Chapter 7: A Bold Decision and a Fated Encounter

The sun shone brightly outside the window as Xia Zhiquiu watched the youth leave. She couldn’t help but rub her brow, feeling as though she had lost her mind to agree to such an absurd request from the boy!

She was actually going to help a little punk pursue herself? But that wasn’t the most critical issue. The most pressing concern was that Xia Zhiquiu felt she was bound to be exposed eventually.

If that guy realized that the big sister he had taken a liking to was actually herself, Xia Zhiquiu couldn’t even begin to imagine what might follow.

So, she needed to find a solution that would satisfy both parties…

Xia Zhiquiu pondered for some time before finally making a bold decision.

She decided to first pretend to be very eager and then agree to the boy’s advances, which would hopefully deter him from bothering Xia Wei.

Later, she could find an excuse to reject the youth, making it impossible for him to continue pestering Xia Wei.

Thinking this through, Xia Zhiquiu felt her plan was solid, and her mood lifted considerably.

However, she couldn’t have known that this decision would alter the course of her life…

***

The next afternoon, Xia Zhiquiu sent some of her preferences and other details to Bai Hao, claiming it took her considerable effort to gather them.

At a suburban villa on the outskirts of Ning City, every room was immaculately clean, though the place had been unoccupied for quite some time.

The youth sat on the sofa, glancing at the messages from the woman, and couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smirk.

‘What a charming temptress…’

He raised his hand to send a quick OK and indicated he would try that night.

Xia Zhiquiu, upon reading the youth’s reply, was taken aback. This boy was certainly eager, but she wasn’t ready yet!

The thought of pretending to accept the advances of a youth nearly two decades her junior, especially when she had once been a proper man, filled her with resistance.

Despite her body having been a woman for several months, Xia Zhiquiu’s orientation remained steadfastly female, of that she was certain.

If he truly liked men, what was the difference between turning a man into a little boy and a lesbian into a straight woman?

But all of this was for her daughter, Xia Zhiquiu reminded herself. This was all an act, just a performance…

As the sky darkened, the deceptive power granted by the bracelet began to fade. Xia Zhiquiu prepared to change into a different outfit, but as she gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she found herself momentarily lost in thought.

In that instant, a strange notion crossed her mind: becoming such a beautiful woman wasn’t so bad. If she were to entice men, it would be effortless…

But Xia Zhiquiu quickly snapped out of it, shaking her head and muttering to herself.

‘I can’t believe I’m even thinking that! I would never become a woman who seduces men with her charms!’

Even with her body transformed, she resolved to remain strong and mentally a man!

With this in mind, she donned the most conservative blouse and trousers, though her ample figure still prominently displayed her curves…

Star Flame Bar was known for its upscale, sophisticated ambiance, making it less rowdy and more intimate.

The owner was extremely wealthy, with numerous assets, and this bar was merely a hobby project. Thus, he didn’t impose many restrictions on the staff.

Xia Zhiquiu cherished the bar’s atmosphere and would often treat herself to a cocktail during quiet moments, savoring it slowly to the music. Today was no exception.

So, when Bai Hao stepped into the bar, he was greeted by a captivating sight.

There, at the bar counter, sat a woman with a curvaceous figure, her delicate fingers cradling a gradient-colored cocktail to her lips.

Her hair, slightly disheveled, framed her face, masking her emotions, while her entire being radiated a unique allure, leaving him thirsty with anticipation…

The cocktail in her hand, a Tequila Sunrise, was a blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, creating a mesmerizing sunrise effect.

It was sweet with a hint of orange, barely masking the tequila’s bite, perfectly suited to her.

Reflecting on this, Bai Hao approached her directly, tapping the counter.

Xia Zhiquiu, seeing the youth approach, flashed a moment of unease in her eyes.

But she quickly regained her composure, ready to act her part.

Bai Hao, with an air of casualness, took a seat at the counter, addressing Xia Zhiquiu.

“Sister, do you remember me? I’m back to support your business.”

Xia Zhiquiu, eyeing the youth’s smug demeanor, inwardly scoffed, but maintained a serene smile.

“Your spending doesn’t directly benefit me, so I’d rather you came less often.”

Bai Hao, noting the woman’s feigned indifference, found it oddly stimulating. He wondered just how far she would go with this act.

“Well, that wouldn’t do. If I don’t come, I won’t be able to see you,” he said sincerely.

Xia Zhiquiu was momentarily taken aback by the boy’s straightforwardness. After a brief hesitation, she decided to keep up her facade.

“So, you’re trying to woo me? I have no interest in someone your age.”

Bai Hao, seeing her act with such conviction, could already envision her embarrassment when he exposed her ruse…

“Have you even tried? How do you know I’m not worth your time?” he countered, his words carrying a double meaning.

Xia Zhiquiu caught the implication instantly, extending a delicate finger to gesture dismissively.

“No need to try. I can already tell you’re lacking.”

Bai Hao’s lips twitched involuntarily. She dared to call him small? He would show her otherwise…

“By the way, could you make me another one of those Long Island Iced Teas from yesterday?” he asked, changing the subject.

Xia Zhiquiu nodded and set down her drink, replying.

“Sure, this is the first time I’ve seen someone so young handle their liquor like that.”

She wasn’t exaggerating. The youth had downed several Long Island Iced Teas without batting an eye!

Had she not prepared them herself, she might have thought he was drinking spiked drinks.

But during this brief exchange, Xia Zhiquiu failed to notice that the youth’s pupils began to turn blood red.

He scanned the nearby patrons, who appeared menacing, and they momentarily stiffened before resuming their composure, but now faced the counter…

As Xia Zhiquiu prepared to hand over the freshly made Long Island Iced Tea, she noticed the approaching group, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Excuse me, can I help you with something?”