Chapter 481 - A Strategic Retreat (1/2)

Nian Hong Fang stopped bothering with the herbs and left the palace, Wu Min Huan following behind. Qiu Ling turned to look at Jing Yi. When his beloved also wanted to leave he naturally followed along.

Jing Yi wouldn't have it though. ”Qiu Ling.”

”Yes, my love?” Qiu Ling stopped and wanted to grab his hands but they were taken out of reach. Ah, why did this remind him so much of Jing He? Hadn't he done the very same thing in the beginning? The only thing missing was Jing Yi saying that this was inappropriate.

Jing Yi sighed. ”You've already brought me over and I'm sure I'll be able to handle the rest on my own. So how about you just return now?”

Qiu Ling froze. Was his beloved telling him to leave him alone? He hurriedly grabbed Jing Yi's elbows when he couldn't reach his hands. ”My love, how I could I do that? What if that senior martial brother Wu is inconsiderate again and leaves you behind somewhere?”

”We're on the sect grounds. I can just walk back.”

”Aiya, but that'd be so slow and who knows if you would find the way? It's much more secure if I come along.”

”Qiu Ling —”

”Don't you worry, my love!” Qiu Ling hurriedly straightened up and interrupted him. He certainly wouldn't allow Jing Yi to send him away! ”I don't mind it at all. Actually, I'm very, very happy to spend time with you. Even if it's just running from one peak to the other and trailing behind other people, as long as the day is spent with you it's one of the best days of my life.”

Jing Yi's gaze flickered. As corny as it may sound he knew that Qiu Ling meant every word of what he said there. But that was the problem, wasn't it? He was too attached, too happy. He thought he had found the person to spend his life with and now he had been disappointed but he didn't want to let go. He didn't dare to let go. Because he still hoped that he would change his mind.

Qiu Ling accompanied him in these little things all in the hope that spending enough time with each other would be enough. But it wasn't. It would never be because somebody else had already done the same.

Jing Yi lowered his head and tried to get out of Qiu Ling's grasp. Naturally, Qiu Ling wouldn't let go. He could also see that Jing Yi wanted to shake him off. He couldn't let that happen either! Wouldn't his beloved try to send him away again then?

”My love …”

”No.” Jing Yi furrowed his brows and stopped struggling. ”Qiu Ling. This has to stop. We —”