Dong Qin nodded hastily, “Ah… yes. Just wait a moment, I’ll go change…” She grabbed the dress and headed towards the bathroom, but Lu Tuo quickly followed, stepping in front of her to block the door. “Why not change here? What’s there to be afraid of? Do I need to avoid you, being your brother?” Lu Tuo looked hurt, “We haven’t really met, and I was so looking forward to it. But you’ve been so cold to me; you haven’t spoken to me since I’ve been back!” Dong Qin was at a loss for words at his accusation, then laughed after a moment, “You’re overthinking it. Perhaps you’re used to the more open culture in Italy. But Easterners are more reserved, and… we’re not kids anymore; changing clothes like this… it’s not quite appropriate, is it?” She wanted to throw the dress away and have him leave, but reason told her not to, unless she wanted to be thrown out and starve on the streets. Lu Tuo didn’t respond, just tilted his head, watching her. With no other choice, Dong Qin moved to the bed and started unbuttoning her blouse. One button, two buttons… her underwear showed. Suddenly, Lu Tuo’s eyes narrowed, sharp as knives, scrutinizing Dong Qin’s expression for any sign of embarrassment or helplessness, but her face showed only calm, indifference, even… deadness. It seemed she was not at all uncomfortable undressing in front of a man. Just as she was about to undo the last button, Lu Tuo suddenly exclaimed, “Alright! I was just joking! Why did you take it seriously?” He walked over, pulled her blouse up to cover her half-naked body, and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Go try it on, I’ll wait here for you.”
Dong Qin gave him a silent look, then took the dress into the bathroom to change. However, she felt a chill down her spine as if something was intensely staring at her, sending shivers down her back.
