi conceded, sighing helplessly. “Fine! Alright, I’ll wear it.”

Zi Yanran smiled triumphantly, then suddenly leaned in and pecked Bai Mengqi on the lips. “That’s a good girl.”

Bai Mengqi froze, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson.

This sudden kiss made her heart pound, and her fingers unconsciously intertwined.

Watching Bai Mengqi’s shy demeanor, a warm feeling surged through Zi Yanran’s heart.

****

The next day, they both woke up early again.

Bai Mengqi stood before the full-length mirror, awkwardly tugging at the hem of her dress.

This pink dress truly was too girlish.

“Stop pulling it. It looks great.”

Zi Yanran wrapped her arms around Bai Mengqi’s waist from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder.

Their reflections appeared in the mirror: one mature and alluring, the other pure and charming, yet unexpectedly harmonious.

Bai Mengqi mumbled softly, “It’s too embarrassing…”

“What’s embarrassing about it?”

Zi Yanran deliberately blew air into her ear.

“My little princess, of course, must wear the most beautiful dress.”

Bai Mengqi was speechless again, thinking, ‘Are you treating me like your daughter?’

Soon after, the two stealthily left Bai Mengqi’s residence, first returning to Zi Yanran’s home to pick up the children.

Zi Ye and Su Xiaoshi were stunned, completely taken aback by their changed appearances.

“What? You two children, why did you both go and dye your hair and wear colored contacts?”

Su Xiaoshi looked bewildered, her gaze sweeping back and forth between Bai Mengqi’s silver hair and Zi Yanran’s wine-red hair.

Zi Yanran smiled, linking arms with Bai Mengqi. “Oh, don’t worry about us. Mengqi and I are taking Xiao Yi and Xiao Xuan out to play today. We’ll be back tonight.”

Bai Mengqi gave her mother-in-law and father-in-law a slightly embarrassed smile, then was pulled away by Zi Yanran.

Watching their smiling daughter, Zi Ye and Su Xiaoshi remained in a daze for a long time.

“Husband, it seems the old Yanran has returned,” Su Xiaoshi said with a touch of emotion, watching Zi Yanran’s retreating back.

Zi Ye nodded, his eyes filled with relief.

“Indeed, she’s back. This is how she used to be. Seeing her so happy, I can finally set my heart at ease. As for other matters, they are no longer important.”

Upon hearing they were going out to play, Xiao Xuan and Xiao Yi jumped with joy.

Zi Yanran had never taken them on an outing before; usually, it was their grandparents who accompanied them.

The two children circled Bai Mengqi, curiously examining her new look.

“Auntie Mengqi, your hair is like a princess’s!” Xiao Yi said, looking up with her small face.

Bai Mengqi knelt down, gently stroking her head. “Then Xiao Yi is also a princess today.”

“Then I’m a prince!” Xiao Xuan quickly declared.

And so, the family of four drove away from home.

Soon after, the family appeared at an amusement park. Bai Mengqi proactively took the two children to play.

Zi Yanran watched Bai Mengqi, holding a child in each hand, queuing up for the merry-go-round. A corner of her heart was gently touched. She took out her phone, secretly capturing the moment.

To outsiders, they might have looked like a pair of sisters with two children.

But Bai Mengqi was undoubtedly the most captivating sight on the path, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight, her pink skirt fluttering gently in the wind, drawing many passersby to turn their heads.

However, joyous times are always fleeting. In the days that followed, Zi Yanran became exceptionally busy.