episode_0050

“What about Qingya’s dress?” Xu Nian asked, puzzled.

“Madam has already prepared it. She can go change right away.”

Su Qingya was led to where the dress was—a stunning gown displayed on a headless, limbless mannequin tailored to Xu Nian’s proportions.

Qingya’s figure was nearly identical to Xu Nian’s.

If it fit Xu Nian, it would fit Qingya.

Their heights differed by mere centimeters, which was why Xu’s mother had initially thought Qingya looked frail.

But proportionally, Qingya was actually slightly plump, with soft, squeezable curves.

Not excessively so, though—her overall frame still appeared slender.

The dress was exquisite. What girl didn’t love beautiful things? Xu’s mother had carefully selected it to showcase tonight’s star.

After all, this banquet was for Qingya. As the hostess, Xu Nian had to tone down her own attire to avoid overshadowing her.

Yet, as Qingya examined the dress, she felt an indescribable unease.

“Isn’t this too revealing?”

“Revealing? Most formal gowns are like this, Miss. I can already tell—you’ll look absolutely breathtaking in it, the brightest jewel of the evening.”

The maid dismissed her concern and lavished praise.

“No, no, no. This is too much—the neckline, the sleeves, everything. It’s like they skimped on fabric. I’m not used to this, and I can’t wear it.”

She had a girlfriend, after all. How could she parade around like this?

The last thing she wanted was to be ogled by strangers.

She’d keep the dress, but the only person who’d see her in it was Niannian.

“But Madam only prepared this one. There’s no time to find another now.”

Time was running out.

Changing and leaving were non-negotiable steps.

There had been a buffer period of a few days,

but Qingya had delayed her return.

The banquet, however, couldn’t be postponed—invitations had already been sent.

“It’s fine. I have plenty. We’re the same size—she can wear mine. Any one she likes.”

Xu Nian smiled.

She hadn’t worn most of her gowns more than once. To flaunt the family’s status, she was expected to wear a new outfit to every event. Even if she wanted repeats, her mother would stop her.

Over time, she’d accumulated a small wardrobe’s worth.

This time, her mother had probably prepared another new one for her.

“But for the young mistress to wear your clothes… Wouldn’t that be…”

“I’ll wear them! I want to wear them!”

Before Xu Nian could respond, Qingya blurted out loudly.

Both of them jumped.

Seeing Qingya’s enthusiasm rather than reluctance, the maid held her tongue.

“Why are you so excited about this?”

Xu Nian was baffled.

“Hehehe~ Niannian’s clothes… Clothes Niannian wore must be full of Niannian’s scent.”

Ah!

Could this real heiress please not be such a creep?!

With the maid present, Xu Nian swallowed her retort.

After much deliberation, Qingya still wasn’t satisfied.

“They’re all too revealing. Niannian, you’ve actually worn things like this in front of others before?”

“It’s completely normal? Why does it sound like you’re calling me shameless?”

Xu Nian was speechless!

Everyone dressed like this.

Sure, it was a bit revealing, but nothing inappropriate was exposed.

“Shameless! So shameless! My Niannian shouldn’t be this shameless for anyone but me.”

The thought of Xu Nian wearing these dresses at past banquets made Qingya’s blood boil.

Her grip on the wardrobe creaked ominously, dark energy seeping out like tendrils, threatening to corrode the furniture.

“Hey! Stop! You’ll break it!”

Xu Nian panicked.

That wardrobe was expensive!

Could she please treat things with care?

“Fine. I’ve decided. You wear this one, and I’ll wear that one.”

Qingya randomly picked two outfits.

Both were lovely—

and covered every inch of skin.

“But these are casual clothes!”

“So what? They’re still fancy. Way better than those other things.”

“No, banquets require formal wear. People will laugh, and it won’t highlight your presence. You’re the star tonight.”

“But Niannian, I only want to be your star. I don’t want others seeing you like that, and I only want to show this side of myself to you. Is that wrong?”

Qingya gazed at Xu Nian with puppy-dog eyes.

It reminded Xu Nian of a golden retriever.

Ugh!

She couldn’t resist this girl.

“Fine. These it is.”

Once changed, Xu’s mother took one look at them and nearly choked.

“You’re wearing that? Where are the dresses I prepared?”

“I think they’re perfect.” Qingya inspected herself, finding no issue.

Xu Nian’s wardrobe was full of gorgeous clothes—far better than anything Qingya had ever owned.

Yet she’d never seen Xu Nian wear them around her.

Hmph!

Once they got home, she’d turn Xu Nian into her personal dress-up doll.

One by one, she’d make her try everything on.

If Xu Nian could hear her thoughts, she’d scream.

Xu’s mother pulled Xu Nian aside. “Qingya doesn’t know better, but you do. How could you let this happen?”

“She thought the dresses were too revealing and refused. I took the initiative—sorry, Mom. As for me? I didn’t want her to feel awkward, so I dressed the same way. This way, she won’t stand out alone, and we’ll face any judgment together.”

Xu’s mother pressed her lips together but relented.

“Fine. I suppose this needs to be a gradual process.”

She said no more.

Besides, there was no time to change now.

But when the three stood together, Xu Nian and Qingya’s outfits made Xu’s mother’s understated gown suddenly seem dazzling—

as if she were the star of the evening.

Though in her forties, Xu’s mother remained strikingly beautiful. Yet her expression was troubled all the way.

As a mother, how could she steal her daughter’s spotlight?

The banquet was held at a manor specializing in hosting grand events.

With professionals meticulously handling the layout and planning, it certainly spared much hassle.

Her parents had invited a crowd, and the parking area was lined with luxury cars.

Xu Nian herself had little interest in the banquet.

In the past, she attended only out of obligation, forcing smiles along the way—like a puppet, utterly uncomfortable.

Her gaze drifted softly to the slightly uneasy figure beside her.

A smile broke through, unbidden.

Today, at least, things would be different.

[Joy Level: 53%]