Huo Yuhao's words were utterly shocking.
Lin Yun was completely floored.
He never expected that a mere change in appearance would make Wang Dong'er, the little princess, flee at lightning speed.
But thinking about it, it made sense. No matter how convincingly she pretended to be male, she was still a girl at heart. For a young girl to willingly share a room with a muscle-bound hunk would be truly bizarre.
Especially since their relationship was only lukewarm at best. Due to Lin Yun's influence, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong hadn't developed the "brotherly" bond from the original story. Naturally, Wang Dong couldn't tolerate living with a beefy roommate.
Even if there were subtle mental influences from the Tang Buddha's divine sense lurking in her spiritual sea, it wouldn't matter.
Psychological suggestion couldn't overpower Wang Dong's strong personal resistance.
But that raised another question.
Though it was unclear how the Tang Buddha had meticulously arranged for Wang Dong'er to become Huo Yuhao's roommate, now that the "leash" itself had run away, could the Tang Buddha's grand ten-thousand-year plan still proceed?
As this doubt surfaced in his mind, Lin Yun felt a headache coming on. Wang Dong'er's sudden action had caught him completely off guard, and future developments would only become more unpredictable.
Now, Lin Yun faced the same dilemma all transmigrators eventually encounter:
The plot was veering off course.
From here on, deviations from the original storyline would only multiply, leading to an unknown conclusion.
"Hah, what's the point of worrying about this? Didn't I come here to change things? Now that change is unfolding before me, all I need to do is push it forward and achieve my original goal."
Lin Yun chuckled to himself, brushing aside these chaotic thoughts.
If his arrival hadn't altered anything, that would have been the real failure—something worth reflecting on. What would have been the point of transmigrating then?
After some awkward small talk with Huo Yuhao, the trio of girls—finally done with their preparations—descended the stairs together.
Each had her own charm.
Ning Tian exuded noble elegance.
Wu Feng flaunted her fiery figure and a gaze that looked at the world like it was trash.
And then there was Xiao Xiao, who effortlessly outshone them both.
Tonight, for the first time, Xiao Xiao had let down her signature side ponytail, adorning her hair with delicate accessories. Her silky white locks cascaded down her back, shimmering like crystal under the dim lighting.
Her outfit perfectly complemented the new hairstyle—a sleeveless, off-shoulder gown in moon-white chiffon, with a graceful train. A soft shawl draped over her shoulders, leaving only her slender arms and swan-like neck exposed.
But the most captivating detail was her legs, clad in sheer white stockings, and the crystal high heels that adorned her feet.
She looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.
Xiao Xiao seemed a bit unused to walking in heels, her steps cautious. Her hands fidgeted with her skirt, her delicate fingers intertwining nervously as a faint blush tinted her cheeks.
"Yun-ge, do I look pretty?" She lifted her gaze to Lin Yun, her large eyes sparkling.
"P-Pretty! So pretty!" Lin Yun gulped and nodded vigorously.
She was absolutely stunning!
Without exaggeration, Lin Yun was utterly captivated. The impact was on par with the first time he had laid eyes on Gu Yuena.
Beside them, Huo Yuhao's face turned beet red, and he even averted his eyes, too embarrassed to look directly at Xiao Xiao.
She was someone he saw every day—so why did she seem so breathtaking tonight?
Huo Yuhao suddenly felt like a country bumpkin who'd never seen the world. Watching Xiao Xiao throw herself into Lin Yun's arms, a pang of envy struck him.
This kind of romance...
He wanted it too.
He also wanted a girlfriend this beautiful!
Right now, Huo Yuhao was still green with envy.
But soon, a certain Buddha would personally deliver a stunning girlfriend to his doorstep.
Whether he could handle her was another matter entirely.
"When did you buy this dress? I've never seen it before!" Lin Yun gazed at the adorable girl in his arms, his surprise and adoration plain to see.
After consuming the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Lily, Xiao Xiao's appearance and demeanor had undergone subtle changes, but her fashion sense had remained consistent with her usual style—more like the familiar little loli he knew.
There was no way she had bought this dress herself.
Which meant...
Lin Yun turned to Ning Tian, who stood there with a knowing smile, his eyes questioning.
"This dress is the most exquisite piece in the Nine Treasure Guild's collection in Shrek City," Xiao Xiao whispered into Lin Yun's ear. "Ning Tian insisted on giving it to me and made me promise to wear it tonight..."
Xiao Xiao could guess Ning Tian's intentions, but this wasn't something she could decide alone—hence why she didn't hide it from Lin Yun.
Besides, she genuinely loved the dress. She had fallen for it at first sight.
"A woman dresses up for the one who appreciates her."
Xiao Xiao wanted Lin Yun to see her at her most beautiful.
If necessary, she could just sell the soul bone Lin Yun had given her to pay Ning Tian back.
No matter how precious the dress was, it couldn't compare to a ten-thousand-year soul bone.
"So... do you like it?" Lin Yun smiled, pinching Xiao Xiao's cheek playfully.
"Mhm! I love it!" Xiao Xiao nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because you like seeing me like this... that's why I love this dress..."
Pfft—!
Cupid's arrow struck Lin Yun's heart, dealing critical damage.
Damn.
Since when did Xiao Xiao become so smooth?
Ning Tian: So, Xiao Xiao, you're wearing a dress from my Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and flaunting your relationship with Lin Yun in front of me... just to make me feel included, huh?
Allow me to overheat for a moment!
The dress is mine.
You're wearing my dress while being hugged by Lin Yun = Lin Yun is hugging me.
Good. Now I can self-insert.
"Alright, let's head out." Lin Yun wrapped an arm around Xiao Xiao's slender waist and addressed the group. "It's getting late. The sooner we finish at the convention, the sooner we can go back and sleep!"
And so, the five of them left Shrek Academy together, exiting through the east gate and entering Shrek City via the south gate.
No matter how many times he did this, Lin Yun couldn't help but吐槽 (complain) about the absurd layout.
Why were the academy and the city designed like they were allergic to each other?
Every trip required a detour.
"That building up ahead is the Treasure Appreciation Convention's headquarters. We can enter directly with our invitations." Ning Tian produced her invitation as she spoke, gesturing toward the opulent structure before them.
"Is that... Xie Huanyue?"
(End of Chapter)
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