Chapter 1603: Do You Like Me?

To say such words requires courage, abandoning even a girl’s reserve.

She doesn’t dare to judge how genuine Mo Tingshen’s feelings are for her, but for the sake of appearances, she can’t afford to dampen the mood. She would never have dared to speak such words before, but with only two days left before they become husband and wife, taking the initiative a bit isn’t a big deal.

However, Mo Tingshen didn’t immediately respond to her words. Even under the moonlight, his expression remained gentle.

“Manman,” he said softly, “Please don’t say such things in the future. Let me take you home; it’s not safe for you to be alone.”

Qiao Man abruptly lifted her head, her eyes tightened as a surge of uncontainable sorrow welled up inside her. She feared that with a blink, tears would fall, so she blinked swiftly several times, trying to hold them back, but it only made her appear more embarrassed.

“We’re… about to get married, yet you still want to be distant with me?”

“This isn’t about being distant. I respect you. No matter how many days remain until the wedding, until it’s finalized, you shouldn’t lower yourself. Furthermore, as a girl, it’s truly not worthwhile to belittle yourself for a man.”

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Especially a man like me.”

Qiao Man said earnestly, “What’s wrong with you? I just like you!”

“Look at you.”

Mo Tingshen raised his hand slightly, pointing at her mouth, but didn’t intend to touch her. That hand quickly dropped, “You just said it and then forgot.”

Qiao Man bit her lip, feeling unwilling. She had already said so much, and she wasn’t insensitive. Mo Tingshen had given her ample face; if she just retreated slightly and uttered some smoothing words, this matter would be over. But she really couldn’t bring herself to say insincere words.

Tears welled up in her eyes, making her look pitifully, “Tingshen, do you like me?”

Mo Tingshen’s expression remained unchanged; his lips tugged into a gentle smile, as warm and kind as ever.

As a servant passed by, he called them to bring a coat.

Then he personally draped the coat over Qiao Man’s shoulders, “It’s nothing, let’s go, I’ll take you.”

Qiao Man’s heart felt thoroughly chilled.

He hadn’t completely rejected her, but why did her heart ache so much?

On the way back, he wouldn’t say a word.

Mo Tingshen also didn’t speak; he didn’t even bother to think of something to comfort her.

Yet he was still so considerate, circling around to open the door for her. Seeing that the lights were still on at the Qiao Family, with shadows moving inside, he walked in holding Qiao Man’s hand.

“Uncle, Aunt.”

It was Qiao Man’s parents who came out, Father Qiao asked, “Is it you back so late?”

Mo Tingshen chuckled lightly, “We were testing dishes at home today, Manman was busy here and there, helping a lot, I kept her a while longer, so we’re back late.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Man looked at him, her eyes unable to look away.

Mother Qiao observed her expression and exchanged a look with her husband, feeling pleased. She pulled Qiao Man over.

“What do you mean kept, you young couple have things to do, we understand. She’s busy for herself anyway, listen to you speak.”

Mo Tingshen responded with a soft smile.

Mother Qiao tapped Qiao Man’s nose lightly, whispering, “You, don’t just keep staring. Restrain a bit, Tingshen is watching.”

Qiao Man’s expression flickered. She averted her gaze but couldn’t help looking at him again. On that perfect face, every expression carried warmth, so kind.

She bit her lip, shyly tugging at her mother’s sleeve, “Mom, what are you saying.”

“Getting shy, are we?”

Mother Qiao embraced Qiao Man with a laugh, teasing Mo Tingshen, “She’s like this, we’re letting Tingshen have a laugh.”