She’s Just Too Hard to Win Over [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 27

Ning Xue changed into the cosplay outfit and hid inside the bathroom, too embarrassed to step out.

She had only taken one glance in the mirror before her face turned bright red. The fabric was thinner than she’d imagined it wasn’t like the one from the anime club at all. You could practically see through it!

Was this even a proper costume? She had serious doubts.

After what felt like forever, Jing Ling knocked softly on the door.
“Are you done changing?”

Ning Xue pressed her hand against the door, panicking. “N-Not yet! Don’t come in!”

She turned around, deciding she’d better change back into her own clothes. But maybe because the bathroom was stuffy and hot, her head suddenly spun, and she stumbled forward.

Jing Ling heard the sound and immediately pushed the door open.

Ning Xue was sitting weakly on the floor, leaning against the wall. Her legs folded awkwardly to the side, skin pale under the light. She looked up, startled to find Jing Ling standing there.

“Could you… Please go out?” Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Jing Ling didn’t move. She stepped closer and crouched down to meet Ning Xue’s gaze. “Didn’t you say you were done changing?”

“This isn’t… a proper outfit,” Ning Xue mumbled, her voice barely audible. “Someone must have tricked you when they sold it to you.”

Jing Ling’s lips curved faintly. “I know.”

Ning Xue blinked in surprise, staring at her in disbelief. “You knew?”

The look in Jing Ling’s eyes was calm but intense, and her breath brushed lightly against Ning Xue’s cheek. “Do you regret wearing it?”

Ning Xue’s heart pounded. She didn’t want Jing Ling to misunderstand, but her words refused to come out right. “Maybe I could wear another one… the one I wore for the school festival?”

When Jing Ling didn’t answer, Ning Xue grabbed her hand and smiled nervously. “It’s still cosplay, right? It’ll be the same.”

But instead of replying, Jing Ling held her hand firmly, her dark eyes deep and unreadable. “Are you doing this on purpose, Ning Xue?”

Ning Xue froze, not understanding. Before she could ask what she meant, Jing Ling gently pulled her up into her arms, steadying her.

“You really scared me,” Jing Ling murmured, helping her stand. “You almost fainted.”

Ning Xue’s cheeks were still flushed. She could feel Jing Ling’s heartbeat through her uniform. It was too fast.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, trying to step back, but Jing Ling didn’t let go right away. Her eyes softened.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked quietly.

“…Yeah.” Ning Xue nodded, avoiding her gaze. Her heart, however, refused to calm down.

After a pause, Jing Ling spoke again, her tone quieter than before.
“You said you wanted to give me a birthday gift.”

“Right.” Ning Xue tilted her head slightly. “What do you want?”

Jing Ling’s eyes darkened for a second, but when she finally spoke, her voice was gentle.
“I just want you to stay with me.”

Ning Xue blinked, stunned. “That’s… all?”

“That’s all,” Jing Ling said, smiling faintly. “You being here is enough.”

Something in her tone made Ning Xue’s chest tighten. The warmth from earlier melted into a quiet, tender silence.

“…Then,” Ning Xue whispered, “I’ll give you that. My time. My company.”

Jing Ling looked at her for a long moment, then reached out to tuck a damp strand of hair behind her ear. That’s the best gift I could’ve asked for.