Chapter 33: Su Qi and Chatting up

Stockings, that quintessentially feminine item, were something Su Qi, like many boys, had admired before awakening his ability. The thought of sheer, pure white stockings wrapping a girl’s legs filled him with longing. But longing didn’t mean he wanted to wear them himself.

Since yesterday’s interview forced him into white stockings, the shame was already overwhelming. Now, back in male form, staring at the soft, perky “bunnies” on his chest, Su Qi realized with despair: I can’t ditch the stockings anytime soon.

Men’s clothing didn’t include bras. Letting his sensitive “bunnies” bounce freely in a short-sleeved shirt would not only hurt but also cause a scandal if noticed. Stockings were his only solution to bind them.

Rustle rustle…

Mimicking the chest-binding techniques of “girls disguised as boys” from TV, Su Qi expected it to be straightforward. But reality was brutal. Loosely bound, the bulge was noticeable, risking exposure. Too tight, and breathing became labored, the sensitive “bunnies” sparking a mortifying, tingling sensation akin to a shameful game.

After much trial and error, he found a balance. Dressed in male clothes, cheeks flushed, he steadied his breathing and left the accessible restroom at 10:30 a.m.

Intending to call Wen Yin-jie to ease her worries, he pulled out his phone. Before he could dial, a voice call notification popped up. Assuming it was Wen Yin, he felt a pang of guilt over his planned lie about staying at Mo Yu’s. Though his voice was back to male, lying wasn’t his forte.

But the caller wasn’t Wen Yin—it was Lin Xue, the culprit behind last night’s fiasco. Fury replaced guilt. Without hesitation, he answered.

Before he could speak, Lin Xue’s sleepy, teasing voice came through. “Su Qi, little junior, when did you sneak off? Why didn’t you wake me? It’s dangerous out there alone.”

Her lack of remorse and attempt to pin the blame on him made Su Qi’s small fist clench. My fist is hard now!

Instead of following her narrative, he confronted her directly. “Lin Xue-jie, weren’t you supposed to take me home? Why was I at your place, and…” He faltered, blushing at the memory of waking in her bed, unable to say “on your bed.”

His fair face flushed, the rosy hue like dawn on snow, shy yet captivating. Before his ability upgrade, such a blush might’ve gone unnoticed. But now, though his male appearance was largely unchanged, his skin was smoother, his short hair silkier, and his Crisp Wife aura added a soft, sweet charm. His angry flush only amplified this allure.

“Lin Xue-jie, explain yourself!” he demanded, pressing for answers about last night.

A gentle female voice interrupted from nearby, also catching Lin Xue’s attention over the phone. “Excuse me, classmate, are you arguing with your girlfriend?”

Su Qi, smaller and less popular than most boys, had little experience with girls beyond giving directions. The “girlfriend” question from this athletic-looking girl threw him off.

Before he could respond, she stepped closer, her tone bold. “If your girlfriend’s not behaving, why not switch? What about me?”

Her directness stunned Su Qi. Even his oblivious self grasped her intent—she was hitting on him.

On the call, Lin Xue bolted upright in bed. She’d prepared a slick defense to soothe Su Qi’s wariness, but another girl chasing him? The memory of holding his slim waist last night, so satisfying, fueled her agitation. Her chest heaved, her lingering desire to savor his scent replaced by urgency to reach him.

As she prepared to warn him against falling for “bad girls,” another voice chimed in. “Little guy, if you don’t like her, how about me?”

“Sis, you’re stealing my shot!”
“Stealing? He hasn’t said yes. But, little brother, if you’re into it, three’s fine too.”
“Our bond’s solid—buy one, get one free. Great deal!”
“Come on, ditch the girlfriend call. New faces are more fun. Stick with us, we’ll keep you very happy, hehe~”

Lin Xue’s heart raced as she heard the sisters closing in, their suggestive tone implying “adult” intentions. Picturing Su Qi’s naive, soft nature falling into their clutches—possibly pinned beneath them—sent her into a panic. Her usual calm shattered, replaced by worry and a tinge of jealousy.

Realizing her unusual emotions, she paused. Am I… falling for him? The thought was unclear, but her chest felt tight. More urgent was saving Su Qi from these “predators.”

Before she could speak, the call cut off.

Beep beep beep~

Lin Xue sprang into action, dressing swiftly, grabbing a black parasol, and rushing out.

Meanwhile, at Wuyue Plaza, Su Qi stared at the disconnected phone, then at the muscular sisters from the gym. His head filled with question marks.

Is this some new scam?

If not, their pursuit meant his Crisp Wife charm now worked even in male form. The realization brought no joy, only despair.

Level 2 already changed me this much. If it hits Level 3, will I become a full-on Crisp Wife?

Nooo!