By the time Leng Yue finished his statement, Mei was already sobbing. She broke down in hot tears, clutching her chest as if holding it could ease or stop the pain tearing through her.
"Mei," he called her, his voice breaking, "don't add to my pain. Stop crying and be strong for me. Your tears are only making my heart ache even more. And I don't want to regret telling you this."
As he said that, Mei quickly rose up and hugged him as if her life depended on it. Her arms trembled as she held him tighter. "I love you so much, Leng Yue. I love you more than words could ever say," she cried, her voice muffled against his chest as they clung to each other.
"I can't live without you," she continued desperately, her sobs shaking her body. "Living without you is hell for me. Please don't push me away".
"Let's love and cherish each other, like this—the way we are, the way fate has given us. Even if it's just a single day that fate allows us, let me use it to love you." Her last words almost didn't come out, choked by her cries.
"Don't you think that will be too wicked and selfish of you?" he asked softly, pulling away just enough to gently raise her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes glistened with conflict and pain.
"No," she whispered, shaking her head firmly, tears still streaming down her face. "I would rather live one day with you than a thousand years without you. That is how much I love you." Her eyes searched his, trembling but resolute.
With that, Leng Yue pulled her closer, and before they knew it, they were on the bed. He kissed her hungrily, licking and sucking her lips, pouring all the restraint and longing he had been holding back for so long into that kiss.
Mei, too, burned like a little tigress, kissing him back with the same fiery passion. Her hands clung to him as though afraid he would disappear.
His mouth wandered across her face, tracing her skin with reverence. He kissed her lips, then brushed over her nose, back to her lips, then moved to her cheeks. His mouth trailed down her neckline, tracing the delicate line of her collarbone, before returning hungrily to her lips. Each kiss sent a shiver through her, making her moan softly in pleasure.
Her body trembled, already consumed by desire, when Leng Yue suddenly pulled back. His breathing was ragged, his voice low and husky, heavy with both longing and restraint. "This is wrong," he whispered, struggling to steady himself. "We can't… not now."
"No, please, don't stop," Mei protested desperately, her tear-stained eyes pleading with him.
He gave a small, aching smile at her longing, then kissed the top of her head gently. "I promise to make this better," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch trembling. "I'll give you a memory you'll never forget. But please… let me make things right first. Let me give you the title you deserve." His eyes locked onto hers, filled with both love and torment.
And before he could change his mind and break his resolve, he quickly left the room, leaving Mei alone with her pain, fear, and burning longing.
---
Back in his chamber, Leng Yue paced restlessly, his chest rising and falling with frustration. Desire and reason tore at him like enemies in battle. Running his fingers through his hair, he let out a sharp breath.
"I need to leave this place. If I stay, I'll either return to her—or lose my mind." He grabbed a jacket and left the palace, his steps quick and aimless.
As he walk out of the palace, he didn't know where he was going. All he knew was that he needed space to breathe, to calm the storm raging inside him.
But memories returned unbidden. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as one particular moment replayed in his mind.
Flashback
After they had left the village he saw in his vision, where they went to rescue those children, he couldn't help but notice the affection between the women and their husbands—adding to what Tian Yu and Yuyan had been displaying openly before him.
Curious but embarrassed, he secretly asked Tian Yu to explain how kissing and love-making usually began between couples. His face burned with hesitation as he leaned close to whisper.
Tian Yu's reaction was immediate. He turned sharply, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk.
"You want to learn from me?" he asked, eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Yes," Leng Yue replied, a little flustered, moving closer when he saw Tian Yu seemed—for once—ready to be serious.
"Okay… first, you lean close… real close…" Tian Yu demonstrated dramatically, then grinned. "And then… you breathe in her ear like a buffalo. Women love that."
Leng Yue's face turned crimson with anger. "What is wrong with you? Can't you act like an adult for once?" he snapped, glaring at him.
"What's your problem? You are my apprentice now. Don't you want to learn?" Tian Yu teased, puffing his chest proudly.
Leng Yue nodded reluctantly.
"Then listen to your master and let me finish." Tian Yu lowered his voice, pretending to act serious. "When you kiss her, whisper something sexy. Like… 'I will buy you gifts: tomatoes, onions, and two bowls of noodles. It works every time. Or better yet, hide a spicy strip in your mouth. When you kiss her… boom—free snack for her. Romance and food together!"
Leng Yue took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to explode. He regretted ever asking him for advice.
Tian Yu glanced at him, noticing the storm brewing on his face. "Hey! Why the long face? Not satisfied? I have another method—this one never fails! First, check if her lips are warm. If they're cold, warm them up with a hand fan. Then kiss. Warm lips make the sweetest kiss."
That was it.
Leng Yue grabbed a stick and started chasing him, fury blazing. Tian Yu yelped, ducking as the stick barely missed his head.
"Are you insane? Didn't you say you wanted to learn? I taught you, and this is how you thank me?!" Tian Yu shouted as he ran in circles.
"You jerk! You're the most unromantic man alive! I wonder how Yuyan even puts up with you!" Leng Yue snapped, swinging again.
"Hey! Look who's talking—asking me for romance tips, then losing your temper! Aren't you ashamed?" Tian Yu laughed as he kept dodging.
"Enough! I don't need your stupid ideas anymore. In fact, I'm already better at romance than you!" Leng Yue retorted proudly.
The two continued their chase, their voices echoing like squabbling brothers.
Now, remembering it, Leng Yue couldn't help but chuckle. A small, helpless giggle escaped his lips, lightening the heaviness in his chest as he wandered aimlessly through the town.