Ch. 108 - An Unexpected Guest

By evening, I finally made it back to the villa, lugging the day’s spoils.

It wasn’t just the shopping bags in my hands, though. My left thigh felt a little heavier thanks to a new black leather garter. Bai Yu had picked out this edgy, monochromatic look for me—a tight-fitting crop top paired with high-waisted micro-shorts. It was one of the few outfits we’d bought that wasn't a dress.

She claimed she picked it because the style suited me perfectly. But the real selling point was the garter; it was actually an alchemical item with a built-in pocket dimension. It only held about a cubic meter, nothing huge, but it was exactly what I needed for emergencies.

Earlier, Bai Yu had tried to buy me a dedicated spatial storage device, but I’d shot that down the second I saw the price tag. Way too expensive. This garter, however, was "part of the set," and since the price for the whole outfit was reasonable, I caved.

At first, I thought it was just a practical purchase. But now? Now I suspect Bai Yu might have a very specific "thing" for garters.

She tried to play it cool, but the second I buckled that leather strap around my thigh—watching it pull slightly against the skin—her eyes went completely glazed.

So, that’s her weakness, I noted.

No wonder she steered me away from maxi skirts. Everything she recommended showed off some leg.

I’m not saying she’s a leg person, yeah... she’s definitely a leg person.

I’d ask her directly, but there’s no way she’d admit it. Guess I’ll just have to keep "experimenting" with the new wardrobe she bought me. It’s the least I can do since she picked up the tab.

The garter's storage space was already stuffed to the brim with things I didn't want to carry openly—pajamas, underwear, and other... "private essentials."

Now that I’m officially living as a girl, I’ve realized there’s a lot more to "healthy development" than just buying pretty dresses.

I’m going to have to reorganize my entire closet. I used to think the wardrobe in my room was unnecessarily huge. Now, I’m worried it won't fit half of this stuff.

I pushed open the heavy front door of the villa, expecting to hear some life, but the first floor was eerily silent. It was the first day of the semester—where was everyone? Surely they hadn't all gone out to party?

I knew Dongli Yiren was busy with that mysterious "part-time job" she refused to talk about, but Guan Qiuling was a total shut-in. And then there was our fourth roommate, who was still missing in action even though classes had officially started.

I headed upstairs to drop off my bags when a strange noise drifted from the room next door. Guan Qiuling’s room, I realized.

Is the soundproofing in this place really this bad?

Curiosity got the better of me. I poked my head out of my bedroom, wondering what kind of "activity" could be making that much noise.

Just as I was about to creep closer, Guan Qiuling’s door swung wide open.

I froze, feeling like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar, but the person who stepped out wasn't my roommate.

“Ah—my apologies, lovely lady,” the stranger said. She had a polite, polished tone, but her eyes held zero remorse. In fact, she looked like she’d just finished a very satisfying meal. “I’m a guest of Guan Qiuling’s. Sorry for the lack of a proper heads-up.”

“You! You’re the one!”

I pointed a finger at her, my heart racing. This was the same senior I’d met when I was acting as the middleman for Guan Qiuling’s... transaction.

What the hell was she doing here? And more importantly—Guan Qiuling invited her? That was a lot of information to process at once.

“Hmm? I believe I gave you my card last time. Have you forgotten me already, little freshman?” She didn't look offended. If anything, she looked predatory. “Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Hu Xianyi, the academy’s premier... 'specialized instructor.' You left in such a hurry last time that we never got to do this properly.”

Her vibe was completely different today. If I had to describe her in one word? A "predator in a suit."

“I… look, what did you do to Guan Qiuling? There’s no way in hell she invited you here!”

After a frantic bit of mental gymnastics to process the situation, I finally found my voice. As far as I was concerned, Hu Xianyi was basically trespassing. If she could talk her way into Guan Qiuling’s bedroom today, who’s to say she wouldn't be standing over my bed tomorrow?

I wasn't about to let a wild card like her just hang around my living space.

“Oh, I didn’t do anything,” Hu Xianyi said, her voice smooth as silk. “You mean Guan? She’s been pining for me all week. You should have seen her this morning—pacing by the front door, practically counting the seconds until I arrived. It was honestly adorable.”

She looked off into the distance, vividly recounting the scene as if she were savoring a fine wine.

My stomach dropped. I remembered seeing Guan Qiuling earlier this morning; she had been up unusually early, fully dressed and looking anxious. Could she actually be telling the truth?

I stared at Hu Xianyi, searching for any flicker of a lie, any crack in that polished mask.

“I know, it’s a lot to wrap your head around,” she continued. “But it’s the truth, little freshman. Yuehan, right? Guan mentioned your name. It’s a lovely name. I know you’re suspicious of me, but I pride myself on my professional ethics. I promise I won’t do anything... inappropriate... to you.”

“Promises don't mean much coming from you,” I snapped. But the fact that she knew my full name meant Guan Qiuling really had talked to her.

This was insane. I knew people had their secrets, but this was next-level.

“Is that… is that Yuehan out there?”

A muffled voice drifted from behind the bedroom door. It was Guan Qiuling, no doubt about it.

“Guan Qiuling? Are you… okay?” I didn't even know how to talk to her anymore. I’d only been in this dorm for five minutes, and I’d already hit my drama quota for the month.

I came here for a quiet student life, not to be a supporting character in whatever "specialized" hobby my roommate was into.

“I’m sorry, Yuehan… I just… I…” Guan Qiuling didn't even show her face. She stayed hidden behind the door, her voice thick with shame. I guess some things are just too hard to explain face-to-face.

“It’s fine,” I said, my tone softening. I realized I was being a bit of a busybody.

The only reason I was making a scene was because I was terrified her drama would spill over onto me, but honestly? If I put that aside, it was just her business. High-octane, mind-blowing business, but her business nonetheless.

“Look, everyone makes their own choices. I respect that,” I said, scratching the back of my head awkwardly as I turned to leave. “Just… give me a heads-up next time? Pulling a stunt like this without a warning is kind of a lot for me to handle.”

“Anyway, I’ll leave you two to it. I haven't had dinner yet, so I’m heading out. You guys want me to grab you anything?”

“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like a steak. Well-done…” Hu Xianyi chimed in.

“You’re getting a takeout box from the corner, take it or leave it.” I rolled my eyes at her. I was being polite, and she was already placing orders? The nerve.

I didn't wait for an answer. I bolted out the front door, needing some fresh air and a serious change of scenery. I couldn't stay in that villa for another second.

The Baking Club should still be open this late. Maybe some sugar and a quiet kitchen would help me forget I ever saw Hu Xianyi’s face.

Comments