Ye Xingyao led the girl, who had shifted back to her black-haired and black-eyed form, as they walked home side by side. He stole a glance out of the corner of his eye, sizing up the familiar girl beside him.
‘Hmm… I feel like her Moon Elf Form is even more beautiful. Am I a closeted white-hair fanatic? Or is it just the novelty of seeing a familiar girl in a different look?’
The young man silently visualized his sister’s white-haired form. Unfortunately, he could not seem to use any kind of equivalent substitution or controlled variable method to find the answer.
After all, whenever he thought of his sister’s mischievous grin…
‘My fist… my fist is clenched.’
“What are you thinking about?”
“White hair… Uh, no, I was thinking about how to handle life from now on.”
“What… If you want to see it… I, I can show you in private.”
Yi Shiyue’s face flushed. She lagged half a step behind him, whispering bashfully.
This gave Ye Xingyao quite a shock.
How did one night cause this girl’s affection level to soar so high that she was now this clingy? No matter how high her affection had been before, she was never the type to push through her shyness to express herself so proactively.
It was truly strange.
After grabbing a quick lunch, Ye Xingyao led the girl to her front door.
“Where is your access card?” Ye Xingyao poked Yi Shiyue’s waist.
“Last night… I was planning to do something inappropriate, so… I didn’t bring it. I was going to come back and borrow yours.”
“…That was surprisingly cautious of you.”
Ye Xingyao walked to the opposite door, pulled out his own house keys, and rummaged through the shoe cabinet for a moment. He pulled out a white access card printed with a beautiful aerial view of the neighborhood and handed it to Yi Shiyue.
“Here. Remember to bring it back when you’re done.”
Since Ye Xingyao lived alone while his sister was away at school, and Yi Shiyue’s grandmother lived in the countryside for long periods, they both essentially lived alone. They had long ago agreed to keep a spare key at each other’s houses.
With a soft beep, the door opened to reveal a wall covered in numerous award certificates. Yi Shiyue kicked off her shoes and slipped into her white fluffy bunny slippers. She turned back to look at him.
“Xingyao, why are you just standing there? Aren’t you coming in to sit for a while?”
“Why are you being so polite with me? Or did you stop recognizing me after what we went through? Relax, I’ll be right here.”
“Should I say you just know me too well, Xingyao…?”
“Heh, who would have thought that the genius girl who sweeps up every award in class is actually an elf? Tsk.”
He received a sharp glare from the girl. It seemed her mood had finally recovered. Ye Xingyao felt relieved and waved his hand.
“Get some rest. I have to go pick up Xingling later. If there’s any unusual movement with the Star Spirit, remember to tell me immediately.”
“Okay… Are you going to be alright, Xingyao?”
“Wait until we go out to play tomorrow. Don’t forget what you told me before you left. You aren’t the kind of girl who breaks her word.”
“I promise you, this time I will definitely, definitely have a great time for one whole day!”
“No need to be so serious. I’m going to go clean up some loose ends. I doubt this matter is going to be that simple.”
“Mhm. Then I’ll rely on you, Xingyao.”
Yi Shiyue poked her head out from the doorway and gave Ye Xingyao a wink.
‘Cute.’
Ye Xingyao thought as he returned to his own apartment.
After all, what he was about to do next was something he couldn’t — no, must never — let Yi Shiyue find out!
Even if his childhood friend was understanding, if she knew he secretly dressed in women’s clothing to meet people, her slight mischievous streak would be more than he could handle!
‘Xingyao, come try this dress. It suits you so well, you know? Since we can’t be boyfriend and girlfriend, we can be sisters instead. Hurry up and change so I can see~!’
The boy felt a wave of lingering fear just imagining Yi Shiyue saying that.
That would be terrifying!
—
Ye Xingyao showered and went to his bedside. He rummaged through his belongings, pulling out his hidden women’s clothes, makeup, and perfume all at once.
Aside from the shame he felt every time he did this, the benefits of such a method were substantial.
First and foremost, it made it very difficult for anyone in the Hunter’s Union to connect “Ye Xin” — who wore makeup, perfume, and women’s clothing — with the ordinary sophomore student “Ye Xingyao.”
As a Magic Creature Hunter whose fame had risen rapidly in recent years, there were countless people trying to investigate Ye Xin’s identity. Even as a professional lone wolf, he would inevitably leave some kind of trail.
Furthermore… wearing women’s clothes forced him to pay attention to his behavior and mannerisms. Combined with his high-level makeup skills and quick wit, he had acquired extraordinary acting talents.
Over time, even he was beginning to forget how much of his performance was real and how much was fake.
‘Sigh.’
Ye Xingyao sighed inwardly.
His hands, however, were very honest as he put on a wig.
He looked into the full-length mirror. A “girl” looked back, with long black hair falling past her shoulders. She wore a deep blue jacket over a white shirt that showed a slight curve, a skirt matching the jacket, deep grey stockings, and short boots. She radiated the aura of a student. Ye Xingyao’s expression became complicated.
To emphasize the youthful atmosphere, he had even tied a red ribbon on his shoulder.
‘This life is over.’
However, for him, this outfit was perfectly in line with the persona of “The Girl Hunter, Ye Xin.” This outfit was very easy to move in, and there was a hidden pouch designed on the inner thigh beneath the skirt, which contained many highly practical tools.
After folding his male clothes neatly and placing them into a crossbody bag, Ye Xingyao performed a graceful spin in front of the mirror.
Perfect!
…Was it?
‘How on earth did I perform such a movement without any psychological burden?!’
Ye Xingyao felt a deep sense of self-reproach, though he wasn’t quite sure what he was reproaching himself for.
“Forget it, let it be.”
Ye Xingyao gave up on thinking.
“Cough, ahem. Ye Xin is here~”
He tested his voice. Now, everything was ready.
Stepping out of the house in his small boots and calculating the travel time, it was about time to head to the banquet.
—
The Sunset Melody Hotel.
It was located in a rather remote area. Upon entering, an air of simplicity washed over him. Of course, Ye Xingyao knew this place was not as simple as it appeared. On the contrary, it was a favorite gathering spot for many big shots in the grey areas.
He skillfully entered the secret code and headed upstairs. When the elevator doors opened again, the true face of the Sunset Melody Hotel was revealed.
A soft, sorrowful piano piece played in the lobby. Ye Xingyao had long forgotten which composer had written it, but the song had now become the signature of the Sunset Melody Hotel.
Arriving at the private room he had agreed upon with the boss, Ye Xingyao pushed the door open.
“Little Ye Xin is here? Come, take a seat.”
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