Yan Xiaobao looked at the older boy, his face showing conflicting emotions. Clearly, this misunderstanding needed to be clarified, as it could end the friendships Yan Xiaobao had gained in this new world. This realization brought a hint of bitterness to the young boy, but Yan Xiaobao lowered his head briefly, then resolutely lifted it again, gazing directly at Rong Ming.
"Yesterday, I ran into Mrs. Rong Xing," Yan Xiaobao began, "She seemed shocked when we encountered each other while I was bathing." He continued in a steady and measured tone, fully prepared to reveal the most shocking truth that might surprise Rong Ming, having already steadied his emotions. "When she realized I was a boy, she seemed very startled." Yan Xiaobao’s face flushed lightly as he spoke the final sentence. It was the first time in his two lifetimes that someone had mistaken him for a girl, making the conversation undeniably awkward.
Yan Xiaobao didn’t look at Rong Ming but instead fixed his gaze on the ground before him, giving off the impression of fearing the older boy, worried that Rong Ming might be angry with him. Yan Xiaobao knew he couldn’t rely on strength to get through this; he would have to depend on his performance.
Yan Xiaobao quickly glanced at Rong Ming, his expression completely blank as he stared at the little boy before him. However, before Rong Ming could decide what to say, he opened his mouth several times as if unsure of his words, but at that moment, two figures strode into the tent.
Both Yan Xiaobao and Rong Ming turned their heads to see Rong Xing and Bubu entering the tent, chatting happily with each other, only to stop mid-step upon seeing Hui Yu and Rong Ming.
Bubu’s face showed a fleeting, almost imperceptible expression, but it was quickly masked by a serious look.
Rong Xing immediately grasped the situation, and before the smile on her face could grow, Yan Xiaobao caught a flash of playful disappointment in her beautiful jet-black eyes. She walked over to the young boy, taking his pale little hand in hers.
Rong Ming swiftly shifted his gaze to Yan Xiaobao, whose face was darkening to an even deeper shade of crimson under the intensity of Rong Ming’s stare.
"I..." Rong Ming finally couldn’t hold back a word, still staring at the seemingly frightened-to-death Yan Xiaobao, who didn’t dare make a sound. "I... hahaha." Suddenly, a helpless laugh escaped from Rong Ming’s stunned lips, catching everyone present off guard. At first, Yan Xiaobao stiffened when he heard the laughter, but he soon realized there was no trace of anger in it. If anything, the laugh sounded rather self-deprecating.
"You... you’re really a boy?" Rong Ming asked again, his face carrying a doubtful smile as his clear eyes focused on Yan Xiaobao, who wordlessly nodded, his face flushing red with embarrassment. He had to admit this was undoubtedly the most awkward situation he had ever encountered in both lifetimes—far more mortifying than when his mother walked in on him hanging out with his girlfriend.
Rong Ming slowly approached the embarrassed boy, circling him while stroking his chin in contemplation.
"How can a boy be so beautiful?" he asked in disbelief. No matter how many times he looked at this fair-haired young boy, he couldn’t help but think he was far too pretty to be male.
"It’s true," Yan Xiaobao finally pushed the words out in a voice of discomfort, while Rong Xing’s eyes sparkled with some amused glint, and she nodded her agreement.
"I can confirm that he is indeed a boy," she said with a cheerful and confident voice. Her smile was relaxed and assured, though recalling last night’s scene that she had witnessed firsthand still brought a faint trace of awkwardness.
Bubu, however, wore an expression of clear astonishment and couldn’t stop himself from coughing when he grasped the implications of her words. Rong Ming was surprised as well, though he quickly regained his composure.
"This complicates things," he said in a soft voice, his face reflecting a mix of emotions that shifted between frustration, amusement, and surprise.
Looking back at Yan Xiaobao, Rong Ming sighed but soon noticed the young boy seemed worried about the entire situation. To ease his anxiety, Rong Ming gave him a soft, reassuring smile.
"It’s not your fault," he gently told Yan Xiaobao. "I could never have imagined that the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen could turn out to be a boy!" He glanced at him again and furrowed his brow, "You should cut your hair. Your long hair paired with that porcelain-like skin easily leads to misunderstandings."
Yan Xiaobao immediately nodded in agreement. He didn’t care at all about the length of his hair, and when he realized that Rong Ming continued treating him the same way even after their conversation, he felt a sense of relief.
"Alright," Rong Ming finally sighed, speaking to Yan Xiaobao. "Since you can’t be my wife, you can be my little brother." He declared decisively, and this statement brought a sense of relief to Yan Xiaobao. Aside from Lan Feng, the twins were Yan Xiaobao’s closest friends.
Lan Feng had entirely cloaked himself within the Qi field, completely uninterested in commenting on what was happening outside. Neither Lan Feng nor Yan Xiaobao dared underestimate Bu Huang, but even so, Yan Xiaobao could still feel the sound of laughter, proving that Phoenix was clearly entertained by the situation.
"Little brother Yan Xiaobao," Rong Ming said with a complex expression that quickly turned into a genuine smile. "Yan Xiaobao, you’re so beautiful, you’ll attract lots of beauties in the future. I trust you’ll introduce me to someone stunning so I can find a gorgeous wife someday."