Chongyun was a wandering exorcist who traveled throughout Liyue, driving away evil spirits.
It could be said that few people knew the surrounding regions of Liyue better than he did.
He often visited this very stream.
Originally, he had planned to stop here for a short rest before continuing his journey.
But this time, he discovered something new—a wooden cabin.
He was certain it hadn't been there before.
Curiosity drew him closer.
And then he saw her.
Standing by the window was a cute young woman.
However, something about her face felt strangely familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere before.
Still, when he noticed the girl's troubled expression, Chongyun—ever the earnest youth—spoke up.
"Miss, why do you look so worried? Perhaps I can be of assistance?"
"I…"
Seeing Chongyun, Xingqiu initially intended to greet him normally.
After all, the two were close friends.
Even if Chongyun discovered his identity, there was nothing to fear.
But then Xingqiu's eyes shifted slightly.
A mischievous thought appeared.
Teasing this guy might be fun.
With that idea, he adopted a sorrowful expression.
"I have a friend who has encountered a serious problem, so I'm worried about him."
"Oh? What kind of problem has your friend encountered?"
Chongyun asked curiously.
"It's like this—he has contracted a strange illness. Within three days, he randomly changes gender at unpredictable times. I wonder if you might be able to help?"
Xingqiu looked at him with pitiful eyes.
But hidden within them was a trace of amusement.
Chongyun Tries to Diagnose
"Randomly changing gender within three days?"
Chongyun froze.
What kind of condition was that?
He had traveled across Liyue for years and had never heard of anything so bizarre.
Could it be possession?
Or perhaps a malevolent spirit?
"No… even possession wouldn't allow someone to change gender at will."
He quickly rejected his own theory.
After thinking hard for quite some time, he still couldn't find a solution.
At last, he spoke apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Miss. I have never heard of such a condition, and I don't know how to treat it."
"Sigh… then I suppose there's nothing to be done."
Xingqiu pressed a hand to his chest, pretending to be distressed.
"Miss, are you feeling unwell? I know a bit of medicine. If needed, I can check your pulse."
Seeing her discomfort, Chongyun immediately offered help.
Because of his constant travels, he had learned some basic medical skills.
He wasn't an expert, but he could handle common ailments.
"In that case, I would appreciate it."
Xingqiu extended his pale arm.
Chongyun didn't have many close friends, and aside from work, he rarely interacted with women.
So when he saw the delicate, fair arm reaching toward him, his eyes lingered a moment longer than they should have.
This is improper.
He silently scolded himself.
Then he quickly looked away and nervously reached out his hand to take her pulse.
The Joke Begins
"How is it? Am I suffering from some illness?"
Xingqiu asked, covering his lips, his eyes filled with hidden laughter.
"Your pulse seems normal… though there is something slightly unusual."
Chongyun closed his eyes, deep in thought.
He sensed something off, yet he couldn't identify what exactly.
Of course it feels strange, Xingqiu thought with amusement.
I'm originally male, but currently female. Naturally the pulse would feel unusual.
At that moment—the change happened again.
Xingqiu's hair gradually shortened, and his features shifted back to normal.
The male version of Xingqiu had returned.
But Chongyun still had his eyes closed and hadn't noticed.
Xingqiu simply watched him silently, suppressing laughter.
"How strange… that odd sensation suddenly disappeared."
Chongyun frowned.
Unable to figure it out, he opened his eyes and examined the arm in his hand.
"Huh? It seems a little different from before."
He held the hand curiously.
Then—a male voice sounded beside him.
"Do you like my hand, Chongyun?"
"Very much."
Chongyun nodded reflexively.
Then he froze.
Wait.
Wasn't he checking a young lady's pulse?
Why was there suddenly a man's voice?
Remembering the strange illness described earlier, he slowly raised his head, trembling.
"Ah—It's really a man?!"
The moment he saw Xingqiu's face, he staggered backward several steps in shock.
That reaction was perfectly natural.
Anyone discovering that a beautiful young lady beside them was actually a man would be startled.
Someone with a weak heart might even fall ill from the fright.
Xingqiu Laughs
"Hahaha! Chongyun, your expression is priceless!"
Seeing his friend's panicked face, Xingqiu burst into laughter.
He nearly collapsed against the window.
"X-Xingqiu?"
Earlier, he hadn't looked closely.
But now Chongyun finally saw the man clearly.
It really was his best friend.
What the hell…
So that mysterious "friend" had been Xingqiu himself all along.
"Xingqiu… how did you turn into a woman?"
Chongyun asked helplessly.
Just remembering how he had stared at that arm earlier made him want to disappear from embarrassment.
This was going to be a lifelong black mark on his history.
Still, he was deeply curious about the condition.
"It's because of a manga shop."
After calming down, Xingqiu explained everything about the previous night.
He didn't hide anything.
A New Interest
"I can't believe that while I was away, Liyue gained such a miraculous place."
Chongyun's interest was immediately sparked.
Reading manga could grant random rewards.
And Xingqiu's strange situation was caused by receiving something called a Character Experience Card, which made his gender change randomly for three days.
Suddenly, he felt a strong urge to see the place himself.
"Xingqiu, could you take me there?"
Chongyun asked eagerly.
"Sure."
Xingqiu thought for a moment and agreed.
He was currently in male form.
And since he had just transformed back, another change probably wouldn't happen immediately.
So going to read manga posed no problem.
Besides, it could serve as an apology for teasing his friend earlier.
Thinking back on that moment, Xingqiu nearly laughed again.
Seeing that expression, Chongyun's face darkened.
He clearly knew Xingqiu was recalling something embarrassing.
"Ahem—let's go now."
Xingqiu coughed lightly and started leading the way.
He even forgot to change out of his women's clothing.
"You…"
Chongyun noticed the outfit and almost pointed it out.
But remembering his own awkward reaction earlier, he stopped himself.
Hmph. Let him experience a little embarrassment too.
With that thought, he followed behind in silence.
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