Chapter 8

Every morning, he would invariably wake at dawn to the sound of birdsong, and today was no different.

As his eyes fluttered open, the sky was already lightening. The man behind him remained asleep, but an arm was still draped over his chest, fingers idly playing with his nipple.

His face heated up instantly, and as he shifted slightly, a wave of soreness coursed through him. 

Knowing it was time to fetch water for the morning wash, he carefully began to sit up—only to be pulled back into a firm embrace.

Qin Yuxuan nuzzled sleepily into his neck, murmuring, "I'm skipping the academy today. Sleep a bit longer..."

Resigned, he lay back down. But now, he was fully awake. 

The warmth of the man's breath against his ear sent an involuntary shiver through him, and his mind flooded with memories of the previous night.

Carefully, he turned his head to take in that handsome face, holding his breath to avoid waking him. From the sweep of his lashes to the curve of his lips, he studied every detail as though committing them to memory.

After a moment, Qin Yuxuan's lips curved into a smile, and he chuckled softly.

"Am I that nice to look at?"

Embarrassed, Xiao Ye quickly turned back around, wishing he could disappear beneath the covers.

Qin Yuxuan only laughed, pressing light kisses down his bare back—one after another, each brimming with tenderness and affection.

Deep down, Xiao Ye knew this man truly cared for him.

Unlike other servants, who were scolded, beaten, or left to starve for the slightest mistake, he was treated entirely differently. All he had to do was serve food, set out clothes, and grind ink for writing—simple tasks, nothing more. 

When Qin Yuxuan had time, he would even teach him to write a few words. Though a flower spirit had no real use for literacy, he treasured those moments when their hands would touch, and he would meticulously trace each stroke.

No matter how well or poorly he wrote, Qin Yuxuan would always press a gentle kiss to his lips afterward, smiling softly as he ran his fingers through his hair.

⋅ ˚ ₊ ‧  ‧ ₊ ˚ ⋅

As autumn approached, a cold wind began to rise.

When he pushed open the window, his thin garments did little to shield him from the chill, and he couldn’t help but shiver. A subtle heaviness settled in his heart.

The fall exams were drawing near.

A warm outer robe was draped over his shoulders from behind. He paused for a moment before gradually leaning back into that warm, familiar embrace.

Since that night, he had moved into this room and shared it with him. Though they did not intertwine every night, he still cherished the quiet intimacy of their time together, and their growing closeness.

"Trouble sleeping?" The man gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind his ear, then chuckled. "Was I too rough just now?"

His face flushed, and he quickly shook his head before turning to gaze at the bright moon in the sky.

By the time this full moon appeared again, would that person still be next to him?

A sudden ache pierced his heart. He turned his head away, not wanting the man to see the pain on his face.

He dared not to hope, but bit by bit, he was falling. And the deeper he fell, the more unbearable the eventual heartbreak would be.

Qin Yuxuan's affection and tenderness were real—but that didn’t mean it was love.

What he yearned for was a lifetime, an eternity together—even through the cycles of reincarnation. But did Qin Yuxuan share the same desire?

⋅ ˚ ₊ ‧  ‧ ₊ ˚ ⋅

In the blink of an eye, the day of departure had arrived.

The flower fairy had long warned him: until he fulfilled his promise, his true form could not be moved. If he strayed too far, his energy would no longer be enough to maintain his human shape.

They were destined to part ways.

Before setting out, even the usually stern teacher couldn’t help but sigh, holding his students’ hands and offering a final round of advice. Then, placing a hand on Qin Yuxuan’s shoulder, he said, "Take care of yourself."

The man’s eyes sparkled with energy as he smiled. "Thank you, Teacher."

Xiao Ye stood silently at the side, watching until everyone had dispersed. Qin Yuxuan walked over, took his hand, and gently led him into the courtyard.

By now, his true form had grown more vibrant, its leaves a deeper, richer green.

"When I’m gone, take good care of this flower for me..."

Xiao Ye nodded in silence, swallowing back the tears threatening to fall.

When the flowers bloom, it would mark the day he forgets everything. By then, where would Qin Yuxuan be?

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then suddenly, Qin Yuxuan leaned in close, his lips brushing his ear. He spoke softly but deliberately, each word falling like a sacred vow.

"Wait for me to return."