"What about the little boy and the little girl..."
"The two of them played together and went to the academy to study together."
"Gradually, the little boy and girl grew up. The girl blossomed, becoming more and more beautiful. She grew into a graceful young lady, and many people around her came to admire her."
"Was the little girl in the story prettier than you?" Xiao Mo asked with a faint, teasing smile.
"Well..." Tushan Jing Ci's eyes curved into crescents as she lifted her chin proudly. "She was just as beautiful as I am!"
The moment she spoke, she noticed Xiao Mo seemed to be smiling at her. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and she pouted, "What? Am I not beautiful?"
"You are," Xiao Mo said with a sincere nod.
"Really?" Tushan Jing Ci leaned a little closer, her eyes fixed on Xiao Mo, her gaze a mix of scrutiny and anticipation. "You're not just humoring me, are you?"
"Monks do not tell lies," Xiao Mo said calmly, pressing his palms together.
