High heels had always been synonymous with elegance and sensuality.

Some people might scoff at this, feeling that a woman’s beauty didn’t necessarily have to be expressed through high heels — but for Bai Youwei, high heels had always been an unattainable dream.

Ever since the car accident when she was twelve, the only shoes she could wear were a single type: soft cloth shoes that were easy to put on and take off.

She had no high heels.

She had no lithe, graceful curves either.

Her lower body, if you pinched anywhere at random, was all sharp jutting bones; her calf muscles had atrophied to the point of having no beauty whatsoever. No characteristic of a mature woman could be found anywhere on her body — it was as though she had been frozen permanently at age twelve, even her development lagging behind her peers.

Although the maze had already improved her physical condition… she still had no high heels.

Yes. She wanted high heels.

……

Bai Youwei clutched that pair of high heels and returned to King Headquarters.

She was furtive the entire way back, worried someone would see her. But she was lucky — she ran into neither Shen Mo, nor Tan Xiao, Pan Xiaoxin, or Teacher Cheng.

Where had everyone gone?

Bai Youwei couldn’t be bothered to think about that right now. Full of anticipation, she slipped into her room, locked the door, pulled out the dress she had prepared ahead of time, put it on together with the high heels, and finally stood before the full-length mirror —

The girl in the mirror stood with a posture that couldn’t quite hide her awkwardness and nervousness, but there was no denying it — she was so young, so pretty, so eye-catching.

Bai Youwei stared at her reflection, dazed.

Then, with both hands gathering the hem of her dress, she slowly lifted it…

She quietly looked at her own legs.

Fair-skinned, slender, perfectly straight… everything flawless and unblemished, even her knees round and rosy, emanating a luminous glow.

She tried taking a few steps in front of the mirror.

The heel was quite high, and the ball of her foot bore the effort — it was very uncomfortable.

But they looked so beautiful…

She took careful, delicate steps back and forth in front of the mirror, thinking to herself: they really do look beautiful.

Would he like them? Would he like these legs…

Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen him since a while back — where on earth had he gone?

Had Chu Huaijin pulled him away for something again?

Bai Youwei thought about it, smoothed down her skirt, and decided to go check the conference room.

She stepped out into the hallway, which was completely empty.

The soles of the high heels struck the polished tiles with a crisp, clear sound — like rhythmic music, clack, clack, clacking along —

Bai Youwei felt a lightness in her heart and soul, and her steps grew even more buoyant.

Passing by Teacher Cheng’s room, she heard voices coming from inside.

Her footsteps paused. She looked toward the door in puzzlement.

“The doctor has done a thorough examination. Although a few test results haven’t come back yet, it can basically be confirmed that Teacher Cheng’s body is in very good health. As for whether he can recover to his previous state… I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The level of advancement of the maze civilization far surpasses us…”

It was Chu Huaijin’s voice.

Bai Youwei stood staring at the door, her thoughts grinding to a halt.

What did that mean?

They’d just said he was in very good health — so why did they then say he couldn’t recover…

Teacher Cheng’s voice carried through: “For the time being, don’t tell Weiwei about this… She’s always assumed I’m fine. Don’t let her feel bad. That child has a tender heart — if she finds out, she won’t be able to get past this.”

Chu Huaijin agreed, “As long as a person is alive, that’s what matters most. Please rest well, Teacher Cheng. We’ll help keep this from Miss Bai.”

“Right, right — the maze war is no joke! If Sis Wei gets distracted over this, it’ll be too much of a setback!” Tan Xiao chimed in.

“Her psychological profile simply isn’t suited for the maze war,” Yu Chaohui said coldly. “War is a test of strategy and troop command — you need decisiveness and an ability to see the big picture. It isn’t a game you can win on a clever trick or two.”

Tan Xiao was displeased: “What’s that supposed to mean?! You looking down on our boss?”

“I wouldn’t dare. I’m merely stating facts. The fact that Teacher Cheng ended up this way is also an indirect indication that she isn’t suited to be King.”

Tan Xiao rolled up his sleeve. “The hell — I think you’re looking for a fight!”

—