Qingqing, upon suddenly seeing these strangers and recalling Madame Yao’s words from earlier in the day, feared her appearance would again be mocked, so she lowered her head and stammered, “No… don’t… mind your business… who… who asked you to care…” — From “The Ugly Beauty” (Chapter Four).
Seeing her rudeness and lack of appreciation, the man’s attendant advised him to leave her be, but he ignored the suggestion, convinced that this young lady must have encountered some trouble. Moved by compassion, he dismounted and asked, “Miss, if you’re in trouble, tell me, perhaps I can help.” Seeing the concern from everyone around her, Qingqing felt her grievances rise again, and in a defiant gesture, she lifted her face, saying hastily, “Look at me, this is my trouble, can you help?”
The young man indeed looked her over carefully for a moment. Although her skin was dark, her features were quite delicate; if she were fairer, she would surpass many in beauty. He also noticed her figure, young yet voluptuous, with an appealing curve. At that moment, she was curiously observing him with clear eyes, which stirred an inexplicable warmth in his heart. He laughed and said, “Is this your trouble? Then I’m afraid I can’t help you.”
Seeing him scrutinize her for so long, Qingqing’s ears turned red. Hearing his words now, she was both embarrassed and irritated, scolding, “Since you can’t help, why bother meddling?”
The young man’s attendant suddenly dismounted, saying, “You’re quite rude, miss. My master here is kindly trying to help you, how can you scold him?” Qingqing retorted, “I didn’t ask him to help, he’s the one meddling.” It was unclear where her usual timidity had gone today. The attendant was furious, “You…” But the young master, instead of getting angry, laughed, “If it were something else, I might be able to help, but this… your appearance is something you’re born with, I can’t do anything about it, however…”
