《Legend of the Phoenix》: Ao Xingyuan Fanmade Dates

Extra Chapter 2

Ao Xingyuan chuckled and rubbed your back, happy to have you in his embrace. He loosened his hold on you a little so he could look you in the eyes.

Ao Xingyuan: There isn't much to say, really. I've just been idling the days away in the human realm while you were away, swimming in the lotus pond and whatnot.

Ao Xingyuan: Ah right, yesterday when I was swimming, all the koi fish got scared and swam away from me. I tried to catch one for fun, but they're so fast!

Ao Xingyuan pouted as he described his inability to catch the koi fish yesterday. The smile never left your face as he continued to share more small slice-of-life antics from the past couple days.

Although they were all fairly mundane moments he was describing, you couldn't help but feel Xingyuan was adorable in the way he navigated his life.

Me: Maybe you should just try to catch some ordinary fish next time. Then we can have roast fish for dinner!

Ao Xingyuan smiled at the prospect of a seafood dinner. Ever since he entered the human realm again, he's been trying out different human foods that you recommended. Returning to a diet more familiar to him would make him feel more at ease.

You and Ao Xingyuan continued walking down the dirt path for a while longer, both of you sharing stories from the past few days while you were apart. Although this was just an everyday moment, no special occasions or extraordinary stunning surroundings, it felt so precious. Spending time with Xingyuan, you felt the scenery around you got several times more beautiful, and the air warmer and sweeter.

After a while, the conversation dies down, but the silence between you two isn't awkward at all. Just the fact that you were together at this moment was enough to satisfy you. You keep sneaking glances at him, still amazed such a perfect man was willing to spend time with you and confide in you.

As you are watching him however, you notice he keeps scratching his face and arms, particularly in the areas that were coated with his blue scales. Recalling something he said to you when you first brought him over to your residence, you decide to ask him:

Me: Xingyuan, are you alright? You keep scratching yourself. Do your scales feel dry again?

Ao Xingyuan: 【Stops scratching】 No, I'm fine. Just a bit itchy.

It seemed this time you were able to disguise the fact you were watching him, as he didn't know you noticed how much he was scratching.

Me: You silly, if you're uncomfortable, just tell me. No need to hide it from me.

Me: Your discomfort doesn't mean we have to stop having fun. We don't have to take a walk, we can go somewhere else. How about the lake? You can catch some more fish there.

Ao Xingyuan: ...You read my mind. How did you know all this? Even down to the part where I thought I was spoiling the moment with my dry scales...

Me: I saw you scratching excessively, and remember you said you think the air in the human realm is dry. And today is an especially dry day, even I find it dry. So I imagine it's extra uncomfortable for you.

Me: And as for the other part, why would you even think that? If you're in discomfort, I want to look after you so you can recover. It's not a burden to me at all.

Seeing your deep care for him, Ao Xingyuan swiftly pulls you back into his strong embrace, bending down to rub his head against yours affectionately.

Ao Xingyuan: You're always so considerate towards me. Thank you.

Me: Of course, because you are precious to me, Xingyuan.

Me: So, where would you like to go? The lake?

Ao Xingyuan: Hmm...the weather has gotten colder lately, and the lake water is cold too. It's not ideal if you want to go swimming with me.

Ao Xingyuan: Ah! I forgot! There is another place I discovered while you were busy. I think it would be nice to go together.

Me: Where's that?

Ao Xingyuan: 【Grabs your hand】 Follow me, and you'll see when we get there.

Me: So mysterious...you're always keeping small surprises from me, Xingyuan. Making me anticipate it even more.

Xingyuan smirked at you and turned right in the fork in the road. You wondered what kind of amazing place he wanted to show you today.