Chapter Sixty-Nine: There Are No Ugly Elves in the World, Only Lazy Ones

"Do you all think I'm ugly?" Tang Yi was somewhat surprised that Chou Chouyu would suddenly ask such a question.

How to answer? He felt a bit troubled. Should he be honest, or offer a kind lie?

Facing the anxious gaze of the young girl, Tang Yi suddenly understood why she was so eager to know.

"Well, yes, you are quite ugly. Mainly, your skin isn’t great, you have a lot of pimples, and you’re a bit dark," Tang Yi analyzed in a serious tone.

Beside him, Raluluas grew anxious, quickly tugging at Tang Yi’s sleeve—how could he speak like this!

Sadness flickered across Chou Chouyu’s face, but she also seemed relieved. "Thank you for your honesty."

Tang Yi paused at the doorway, waving his hand as if to say there was no need for thanks. "I’m just stating the facts. Anyone with working eyes would not say you’re pretty."

Raluluas’s expression was embarrassed and angry. If Tang Yi hadn’t spoken first, she truly would have wanted to offer Chou Chouyu a gentle lie.

Working eyes? Was he implying she was blind! Hmph!

Tang Yi paid no mind to Raluluas’s little thoughts and continued, "But I’ve heard a saying: there are no ugly elves, only lazy ones."

Chou Chouyu tilted her head, muttering the words over and over. For the first time, something other than indifference appeared in her eyes. She asked curiously, "No ugly elves, only lazy ones? What does that mean?"

Tang Yi replied with earnest gravity, "The world today is all about appearances. An elf’s ugliness isn’t a fault. With hard work and diligence, you can change your situation. But if you’re both ugly and lazy, that’s the greatest original sin."

Raluluas’s expression grew complicated—there was something odd, something excited, something expectant in her face.

Here it comes, her trainer’s most practiced trickery was about to begin! Though she was used to his antics, at this moment, Raluluas couldn’t help but want to cheer Tang Yi on in her heart.

Big bad guy! Go for it!

Chou Chouyu was indeed captivated by Tang Yi’s strange logic, listening intently.

"Though you are quite ugly, there’s plenty of room for improvement. There are many things you can do through your own effort! For example, you have so many pimples—surely you never use any cleanser, and I bet you’ve never tried a mask. Skin care is quite a science."

"And your eyes—so dull, with heavy bags. You must have stayed up late often. Look in the mirror—your dark circles are a testament to those late nights. How could you possibly become pretty? Taking care of your health is the first step toward beauty."

"And then, your nutrition is lacking, I think you rarely exercise. I heard you’ve already passed through your rapid growth phase, so your basic development should be complete. But look at your chest—it’s as flat as a runway. Remember, first and foremost, people are visual creatures. A strong visual impact can offset some natural disadvantages in appearance."

Tang Yi waved his hand as if commanding the world, full of grandeur. The next moment, he cried out in pain, turning to glare at Raluluas, complaining, "Why did you step on my foot?"

Raluluas’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had only meant to give a subtle reminder with her foot, but Tang Yi had the nerve to question her outright.

Raluluas was nearly driven insane!

Her trainer was definitely not normal!

Why did she step on his foot? Why, indeed!

How could he have the courage to say such things aloud!

The girl stammered, unable to speak. Words like “chest” and “runway” were far too shocking for the innocent Raluluas. It was one thing to think them secretly, but she certainly didn’t have the face to utter them in public.

Pfft!

Chou Chouyu, silent until now, couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

Hearing the laughter, both Raluluas and Tang Yi were momentarily stunned—especially Tang Yi, who hadn’t expected that such an unattractive elf girl would have such a lovely voice.

If Raluluas’s laughter was as clear and pleasant as silver bells, then Chou Chouyu’s was like a trickling stream—so wonderful that it flowed into the heart, leaving one savoring it endlessly.

Realizing her slip, Chou Chouyu quickly closed her mouth, returning to her earlier indifferent expression.

The atmosphere in the room grew awkward.

Tang Yi smiled lightly, knowing he had achieved his purpose. Still, many things had to be figured out by Chou Chouyu herself.

"Alright, that’s enough for today. Seeing you like this, Raluluas and I can rest easy. She’s been nagging me these past days, worrying about you."

Tang Yi half-joked, hinting it was time to leave.

Chou Chouyu looked curiously at Raluluas, who wanted to protest but couldn’t speak. They shouldn’t know each other—why was she concerned for her?

"Was that saying yours?" Chou Chouyu asked again, still expressionless.

But even an expressionless face was still a face; compared to her earlier indifference, there was some improvement.

"Which saying?" Tang Yi was caught off guard. "The one about visual impact?"

Raluluas felt another wave of exasperation.

Chou Chouyu said, "No ugly elves, only lazy ones. I’ve never heard that before."

"Oh, it’s not mine, I was quoting someone else."

"Is that so? Who said it?" Chou Chouyu seemed to like the phrase and pressed on.

Tang Yi glanced at the ceiling—this was a tough question.

Who had said it? He truly couldn’t recall.

After a moment, he looked at Chou Chouyu again, "Hmm, it was said by Lu Xun."

"Lu Xun?"

"Yes, a very famous writer."

"Never heard of him."

"Well, he’s one of us humans. It’s normal you haven’t heard of him."

"Oh, thank him for me—I really like that saying."

Tang Yi’s mouth twitched; there was no way to thank on her behalf, but he casually agreed.

"Will you come again next time?" Chou Chouyu seemed to hesitate for a long time, struggling to get the words out.

"Hard to say, things are quite busy lately." Tang Yi answered honestly—the second round of selection was about to begin, and he truly was busy. He couldn’t just drop by the orphanage every few days.

"Oh. Goodbye." Chou Chouyu remained expressionless.

"Mm, goodbye." Tang Yi was truly saying farewell.

The door to the lounge opened. Tang Yi looked back once more at the still-expressionless girl, frowned in thought, and said, "I don’t know if anyone’s told you this, but your laughter is actually quite lovely. Don’t always keep such a stern face—it’ll make you age faster. Well, that’s all. I’m really leaving now. Bye-bye."

Chou Chouyu was slightly stunned. By the time she recovered and wanted to respond, she found the doorway already empty.