Qin Chuan held Chu Shi Qingzhu tightly, not wanting to be separated for even a moment. He felt that the best gift this Longing Bead had given him was seeing Chu Shi Qingzhu. As for what it could summon, it was completely unimportant to Qin Chuan at this moment.
That longing brought Qin Chuan relief at this moment. Holding her was like holding the world. The satisfaction he felt was unprecedented. Some women don't need anything else; just holding them and holding their hands is enough to bring him boundless contentment.
Chu Shi Qingzhu was such a person. She was a fairy, pure and immaculate, otherworldly, a celestial being from Mount Gusha. To be able to talk to her, to walk hand in hand with her, was a spiritual sublimation, an indescribable feeling.
Moreover, Qin Chuan could embrace her, even share a bed with her, and fall asleep holding her. That was enough. As for going any further, Qin Chuan always felt it was a desecration.
However, Qin Chuan didn't know what Chu Shi Qingzhu was thinking. He could see the thoughts of many people,
to some extent, but with Chu Shi Qingzhu, he didn't know. He didn't even know whether what Chu Shi Qingzhu saw in his eyes was familial affection or romantic love.
The intimacy between them surpassed familial affection, but it hadn't truly reached the level of love. For Qin Chuan, she was a refuge, a sanctuary, a haven in his heart that no one else could replace.
"Chuan'er, I hope you're happy. Don't miss out on too much because of looking for me; otherwise, all that'll be left is regret," Chu Shiqingzhu said softly.
"I must find you," Qin Chuan said earnestly.
"Are you married?" Chu Shiqingzhu asked gently.
Qin Chuan trembled.
"What are you thinking? I just want you to spend time with your wife. Do you have children?" Chu Shiqingzhu asked softly.
Qin Chuan nodded with a wry smile, "I'm married and have children, but no one can replace you in my heart, Aunt. You're a fairy, no mortal is worthy of you. I only want to protect you in this life."
Chu Shi Qingzhu gently rested her head on Qin Chuan's shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Call me Qingzhu. I'm not some fairy, Chuan'er. I will only be close to you in this life, but promise me, since you have a wife and children, you must fulfill your responsibilities as a husband and father."
Qin Chuan hummed in agreement, "I know. I've been trying. I have a special way to return to their side at any time. Qingzhu, it's hard to explain. I can't stop. If I stop, everything will disappear."
Chu Shi Qingzhu sighed softly. She understood Qin Chuan's words. She was just saying it because she knew Qin Chuan couldn't stop. He wouldn't stop looking for her.
"Chuan'er, I miss you so much!" Chu Shi Qingzhu tightened her arms around Qin Chuan.
Nothing could excite Qin Chuan more than these words. It wasn't that kind of excitement, but a feeling like a spring flowing through his heart—a deep, not overwhelming, excitement, yet sometimes a profound sense of fulfillment.
Qin Chuan didn't know how to describe his feelings.
"I miss you too, Qingzhu. I usually try to suppress my feelings, but when I think of you and can't see you, it hurts so much. I wish I could be in front of you right now, holding you like this, forever. I'd be so happy."
Qin Chuan was a little incoherent. Only in front of her would Qin Chuan
reveal his true feelings like a vulnerable child. Everyone needs support—both in reality and in their hearts.
In reality, it goes without saying; when you're a child, your home and parents are your only support, whether it's real or emotional.
As you grow up, some continue to rely on themselves, while others mature and find stronger backers, like sects or powerful families. But besides these, you still need emotional support.
She could bring peace to one's soul. No matter how irritable, even misanthropic, or desperate you were, once you were in her presence, you would find yourself gradually calming down, and many things would become clear and transparent.
"Why do you think of me so much?" Chu Shiqingzhu said softly.
Her voice had a unique coolness, as ethereal as a fairy's, but hearing it in his ear, Qin Chuan felt his bones melt. Holding her tightly in his arms, she seemed unconcerned about their physical contact.
"I can't explain it. You are the most important person to me, the most important person. No one can replace you. I...I..."
Chu Shiqingzhu gently looked up at him. She hadn't heard Qin Chuan say those words. She was indifferent; she didn't realize that Qin Chuan was unable to say them because he felt inferior in her presence. She just didn't understand why, if he liked her so much, he never asked her to be his wife.
But she was the kind of person who was detached from worldly desires, and this thought only flashed through her mind. She smiled and took Qin Chuan's hand: "Chuan'er, this place is so beautiful, let's walk!"
Qin Chuan had actually wanted to say those words before.
But when Chu Shiqingzhu asked him if he had a wife and son, he said he did, which made him even more hesitant to speak, especially in front of her. He never felt this kind of pressure with other women.
However, Qin Chuan had thought about what she had said before: she would only be this close to him. This was already an expression of her feelings, enough to say a lot, but why couldn't he take that step?
It wasn't that he was timid; it was because she was too otherworldly.
Saying or doing anything that crossed the line felt like a desecration, a sin. Some women could be so beautiful, a beauty that transcended limits. Her temperament was ethereal and pure, purifying the world.
"Qingzhu, I feel like time has ticked." Qin Chuan clearly felt that time in the space of longing had ticked.
"Yes, I felt it too."
"Qingzhu, I know it must be difficult for you wherever you are. Wait for me, I will definitely come to find you, no matter what the future holds, no matter what the road ahead, I will find you." Qin Chuan said softly.
Chu Shiqingzhu sighed softly, "Chuan'er, remember, no matter what, be careful and take care of yourself. I'm waiting for you; I haven't become your bride yet."
After saying this, the space of longing disappeared. Qin Chuan
stood there, stunned, even wondering if he had misheard the last sentence.
But he knew he couldn't have misheard. Only now did he realize that he hadn't bravely taken that step, while she, like a fairy, had taken it.
What had he done to deserve her favor? Qin Chuan felt a warmth in his heart, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face. Chu Shiqingzhu's ethereal beauty was still before him; he needed to speed things up and head to the Nine Heavens as soon as possible.