As soon as Ye Qiu stepped off the plane, Xiao Zhan approached him and said, “Brother-in-law, my sister is waiting for you at the flower shop. I’ll drive you there.”
“How did you know I was back at this time?” Ye Qiu asked.
Xiao Zhan grinned, “I often book your tickets, so I have your identity info. The booking app notifies me instantly when there’s any update.”
“Brother-in-law, you usually leave these things to me. Why did you book the ticket yourself today?”
“You’re not avoiding my sister, are you?”
“Of course not,” Ye Qiu said. “I just had some free time today, so I booked it myself.”
“No time to waste. I’ll take you there.” Xiao Zhan drove Ye Qiu to the flower shop.
Ye Qiu had planned to give Xiao Yiren an explanation before leaving, but it was evening now…
Would something happen tonight?
Soon, the car stopped at the flower shop.
Ye Qiu got out and saw Xiao Yiren step out of the shop. She wore a simple white T-shirt, pure and delicate, like a shy flower bud.
“You’re here?” Xiao Yiren’s eyes curved into crescents, her charm almost overflowing.
“Yeah.” Ye Qiu gave a slight smile.
“Come in quick. I’ve made dinner,” Xiao Yiren invited him inside.
Ye Qiu stepped in swiftly.
Seeing Xiao Zhan still in the car, Xiao Yiren urged, “What are you standing there for? Come in!”
Xiao Zhan opened the car door, handed her a bag, and said, “This is genuine ’82 Lafite. Tastes great. Try it.”
He then got back in the car. “Sis, I’m off.”
“You’re not staying for dinner?” Xiao Yiren said. “I made a whole table of dishes, including your favourite braised pork.”
“Another time. I won’t disturb your two-person world tonight,” Xiao Zhan whispered with a cheeky grin. “Brother-in-law’s leaving soon. Go for it tonight. I’m rooting for you!”
“What nonsense are you spouting? Looking for a beating?” Xiao Yiren’s face flushed as she raised her fist playfully.
Xiao Zhan chuckled and drove off.
“That little brat, daring to tease me now. His wings have grown, hmph.”
Xiao Yiren let out a soft huff, turned, and went inside, closing the door.
In the dining room, the lights were dim, and soothing piano music played from the speakers.
Ye Qiu sat at the table, looking at the array of fragrant dishes. He was deeply touched.
At the same time, he felt a pang of guilt.
He knew Xiao Yiren’s feelings for him, but with so many confidantes, he couldn’t devote himself to just one.
“Why aren’t you eating?” Xiao Yiren came in, seeing Ye Qiu staring blankly at the table.
“I was waiting for you,” Ye Qiu said. “Where’s Xiao Zhan?”
“He left,” Xiao Yiren replied.
Ye Qiu gave a wry smile. How could he not see through Xiao Zhan’s little scheme?
“Let’s eat!”
Xiao Yiren picked up chopsticks, serving Ye Qiu food while saying, “Eat more. Build up your strength.”
“Don’t worry about me. You eat too!”
The two acted like a loving couple, serving each other food, courteous and warm.
Xiao Yiren opened a bottle of red wine, poured two glasses, and they ate and drank together.
After dinner.
Blushing, Xiao Yiren said, “I’m going to take a shower.”
Those simple four words weren’t a hint, but a clear signal.
She was ready to give herself to him.
Ye Qiu grabbed her hand and said, “Yiren, I’m heading to the cultivation world soon. Has Xiao Zhan told you about this?”
“Yes.” Xiao Yiren nodded slightly. “No matter how long you’re gone, I’ll wait for you.”
Such deep affection!
Ye Qiu said, “I need to go home later.”
At this, Xiao Yiren’s eyes reddened. She believed Ye Qiu understood her earlier words, so why was he still leaving?
“Do you dislike me?” Xiao Yiren asked.
“How could I dislike you?” Ye Qiu pulled her into his arms. “I like you.”
“Then why won’t you stay?” Xiao Yiren said. “I’m willing.”
“I know, but I don’t want to let you down,” Ye Qiu said. “When I return, I promise we’ll be together.”
“But…”
“Yiren, if love is meant to last, does it need to be every day and night?”
Xiao Yiren bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.
Ye Qiu took out a jade pendant, placed it around her neck, and said, “I carved this myself. The back has a protective charm that can save your life in danger.”
“Of course, I hope you never face danger.”
Then, Ye Qiu handed her a beauty-preserving pill. “I refined this myself. It’ll keep your appearance youthful for ten years.”
What!
Xiao Yiren was shocked. A single pill with such an effect?
While delighted, she also felt a tinge of sadness and asked, “Will you be gone for long?”
“Hard to say. Maybe a few months, maybe a few years,” Ye Qiu said.
Xiao Yiren looked up, kissed Ye Qiu’s cheek, and said, “Even if it’s forever, I’ll wait. Ye Qiu, I love you.”
“I love you too,” Ye Qiu replied.
They embraced tightly, kissing passionately, the room’s temperature rising rapidly.
After a while.
Ye Qiu stopped.
He had to, or he’d lose control.
Xiao Yiren’s face was flushed, glowing like a captivating jade in the dim light.
“Yiren, after I leave, take care of yourself. Don’t make me worry.”
“Also, eat well. No dieting.”
“If I come back and find you’ve lost weight, I won’t let you off.”
Ye Qiu kissed her forehead tenderly, said a few more words, and left the flower shop.
Xiao Yiren reluctantly saw him to the door.
“No need to see me off. Go rest. I’ll be home these few days. Come over when you’re free,” Ye Qiu said.
“Okay.” Xiao Yiren nodded.
At the street corner, a car pulled up in front of Ye Qiu.
Looking up, he saw Xiao Zhan driving.
“Brother-in-law, what’s going on? You’re out so soon?” Xiao Zhan’s eyes widened. “You’re not… incapable, are you?”
“What nonsense!” Ye Qiu glared at him, got in the car, and said, “Take me home.”
“You’re going back? What about my sister?” Xiao Zhan asked.
“I’ve spoken to Yiren. When I return from the cultivation world, I’ll be with her,” Ye Qiu said.
Xiao Zhan sensed something and asked, “Brother-in-law, is the cultivation world dangerous? Why not take me with you?”
“You must stay in Jiangzhou.” Ye Qiu’s face grew serious. He said solemnly, “Xiao Zhan, I have something very important to entrust to you!”
