Su Wen took a deep breath, then another, steadying his racing heart as he finally gathered his courage. His fingers tightened slightly against the stone beneath him before he spoke, his voice low and gentle, almost afraid it might break the fragile moment.
"Du Yue…"
The sound of her name, spoken so softly yet so sincerely, sent a sudden tingling warmth through her heart. In an instant, her face flushed bright red, as if even the moonlight had conspired to betray her emotions, making her already delicate beauty all the more enchanting.
She froze for a heartbeat before slowly turning to look at him, her blue eyes wide and shimmering, filled with surprise and something tender she couldn't hide.
It was the first time he had ever called her by her name since they met… and that single, simple word for her carried more weight than anything else in the world.
Su Wen hesitated, his throat tightening as doubt crept in despite his resolve. After a brief pause, he asked nervously,
"Do you really want to spend your life with me? Are you sure you want to be my wife? If you were only doing this to comfort my grandp-…"
She didn't let him finish.
Without the slightest hesitation, Du Yue answered, her voice calm yet unwavering, as if she were stating the most natural truth in the world.
"I am your wife, Young Master of the Mountain. Please take responsibility now. Hmph."
She shifted closer, clinging lightly to his arm, her gaze steady and resolute, leaving him no room to retreat.
"I belong to you today… tomorrow… and forever. I will cling to you and never let you go."
Each word fell softly yet firmly, one after another, carving itself deeply into his heart.
"I don't have anything else in this world… nor do I want anything else."
Su Wen froze… For a moment, his mind went completely blank, his breath catching as he stared at her in disbelief. He had expected some reassurance, maybe even a bit of hesitation… but not this kind of certainty, not words said so simply and firmly.
His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.
On the other hand her blue eyes grew possessive and fierce as she continued,
"You are my only purpose… my peace… my happiness… and my world."
She spoke each word with care, leaving no room for doubt… no obligation, no chains. Only choice… and a love that would never waver.
Warmth bloomed in Su Wen's chest, as though a missing piece in his heart had finally settled into place.
He didn't say anything. Instead, he quietly took out a bottle of wine he had bought earlier that day from Treasure Town, brewed from Early Grade 3 Spirit-Nurturing Grapes, along with two cups. He handed one to Du Yue and kept the other for himself.
Moonlight shimmered across the lake's surface, the reflections making the scene feel as though it belonged to an immortal tale.
Su Wen poured her cup first, then filled his own.
With a flushed face, he raised his cup and spoke softly,
"Du Yue, the love you have for me… I can't say I can love you to the same extent."
Du Yue glanced at him quietly, her fingers tightening around her cup as she waited for him to continue.
Su Wen paused, then gently held her hand.
"But I will love you with everything my heart can give."
"If your love for me is as deep as an abyss, then I will let mine rise for you as high as the heavens."
Du Yue's breath caught slightly, her eyes trembling as she looked at him.
"I will give you my love, my heart, and my everything, as long as you are willing to stay by my side."
"As long as you are with me, I will love you for the rest of my life… no, not just this life. My love for you will be eternal."
Du Yue listened to his words, heat rising uncontrollably within her chest. She looked at him and felt an overwhelming desire to belong to this man… completely, eternally. His handsome features and grey-silver hair gave him an otherworldly air, and when his dark eyes met hers, it felt as though they could swallow her whole.
Not waiting for her response, Su Wen knelt down on the stone steps before her. The posture was awkward, yet he didn't care in the slightest… his entire attention fixed on the woman standing before him, who had risen in surprise.
Gently, without hesitation, he spoke again,
"Du Yue… please allow me…"
He took her left hand into his own, lifted his wine cup with the other, and said firmly,
"…to call you wife for eternity."
Du Yue stared at him, at the hand he held so carefully, at the sincerity in his eyes as he asked for her permission to make her his forever. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his.
After a few quiet seconds, she finally looked up. Drawn into his dark, unwavering eyes, she leaned down until their faces were level and whispered softly,
"I am willing to be your wife… for eternity."
They clinked their cups and drank the wine in a single, unhurried gulp, their eyes locked the entire time. Su Wen still held her left hand gently.
He lifted it slowly and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her fingers, holding it afterward as if sealing a promise. Rising to his feet, he placed her left hand on his right shoulder, their gazes never breaking.
Then, almost instinctively, his right hand slid around her waist, drawing her closer until her body rested fully against his chest. With his left hand, he brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, and without any further warning, he pressed his lips to hers in a tender, consuming kiss.
Du Yue's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. Her thoughts scattered like petals caught in a sudden gust of wind.
'Husband… is really… kissing me…'
Her heart thumped so loudly she half-wondered if he could hear it. Pulled close in his embrace, her mind went completely blank. A gentle warmth bloomed in her chest, spreading through her body. Her fingers trembled before she instinctively clutched the front of his robe, holding on as if afraid he might disappear.
Su Wen felt the softness of her lips, sweet… with a faint tang of wine… and slowly lost himself in the moment. Her lips, hesitant at first, gradually grew warm, gentle, and shyly responsive. Their kiss deepened naturally, carrying all the emotions they had never dared to speak aloud.
Time seemed to fade away entirely. For them, there was only each other.