Chapter 46: The Unlikely Fashion Quest

Helping fellow students who are in love is a good thing, but there’s a hint of personal interest in Xiaoli’s promise to Mo Qiu.

Those who stand out tend to attract attention, especially someone like Mo Qiu. Among the crowd of ordinary people, she, with her aura of melancholy and a pair of lifeless eyes, had already caught the attention of some in Xiaoli’s class.

Some tried to communicate with Mo Qiu, but all attempts ended in failure, which only fueled the imagination of others. Soon, rumors about Mo Qiu began to spread in their small circle.

The most widely supported version was that Mo Qiu was actually a psychologically mature, ruthless, and charismatic ‘Dark Queen’.

Though Xiaoli didn’t believe these rumors, she sometimes found Mo Qiu’s piercing gaze terrifying, reminding her of those unsettling moments.

After being left behind by Mo Qiu, Xiaoli saw an opportunity.

Maybe I can become the one who understands her best and brag about it to everyone.

Xiaoli couldn’t help but stomp her foot at the thought of accomplishing what others couldn’t.

‘You okay?’ Mo Qiu turned back, walking ahead.

‘Ah, I’m fine.’ Xiaoli quickly forced a friendly smile.

They returned to the clothing store, and the salesperson’s expression fell as soon as they saw Mo Qiu’s face.

As soon as Xiaoli stepped into the store, she eagerly started playing her role as a ‘shopping maniac,’ selecting outfit after outfit for Mo Qiu.

‘Mo Qiu, take a look at this. It suits your… ah, no, it suits your cool demeanor.’

Since she’s the Dark Queen, black clothing would complement her perfectly.

Mo Qiu examined it briefly and shook her head: ‘No.’

This outfit was too concealing, revealing only a small part of her shoulders.

‘How about this one, pastel colors look good on anyone.’

‘No.’

Still not revealing enough.

‘This one?’

‘No.’

‘What about this!’

‘No.’

After what felt like an eternity, Xiaoli’s exhaustion was evident. Mo Qiu was even more demanding than she had imagined.

After several rebuffs, Xiaoli deliberately chose a thin sundress: ‘This one reveals a bit too much, what do you think?’

Mo Qiu glanced at it and shook her head again: ‘No.’

‘Still no?!’ Xiaoli almost shouted, quickly covering her mouth.

After trying countless outfits, all she got were the same responses. Xiaoli wondered if she had chosen such a variety of styles, from conservative to revealing, and none of them met Mo Qiu’s standards?

Could it be my skill is lacking… impossible, absolutely impossible!

Xiaoli felt her dignity was being challenged and smiled as she said:

‘This dress is really pretty and affordable, what’s wrong with it?’

‘It covers too much.’

‘Ah?’ Xiaoli was stunned, looking again at the dress.

The spaghetti straps would reveal the shoulders entirely, and the fabric was lightweight, with a daring see-through skirt. If Mo Qiu wore it, her thighs would be subtly visible, drawing the gaze of countless men.

She thinks it covers too much?!

‘Um, can I ask about your preferences?’

Again. Mo Qiu sighed internally and repeated her requirements, which boiled down to:

Hard belts, exposed skin, and enough allure. Bonus if it comes with accessories, otherwise, she’d buy them herself.

Hearing this, Xiaoli’s jaw nearly dropped. Looking around, she whispered:

‘Are you serious? This is for others to see?’

‘Yes.’

Mo Qiu didn’t see any issue with it. From a male perspective, no one would dislike such outfits in a private room.

In her past life, many influential figures had their own private rooms, with wardrobes filled with such outfits. Some were for the women they brought into those rooms, and some were for themselves.

Someone like Bai Chen, a naive virgin, would definitely lose control, but Mo Qiu didn’t let him succeed. Before the water was warm enough, playing hard to get would make him fall deeply in love with her.

Mo Qiu didn’t think she understood women, but she definitely understood men. Even with a changed body, her mind remained that of a man.

Cross-dressing? It’s bearable, especially for her grand plan.

Mo Qiu thought there was nothing wrong, but Xiaoli saw it differently.

Buying a nice outfit for a crush was understandable, as Xiaoli often did, but she had never considered buying something like that!

So, are they into that sort of thing?

Wrong… maybe they aren’t a couple, but rather—master and s*ave!

Xiaoli opened a new path, and it became a slippery slope.

It’s not impossible for the Dark Queen to have a bit of kink. She never said the outfit was for herself. Thinking this way, Xiaoli felt like she was stepping into a forbidden territory.

If I don’t follow her lead, will I be locked in a dark room?

Imagining herself in a windowless room with several strange, rough men, Xiaoli’s skin crawled.

Sneaking a glance at Mo Qiu, her expressionless face showed no emotion.

Better get out of here now.

‘Hey.’

Just as Xiaoli took two steps, Mo Qiu’s voice came from behind.

‘You aren’t helping me?’

‘…’

Xiaoli swallowed, forcing a smile as she turned around.

‘I think this store might not have what you’re looking for.’

‘Really, I thought so too.’ Mo Qiu paused, ‘Then take me to a store that has what I want.’

Xiaoli swallowed again and spoke:

‘Mo Qiu, maybe we should just forget it.’

‘Why?’

‘Probably the whole commercial street doesn’t have that store.’

Actually, Xiaoli, as an experienced shopper, did know of a store that sold ‘special clothing.’ But even there, they wouldn’t have what Mo Qiu wanted.

At this point, the best option was to persuade her to give up.

‘It’s getting late, let’s talk about it another time. Fengling City is big, we’re not in a hurry.’

‘You want to leave?’

‘Ah…’

Her trembling voice, drifting gaze, and restless hands made it clear to Mo Qiu that she was lying, especially since it was still afternoon.

Mo Qiu’s cold tone made Xiaoli’s heart skip a beat.

I’m doomed, really going to be locked in a dark room. Hopefully, those men know how to be gentle, at least no candles, whips are fine.

‘You can leave.’

Surprisingly, Mo Qiu walked past Xiaoli and left the store.

‘Hey?’ Xiaoli was confused and quickly followed.

‘Do you need something else?’

‘Um… I have one more question.’ Xiaoli calmed her breathing, ‘Are you buying those clothes to make someone happy?’

‘Of course.’ She had said that from the start.

On the bustling street, Xiaoli stood still, seeing her own dazed reflection in Mo Qiu’s deep, ocean-like eyes.

Mo Qiu, seeing no response, turned to leave.

‘Wait, Mo Qiu.’

‘I’m getting impatient.’

‘I’ll take you to a special store, they might have what you want.’

‘Lead the way.’

What am I doing?

All the way there, Xiaoli kept questioning herself, why was she still taking the initiative to help her?

Because, I saw genuine emotions in her.

It’s amazing how, despite her emotionless eyes, Xiaoli could sense the sincerity in Mo Qiu’s words.

Willing to wear such clothes for her crush, ruining herself?

She’s not a Dark Queen, but a girl deeply in love.

Xiaoli could relate, having felt the same sincerity from Old Zhu. That’s why she accepted his confession and was still with him.

‘I’m glad someone like you is making sacrifices for that person.’

Hearing this, Mo Qiu didn’t pause or even look back.

Sacrifice?

Haven’t I sacrificed enough for Bai Chen?

If it means winning his heart, she’d even crawl naked onto Bai Chen’s bed. The disgust of physical intimacy with a man could be endured if she focused on the plan.

Though, she would always clean herself afterward. Unless the plan changed, and she needed this body to conceive, creating a ‘weakness’ for Bai Chen.

‘We’re here.’ Xiaoli stopped at the entrance.

It was a discreet clothing store tucked in a corner. Based on Mo Qiu’s experience, such stores often had more interesting items and wouldn’t disappoint.

Following Xiaoli inside, they spent some time before finally leaving, satisfied.

When they emerged, they were no longer in casual clothes. Instead, they wore a black and white maid outfit.

After arguing with the owner for a while, this was the only thing left.

The cat ears were sold out, so they only got a cat tail, but the collar and rope were available.

Mo Qiu put on the cat ears and looked at her reflection in the maid outfit.

The newly arrived maid outfit was elegant and cute, with lace trimming that accentuated the contrast between her maturity and youth. The skirt reached her ankles, revealing her small, white-stockinged feet, and her shiny, black shoes could almost serve as a mirror.

‘I can only help you this far, good luck.’ Xiaoli left with a bounce of her twin ponytails.

Watching her leave, Mo Qiu was still confused.

Why is she encouraging me?

Now, she could go straight to Bai Chen’s place.

Mo Qiu walked, her small shoes clicking against the floor.

The commercial street wasn’t far from the restaurant where Bai Chen worked, so she walked there directly.

The cute girl in the cute maid outfit attracted many stares as she passed.

‘Hey, little sister, can I add you on…’

Mo Qiu ignored the person trying to flirt with her, her gaze fixed forward, her deep eyes reflecting nothing but her destination.

Meanwhile, a certain Mr. Bai was still working hard at the restaurant, unaware of what was coming.