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Mengdie was surprised that Xiu didn't show the satisfied expression she had expected. Instead, he still looked dissatisfied. After pondering for a moment, Xiu finally shook his head, seemingly rejecting the proposal.
"Miss Mengdie, I have a better idea. Please come closer so I can whisper it to you."
Mengdie nodded her head, adhering to the principle of considering all options. She wasn't angry but instead turned her ear towards Xiu, curious about his plan. Xiu then leaned in and whispered something into her ear...
"What—???!"
Mengdie's scream nearly pierced the heavens! The women who were quietly discussing their escape plans turned their faces in unison, staring at the beautiful girl.
Xiu chuckled and said, "Isn't it a good idea? Fully utilizing available resources, achieving the greatest effect with the simplest method. You can play the role of a dancing and singing girl, wear a light, flowing dress, and perform for everyone in the general's mansion. I'm sure the place will be packed, and finding an opportunity to escape will be easy!"
Upon hearing this, Mengdie immediately grabbed Xiu by the throat and pinned him to the ground, her other fist clenched and shining as it hovered in front of his face.
"Xiu, if you dare to say such things again, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Perhaps expecting this reaction, Xiu was only slightly surprised at first, then quickly regained his usual harmonious smile. He didn't resist and let Mengdie hold him by the neck, speaking slowly, "Miss Mengdie, this is currently the best and most effective method. I stake my reputation as a genius scientist on it; it's definitely safer and smarter than you running out to start a fire or fight. If you insist on not choosing this best method and instead opt for a complicated, dangerous one, then I have nothing to say."
"You...!!!"
Mengdie's fist remained raised, momentarily speechless due to Xiu's words. She thought about how absurd it was for her, who used to be a man, to resort to such a bizarre plan. Seduction? Singing? Dancing? That would be a huge blow to her dignity as a man!
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But...
Everything has two sides. Mengdie wasn't unreasonable. As long as there wasn't a dead end, she didn't like to lose her temper. While holding her fist up, she quickly thought about a better plan to replace Xiu's suggestion. But the problem was...
"Wuu... wuuu... why... why isn't there a safer... better method?"
After a while, Mengdie reluctantly let go, tears of frustration (she was holding back tears) flowing from her eyes.
How could Xiu possibly understand Mengdie's feelings at this moment? Seeing the girl cry because of his words, he panicked and wanted to comfort her. But as soon as he got up from the ground, he received a heavy punch from Mengdie!
"Ow—!"
Mengdie fiercely shook her fist, showing a determined expression, "Alright! I'll do it! To save others, I'll go all out today! I want to see whether it will be those soldiers dancing in front of me or me dancing in front of them!"
After making up her mind, Mengdie immediately took out her knuckle-dusters, ready to put them on. At that moment, urgent knocking came from outside the door, apparently the clerk urging them.
"Hey! Are you done yet?! Hurry up, don't make us wait too long!"
After speaking, the footsteps outside gradually faded away.
Mengdie glanced at her pocket watch; there was still about half an hour before Emily was due to change clothes. She hummed affirmatively, clenching her fist, ready to replace Emily when the clerk came to fetch people.
But looking at Xiu next to her, it seemed he had an even better idea.
"Miss Mengdie, please sit down here."
Xiu smiled slightly, pulled up his cloak, and wiped off a stool. Then, he borrowed a small mirror from a girl and placed it on the table.
Mengdie was slightly taken aback when she saw the mirror, "What for?"
Xiu laughed, took out a box from his bosom, and opened it. Inside were various paints and such. He took out some green paint, a washbasin, and then added some water, mixing it. Comparing it to Emily's green hair, he carefully adjusted the color in the basin.
"It's nothing, just doing your makeup. Instead of you replacing her, it's more convenient to disguise as her. Come here, let me dye your hair green."
While he spoke, the color in the basin had already been adjusted to match Emily's hair color. Emily, seeing the basin and then Mengdie's perfect face, felt inferior and quickly covered her face, saying anxiously, "No, no! I... I have freckles all over my face... Miss Mengdie is so beautiful... how could she possibly disguise as me? And... and I also have short hair..."
Mengdie, however, seemed quite generous. She sat in front of the mirror, untied her hair band, took off the hair clip, and placed it on the table. After gently brushing her long hair, she smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I don't mind whether this skin is good-looking or not. Hey, Xiu. Get started, they will be here soon."
Xiu nodded, held the basin, and had a girl support it while he gathered Mengdie's long hair and slowly submerged it in the green liquid. In no time, Mengdie's original hair seemed to breathe in the color from the basin. Her black hair slowly turned green, showing no signs of dyeing. Compared to Emily's natural hair color, this green hair was obviously glossier, prettier, and softer.
"Okay, done!"
Xiu instructed to move the basin away and held Mengdie's green hair, carefully admiring and touching it. After a few times, he was satisfied, took the hairband Mengdie had placed on the table, and tied her hair into a ponytail.
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