Stepping into the pool, a faint floral scent mixed with a hint of sweetness enveloped Jing He. Lowering his body into the water and leaning back, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Three more hours only. It couldn’t be considered much. Just thinking of the time he would see Qiu Ling in his wedding attire, his heart fluttered. He reached up and covered his chest, humming faintly.

So long. They had waited so long for this day. He wished the minutes until the ceremony would fly and yet, at the same time, he wished time could stand still at this moment, freezing it in what seemed to be the happiest moment of his life.

His lips curved and he opened his eyes again, watching as the steam rose from the surface of the water. He reached out, the wisps weaving through his fingers like a faint caress.

The future was long and it would be a happy one. The time spent with Qiu Ling had always been like that, had it not? And in the future, when the last layer separating them had been taken away, they would only be closer.

This morning, he might have still woken up only being Qiu Ling’s fiance but when he fell asleep tonight, he would be his husband and it would stay that way for the rest of their lives. He would never have to worry about the sweet words he wanted to say or the way he wanted to show him affection. Whether they were alone or with others, he could be open about this from now on. That was a blessing all on its own.

He knew Qiu Ling desired for him to show his feelings and he had wished for that as well. Recently, he had made an effort to do so already but it was still difficult for him. He just could not help but worry about what others would think if they witnessed them who were not officially spouses yet behave that way.

Maybe it shouldn’t matter. As long as Qiu Ling thought well of him, maybe he should not care. But the truth was that he did. That was part of why this wedding was so important to him. He wanted their relationship to be official and to be recognized in everyone’s eyes. And in a few hours, that would finally be the case. When that happened …

Jing He retracted his hand and touched his lips. He had once thought that after they were married, he should kiss him and tell him that he loved him. It might not seem as important any longer but he still longed to do so. Both so that he could fulfill this promise he had made to himself and also so that Qiu Ling could experience his love openly for once.

If he dared to do so in front of everyone … Jing He’s cheeks flushed but he tried to stay calm. Today was their wedding day. Who could say anything against it if he showed his adoration for the man he had just wedded? And Qiu Ling … his reaction should not be bad.

As soon as he thought of him, his thoughts drifted off to the wedding attire again. He usually saw Qiu Ling in darker colors. They suited him, showing off his handsome features and good physique. They highlighted the regal impression he gave off when he looked at someone seriously. But there was a certain anticipation to seeing him dressed differently for today. Maybe especially because it differed so much from his usual look, wearing the wedding attire seemed to hold more meaning. This was Qiu Ling going out of his way to dress for the occasion, following the customs of his people to show his appreciation for him. How could he not feel moved? Of course, he should requite this in some way.

Jing He closed his eyes again, trying not to think too much. Repaying Qiu Ling’s effort … he was afraid that in this life, no matter how hard he tried, he could never do more for him than Qiu Ling had already done for him. Thus, he could only try to be the best possible husband going forward.

Scooping up the water, Jing He raised his hands high, letting it flow down his hair and body. He wanted to ward off evil and he wanted to welcome good fortune and also … he wanted to be as beautiful as possible for the man he would soon address as his husband.

Yes, when they met to walk to the square and walk up the stairs to the platform, he wanted to stand before him flawlessly, making him feel that he had not waited for nothing and had decided right. He wanted him to think that he was marrying the most beautiful person he could have found and feel as happy in his heart as he was. Maybe this was a little selfish but … he would even like to see Qiu Ling speechless for a moment. If he could achieve that, he would have done well.

An hour passed in a flash and finally, Jing He rose to his feet and stepped out of the pool. Still in the room, he couldn’t be sure but he felt that his body and hair seemed to give off the faint scent of the three flowers they had chosen as if the blessing for good luck had seeped into his body and was radiating off him.

He closed his eyes and dried off his body before stepping to the side and picking up the inner robe that had been prepared beforehand. He gingerly picked it up, holding it in his hands for a while without moving. After he put this on, only one step remained before they would meet. And then, the auspicious time would soon arrive.

He faintly exhaled and then slipped the silky fabric onto his body, tying it carefully before he stepped into the anteroom to put on the outer robe as well. Then, he went outside and nodded at his uncle who was already waiting to help him do his hair.