Ruan Xinyuan’s pupils trembled, his lips parted slightly, and he couldn’t find the words to speak. The phrase caught him off guard. Qi Xun’s deep voice echoed in his mind, over and over.

“Is it not okay now?” Qi Xun gazed intently into Ruan Xinyuan’s beautiful eyes, capturing every emotion. He wasn’t rushing him, but Ruan Xinyuan felt as if he were frozen, a strange tingling climbing up his spine, mixed with a hint of coolness.

A few seconds later, with reddened ears, he blurted out without thinking, “Then, can you call me again…”

“Husband.”

Qi Xun didn’t hesitate, nor did he feel any embarrassment, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. After all, they were officially married, so it should be natural.

“If you want to hear it again, then I—”

“Okay, okay,” Ruan Xinyuan quickly interrupted, fumbling to grasp Qi Xun’s shirt sleeve embroidered with bamboo. “Um…”

He wanted to say he wasn’t ready, but felt awkward since Qi Xun didn’t mind calling him husband, making his own hesitation seem strange. So, he changed his words to a soft, light “husband.”

The word floated gently to Qi Xun’s ear, different from when Qi Xun said it. Qi Xun’s magnetic voice sent shivers down the spine, while Ruan Xinyuan’s made one’s ears soften and heart flutter.

Qi Xun’s grip on the marriage certificate tightened unconsciously. His heart collapsed into ruins, as if he had died once more, yet hearing that word made dying feel better than living.

Seeing Qi Xun silent beside him, Ruan Xinyuan thought he had spoken too softly. He coughed twice to cover it up, glanced around, and then tiptoed closer.

Whispering in Qi Xun’s ear—

“Husband.”

This time, the word was more firm and powerful, with a hint of intimacy. Ruan Xinyuan’s tone no longer trembled, yet it added an inexplicable warmth.

Qi Xun savored the words in his mind, as if honey stuck in his throat. A few seconds later, his Adam’s apple moved, and he uttered a single word, “Hmm.”

Ruan Xinyuan pretended to be relaxed, releasing Qi Xun’s shirt, “So… can we go back now?”

Qi Xun placed the marriage certificate into his black suit pocket, “Let’s go.”

They walked side by side to the car. Ruan Xinyuan waited for Qi Xun to unlock it, then got in.

He buckled his seatbelt in one swift motion, then froze, his hand slowing as he pressed the buckle.

Qi Xun, instead of starting the car, opened the glove compartment and took out a small velvet box.

Ruan Xinyuan’s breath caught for two seconds. He didn’t need to guess what was inside.

He lowered his eyes, lashes fluttering, as light from outside cast feather-like shadows on the velvet and Qi Xun’s hand.

Qi Xun didn’t pause long. His slender fingers fiddled with the box, and with a “click,” it opened in sync with Ruan Xinyuan’s erratic heartbeat.

Two identical, elegant rings lay inside, reflecting the morning light in Ruan Xinyuan’s eyes. Though simple, the rings had intricate patterns, resembling entwined ribbons or ancient strands of hair symbolizing a bond.

“Though we didn’t marry for love, I agreed willingly. So, I prepared these rings as a token of my sincere heart,” Qi Xun said gently.

Despite the dimness in Ruan Xinyuan’s eyes, the words weren’t about love, but it was clear who hadn’t fallen yet.

Qi Xun slowly entered his territory, aiming to claim the high ground.

Ruan Xinyuan gripped the car seat, a surge of emotion crashing against the walls of his heart, built over eighteen years.

Qi Xun took a silver chain from the box, threading the smaller ring onto it, “In case you feel it’s too flashy at school, I prepared this. Try it on?”

Ruan Xinyuan didn’t speak, but his actions spoke volumes. He obediently turned, exposing his slender neck.

Qi Xun carefully fastened the necklace, avoiding touching Ruan Xinyuan’s delicate skin.

The ring settled coolly against his chest, near his heart. He touched it, feeling the “X” engraved inside.

It must be the initial for “Xun.”

“Can you help me put mine on now?” Qi Xun handed the velvet box to Ruan Xinyuan, waiting patiently.

“Oh, sure.” Ruan Xinyuan took the box, retrieving the larger ring.

Qi Xun extended his hand, and Ruan Xinyuan gently held it, sliding the ring onto his finger.

“Done.” Ruan Xinyuan released his hand, admiring the ring on Qi Xun’s finger.

After a moment, he realized he hadn’t seen the letter inside Qi Xun’s ring, feeling a bit regretful.

But it was probably “Y.”

Qi Xun’s hand felt hot where it was touched, though his blood remained cold due to his ghostly nature. The heat burned, making him itch with desire.

He had a strong urge to intertwine their fingers, but he restrained himself, burying the emotion deep within.

*

When Ruan Xinyuan returned to the dorm, it was nearly mealtime. The others had woken up and were gaming together.

“Hey, Brother Yuan, you’re back?” Jiang Qifeng put down his phone, not starting a new game. “Wow, you look sharp, fitting for getting a marriage certificate.”

Fang Youzhi was surprised too, “Yeah, Xinyuan, I thought you’d have lunch with your… oh, husband now.”

Ruan Xinyuan smiled, sitting down, “I thought so too, but he got busy with something at school, so I came back. You guys haven’t eaten yet, right?”

Yan Kangliang showed his phone screen, “I’ve got spicy hot pot ready to order.”

“Don’t order yet. I’ll treat you to hot pot, the place you mentioned last time,” Ruan Xinyuan patted Fang Youzhi’s shoulder, “to make up for the gathering I ruined and to celebrate my marriage.”

“Great!” Fang Youzhi was excited, no longer worried about what to order. “Oh, Xinyuan, can we see your wedding photo?”

Ruan Xinyuan nodded, taking the marriage certificate from his pocket. The three gathered around.

Fang Youzhi opened the red booklet, revealing a photo on a red background.

Both wore fresh white shirts. The taller one had a mature, handsome look, with deep eyes and a gentle smile, exuding a subtle intensity. The other showed a bit of forehead, with captivating features that drew the eye.

“A perfect match!” Jiang Qifeng praised.

Fang Youzhi grinned widely, “Really suits you.”

Yan Kangliang gave a thumbs-up. Ruan Xinyuan smiled, putting the certificate back in the drawer.

Jiang Qifeng stretched, “I’ll change out of my pajamas.”

“I’ll book a private room. It’ll take us half an hour to get there,” Yan Kangliang said, reopening his phone.

“Okay.” Ruan Xinyuan washed his hands, poking his dimples, staring at the necklace, unconsciously touching the ring.

A few seconds later, he left the bathroom, changing into a black T-shirt, considering the risk of staining his white shirt at hot pot.

Once he and Jiang Qifeng were ready, the four left the dorm together.

On the way to the school gate, Fang Youzhi chatted curiously, “Xinyuan, how does it feel to be newly married?”

Ruan Xinyuan thought seriously, “It’s amazing, but I’m really happy.”

Jiang Qifeng chuckled, patting Fang Youzhi, “Marrying someone you love, how could you not be happy? A true winner in life!”

The words “someone you love” stirred something in Ruan Xinyuan, making his throat feel thick. He blinked slowly, responding with a sweet smile.

*

“Husband…”

“Husband.”

The memory of the day replayed in his mind like a burning cloud, pouring desire-laden rain over his strong body.

Qi Xun’s hand gripped tightly, veins bulging.

The sweet calls echoed endlessly, his abs rising and falling with his breath.

His dead heart beat fiercely, serving as the perfect metronome in this storm.

Qi Xun thrust forward, reaching for the phantom, but his hand grasped only air, unable to touch the face he craved.

So he stared at the image, listening to the voice, quenching his thirst with illusions, eyes tinged with red.

After a long time, an image of a white neck flashed in his mind, and his vision blurred, his palm damp.

Sweat soaked his black robe, a simple garment hanging loosely, revealing pale skin beneath.

The illusion faded, and he realized he hadn’t lost control like this in ages, the mess around him evidence of his desire.

A few seconds later, he cast a spell, restoring the room, then dragged his robe to bathe in the Kun Pool.

The pool’s water was always at the perfect temperature for bathing. He closed his eyes, visions of Ruan Xinyuan’s face and voice returning.

Unable to escape, he had fled after exchanging rings, venting his darker emotions.

Qi Xun opened his eyes, gaze sharp, quickly washing and donning a new red robe.

Barefoot, he moved to the front hall, where Zhong Kou and Wei Xi bowed respectfully, speaking in unison, “Your Highness.”

Qi Xun sipped cold cola, his tone lazy, “Today, I married him in the human world.”

Zhong Kou and Wei Xi remained bowed, “Congratulations, Your Highness. Wishing you a long and happy union.”

The blessing was pleasant enough. Qi Xun waved them off, “I need you both for something.”

Zhong Kou and Wei Xi bowed again, ready to respond in unison.

The next moment, the Southern Yan King spoke.

“Zhong Kou, you’ll play my father. Wei Xi, you’ll play my mother.”

The hall fell silent for several seconds. Wei Xi, daringly, spoke, “Your Highness, I believe I cannot fulfill the great role of mother. Perhaps father would be more suitable…”

“You’re one centimeter shorter than Zhong Kou. It’s settled.” Qi Xun decided firmly.

Wei Xi: “…”

Zhong Kou, still expressionless, “Understood.”