Jing He felt mostly worried when Qiu Ling jumped up and he saw all those guards in the streets. But after a while, he realized that nobody seemed to notice them. Every now and then, Qiu Ling would quickly duck out of sight with him as if he had noticed something. But no matter what he did, the two of them slowly got closer to his palace, obviously always moving forward in some way.

“Where are we going?” Jing He looked at his fiance with some doubt. Hadn’t Qiu Ling said he would bring him to a spot he’d like? Even though he had also said he’d be familiar with the place, it certainly hadn’t sounded as if it would be his own palace. So how come this was the direction they were moving in?

Qiu Ling had been watching the guards passing by below and only raised his head when he was sure that neither had noticed them. “Wouldn’t you rather I surprise you? Or is it more fun to know where we’re going while you’re sneaking around with me?”

Jing He’s cheeks flushed as usual when he heard Qiu Ling’s words. Sneaking around … that sounded so wrong when it was applied to him and the man he was committed to marrying. And yet, he couldn’t pretend that that wasn’t what they were doing.

He tried not to think too much and hastily shook his head. “I am just a little confused.” Yes, that was all. It had nothing to do with whether or not they were sneaking around. This kind of question, it was better not to even think about it.

Qiu Ling knew him well enough to guess his thoughts but didn’t expose him. He simply smiled to himself and motioned ahead. “Do you remember that time I appeared in front of your door in the evening and asked to take you out?”

Jing He thought back and nodded hesitantly. “You mean the lake we went to?” He definitely remembered that. Qiu Ling had taken him over there and they stepped into the boat that was left there. Qiu Ling steadily rowed as they talked and then used his magic to show him a beautiful trick with the water and the light. He had been … bewitched that night for sure and finally fell asleep in Qiu Ling’s arms so he had to carry him back. Later, when he woke up and realized, he had been mortified.

Looking back now, it was obvious that even at that time, he had already felt just as secure with Qiu Ling as he did now. Maybe this had been one of the first signs of the feelings he developed or maybe it had started much earlier. Sometimes, it was hard to tell. Either way, it was one of many memories with his husband-to-be that he cherished.

Qiu Ling nodded. “I remember it is a little ways off and not too many people pass by. Plus, we’ll be on the lake. Who is going to bother us there? Most people would have the decency to turn away directly if they see a couple on a date there.”

Jing He smiled to himself and nodded. Yes, if he saw a young couple in such an intimate scenery, he wouldn’t have the heart to disturb them either. But now, they would be the ones who shared such a moment together again. He … felt his heart beat faster even when he only imagined it. Qiu Ling really … had the best ideas when it came to these things.

He hesitated for a moment but then tightened his grasp around Qiu Ling’s shoulders. “It’s a nice idea. I like it very much.” He knew Qiu Ling wanted to hear his opinion more so why not use this moment?

Qiu Ling indeed looked up at him again, his expression even brighter than a moment ago. “I’m glad. Well, let me carry you the rest of the way.” He said so and directly continued to sneak the rest of the way.

This time, he seemed even more eager to make his way there soon as he significantly sped up. It seemed that knowing Jing He loved the idea as much as him had motivated him even further and he couldn’t wait a single moment longer to get to the place he had chosen.

Soon enough, the lake appeared in front. Qiu Ling dropped to the ground after another look around but he didn’t put Jing He down. Don’t kid him! He finally had the chance to carry his beloved in his arms openly after having to hide for so long. Why would he set him down if he had an excuse to continue doing so? This was a great opportunity that he certainly wouldn’t part with!

On the contrary, Qiu Ling held Jing He tightly and even moved him up a little further so his fiance could lie in his arms more comfortably. Anyway, he didn’t think they had to be as careful anymore. Looking at him and smiling, he slowly strolled over to the edge of the lake. The boat they had used back then was still there so he went over and stopped next to it.

When he did, he sighed though. “Oh, why do I not feel like putting you down even now? I’d much rather continue to hold you.” He looked at Jing He, his eyes narrowed in pleasure. This was how a couple shortly before their wedding should be! Just let him be a bit more sticky right now.

Jing He smiled as well but then turned his head away when Qiu Ling continued to stare at him. He simply didn’t have such thick skin. He did look at the boat and noticed that the seating wasn’t too small though. “It looks like two people can sit next to each other …” He didn’t speak further but it was obvious enough what those words implied.

Qiu Ling finally tore his gaze away from Jing He and paid more attention to the boat. Indeed. They could sit next to each other without issue here. It wasn’t as nice as directly hugging but it would be good enough. “I guess I’ll take it.” He finally stepped into the boat and bent down, putting Jing He on the left side before sitting down next to him.

He didn’t directly pick up the oars but instead opened his spatial ring, looking through all the objects he had thrown in there over time. Certainly, there should be … He shuffled some things around, and finally, his expression lit up. “There it is!” With his eyes sparkling, he produced an umbrella and handed it to Jing He. “You take this, my love.”

Jing He held the umbrella and looked up at the sky that was still just as blue as earlier with white, fluffy clouds passing by, and the sun shining brightly. “An umbrella?” He looked at Qiu Ling doubtfully and didn’t move to open it up.

Qiu Ling simply chuckled, took it back, and opened it up. Then, he gave it back. “Just hold it behind you. If somebody really comes by, they won’t see who is on the lake. Plus …” He leaned in and paused for a moment before placing another kiss on Jing He’s cheek. “Nothing that’s just for us will be seen either.”

Jing He stared at him in surprise but finally nodded. “I see.” It seemed like his husband-to-be really thought of everything. His heart fluttered in response and he lowered his head before motioning to the middle of the lake. “Then … we should start, shouldn’t we?”

Qiu Ling chuckled but nodded and then picked up the oars, pushing the boat off the side of the lake and rowing slowly so Jing He could enjoy the breeze and the beautiful surroundings. Well, that and his company, of course. After all, that should be the most important.