"I turned on the water heater when I went out. There's hot water in the bathroom, so I can wash my hands with hot water. The bathroom has everything I need, so it's not inconvenient at all."
After the two of them returned from the vegetable garden, Song Yanqing washed his hands and prepared to go to the kitchen to cook something. He remembered the ingredients his aunts had given him; some of them would be inedible if left overnight, which would be a waste, so he had to eat them.
Before going in, he stayed behind to remind Shang Shujue, worried that he might catch a cold from the cold water. Although cultivators are not so easily chilled, he still wanted to say something.
"I know you went to the kitchen to prepare something to eat?"
Shang Shujue nodded and asked him why he went into the kitchen. Song Yanqing gave a brief answer and left.
Shang Shujue then remembered that the aunties had indeed given her some cooked dishes. Those dishes were too cooked, and even if they were put in the refrigerator, they would spoil. They definitely couldn't be eaten after being left overnight.
Shang Shujue didn't go to the bathroom. He washed the dirt off his hands at the tap outside before going into the bathroom to shower. He had subconsciously wanted to use the Dust-Cleansing Art, but suddenly remembered that he had entered the mortal world and could no longer use spiritual power easily, so he gave up.
When Shang Shujue came out, Song Yanqing had already set out the meal in the courtyard. It was all home-style dishes, but the sheer quantity made it look very plentiful.
Tangyuan and Xingyun were already sitting close together at the table, eating their food. When Song Yanqing saw him come out, he stood up to greet him, "It's a bit chilly at night, why don't you put on a coat?"
"Hmm? Do you think my constitution requires a jacket?"
"..."
Upon hearing Song Yanqing's words, Shang Shujue was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was concerned about her. She then unconsciously looked away and glanced at the table as if to change the subject.
"This late-night snack is so lavish, will you be able to sleep after you finish eating?"
Song Yanqing walked to his side, glanced reflexively at the food on the table, and poured him some hot water. "It's okay if you can't sleep. Just sleep whenever you feel sleepy."
For cultivators like them, it doesn't matter if they don't sleep at all, since their bodies have long since transcended the mundane. Even if they don't eat or drink, nothing will happen to them, let alone sleep.
"You're quite open-minded."
After Shang Shujue sat down, she smiled slightly and picked up the cup on the table. At the same time, Song Yanqing reached out his hand, and their fingers touched.
It was warm to the touch; he couldn't tell if it was the warmth of the cup or Song Yanqing's fingers that warmed his slightly cool fingers.
Caught off guard, the two looked up and met eyes, both catching a glimpse of the bitterness in each other's eyes. Song Yanqing withdrew her hand first, somewhat flustered and unable to look at him.
"Um."
Song Yanqing sat down next to him, glanced at him again, thought for a moment, and then quietly moved her chair closer to him. It seemed natural, but her ears slowly turned red.
When Shang Shujue caught a glimpse of his subtle movements, the sudden feeling of shame and nervousness she had felt actually lessened, and she didn't reject his approach.
But somehow, his thoughts suddenly shifted from the topic of sleeping to the question of how the two of them should sleep in a house with only one bedroom and one bed.
Logically speaking, since they had accidentally touched each other's hands, which was an ambiguous moment, it would have been somewhat shameful and awkward to bring up sleeping arrangements. But his mouth moved faster than his brain.
"Speaking of sleeping, I noticed you only have one bed at home. If I'm really sleepy, where should I sleep?"
As soon as Shang Shujue asked the question, Song Yanqing looked up at him instantly, his pupils trembling. He seemed somewhat shocked by the rapid development, his eyes seeming to be projecting into the gaping maw of an abyss, trying to pull him in.
With nowhere to escape, Shang Shujue instantly realized what terrible question she had asked at this moment, her ears turning slightly red, and she dared not look him in the eye.
"Cough... that's not what I meant. Don't overthink it. I was just asking casually. I didn't mean to sleep with you... uh, no, I didn't mean to..."
Shang Shujue felt that if she continued to explain, she would only make things worse, so she simply gave up and let Song Yanqing think whatever she wanted, while Song Yanqing was already blushing.
"Yes, I know... but if A-Jue wants to be with me, it's not impossible..."
"... You wish! Eat!"
"Oh."
The two ate with somewhat unnatural expressions. Occasionally, when they accidentally picked up a piece of food with their chopsticks, the clinking sound made them both recoil as if they had been electrocuted, and they dared not touch their chopsticks together again.
Tangyuan and Xingyun froze, looking at this and then that, before silently slowing their chewing, afraid of disturbing the ambiguous atmosphere between the two hosts.
Goodness gracious! Both owners look so innocent. Are they still virgins at this age? Then... when will this ambiguity ever end? I really don't understand!
After the meal, neither of them slept. Shang Shujue sat under the camellia tree in meditation, ostensibly to cultivate his mind and body, but actually to avoid the issue of sleeping together.
Song Yanqing sat beside him and watched the moon for a while, then sat down next to him to meditate. He felt that he couldn't neglect his cultivation and had to work hard, otherwise he wouldn't be able to keep up with his diligent wife.
Shortly after Song Yanqing entered a deep meditative state, Shang Shujue opened his eyes. He turned to look at Song Yanqing, who was about a fist's distance away, and his gaze fell on Song Yanqing's handsome face with its distinct features.
This face usually looks cool and aloof to strangers, appearing somewhat indifferent, but it always softens in front of him, making him look even more handsome.
To be honest, this person's appearance actually met his aesthetic standards quite well. In fact, he liked the face quite a bit when he first saw him, otherwise he wouldn't have saved him. After all, getting involved with other people's karma is not a good thing.
But for now, let's wait and see. They have plenty of time to get to know each other.
If knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses still doesn't shake that attraction, then be together... After all, liking someone isn't something so simple...