Upon exiting the holographic projection game experience area, Bai Xia felt a profound sense of satisfaction.
Though she had recently immersed herself in a groundbreaking game like “Otherworld,” it was undeniable that every game possessed its unique charm and appeal.
The advent of “Otherworld” had not diminished the allure of conventional holographic projection games; in fact, for someone like Bai Xia, who rarely indulged in such experiences, their entertainment value remained remarkably high.
However, the drawbacks were equally apparent: it was utterly exhausting!
While the root cause undoubtedly lay in her rather subpar physical condition, even a brief foray into the game had left her gasping for breath.
Perched on a long bench, she slowly sipped her drink to replenish her energy, all the while rubbing her temples as she murmured, “Perhaps I should schedule a hospital visit for a check-up?”
Such a thought was entirely rational; after all, even a typical young girl shouldn’t possess such a frail physique.
She felt as though she were but a step away from embodying Lin Daiyu (TL Note: A character from the classic Chinese novel ‘Dream of the Red Chamber,’ known for her delicate health and melancholy disposition).
While this somewhat delicate constitution didn’t present any immediate grave concerns, it nonetheless fostered a persistent sense of unease.
Deciding to address the matter when time permitted, Bai Xia resolved to seek medical advice after a moment’s contemplation.
Since this body was now unequivocally her own, any ailment would primarily afflict her.
Moreover, even in the absence of a specific illness, inquiring about scientific methods of conditioning seemed prudent.
With her decision made and feeling sufficiently rested, Bai Xia rose, casually tossing her empty beverage bottle to a passing refuse robot.
Just as she stood, poised to make her way to the upper-level clothing section, the young woman’s expression abruptly shifted.
Her head snapped toward a distant point in the corridor.
“…Mm?”
Bai Xia’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and after holding her pose for a prolonged moment, she finally murmured, ‘A mere illusion, perhaps?’
A persistent feeling gnawed at her, suggesting she was being secretly watched.
Yet, within the expansive corridor visible to her, only ordinary passers-by could be seen, with no discernible suspicious figures.
Still sensing that something was amiss, Bai Xia meticulously scanned her surroundings for a considerable time, only to come up empty-handed.
Could it truly be… an illusion?
Shaking her head, she ultimately attributed the sensation to her own overly sensitive nerves.
****
****
Bai Xia held a rather unique philosophy regarding money.
When she lacked funds, she might behave like a squirrel, eager to hoard every last crumb and slowly savor it.
Yet, once she possessed wealth, she never allowed it to simply stagnate.
In Bai Xia’s estimation, if one possessed the means to live a more comfortable life, it would be folly to deny oneself.
Rather than pondering the uncertainties of tomorrow, it was far more fulfilling to imbue the present day with meaning and satisfaction.
For the elusive “tomorrow” was truly beyond grasp; no one could ever predict what it might bring.
Just as Bai Xia herself, who, in her wildest imaginings, would never have foreseen a future where she transformed into a woman—and a legal loli, at that.
Thus, upon ascending to the fourteenth floor via elevator, where an array of clothing boutiques unfolded before her eyes, Bai Xia embraced the philosophy of “carpe diem” – ‘today’s wine, today’s drunk; today’s money, today’s spent.’
She resolved to indulge in a thorough shopping spree, thereby releasing the pressure that had simmered within her for the better part of a month.
Though she was neither a fervent shopaholic nor particularly fond of browsing, it was undeniable that, when circumstances permitted, indulging in food and retail therapy was among the most readily satisfying activities.
She casually chose a clothing store nearby that appeared to be reasonably well-appointed.
As it wasn’t a holiday, the clientele was sparse, and thus, the sales assistant quickly noticed the ‘little one’ who had just entered.
While clothing stores naturally held no age restrictions for entry, the sales assistant couldn’t help but cast a peculiar glance upon realizing Bai Xia was unaccompanied.
Nevertheless, her professionalism ensured she would never neglect a customer, and so she promptly approached Bai Xia with a welcoming smile.
“Little one, is there anything I can help you with?”
Bai Xia gazed at the woman, dressed in a uniform, who appeared to be in her early thirties.
Though the address “little girl” gave her a slight sense of ‘egg pain’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘dànténg,’ referring to an awkward, annoying, or cringeworthy feeling.), she nonetheless nodded.
“Yes, could you tell me where the autumn and winter clothing sections are? And, please note, I’m not looking for children’s wear.”
“Uh…”
The woman, who had been about to speak, was momentarily nonplussed.
After a curious glance at the young girl before her, she gestured and then led the way.
“All of our autumn and winter women’s apparel is located here.
Please, little one, follow me.”
Bai Xia followed in silence, her gaze sweeping over the diverse array of garments.
As they passed a particular section, she paused, almost imperceptibly.
Despite the subtlety of her hesitation, the woman leading the way seemed to have keenly observed her slight pause.
She turned suddenly, a smile playing on her lips.
“These might be a tad too premature for a young lady like yourself, wouldn’t you agree?”
The section they were currently traversing was dedicated to women’s intimate apparel, featuring designs that ranged from exceedingly mature to overtly sensual.
Had she been alone, Bai Xia would undoubtedly have chosen a different route.
However, with the sales assistant leading the way, she found herself compelled to press on, gritting her teeth.
Initially, she hadn’t felt particularly affected, but the woman’s comment now cast an undeniably awkward pall over the situation.
“Tsk… I would never deign to wear such things!”
As she surveyed the surrounding lingerie, whose ‘shame-level’ (TL Note: A slang term, ‘chǐ dù bào biǎo,’ referring to something so revealing or provocative that it breaks the scale of modesty.) was, in her opinion, off the charts, Bai Xia’s gaze resembled one fixed upon an unholy artifact—a comparison that, in truth, felt remarkably apt.
Even if she had desired to wear them, the original body’s ‘three-no’ figure—devoid of ample chest, legs, or derriere—simply couldn’t evoke the intended allure.
Come to think of it, the lingerie in her own wardrobe was indeed remarkably sparse, consisting primarily of simple, close-fitting undergarments.
Perhaps the original owner had understood that acquiring an abundance of lingerie would largely be a waste for her.
In stark contrast, however, the variety of panties was truly astounding: butterfly lace, blue-and-white stripes, tiny bear ties, girlish pink—that diminutive cabinet at home was, for any loli-con, nothing short of a veritable treasure trove!
Yet, these items held little relevance for Bai Xia.
She harbored no desire to touch most of them, convinced that doing so would cause her last vestiges of integrity to irrevocably dissipate.
Well, I’ve strayed a bit too far.
In any case, even as a girl, being enveloped by a world brimming with lingerie left Bai Xia thoroughly unsettled.
Fortunately, they soon passed through this zone of apparent wickedness and temptation.
Upon reaching the sleepwear section, Bai Xia paused briefly, casually selecting a few suitable sets for replacement.
The pajamas at home, after all, were far too ‘girlish,’ and she often felt a strange awkwardness when wearing them.
Following the sleepwear, they moved on to sweaters, a section that offered little to comment upon.
However, when it came to purchasing coats and trousers, Bai Xia spent a considerable time trying on various items with the assistance of the sales assistant (TL Note: ‘Dà jiě jie,’ literally ‘big sister,’ a polite and familiar term for a slightly older woman.).
Yet, she struggled to find anything truly satisfactory, as her current physique proved remarkably challenging to dress.
No, perhaps ‘difficult to dress’ wasn’t quite accurate.
Rather, most of the suitable combinations struck her as overly flamboyant, an aesthetic she simply couldn’t embrace.
Conversely, the styles she found appealing were, more often than not, ill-suited to her current diminutive stature.
Unable to find a single ensemble that both pleased her and suited her figure in that moment, Bai Xia deliberated for a considerable time before—with a decisive sigh—purchasing every item that merely seemed ‘acceptable.’