Fortune Across the World

Chapter 125: Deep Affection and Intimacy

As they continued their stroll along Yinxiang Street, Fu Ruqing and Ding Qiyu were captivated by a pot of Yunruo flowers being sold by a vendor. The flower, with its white petals and purple stamens, reminded Fu Ruqing of her late mother's favorite blooms, quietly flourishing amidst the greenery like a gentle and serene lady.

"Yunruo only blooms in early autumn, and its flowering period is short. Why is this flower..." Fu Ruqing murmured to herself. Before departing for the western regions, she had visited her mother's resting place at Chanjue Temple, where the Yunruo had already withered. Yet, here was a pot blooming beautifully.

Ding Qiyu, having heard Fu Ruqing's soft musing, approached the flower vendor with her. "Excuse me, sir, how is it that this Yunruo is still blooming in early winter? The ones at home don't last this long."

"This isn't an ordinary Yunruo," the elderly vendor proudly explained. "This is a 'Frost Welcoming Yunruo,' crafted by the former master of the 'Yinxiang Flower King,' Sun Chong. It blooms from mid-autumn and lasts until the New Year! I went through great lengths to acquire it!"

"So it's a Frost Welcoming Yunruo," Ding Qiyu nodded, glancing at Fu Ruqing beside her. Though her interest was subtle, Ding Qiyu could tell she truly wanted this flower.

However, the price was a staggering 1,366 wooden coins, and Ding Qiyu only had one coin left—not enough for even a single petal. "Could I pay with silver instead?" she asked hopefully.

"Sorry, young master, we only accept Yinxiang wooden coins," the vendor replied firmly. The flower sellers participated in the festival to compete for the title of top florist, determined by the number of wooden coins earned, so they would only accept those.

"Uh, how long does the festival last?" Unable to use money, she would have to earn more coins.

"The market opens at dawn and closes at dusk, lasting seven days. Today is the third day," the vendor explained.

Thanking him, Ding Qiyu was ready to roll up her sleeves and earn the coins when Fu Ruqing gently stopped her. "Yu, let it go. Earning over a thousand coins isn't easy." Fu Ruqing didn't want Ding Qiyu to exhaust herself for her sake. Though making money was simple for Fu Ruqing, given a little capital, she could multiply their coins several times over. However, knowing Ding Qiyu would insist on doing the work herself, Fu Ruqing was willing to let go of the flower for her beloved's sake.

"But Qing'er, you really like it, don't you? I want to get it for you."

"It's just a flower. It's not important." Your willingness to indulge me is enough to make me happy... Fu Ruqing was deeply moved by Ding Qiyu's affection and care, not wanting her to tire herself out. Knowing Ding Qiyu wouldn't give up easily, she added, "I'm feeling a bit tired. Let's head back, shall we?"

"Huh?" As expected, Ding Qiyu was instantly concerned. "Then let's head back and rest." They had been out for quite some time, and Qing'er must be tired. With dusk approaching, it was too late to earn more coins. Ding Qiyu planned their return to the inn with this in mind.

Silver Sui instructed the attendants to prepare dinner for the two, but Ding Qiyu was still full from the festival. Fu Ruqing, though she hadn't eaten much, had a small appetite and wasn't interested in eating. With Ding Qiyu's gentle coaxing, she managed a few bites before having the food cleared away. Silver Sui had hot water brought for Fu Ruqing to bathe and relax, while Ding Qiyu freshened up and then slipped into Fu Ruqing's room.

Seeing Silver Sui and the maids discreetly leave, Ding Qiyu moved a chair beside Fu Ruqing, wrapping an arm around her and letting her lean on her shoulder. "Qing'er, are you tired from all the walking today?"

Fu Ruqing shook her head, "No." After a moment, she added, "I was very happy with you."

Ding Qiyu's heart warmed, gazing at the closed window as evening fell. She recalled the playful conversation from the festival, "Qing'er, didn't you say I could 'eat' you tonight?"

Fu Ruqing had completely forgotten about "being eaten." The earlier confusion resurfaced—how would she be eaten? Unable to figure it out, a small apprehension lingered, but she bravely replied, "Mm. You can eat..." Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked innocently, "How will you eat?" Her tone was sweet and naive.

Ding Qiyu couldn't help but laugh, lifting Fu Ruqing's chin to meet her gaze. "How? With my mouth, my hands, and my heart! You don't believe me, Qing'er?"

Fu Ruqing didn't answer, but her slight nod betrayed her growing nervousness.

"Then I'll show you..." Ding Qiyu said, pulling Fu Ruqing up to stand, capturing her lips in a kiss.

The kiss was deeply intimate, leaving Fu Ruqing breathless and overwhelmed. Resting her forehead on Ding Qiyu's shoulder, she gasped for air, never realizing a kiss could be so profound and consuming. As her breathing steadied, she pondered the meaning of "eating," wondering if such intimate kisses were what Ding Qiyu meant.

But Ding Qiyu didn't allow her time to dwell on it. Her lips moved from Fu Ruqing's mouth, trailing along her cheek, brushing past the scars. Fu Ruqing instinctively shrank back, her cool, soft earlobe caught in Ding Qiyu's mouth.

Caught off guard, Fu Ruqing let out a soft whimper, her regained composure shattering into shy vulnerability. Her usual clear voice melted into tender sweetness.

For Ding Qiyu, the flame of passion needed only a spark to ignite. Seeing Fu Ruqing's eyes, devoid of their usual calm and filled with shyness and confusion, fueled her desire. "Qing'er..." Her voice was husky with need, seeking final consent, "May I? Let me 'eat' you." All she wanted was to be truly together with her.

Fu Ruqing fully grasped what Ding Qiyu meant by "eating," initially wanting to refuse but caught in the deep affection beyond desire in Ding Qiyu's eyes. The person before her was the only one who stirred her heart now and forever. With this realization, she softly asked, "Will you stay with me forever?" Her voice carried a mix of anxiety and hope, seeking a promise before giving herself completely.

Without hesitation, Ding Qiyu sincerely vowed, "I will. I'll be with Qing'er forever."

Having received the promise she sought, Fu Ruqing closed her eyes, turning her head slightly in silent agreement. Her tightly bitten lip revealed her inner tension.

With her consent, Ding Qiyu's restraint vanished, consumed by the desire to be with Fu Ruqing in every way. She kissed her closed eyes, then buried her face in her neck, whispering tenderly, "Qing'er, I love you."

Hearing this, a tear escaped Fu Ruqing's eye, whether from overwhelming shyness or the warmth of such heartfelt words.

Their love was tender and boundless...

Outside the room, Silver Sui wondered why Ding Qiyu hadn't left for so long, only to hear faint sounds from within. Realizing what was happening, her face flushed with shock. How could Ding Qiyu, not yet married to her mistress, act so boldly?

Clutching her sleeve, Silver Sui was conflicted. With the situation as it was, nothing could be done. Her priority was to ensure everything was taken care of afterward, hoping Ding Qiyu was sincere and wouldn't betray her mistress. Composing herself, Silver Sui quietly instructed the blushing maids, "Prepare a bath." As they moved to comply, she sternly warned, "You didn't hear anything, understood?"

The maids, understanding the gravity of their mistress's affairs, quickly nodded and, faces red, went to prepare the hot water as instructed.