Bulma's words completely short-circuited Ling'an. When she finally snapped back to reality, she was both amused and exasperated, and a touch of disbelief welled up inside.
She never thought she'd be asked something like that, or rather, not that she was asked, but that she was asked as a girl.
Even though she'd been a girl in this world for over two years, and often felt like one, she still subconsciously thought of herself as a guy. After all, she'd lived as a man for over twenty years, and her gender identity had been formed since childhood. How could it possibly be completely overturned in just over two years?
Therefore, no matter how much she outwardly felt like a girl, there was always a stubbornness deep down.
But now, Bulma's words suddenly made her realize how ridiculous her stubborn adherence to her so-called male identity was... In the eyes of others, she was undeniably, unequivocally a girl, and there was no arguing with that.
Bulma's words were like a wake-up call, exposing her original, laughable stubbornness and delivering a hard punch to it.
This punch left her reeling, disoriented, and at a loss for words.
Was it ridiculous? Perhaps it was. After all, she really had become a girl. She didn't know whether it was because of the system or the fact that she had transmigrated that she'd changed from a boy to a girl, but the fact that she was a girl was undeniable.
Although this was a world of wonders, where the Dragon Balls could easily change perceptions, and perhaps their power could even turn her back into a man, Ling'an had never seriously considered it. After all, the same question remained: she didn't know if her transformation was due to the system or the fact of her transmigration.
If it was the system, could the Dragon Balls even warp its power? Even if they could, would the system still exist if she reverted to being male? The system was, after all, an emotionless machine that wouldn't answer her questions. Those two concerns alone were enough to make her wary of using the Dragon Balls.
In the Dragon Ball world, having power and staying alive meant far more than the labels of male or female.
In Ling'an's eyes, whether male or female, the most fundamental goal was simply to get stronger and survive. No one could tell her what would happen if she changed things, and she didn't dare gamble. After all, this was a person who was so afraid of death that she'd lived in a basement for over two years after transmigrating.
But in Ling'an's previous thoughts, being male or female was just about staying alive, nothing more. So, while she had adapted to a female body, she hadn't fundamentally changed her perception of her own gender. But when Bulma said those words, she suddenly realized that things were never that simple.
Perhaps she wasn't indifferent to becoming a woman, but had simply sealed it away deep inside.
This mindset seemed twisted and awkward, and indeed it was. But wasn't that just how people were?
No matter how she perceived her identity or gender, reality wouldn't conform to her inner feelings. In Bulma's eyes, she was just a girl close in age to Son Gohan, and she was also Son Gohan's elder. This kind of question was only natural.
Seeing Ling'an's expression, which was filled with internal conflict, Bulma didn't know what Ling'an was truly thinking. She just assumed her question was difficult to answer. Feeling apologetic, she said, "I'm so sorry, Ling'an-chan. I didn't mean to offend you with that question. I hope you don't mind."
"It's not like that at all, Aunt Bulma."
Seeing Bulma's misunderstanding, Ling'an gently waved her hand. She shook her head slightly and chuckled, "I'm not offended. It's just that I've never thought someone would ask me that before."
"Really? So, Ling'an-chan, you've never been in a relationship your whole life?" Bulma asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Hmm..."
How should she answer this question? As a girl, she really hadn't been in a relationship. Wait... even when she was a boy, she hadn't been in a relationship either. Some of her classmates had even gotten married and had kids after graduation, while she remained single.
Thinking about it like that, it was quite depressing. But she could answer Bulma's question. She really hadn't!
"Aunt Bulma, for me, being in a relationship isn't a necessity. Being alone is also fine." That was the truth. Even when she was a boy, although she had longed for sweet romance, she hadn't had the motivation to be in a relationship, so she hadn't actively pursued anyone.
Even when she was a boy, the thought was strange. Now that she was a girl, it was even more so. The idea of dating a boy… it just felt weird. Thinking about it too much might even give her goosebumps. So, she'd pass. Being alone was fine. Dating? Maybe in her next life!
"Oh, well, dating isn't a must, and marriage isn't necessary either. But if you meet someone suitable, you could still give it a try," Bulma said with a slight smile. "A child as excellent as Gohan has many girls who like him. If you snag him now, you won't have to worry about other girls stealing him after the Androids are gone and Earth returns to normal, right?"
"Hmm…"
Son Gohan was indeed an excellent person, possessing unparalleled courage and perseverance. Someone like that would be liked wherever they went. After all, this Gohan wasn't the low-key Son Gohan of the main timeline. Even the low-key Son Gohan of the main timeline would attract a lot of girls if he showed off his abilities a little. But still, she just didn't have those feelings.
If she were a pure girl, she might have been moved and acted on it when she met Son Gohan. But for her, Son Gohan was just a friend, a companion. Even this feeling had only developed in the past month. Before that, she had even regarded Son Gohan, Trunks, and the others as just anime characters.
But after coming to this world, truly integrating into it, and coming into contact with them, Ling'an understood that this was a real, existing world. They were real people with flesh and blood, with anger and joy, not just animated figures.
"Aunt Bulma, I know what you mean, but I really don't want to date anyone. I think being alone is fine," Ling'an refused again.
Hearing Ling'an's firm tone, Bulma sighed helplessly. She really hoped the two young people could get together. After nearly a month of interacting with Ling'an, she had a very good impression of her. In her eyes, Ling'an was a great girl who was a good match for Gohan.
Son Gohan dreams of being a scholar, but he was forced to fight because the Androids killed his elders. Deep down, however, Son Gohan still preferred a peaceful life. Ling'an, despite her immense power, also had no interest in fighting. These two were a perfect match.
If they were together, either one of them could pursue a peaceful life or training, and the other would understand. Unlike her or Chi-Chi, who didn't really like Vegeta and Son Goku's training.
Although she didn't demand things of Vegeta like Chi-Chi did of Son Goku, she hoped Vegeta would spend less time training and more time with her and Trunks. But this wish never came true, even when Vegeta was killed by the Androids. Even though her marriage to Vegeta was a spur-of-the-moment decision, after years of being together, he had a place in her heart.
Therefore, she also hoped Son Gohan could find a partner who understood him, rather than someone like Son Goku or Vegeta who would just pick an ordinary girl.
But, her hopes ultimately fell through.
Not to mention whether Son Gohan had those feelings, Ling'an herself was extremely resistant to such a thing. Bulma had no way to deal with the situation. She couldn't force the two of them to be together, could she? She didn't have the ability, and even if she did, she wouldn't do it.
"Sigh... Ling'an-chan, I hope you can both find someone good. Now that you've clearly refused, I won't say anything more. But if you change your mind someday in the future, you must consider Gohan first, okay?"
Bulma could only say as much in the end. Hearing her words, Ling'an was slightly stunned. After a moment, she smiled wryly, "I understand, Aunt Bulma."
In the end, it was just to comfort Bulma. Ling'an had absolutely no interest in dating boys. Moreover, in her opinion, Son Gohan and Videl were a better match. Even though in the future, Videl might be killed by the Androids, with the Dragon Balls, she could still be revived as long as she hadn't reincarnated.
Hmm, if Videl can be revived, then I'll help them get together. After all, in other universes, those two are always together. It can't be that this world is an exception, right? And with a girl as excellent as Videl, I think Bulma would also support it. I just don't know if Videl's family in this world has assets that can impress Chi-Chi, otherwise, it would be a bit troublesome.
Ling'an thought silently. Son Gohan, who was still training in the gravity chamber, didn't know that he had already been set up twice in a short period. The first time was Bulma hoping Ling'an would consider him, and the second time was Ling'an thinking about setting him up with Videl.
I wonder what he would think if he knew what these two were thinking. Probably nothing, since in his mind, eliminating the Androids was the top priority, right?