Chapter 36: Displeasure

Leng Mohan refused to let her escape, firmly holding her hand and commanding, “Luo Jiaojiao, look at me. Why do you always habitually walk with your head down? Can you try walking with your head up?”

Luo Jiaojiao gently bit her cheek, her eyes showing a hint of unease, secretly raising her head to look at him.

She mumbled softly, “They say I’m seductive.” Her voice was so weak that if Leng Mohan hadn’t been listening attentively, he might not have caught her words.

Leng Mohan’s brow furrowed, his face darkening.

Luo Jiaojiao mistakenly thought he was displeased because of those words, and her heart was filled with anxiety.

However, she hadn’t made any seductive moves. Her appearance was a gift from her parents, something she couldn’t change. She could only silently endure the groundless accusations, her heart filled with helplessness and confusion.

Luo Jiaojiao’s eyes gradually welled up; she was full of grievances.

She was simply walking attentively, yet others groundlessly accused her of having a seductive gaze. She couldn’t understand such accusations; she hadn’t done anything.

Leng Mohan noticed her head bowed again, and a wave of helplessness washed over him.

He gently lifted her hand and placed it under Luo Jiaojiao’s chin, gently raising her head.

Seeing Luo Jiaojiao’s reddened eyes, he felt confused and helpless. He hadn’t said anything harsh to her; why was she crying? Her tears seemed endless, as if made of water.

Leng Mohan carefully examined her features. Luo Jiaojiao’s eyelashes fluttered lightly, as thin and vivid as butterfly wings.

Her skin was as white as jade, with a faint blush, like peach blossoms blooming in spring.

Her almond-shaped eyes were moist and bright, like a pool of clear spring, brimming with endless brilliance. Her lips were as soft as rose petals, delicate and alluring, exuding a captivating charm that truly captivated the heart.

Leng Mohan sighed inwardly. Even someone as strong-willed as he was moved by her beauty.

He said softly, “It’s fortunate you weren’t born in ancient times; otherwise, an entire city would be needed to exchange for a beauty like you.” His voice was full of gentleness and appreciation, as if praising a rare treasure.

“Don’t let the opinions of others affect you. Your face is as beautiful as a flower, and your eyes are captivating. But remember, none of this is your fault, right?” Leng Mohan looked at Luo Jiaojiao and softly said, “From now on, you should walk with your head held high, without fear. If they want to look, let them look. You are so beautiful; those who speak rudely should be ashamed. They are merely jealous of your radiance.”

“Here, no one’s beauty can compare to yours, and your potential is unmatched. You only need to show your charm. Besides me, who else could you seduce? If anyone dares to speak nonsense in front of you again, just tell me, and I will settle it for you.”

Seeing Luo Jiaojiao still hesitating, Leng Mohan frowned slightly and asked in a slightly serious tone, “Are you going to listen to me or to others?”

Luo Jiaojiao looked up, meeting his firm gaze. Her heart trembled, then she softly but firmly replied, “I’ll listen to you.” She knew that in this matter, the person she relied on and trusted was Leng Mohan, and she should naturally follow his advice.

Seeing Luo Jiaojiao’s response, Leng Mohan’s eyes flashed with satisfaction.

He reached out and ruffled her hair, his voice tinged with indulgence, “Not too stupid.” This action and words seemed like an affirmation and encouragement, making Luo Jiaojiao’s heart even more determined. She knew she had made the right choice.

“Your appearance is captivating. I choose to spend my life with you largely because of your appearance. I can’t resist, nor do I want to refuse this attraction. I have the ability to protect you. I won’t worry about your beauty, nor will I ask you to deliberately hide your natural beauty.”

“I’m captivated by your appearance. I can make you deeply dependent on me. Therefore, you only need to be yourself, no need to change. As long as you remain loyal, I promise to protect you for a lifetime of peace and happiness.” Leng Mohan made a promise with a firm gaze and sincere tone.

“You shouldn’t shy away from your appearance. Beautiful as you are, you should be proud, not ashamed.” Leng Mohan looked at her encouragingly. “I don’t want to see you shrinking back. If you’re wronged and unwilling to confide in me, that would be unacceptable to me.”

Hearing his words, Luo Jiaojiao looked up at him in astonishment. She had confided in Lin Li before, but Lin Li also thought she was seductive, accusing her of being immodest, even using words like “a fly doesn’t land on a seamless egg” to belittle her.

So, she chose not to share her feelings with her family. Didn’t they say her eyes were seductive? Fine, she would lower her head and try not to let them see her eyes.

But now, Leng Mohan’s words made her re-evaluate herself. His words were full of firmness and strength, as if telling her that she didn’t need to be ashamed of her beautiful appearance, nor should she shrink back because of others’ accusations.

His eyes were full of respect and understanding for her, as if he could see her inner pain and struggle. Luo Jiaojiao felt a wave of warmth, a feeling she had never experienced before.

Leng Mohan softly said to Luo Jiaojiao, “Be yourself, don’t worry about others’ opinions. I’ll be here, protecting you.”

The burden in Luo Jiaojiao’s heart seemed to lift instantly. She couldn’t help but hug Leng Mohan, tears welling up in her eyes, finally sliding down her cheeks.

For the past two days, she had been nervous and anxious. Now, she finally had someone to rely on, no longer alone. She softly said, “Thank you, Brother Leng. I will remember your words and be stronger in the future.”

Leng Mohan felt her tears soaking his clothes. He understood her inner fragility and repression. For the past two days, she had seemed calm on the surface, but her inner pain and sorrow dared not easily reveal themselves.

Now, she could finally release them, and it was a kind of relief.

“Cry if you want to. From now on, I will protect you. I will do my best to fulfill all your wishes. You just need to follow my wishes and be obedient.”

Leng Mohan gently patted Luo Jiaojiao’s shoulder, his tone full of determination. Luo Jiaojiao’s tears fell like broken pearls. After a long time, she gradually calmed down.

Leng Mohan gently wiped away the tears on her face, gently pinched her round little face, and smiled softly, “Don’t cry anymore after this, or else others will think I’m bullying you, understand?”

Hearing this, Luo Jiaojiao’s face showed a little shyness. She nodded, indicating that she understood.