Chapter 19: Presentable

"How are you?" Yu Qiao eventually asked carefully after a while. "Just cry some more if you want to..."

Mo Lihua shook her head that was still buried in his chest. "I feel much better," she uttered softly but did not move away from him. "Brother Qiao, do I really look so ugly? Tell me the truth..."

Yu Qiao cleared his throat before answering, "Ugliness is based on the eye of the beholder..."

"Then tell me, do you personally see me as ugly?" Mo Lihua asked, not lifting her head to look at Yu Qiao.

The car seat was pushed back by Yu Qiao so it can accommodate them both. If someone were to see them right now, they will definitely think that they are doing something naughty. Sadly that is not the case as Yu Qiao is just being sympathetic to her.

Due to the influence of alcohol, Mo Lihua might actually allow Yu Qiao to be naughty if there was a chance for the man to even take action. Should she take the initiative instead? Mo Lihua does not want to be a coward anymore, but what will happen after?

Yu Qiao released a deep breath, "I did not find you pretty or ugly before. Now, you definitely look so much better... It just upsets me that you need to change so much just to please a person..." He explained with disappointment.

"That did not really answer my question..." Mo Lihua mumbled unhappily, "You're my brother and I trust you. I know you won't lie to me."

Yu Qiao ran his hand down her long dark hair. The strands were silky to touch, while his other hand caressed her arm. In all honesty, their closeness was already affecting him, given that there is really not much room to move.

Mo Lihua's skin was also warm to his touch, and with what she is currently wearing, it would be easy to just lift her dress up so that he can touch her more intimately.

'Stop. Do not go there.' Yu Qiao scolded himself and closed his eyes briefly as he repeated what she had said earlier: 'You're my brother and I trust you.'

"You are asking if I personally see you as ugly?" he asked as he touched her chin to lift her face up, so he can stare at her intently. The street lights might not be too bright but there was still enough light for him to see her closely.

After the large glasses that hid Mo Lihua's green eyes were lifted from her face, he could see that her eyes were now moist and somewhat red from crying.

If he wasn't so used to the usual nerdy appearance of Mo Lihua, he would not even know that this face is just covered by make-up. If she could keep this appearance, what would happen then? If that were to happen, Mo Lihua would surely be chased by bees and he would be too busy to chase them away because they are not worth it. Yu Qiao does not want any of that, so he needs to say something discourage her.

"Yes and no. Yes, because I know that under this makeup, I find it lacking - but it is fine. It is just you in your adolescence. No, because I know now that if you take care of yourself more, you can be this presentable," Yu Quia understated seriously as he does not want to boost Mo Lihua's confidence.

There is no way he will tell her that she is like an ugly duckling that finally turned into a swan. He will not comfort her and he will continue to lie as long as he has to. Why? Because it pains him to see her being deceived by bees that will make her cry again.

"Then do you think someone will want me to be his girlfriend because of this face?" Mo Lihua asked softly, she wants to really ask if Yu Qiao would consider her as a girlfriend if she is this 'presentable'.

"Of course, anyone who ignores that face would be stupid, and deserves a kick in the gut." Yu Qiao stated with confidence. "Howe-"

"Then, this should be permanent!" Mo Lihua abruptly interrupted him as she looked at him seriously. Her green eyes were bright with a determination that stopped him from rebutting further as he found himself mesmerized again.