My Virtual Wife Stepped Out of My Phone to Find Me - Chapter 7

Qi Ying found a measuring tape in the storage room, along with a pair of scissors and a pile of sewing supplies.

Looking at the well-equipped little box in her hand, Qi Ying was starting to believe she might actually be a designer in this world too—who else would keep so many random things at home?

The clothes at home were ready-made, so Qi Ying picked out a few age-neutral and soft outfits to alter for Xing Xiaochu. By the time she gathered everything, Xing Xiaochu was already waiting for her in the study.

“Did you wait long?” Qi Ying nudged the door shut with her foot and said, “I found some clothes for you. They’ll do for today, and tomorrow I’ll take you shopping.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded. She didn’t mind what she wore.

Qi Ying took out the measuring tape and motioned for Xing Xiaochu to stand in front of her so she could take her measurements.

The white tape slid over Xing Xiaochu’s shoulders as Qi Ying noted down the numbers in a notebook. Xing Xiaochu stood stiffly, not daring to move. When Qi Ying accidentally brushed against her waist, Xing Xiaochu flinched, her eyes downcast as if afraid to meet her gaze.

Qi Ying was the first to apologize.

“Sorry,” she said softly. “Did I tickle you?”

Xing Xiaochu’s face flushed pink, and after a long pause, she gave a small, barely audible “Mm.”

Qi Ying worked with focused precision, measuring Xing Xiaochu’s bust and waist—both turned out to be close to her initial estimates.

A waist of 60 centimeters, slender enough to be encircled by a single hand.

What surprised Qi Ying the most was Xing Xiaochu’s bust. She had assumed it was an A-cup, but the measurement revealed a B. And given Xing Xiaochu’s undernourished state, with proper care, her figure would fill out beautifully.

Qi Ying had already envisioned it—Xing Xiaochu as a rising star, and herself as her personal designer. The thought of seeing the girl perform on stage in her creations filled her with pride.

But raising a star wasn’t going to be easy, was it?

By the time these thoughts drifted through her mind, the measurements were done.

Qi Ying rolled up the tape and said, “I’ll make you two sets of pajamas first. You can’t keep wearing this same outfit.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded, watching as Qi Ying cleared the desk, flipped a pajama top inside out, and began unpicking the side seams to alter it.

Without a sewing machine, she worked entirely by hand. But as a seasoned seamstress, altering clothes was child’s play. In less than half an hour, she had finished one piece—the most time-consuming part being the hemming.

Qi Ying shook out the altered pajamas and said, “Here, try it on.”

Xing Xiaochu’s eyes sparkled. It was her first time seeing someone modify clothes, especially for her. Clutching the garment excitedly, she changed into it and presented herself to Qi Ying, who couldn’t help but admire the transformation.

Xing Xiaochu was stunning, with a figure to match. The oversized clothes she had worn before had hidden her curves, but now, in the perfectly fitted outfit Qi Ying had tailored, her beauty shone through.

That slender waist looked delicate enough to squeeze water from.

Not to mention that perfect waist-to-hip ratio, those straight and fair legs, even the fingers were beautifully articulated—it’d be such a waste if she didn’t become a superstar.

“Gorgeous,” Qi Ying praised without reservation. “You should always wear clothes like this.”

Xing Xiaochu blushed at the compliment, her ear tips turning red as she shyly pinched the hem of her dress. “Thank you for making these clothes for me, sister. I love them.”

Qi Ying’s eyes curved into happy crescents. “If you like them, I’ll make you more so you can alternate.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded obediently and came over to assist Qi Ying.

After working through the night, Qi Ying had created three outfits for Xing Xiaochu, having her model each one—every fitting making Qi Ying’s eyes light up anew.

With a figure like a professional mannequin—the kind designers dream of—Xing Xiaochu was the perfect model. If time allowed, Qi Ying could’ve made her eight hundred outfits, already envisioning the designs in her mind.

“It’s getting late, we should rest,” Qi Ying said as she tidied the workspace, addressing Xing Xiaochu who was sweeping. “Go ahead to bed, I’ll handle the cleanup.”

“It’s alright, I can manage,” Xing Xiaochu hugged the broom, her smiling eyes crinkling. “After you made me so many clothes today, it’s only right that I do the cleaning.”

Seeing her radiant happiness for the first time, Qi Ying softened her voice. “Alright then, let’s clean up together.”

They quickly organized the study, with Qi Ying setting the trash by the door for morning disposal. Turning back, she said, “Let’s head to our rooms now.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded at her.

Exiting the game in her bedroom, Qi Ying began closing up her shop. By the time she finally lay in bed past 11 PM, the surrounding alleys were silent. Exhausted from her day’s work and crafting three outfits that evening, she fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

In the following days, Qi Ying would log into the game each morning to greet Xing Xiaochu before “going to work,” returning to the game by 7 PM if free, or later when busy.

Occasionally, Qi Ying would lose herself in the illusion that this wasn’t just a game—that Xing Xiaochu was a real person waiting for her.

Today, Qi Ying sent the first draft of the wedding dress to the bride to schedule a fitting for adjustments. The busy bride only confirmed their appointment for the following week late at night.

This meant Qi Ying had no work until then.

As summer’s heat intensified, Xia Ruoxin arrived each visit like a heat-stricken dog, clinging to the AC. Qi Ying worried her friend might catch facial paralysis from the cold air.

“Don’t sit directly in the airflow,” Qi Ying cautioned, pushing a glass of iced sparkling water toward her. “Remember how long you needed acupuncture after getting facial paralysis in school?”

The memory made Xia Ruoxin scoot away from the vent. Gulping down the bubbly drink, she sighed after a carbonated burp, “This heat’s unbearable now—just stepping outside is torture.”

“Then you should just rest at home during this time,” Qi Ying said, gazing at the scenery outside the shop window. “Look, there’s not even a single person on the street, and we don’t have any customers. If you come, we’ll just end up sitting here staring at each other pointlessly.”

“But I’m still a shareholder of this shop. If I don’t come, wouldn’t I just be a useless little thing?” Xia Ruoxin replied. “Even though when we first opened this store, I provided the capital while you contributed your skills and managed the shop, I can’t let you shoulder all the burden. I should come by often to help you out.”

Xia Ruoxin was a young heiress from a wealthy family that owned a large chain of supermarkets. Her parents doted on her and didn’t want her to work, so they gave her a few million to invest however she pleased—what mattered most was that she enjoyed herself.

That’s how Xia Ruoxin took an interest in Qi Ying. Coincidentally, Qi Ying had just had a disagreement with her company’s management and was planning to resign. Xia Ruoxin seized the opportunity and proposed opening a shop together.

Qi Ying agreed without hesitation. After all, getting to open the shop she wanted without having to invest her own money was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Moreover, regardless of whether the shop profited or lost money, Qi Ying didn’t have to worry about it. If they made money, the little heiress would give her bonuses; if they lost money, she’d still pay Qi Ying’s salary. Either way, Qi Ying wouldn’t lose out.

But Qi Ying’s designs were stunning. Even though they were expensive, many people still clamored to buy them. For example, the spring collection’s new shirt sold 20,000 units in-store alone. Production only stopped when the weather grew too hot for sales to continue.

“Baby, you’re my cash cow~” Xia Ruoxin said happily, swinging her legs as she looked at Qi Ying. “With you here, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Qi Ying smiled at her but said nothing.

The morning had been clear and bright, but by noon, the air grew stiflingly hot. Small whirlwinds even kicked up on the ground, sending garbage and fallen leaves swirling chaotically through the air.

Xia Ruoxin glanced at the darkening sky and exclaimed, “Oh no, A-Ying, a storm’s coming!”

Qi Ying, holding a cup of coffee, took a look and gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

A heavy downpour was indeed on its way.

Worried that Xia Ruoxin might get stuck in traffic if she left too late, Qi Ying urged her to go home. After Xia Ruoxin left, Qi Ying moved the flowerpots and chairs from outside indoors. Just as she finished, a loud boom of thunder echoed, followed by the sound of heavy rain pouring down.

Ding—

Her phone, placed on the long wooden table, suddenly chimed. Qi Ying turned to look at it and picked it up.

Dear Designer, your Xiaochu seems very afraid of thunder! The little one lacks a sense of security—perhaps spending some time with her now would make her feel safer!

Qi Ying froze for a moment. Outside the window, the rain was now so heavy that visibility was nearly zero, the dense mist of rain making it clear no customers would be arriving anytime soon.

Without hesitation, she hung an “Away” sign on the door and logged straight into the game.

The moment she appeared at her in-game home’s entrance, Qi Ying quickly opened the door. Another boom of thunder resounded, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she could even see a flash of lightning strike frighteningly close.

The house was pitch black. Qi Ying immediately called out, “Xiaochu! Xiaochu, where are you?”

Xiaochu was crouched in the closet, hugging her head and trembling all over with her hands covering her ears. The thunder was too loud—she was terrified.

“…Xiaochu!”

Faintly, she thought she heard someone calling her name. Dazedly, she opened her eyes and mustered the courage to lower her hands slightly. Then Qi Ying’s urgent voice rang out clearly from outside: “Xiaochu!”

Whoosh—

Qi Ying pulled open the closet door in Xiaochu’s room and sighed in relief at the sight of the girl curled up in the cramped space. She knelt down, opened her arms, and pulled the trembling girl into an embrace. “You got scared, didn’t you? It’s alright now,” she murmured reassuringly. “I’m here.”