The Soft Song Congeals

I wish to be with you, and love you until the end of time! Until the mountains crumble, the rivers run dry, thunder roars in winter, snow falls in summer, and heaven and earth become one, only then would I dare part from you!

Her words rang out with conviction, her expression resolute. Surely no one could see the deep helplessness and sorrow buried in her heart. He lowered his eyes, and happiness slowly spread through him. Without showing a trace of emotion, he fastened the sparkling pendant around her neck, then drew her into his arms. His cool lips brushed her pale, soft earlobe as he murmured, “Mm.”

May I find someone who loves me with all his heart, and may we cherish each other without doubt. She gazed into his calm eyes, smiling as she spoke softly. His hand paused slightly as he lifted his teacup. He looked at her smile, seeming a little bewildered. You... do you know what you’re saying?

Of course. She smiled faintly. After all I’ve been through, you’re still the one who treats me best. It’s just... She hesitated. There’s something I have to do. Will you wait for me?

I will. He answered without a moment’s hesitation. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for you! He gazed at her delicate face, tenderness rippling through his eyes. She lowered her head, hiding the bitter smile at the corner of her lips.

I swear. Once I’ve done what I have to do, I’ll marry you.

A vow and a promise both have a “mouth” in their written form, don’t they? The vow she made to him came from her mouth, but not her heart. The promise she spoke to him came from both her mouth and her heart. And yet, they were destined never to spend their lives together.

The lively warmth was only harmonious in the distance. Around him, it was as though an invisible line had cut off the air, leaving only loneliness and cold.

She looked up into his icy eyes, smiling like a flower in bloom. Today is my birthday.

Happy birthday. A hint of warmth softened his cold expression.

Is that all...? She lowered her head slowly, as if disappointed, and murmured to herself in a daze, I haven’t celebrated my birthday in so long...

What birthday gift do you want? He interrupted her quietly, a knowing smile at the corner of his lips.

You really mean it? She abruptly looked up into his eyes. Joy mingled with tenderness in her gaze, winding around him strand by strand, as warmth slowly spread through his heart.

Tell me.

You say that... but all you’re doing is letting me ask. Whether you’ll agree is another matter, she sighed with a smile that was almost a smirk. As expected of Fourth Master. But there’s no way you can refuse the gift I want.

Before he could ask what she wanted, he caught a sly glint in her eyes. She suddenly stepped closer and rose onto her tiptoes...

A faint smell of smoke lingered in the air, the afterscent of fireworks. Mist blurred the view, and the great red palace lanterns in the distance cast a soft glow through the hazy darkness, appearing and disappearing from sight. All around them was silent. Only a tender, lingering warmth unfurled through the cold air...

A flash of astonishment crossed his deep black eyes, then vanished. He smiled slightly and wrapped an arm around her slender waist. Her hand rested against his firm chest. In the thick mist, their close embrace fit together so perfectly, as if they had always been one. Their lips felt cool and dry against each other. She gently closed her eyes, feeling the block of ice in her heart slowly melt and crumble. At last, she was beyond redemption.

As their lips touched, she let out a whisper-soft sigh...

This is the gift I’m giving myself.

The first volume: Locked in the Autumn Chill

Luoluo’s new project

Prince of Tennis fanfiction: Lan Xia

A short story: Half the River Emerald, Half the River Red

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