While the group was on its way, Qiu Ling’s talk with Xin Lan had also finished. He hesitated for a moment before putting away the transmission stone and returning to the main palace. Walking inside, his usual calm expression had been restored as if nothing odd had happened. “Sorry for making you wait, mother-in-law. But I suppose you’ll be happy that the experience I’ve gained chasing your son is widely recognized and can be put to good use now.” He went to sit down opposite her, very much looking satisfied with himself.

Bai Fen raised her brows. “You certainly have a lot of experience but why do I feel it won’t matter in this case?”

Qiu Ling tilted his head. Had he accidentally revealed something? No way! He had interrupted Xin Lan as soon as he mentioned that it was about Xiang Yu and his excuse was … well, maybe it wasn’t infallible but it should be believable enough.

Bai Fen smiled in response. “Xiang Yu, isn’t that the little god your … stepfather brought along the other day? I heard he was staying in the dragon realm to chase your senior Xin Lan. In that case, I am sure there isn’t much advice to give. As long as senior Xin Lan says the word, they could probably get married right away.”

Qiu Ling chuckled, barely suppressing a sigh of relief. So that was what this was about! He leaned back and forced himself to smile. “Well, your son has also loved me for a long time while the feeling was mutual but look at us now! There is still not even a public engagement, not to mention a wedding ceremony. So really, this is not just about loving each other. There is so much more to it.”

Bai Fen couldn’t deny that. Wasn’t she herself the best proof that feelings alone did not make a good relationship? She had even gotten married but by now, everything was in shambles. So really, Qiu Ling wasn’t wrong.

She sighed and poured another cup of tea. “Well, no matter what, I wish them luck. And you and Jing He will also manage to take the next step after he returns. Don’t worry too much.”

Qiu Ling inclined his head and then raised his brows. “Mentioning Jing He though … you still haven’t told me about his childhood experience. Didn’t you promise?”

Bai Fen laughed and shook her head. “Didn’t I start? There are just so many other topics that come up and it seems like there is one thing after the other happening so we are constantly being interrupted even while on topic.” Yes, this really couldn’t be blamed on her. First, her brother suddenly arrived only to run out again to make his arrangements, then Xin Lan contacted Qiu Ling. Even if she tried hard to keep to her line of thinking, she really couldn’t help it if there were others getting in the way.

Qiu Ling could only shake his head. “I know. I don’t blame you either. Anyway, even if it’s not about Jing He, I still like hearing about the rest of your family or the Nine Heavens in general and when it comes to the current situation, I still like being involved. All of this is so that Jing He can safely return, after all, and won’t have to worry about his reputation.”

Bai Fen nodded. “Yes, it’s not easy but if we work together, things can only change for the better.” She smiled and then cleared her throat. “To be honest, while you were out just now, Qiang Yan told me that the people from the dragon realm are apparently about to arrive so maybe right now isn’t the best time to have this talk. How about going to welcome them? I can still tell you about Jing He slowly. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to leave here anytime soon.”

Qiu Ling could only smile wryly. Each day longer he stayed here was one more day that his beloved was either unconscious or had to live with the fact that he was now a fallen god. In this regard, he’d rather not stay here for too long.

He did have to admit that Bai Fen was right though: There was no rush. Tian himself had said that it would take at least another week for Jing He to wake up again and chances were that it might even be longer. Even if he didn’t like it, this was a fact. So why make a fuss about it?

In the end, he finally inclined his head. “You’re right as always, mother-in-law. Let’s go then. I’m not sure how far the recent issue with my collapse has spread but I suppose it can’t hurt to show my face in front of my people.”

“It sure can’t.” Bai Fen got to her feet and took the lead. She didn’t bother with the route through the throne room and instead used a path less often used that led them out of the palace through a smaller entrance further toward the side. Right now, she simply couldn’t be bothered to deal with her husband so if she could get around having to see him, it would be for the best.

Qiu Ling noticed but didn’t say anything. It hadn’t been long ago that Bai Fen recounted her experience with her pregnancy back then. After recalling it, her feelings were probably still all over the place. Who knew if she’d say something she might regret if she ran into her husband right now? So, it was indeed better to take a roundabout path to see the people from the dragon realm.

Just when the two of them made it outside, Qiang Yan walked up the street with Shou Quan and everyone else behind them. Seeing her, Qiu Ling inclined his head. The two of them couldn’t be considered close but they had met several times and shared some sentiments so her being the one in charge of this operation made him feel relieved. It was definitely better than adding that troublesome duo of Fu Heng and Fu Min or, well, mostly the latter, to be honest, but it wasn’t like his husband didn’t like to cling to him, that lucky bastard.