Chapter 181: My Love Rival Is Too Good at Showing Affection, I Can’t Handle It!
That annoying love rival is way too bold!
In broad daylight, out in the open?
Lin Yibai suddenly felt a strong hand holding her by the waist, pulling her into Xia Changyu’s arms. She could even feel the heat of his body.
And then, she heard the steady thumping of his heartbeat against his chest, “thump thump thump,” like it was cheering for this moment, and also telling her: ‘your feelings are real’.
“You bad guy…”
Lin Yibai was embarrassed and angry. She wanted to punch him and knock him over.
But her struggling only made things worse. It made her soft, beautiful figure press even closer against Xia Changyu. Her body was warm and soft, almost like it was made of water.
Because of her nice figure, she always wore clothes that were a little too big. But right now, even the loose clothes felt thin and close to her skin in Xia Changyu’s arms.
Her chest was pressing tightly against him. It was... very big and full of energy.
“Hey—!” The girl’s voice sounded like she was getting mad.
Xia Changyu knew there was no turning back now, so he gently pushed Lin Yibai’s head and cheek against his chest, clearly showing that he wanted to take responsibility.
In a relationship between a man and a woman, it’s good to respect the girl’s feelings. But if you always just wait and follow her lead, how can you ever show your own heart?
Xia Changyu took a deep breath and finally said,
“Baiyi, you’re amazing in every way… but being too independent isn’t always a good thing. You always act like you don’t need anyone. You do everything by yourself. But if you’re always like that, then how am I supposed to get a chance to show I care about you?”
Lin Yibai: “You!!”
She was about to yell at this annoying love rival, for doing something he had no right to do. But when she heard his words… somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to get mad.
Because… he wasn’t wrong.
Girls like her—
Lin Yibai thought, for a girl like her, it must be really hard for guys who like her. They probably get frustrated often, right?
So instead of fighting back, she gave in a little. She said seriously, “Then, how about… you let go of me first?”
Xia Changyu: “Okay.”
He smiled and added, “But I have one condition.”
“What, you dare to make conditions?”
She snorted, clearly warning him: ‘Are you looking to die, love rival?’
Xia Changyu didn’t hide anything anymore and said, “Your hand is bleeding again. So my condition is… stop acting tough, and let me help take care of your wound, okay?”
Eh? What’s up with this guy?
Lin Yibai thought Xia Changyu’s condition would be something like “kiss me,” “hug me,” or “say you like me.”
But instead, he didn’t ask for any of that.
In fact, It seemed like…
There was no reason to say no.
After all, Jiayun Terrace is one of the city's scenic spots, and there were plenty of pavilions nearby, the perfect place to sit down and treat a small wound.
There weren’t many people around at this time, so Lin Yibai and Xia Changyu quickly found a quiet pavilion deep in the forest. It was peaceful, with mountains behind them, a stream nearby, and the sound of cicadas chirping.
Who would’ve thought summer vacation would pass so quickly?
In the blink of an eye, it was already late July. And just like that, her transformation value had passed 32%.
At this rate… she might really turn into a girl soon…
While Lin Yibai was lost in thought, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her palm.
Xia Changyu was treating the wound on her hand using cleaning medicine he brought from the hospital. Even though he was very careful, removing the bandage that stuck to the wound still hurt a little.
Xia Changyu asked, “Does it hurt?”
Lin Yibai lightly bit her lip and said with a cold snort, “It’s just a small wound. Doesn’t hurt.”
Xia Changyu added, “Well, I’m going to use hydrogen peroxide to clean it. If it really hurts, don’t hold it in, you can cry out.”
Lin Yibai glared at him and said proudly, “Are you kidding? It’s just changing a bandage. Like I’d make a sound. Even if it hurts a lot, I won’t cry out in front of you!”
Which hurts more, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? Some say alcohol feels like a knife cutting into your skin. Hydrogen peroxide is more like little needles poking the wound.
As bubbles started to rise on her palm, the hydrogen peroxide began working. At first, Lin Yibai didn’t think it was a big deal.
But then the pain started to feel like dozens of little needle pricks. It came again and again, in waves.
Just like Xia Changyu had once joked, she’s perfect in every way, except for being too independent.
“Ah~~~!”
Wait, what was that sound just now?
Was that… a cry of pain from her?
Did that sound really come out of her mouth?
She had just said a moment ago that even if it hurt a lot, she wouldn’t cry out in front of this annoying guy.
But… ugh, so embarrassing!!
She was furious and ashamed.
Xia Changyu, on the other hand, finally laughed.
Because this... this was the kind of moment that made her even more real. People didn’t always have to be strong, it was okay to show a little weakness.
With quiet care, he carefully applied medicine powder, then wrapped her hand gently in fresh bandages, as if afraid to hurt her even a little more.
Lin Yibai was already struggling to keep her pride intact. But when he treated her so gently, so sincerely, it made her chest ache. All her sharp words and stubbornness caught in her throat.
Why… Why did she feel his kindness?
Why did she suddenly think… maybe this annoying guy isn’t so bad after all?
She had to admit, Xia Changyu really was a high-quality guy. But… but… even so…
“Can you stop being so nice to me? I’m not worth it!” Lin Yibai turned her head away, not daring to meet his eyes.
This kind of reaction, from someone who was always strong and proud, was something that never used to happen. It meant she was flustered.
And maybe… maybe even a little upset.
If he weren’t her love rival…
Would she still be this confused? Would she still feel so different from her old self?
Xia Changyu finished packing up the medical supplies and finally answered, “Maybe there are things in this world that aren't worth it, but you will always be worth it.”
Lin Yibai muttered, “Are you always this cheesy?”
Xia Changyu shrugged and said, “Maybe I am. But deep down, Baiyi, you already know if I mean it… don’t you?”
Of course, if this was just Lin Yibai’s way of protecting herself by acting sassy and proud, Xia Changyu was happy to let her keep that mask.
So, he wasn’t just saying sweet things. Everything he said came straight from the heart.
Lin Yibai jumped up from the stone bench in the pavilion. Her face showed a mix of emotions, she knew what her "love rival" said was true, but... how could she admit something like that?
So what if she was being a little stubborn? People should stick to what they believe, right?
She avoided his gaze and held on to her pride, saying in a sharp tone.
“You—you’re just talking nonsense! Anyway, that kind of thing is never going to happen. I swear, I will never think about anything related to you! I won’t change anything about myself just because of you, never!!!”
Xia Changyu called out loudly to her back as she ran away in a panic, “You know how much I like you! Please think about it. Maybe we really could... give it a try!”
She didn’t dare respond. Try what? There’s nothing to try!
She just needed to escape. Fast.
Ugh! This conversation was getting way too out of control.
Just like those love songs from back home, always about love and relationships…
In short, Lin Yibai really did seem to be struggling emotionally. But still...
When she got back home, she lay on her bed for a long time. The fan spun slowly above her. She didn’t even bother to turn on the light after sunset.
She stared at her transformation value, then closed her eyes and muttered. “But answering his feelings... I’m still a guy!”
That kind of thing… is not okay.
Every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Xia Changyu’s face. His confession. His words.
Because deep down, she had to admit something. Even if she was still a boy inside… She really was starting to care.
“Wait, could I actually be falling for him?”
Lin Yibai was shocked by her own thought.
“Ahhh!”
“No way.”
“That’s not true!”
“Ahhhhhhh—!”
“...”
“…”
“So annoying!!!”
She looked again at the transformation percentage. Maybe it was because she’d spent more time with Xia Changyu, Or maybe it was because of all the inner conflict and emotion...
But the number had gone up, from 32%... to 33%.
So what was she struggling against? What was her heart really hoping for?
Lin Yibai touched her cheek, felt her longer hair, and the chest that had already developed so much.
Her body was graceful and attractive. Even her long legs and curves looked better than most real girls.
Except for one place… The only place on her whole body that still didn’t match.
The room seemed to grow darker. Lin Yibai slowly opened her eyes and said, “The next stage... if I’m right, when I reach about 35%, there should be another chance to change my body again, right?”
Her heart was struggling more than ever. All because of Xia Changyu’s love and the way he showed his feelings.
It was making everything harder for her.
She had just said, not long ago, that she would never change herself because of him.
But now... a scary thought crossed her mind.
She was wondering, “Should I take the initiative?”
“Should I speed up the transformation on purpose?”