My Virtual Wife Stepped Out of My Phone to Find Me - Chapter 11

The transfer procedures went surprisingly smoothly. Qi Ying had expected multiple trips but found this world exceptionally accommodating—the teacher only required some documentation before arranging a meeting with Xing Xiaochu and an entrance test.

Even Xing Xiaochu was dazed by how effortlessly everything was settled. Emerging from the office, she still seemed lost in thought.

Noticing the girl’s dazed expression, Qi Ying ruffled her hair. “What’s on your mind?”

Xing Xiaochu tilted her head up. “Sis, I can go to school now.”

With a chuckle, Qi Ying booped her nose. “The teacher said you still need to pass a test, remember? Low scores mean no admission.”

Only then did Xing Xiaochu recall the teacher’s words. Flushing, she fiddled with her sleeve. “I… forgot.”

But it didn’t matter.

Qi Ying understood the girl’s joy—escaping her abusive father and now preparing for school marked a perfect ending for Xing Xiaochu. Yet for Qi Ying, the game had just begun.

“First, we’ll hit the bookstore for the materials the teacher listed,” Qi Ying said, leading her forward. “You’ve got a week to prepare, so no more slacking off. Study starts tonight.”

Xing Xiaochu gripped her hand tightly and chirped an eager “Mmh!” before quickening her steps.

Near the school, they bought the required books and extra practice sets. Laden with bags, they headed home, where Xing Xiaochu immediately dashed to the study without prompting.

Qi Ying stayed logged into the game world, keeping her company until nightfall before logging out.

Back in reality, she checked the surveillance feed—Xing Xiaochu, having shared a meal with her earlier, was now scribbling away at her desk, her high ponytail swaying with youthful energy.

After observing her for a while, Qi Ying turned to work.

With the wedding approaching, her schedule was packed. The bride would arrive for a fitting in two days, but Xing Xiaochu’s well-behaved presence at home offered respite—Qi Ying stole glances at her activities between tasks.

On Saturday, the bride arrived.

Delighted by Qi Ying’s design, she ran her hands over the rhinestones and tassels, eyes sparkling. “It’s even more stunning in person! The video didn’t do it justice.”

Standing beside her, Qi Ying smiled. “Would you like to try it on?”

The bride beamed and nodded eagerly.

With help from the bridesmaids, they dressed her. Before the mirror, the bride snapped photos from every angle while Qi Ying adjusted the hem, occasionally asking about fit—whether the bodice was snug or the waist too tight.

Thrilled, the bride requested a veil and light makeup to complete the look.

There was no issue with the veil, but makeup proved a bit challenging for Qi Ying. Fortunately, the bride had brought her own makeup artist, who was now meticulously applying makeup while the beautiful bride sat on a stool with closed eyes. Sunlight spilled across her profile, making her look exceptionally radiant.

Qi Ying was quite pleased with her creation.

A girl in a white miniskirt nearby kept stealing glances, and Qi Ying, sensing her gaze, turned to look at her.

The miniskirt girl didn’t shy away when caught. Instead, she smiled lightly and said, “The wedding dress you designed is really beautiful.”

Qi Ying returned a polite smile. “Thank you.”

She thought their conversation would end there, but the girl sidled closer, standing right beside Qi Ying, who caught a whiff of a sweet, pleasant fragrance—a popular perfume scent.

Peach-flavored.

The girl clasped her hands behind her back, her eyes lingering on her friend while speaking to Qi Ying. “I’m Shi Yu. What’s your name?”

“Qi Ying,” she replied calmly.

Shi Yu gave a small nod, then turned to face her. “I have an important ball next month. I was wondering if you’d have time to design an outfit for me—something that’ll make me stand out.”

Ah, a potential client!

Qi Ying perked up immediately, meeting her gaze properly with a welcoming smile. “Of course. Let’s exchange WeChat details—you can send me your specific requests.”

Shi Yu grinned, pulling out her phone to add Qi Ying.

Once connected, Qi Ying wasted no time. “When exactly is the ball next month? Do you have any preferences for fabric or style? There are a few ready-made pieces in the shop you can check out later. Once we’re done here, I can take your measurements. Unless it’s an elaborate gown, production usually takes about two weeks. Will that work?”

Shi Yu felt slightly overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questions, only managing to answer the last one. “The ball is on the 27th. There’s enough time.”

That gave them over a month. Qi Ying decided to take the order and happily informed Xia Ruoxin, announcing that the shop had secured a new client!

The bride spent the entire morning trying on the wedding dress and didn’t leave until noon. She was very satisfied with Qi Ying’s work, though she pointed out a few minor discomforts for adjustments. She planned to return in three days for another fitting, this time bringing the groom along.

At weddings, grooms often fade into the background, much like the bouquet in the bride’s hands. Still, Qi Ying had designed a tasteful suit for him—understated, complementary to the bride, and versatile enough for everyday wear.

For the groom, that was more than enough.

Qi Ying spent the afternoon making the necessary alterations, finishing with impressive efficiency.

As she sewed the final stitch, her phone chimed with a notification.

She pulled it out and was surprised to see a message from Xing Xiaochu.

The spare phone at home had been left for Xing Xiaochu, complete with its own number. Qi Ying had expected any communication to come through game alerts, but this turned out to be an actual text message.

Staring at the flood of notification messages and verification codes suddenly filling her inbox, Qi Ying couldn’t help but wonder—was this game really that realistic?

If it went into public beta later, telecom operators would probably have to charge extra fees, wouldn’t they?

Qi Ying opened the messages and saw one from Xing Xiaochu asking what time she’d be home and what she wanted to eat.

Instead of replying immediately, she switched to the game interface to check the surveillance feed of Xing Xiaochu. As soon as the screen loaded, she saw the girl sitting at her desk, clutching a spare phone. Under her arm were an exam paper and an open textbook, her eyes fixed on the phone screen—clearly waiting for Qi Ying’s reply.

Though the surveillance allowed her to see and hear, it didn’t let her speak to Xing Xiaochu. So Qi Ying dialed the girl’s number, eager to hear her voice.

The moment the call came through, Xing Xiaochu immediately adjusted her posture, sitting up straight as she answered.

“Hello?” Xing Xiaochu pressed the phone to her ear, her voice small and hesitant. “Are you calling during work? Won’t it bother you?”

Qi Ying watched all of this with a soft smile. “No, I just finished up. How was your day at home? Did you study properly?”

Xing Xiaochu nodded emphatically. “I studied really hard.”

Qi Ying’s low chuckle traveled through the receiver, sending a tingling warmth through Xing Xiaochu’s ears, her cheeks flushing pink.

Lately, she didn’t know why, but just hearing Qi Ying’s laughter made her face heat up. And she found herself staring at the woman more and more—sometimes even spacing out mid-exam just thinking about her.

Xing Xiaochu felt like something inside her had gone… strange.

“J-Jiejie…” she stammered, her face still warm. “What time are you getting off? What do you want for dinner? I can cook.”

“Hmm… I’ll probably be done soon. Just need to tidy up the shop before heading back,” Qi Ying replied. “Just make whatever’s in the fridge. Nothing complicated—just something simple for the two of us.”

“Okay.” Xing Xiaochu pushed herself up from the desk, her tone bright. “Then I’ll start cooking. Come home soon, Jiejie.”

After hanging up, Qi Ying watched Xing Xiaochu leave the study on the screen, her smile lingering.

When she finally looked up, she realized a customer had entered the shop without her noticing.

Shi Yu, still catching the tail end of Qi Ying’s smile, blinked before pointing toward the sofa inside. “I forgot something, so I came back to get it.”

Qi Ying nodded as Shi Yu retrieved a cardholder wedged between the cushions. Then, turning back, Shi Yu asked, “When do you get off? Let me treat you to dinner.”

Qi Ying stared at her, baffled. She had no idea why this woman wanted to take her out.

But whatever the reason, she’d already promised Xing Xiaochu. “Sorry, I already have plans.”

“Plans? With who? The person who just called you?” Shi Yu tilted her head curiously. “Is that your girlfriend?”

Qi Ying froze. She didn’t know how Shi Yu had guessed her orientation, but after a long pause, she shook her head. “No, that’s my little sister.”

Shi Yu’s eyes instantly lit up. Scratching his head with a smile, he said, “Sorry about that, seems like I misunderstood.”

Qi Ying replied, “No problem.”

Without rushing, Shi Yu tucked the cardholder into his bag and waved at Qi Ying. “I’ll head off then. I’ll send you the styles I like on WeChat later, and we can arrange another time.”

After watching Shi Yu leave, Qi Ying stood in thought for a moment before walking over to lock the door and hang up the “Closed” sign.