My Sweet Little Flower Turned Out to Be a Sinister Ghost - Chapter 46

The server had just brought over a silver tray, draped with an off-white velvet cloth. A pearl necklace, brooch, and gloves of the same color scheme lay quietly atop it.

Bai Qingyu reached out and picked up the necklace, then turned to Song Yuehua.

Song Yuehua quickly extended her hand, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s hum. “I-I can do it myself…”

“Let me help you put it on.” Bai Qingyu’s tone was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness, leaving no room for further refusal as she slowly approached with the necklace.

Song Yuehua instinctively withdrew her hand, standing obediently in place, her shoulders subtly tensing.

Bai Qingyu walked up to her, the cool touch of the pearls gently resting against her neck, followed by the warmth of fingertips brushing against her skin.

The alternating sensations of cold and warmth spread instantly, causing the fine hairs on the back of Song Yuehua’s neck to stand on end. Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably, and the breath she had been holding hitched for a moment.

Bai Qingyu lowered her gaze, focusing intently on fastening the necklace clasp. Her long lashes cast a faint shadow beneath her eyes as her fingers delicately handled the tiny clasp, her movements deliberately slow.

Song Yuehua’s hands, hanging at her sides, unconsciously tightened their grip on her skirt. The seconds in her mind seemed to stretch endlessly, each one passing with excruciating slowness. Even the music in the store seemed to fade into the distance.

Finally, the hands at the back of her neck gently withdrew, the pearl necklace now resting securely against her skin, the dangling pavé diamonds settling perfectly in the hollow of her collarbone.

Just as Song Yuehua was about to turn to retrieve the gloves, Bai Qingyu had already picked up the white sheer gloves from the tray. Pinching the edge of the gloves, she handed them over and said, “Give me your hand.”

Song Yuehua obediently extended her hand, her fingertips slightly curled. As the sheer fabric enveloped her palm, the faint pink of her skin showed through the material like a soft haze.

Bai Qingyu helped adjust the edges of the gloves, her fingertips occasionally brushing against the back of Song Yuehua’s hand, leaving behind fleeting warmth.

“All done.” Bai Qingyu gently placed her hands on Song Yuehua’s bare shoulders, turning her to face the fitting mirror.

Noticing Song Yuehua’s gaze drifting elsewhere, she lightly pinched her chin and lifted it slightly. “Look in the mirror.”

Then, leaning in close, her warm breath brushed against Song Yuehua’s ear, her voice as light as a feather. “Don’t you look even more beautiful than before?”

The gown featured a backless design, and Song Yuehua’s back pressed against Bai Qingyu’s blouse.

The spring blouse was made of thin fabric, allowing her to clearly feel the warmth of the other’s body, even the faint rhythm of her breath seemed to permeate through the material.

Song Yuehua’s back stiffened instantly, her toes curling involuntarily. All she could manage was a rigid nod.

“But the banquet is in the evening, and this backless dress might be a bit chilly.” Bai Qingyu’s fingers lightly traced her shoulder.

Hearing this, Song Yuehua seized the opportunity like a lifeline, her cheeks burning as if they could fry an egg, her voice trembling. “Th-then I’ll change back!”

With that, she turned and made a dash for the fitting room, desperate to escape the atmosphere that made her heart race uncontrollably.

Bai Qingyu’s hand paused on her shoulder for a moment before gently releasing her. A flicker of regret passed through her eyes, but she didn’t stop her. “Alright, I’ll wait for you outside.”

Song Yuehua practically stumbled over her hem as she rushed into the fitting room. Once inside, she immediately pulled the curtain shut, leaning against the door as she gasped for breath, her hand pressed to her chest, still feeling the frantic thumping of her heart.

Bai Qingyu waved to the service counter. “Could you help me find a few dresses that don’t expose the shoulders or back? Preferably in light colors.”

“Of course.” The attendant turned and soon returned with three or four dresses, neatly hung on a nearby rolling rack.

Bai Qingyu carefully selected one.

She took the dress and handed it to Song Yuehua, who had just emerged from the fitting room. “Try this one.”

Song Yuehua found herself holding another dress and obediently turned back to change.

Inside the fitting room, Song Yuehua slipped into the dress and reached behind her back to pull up the zipper. Her fingers fumbled with the zipper pull, tugging it back and forth a couple of times, but the metal teeth remained stubbornly locked in place.

She applied more force until her elbow ached, yet the zipper refused to budge. Fine beads of sweat trickled down her temples, clinging to her cheeks.

“What’s going on…” she muttered under her breath, biting her lip as she tried again. The zipper pull clicked and jammed even tighter, nearly distorting the fabric.

Left with no choice, she clutched the back of the dress and pinched the edge of the velvet curtain, parting it just enough to peek through the narrow gap. Her eyes quickly scanned the hall, the sofa was empty, the attendant was tidying dresses in the distance, and Bai Qingyu was nowhere to be seen.

Her heart raced as she considered letting go of the curtain to remove the dress first, but before she could release it, footsteps approached from behind. She turned her head to find Bai Qingyu standing outside the curtain. Noticing her peeking out, Bai Qingyu’s eyes held a hint of amusement. “What’s wrong? You’ve been hiding in there for so long.”

Startled, Song Yuehua’s hand trembled, nearly dropping the curtain. She tightened her grip, her ears flushing a deep red. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s hum. “I… I can’t zip up the back.” After speaking, she lowered her head even further, not daring to look at Bai Qingyu.

Bai Qingyu’s brow lifted slightly, the amusement in her eyes growing more evident, though her tone remained gentle. “Shall I come in and help you?”

Song Yuehua pressed her lips together, her fingers leaving faint imprints on the curtain. After a long pause, she let out a muffled “Mm,” her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

A faint smile touched Bai Qingyu’s lips.

“Let’s go.” She patted Song Yuehua’s shoulder.

Song Yuehua stepped aside to let her in, then quickly moved to the corner, turning her back to Bai Qingyu.

When she glanced back at Bai Qingyu, her eyelashes fluttered nervously, and her cheeks and neck flushed a deep red. The V-shaped back of the light beige dress revealed her delicate shoulder blades, her skin as pale as porcelain, tinged with a faint pink from tension.

Bai Qingyu approached, her gaze lingering on Song Yuehua’s back. Her throat moved unconsciously as she reached out and gently pressed against Song Yuehua’s waist, intending to adjust the back of the dress.

The moment her fingertips brushed Song Yuehua’s skin, Song Yuehua’s waist flinched sharply. A sharp intake of breath echoed clearly in the small space as her hand swiftly grabbed Bai Qingyu’s, her fingers icy cold. “It… it tickles…”

Bai Qingyu leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against Song Yuehua’s ear, causing her to shrink her neck again. “Then I’ll be quick. Bear with it a moment.”

Song Yuehua nodded, bracing her hands against the cool wall and lowering her head further. Her eyes fixed intently on the patterns on the wall, but her palms were damp with sweat.

Bai Qingyu released her waist and took hold of the zipper pull, adjusting it slightly before slowly drawing it upward.

Song Yuehua’s attention remained fixed on her waist, where Bai Qingyu had touched her. It felt as though a trail of heat lingered there, searing her entire body with tension, her breaths growing shallow.

“Alright.” In no time, Bai Qingyu stopped her movements, gently patting her back to prevent her from tensing up again. Her voice was exceptionally soft, “Turn around and take a look, it fits perfectly.”

When Song Yuehua turned her head, her cheeks were flushed like ripe peaches, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with warmth.

Seeing Bai Qingyu staring at her intently, she nervously clutched the hem of her skirt and took a step back, stumbling over her words as she tried to explain, “It’s… it’s just that the fitting room is too cramped, and I was in a hurry to put on the dress, so I got a bit hot… really!” As she spoke, she fanned herself with her hand, her gaze drifting elsewhere, avoiding eye contact with Bai Qingyu.

Bai Qingyu smiled, took Song Yuehua’s arm, and said, “Let’s go take a look in the mirror outside.”

Holding up the skirt, Song Yuehua followed her with small steps. By the time they reached the mirror, her nervousness had mostly subsided.

The square neckline of the light beige dress rested perfectly on her collarbone, adorned with pearls that were elegant without being ostentatious. The sheer short sleeves added a touch of delicate softness, and the layered skirt made her figure appear even more slender. It wasn’t revealing, yet it was far more refined than her everyday clothes.

“Let’s go with this one!” Song Yuehua quickly spoke up, afraid that something else might go wrong. If she had to ask Bai Qingyu for help with the zipper again while changing, she would probably be so embarrassed she’d want to disappear into the ground.

“Alright, wrap it up.” Bai Qingyu turned to the sales assistant but was tugged on the sleeve by Song Yuehua.

“Don’t just pick things for me, you need to find something for yourself too!” Song Yuehua frowned, her eyes scanning the clothing racks. “I didn’t see you try anything on earlier…”

“I already picked something out earlier.” Bai Qingyu pointed to a neatly folded dress bag next to the sales assistant. “While you were in the fitting room, I chose one.”

“Ah?” Song Yuehua’s smile instantly faded, her eyes filled with disappointment. “Why didn’t you wait for me to help you pick? I wanted to see which color would look best on you…”

Seeing her crestfallen expression, Bai Qingyu reached out and ruffled her hair, her voice softening. “Someone from the company just messaged me, I have to go back and handle something. Time is a bit tight.” She paused, then added, “Don’t worry, you’ll get to see it.”

Song Yuehua still pouted.

“My fault,” Bai Qingyu coaxed, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “From now on, no matter what clothes I buy, I’ll let you help me choose, okay?”

“Fine,” Song Yuehua mumbled in response, then quickly added, “But… work is important too. Don’t let me hold you up.”

“Shall we head back then?” Bai Qingyu asked softly.

“Mm.”

The sales assistant soon returned with several bags in hand. Song Yuehua’s eyes widened in surprise. “Just two dresses, do we need this many bags?”

Bai Qingyu explained, “There are accessories inside too.”

“Oh.”

“I also bought the first outfit you tried on.”

“Huh?”

Song Yuehua said, “Didn’t I only wear the last one?”

Bai Qingyu replied casually, “You can wear it another time.”

Song Yuehua blinked. “Alright.”

After the sales assistant placed the items in the car and left, Song Yuehua leaned closer to Bai Qingyu and asked quietly, “Qingqing, how much did all of this actually cost?” She hadn’t dared to ask in the store, but now she mustered the courage to whisper the question.

Just the pearls and lace alone looked expensive.

“Not much,” Bai Qingyu said calmly.

“How can it not be much!” Song Yuehua scratched her head anxiously, her brows furrowed. “Such exquisite clothes must have cost a fortune… When will I ever earn enough to pay you back?”

Bai Qingyu asked, “Why do you insist on returning it to me?”

“Because… because,” Song Yuehua said hesitantly, “this is your money, not mine. I can’t just take your things…”

Bai Qingyu glanced at Song Yuehua.

The look made Song Yuehua blink uncomfortably, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what felt off.

“Fasten your seatbelt,” Bai Qingyu said.

“Oh, right.” Song Yuehua obediently complied.

Bai Qingyu didn’t speak again after that, leaving Song Yuehua feeling uneasy.

When the car arrived at the apartment building, Bai Qingyu got out first and walked around to open the passenger door. “Go on up first. I need to stop by the company.”

“Should I come with you?”

“No need,” Bai Qingyu replied. “It’s nothing major. I’ll be back after I handle it. Just wait for me at home.”

In truth, the earlier phone call hadn’t been about company matters but rather something concerning Song Yuelan. Bai Qingyu didn’t want Song Yuehua to get involved.

Song Yuehua paused for a moment before getting out of the car.