The two of them didn’t say another word for several minutes. They were simply glad to be together again but also slightly overwhelmed at the sudden reunion.

Qiu Ling had a bunch of questions but he felt that it wouldn’t be right to ask any of them right now. It hadn’t been that long and even though he naturally hoped that Jing He would recover soon, he was aware that it couldn’t be that fast. This had to mean that Jing He had come to see him while still a fallen god. Knowing his beloved, that would weigh on his mind.

Indeed, Jing He still felt ashamed of his current state. He hadn’t thought about it and had only followed his subconscious when he came here but naturally, his thoughts caught up to him soon enough. When he remembered what he was now, he felt self-conscious and shrank further into his lover’s arms, not wanting him to see his face.

Qiu Ling continued to stroke Jing He’s back and ran his fingers through his hair every now and then. The gesture was so familiar, it finally managed to calm down his heart. Finally, he thought about what to say.

They hadn’t seen each other in so long and this was a rare opportunity to come by so it seemed wrong to let it pass by without making full use of it. At the same time, he should think twice about what he actually said considering the circumstances. If it was the wrong thing and somehow set Jing He back in whatever progress he had already made, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.

Heaving a deep sigh, he reached up and cupped Jing He’s cheek. “I am so glad that you are here. I didn’t think it would be possible anytime soon so I didn’t expect it. How have you been doing these days?” He tilted his head to look at Jing He but his beloved turned his head away, clearly not wanting to be seen.

Qiu Ling had no idea how to deal with the situation but figured that following Jing He’s lead should be for the best. “It’s alright. Don’t worry. I won’t look at you if you don’t want me to. I will never do anything you’re against. I want you to know that I love you no matter what though. In my eyes, you are perfect. You always have been and you always will be, even if you change. You should never doubt that.”

Jing He felt moved when he heard those words and finally raised his head a little, carefully looking at Qiu Ling. Even though he knew about the curse on the dragons and that Qiu Ling couldn’t fall in love again, he was still afraid to lose him. And surely, a fallen god should be something scary. How could he be so calm about this?

Qiu Ling saw him move and caressed his cheek with his thumb. “It’s alright, don’t feel forced. I will always go along with what you want.”

Jing He reached up and covered Qiu Ling’s hand, his gaze torn between doubtful and hopeful. “Is it really alright? I … am a fallen god now. You must think I am too weak.”

He lowered his head and wanted to retract his hand but Qiu Ling was faster and caught it, holding on tight.

“I would never think badly of you. Even if you were weak, isn’t that why you have me? When you are unable to deal with something on your own, then as your fiance, I am supposed to be your strength, the one who will be at your side and accompany you through whatever you are struggling with. If I can’t be at your side when you are weak, I wouldn’t deserve you when you are strong. Believe me, my love isn’t so shallow.” He leaned closer and kissed Jing He’s forehead, right above the Mark of Wisdom.

He wasn’t just saying these things. He truly didn’t care. He might have had some healthy skepticism toward fallen gods before but for one, Xiang Yu had proven that not every fallen god was fearsome and two, this was the person he loved. The only obvious difference between before and now was a small symbol on his forehead, barely as big as the nail of his little finger. Where was the thing that should inspire fear or scorn? At most, it would make him feel heartache as he knew that this mark had been created by his beloved’s suffering.

Thinking of this, Qiu Ling’s brows furrowed. He let go of Jing He’s waist and cupped both his cheeks instead, gazing into his eyes. “Really, don’t think about such things. I will always be there for you. Please, never doubt that. Instead … tell me how you are doing. I am worried for you. Is it painful or difficult to endure? Is there anything …” He shook his head, not sure what to say. “I would like to help you if I can. Just say the word and I will get right on it.”

He knew that he originally hadn’t even been supposed to see Jing He but … the person was standing right in front of him. Surely, he hadn’t secretly escaped right under Tian’s eyes so maybe the situation had already changed so much that the supreme sovereign didn’t believe this to be an issue any longer. In that case, if he could help, he would naturally do it.

Qiu Ling’s words reminded Jing He of what he had been thinking of before. “There is something …” He wasn’t sure if Qiu Ling would truly know the answer to Tian’s question but he felt that it was worth a try. Also, simply repeating Tian’s words was a lot easier than having to examine his own feelings about his current condition so he was quite happy to change the topic.

Qiu Ling nodded. “Go ahead, just tell me. I am sure we can find a way.” He kissed his cheek again and then silently listened as Jing He told him about the question Tian wanted to have answered before he would continue to help him. Hearing it … he had to admit that he indeed had an idea.