Chapter 41: Tangled Feelings

A Warm Greeting

“Hey, Little Qingyue! Did I keep you waiting? You’re here early!” Yu Li arrived and saw Fu Qingyue at their meeting spot. She seemed to have been waiting a while. “No, I just got here.” Fu Qingyue shook her head, her tone calm as always. “Really? Hehe, good then.” Yu Li grinned, eyeing Fu Qingyue’s outfit.

A Striking Contrast

Unlike Yu Li, Fu Qingyue dressed more neutrally today. Her look was cute yet slightly cool. Paired with her stoic face, it was perfect. She was a bit taller than Yu Li. Standing together, Fu Qingyue seemed like a dashing girlfriend. “Little Qingyue, you look so cool today~” “Thanks… you’re very cute too.” Fu Qingyue replied earnestly, almost robotic.

An Unexpected Touch

“I picked this outfit carefully!” “It wasn’t a waste. Let’s go—” Before Yu Li finished, Fu Qingyue touched her cheek. “W-what’s wrong, Little Qingyue?” “Li Bao, your face is red. Are you sick?” “Ah…” Yu Li stepped back, touching her face. It was still warm from earlier. Suppressing emotions with her ability had side effects. She blamed Ai Xinglan’s recklessness in her mind. “It’s nothing, Little Qingyue. Just hot today.” “It’ll pass soon~” She forced a smile and grabbed Fu Qingyue’s hand. “Let’s go!” “Is that so?” Yu Li successfully dodged the topic, exhaling softly.

Planning the Day

“Any place you want to visit with a friend?” Yu Li asked Fu Qingyue quietly. “…A clothing store, maybe?” Fu Qingyue thought for a moment. “Why the question mark?” “Well… girls in class go shopping or eat.” “It’s not mealtime yet.” Her blunt, almost robotic reply made Yu Li laugh. “Pfft, I see! Let’s check out a clothing store then~” “Mm.” Fu Qingyue gripped Yu Li’s hand back. She led them to a popular store girls raved about.

A Bustling Store

“Is this the place?” “Yes, I researched it. They recommended this.” The store was packed, as expected. Girls eagerly picked out clothes. Bored boyfriends waited around. Yu Li’s eyes sparkled at the unique designs. No wonder it was so popular. She grabbed a skirt and held it up to Fu Qingyue. “Hmm… not quite right…” She frowned, put it back, and picked another. She held it up again. “Yes! This looks great!”

A Quick Decision

“Li Bao?” Fu Qingyue’s voice held a faint question. It was barely noticeable unless you listened closely. “Oh, sorry! This just suits you so well!” “I got carried away…” “It suits… me?” “Yep!” “Then I’ll buy it.” “Huh? Just like that?” Yu Li stared, surprised. “Because you said it looks good.” Fu Qingyue’s tone was calm but certain. “Well, sure, but try it on first!” “Mm… okay.” Fu Qingyue took the skirt expressionlessly. She headed to the fitting room.

An Efficient Friend

Yu Li watched Fu Qingyue enter and close the door. Her lips twitched as she muttered: “Too efficient, Little Qingyue.” While Fu Qingyue changed, Yu Li scanned the store. The clothes were genuinely appealing. Her interest wasn’t fake. Next time… I’ll come with Xiao Ai… The thought popped into her mind. She froze. Why am I thinking of Xiao Ai again? Because of today…? Tch… I’ll get her back later. Yu Li grumbled, confused by her thoughts.

A Stunning Transformation

The fitting room door slid open. Yu Li looked up and saw Fu Qingyue in the long skirt. “How is it?” Fu Qingyue asked. Yu Li’s eyes lit up. She pinched her chin, looking troubled. “Not good?” Fu Qingyue tilted her head, confused. “No… it’s too good. I’m torn.” The skirt transformed Fu Qingyue completely. Her cool demeanor turned ethereal, like a lofty fairy. Her slight height advantage added a touch of charm.

A Playful Dilemma

“Torn?” “Yes! Cool girlfriend or aloof fairy? It’s hard to choose!” “?” Fu Qingyue didn’t grasp the metaphors. But she understood Yu Li’s indecision. “Should I change back?” “No! Then my aloof fairy disappears!” Yu Li hesitated. “How about… I wear it again next time?” “Really?! Yay, Little Qingyue!” Yu Li cheered, and Fu Qingyue’s lips curved faintly. She returned to the fitting room, swapping back. She packed the skirt and rejoined Yu Li.

A Shared Moment

“Li Bao, won’t you try something?” Fu Qingyue noticed Yu Li only picked for her. “Huh? Me?” Yu Li pointed at herself, surprised. She flashed a sunny smile, grabbing a skirt. She held it up to herself. “How’s this?” Her smile was like a warm sunflower. Fu Qingyue stared, captivated.

A Jealous Glance

“Hehe, got you staring, Little Qingyue!” “You can’t just focus on me!” “You won’t enjoy the day!” Yu Li stuck out her tongue, chuckling. She moved to put the skirt back. Fu Qingyue didn’t stop her. She wasn’t the only one staring. Yu Li’s charm drew eyes naturally. Many in the store glanced at her subtly. Beauty attracts, but Fu Qingyue felt annoyed.

A Protective Move

As Yu Li returned, Fu Qingyue acted. She pulled Yu Li close with a gentle tug. Grabbing a sunhat, she placed it on Yu Li’s head. Her purple eyes flashed coldly. She glared at the onlookers stealing looks.