097. Sweet Intimacy, Marriage

In a haze of half-dreams, Jing Qingxin could sense the unease radiating from Gao Shen—a restless urgency, a desperate need for a response. In that instant, Jing Qingxin understood and ceased to hesitate, tilting her chin up to meet him, her heart overflowing with tenderness as she answered his passion with her own.

Only when the last breath of air between their lips was spent did Jing Qingxin let out a soft murmur. At that moment, Gao Shen’s senses grew taut, a voice inside him shouting: No! You mustn’t go further—not now. The girl he loved deserved the gentlest care and the utmost respect. Calm yourself!

After wavering between reason and the brink of losing control, Gao Shen’s rationality finally triumphed over the chaos of desire. Gazing at Jing Qingxin’s rosy lips, dewy and inviting, he lowered his eyes, his heart swelling with contentment. Then, he pressed a gentle kiss to her brow and whispered, “Sleep—dawn is still a while away.”

He drew her into his embrace, breathing in her unique, delicate fragrance, and drifted into sleep with a satisfied heart. Jing Qingxin quickly settled into a comfortable position, obediently nestling against him, a faint smile still lingering on her lips.

In that moment, the two entwined hearts could finally rest in the serenity of a blissful dream.

**

The next morning, Jing Qingxin awoke to a rush of breathlessness, her lips parting instinctively for air—only to be met with a wave of fervor as a kiss swept over her, lips and teeth entangling.

Her mind snapped fully awake. Was she… being kissed awake? When had Gao Shen, usually so reserved, become so ardent? His kisses now came so easily, as if he’d mastered the craft.

Though he clearly noticed she was awake, Gao Shen continued his affectionate assault, though somewhat absent-mindedly. His eyes darkened; how could she be distracted during such a kiss? He nipped her lip in mild reproach—how could he allow her thoughts to wander elsewhere?

Gao Shen had to admit, once he tasted her, he was no longer himself—possessive, selfish, even a little insecure.

A slight sting on her lips startled Jing Qingxin. Had Gao Shen just bitten her? Was he teasing her?

Suddenly, faced with this passionate Gao Shen, a flush crept over Jing Qingxin’s cheeks. She found herself defenseless before him; imagine, a modern woman of the new century being so easily subdued by a man from an older era!

This could not stand.

Instantly, Jing Qingxin retaliated, wrapping her arms around Gao Shen’s neck and deepening the kiss, even nipping his lip in playful revenge, a glint of triumph in her eyes.

A faint smile touched Gao Shen’s lips—what a stubborn little thing she was.

Their first morning reunited was spent in a haze of sweet kisses and tender embraces, until the rumbling of their stomachs finally drew them out of bed.

In perfect harmony, one tended the fire while the other prepared breakfast, an atmosphere of warmth and affection enveloping them both.

After their simple meal, Jing Qingxin pulled Gao Shen to sit with her in the main room and told him everything about the Destiny Pendants—her family’s attitude, and the challenges they would face.

When she finished, Gao Shen’s gaze grew even softer, his heart deeply moved. He felt a bittersweet ache welling in his chest, reaching his eyes and leaving them faintly red. He restrained his surging emotions, silently questioning himself: What virtue or fortune did he, Gao Shen, possess to deserve someone so wonderful? She had done all this for him.

Leaning close, Gao Shen embraced Jing Qingxin tightly, his expression more resolute and solemn than ever before. In a clear and unwavering voice, he promised, “Thank you, Qingxin. In this lifetime, I will love only you. My heart will only ever beat with joy for you, and I will never let you down.”

Though his words were brief, they could not contain the depth of his devotion. In that moment, Gao Shen made a silent vow: for the rest of his life, he would cherish Jing Qingxin even more than himself, protect her, care for her, and ensure her happiness.

Jing Qingxin smiled softly, hugging him back. “I believe you,” she replied.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. She pulled away and looked at Gao Shen. “Why did I cross over so quickly this time? Did you do something?”

Gao Shen nodded. “Last night, while lying in bed recalling our memories, I remembered you once mentioned the blood-binding ritual. So I decided to try it again. I dripped a few drops of blood onto the ancient jade pendant, and this time it was absorbed. Then I held the pendant and called your name. Soon, I felt the jade heat up in my hand, and after a flash of light, you appeared.”

“So, the Destiny Pendant doesn’t just connect us—it can also sense and summon?” Jing Qingxin was astonished. She hadn’t expected the pendant to be so powerful.

Gao Shen frowned thoughtfully. “But I recall that when I was injured before, blood had stained the pendant, yet it was never absorbed. I only tried again last night on a whim.”

Jing Qingxin considered this. “The Destiny Pendants are a pair, symbolizing love and fate. Maybe it’s because you truly developed feelings for me. Or perhaps mine needed to be activated first.”

Gao Shen relaxed. “Whatever the reason, as long as it benefits us. Since the bamboo scrolls didn’t record everything, we’ll just have to explore it ourselves.”

With that, they set aside the matter, for there were more important things to attend to.

“Qingxin, let’s get married as soon as possible,” Gao Shen said earnestly.

Jing Qingxin was briefly stunned. She had considered it and was ready to be with him, but hadn’t expected Gao Shen to propose so suddenly.

The thought of marrying Gao Shen sent her heart racing uncontrollably. Becoming his wife—she felt a moment of disbelief. Who would have thought she’d marry so young?

Seeing her lost in thought, Gao Shen’s heart clenched with worry.

Jing Qingxin smiled gently and replied, “Alright. Let’s get married.”

At her words, Gao Shen’s smile bloomed, radiant and warm as the rising sun, brilliant enough to light up the world.

Jing Qingxin found herself captivated, as if seeing him for the first time—this dazzling, magnetic Gao Shen, whose smile was even more enchanting than before, exuding a pure and irresistible charm from within.

As she gazed at him in a daze, his smile grew even more luminous, tenderness dancing at the corners of his eyes.

Only when Gao Shen’s delighted laughter echoed did Jing Qingxin snap out of her reverie, her cheeks flushing red. She hadn’t expected to be so smitten herself.

——— Author’s Note ———

Thank you to everyone who has supported this story. Today, I have finally received the notice for the novel’s official launch!

Dear readers: This story will be officially released on the 29th! The 29th! The 29th! Important things must be said three times! There will be three days of recommendations starting tomorrow, and I hope you will all continue to support me!

Remember to bookmark the story, leave comments and reviews, and don’t forget to vote and reward—don’t hold back! Haha!

Lastly, love you all!

This book is originally published on Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not reproduce!