Feeling the unconscious Shen Yangge slowly slipping toward the ground in his arms, he gently lifted him higher, secured his grip beneath his knees, and picked him up with a little effort, cradling him like a precious, fragile treasure.
He continued to kiss him reverently.
The fireflies flickered with pinpricks of light. Though faint, their glow challenged the darkness, much like two people who had known hardship yet dared to face every impossibility.
The night deepened in silence. The evening breeze rustled the leaves, weaving their hair together like countless fine threads.
Chu Xuanzhen finally licked his lips, kissed the corner of Shen Yangge's mouth, and slowly carried him toward the carriage.
As he walked, a ring of fireflies followed them. From a distance, they looked like an immortal couple descended into the mortal world, a perfect match.
Chu Xuanzhen stepped inside the carriage, his sleeves stirring as he gently lowered Shen Yangge's feet. Those fair, clean calves came into view, and his gaze deepened.
His throat bobbed.
Shen Yangge frowned slightly in his half-embrace.
Warm breaths brushed against Chu Xuanzhen's shoulder.
Chu Xuanzhen lowered his gaze to the young man's flushed face. Outside, the light had been too dim for him to see it clearly. Now, there was an oil lamp inside the carriage.
In its light, the young man's face was scarlet, his brows tightly knitted and his lashes trembling. He looked terribly uncomfortable.
"Shen Zhuanxie."
Chu Xuanzhen called softly, unaware of just how gentle his voice was.
Shen Yangge did not respond. His eyes remained tightly shut, as though he could not hear the quiet call.
Chu Xuanzhen settled onto the carriage cushion and gathered Shen Yangge into his arms, letting him sit on his lap. It was an utterly ordinary gesture, yet it carried an indescribable