Romancing the Son of Heaven

Stratagem 30: Create Lasting Memories (4)

Qiu Ling had been closely watching Jing He's expression to make sure that he was feeling well. Now seeing this small smile on his lips that he loved so much, he couldn't help but smile in return.

This was what he wanted to see: Jing He comfortable and happy. Not weighed down by any worries he might have. In that regard ... he should probably make sure that there was nothing for Jing He to worry about.

He would've liked to reach out and take Jing He's hand but since he was still holding the painting that wasn't really a possibility. Also, maybe it would be better to keep some distance between them so that Jing He wouldn't feel threatened. "You know, I like you very much."

Jing He looked up from the painting, not sure what to think about this. He surely hadn't expected the dragon king to suddenly confess his feelings again. And he couldn't help but shift on the spot, not sure what he should say in response. Should he tell him that he also liked him? But that seemed a little too bold.

Before Jing He could make up his mind, Qiu Ling already cleared his throat and continued. "I liked you from the moment I first saw you back at your father's birthday banquet. That day ... my mind was filled with you. I wasn't thinking about anything else anymore. I was just ... You know, it was as if I was bespelled."

Jing He lowered his head, really wanting to hide behind the scroll of paper. It wasn't the first time that the dragon king had confessed his feelings to him but this time, it somehow felt different.

Maybe it was because, in any other situation, the way he was lying in bed would have been compromising. Right now, there was an excuse but still, he felt that there was something wrong about allowing this. It made this confession different from the others somehow.

Also, his words were a little different. It wasn't just that he was telling him how he felt. He was looking back at that first meeting of theirs which seemed to be more than usual.

Qiu Ling did notice that Jing He's thoughts seemed to be wandering at the side but he still continued on. "For dragons, it isn't strange to fall in love suddenly. For us, it can go that fast. One glance, one moment of hearing the other person speak, a whiff of their scent, a faint touch, ... any of those can be enough to completely seal the deal for us.

"I know that it is different for the gods. And, well, I won't pretend that there aren't dragons that need long as well. Certainly, there are. But obviously, I'm not one of them.

"I ... was immediately smitten with you. And since that day, nothing has changed." He turned to look at Jing He, still not making any effort to touch him. Right now, he felt that if he tried, it would scare him.

"Jing He, I know that you're different. You're somebody who needs a lot of time to get comfortable with others. I can see that. I can also understand it. When it comes to anyone but you, I will admit that I am also not that kind of person. I don't strike up friendships easily or build trust quickly. I'm not like that.

"It is just that on that day, I had the distinct feeling of fate unraveling in front of my eyes. As long as I live, I will never forget that moment. I will never forget you and I want you to know that my heart will never change.

"Nonetheless, I know that you will need time. I've said this before but I just want to say it again: No matter what, if you feel that I'm going too far at any time, you can tell me. I will back off. Not completely but enough to give you the space that you need.

"I don't want to overwhelm you ... being in this type of situation. I want you to be happy more than anything else. Call me selfish but I also want to work toward my own happiness. And I only see that with you at my side."