Chapter 7: A Shared Bath and Lingering Doubts

“It’s nothing, just some things I suddenly remembered.”

Bai Yu turned her head, baffled by her heightened reaction to Lu Xingyao’s touch ever since she had become a girl. What was happening to her?

“Oh, don’t worry, Xiaoyu. I’ll stay with you until you get used to your current self.”

Lu Xingyao spoke gently, understanding the profound unease Bai Yu must be feeling. After all, having suddenly been thrust into a strange, mysterious world and transformed into a delicate girl, such anxieties were only natural.

“Mn.”

Although a little shy at Lu Xingyao’s words, Bai Yu felt a warmth bloom in her heart.

To have such a sweet girl unconditionally help her during her most difficult time—Bai Yu was already immensely grateful.

“Xingyao, are your parents home?”

Bai Yu lifted her small head, her silver-white eyelashes fluttering as she gazed at Lu Xingyao.

“My parents? They’re also always working abroad and rarely come home.”

“Oh, I see. It’s just like my family.”

Bai Yu nodded.

“Do your parents know about those mysterious things? And about you being a Secret Art Master?”

Bai Yu asked again.

“Of course, they do. They’re all Secret Art Masters, which is why I’m attending Xihai International High School.”

“Is that so?”

Bai Yu lowered her head, wondering if her own Mother might also be a Secret Art Master. Otherwise, why would she have brought those mysterious items home?

Perhaps her high-paying job abroad was also related to the mysterious realm.

If she hadn’t brought back that box, would she never have turned into a girl?

‘Oh, forget it.’

In truth, she couldn’t blame her Mother; she had, after all, warned her not to touch it.

“I’m going to take a shower.”

Bai Yu informed Lu Xingyao before heading to the bathroom.

Upon entering, she knew the clearly oversized school uniform she wore was out of the question. She needed to buy clothes that fit her current form.

Speaking of which, in her current state, she wouldn’t have to wear women’s clothing, would she? She was absolutely certain she wouldn’t.

‘I’m a real man. How could I possibly wear such things? Even if my body has become that of a little girl, my iron will shall never waver.’

With that thought, she began to take off her school uniform.

As each piece of clothing came off, Bai Yu suddenly felt a sense of unease.

Staring at her delicate, diminutive body, a surge of guilt rose within her.

‘Wait, my body is a girl’s now, right? So, there’s nothing wrong with looking at my own body, is there?’

‘But my inner self is a true man, you know? This kind of thing…’

‘Yet, I can’t not shower. Regardless of whether Lu Xingyao could tolerate it, I certainly couldn’t. I’ve always been a clean person, showering every day, both before and now.’

‘I just have to close my eyes. Yes, close my eyes.’

Bai Yu thought to herself. As long as she didn’t look, it didn’t matter at all.

She slowly lifted her clothes, then, with lightning speed, stripped them off and immediately stepped into the bathtub.

“Phew, mission accomplished!”

Bai Yu opened her eyes, her vision now obscured by the steam. Though a slight sense of guilt lingered, it was manageable.

“So comfortable.”

Feeling the warmth envelop her body, it seemed all her fatigue and the lingering effects of her earlier crying spell were swept away.

Indeed, a bath was the best way to relax.

Just as Bai Yu was enjoying this brief respite, the bathroom door suddenly opened.

Then came the sound of clothes dropping.

‘What’s going on?’

Bai Yu immediately sat upright, opening her eyes.

“Xingyao, is that you?”

Bai Yu asked weakly.

“Yes, it’s me. I’m here to shower.”

“Wait, I didn’t know you were showering now. I’ll be right out.”

Bai Yu, startled, instantly stood up, then quickly sat back down.

‘No, she isn’t wearing any clothes.’

“No, no, it’s fine if we shower together.”

Bai Yu’s voice was laced with panic, like a flustered kitten.

“Shower together? How can that be? I’m a boy.”

Then, she suddenly remembered that she had completely changed.

“Ah, even if I’m temporarily a girl, I’ll turn back someday!”

Bai Yu quickly explained.

“Then let’s wait until Xiaoyu changes back before we talk about anything else. I’m coming in now.”

Lu Xingyao chuckled, pulling back the shower curtain. She knew it was impossible for Bai Yu to ever change back.

Moreover, she preferred Bai Yu’s current appearance over her previous one; the little silver-haired girl was simply too adorable.

“Ahhh!”

Bai Yu immediately closed her eyes, waving her hands frantically.

“It’s alright, Xiaoyu, open your eyes.”

“But…”

Bai Yu was compelled by Lu Xingyao to open her eyes, only to realize that Lu Xingyao was wrapped in a towel, concealing all her important parts.

Only then did she fully open her eyes, though she still dared not look directly at Lu Xingyao.

“Xiaoyu, you look truly adorable right now.”

Watching Bai Yu’s shy expression, Lu Xingyao longed to pull her into a hug.

At this moment, she felt that Bai Yu awakening her spiritual core was simply wonderful.

“What do you mean, adorable? I’m a…”

Before she could utter “I’m a boy,” Lu Xingyao embraced Bai Yu directly.

The warm sensation instantly spread throughout Bai Yu’s body. The contact of their damp skin caused her mind to momentarily crash.

And Bai Yu herself wasn’t wearing a towel, making the sensation even more peculiar.

Bai Yu remained silent, held in the embrace, unable to utter a single word.

“Xiaoyu, you’re still the same as always. You were like this when you were little too, always shy when I got close.”

Bai Yu’s face flushed even redder. She had long forgotten her childhood, yet Lu Xingyao still remembered.

‘Am I really that important to her?’

“Xingyao, I…”

Bai Yu wanted to express her gratitude, but with her mind still reeling, she couldn’t form any words.

“It’s okay. This is my first time being this close to someone too. To be honest, I’m a little nervous as well.”

As she spoke, a faint blush colored Lu Xingyao’s cheeks.

She had gathered immense courage outside before deciding to come in, fearing that such an action might make Bai Yu dislike her or think she was a casual girl.

“Does Xiaoyu hate this?”

Lu Xingyao’s arms tightened around her.

“No, I don’t hate it, it’s just a little strange.”

Bai Yu quickly explained. Not only did she not hate it, but she also found it quite comfortable.

“Is that so? As long as Xiaoyu likes it, we can do this again in the future.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Bai Yu nodded, agreeing to everything without questioning what it implied.

****

After their bath, Lu Xingyao was drying Bai Yu’s hair.

Bai Yu, meanwhile, had changed into new underwear that Lu Xingyao had bought, as such items were quite personal.

However, due to their difference in body types, Bai Yu’s underwear was a bit large, so she could only wear a small tank top that Lu Xingyao had worn as a child.

After all, the current Bai Yu was completely flat-chested and required nothing else.

“Xiaoyu, your hair is so beautiful. Not only is it silver-white, but the volume and texture are amazing. There isn’t a single flaw.”

“Really? I actually think it’s a bit too long; it’s inconvenient.”

Bai Yu fiddled with her hair. Her long, silver-white hair nearly reached her backside, and she didn’t even know how she was supposed to sleep with it.

“No way! This Xiaoyu is the cutest. You’re not allowed to cut your hair!”

“I won’t cut it, honestly.”

Bai Yu felt a little helpless. To be frank, although she resisted this transformation, her current appearance was indeed incredibly cute, ranking as perfect even for someone as particular about looks as she was.

“Alright, it’s dry. Time for bed. Xiaoyu, quickly put on these pajamas.”