Chen Li gave me an annoyed look, clearly irritated by my stubbornness. "You're being ridiculous." She said. "Sometimes, pride does more harm than good. Why make things hard when there's an easy solution?"
I looked at her, sticking to my decision. "I'd rather face challenges alone than depend on others. I want to prove to myself that I can overcome these obstacles independently."
Hua Zhe nodded in understanding, his expression filled with respect for my decision. "Siyu, remember that my offer still stands if you ever change your mind."
I admit that even though Hua Zhe is my childhood sweetheart, hearing this suddenly made me feel a little uneasy, and my heart felt like it was going to explode at any moment.
I felt like that Hua Zhe was not as open as usual today. His words were very clear. It was the first time I had heard him repeat a joke.
I had to bite my lip and harshly reprimand him, "Forget you! If I rely on my little brother for help, I might as well bang my head against the wall and die."
I sat with my legs crossed on the chair, turning down Hua Zhe in frustration. His expression was saddened, and I almost felt sorry for my harsh words.
"Am I just like your little brother?" Hua Zhe said quietly, sounding more upset than I meant.
I heard him, but I was focused on the thought of starting a job. Chen Li's idea gave me hope. Working part-time would reduce my gaming time, but it looked like a good way to solve my issues.
Chen Li sighed, seeing how serious I was. "It seems you've made up your mind to work. In that case, I will help you."
"Will you help me find a job?" I asked, remembering that Chen Li's family owned a big company. Working there could resolve current living expenses problem but also secure my future.
Sadly, Chen Li replied, "I wish I could, but my family's company doesn't hire students still in college. Despite my willingness, my family prohibits me from interfering in business matters, so I can't assist you in that way."
I felt frustrated, but I remembered Chen Li's promise to help me. She was loyal, reliable, and full of ideas. If she mentioned a plan, it had to be a great one.
"So, what's the plan?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity and hope.
"Follow me," Chen Li said, guiding me back to the girls' dorm. After some time, she brought me out once more, revealing her plan.
When I saw Chen Li rummaging through boxes and cabinets while explaining her plan to me in the dormitory, I cursed in my heart more than once what a terrible idea this was. However, due to my friend's feelings, I couldn't say it out loud. I hoped that once Chen Li saw I didn't look good in women's clothing, she would give up on her own.
But after I changed clothes, not only did Chen Li not give up, she even looked at me and made an approving sound.
"Chen Li, is this your brilliant plan?" I asked, nervously adjusting the skirt I found myself in.
Yes, a skirt. I usually don't wear skirts, but there I was, wearing one gifted by Chen Li. She suggested I try women's clothing.
Chen Li smiled playfully. "Yep, it was my suggestion. You rock women's clothes. It's a nice change, right? And it might help you find jobs more easily if you dress more accordingly."
To convince me more, Chen Li had set up for Hua Zhe to have a first look. He had been waiting in a deserted alley behind the girls' dorm for thirty minutes. The reason he couldn't wait near the dorm entrance was clear: his good looks would attract attention quickly.
What I didn't expect was that Hua Zhe's first words after seeing me wear. "It's worth it."
"What's worth it?" I questioned, looking puzzled.
Chen Li rolled her eyes at me impatiently. "You're so good-looking now that waiting for half an hour was worth it. I always knew you were attractive, but I didn't expect you being this gorgeous. I was planning to share skincare tips and do your makeup, but it looks like that's not needed anymore."
"You're exaggerating." I said, shaking my head. "You know my appearance. Besides, Hua Zhe has seen many beautiful girls. How could he be so amazed by me? Right, Hua Zhe?"
Hua Zhe wasn't looking at me. Instead, he turned away, covering his mouth with his hand, avoiding eye contact. I had to call him again to get his attention.
I couldn't help but say, frustratedly. "I know my quality isn't great, but it's not so bad that you can't even look at me, right?"
Hua Zhe quickly responded. "That's not it. It's just that you... are so beautiful. I blush every time I look at you, so I don't dare to.."
After being confirmed by Hua Zhe, the most handsome guy around, Chen Li was so proud that she practically floated. She pointed at me, jumped like a rabbit, and shouted happily, "See, I told you! Look at what I said!"
"It's so annoying!" I couldn't help but look at her, and then restrained myself.
Hua Zhe sighed with a tinge of regret in his tone. "But if I had to choose, it should be paired with a pair of high heels. Isn't there a suitable size?"
Chen Li shook her head, responding earnestly, "Siyu and I wear the same size, but high heels are like torture for women, and Siyu doesn't know how to walk in them."
When I heard this, I thought, When did Hao Siyu become your family?
"When did she become like family to you? I've known her longer than you." Hua Zhe's competitive tone caught me off guard. Without giving me a chance to react, he added, "You have to admit, she has a great sense of style. I'm surprised you didn't suggest high heels for her, considering your perfection."
Chen Li pointed at my feet and firmly replied, "Let me clarify, it's not about her not being allowed to wear them. It's simply that she doesn't know how to walk in them."
Hua Zhe seemed to get it. When it came to my history, I rarely wore women's clothes, let alone high heels, since I was a child. How could I be expected to walk in high heels? Roller skates might be a safer option for me.
"Enough about my outfit. Can you tell me why wearing women's clothes have to do with me going out to work?"
I interrupted their argument, feeling frustrated and confused.
Chen Li snorted and asked, "Even if you are looking for a part-time job, you can't just look for any job. Since you've entrusted me with this task, I must ensure you apply for the highest-paying job a college student can get."
Great, Chen Li's sense of responsibility had kicked in at the worst possible time.
To be honest, I already felt I had misplaced my trust. Was it too late to regret this and seek help from someone else?
Chen Li didn't notice my mood shift and enthusiastically said, "You should check out the job fair happening nearby. Companies are hiring college students for internships. I'll text you the location."
I glanced at my phone and saw the details she had sent. I was confused about why I had to go to a physical job fair when there are online platforms for job hunting. "Why should I go to a job fair when I can search for jobs online?"
I wanted to return to my dorm and use my computer. Online job hunting is convenient for me.
"Given your lack of work experience, it's tough to find a good job by just submitting your resume online. That's why I suggested dressing nicely to make a good impression on recruiters. It can help you land a better job."
"Are you suggesting I seduce someone?" I was shocked. "No way! With my limited skills, I'd be a laughingstock. I can't do that."
Chen Li sighed, becoming impatient. "It's not about seduction. It's about making a good impression. You're attractive, and we can use that to help you. Just dress nicely, be yourself, and you'll have a better chance at getting the job."
Hua Zhe agreed, looking serious. "Siyu, remember, how you appear at first is important. If you enter confidently and well-presented, you'll stand out. Once you're in, you can prove your worth."