“Anle, go downstairs and buy a bunch of scallions, a bag of salt, and so soy sauce. Otherwise, we won’t have anything to cook tomorrow,” called out her father, An Bang, from the kitchen as he washed the dishes.
Anle, standing in her room and inspecting her wardrobe, imdiately responded,
“Alright, Dad~”
Perched on her shoulder, a white snake with flickering tongue glanced at the clothes in her wardrobe, rolling its eyes.
“Look at this. What even are these clothes? So plain and drab. No matter how you choose, your options for eting Yan Huan next week are just scraping the bottom of the barrel.”
“...” Anle glanced guiltily at her little finger and mumbled softly,
“Well... I guess I can use my allowance this weekend to buy sothing new. It’s been a while since I’ve bought clothes anyway.”
“Yeah, because you’re always wearing that boring school uniform. It’s tragic.”
Her family wasn’t so poor that they couldn’t afford clothes. It was just that clothes she found suitable were rare. The few she liked were inexpensive and couldn’t compare to the designer labels her classmates flaunted.
More than that, she worried about being ridiculed for her figure.
Boys would steal glances at her with lecherous eyes, whispering among themselves. Though she couldn’t hear them clearly, it wasn’t hard to guess what they were saying.
The girls were no better. They often teased her about her figure. Pu Shuwen and her friends would mockingly call her “Cow.”
Anle hated that nickna.
So, she stuck to the conservative school uniform she wore back in the Dragon Empire, which ironically made her stand out here.
Now, back ho and wearing a simple white dress, Anle sifted through her wardrobe, trying to find the perfect outfit for eting Yan Huan.
Amid her self-doubt and her snake companion’s sharp remarks, she resolved not to rely on Yaqiao Mu to deliver letters anymore. She’d go see Yan Huan herself.
But for soone as timid as Anle, she wouldn’t go unless she was fully prepared.
What hairstyle should she wear?
Should she put on makeup?
Which outfit would look best?
These were all critical decisions.
Of course, according to the snake, she could simply use the Pleasure Manipulation ability, rush in, and win him over. No need for all this fuss.
But Anle refused, and the snake couldn’t argue back—she was the host, after all.
After agreeing to her father’s request, Anle got ready to leave. As she passed the living room, where her mom was watching TV, she called out,
“Mom, I’m heading out.”
“Hey, bring
back a bubble tea. Less sugar.”
“Got it~”
Anle put on her shoes and entered the hallway of their old apartnt building, pressing the elevator button.
“Why not buy so clothes while you’re out?” suggested the snake, its eyes on the numbers counting down.
Anle quickly shook her head, pulling out her phone to open a shopping app.
“I... I was thinking of buying online.”
“Online? Why not buy clothes in person?”
“They’re... cheaper online...” she muttered nervously.
The snake squinted at her, then suddenly lashed out,
“Don’t tell
you’re just socially anxious! You’re too shy to shop in person, aren’t you? I saw that wardrobe—you’ve got so many ill-fitting clothes, even your underwear, and they’re all online purchases!”
The snake was right. Anle would spend days picking sothing online, wait several more for delivery, then hesitate even longer before finally trying it on.
And if it didn’t fit? She wouldn’t return it.
“You’ll just drag it out forever! While other people are living their best lives, you’re stuck spinning your wheels!”
The snake slapped her cheek with its tail, making her yelp and try to fend it off.
“With your figure, you need to try things on! And if sothing doesn’t fit, why don’t you return it?!”
“Returning it would trouble the seller… They worked so hard to sell it...”
“Don’t give
that nonsense! And why on earth do you leave good reviews for things you don’t even wear?!”
“Because... the custor service was nice. They asked
to, so I thought...”
“You’re hopeless!” The snake looked ready to burst a blood vessel.
“Right now, go buy a new outfit in person! Stop being so ridiculous!”
Anle flinched but nodded weakly.
“Fine... I’ll do it...”
“And cut your hair while you’re at it! You look like a ghost! Doesn’t it scare you at night? Plus, washing it is a nightmare. Every night, you agonize over whether to wash it. It drives
nuts!”
“Okay...”
This was one of the few things they agreed on. Washing her long, thick hair was indeed a hassle.
Ding!
The elevator arrived. Anle stepped inside, pressed the button for the first floor, and descended.
The building’s interior was plastered with old advertisents, reflecting its worn condition. Linn’s housing prices were sky-high, but parts of Luoqiao District and most of the South District were older and relatively affordable.
Years ago, after returning from a failed business venture in the Dragon Empire, her father had used their remaining savings to buy a second-hand 60-square-ter apartnt here, barely securing their place in Linn.
Though far from wealthy, they were hoowners—enough to count as middle class.
After navigating the narrow corridors of the first floor and stepping out into the brightly lit streets of Linn, the snake directed her with a flick of its tongue,
“First stop: the salon!”
“Okay...”
Anle followed its instructions, pushed open the door of a barbershop, and entered hesitantly, bowing her head.
“Excuse ...”
“Excuse ? You’re the custor! Stand tall!” the snake barked.
Straightening her back awkwardly, Anle imdiately lowered her head again when the barber glanced her way, nearly causing the snake to faint.
“This way, miss. Let’s wash your hair first,” said an apprentice.
“Okay...”
After a quick wash, Anle sat up with damp hair cascading down her face like a ghost straight out of a horror movie. Even the custors stared.
“What style are we going for today?” the barber asked.
“Just... shorter, please...”
“Got it. Sothing normal, right?”
“Yes... thank you...”
As the barber began snipping away, stray strands landed on the fabric draped over her chest, unable to hide her figure.
“Miss, would you like to sign up for our mbership card? Top up now for a 20% discount!”
“Ah...” Anle blinked, unsure how to respond, but the snake suddenly lood into her vision. Its scarlet eyes glared inches from her face.
“If you say yes, I’ll kill you right here and now.”
Terrified, Anle’s face turned pale. She stamred,
“N-No, thank you.”
“Alright, no problem.”
As the haircut finished, Anle stared at her reflection, stunned.
The stranger in the mirror had clean, soft bangs framing a fair and adorable face. Her heavy hair was now light and bouncy, revealing bright, clear eyes that made her look innocent and sweet.
She blinked. The girl in the mirror blinked back.
“I’ll take it... thank you...”
After a final wash and blow-dry, she paid and stepped outside, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
She touched her chest and sighed in relief.
But the snake wasn’t done yet. It hissed and pointed with its tail,
“Next stop: clothes shopping!”
Anle blinked as she stood in front of a clothing store under the snake’s instruction.
The snake’s sharp eyes scanned the display mannequins and quickly locked onto a dress it liked.
“There! That dress is perfect! Go inside and try it on!”
Anle hesitated, opening her mouth to protest, but her courage faltered under the snake’s imdiate outburst.
“Don’t even think about it! Are you alive or not? Too scared to try on clothes in a store? It’s all female staff! What’s there to be afraid of? Get in there!”
“…Alright.”
Swallowing nervously, Anle mustered her courage and entered the shop.
“Welco! Feel free to try anything you like,” greeted one of the staff.
“Not that one! The other one! Yes, that floral high-waisted dress! Have them fetch your size!” the snake barked.
Obediently, Anle handed the dress to the attendant, who retrieved her size. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the fitting room.
When she erged, the staff waiting nearby couldn’t help but gasp, covering their mouths in surprise.
The high-waisted dress fit her perfectly, highlighting her slender waist and enhancing her figure. The curving lines of the dress followed her chest down to the soft, princess-like hem, exuding both elegance and youth.
Though the dress suited her beautifully, Anle’s face was flushed with shyness, her eyes darting nervously. She looked like a cherry topping a snow-white cake, a hint of red on pure white, tempting yet innocent.
“Wow, young lady, you’ve got a great eye! With a figure like yours, clothes can be tricky, but this dress is perfect!”
“R-Really…”
Standing in front of the mirror, Anle swayed the dress slightly while the snake on her shoulder tilted its head smugly.
“See? I told you, I have impeccable taste. Admit it, I’m the best!”
Anle blinked, unsure how to respond to its boasting, but she nodded politely, choosing not to dampen its spirits.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Good! Buy it! This is your outfit for eting Yan Huan next week. It’ll blow his mind!”
Blow his mind... Yan Huan?
Could this really be ?
Her face turned an even deeper red. She couldn’t et her own gaze in the mirror, but her heart raced with excitent at the snake’s promise.
“Stop daydreaming! Go pay for it! We still need to get new underwear too—make sure it’s sothing decisive for, y’know, that kind of thing.”
“Th-That kind of thing?!”
Anle turned beet red, practically steaming, startling the nearby shop assistant.
“Are you alright, miss?”
“Y-Yes! Everything’s fine!”
She stamred out an excuse, then scolded the snake internally.
“Little Finger! You’ve already thought that far ahead? I-I’m not even…”
“Not even what?” the snake replied flatly.
“Don’t tell
you haven’t thought about doing that with Yan Huan.”
“I…”
The question left Anle speechless, her face blazing as her lips quivered.
“Or are you aiming for so purely spiritual love?”
“Of course not!”
Aha! Now she admitted to wanting a romantic relationship. No more of that “just reconnecting” nonsense!
Like a stern judge, the snake delivered its final blow:
“Let’s be direct here. Have you ever imagined Yan Huan during... nightti activities since high school?”
“...”
After a long silence and much stamring, Anle finally whispered a tiny, barely audible, “…Yes.”
The snake sneered triumphantly.
“There you have it. Now, go pay for the dress so we can move on!”
“But…”
“But what? How much more convincing do you need?”
Before the snake could throw another tantrum, Anle whispered, glancing around,
“This dress... I can’t afford it.”
“...What?”
The snake froze, stunned. Turning its head slowly, it slithered into her hair and peeked at the price tag on the back of her neck.
One second later, it recoiled, taphorically achieving enlightennt.
“...Why didn’t you say the store was this expensive?!”
“I-I tried to tell you at the door, but you kept interrupting …”
The snake blinked, sighed heavily, and muttered,
“This wasn’t supposed to happen yet, but your desires have reached the point where I can let you use it now…”
“What are you talking about?”
Ignoring her question, the snake explained,
“I’ll teach you a new ability. With this, you can take the dress without paying. Not only that, it’ll make Yan Huan fall for you effortlessly. Interested?”
Anle hesitated but nodded.
“What do I need to do?”
“Eventually, your powers will evolve, letting you choose between enhancing pleasure or manipulating pain. Which path do you prefer?”
“...Pleasure.”
The snake gave her a knowing smirk.
“Thought so. Pleasure works like this: when you infused Yan Huan with it before, it was sudden and obvious, making it suspicious, right?”
“Yes, that’s what worried .”
“Now, you can anchor that sensation to yourself, making people associate you with comfort and happiness. Get it?”
Anle quickly understood.
“So... I can use this to make myself likable?”
The snake laughed ominously.
“Not just likable. You’ll see.”
A translucent text box appeared before Anle.
[Do you wish to unlock the Pleasure Evolution Path?]
She selected Yes.
The text box changed:
[Congratulations! You have unlocked the “Superconductor Mode.”]
[In this mode, you can target one person within a 15-ter radius. While near them, they will feel constant pleasure and subconsciously associate it with you as the source.]
[Duration: 15 minutes. All mories of unnatural phenona will be corrected afterward. Beware of exposure risks due to third parties or unforeseen factors.]
[Activate Superconductor Mode?]
Anle blinked and hit Activate.
The snake imdiately pointed to the shop assistant.
“Target her.”
“Eh?”
An invisible field expanded outward, connecting Anle to the assistant. A white mist symbolized their link, flowing steadily.
The assistant froze montarily, her cheeks flushing as her gaze toward Anle grew increasingly warm.
“Now’s your chance,” the snake urged. “Ask her if you can take the dress.”
Anle, still bewildered, stamred,
“C-Can I… take this dress?”
“Yes! Please!” the assistant blurted, her voice breathy. Her fingers fidgeted as if drawn to Anle.
“Just take it. Don’t worry about paying—I’ll cover it!”
Anle stared in shock, while the snake smirked wickedly.
“Why are you still standing there? Go!”
With the dress in hand, Anle turned toward the exit, her breath quickened.
She reached out for the cold tal handle, but the chill stopped her in her tracks.
The icy sensation traveled through her fingers, grounding her.
“Why are you hesitating? Let’s go!” the snake barked.
Anle froze, her long lashes fluttering as she looked at the hiring sign posted on the door:
“Now Hiring: Shop Assistant. Salary: 4,000–6,000 per month.”
The price of the dress exceeded a quarter of that monthly salary.
Her grip on the handle slackened as she turned back toward the assistant, her gaze firming.
“I...
“I can’t do this, Little Finger.”
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