Oh. My. Fate?! (BL, Volume 11, Part 1)

119 Make It Official Half-Way

Of course, there was still a lot of time until then. He definitely wouldn't cut his visit to Jing He short. Yes, having a plan was important but so was spending time with his beloved. Especially now that he was finally able to do so again.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, some of the tension leaving his body. Yes, he shouldn't think too much. Whatever the future brought, at least right now, he was with Jing He. Or, well, he would be whenever his beloved got ready.

Qiu Ling glanced at the door and coincidentally, it was precisely this moment that it opened again. Qiu Ling blinked his eyes and then took a long look at Jing He. He really had to say ... the time spent had been worth it.

Jing He looked as breathtaking as ever: The slender body was hugged by white fabric that set off his ink-black hair at the same time. It gave him a sense of abstinence and purity that stimulated the mind. The long sleeves flowed gently as he walked over, just as graceful as ever.

Qiu Ling gave an appreciative hum, not sure what to say. In fact, should he say something at this time? It seemed he had wanted to seriously speak to him about the issue regarding how to make their relationship official. Right now though, the image in front of his eyes was slightly distracting.

Qiu Ling gulped and then reached out, grasping Jing He's hand and leading him over to the pavilion again to sit down. They hadn't talked about what to do or where to go but it just felt right not to stay in the palace. Jing He might not feel this way but Qiu Ling couldn't help but think that it was stuffy. After all, Jing He's body had been lying in that place for so long, unable to leave. Now that he was free to move again, it just seemed right to take him outside.

The two of them sat down and Jing He couldn't help but look at Qiu Ling with some expectations. He was worried about the future but, of course, this meant that he was looking forward to them finding a solution even more so. He had no idea what Qiu Ling had thought of but maybe it would indeed be possible?

Qiu Ling gave another hum when he saw Jing He's gaze and reached over the table. He gently took his hand, his thumb brushing over the soft skin. "Let's talk then."

Jing He nodded, quietly looking at him.

Qiu Ling gave himself another moment to think about what he should say and finally sighed. "You're not wrong about your father. I also said as much yesterday. Of course, nothing has changed about that in such a short amount of time. But ... your father isn't the only person that is relevant in this, is he?"

Jing He's expression seemed a little lost. Was there somebody else important? It didn't seem like it. After all, not to mention that this was his father, he was also the Heavenly Emperor. His voice seemed the one with the most weight in the Nine Heavens no matter how he looked at it.

Qiu Ling realized that Jing He didn't seem to have any idea what he meant. He smiled faintly and leaned closer. "What about the rest of your family? Your mother seems to like me and while your uncle might not have much of a preference, he definitely isn't against me." In fact, the God of War had never seemed to mind him but after helping him with Bai Mu's matter, he should be even more in favor of him.

"We could tell the two of them first or, well, I could formally ask your mother for permission. If we officially have her blessing already, maybe you would feel more comfortable with our relationship?" He carefully held Jing He's hand and looked at him inquiringly. Naturally, he wanted them to take a step forward. This was the only option to do so that he could currently see. At the very least, as long as they wanted to hear a positive answer. Otherwise, they could just directly go to the Heavenly Emperor.

Jing He tried to imagine that scene and his cheeks flushed. He knew they'd have to talk about this matter with his parents but ... it felt so odd now that it only seemed a moment away. "That ..." He lowered his gaze to their hands and finally nodded. He was embarrassed just thinking about it but it had to happen. And Qiu Ling wasn't wrong: His mother indeed seemed to like him. Since that was the case, she shouldn't say no. This was a good thing.

Qiu Ling nodded, satisfied with Jing He's response. "Then we will do that. After we have told them, maybe they can even give us some pointers. I don't believe there won't be a way to convince your father." Well, even if they couldn't, there might be a way to get married nonetheless.

While he wanted to give Jing He the most beautiful wedding ceremony — which would include his father taking part without a sour expression the whole time — he was also willing to forgo a few details if it was necessary so the wedding could happen at all. So if the Heavenly Emperor really didn't agree no matter what, then they could only marry without his approval.

Qiu Ling had made up his mind and got to his feet.

Jing He followed suit even though he looked confused. Qiu Ling wouldn't want to go and ask his mother right now, would he? That ... wasn't it too hasty?

Qiu Ling glanced at him and saw the hesitation in his eyes. He stepped closer and after a moment's consideration, he pulled Jing He into his arms. "If I had one wish, it would be to marry you right this very moment. I know I can't but I have the option to do the next best thing based on my own skill. Why wait for it? And I believe ... you shouldn't feel too differently."