The Hot Air Balloon drifted with the wind, crossing over mountain ridges.
Walking among the clouds, the white mist teased the girl’s cheeks.
“You should really think about it.” Bai Xiaozhi gazed at the girl in her arms, speaking gently, “Whether you want to accept yourself, and from now on live honestly, no matter if it’s the end of the world or a new era… just be yourself.”
Be myself?
Wu Xiaomi pressed her lips together and shook her head with a smile. “You… worry too much.”
She didn’t have those kinds of worries at all, because she truly didn’t want to get involved in all that romance stuff.
Even if she did develop feelings for some girl, the other party might not like her back. After all, there weren’t that many yuri girls in this world—at least, Wu Xiaomi hadn’t met many, and most of those she’d only seen last night.
With the chance of encountering another yuri girl being so low, Wu Xiaomi didn’t believe she’d just happen to meet one, let alone have mutual feelings.
Completely unrealistic!
So, rather than harboring expectations about a partner, it was better to just keep her distance and shut off those sensors for “longing” and “liking.”
That way, she wouldn’t get hurt, nor would she trouble any other normal girls.
Having made this decision, Wu Xiaomi felt she was absolutely brilliant!
“At the very least, you can always trust me,” Bai Xiaozhi softly met the gaze of the girl who had lifted her head, “At the very least, you can be completely yourself in front of me. No matter what you feel or decide, I will always support you. Even if…”
Bai Xiaozhi paused, her next words coming out with some difficulty.
But she still said them.
“…Even if you fall for someone, you can tell me, and I’ll help you.”
“……”
Wu Xiaomi suddenly felt a wave of warmth, flowing from Bai Xiaozhi’s eyes, from her chest pressed close, and from her words.
Even the biting wind high above couldn’t break through this warm aura.
“But… why?”
Wu Xiaomi didn’t understand.
Why? Why would Xiaozhi say something like this to her, treat her so well…
Oh no!
Did she notice something?
Her mind instantly started to panic, her heart pounding like a startled deer.
Her body tensed up, she didn’t dare speak, nor did she dare to meet Xiaozhi’s sincere eyes.
Without Wu Xiaomi’s definite answer, Bai Xiaozhi sighed in disappointment.
She had experienced it herself, she knew that taking this step, admitting one’s true feelings, was always filled with hesitation and pain for anyone.
It was hard.
“Come with me, starting today.” Bai Xiaozhi looked toward Xilin City. “I’ll protect you.”
Pfft… Protect me?
You’re underestimating your big bro here!
It was always me taking care of you, and it always will be.
Don’t think just changing bodies can change anything!
“Mmm… Eh?!”
Just as she was thinking that, her body was picked up.
Bai Xiaozhi hugged the girl in her arms and leaped off the Hot Air Balloon.
Wait… it’s still so high!
Waaaah, I’m gonna die—
Help meeeeee—
The terrifying sensation of free fall left her mind blank.
She watched as her body plunged through the clouds, the ground rushing closer and closer.
Suddenly, Bai Xiaozhi took out a small emblem and pressed it to her chest.
Milky white lines traced from her back, taking shape in the holy light, unfurling into broad, reassuring wings!
White hair, white wings—she should have been a gentle, fragile Angel, but because of the girl’s black clothes, there was an added sense of power and aggression, as if she embodied both light and darkness in one.
With a strong flap of her wings, the falling sensation disappeared without a trace.
Angel identity reward completed—Sacred Angel Emblem (Incomplete).
As Wu Xiaomi stared in shock, Bai Xiaozhi dove with a powerful beat of her wings.
Just before landing, she wrapped Wu Xiaomi in her wings, then dropped to one knee, landing safely.
“Until you figure things out, I’ll be your Angel.”
Bai Xiaozhi smiled, lifting Wu Xiaomi’s hand and bringing it to her lips for a gentle touch.
Wu Xiaomi’s cheeks burned, her brain shutting down even more completely.
W-w-w-what’s going on?!
Xiaozhi, Xiaozhi, Xiaozhi, she, she, she… how did she become… so charming?!
Her heart was beating so fast, what was this feeling?
Suspension bridge effect! It must be the suspension bridge effect! That’s right, her heart was only racing because of fear…
How could I possibly, possibly feel anything for Xiaozhi?!
Absolutely impossible!
Wuwuwuwu, what is happening! What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with Xiaozhi? What’s wrong with this world?!
Feeling the lingering warmth of Bai Xiaozhi’s lips on the back of her hand, Wu Xiaomi’s head was practically steaming.
“Don’t overthink it.” Seeing the girl completely dazed, Bai Xiaozhi couldn’t help but laugh. She grinned mischievously. “Just come with me next.”
“Uh… mm… ah…”
Wu Xiaomi muddle-headedly followed Bai Xiaozhi.
Led along by Bai Xiaozhi’s hand.
She had no idea what Xiaozhi was planning, or where she was being taken.
Confused.
Just one word—confused.
“Next, someone’s going to give you a few tests,” Bai Xiaozhi said.
“Oh.” She nodded absentmindedly.
Very soon, she was pulled through a grand doorway.
“Sit down,” Bai Xiaozhi said.
“Oh.”
She sat on her knees, obedient as a little puppy.
“Give me your hand.”
Okay.
She stretched out her hand, pressing it to the crystal ball in front of her.
The crystal ball lit up with a brilliant glow, a bit dazzling—Wu Xiaomi felt like her eyes were about to go blind, so she instinctively closed them.
People around seemed shocked, shouting and exclaiming.
But Wu Xiaomi’s brain was on strike, not hearing a single word.
“Sign here.”
Okay.
She signed her name on a form.
It was as if there was an invisible barrier, cutting her off from the outside world.
Only Bai Xiaozhi’s voice, like a command from God, reached deep into her consciousness.
Dazed, she just obeyed without thinking.
“Well then, from today on, you’re a Freshman at Yuling Academy. Also, I’m honored to be your roommate. I’ll take you to the Girls’ Dormitory.”
Okay.
Okay…
Huh???