162 If youre not qualified no-one is qualified! (2/2)

But the devil had other plans...

”What happened in X?”

Liu Wei asked after sometime. He was staring at Liling straight in the eyes, unwaveringly. Liling knew at that moment that he was very serious and there was no need to lie about anything anymore.

She looked away from his piercing gaze and looked down at her hands which was toiling with her dress, contemplating how to begin.

After a while, she summoned courage and spoke up.

”I... I was not selected today;”

The hurt she had been trying to hide throughout the day came bursting out as she said the words. She felt tears well up her eyes and she immediately bit her lower lip to hold it in.

”I don't know what went wrong, but I know I put in my best. Liu Wei, I tried my best, but I was not qualified... ”

”Shhhh... you don't say that... ”

Liu Wei immediately stretched his arms and drew her into his embrace, hugging her tightly. He kissed the top of her head and patted her back lightly.

”If you're not qualified, no-one is qualified!”

Liling felt her breath hitch. Liu Wei's tone was gentle and comforting but at the same time, strong and resolute_ as though he was determined to go to any length for her.

Liling couldn't help but hug him back with her arms. She unintentionally nestled her head into his chest for comfort. His hug felt so good, and she couldn't help hugging him tighter.

Liu Wei felt his heart swell from her actions. He knew she liked him but he didn't know how much. This side of her was new to him.

Seizing the opportunity, he decided to tell her what had been pricking his heart all through the day.

”Liling... ”

He called out in an endearing manner, still patting her back comfortingly.

”Mmm...”

Hearing her mild response, Liu Wei continued.

”You should tell me what's bothering you next time, okay?. Don't keep it to yourself. I was really sad to have heard it from your friend this morning. You should trust that I would go to any length to find a solution to your problems. Treat me as a friend, okay? ”

Hearing his words, Liling let out a small smile.

”So I'm your friend? ”

Liling was happy and at the same time anxious. This was the first time he had addressed her as a friend.

Liu Wei wanted to laugh when he heard her hilarious question. He released her and lightly pinched her cheeks.

”So you go about hugging random persons?”

They both burst into laughter at Liu Wei's joke.

Liling felt her pain and sadness dissipate that instant.

Right now, she didn't regret telling him about it.