If... I Found a Chance to Return to Being a Girl?

Tang Ya seemed long accustomed to being the center of attention. Her beautiful eyes swept quickly over the surroundings before settling precisely on Su Chen beneath a tree.

When she saw the powder-blue-haired "boy" standing beside Su Chen, who was just as strikingly handsome, a flicker of surprise—and... faint displeasure—flashed across her eyes. It was quickly concealed beneath a gentle smile.

Under the many eyes around them, and Wang Dong's somewhat startled gaze, Tang Ya actually quickened her pace. A bright, captivating smile bloomed on her face, and then—she flung herself at him!

She actually threw herself straight into Su Chen's arms! Her arms naturally went around his waist as she lightly rested her face against his chest, letting out a contented little hum with a hint of playful affection.

"Su Chen~ Sorry for the wait?" Her voice was soft and sweet.

"!!!" Wang Dong was completely dumbfounded. Her powder-blue eyes widened, her little mouth fell open, and her mind went blank.

Hadn't Su Chen told me they were just ordinary friends?! Because they'd helped each other in Star Dou Forest?!

The way you two are acting... how is it any different from a lovestruck couple finally reuniting after a long separation?! Hugging and cuddling like that! You're way too natural about it!

Su Chen also stiffened slightly at Tang Ya's sudden, enthusiastic hug, but he soon relaxed and gently patted her back. "All right, Tang Ya. Lots of people are watching."

Only then did Tang Ya seem to notice the eyes around them—and the existence of Wang Dong, that "giant light bulb." She reluctantly stepped out of Su Chen's arms, but kept one hand clasped naturally in his.

She finally turned her gaze properly toward Wang Dong. Her smile remained unchanged, but her eyes held a trace of scrutiny and faint reproach. Her voice was gentle, yet edged with a barb.

"Su Chen, who is this...? I remember telling you this morning that it would just be the two of us."

She had deliberately emphasized "just the two of us."

Su Chen awkwardly scratched his head, unsure how to explain the presence of this "tagalong."

Wang Dong had come back to her senses by now. The sour feeling in her heart had grown stronger, but she put on a radiant smile and took the initiative to step forward and introduce herself.

"Hello, Senior! My name is Wang Dong. I'm Su Chen's roommate!"

"I was the one who insisted on tagging along and having him show me around Shrek City! You don't mind, do you, Senior?"

She said, "You don't mind, do you?" But her eyes and posture clearly carried a little challenge: I'm here. What are you going to do about it?

Tang Ya's smile stayed sweet, but her grip on Su Chen's hand tightened slightly. She gave Wang Dong an up-and-down look, lingering a moment longer on the other girl's excessively handsome face before speaking with a tinge of jealousy.

"So you're 'Junior' Wang Dong? Hello, I'm Tang Ya, Su Chen's... well, a female friend he's very close to."

She had deliberately stressed "female friend," too.

"Since you're already here, come along with us." Tang Ya ultimately maintained the poise of a senior and didn't send Wang Dong away, but she was clearly less enthusiastic now.

Caught between the two of them, Su Chen sensed the subtle tension and could only keep silent, since silence was golden.

The three of them walked out through the east gate of Shrek Academy without another word.

The avenues outside the gate were at their liveliest. Stalls crowded both sides of the road, brightly lit. The calls of vendors, the haggling, and the mingled aromas of food filled the air with the bustle of everyday life.

There were stalls selling grilled skewers, sugar figurines, local snacks, and all kinds of trinkets. The dazzling array was clearly aimed at the huge number of students at Shrek Academy.

Without Bei Bei there, Tang Ya was even more "unrestrained." She held Su Chen's hand tightly, as if afraid he might get lost—or be snatched away by the "absurdly handsome junior" beside them. Every so often, she pointed at a roadside food stall and tilted her head to ask Su Chen if he wanted something, her tone intimate.

Wang Dong, meanwhile, trailed behind them and to one side. Watching Tang Ya hold Su Chen's hand so tightly, walking so close to him as they murmured to each other, with that radiant smile on Tang Ya's face... Wang Dong's lips puckered without her realizing it until they could have held a little oil bottle. Her heart bubbled with jealousy.

Hmph! Why are you holding hands?! Can't you walk on your own?! Wang Dong grumbled furiously to herself.

She looked at her own empty hand, then at Su Chen's hand in Tang Ya's, and suddenly felt that she, too, might want to hold his hand just a little.

But... considering the identity she presented to the world was "Wang Dong," a "boy"... Two boys holding hands in the street?

The image was too much for Wang Dong to bear imagining. They'd become the center of attention in an instant, and tomorrow's academy headline might read, "Shocking! Two Handsome New Students Hold Hands in the Street—is It Friendship, or..."

What if... I found a chance to return to being a girl? The thought suddenly popped into Wang Dong's mind. If she were a girl, could she get close to Su Chen naturally, like Tang Ya, and hold his hand, or even...

But as soon as the thought appeared, she quickly rejected it herself.

No, no! Going back to wearing girls' clothes would be such a hassle! Besides... how would I explain it? If I suddenly changed from a boy into a girl, people would definitely get suspicious! At that thought, Wang Dong immediately lost heart.

For the first time, she felt that disguising herself as a boy had dug her a huge hole, and now she was caught between a rock and a hard place.

So all she could do was sulk alone behind them, her cheeks puffed out. She deliberately stomped a little harder, trying to get the attention of the two people up ahead—I'm upset! Hurry up and notice me!

Unfortunately, Su Chen was being led around by Tang Ya, fielding her questions and playful little gestures while also making sure they didn't get separated. He didn't notice Wang Dong's little scheme behind them at all.

As for Tang Ya, she wasn't deliberately ignoring Wang Dong. It was simply that she had carefully planned this "date" for Su Chen, hoping to grow closer to him. Then someone had come out of nowhere and spoiled it. Anyone would have been in a poor mood. The fact that she was still being polite on the surface was already a credit to her good upbringing.

After they passed an intersection, Tang Ya pointed at a stall in the distance, wafting an enticing aroma. "Su Chen, look over there! Their grilled fish is especially delicious—absolutely amazing! My treat today. You have to try it!"

She was brimming with excitement, eager to share her favorite food with Su Chen and spend a pleasant evening together.

Wang Dong, "neglected" behind them and to one side, was still pouting. Her powder-blue eyes were full of unhappiness, and her steps dragged as she trailed after them, looking just like a child ignored by her parents.

Just as Tang Ya was leading Su Chen toward the grilled fish stall, Su Chen casually glanced around. His gaze suddenly paused on the small, busy figure behind the counter, and a hint of barely perceptible surprise flickered through his eyes.

Huo Yuhao?

Why was he selling grilled fish here?

Wait... Su Chen quickly thought it over. In the original timeline, Huo Yuhao should have relied on the opportunities brought by the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Electrolux to display enough talent in spiritual power, along with his status as a Tang Sect special-admission student, to enter Shrek Academy. But now, the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Electrolux were both with him. Huo Yuhao had lost his biggest cheat. How could he possibly...

Tang Ya noticed where Su Chen was looking and followed his gaze. She saw Huo Yuhao diligently grilling fish and smiled, leading Su Chen over at a quick pace as she explained, "Su Chen, he's my new disciple. His name is Huo Yuhao."

"Your disciple?" Su Chen looked at Tang Ya, puzzled.

"Mm!" Tang Ya nodded, her tone carrying a hint of relief and pride. "Funny how things work out. A few days ago, after we parted, Bei Bei and I ran into him on our way to take the advancement assessment. His Soul Power Level was too low, so he'd been eliminated from the Freshman Assessment and was feeling completely dejected."

She paused, then continued, "I saw that he was persistent and had a good temperament. Although his Martial Soul was just an ordinary Spirit Eye, his spiritual power seemed a little unusual."

"I thought the Tang Sect needed fresh blood right now, so I asked if he'd be willing to join. As a Tang Sect special-admission student, he could take the assessment without an exam."

So that was it... Su Chen understood. Without the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, Huo Yuhao's Spirit Eye Martial Soul did give him stronger spiritual power than most people to begin with, but it truly wasn't enough to impress. He had nearly been eliminated. Tang Ya's appearance and the Tang Sect special-admission spot had become the key to his entering Shrek. Fate had still stitched the pieces of the story together, just in a different way.

"Yuhao!" Tang Ya called toward the stall.

Huo Yuhao, who had been focused on turning the grilled fish, looked up at the sound of her voice. As soon as he saw Tang Ya, a respectful, happy smile appeared on his face. "Teacher Xiao Ya!" Then he noticed Su Chen and Wang Dong beside her.

Su Chen took the opportunity to study Huo Yuhao. He looked much more alert than when he had passed out in Star Dou Forest, but he was still small and thin, wearing old clothes washed pale with wear. His deep-blue eyes were clear and resolute as he watched them with curiosity and a little nervousness.

"Yuhao, let me introduce you." Tang Ya pointed at Su Chen, her tone intimate. "This is Su Chen, my... well, a very important friend. The person beside him is his roommate, Wang Dong."

Huo Yuhao hurriedly bowed slightly to Su Chen and Wang Dong, his manner sincere. "Hello, Big Brother Su Chen. Hello, Classmate Wang Dong. My name is Huo Yuhao. I'm Teacher Xiao Ya's disciple."

Su Chen nodded at him, his expression calm. "Hello, Huo Yuhao." He noticed the fluctuations of Soul Power on Huo Yuhao. He seemed to be around level twelve, having only recently broken through to become a Soul Master. His foundation also seemed a little shakier than it had at the same point in the original story, lacking the nourishment and marrow-cleansing brought by the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's vast Spiritual Origin.

Wang Dong managed to put away her displeased expression and gave Huo Yuhao a brief reply. "Hello." She wasn't very interested in Huo Yuhao; her attention was still more fixed on Tang Ya holding Su Chen's hand.

"All right, Yuhao, is the fish ready? I brought Su Chen especially to try your cooking. I'm already craving it!" Tang Ya urged him on, her eyes sparkling as she watched the fish sizzling on the grill, its oil bubbling and its aroma filling the air.

"It's ready, it's ready! Just a moment!" Huo Yuhao answered hurriedly. With nimble hands, he took three fish, grilled to a golden crisp and sprinkled with his secret seasoning, off the rack and handed one each to Tang Ya, Su Chen, and Wang Dong.

"Teacher Xiao Ya, Big Brother Su Chen, Classmate Wang Dong, please give them a try." Huo Yuhao smiled a little sheepishly. "My cooking might not be very good, so I hope you won't mind."

Wang Dong accepted the grilled fish and thanked him. Su Chen took his too and, under Tang Ya's expectant gaze, took a gentle bite.

The fish was crisp on the outside and tender within, cooked to perfection. The secret seasoning was savory with a hint of spice, bringing out the fish's freshness. It was genuinely delicious.

Even though Su Chen had eaten plenty of good food in his previous life, he had to admit Huo Yuhao really did have a knack for grilling fish. At the very least, it was better than most of the grilled fish he'd had at roadside stalls before transmigrating.

"It tastes great," Su Chen said, giving his honest assessment.

Huo Yuhao's face brightened with a happy smile. He was delighted to have earned their approval.

Su Chen looked at Huo Yuhao's plain clothes and the simple tools in front of his stall, and an idea came to him. He casually took out a gleaming gold coin and held it out to Huo Yuhao.

"Here, this is for the fish."

Huo Yuhao was startled when he saw it and hurriedly waved his hands as he stepped back. "N-no! Big Brother Su Chen, I'm treating you!"

"How could I take your money? Besides, that's far too much! My grilled fish only costs five Copper Soul Coins apiece..."

Before he could finish, Su Chen had already stepped forward and firmly grabbed his hand, pressing the Gold Soul Coin into his palm.

"Take it." Su Chen's tone was even, but left no room for refusal. "Your cooking is worth this much."

Ridiculous. Su Chen now held the Holy Heaven Sect in his hands, with the resources of a super sect behind him. One Gold Soul Coin was nothing to him, let alone ten thousand, a hundred thousand, or a million. He had handed it over so casually both to show his appreciation for Huo Yuhao's cooking and simply as a small gesture of kindness.

What's more, Su Chen had complicated feelings about Huo Yuhao as a character. On one hand, he really had taken the other boy's greatest opportunity for himself. On the other, he knew all the hardships Huo Yuhao had endured in the original story.

Huo Yuhao, however, was completely dumbfounded. He clutched the burning-hot Gold Soul Coin in his hand, not knowing what to do. He really didn't know how to run a business. At Teacher Xiao Ya's suggestion, he had set the price at five Copper Soul Coins per fish: good quality at a low price, with a small profit on each sale.

But Su Chen had just stepped in and raised the price to the astronomical sum of one Gold Soul Coin per fish! The enormous difference left Huo Yuhao's mind completely blank.

Quite a few students passing by had seen this, too.

"My goodness! One Gold Soul Coin for a grilled fish?!"

"Isn't that Su Chen, the one who defeated Teacher Zhou Yi on the athletic field today?!"

"He's so handsome! And so generous!"

"Is that grilled fish really so good? It costs a whole Gold Soul Coin!"

"Come on, let's buy one and try it! And take a look at the handsome guy while we're at it!"

Su Chen's striking looks, his fame from the day's incident on the athletic field, and his extravagant act of "throwing money around" instantly drew a crowd, especially among the female students. Their eyes lit up, and they gathered around him.

Their goal was clear—they wanted to try the grilled fish that could fetch a Gold Soul Coin, and they wanted a close-up look at the legendary handsome new student.

Before long, a long queue had formed in front of Huo Yuhao's stall!

Huo Yuhao had never seen anything like this. He scrambled about, nearly unable to keep up with the grill. Apologetically, he called out to the growing crowd of students around it, "E-everyone, today's my first day in business, and I didn't prepare many fish. I can only sell thirty. There are... there are only twelve left now. Those who haven't gotten in line will have to come back tomorrow, in order of arrival."

Though flustered, he was orderly in his dealings. He took money from the students at the front of the queue and quickly sold the remaining twelve fish.

Once the last fish had sold, Huo Yuhao counted the heavy pouch in his hands. Besides a large number of Copper and Silver Soul Coins, it even contained several Gold Soul Coins! By a rough estimate, he had made close to ten Gold Soul Coins and two Silver Soul Coins!

After deducting his costs and the money he'd need to buy supplies tomorrow, he would have enough left to last him a long time. He looked at Su Chen gratefully. Without the commotion caused by the Gold Soul Coin Su Chen had handed over, business could never have been this good.

Just then, a slender figure in purple emerged through the gates of Shrek Academy.

She was a female student wearing a purple uniform, around fifteen or sixteen years old. She was tall and graceful, with a curvy figure. The moment she appeared, she drew countless eyes, and even the air seemed to go quiet for a moment.

The girl's long golden hair fell in loose waves down her back. Her skin was fair as snow, and her features were as lovely as a painting. Her eyes were clear and captivating.

Even more eye-catching was her figure—she was tall, with a slender waist and long, straight legs. Most striking of all was her exceptionally developed figure, with full curves above and below. Her waist was slim and her legs long, and the purple uniform outlined her graceful curves to perfection. The fabric across her chest was stretched taut, its contours plainly visible from that angle, making it hard to look away.