After the Soul Swap Between Love Rival AO - Chapter 22

Cheng Luanxin: “???”

Before she could reply, another message from Song Qiuchi popped up:

“You probably can’t even carry your own stuff, let alone her bedding. If you collapse under the weight and roll down the mountain, don’t expect anyone to save you.”

Cheng Luanxin imagined the scene—herself tumbling down the mountainside with a massive backpack—and shuddered at the vivid mental image.

She stole a glance at Song Qiuchi, who was calmly scrolling through her phone, betraying no hint of the messages she’d just sent.

“Uh…” Cheng Luanxin turned awkwardly to Du Zhiruo. “Maybe we should just buy a bigger backpack?”

Du Zhiruo burst into laughter. “Alright, let’s go pick out a bigger one together.”

True to their word, the three of them headed straight to an outdoor gear store to shop for hiking backpacks.

The salesperson enthusiastically recommended the store’s star product to the trio: “This hiking backpack has a large capacity, is lightweight and portable, and offers comfortable carrying. It comes with a built-in hydration bladder, rain cover, and trekking pole attachments. The chest and waist straps are adjustable—you can try it on to feel for yourselves.”

Cheng Luanxin had never seen a backpack with a built-in hydration bladder before, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Wow, there’s even a tube for drinking water directly—so convenient! If I buy this backpack, I don’t need to get a water bottle anymore. What a great deal!”

The salesperson nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! And this hydration bladder flattens as you drink, so it doesn’t take up much space. It’s really practical.”

But Song Qiuchi interjected, “A water bottle is still necessary. The tubes on these hydration bladders often have a strong taste. If you don’t mind drinking water that tastes like rubber, then go ahead and choose this.”

Cheng Luanxin: “…”

Du Zhiruo: “…”

The salesperson looked slightly awkward. “Ma’am, our tubes aren’t made of cheap rubber. The inner lining is a new smooth material similar to glass—completely odorless. If you don’t believe me, you can try it out.”

Song Qiuchi replied seriously, “That wouldn’t be very hygienic to test. If I try it and don’t buy it, disinfecting it for the next customer would be troublesome.”

Cheng Luanxin: “…”

Why was this person so certain they wouldn’t buy it after trying?!

The salesperson awkwardly suggested, “How about this—I’ll bring you a brand-new hydration bladder. You can unscrew the mouthpiece and smell it first to get an idea.”

While the salesperson went to fetch the bladder, Cheng Luanxin pulled Song Qiuchi aside. “Could you not be so blunt? You’re making me really uncomfortable!”

Song Qiuchi looked puzzled. “I was just discussing the product’s quality seriously. Why are you uncomfortable?”

Cheng Luanxin pinched Song Qiuchi’s cheeks. “You’re being so nitpicky while shopping—it’s embarrassing me!”

Song Qiuchi remained earnest. “This isn’t nitpicking. It’s about taking responsibility for your health. I suggest you skip the hydration bladder too.”

Cheng Luanxin: “…Thanks, but I trust new materials.”

Song Qiuchi: “Suit yourself.”

In the end, Cheng Luanxin and Du Zhiruo bought backpacks with hydration bladders, while Song Qiuchi insisted on getting a water bottle.

Cheng Luanxin deliberately linked arms with Du Zhiruo and teased, “Luanxin, Zhiruo and I have matching hiking backpacks now. Aren’t you jealous?”

Song Qiuchi silently glanced at their intertwined arms and replied coldly, “Not at all.”

Cheng Luanxin stuck out her tongue. “Too bad, even if you were, you can’t have one.”

Though she wasn’t jealous, Song Qiuchi did feel a twinge of irritation and frowned, walking ahead.

Mountain terrain was complex, and the high heels or sneakers they usually wore for filming were unsuitable for hiking. Choosing the right hiking shoes was crucial. The three continued to the footwear section to pick out shoes.

This time, their tastes aligned surprisingly well—they all liked the same hiking shoe model, just in different colors.

As usual, Cheng Luanxin was drawn to fluorescent pink, Du Zhiruo preferred cream yellow, and Song Qiuchi opted for the simplest black-and-white contrast.

Du Zhiruo suggested, “How about we all get the same style?”

Cheng Luanxin agreed. “I think that’s a great idea. It shows how close we are.”

The salesperson smiled. “What sizes do you need? I’ll find new pairs for you.”

Du Zhiruo: “I wear a size 38.”

Cheng Luanxin hesitated. “Uh… what’s my shoe size again?”

Song Qiuchi calmly answered from the side, “Size 39.”

Noticing Du Zhiruo’s obvious surprise, Cheng Luanxin quickly added, “I know your size too—you’re a 35, right?”

Cheng Luanxin had been relatively short earlier in life, so her shoe size was also small. Even though her height eventually caught up, her shoe size never changed.

“Size 35…” The sales assistant hesitated. “We don’t carry size 35 here. Maybe you could check out the kids’ section?”

Song Qiuchi: “…”

Cheng Luanxin couldn’t help but laugh. This was usually the line she heard from salespeople, and now it was Song Qiuchi’s turn. For some reason, it felt oddly satisfying.

Du Zhiruo also seemed surprised. “Luanxin, your feet are so small! It must be hard to find shoes normally.”

Song Qiuchi replied coldly, “It’s fine.”

Cheng Luanxin nudged her. “Go on, head to the kids’ section. This place isn’t for you. Anyway, Zhiruo and I already have matching bags, and soon we’ll have matching shoes too. You’re just drifting outside our friendship!”

Song Qiuchi glanced at her, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Du Zhiruo leaned closer to Cheng Luanxin, looking concerned. “Qiuchi, Luanxin… do you think she’s upset?”

Cheng Luanxin didn’t seem to notice. “Huh? Why would she be upset? It was just a joke—she can’t be that petty!”

Song Qiuchi stood alone at the entrance of the children’s shoe store in the mall, experiencing for the first time the inconvenience of swapped identities.

It had been over a decade since she last shopped in a kids’ shoe store, and the embarrassment was palpable.

But her displeasure wasn’t just from the humiliation of having to enter a children’s store. More than that, it was Cheng Luanxin’s attitude toward her today.

To be precise, Cheng Luanxin’s attitude toward her hadn’t changed from before. But when compared to how she treated Du Zhiruo, it felt like regression rather than progress.

She couldn’t stand the way Cheng Luanxin bent over backward for Du Zhiruo. Years after graduation, Du Zhiruo was no longer the same person she used to be, yet Cheng Luanxin refused to see things with a growth mindset, still lost in her romantic fantasies. It was infuriating.

Standing at the store entrance with an icy, world-weary expression, Song Qiuchi caught the attention of a clerk. The clerk was about to approach when she suddenly widened her eyes upon recognizing Cheng Luanxin’s face, her movements turning timid.

“Hello… are you Luanbao?”

Song Qiuchi froze, then softened her expression into a smile. “Yes, hello.”

The clerk was so excited she stumbled over her words. “Luanbao, I’m a huge fan! I’ve loved you for so long—oh, I’m Berry Bubble from your livestreams! Meeting you in person is just… I’m so happy!”

Song Qiuchi had never watched Cheng Luanxin’s livestreams and had no idea who Berry Bubble was, nor how Cheng Luanxin usually interacted with fans. She simply smiled lightly. “Thank you for your continued support.”

The clerk gushed, “You’re too kind! Your music has given me so much courage. What are you looking for today?”

Not wanting to drag it out, Song Qiuchi cut to the chase. “Size 35 hiking boots. For me.”

The clerk eagerly led her inside. “No problem! Come this way—we have a great selection of hiking boots here, and the sizes are all in stock. There’s one pair I think you’ll love…”

She pulled a pair of hiking boots in a striking strawberry-red and lemon-yellow color scheme from the shelf. “Just arrived! The moment I saw them, I knew these colors were perfect for you. Want to try them on?”

Song Qiuchi: “…”

Although she wasn’t particularly fond of such vibrant colors, she was currently playing the role of Cheng Luanxin and naturally wouldn’t trample on a fan’s goodwill. She nodded and said, “Then I’ll try it on.”

Once she put it on, it fit perfectly and was light and comfortable to walk in. The shop assistant couldn’t stop praising her own taste: “I told you it would look great on you. Take it with you—consider it a gift from me!”

Song Qiuchi repeatedly refused: “I can’t take it without paying. If you do this, I won’t dare to shop here anymore.”

The shop assistant, adopting Cheng Luanxin’s signature domineering manner, waved her hand dismissively: “Then don’t come back! From now on, I’ll just give you everything!”

Song Qiuchi: “…”

After much back-and-forth, they finally compromised.

Shop assistant: “How about you just give me an autograph instead of paying?”

Song Qiuchi: “How about I give you an autograph, and you don’t refuse my money?”

The shop assistant burst out laughing: “Honestly, why are you being so polite with me? Let me go get a notebook!”

She rummaged through her backpack and pulled out an elegant cream-gray planner, flipping to the current date before presenting it to Song Qiuchi.

“Can you write a lyric for me? Any line is fine—I love all the lyrics you write.”

Song Qiuchi froze. She had never even heard Cheng Luanxin’s songs—where was she supposed to pull a lyric from?

She sidestepped the question: “Which line do you like specifically? I’ll write that one for you.”

The shop assistant covered her face shyly: “Nooo, if I knew which line it was, it wouldn’t be a surprise! Let me have a blind box moment!”

Song Qiuchi: “…”

This was a disaster.

Her eyes fixed on the planner, but she had no idea what to write.

Just then, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

“Should I write it for her?”