As time ticks away, I find myself hurrying through the streets, eager to meet my rented boyfriend in front of a nearby café.
Since this is just a trial service, the app recommended one of their top boys at a much cheaper price than usual. Our rendezvous is scheduled for 10 o'clock, right in front of the Lan Qi'e café, where we'll decide on our next course of action.
Surprisingly, I found myself lacking suitable attire for the occasion, prompting Xuan to lend me some of his clothes. After all, as a cross-dresser, he undoubtedly has a better eye for fashion than I do.
Xuan handed me a half-sleeved white shirt, complemented by a light blue jacket with a denim texture. With expert precision, he smoothed down my short hair, making it silky and manageable thanks to the conditioner he generously provided.
As he took away my glasses, Xuan remarked, "You can see well enough to recognize your date. Besides, big sis, you should consider getting some contact lenses. Specs are a bit old-fashioned these days."
Completing my ensemble, he adorned my wrist with a silver watch. For the lower half of my body, Xuan offered a brown suede skirt and a pair of dark blue sandals. However, the sandals were his, and they didn't quite fit me, so he took them back with a playful grin.
Xuan even offered me his caramel-colored handbag, insisting that he no longer had a use for it. I couldn't help but feel surprised by the sheer amount of clothing accessories my cross-dressing brother possessed, far surpassing my own collection.
Initially taken aback by the news of my upcoming date, Xuan exclaimed, "Big sis, you actually got yourself a boy!" His disbelief was palpable, but after a few explanations, he eventually came around to the idea.
I chose not to disclose the true nature of this rendezvous to Xuan; revealing that it was merely a trial date would only dampen his spirits. While I'm fully aware that this date is essentially a facade, with any feelings displayed by the boy being nothing more than scripted, I still yearn for the experience.
I want to know what it feels like to go on a date, to hold hands with someone, even if those feelings are manufactured. Despite the inherent artificiality of the situation, the desire to experience these moments firsthand outweighs any reservations I may have.
Breathless and anxious, I quicken my pace as I race towards the café. The clock has already struck ten, and I'm fifteen minutes behind schedule.
Just a little further, I tell myself, urging my legs to move faster.
"There it is!" I exclaim internally as the familiar sign for "Lan Qi'e Café" comes into view, a beacon of hope in the bustling cityscape.
As I approach the café, I slow my pace and begin to catch my breath. There's no need to rush now that I'm so close.
Remembering the text from the rental boyfriend, I scan the area in front of the café. And then, I spot him.
A familiar face catches my eye: a tall boy with blonde hair and striking ruby-like eyes. He's dressed in a white shirt with blue accents, topped with a matching jacket, a key hanging around his neck, and blue jeans. He stands by the café entrance, engrossed in his phone.
My heart skips a beat as I freeze in place, my eyes darting around to confirm that he's the only man in sight. A nervous twitch creeps into my left eye, and before I know it, my grip loosens and my handbag slips from my fingers, tumbling to the ground.
"This guy is my date?!" I exclaim inwardly, disbelief and shock washing over me.
The face is undeniably familiar—it's Yan Xia, the same boy I bumped into at school yesterday, the one who's allergic to girls.
A myriad of questions flood my mind, each more pressing than the last. What is he doing here? Is this some kind of coincidence, or is there more to this than meets the eye?
As I stand frozen in place, grappling with the shock of seeing Yan Xia as my rented boyfriend, a whirlwind of questions floods my mind. Why would someone allergic to girls choose a job that requires interacting with them for fifteen hours a day? Is he really doing this job, or am I misunderstanding something?
The uncertainty gnaws at me, but another pressing concern emerges: what if he recognizes me? The thought of being exposed and becoming the subject of school gossip fills me with dread. I can almost hear the scornful whispers behind my back, the judgmental glances from my classmates.
But amidst the turmoil, a determination takes root within me. I refuse to let fear dictate my actions. I need answers to my questions, and I won't find them if I remain paralyzed by uncertainty.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and prepare to approach Yan Xia. Whether it leads to insult or enlightenment, I'm determined to face whatever comes my way.
What will Li Su do next? Will she confront Yan? Will she face further ridicule at school? And most importantly, will she uncover the truth behind Yan's mysterious presence as her rented boyfriend?
For the answers to these questions and more, stay tuned for the next chapter~