While Jing He’s thoughts drifted to the future that might soon await him, imagining how the details of his married life with Qiu Ling might look, the man of his dreams was also thinking wildly.

Anyway, how could he not? He had spent the night in his beloved’s palace, seen the love of his life open his eyes in his arms this very morning, and was now getting ready for the day in his lover’s palace. Please excuse him, but the only thing that could make this any better was if he could have righteously and legally called Jing He his husband.

Well, that, and maybe taking a bath together. That would definitely be one of the first few things on the list of what they had to do after their wedding ceremony and their move to the dragon realm. Just imagining both of them being partly submerged in the warm water, close enough for their skin to touch … Ah, life would be bliss when they were finally married!

Qiu Ling coughed lightly, trying to remind himself that he shouldn’t get too far ahead. Before the wedding was even a possibility, Jing He had to go on his trial which meant being separated for two or three months. Only after they got through that period could the wedding be talked about and even then, Jing He’s father was still an obstacle. It seemed he’d have to think long and hard about how to get around that one. Well, the trial might just be the perfect time to do so.

Nodding to himself, Qiu Ling dried his body with his magic and then put on a fresh robe, taking an extra minute or two to make sure there were no wrinkles anywhere and that his hair looked nice. Even if Jing He wouldn’t remember when he descended to the mortal realm later … right now was also a very important moment!

Their first morning after spending a night together was indicative of how their married life would be later on. He couldn’t give Jing He the impression that he’d let himself go after snatching him up completely. No, he would definitely always value his beloved and do his best so he wouldn’t get fed up with him. Taking care of his good looks for him was naturally a given.

Qiu Ling, who felt pretty pleased with himself for being a handsome man who knew how to dress and present himself, put away his old robe and then stepped around the folding screen, flashing Jing He a smile.

Jing He who had just been thinking of something he personally deemed rather inappropriate flushed crimson when he saw Qiu Ling look his way. For some reason, he felt as if his thoughts might be written on his face and he would expose the sordid truth beneath the sparkling surface. The dread he felt made his blush recede and he instead turned a little pale.

Qiu Ling noticed his change of expression but he never could have imagined the reason. No, thinking of what day was today, he figured that this should still be about the trial. Even if it was an important step, it wouldn’t be strange for Jing He to be apprehensive.

Thinking like that, he walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, gently grasping Jing He’s hand. “Don’t be afraid. I know … this trial is a big deal but I know you. You are such a …” He looked for the best words to describe Jing He’s character that would sound reassuring when facing something new to encourage him. “A person who is very calm and collected and takes his time to think things through. I believe those are all good qualities to have whenever one encounters new situations.”

Jing He froze but slowly forced himself to calm down. He didn’t think that he was calm or collected in the face of new situations. Just look at how his thoughts had drifted away while Qiu Ling was washing up earlier! It didn’t help that he wouldn’t remember a thing during his trial.

But Qiu Ling was certainly right that he spent a lot of time thinking matters through. Wasn’t that what he had done during this week to ensure he wouldn’t do anything during his trial he might regret? So yes, he had nothing to worry about in that regard. Not that he had in the first place. Either way, it was sweet that Qiu Ling worried so much for his sake.

Jing He smiled when he thought of that and he nodded to show that he understood. “You are right. I have prepared everything I need for this trial and everything will go well. It won’t take all that long either and soon, I’ll be back.”

“Mn.” Qiu Ling squeezed his hand and then motioned to the other side of the room. “You will. So you should get ready now. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back at my side. I can’t wait for that moment. After all …” He leaned closer, his smile brightening further. “At that time, our wedding won’t be far off. I have been looking forward to that for a long time.”

“Yes.” Jing He nodded and got to his feet, lingering for a moment before he pulled his hand out of Qiu Ling’s grip. “I … I will hurry up.” Saying so, he hurriedly turned around and quickly stepped away, unable to look at Qiu Ling any longer. His heart was racing again and he felt like he might say or do something wrong if he gave himself more time. Qiu Ling … was just too charming this morning or maybe it was the lingering feelings from last night that made the situation feel different from usual somehow.

Qiu Ling watched him leave, a faint smile still on his lips. “Take your time.” Anyway, it wasn’t like he was in a rush. Even though he wanted this trial to be over yesterday if possible, he still understood that it was necessary and would take as long as it had to. If Jing He needed a little longer to leave, that was alright as well. Anyway, all the time both here and during his trial would be spent with him. He had already decided on that so there was no need to be too caught up in reluctance. It wasn’t like they’d be separated because of this.

Qiu Ling hummed to himself and leaned back, his gaze unwittingly moving to the folding screen that was currently obscuring Jing He’s figure from his vision. This kind of morning … was actually really nice. He was looking forward to more of them.

Well, in a way, he wouldn’t have to wait that long to have that, would he? After Jing He descended to the mortal realm, if he accompanied him, then wouldn’t there be such times regularly? They could … experience all of this and more while down there. In a sense, it might be a blessing in disguise.

Qiu Ling’s smile turned silly before he coughed and reined himself in. He … definitely shouldn’t be thinking about this right now. No, he should stay serious. Jing He was currently anxious about his trial. He had to stay focused and support him until the worry was gone and he started his trial. He couldn’t be distracted from that.

Just when Qiu Ling tried to make himself pay attention to the right matter again, Jing He’s voice sounded from behind the folding screen, seeming a bit weak. “Qiu Ling?”

Qiu Ling immediately raised his brows and got to his feet. “What’s the matter, my love?”

Jing He kept quiet for a moment, a little unable to bring himself to speak up. But looking at the water and then at the screen, he could only bite his lip and force himself. “I … seem to have forgotten to bring a change of clothes.”