421: I'll be there for you!

I'll be there for you!

As the night deepened, the stars seemed to draw closer, inviting the couple to ponder the mysteries of the universe. Time appeared to slow down, and the world around them faded into obscurity, leaving only the two of them and the boundless expanse above.  0

Qiao Qing took a deep breath so as to inhale as much fresh air as she could, "It's so peaceful up here, away from all the city noise and chaos."

Jia Yuze gazed at his girlfriend, "It's moments like these that make us appreciate the beauty of the world around us."

Qiao Qing nodded. 

After hours of stargazing, Jia Yuze and Qiao Qing reluctantly tore their gaze away from the celestial wonder above and turned their attention back to each other. The air was filled with a sense of intimacy, as if the stars themselves had woven a web of magic around them.

Jia Yuze murmured softly, "I love you, Qing Qing."

They were so close that Qiao Qing could feel Jia Yuze's breath on her skin which made her face turn red. She replied shyly, "I love you too, Brother Yuze."

Their eyes met, locking in a lingering gaze that spoke volumes, words unnecessary in the presence of such profound connection. Jia Yuze reached out, his fingers gently brushing against Qiao Qing's cheek, sending shivers of warmth through her, "You're even more radiant under the starlight."

Qiao Qing blushed, her heart fluttering like a delicate butterfly. She reached for his hand and held it in hers, her touch soft and tender, "And you're the brightest star in my sky."

The corners of Jia Yuze's lips curved up. He hugged Qiao Qing tightly. 

After a while, he released her and looked into her eyes. Gently tracing the scar on Qiao Qing's face, he said, "Qing Qing, every scar tells a part of your journey, a testament to the strength and resilience that resides within you."

Qiao Qing's heart skipped a beat, and a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude washed over her. Jia Yuze's words were like a soothing balm, embracing her insecurities and slowly turning them into something beautiful.

"Brother Yuze," she replied, her voice barely a whisper, "This scar is a reminder of a difficult time, a chapter I thought I'd rather forget."

Jia Yuze's gaze never wavered, his fingers continuing to trace the scar's outline, "But to me, it's a part of you, a part of your story that has shaped the person you are today. And I love every part of you, scars and all."

Tears welled in Qiao Qing's eyes, threatening to spill over, but she blinked them away, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. In that moment, she felt seen, truly seen, by the person who meant the world to her.

Jia Yuze leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against her scar, a kiss filled with tenderness and acceptance, "I love every part of you, Qiao Qing. Your laughter, your tears, your scars—they're all a part of the person I've fallen in love with."

Qiao Qing's voice trembled as she replied, "Brother Yuze, your love... it means more to me than words can express."

As they lay side by side, immersed in the quiet beauty of the starlit night, Jia Yuze's fingers continued to trace gentle patterns on Qiao Qing's arm. The warmth of his touch conveyed a sense of comfort that wrapped around them like a protective embrace.

Jia Yuze took a deep breath, his voice soft yet resolute, "Qing Qing, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

Qiao Qing turned her head to look at him, her eyes meeting his in the dim light, "What's the matter, Brother Yuze?"

He met her gaze, his own eyes filled with a mixture of sincerity and determination, "I want to introduce you to my parents as my girlfriend. I want them to know you, to see the amazing person you are. I know I have said it earlier too, but back then, our relationship had just started. Now that we have spent some time together, I want my parents to know about us sooner."

Qiao Qing's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of emotions coursing through her. She had grown to care deeply for Jia Yuze, and the idea of meeting his parents was both exhilarating and terrifying. She feared that they would reject her because of her scar. She had discussed it with her parents as well as with Qin Yan, however, she still couldn't muster up her courage to face them. 

Now that the time had come and Jia Yuze was insisting on it, she felt a need to share her worries with him. After all, at the end it was their fight. She would need his support in case anything bad happened. 

"Brother Yuze," she replied, her voice tinged with hesitation, "I appreciate your desire to introduce me to your parents, but I have a fear. What if...What if they reject me…because of my scar? What if…they don't see me the way you do?"

Jia Yuze reached out, his hand covering hers, his touch grounding her amidst her worries, "Qing Qing, I understand your fears, and I won't deny that there might be challenges. But I also believe in us, in the connection we share. I've fallen in love with you, scars and all, and I want my parents to know the incredible woman who has captured my heart."

He leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers, "Trust me, Qing Qing. I've thought about this carefully, and I won't let anything come between us. I'll talk to them, help them understand the person you are—the strong, compassionate, and beautiful person who has enriched my life."

Qiao Qing felt a lump forming in her throat, a mixture of hope and vulnerability washing over her. Jia Yuze's unwavering support was both overwhelming and heartwarming.

"Brother Yuze," she whispered, her voice filled with a fragile hope, "I want to believe you. I want to trust that love can overcome any obstacles. But it's just... a big step."

Jia Yuze smiled gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek, "I know it's a big step, Qing Qing. But we'll take it together, one moment at a time. I'll be there with you every step of the way, and we'll face whatever comes our way, as a team."

Qiao Qing's heart swelled with gratitude, her fears slowly giving way to a newfound sense of courage. She looked into Jia Yuze's eyes, finding strength in his unwavering belief in their love.

"Okay, Brother Yuze," she said, her voice steadier now, "I'll trust you. I'll take this step with you, because I believe in us."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead, a tender gesture that spoke volumes, "Thank you, Qing Qing. You mean the world to me, and I'll do everything I can to show you just how much."

In that intimate moment, their souls seemed to intertwine, a bond forged through vulnerability and acceptance. The scar on Qiao Qing's face, once a source of pain, now became a symbol of their connection—a reminder that love could heal wounds, both seen and unseen. As they held each other beneath the starlit sky, they knew that their love was a beacon of light, guiding them through the journey of life, scars and all. 

After their enchanting night under the stars, Jia Yuze gently dropped Qiao Qing off at her home. The journey back was filled with a comfortable silence, the echoes of their shared moments still lingering in the air.

Qiao Qing stepped out of the car, turning to face Jia Yuze with a small smile. "Thank you for tonight, Brother Yuze. It was truly special."

Jia Yuze returned her smile, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his emotions, "You're welcome, Qing Qing. Remember, I'm here for you, no matter what."

With a final lingering look, they said their goodbyes, and Qiao Qing entered her home, her heart a mix of hope and apprehension.

Inside her cozy living room, Qiao Qing found her family watching the television after their dinner. The sound of their chattering and laughter could be heard as they enjoyed their family time. 

Seeing Qiao Qing return, Xia Ling smiled before asking, "Qing Qing, how was your date with Jia Yuze?"

Qiao Qing took a deep breath, her mind racing as she prepared to share the news, "It was wonderful, Mom. We had an incredible time, and... we talked about something important."

Her father leaned forward; his expression attentive, "What is it, dear?"

With a mix of emotions, Qiao Qing shared her conversation with Jia Yuze, his desire to introduce her to his parents as his girlfriend. She spoke about her fears, her hopes, and the reassurances he had given her. 

Her family listened intently, their faces a canvas of emotions—concern, understanding, and a touch of worry. Although they had had this discussion previously, Qiao Dong and Xia Ling's faces were still etched with same worry as they had for the first time.

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