Chapter 27: Big Meat Buns Turned into Small Steamed Buns

Scenic Hotel, Bathroom.

Locked inside, Lu Qingqi leaned against the door, heart pounding like a drum. Her cheeks still burned from the slap she’d landed on Liu Wangjiang, her mind a chaotic swirl of panic and embarrassment. The mirror across the small bathroom reflected her altered form—soft, delicate features, shoulder-length hair, and the undeniable curves under her loose SpongeBob pajamas. She clutched her chest, the unfamiliar weight making her stomach churn.

Why does this keep happening? she thought, glaring at her reflection. I tried to hit Wangjiang with [Gender Swap], and it backfired—again! Worse, the hunger from last night lingered, a dull ache in her gut, though not as crippling as before. She vaguely remembered oatmeal, a gentle voice coaxing her to eat… Was that Wangjiang?

Her face flushed hotter. No way. He can’t know I’m like this. If he found out about her powers, her transformations, her humiliation—she’d never live it down. And that moment, his face buried in her chest, his breath warm against her skin… She shook her head, trying to banish the memory. Focus, Qingqi. Fix this.

She closed her eyes, summoning her powers. [Gender Swap], reverse it. A familiar tingle coursed through her, her body shifting. The curves receded, her frame sharpened, hair shortening to its usual ear-length. Her Adam’s apple returned, faint but present. She checked the mirror—back to normal, mostly. The “body correction and optimization” from her last power choice left her skin smoother, her features softer than before, but at least she was male again.

Breathing a sigh, she muttered, “Okay, no more experiments on that creep. Every time I try, I’m the one who ends up a girl.” She glanced at the door, dreading the inevitable confrontation. Did he notice anything?

Scenic Hotel, Room.

Liu Wangjiang sat on the bed, the red slap mark on his cheek still stinging. His purple eyes flicked to the bathroom door, his mind racing. Qiqi’s reaction… too intense for a dream. He’d felt her softness, smelled her fragrance, heard her groan. It wasn’t just his imagination. The “medicine” he’d been slipping into Lu Qingqi’s food—subtle hormonal tweaks to nudge his body toward femininity—was working faster than expected. But why was she so hungry? A side effect?

He stood, pacing. His plan was meticulous: gradually feminize Lu Qingqi, physically and mentally, until he became “Qiqi,” his ideal. Surgery would be the final step, but only after breaking his will. Yet, variables kept piling up—Xiao Yan, his parents’ return, and now this. If she’s onto me, I’ll have to accelerate things.

He stopped, staring at the bathroom door. Knock her out, tie her up, take her home. The operating table’s ready. His fingers twitched, but he hesitated. No. Too soon. I want her heart, not just her body. Forcing her now risked rebellion. He needed her to choose him.

The bathroom lock clicked. Lu Qingqi stepped out, back in his male form, though his skin glowed unnaturally fair, his eyes sharper yet softer. He froze, meeting Wangjiang’s gaze.

“Uh… morning,” Lu Qingqi mumbled, avoiding eye contact. “Sorry about, y’know, the slap. Bad dream.”

Wangjiang’s lips curved slightly, unreadable. “Bad dream? You seemed… hungry.” His voice was low, probing.

Lu Qingqi’s stomach flipped. Did he see me as a girl? “Yeah, uh, skipped dinner. Got lightheaded. You okay? I hit pretty hard.”

Wangjiang touched his cheek, eyes narrowing. “I’m fine. You hit like a girl anyway.”

Lu Qingqi bristled but let it slide, desperate to change the subject. “Where’s Godmother? Breakfast?”

“Downstairs, with my father.” Wangjiang stepped closer, his height looming. “You were muttering in your sleep. Something about… being hungry?”

Lu Qingqi’s heart skipped. “Just nonsense. Starving, y’know?” He edged toward the door. “Let’s eat. I’m dying here.”

Wangjiang’s gaze lingered, heavy with suspicion, but he nodded. “After you.”

Hotel Restaurant.

The breakfast buffet buzzed with guests. Liu Jiao’e waved them over, piling Lu Qingqi’s plate with steamed buns and eggs. “Xiao Luzi, eat up! You’re too skinny—look at those arms, like a girl’s!”

Lu Qingqi groaned internally, shoving a bun in his mouth to avoid replying. Across the room, he spotted Bai Yuanxue with Tao Cheng and Chen Tianwen, laughing over coffee. Her ease with them twisted his gut. Was that her in the hotel video? With some guy?

Liu Jiao’e noticed his stare. “Your girlfriend’s pretty, Xiao Luzi. But you look distracted. Trouble in paradise?”

“Nah, just… tired,” he lied, forcing a smile. Wangjiang, sitting across, ate silently, his eyes flicking between Lu Qingqi and Yuki.

Father Liu sipped tea, calm as ever. “Qingqi, Jiaojiao says you’re stressed. This outing should help. Relax, enjoy the scenery.”

“Yeah, thanks, Uncle.” Lu Qingqi’s mind was elsewhere—on Yuki, on Wangjiang’s creepy behavior, on his powers misfiring. Why’s my body changing so much? The “optimization” was making him look… prettier? His reflection in a spoon caught him off guard: delicate brows, fuller lips. Am I turning into a girl without powers?

Liu Jiao’e nudged him. “Eat more buns, Xiao Luzi. Big meat buns today, not those tiny steamed ones!”

Wangjiang choked on his tea, coughing. Lu Qingqi shot him a glare, catching a glint of amusement in his purple eyes. What’s so funny, creep?

After breakfast, Liu Jiao’e planned a hike. Lu Qingqi lagged behind, watching Yuki’s group ahead. She laughed with Tianwen, but her glances at him were fleeting, guarded. His phone buzzed—Monkey’s update: “Still investigating. Hotel guy’s ID unclear. More soon.”

His grip tightened. If she’s cheating, I’ll confront her. But not with Wangjiang around. He glanced at Wangjiang, walking beside his parents, his expression unreadable but intense. And what’s his deal? Why’s he so… obsessed?

The hike led to a cliffside view, the lake sparkling below. Liu Jiao’e snapped photos, urging Lu Qingqi to pose. “Smile, Xiao Luzi! You’re too pretty to frown!”

“Godmother, I’m a guy,” he muttered, but posed anyway, feeling Wangjiang’s gaze like a weight. As the group rested, Wangjiang leaned close, whispering, “You’re changing, Qiqi. Ever wonder why?”

Lu Qingqi’s blood ran cold. What does he know?