Chapter 38 What About the Mask?

Chapter 38: The Mask

When Sang Li heard the male insect wanted to meet him, he panicked, unsure of what to do. With no one around he could trust, he turned to the robot butler beside him.

“If I try to fix it now, will it work?”

The robot butler offered a reassuring expression. “Dear, it might be too late for repairs now. Firstly, your tissue has suffered irreversible damage; even skin grafts could leave long-term effects, with risks of severe infection and ulceration. Even using the best repair products on the market won’t improve things much.”

Sang Li felt an inexpressible disappointment. Of course, he knew what answer he would hear, but he couldn’t help feeling disheartened.

He didn’t truly care what he looked like, but his affection and concern compelled him to care about these external things.

Was it exhausting? Not exactly—it was also a motivation to improve himself—but it more easily brought anxiety and sensitivity, making him feel unlike himself.

Sang Li didn’t want to lose an insect willing to listen to him like this.

He raised his hand, biting his lip, his beautiful eyes trembling.

A month was simply not enough.

During this time, he had buried himself in his room, working on his face, preparing so that when they met, he wouldn’t be so repulsive to other insects.

But what could he do? Sang Li could only improve his appearance during this time, tossing out all the black, white, and gray clothes from his wardrobe and replacing them with clothes in various styles.

When the time came, he was still somewhat disoriented. Receiving Liposi’s message made him even more flustered. He hurriedly put together an outfit of a suitable knit cardigan and slim black pants from his wardrobe.

Sang Li was very young, not yet twenty, with a slender figure and a fresh, clean youthful aura. His fluffy platinum hair, golden eyelashes, and eyebrows, along with his thin, almost transparent facial skin, made the burned half of his face undeniably ugly and impossible to ignore.

As he picked up the mask, his hand hesitated slightly.

Sang Li’s heart fluttered, but he still took the mask and put it on. When he saw Liposi, he couldn’t help but blush.

They… they met.

It felt strange; chatting online was much freer.

Because he was so nervous, he began stuttering unintentionally, only to see the male insect across from him look up and slowly smile.

Liposi wasn’t exceptionally handsome, but his calm yet distant manner had a certain charm that made him seem approachable. Sang Li grew nervous and flushed, but Liposi was very gentlemanly, stepping aside slightly to stand on the same level as him, avoiding direct eye contact to prevent Sang Li from getting nervous.

“Yes, I’m Liposi.” His behavior was very polite. After speaking, he led Sang Li onto the spacecraft. “I thought we could have a meal together this time and also hang out to unwind.”

One of Liposi’s strengths was his prominent nose bridge. When his profile was visible, the lines of his face appeared much smoother and more attractive.

Sang Li hadn’t expected him to remember something he’d said long ago. He was stunned and couldn’t speak for a while, only managing to stammer a thank you.

Besides Sang Li, his father insect had five other female children around his age, but Sang Li’s mother insect had only him.

Sang Li rarely talked to anyone. Liposi was the only one willing to chat with him endlessly.

He had thought they might hold hands during this meeting, but they just sat properly in their seats.

Sang Li felt a little disappointed but held back from touching his mask, afraid Liposi would see the insecurity he felt inside. His fingertips curled slightly. “I didn’t expect you… to ask me out so soon.”

Liposi nodded in agreement, not hiding it but speaking very naturally. “I was inspired by my friend. He’s very straightforward about expressing his thoughts.”

Sang Li began to feel an indescribable tension. His usually agile mind turned into a jumbled mess. He didn’t know what to think, pursing his lips and staying very quiet.

Liposi later realized that saying such things might be inappropriate, especially since Sang Li didn’t seem like the type to openly share his inner thoughts.

Liposi apologetically looked away and smiled. “Originally, I didn’t dare to say it either, but I really wanted to meet you, so I took the initiative to ask you out.”

“Okay…”

Sang Li felt like his entire body was burning up. He slowly moved his hands from his sides to his front. His blush made his eye color seem much lighter. Nervously twisting his fingers, he thought for a long time but only managed to mutter, “It’s okay.”

Liposi hummed again and didn’t say anything more. Sang Li felt a little sad about the silence. They had chatted so well online, but offline, they couldn't think of anything to say.

Sang Li felt upset, somewhat indignantly wondering where his usually talkative and witty self had gone. Why had it all disappeared?

As he thought this, the spacecraft had already reached its destination—the busiest place on the main planet. Because it had been completely redeveloped, there were many shops to explore.

Sang Li was very tense the entire way. Liposi took him to an ice cream shop and bought them both matcha ice cream cones.

The taste wasn’t very sweet. Liposi didn’t know Sang Li’s preferences, but he knew that eating very spicy or rich food might affect him.

“Have something to eat. Don’t be nervous.”

Liposi spoke very directly. Sang Li was still a bit slow to respond as he took the cone. Then his other hand was given a very small spoon.

“You can use this.”

Xierlan had urgently taught him some tips: when going out with someone you’re starting a relationship with, to avoid awkwardness, don’t buy drinks while wandering around. Also, some people pay close attention to first impressions, even down to eating etiquette, so when eating certain things, it’s best to provide utensils—be thoughtful.

Liposi took this to heart and tucked some napkins where Sang Li was holding the ice cream.

“Spread your fingers a bit,” Liposi said, leaning in. He lowered his eyes and placed the napkin under where Sang Li was holding the cone. “This way, your hand won’t get dirty.”

Sang Li watched him quietly.

Liposi calmly finished these actions. Seeming to sense Sang Li’s gaze, he looked up as he pulled his hand back, making eye contact with Sang Li.

Sang Li was wearing a half-face mask, but for a moment, Liposi could only clearly see those vibrant, pretty pink eyes.

He instinctively wanted to look away but suddenly laughed, naturally hiding these small actions.

“What are you looking at? Let’s go.”

Liposi said it lightly, as if this moment of eye contact hadn't even created any mood before it ended completely.

Sang Li still felt as if he were snapping out of a daze. It wasn’t until Liposi started walking away that he hurriedly followed.

He used the small spoon to scoop up a bite of the matcha ice cream cone. The matcha flavor inside was very rich, not too sweet but with a lingering sweetness. The crushed nuts sprinkled on top were very fragrant, and biting into it had a layered texture.

Sang Li enjoyed eating it very much. Finally, he and Liposi walked into a bespoke clothing store.

He asked curiously, “Are you going to buy clothes?”

Liposi actually wanted to say he just wanted to look around.

To see what the high-end treatment enjoyed by noble insects was really like.

The slums were on trash planets, where the lighting was dark and covered in a thick layer of grime. There were no bright, luxury decor that made others feel intimidated.

He felt very disconnected.

“Yes.”

Sang Li gave a soft "oh," watching as Liposi stepped inside and following curiously behind him.

In such high-end custom tailoring shops, staff are usually addressed as "teacher." An attendant named Xun approached, looking nervously respectful at the sight of the male insect. "Sir, how may I assist you?"

Liposi replied calmly, "Have a well-fitted suit tailored for him."

Sang Li was taken aback, not expecting to be involved.

He waved his hands hesitantly, stammering, "I don’t wear... this kind of thing."

Liposi suddenly laughed. "I don’t wear this either, but I’d like to get you one."

Seeing Sang Li go quiet, Xun naturally understood his hesitation and walked over enviously, speaking softly, "Please raise your arm. We’ll just take your measurements, and our owner will personally assist you shortly."

Liposi sat nearby, watching.

The process was pretty much as he had imagined: taking measurements, introducing fabrics, pointing out figure strengths and flaws, recommending styles, making final choices, setting appointments, paying a deposit, and eventually paying the balance.

Liposi suddenly felt that the experience of the elite was nothing extraordinary.

Thinking this, Liposi couldn’t help but laugh at himself for his narrow perspective, without having experienced much yet already feeling underwhelmed.

The entire process took three hours. Sang Li glanced at him from time to time, seemingly worried that leaving Liposi alone would bore him.

Since it was mealtime, and Sang Li felt hungry, Liposi went with him to a restaurant to eat.

"Any dietary restrictions?"

Sang Li shook his head obediently. "No."

So they went to an expensive restaurant together—elegant, costly, and seemingly high-end, and the taste was excellent.

Yet Liposi found it bland.

But when he looked up at Sang Li, the other was absentmindedly poking his fork at a piece of expensive ingredient on his plate, reducing it to mush.

For some reason, Liposi felt an inexplicable restlessness.

He asked casually, "What’s wrong? Not to your liking?"

Only then did Sang Li realize he’d embarrassed himself again. Blushing and stammering, he chose to be honest. "Actually, I don’t really enjoy these kinds of dishes."

The female lowered his head. "Do you have any room left? Come with me to eat some fried chicken."

He preferred heavy, unhealthy foods.

Liposi felt something was off, yet somehow it didn’t feel out of place.

Liposi and Sang Li went for fried chicken. As they were leaving, Liposi offered to take him home.

Sang Li seemed surprised but nodded obediently, walking quietly beside him.

Seeing him so reserved, Liposi felt an urge to tease this easily embarrassed female insect.

Liposi reached out, interrupting Sang Li’s fidgeting, his fingertips slowly slipping into the other’s warm palm.

It felt like testing the waters, yet also as natural as something he’d done countless times.

Sang Li nearly froze. He looked up, and Liposi’s profile looked calm. When he noticed Sang Li turning toward him, he smiled playfully. "May I hold your hand?"

Sang Li was turning bright red. He raised his other hand, pushing up his mask as if it had slid down, trying to ease his nervousness.

"S-sure... you can."

Liposi watched him, gradually slowing his pace.

He then asked suddenly,

"What about the mask? Can you take it off and let me see?"