Chapter 45: Picking Costumes

In Social Science class, the students decided on a cosplay theme for their upcoming parade, and after getting the green light from Teacher Tang Yuanming, they eagerly began planning their outfits. Each student excitedly chose their cosplay character to ensure there were no duplicates in the classroom. Lin Miaomiao couldn't wait to share the news with Ye Bai, waking him up to fill him in.

On the weekend, Ye Bai, Lin Miaomiao, and Deng Xiaoqi spent time together searching for costumes for the event. Deng Xiaoqi, feeling exhausted from all the walking, plopped down on a nearby bench. "There are so many costume shops, but finding the perfect outfit for my character is proving to be quite the challenge," she lamented.

Lin Miaomiao joined Deng Xiaoqi on the bench, looking equally drained. She joked about being a vampire and needing some "blood" to revive her energy. Just then, Ye Bai approached with refreshments in hand. "Here, take these," he offered, passing drinks to the girls.

"Thanks," Lin Miaomiao replied, getting the water bottle on Ye Bai's hand.

Deng Xiaoqi held Miaomiao's arms, noticing the matching bracelets on Ye Bai and Lin Miaomiao's wrists and couldn't help but comment. "Wow, you two are wearing matching bracelets," she observed.

Flustered, Lin Miaomiao quickly explained, "O-oh, those? It's actually a birthday gift I got for Ye Bai. But the store had a discount if I bought two, so I got one for myself too."

Deng Xiaoqi nodded in understanding. "Got it. Let me know where you got them; I might want to get one for myself," she said, thinking of getting one for Qian Sanyi.

Changing the subject, Ye Bai asked, "What's our plan now?"

Deng Xiaoqi pulled out her phone and showed them the last costume shop on their list. "If we can't find anything here, let's go for something that's easier to adjust and do it ourselves," she suggested.

Lin Miaomiao agreed, recognizing that their best option might be to buy costumes that they could modify to fit their characters.

...

As they entered the shop, Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi's eyes widened with excitement at the sight of a row of costumes. Deng Xiaoqi couldn't contain her excitement as she exclaimed, "Look at all these costumes! I can't wait to try them on!"

They exchanged gleeful glances and practically skipped over to the outfits they wanted to try on. Deng Xiaoqi's face lit up as she grabbed 'The Black Widow' costume, while Lin Miaomiao's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she reached for 'The Supergirl' outfit.

Meanwhile, Ye Bai wandered around the shop, casually browsing through the various costumes on display. As he looked around, he stumbled upon a familiar costume and decided to pick it up.

In the changing room, Deng Xiaoqi couldn't contain her excitement as she slipped into her chosen outfit, her confidence evident in the way she carried herself. With a satisfied nod, she admired her reflection in the mirror, pleased with how she looked. However, Lin Miaomiao wasn't entirely happy with her selection.

Ye Bai approached Lin Miaomiao with the costume he had found. "Miaomiao, why not try this one?" he suggested, showing her the outfit.

Lin Miaomiao's eyes sparkled with renewed excitement as she examined the costume. She nodded eagerly. "Okay, pass it to me," she said as she started changing.

Meanwhile, Deng Xiaoqi changed back into her original outfit and went to pay for her costume, her face alight with satisfaction as she made her purchase, knowing it would need a few adjustments but pleased with her choice.

Seeing Ye Bai waiting for Lin Miaomiao, Deng Xiaoqi asked, "Why didn't you pick a costume for cosplay?" Her curiosity evident in her expression as she glanced at Ye Bai.

Ye Bai glanced at Deng Xiaoqi and explained, "I'll be the announcer during the parade, so I won't be participating."

Just then, Lin Miaomiao emerged from the changing room wearing the new outfit Ye Bai had suggested. She smiled radiantly and struck a pose, her confidence shining through as she showcased her chosen character. "I've decided on 'Balala, Demon Fairy'," she announced.

Impressed by her transformation, Ye Bai went to the wig section and grabbed a blue-haired wig for Lin Miaomiao. "The Balala Fairy outfit suits you perfectly," he complimented her.

Thrilled by the praise, Lin Miaomiao's cheeks flushed with delight as she eagerly accepted the wig. "Okay, I'll go with this one. What about you, Xiaobai? Did you choose an outfit?"

Ye Bai reiterated his explanation to Deng Xiaoqi, but Lin Miaomiao insisted, "No, we want to see you in costume too. We can take pictures before the parade."

Deng Xiaoqi agreed, adding, "It's our class's first big event, and we need photos to remember it by. Plus, it wouldn't feel right if one of us didn't have a costume."

Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi hurried to the male section to find an outfit for Ye Bai. After some searching, Lin Miaomiao settled on an 'Immortal Robe', while Deng Xiaoqi chose a 'White Prince Charming' costume. Satisfied with their selections, they eagerly awaited Ye Bai's approval.

"Okay, try this first," Lin Miaomiao said, passing the robe to Ye Bai. He took it and walked to the changing room. After a while, Ye Bai emerged, walking with the grace and poise of an ancient prince from an immortal sect.

As Ye Bai approached them, he showcased his talent for acting, embodying the character with an aloof, cold, and domineering demeanor that exuded the aura of royalty.

Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi gasped in awe at his transformation, while even the cashier couldn't resist snapping some photos of Ye Bai.

"Wow, Xiaobai, you look so awesome in this outfit!" Lin Miaomiao praised, but Ye Bai remained expressionless. Lin Miaomiao suddenly felt uncomfortable under his stare, as if she had done something wrong. Deng Xiaoqi nervously swallowed, feeling as though she was watching a scene from a historical drama.

Then, Ye Bai smiled. "I'm just kidding," he reassured them, but before Lin Miaomiao could respond, she playfully punched him on the arm. "Don't look at me like that again," she scolded with a grin.

Ye Bai chuckled and accepted the playful jab, enjoying teasing Miaomiao. "Okay, I will change again," he said, taking the 'Prince Charming' outfit and heading back to the changing room.

As Ye Bai emerged from the changing room, the cashier couldn't resist snapping another photo of him. This time, Ye Bai exuded elegance, charm, and a noble aura as he walked slowly towards Lin Miaomiao, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Ye Bai gave a royal nod, his tone playful as he addressed her, "How do I look, Lady Miaomiao?" His teasing smile added to the allure of his appearance.

Lin Miaomiao felt her cheeks flush as she gazed at Ye Bai, suddenly feeling like he truly was a Prince Charming trying to win her over. "It's good. But I prefer the 'Immortal Robe'," she replied, her heart fluttering.

In Lin Miaomiao's analysis, the Prince Charming costume was too captivating and would attract too much attention from other girls, whereas the Immortal Robe conveyed an aura of aloofness and unapproachability that suited Ye Bai better.

Ye Bai simply nodded, exchanged the Prince Charming costume for the Immortal Robe, and headed to the cashier. However, Lin Miaomiao still held onto the Prince Costume.

"What are you going to do with that?" Ye Bai asked curiously.

"I'm buying it too," Lin Miaomiao declared, her tone firm. "It looks great on you, and we should take a photo together with it," she explained.

Ye Bai smiled and agreed, purchasing both costumes without hesitation. As they checked out, the cashier offered to post their photo on the shop's social media in exchange for a discount on their entire purchase. Lin Miaomiao eagerly accepted, eager to save money and minimize her expenditure. She didn't give Ye Bai a chance to object, knowing that every bit of savings counted.

...

Lin Miaomiao waved goodbye to Ye Bai as the bus started to pull away, Deng Xiaoqi beside her. As they rode along, Deng Xiaoqi couldn't shake off a nagging feeling about the relationship between Lin Miaomiao and Ye Bai. Something about their interactions seemed different, more intimate than before.

Nudging Lin Miaomiao gently, Deng Xiaoqi couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Miaomiao, tell me, are you and Ye Bai dating?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Taken aback by Deng Xiaoqi's direct question, Lin Miaomiao furrowed her eyebrows in surprise. "Why do you think that?" she replied, puzzled by the sudden inquiry.

"I don't know, it just feels like the way you two interact is different, more intimate somehow. It's like there's a special bond between you that no one else can breach," Deng Xiaoqi explained, her intuition guiding her thoughts.

Lin Miaomiao nodded, understanding Deng Xiaoqi's observation. She knew she needed to have a conversation with Ye Bai about their relationship. "We're still the same," she reassured Deng Xiaoqi. "Oh, and make sure to bring some sewing materials. We'll need to adjust our clothes to fit properly."

Deng Xiaoqi nodded in agreement. "Got it. I'll make sure to bring everything we need."

...

Ye Bai was on his way home when he received a notification from Jiang Tianhao, asking to hang out. Checking the time, Ye Bai realized he had some free time, so he agreed.

They met at a nearby gaming center, a familiar haunt for them both. As they settled into a private room equipped with various entertainment options, including a billiards table, PlayStation, and gaming computer, Ye Bai took a seat on the plush sofa.

Jiang Tianhao handed him a soft drink, breaking the silence with a sudden question. "Ye Bai, am I likable?"

Pausing to take a sip from the bottle, Ye Bai set it down on the center table, considering Jiang Tianhao's question. "Why do you ask?" he inquired, genuinely curious about the sudden introspection.

"Just answer me first," Jiang Tianhao insisted, his expression serious.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Bai replied honestly, "Yes, you are likable as a brother and friend. You're loyal and caring."

Jiang Tianhao let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Miaomiao told me I should give up pursuing Deng Xiaoqi. But I can't help falling for her."

Observing his friend's troubled expression, Ye Bai leaned back on the sofa, pondering the situation. "You've been chasing her relentlessly, but perhaps you haven't respected yourself enough in the process," he remarked, hoping to offer some insight.

Jiang Tianhao stood up to retrieve some beers from the nearby freezer. "Let's drink these," he suggested, handing one to Ye Bai. "My father pursued my mother in a similar way, and eventually, it paid off. I thought by showing my sincerity, Deng Xiaoqi would reciprocate. But it's been a year, and our relationship hasn't progressed beyond acquaintances. Should I give up?" his said, tinged with resignation.

Without hesitation, Ye Bai offered his straightforward advice, "Yes, you should give up."

Based in the second season of the series, after they had graduated from college, Jiang Tianhao continued to wait for Deng Xiaoqi to come back. However, he would soon receive the devastating news that she had already found a boyfriend. As Ye Bai looked at his friend drowning his sorrows in beer, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sympathy. Jiang Tianhao had endured one of the most tragic life stories in the series.

Reflecting on the hardships his friend had faced, Ye Bai remembered the tumultuous events of Jiang Tianhao's third year of senior high school. His father had been scammed and bankrupted, leaving Jiang Tianhao, a second-generation rich kid, burdened with an overwhelming debt of 100 million in his name. The once promising future he had envisioned was cruelly snatched away, forcing him to work tirelessly to support his family and keep them afloat amidst financial ruin.

As Jiang Tianhao drowned himself in beer, Ye Bai listened to his friend's melancholic words. "Thank you, Brother Bai, for your honest answer. I'll try my best to avoid Xiaoqi for now," Jiang Tianhao said, his voice heavy with sadness.

Ye Bai silently downed his own beer, his mind consumed with thoughts of how to help his friend change the trajectory of his life. Determined to prevent Jiang Tianhao from experiencing the same tragic fate as his family's fortune, Ye Bai resolved to find a way to support and guide his friend through the challenges that lay ahead.

"By the way, our classes will be rivals in the upcoming Olympics. Are you ready to lose to our class?" Jiang Tianhao suddenly became lively, a spark of competitive spirit igniting within him. "You better be prepared to lose because I'll be the main athlete," he boasted, flexing his biceps for Ye Bai to see.

"Alright, alright, give us a chance to win," Ye Bai chuckled at his friend's antics. "Our class is mostly female, you know."

Jiang Tianhao laughed in response. "Gender equality is today's slogan, my friend."

"Fair enough. I look forward to the day of the Olympics. If our classes become rivals on the stage, I'll give it my all," Ye Bai replied with a grin.

"Sounds good. I'll be there to steal the limelight," Jiang Tianhao responded confidently, his competitive spirit burning bright.

...

After hanging out with Jiang Tianhao, Ye Bai decided to take a taxi home. During the ride, he exchanged messages with Lin Miaomiao, catching up on each other's day and sharing a few laughs.

Once he arrived home, Ye Bai felt the weight of fatigue settling in. Today had been particularly tiring, and he could feel his eyelids growing heavy.

Deciding to call it a night, Ye Bai quickly changed into his pajamas and crawled into bed. As he lay down, he exchanged a final message with Lin Miaomiao, bidding her goodnight before succumbing to the embrace of sleep.