389: Worried

Worried

"Give me a kiss," Jia Yuze said, "A goodnight kiss, then we will leave."1

He lifted his hand and pointed to his own lips.

Qiao Qing covered her lips, "It still hurts."

"Just a peck," Jia Yuze said.

Qiao Qing felt so nervous that breathing became difficult for her. First, he kissed her, totally not giving her a chance to resist.

Although, she had never thought of rejecting either. But she was still passive. Now, Jia Yuze wanted her to take the initiative to kiss him.

Qiao Qing gathered her courage, closed her eyes and braced herself as she leaned forward and gave Jia Yuze a peck on his lips.

She was just about to lean back when his palm cupped the back of her head.

He leaned in at once. He said he just wanted a peck, yet he turned around and gave her a deep kiss. In the end, Qiao Qing really felt it was too painful and she gasped slightly.

Jia Yuze immediately let go.

"I couldn't control myself," he said, feeling dejected.

Qiao Qing laughed. This time, Jia Yuze finally let go of her.

*

As the night breeze gently tousled their hair, the couple made their way to the Jia Yuze's car, their steps light with newfound happiness. Jia Yuze's car stood patiently by the side of the road, a trusty companion ready to take them on their next adventure.

With a chivalrous flourish, Jia Yuze opened the car door for Qiao Qing, inviting her to slide into the cozy embrace of the passenger seat. She smiled gratefully, the excitement of the evening still dancing in her eyes.

Jia Yuze walked around the car and settled into the driver's seat, his heart swelling with a mix of contentment and nervous anticipation.

The engine purred to life as Jia Yuze turned the key, and the soft glow of the dashboard lights illuminated the interior of the car. They sat there for a moment, savoring the comfortable silence that enveloped them, relishing in the shared experience they had just encountered.

With a gentle touch, Jia Yuze navigated the car onto the familiar streets, the soft glow of streetlights casting a warm ambiance.

The music player played a soft melody in the background, creating a soothing backdrop to their conversation. They exchanged sweet nothings, their voices filled with tenderness and lighthearted banter.

As they approached the Qiao villa, a mix of excitement and bittersweet anticipation filled the air. Jia Yuze parked the car in front of the entrance, ensuring a smooth transition from the comfortable interior to the outside world.

Stepping out of the car, Qiao Qing glanced back at Jia Yuze with a mixture of gratitude and affection. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them.

Jia Yuze offered his hand, and Qiao Qing took it, their fingers entwining in a gesture of support and togetherness.

They walked towards the villa's entrance, their steps slow and deliberate, savoring each passing moment. As they reached the door, Jia Yuze gently leaned in, placing a soft kiss on Qiao Qing's cheek, a tender reassurance of the bond they had forged.

With a final exchange of loving glances, Qiao Qing bid farewell to Jia Yuze, promising to see him soon. She turned and entered the villa, the door closing softly behind her.

Jia Yuze watched her disappear into the warm glow of her home, a mixture of longing and anticipation in his heart.

As he walked back to his car, a smile played on his lips, knowing that this night had marked a significant turning point in their relationship. With a heart filled with hope, he drove away, the echo of their laughter and the memories of their special date lingering in the car, intertwining with the essence of their budding love.

*

Father and Mother Qiao, ready to retire for the night, were settling down in the living room when they heard the door creak open. They glanced at their daughter who had just returned from outside.

Qiao Qing's face was tinged with a faint blush as she entered the living room. The memories of the night were still fresh in her heart which made her face glow with happiness.

The Qiao parents' eyes squinted as they observed their daughter's glowing face. Intrigued by the unexpected transformation, they exchanged curious glances with each other.

With a gentle smile, Mother Qiao inquired from Qiao Qing, "Where have you been, dear? You seem very happy tonight."

Father Qiao also gazed at his daughter in curiosity.

Qiao Qing's eyes sparkled as she took a moment to catch her breath, her excitement palpable. She looked at her parents and replied shyly, "I was on a date with Brother Jia Yuze."

Father Qiao's eyes lit up, "Are you talking about the heir of the Jia family, Jia Yuze? Our business partners?"

"Yes."

Father Qiao glanced at Mother Qiao. Both of them saw the surprise in each other's eyes.

"You said you were on a date with Jia Yuze. So since when are you guys seeing each other?" Mother Qiao was curious.

Qiao Qing didn't wish to hide anything from her parents anymore. She couldn't contain her joy as she shared the details of Jia Yuze and her previous meetings with them. She spoke animatedly, her words bubbling forth like a sparkling stream, describing the special time she had shared with Jia Yuze.

Mother Qiao nodded at Qiao Qing's recall of her previous outings with Jia Yuze.

"You had previously gone with Jia Yuze too but there was not much change in your emotions previously. Did anything special happen today?"

Mother Qiao knew her daughter very well. There must be a good reason for her daughter's happiness.

Qiao Qing lowered her head shyly and told her parents about Jia Yuze's proposal.

Her parents leaned in, their interest piqued, as they listened to her recount the heartfelt moments and Jia Yuze's heartfelt proposal. They smiled knowingly, recognizing the significance of the occasion and the happiness that bloomed within their daughter.

"Jia Yuze is a gentleman. He is a very nice guy," Father Qiao said.

Qiao Qing nodded happily and looked up at her father. However, as soon as her eyes fell on her father's face, her smile faltered.

"Dad, is anything wrong? Why don't you look happy?" She asked worried that her father might not be happy with her relationship.

Father Qiao shook his head, "I am very happy for you, Qing Qing. But I am worried as well. Jia Yuze is a perfect choice for a partner but I can't help but worry about how his parents will react when they find out about your relationship."

Qiao Qing's heart sank slightly as she understood why her father was worried about this. Her hand traced the long birthmark on her face as her mind racing with thoughts and uncertainties. She looked into her parents' eyes, seeing the genuine concern they held for her.

Mother Qiao sighed before sitting on the couch exhaustively, "We've always supported you wholeheartedly, and we believe in your strength and character. However, we know that society can be judgmental, and we worry about how his parents might perceive your birthmark."

Qiao Qing's anxiety heightened as the weight of their words settled in. She fidgeted with her fingers, her mind filled with a mix of doubt and trust.

In that moment, a flicker of resolve shone in her eyes, hidden beneath her worry. Deep inside, she held an unwavering trust in Jia Yuze and the connection they shared.

Without uttering a word, the girl reached out, clasping her parents' hands in her own. The touch conveyed a silent reassurance, a quiet belief that everything would work out.

"Dad, mom, don't worry. Whatever happens, I am ready for everything. If this didn't work out, I won't be crestfallen," Qiao Qing reassured her parents.

"Yes, if nothing works out, I will take care of my sister for the rest of my life," Qiao Chen walked down the stairs. He had heard everything from the start.

Qiao Chen held Qiao Qing and his parents' hands, "If the Jia family doesn't accept Qing Qing, it is their loss. My sister is the best in the whole world. I will take care of her."

Qiao Chen embraced his sister, "Qing Qing, remember, your birthmark doesn't define you. It's your strength, resilience, and beautiful personality that shine through. You deserve happiness, regardless of what others may think."

Qiao Qing's heart settled down when she heard her brother's words. Her brother provided her the support that she needed the most.

Qiao Chen then turned to his parents, "Dad, mom, don't be so worried about Qing Qing. If Jia Yuze is not able to convince his parents and take a stand in front of them for Qing Qing, then it's better to not be with him. What good can a guy be if he can't stand up for his woman and his love?"

The Qiao parents felt sense in Qiao Chen's words. They exchanged a few more concerned glances, their worries still present but mingling with a newfound positivity. Whatever would happen would be for their own good.

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