Qiu Ling silently congratulated himself for the fact that his life had somehow turned out so perfect despite everything that had gone wrong in the past. What was there not to be happy about? Jinde was alive and living close again, his father had at least returned in the form of an ascended deity who remembered his past life, he was about to have a sibling, and — most importantly, of course — he was married to the person he loved, bound to him for the rest of his life. Even the curse on Jing He’s family had been taken off him and their descendants so there was nothing left to worry about.

Qiu Ling took a deep breath and then slowly pulled back to look at Jing He’s face. He still kept his arms wrapped around him though. Anyway, they were finally together again and even alone this time. If he didn’t hug him now, when should he do so?

Jing He looked at his husband but seeing Qiu Ling’s focused gaze, he hastily lowered his eyes. He couldn’t help it. Despite being married, this gaze … it made him feel somewhat shy. Especially after he had just talked about their future with Jinde.

Qiu Ling reached up and gently grasped his chin, making him look up. “I am sorry for leaving you alone on our wedding day of all days. I really didn’t plan it well.” If he could do it again … to be honest, he might still expose his heritage. He just didn’t want to live this lie any longer and if people couldn’t accept it, then he’d rather take Jing He away now than let him get used to this place and then force him to relocate again.

Jing He hastily shook his head. “No, it’s alright. You are the king of the dragon race. I always knew you would be very busy. Our wedding day isn’t an exception. If something needs to be done, then I won’t keep you from it.”

“You’re too forgiving.” Qiu Ling leaned in and kissed his cheek but he was still happy inwardly. Even though he didn’t want to be separated for a single moment, it was indeed true that dealing with this now was best. Having Jing He be understanding naturally made his life easier and he was glad that he hadn’t hurt him. Well, this was likely also thanks to Jinde’s help. Which reminded him … “How did you and Jinde get on?”

These two hadn’t interacted much before and he knew how easily Jing He worried. Suddenly being in a new place and then having to entertain his father-in-law … he should have been stressed about it. In this regard maybe he hadn’t made the best choice …

Jing He quickly nodded though. “It went well. I was nervous at first but … he is very nice. He told me more about the dragon realm.”

Qiu Ling hummed and pulled Jing He back to the table. Seeing the two cups still standing there, it seemed that they hadn’t been awkwardly standing around. Well, he wasn’t too surprised. No matter Jing He’s personality, Jinde was easygoing. If given the opportunity, he could naturally win Jing He over. “I’m glad you’re getting along well.” He sat down and pulled Jing He onto his lap, holding him gently while he looked up at him.

This wasn’t the first time they were this close but … it was the first time after the ceremony. How could this not be a special moment he ought to commit to memory? Every word his beloved said, every glance and every touch … it should be etched into his mind and carefully recalled and reminisced about in the future.

Jing He’s cheeks flushed when his husband stared at him and he shifted, not sure what to do. Suddenly, the conversation with Jinde earlier seemed much easier than being alone with his husband.

Qiu Ling reached up and traced the side of his face, his smile brightening. “Don’t worry. I just … want to look at you. There were so many people around all day. It makes me feel as if I didn’t have enough time just with you.”

Jing He’s heart fluttered and he nodded. It was true. They had hardly been alone the whole day. Even when they met this morning, his uncle had been right behind him and the guards had already waited outside. Then there were even more people in the square later on.

Only on the way to the dragon realm did they have some time with only each other around but that time passed so quickly, they barely even had time to speak about what had happened at the ceremony and what was to come after they reached the dragon realm. It wasn’t like it had been in the past when a whole day could be spent just the two of them.

He hesitated but finally raised his hand and put it on his husband’s chest. “I am here.” And he would stay wherever Qiu Ling was. From now on, he would not separate from his husband unless it was absolutely necessary.

Qiu Ling nodded and covered his lover’s hand with his own. “I know. You are with me … for the rest of our life, just as I had always dreamed of. How come I am this lucky?”

Jing He couldn’t help but smile. In his mind, it wasn’t Qiu Ling who was lucky. Clearly, he was. This man had waited so long for him and done so much for him despite all the trouble that he found himself in because of it. He couldn’t have found a better husband. “You deserve the best or whatever it is that you want.”

Qiu Ling leaned in once again, his eyes curving as he smiled. “I want you but you’re the best so I guess I am a little greedy.” He pecked his lips and then pulled back, suddenly unsure how to continue. Jing He … was probably nervous about what was to come so even though he was indeed a bit greedy and wanted to get to the dragons’ wedding ceremony as fast as possible, he had to stay patient for just a while longer. Although the atmosphere was really good …