On the morning of the second day, sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room. The four of them sat around a small table, enjoying a simple breakfast and planning their next moves.
The top priority was naturally to handle the ‘haunted house’ incident entrusted by Li Yan. However, Xiyin suggested that before tackling that, they should first acquire some necessary items, especially for Qi Yue’an, who barely had any regular clothing and was still wearing a gothic-style long dress made with magic.
During their casual conversation, the topic inevitably turned to the previous night’s discussion and the mysterious figure. After describing Lin Xiao’s current appearance, Bai Zhi, sipping her milk casually, brought up a past encounter.
“By the way, my sister and I once ran into that guy, Lin Xiao, and we suffered quite a loss because of him.”
Qi Yue’an paused, her spoon in hand, and looked up. Her silver eyes were fixed on Bai Zhi, a mix of guilt and seriousness in her gaze.
Bai Jin took over, her voice tinged with indignation.
“Hmph! So that’s the unfaithful man who tricked Month Month! We were exhausted from ‘hunger’ when we stumbled upon him. Without a word, he summoned a bunch of disgusting cotton candy monsters and cornered us in that creepy parking lot, trapping us for days!”
She gestured angrily.
“If it weren’t for me and my sister being so powerful, we would have… Anyway, next time we see him, we’ll make sure to catch him!”
Qi Yue’an listened quietly, then spoke softly.
“He… means a lot to me, and he’s done this to you… I have to find him, even if it means locking him up to get answers.”
Her tone was calm, but her words carried an eerie weight. Her silver eyes seemed to hold a depth that was impossible to fathom.
Bai Zhi blinked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
“Oh~ he means a lot? Who would’ve thought our Month An is such a tragic heroine?~”
“Not like that.”
Qi Yue’an refuted, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. Tragic? If ‘friendship’ counts as a tragedy…
Xiyin put down her cup, her voice steady but with a hint of doubt.
“Since it’s your wish, I’ll do my best to investigate. But An An, remember this… not everything lasts forever. He might not be the person you knew. If you let your guard down for him, you’ll be hurt when he betrays you.”
She seemed to imply something, emphasizing the word ‘hurt’ with a heavy bite. Qi Yue’an knew this was related to Xiyin’s past, her initial despair and fear, and her decision to move forward alone due to betrayal.
“I… I understand.”
Qi Yue’an nodded, not arguing, but her heart was heavy with a mix of melancholy and anxiety.
“If he truly betrays you, I’ll make sure he pays the price.”
Her voice was firm, but it added pressure to Qi Yue’an’s heart. If things came to that, she wouldn’t know how to face him.
Deep down, Qi Yue’an made a silent vow.
With their goals set, they divided the tasks. Xiyin would use her network to gather rumors about the anomalies in the suburban villa area, continuing her music composition and video production, their only stable income source.
Qi Yue’an planned to return to school, partly because Li Yan mentioned being there too, and partly to find more clues about Lin Xiao’s past in the overlapping existence. She also wanted to be proactive in gathering information instead of relying on others.
Bai Zhi took on most of the household chores and shopping, while Bai Jin eagerly awaited their next real battle.
“Alright, enough with the serious stuff!”
Bai Zhi clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Before we start, let’s go on a big shopping spree! Month An needs clothes, and we need to stock up on daily supplies. Plus… Xiyin, why do you always wear tracksuits and pants? Girls should know how to dress up!~”
Xiyin’s gaze drifted, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately just nodded faintly, with a hint of reluctance.
Qi Yue’an didn’t seem to notice Bai Zhi’s intentions, simply nodding in agreement with her current situation.
“I really don’t have many clothes to wear, and I should probably buy some. After all, I’m currently just a layer of magic on top of nothing.”
“Exactly, we need to show off our charm in front of those pesky foxes!”
Bai Jin immediately agreed, always eager for any group activity, especially one that showcased their style.
They arrived at the bustling commercial center. As soon as they entered the crowded mall, Bai Jin’s true colors were revealed. She pointed at various cool outfits and accessories, chattering excitedly, as if adding to her ‘equipment stash.’ If not for Xiyin and Bai Zhi’s timely intervention, the expenses would have skyrocketed.
Passing by a toy store, Xiyin’s steps slowed almost imperceptibly, her gaze falling on a pink-haired cartoon character with an eerie smile, wearing a school uniform. It was a character Qi Yue’an didn’t recognize, but Xiyin smiled warmly at the sight, though she quickly regained her composure and prepared to walk past.
“Xiyin, do you want that?”
Qi Yue’an noticed her hesitation and pointed at the toy, asking softly. Xiyin’s ears turned red, and she looked away.
“…No, just looking. We don’t have much budget, so let’s not.”
“I want it.”
Qi Yue’an’s tone was resolute, carrying an irresistible sincerity. She picked up the toy and held it close.
“And I’ll give it to you.”
In the end, Xiyin couldn’t resist and bought the toy. To cover her emotions, she casually pointed to a nearby toy with a cool expression and a stiff mask, resembling a blue octopus.
“…Want to get you one too?”
Qi Yue’an hesitated at the sight of the stiff mask, pausing for a moment.
“No need…”
Even as she said that, she couldn’t refuse when Xiyin offered it to her.
Bai Zhi watched the scene, smiling like a cat that had gotten the cream.
“Oh my, already exchanging gifts? And… none for me? Boo hoo… We’re really just third wheels…”
Xiyin, sensing Bai Zhi’s impending commentary, quickly grabbed a purple-haired toy with a stiff mask, resembling a high school student, and tossed it to her.
Bai Zhi happily caught it, and Bai Jin, seeing the others with toys, approached shyly.
“This… is for you.”
She handed the toy to Bai Jin, who tried to act nonchalant.
“Hmph, I’m just looking, not like I want it.”
“This… you don’t need it…”
Seeing Qi Yue’an try to return it, Bai Jin quickly took it.
“Wait, I didn’t say I didn’t want it.”
“And… this is from me…”
She carefully held the toy, and from the shelf, she picked out a green-haired toy and gave it to Qi Yue’an. Seeing this, Qi Yue’an finally couldn’t help but pat Bai Jin’s head.
“Aww… don’t get carried away, hmph, pesky fox… stupid fox…”
She acted upset as she left, but not before taking the toy with her.
After a while, Bai Zhi bought Bai Jin a fancy dessert.
Bai Jin muttered, “Only a pesky fox would like something so sweet!” but her eyes kept drifting towards it.
Qi Yue’an noticed and, without Bai Jin’s awareness, scooped up a small piece with a spoon and offered it to her.
Bai Jin instinctively ate it, then realized what happened. Her face flushed, and she was about to react, but Qi Yue’an naturally reached out and ruffled her hair.
“…Cute.”
This caught Bai Jin off guard, and she left with a red face, taking the dessert with her.
Finally, they reached the main event of the day—the clothing section.
Xiyin tried to maintain her composure amidst the array of dresses, but her mind was racing with anxiety.
“I’ll just wear what I usually do…”
She attempted to reach for neutral options like sweaters and pants, but Bai Zhi caught her and dragged her into the changing room, seemingly ready to face a terrifying ordeal.
Qi Yue’an watched, secretly wishing her luck, but her smile couldn’t be contained. She was the only one who knew the truth about why Xiyin hated dressing up and wearing feminine clothes.
She followed Bai Jin, allowing her to try on various outfits, feeling embarrassed by some of the cuter styles, but maintaining a neutral expression.
When she emerged in a black dress with intricate lace details, Xiyin, who had been avoiding eye contact, glanced over and froze.
The dress accentuated Qi Yue’an’s cool demeanor, her fair skin and silver eyes glinting under the lights.
“How do I look?”
She asked the group. Bai Zhi nodded approvingly, seeming pleased with the result. She then showed off her own outfit—a casual yet alluring combination of a female sweater and a skirt, with her hair in a braid that draped over her left shoulder, highlighting her stunning figure.
“You look amazing.”
“Really? Month An, I love it!”
Qi Yue’an sincerely complimented Bai Zhi, who beamed with joy.
One by one, the others emerged from the changing rooms. Bai Jin was now in a stylish, cape-like outfit, striking a pose in the mirror.
“Hmph, I’m definitely the coolest!”
But there was one person who hadn’t come out yet. Bai Zhi smirked, looking towards the door.
“Xiyin~ why are you being so shy? It’s just a dress, you’ve worn one before~”
This remark hit a nerve, and Xiyin’s face turned bright red, her voice shaking as she defended herself.
“W-who’s being shy!”
Finally, with everyone’s encouragement, Xiyin reluctantly tried on a light blue dress.
When she cautiously stepped out, Qi Yue’an looked at her with genuine appreciation. Xiyin’s blush still lingered, and the dress highlighted her youthful charm. If Qi Yue’an didn’t know the truth, she would have been instantly captivated.
Qi Yue’an’s face lit up with a genuine smile, her praise coming from the heart.
“You look amazing, it suits you perfectly.”
Before Xiyin could bask in the compliment, Bai Zhi added fuel to the fire.
“Wow! Clothes really make the difference! Our Xiyin is a beauty with just a little effort! But why do you seem more shy than Month An? You’re both girls, but you act like a boy being forced to dress up!”
This comment only deepened Xiyin’s embarrassment, but she was relieved that the others seemed to take it lightly.
Bai Jin, seeing Xiyin’s reaction, huffed and turned away, muttering under her breath.
“…Not bad, I guess.”
Shopping complete, they left the mall, laden with bags, as the setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the city. The atmosphere was light and cheerful.
However, as they passed through a quieter alley, an unusual energy fluctuation and distant sounds of impact reached their ears.
Deep within the alley, flickering lights of different colors danced, accompanied by shouts and the roars of monsters.
“This… sounds like a battle?”
Bai Zhi’s smile faded, her eyes focused on the source of the noise.
Xiyin’s brow furrowed as she sensed the energy.
“It’s intense, and… there’s more than one source.”
Qi Yue’an gripped her shopping bags tightly, her silver eyes sharp as she stared into the dim alley. She set down her bags and began to investigate.
In the distance, within the alley, ice and fire clashed, and a agile figure was engaged in a fierce battle with several twisted creatures. Above, a girl with a massive sniper rifle was providing cover, their fighting style brutal and efficient, unlike the cooperative approach of Qi Yue’an and her friends…