Chapter 30: Something is wrong with Qi Qi

Mountain Path.

“Wow, Liu Wangjiang, you’re so strong, carrying me down the mountain like it’s nothing!” Lu Qingqi’s voice bubbled with surprise, her warm breath grazing Wangjiang’s neck, laced with a sweet, orchid-like scent. “Your muscles are so solid. I thought you were just a fancy nobleman, all looks, no substance.”

She poked his back playfully. “Am I heavy? You tired? Maybe put me down for a break?”

Wangjiang’s steps faltered briefly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Her closeness stirred something, but his voice stayed flat. “Not heavy.”

“Really? Don’t play tough guy. I look skinny, but I’ve got weight!” she teased, poking again.

He didn’t answer, focusing on the winding path. Tree shadows danced across his face, his purple eyes reflecting the trail—and a hidden heat.

“Qingqi… can I call you Qiqi?” he asked suddenly.

She nodded eagerly, hair brushing his earlobe. “Sure, go for it!”

“Qiqi,” his voice softened, “I know a friend who researches human gender. He might help.”

“Really?!” She nearly leapt off his back, voice spiking. “When can we see him? What’s wrong with me? Can I change back?” Questions tumbled out, laced with panic.

He steadied her knees. “Anytime. But it’ll take time to study. I can cover for you with my parents, but yours…”

Her excitement faded, voice dropping. “Yeah… my parents. They’ll worry if I’m gone too long. Should I tell them? But looking like this…” She glanced down at her female form, cheeks burning with shame at the thought of their shock.

“Maybe I can fake your death,” Wangjiang said calmly, no emotion leaking through.

“Fake my death?” she echoed.

“Fell off a cliff. I’d erase your traces, take you for treatment. When you’re cured, I’ll bring you back, say you needed space abroad for a few years. I’d back you up.”

Silence fell. He was about to nudge her when she burst out, “Okay! Wangjiang, thank you! Anything to change back! I’d rather die out here than face my parents or girlfriend like this. I’ll apologize later.”

He paused, surprised. The mountain breeze carried her hair’s orchid scent, stirring him. Her soft warmth pressed against his back, her trust disarming. So easy?

He’d braced for resistance, even planned restraints, but she agreed instantly. It felt… unreal.

Before he could dwell, her arms tightened around his neck, her body pressing closer. The soft curves under her thin clothes, cooled by mountain air, sent a jolt through him. “Wangjiang, thank you,” she said, voice nasal, relieved. “You’re a good guy. I misjudged you. You didn’t steal my girlfriend—she probably seduced you. She’s a jerk. I’m done with her. No more women for me!”

His brows furrowed. Her sudden shift—dismissing her girlfriend, flattering him—felt off. Too quick, too easy. “Qiqi, you smell… nice,” he said, pivoting.

“Really?” Her voice lit up. “It’s orchid shower gel, my pick! Wanna smell?” She leaned closer, breath tickling his neck, the scent rich and crisp. Her cheek nearly grazed his jaw. “You smell good too—bold, strong. One whiff and my legs go weak!”

The oddity grew. Wangjiang’s lips tightened, and he sped up without a word.

After a while, they reached a shaded grove. His voice was hoarse. “Let’s rest.”

He set her down carefully. Lu Qingqi rubbed her arms, shivering in her damp clothes. Without hesitation, she peeled off her wet shirt in front of him, revealing pale, soft curves that gleamed under the dappled light.

Unfazed, she shook out his dry coat and slipped it on, movements casual, as if gender didn’t matter between them. “Your coat’s warm, smells like you. Feels safe,” she said, smiling innocently.

Wangjiang stared, eyes tracing her face, then the oversized coat. Doubt gnawed. Is this really Lu Qingqi? The petty, vengeful rich kid from Nanbo City?

“Qiqi, you’re beautiful,” he said, testing, his hand brushing her face.

She blushed, mumbling, “Thanks…” Her shy reaction only deepened his unease.

“Qiqi,” he said, gripping her wrist, eyes locked on hers. “I did steal your girlfriend back then.”

“What?!” Her shock flickered, then vanished. She sighed. “Fine, whatever. I don’t care about her anyway. You’re helping me, so we’re good.”

She tried to pull free, but his grip tightened like iron, making her yelp. “What’re you—”

“Who are you?” Wangjiang’s voice was sharp, accusing.

He knew Lu Qingqi too well. Even as a girl, his pride, his grudges, wouldn’t vanish. A slight would burn for weeks, revenge a must. Yet this “Qiqi” brushed off betrayal with indifference?

This isn’t Lu Qingqi.