445. Promised Meeting

Time flew by.

Two and a half years passed in the blink of an eye.

Under the scorching sun, Heaven Dou City was bustling with life. In the city’s tallest teahouse, a spacious and well-ventilated spot offered a panoramic view.

Leaning against the outer railing, Qian Renjue, dressed in a white embroidered robe, sipped on a cup of tea that lightly touched his lips.

Now in his early twenties, he exuded the calm authority of someone in power.

His long hair fell naturally without meticulous styling, and while his outfit was impeccably tailored, the combination gave off an effortless yet dignified aura. His composed demeanor radiated both majesty and approachability.

As Qian Renjue gazed silently at the street below, his amethyst eyes held a trace of contemplation.

Resting his left hand on the railing, faint golden light shimmered from his palm—it was the little rabbit reaching out to him as she prepared for her graduation.

“Your Highness, are you listening? Xiao Wu misses you so much~”

Hearing the expectant yet hesitant tone, Qian Renjue couldn’t help but smile. With a slight shift of thought, he replied softly.

“I’m here~ What is it you want to say this time?”

“Great! Hehe, Your Highness’s voice is so pleasant to hear!”

“Stop with the flattery!”

“I’m not flattering you at all. Xiao Wu likes everything about Your Highness!”

Qian Renjue took a small sip of tea and, in a gentle tone, said, “Let’s get to the point. I’ve been quite busy lately.”

“Mm, okay! Xiao Wu will speak now.”

The little rabbit, obedient as ever, immediately got to the topic at hand:

“Your Highness, Xiao Wu has officially graduated!”

“Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to that advanced spirit master academy the smug, one-eyed pig introduced with Tang Xiao San.”

Qian Renjue’s amethyst eyes narrowed slightly.

After all this time, Tang San was finally going to show himself.

Though it wasn’t time to kill him yet, a little interference could still be amusing—after all, Tang San’s fate was already sealed.

“Your Highness, will you still visit Xiao Wu after this? What if you can’t find me?”

The rabbit’s soft, sweet voice carried a hint of worry.

Qian Renjue reassured her gently, “Silly rabbit, go without worry~ Did you forget how we communicate?”

“Oh~ Xiao Wu is Your Highness’s pet rabbit, hehe!”

Xiao Wu’s cheerful voice came through, filled with delight.

Qian Renjue accepted it calmly. After so long, he was used to her playful and affectionate demeanor.

“Alright, go pack your things now. Once you’re settled at the academy, I’ll come to see you.”

“Mm-hmm~ Goodbye, Your Highness!”

“Take care of yourself.”

“Xiao Wu will!”

“...”

The golden mark in his palm stopped glowing as Xiao Wu’s lively voice faded away.

High above the bustling city, the cool breeze stirred his golden hair. A soft, tender whisper lingered in the air, carrying warmth amidst the faint chill.

“Jue~ the donkey meat is ready.”

Behind Qian Renjue stood a graceful figure in a black dress.

Her light blue hair flowed straight down her back, her elegant face exuding serenity. But her beautiful eyes brimmed with tender affection. With delicate fingers holding a jade plate, she walked gracefully to his side, her steps light as lotus blooms.

Picking up a piece of tender, juicy donkey meat with her chopsticks, she gently raised it to Qian Renjue’s lips.

“Mm.”

Qian Renjue set down his tea, turned with a smile, and took a bite.

“How is it? Is it good, or did I overcook it?”

Ye Lingling asked with a bright, gentle smile.

At nearly eighteen, she had shed all traces of her youthful naivety and grown into a poised, elegant young woman.

Her slender, jade-like fingers lightly brushed the corner of Qian Renjue’s lips.

“The timing is perfect,” he replied.


Qian Renjue nodded in approval, praising her as he grasped Ye Lingling's delicate hand and pulled her into his arms with a soft smile.

"That’s good to hear~"

Ye Lingling leaned against his chest, her cheeks tinged with a rosy blush.

"I’m sorry, Lingling. It’s been so long since I’ve spent time with you," Qian Renjue said apologetically, gently playing with her silky blue hair.

"You’re the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, after all," Ye Lingling replied, shaking her head lightly. She tilted her lovely face upward, her eyes filled with tender affection. "As the Holy Son, you can’t always prioritize me."

With that, she lowered her gaze, her slender fingers picking up a chilled green grape from the jade plate. Her voice was soft and understanding:

"The fact that you came to see me already makes me very happy."

As her words trailed off, Ye Lingling raised her eyes, holding the grape in her mouth with shy anticipation as she gazed at Qian Renjue.

Standing on her tiptoes, she brought the grape closer to his lips.

Qian Renjue chuckled, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and bent down slightly, taking the grape from her lips.

Their eyes met, her light blue irises filled with tender emotion.

The grape lingered in his mouth, gradually warming.

"Mm~"

———

"Ah~"

Watching the intimate couple from the open and airy center of the top floor, a voice muttered in mock regret:

"If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have let Lingling take it over."

The speaker, a woman with light green hair and a curvaceous figure dressed in a purple cheongsam, sat near the grill, turning meat skewers in her hand.

Dugu Yan’s green eyes fixed intently on Qian Renjue, a mix of admiration and longing in her gaze.

Her coldly elegant face bore faint smudges of ash from the grill, lending her a slightly endearing, clumsy charm.

She watched the couple at the edge of the space, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

———

After a long while, their lips parted.

Qian Renjue caught the jade plate that slipped from Ye Lingling’s hands, gazing at his fiancée nestled in his arms.

Her flushed, enchanting face was tilted upward, her slightly parted lips breathing out warm air as her tongue peeked out.

It took her a moment to snap out of her daze, regaining her composure.

"Lingling, you’re getting prettier by the day," Qian Renjue said, gently pinching her red cheeks, his eyes full of affection.

"And you’re getting naughtier!"

Ye Lingling bit her lip lightly, covering her flushed body as she squirmed under his playful teasing.

"Heh."

Qian Renjue smirked, not denying her words.

Lingling had changed a lot too—her boldness during the kiss just now was proof enough.

She gave him a reproachful look and said softly, "No matter what, don’t forget our promise."

Her cheeks grew even redder as she stammered, "Even if you’re busy, you could make time for at least one evening, right?"

"I’ve never forgotten," Qian Renjue replied, tapping her delicate nose with a smile.

"When the time comes, I’ll even take you back to Spirit City to live."

"No, no need for that."

Ye Lingling shook her head gently.

"I’m not greedy. I just want to be your first woman, that’s all. Meeting the Pope... I’m not ready for that yet."

Qian Renjue was about to respond when Dugu Yan, unable to endure the overwhelming sweetness in the air, propped her face on her hand and stared at him with a faint smile.

"Your Highness, how about taking Yan Yan, your loyal maid, back with you instead? I can even help serve the Pope, you know."

She laughed lightly, her tone playful, but Qian Renjue knew she was serious.

Ye Lingling remained silent, leaving the decision to him.

Qian Renjue shook his head with a soft smile.

"Not for now. Do you think I’m short on people to look after me?"

"Hmph, it must be that little fox brat!"

Dugu Yan pouted in mock jealousy.

Qian Renjue chuckled, pulling Ye Lingling along as they walked toward her. He sat down, picked up a skewer of grilled meat, and held it out to Dugu Yan’s lips.

"Alright, eat up. I’ve been out for a while; it’s time for me to head back."