He looked at me with disbelief before frowning.
"Y-you... you've been missing 120,000 years? Why have you only appear now?" he asked.
"I-I... I've been just recuperating," I explained, "during the battle against the Dark Arts Tribe I ended up really injured... so... I fell into a really deep sleep. So... I don't really know anything going on in any of the realms at all..."
"Ohhh..." he nodded his head, "then... I have a question for you."
"Hmm? A question?"
"Yes."
"What is your question?"
"During that whole time you were recuperating... did you wake up? Did you... go through some sort of experience?" he looked me in the eyes and I could see a sort of sadness within them. What should I tell him? I... should I tell him the truth? But... in that memory that I was restoring... he seemed to be really angry with me... knowing my personality I probably was the one in the wrong. I don't really want to deal with whatever I caused back then.
"No. I didn't wake up or go through any sort of experience," I lied.
"Really?"
"Really. Besides, even though 120,000 has passed in all the realms, to me only two days have passed since the battle against the Dark Arts Tribe," I pushed his hand off of me as I stood up and started to circle the room, "I'm still trying to learn about what has happened since I fell asleep. That's why... I heard that the Crown Prince was celebrating his birthday for the first time in 30,000 and I decided to come take a peek," I turned on my heel to face him as I was now back by the bed, "I hope that the Crown Prince look upon my past merits and forgive me for my behavior and don't speak about this matter with anyone else," I gave him a bow. I looked at him and he smiled at me with gentle eyes.
"If that's what you want, then I will do what you want," he replied.
"Does Your Highness really mean that?"
"I am the Heavenly Celestial Crown Prince, I mean what I say," he stood up. He tucked my loose hair behind my ear before setting his hand on my shoulder. I tried to keep my composure as I cleared my throat.
"I see. Then I trust you on this matter," whew, at least now I know I won't get into trouble, "and," I looked up at him, "Your Highness should look for another person of interest," he furrowed his brows but didn't say anything. I swallowed the built up nervous saliva that had collected in my mouth as I continued to talk, "you are 100,000 years old today. I am 190,100 years old. Compared to you, I am an old lady," I grabbed his hand that rested on my shoulder and his other hand. I placed them on top of each other and patted the top of his hands, "you should look for a young lady to suit you. Don't focus on an old lady like me... and even if you want to focus on me... I don't like younger men. Sorry, Your Highness," I let go of his hands and let out a sigh. I rejected him as courteously as I could. Even though he did make my heart skip a couple beats... our fates just weren't meant to be. He was a Crown Prince and I'm was just an Immortal who didn't want to be involved in politics. And... I didn't want to go through all those feelings again... or not anytime soon.
"Ah Bin," he grabbed my hands and I stiffened. Why was he already calling my name in an endearing way? "How old were you 120,000 years ago?"
"Huh? W-why?"
"Answer me. How old were you 120,000 years old?" he smiled and I felt like he was plotting a trap for me that I wouldn't be able to get out of.
"120,000 years old... I was 70,100," I answered but I felt something was really off. He took a step closer to me.
"Then it's all good," he leaned in and our noses almost touched. I looked away as I tried to fight the blush rushing to appear on my cheeks.
"W-w-what? Wh-what is good?"
"Didn't you say that even though 120,000 years may have passed in all the realms that it only felt like 3 days has passed for you?" oh... no... where was he going with this?
"Y-yes."
"Then right now you still feel like you are just 70,100, right?" I felt his hand on my back as he pushed me closer to him. I let out a gasp as I grabbed onto his shoulders.
"U-uh... right..." I answered as I turned my head away.
"Then it's all good."
"Hah?"
"You said I should find a young lady for myself. You may be 190,100 in total years, but you're 70,100 in mentality right now so you also count as a young lady. You said you didn't like younger men, but right now if your mentality is that of a 70,100-year-old Immortal, then wouldn't I be considered older than you? Then all requirements are met. So..." he pressed his forehead against mine, "it's all good," he whispered. I moved back and shook my head.
"It's not good! Even though you say it like that... it's not good! It doesn't change the fact that you are still 90,100 years younger than me! You didn't even exist when I was in the war!" I argued back. He chuckled before leaning his head on one side.
"Why are you so obsessed with numbers? As Immortals and Celestial beings, age is just a number. For example, the Heavenly Emperor right now is 80,000 years younger than the Heavenly Empress. As long as we are both consenting toward this relationship, then all is good," he tapped my nose and I pushed his hand away.
"Who said I was consenting toward this relationship?"
"Hmm..." he gave me an amused look, "you were the one who marked me as yours when we first met," he pulled me closer to him as I felt our stomachs touch, "I fell for you," he teased. Ahh! How dare he use my own line against me?! I felt a rage of anger bolt through me as I shoved his chest.
"You're too mu- ah!" I let out a yelp as I tripped on my robe and fell forward onto him who fell backward. We landed on the bed with me on top of him. I felt my cheeks blush without my permission as I tried to pick myself up but I felt his hand on my back as his other hand grabbed my arm.
"I knew you moved very fast when I first met you and you kissed me... but... I didn't that you would want to move this fast to pin me down already," he smirked. I glared at him.
"I didn't mean to. I just tripped. Now, let me go," I tried to push myself off of him but he wouldn't let me go.
"No... since a while ago you've reverted back to calling me, Your Highness. Didn't I tell you that if you didn't call me by my given name I won't let you go?" he narrowed those light brown eyes at me l. Why did he have to act like this? I hoped he couldn't feel my heart beating a hundred miles per hour underneath my chest. I tried to struggle but it was all useless in the end.
"S-s-su Hai... let me go..." I mumbled. He smiled as he moved his hands aside and I pushed myself off of him. I straightened my robe as I took a step back. "F-f-forget me. You are the Heavenly Crown Prince. You must have a lot of beautiful women waiting to spend time with you. Compared to them I am nothing. I have no status, no power, no family to back me up, and no beauty. You are better off forgetting about me," I bit my lip. I watched as he stood up and he set a hand on my shoulder. His touch was gentle as if I was going to break into a million pieces if he had used more force. He bent down to meet me eye to eye.
"Ah Bin, you can have nothing in this world and I will still want to be with you," he stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers, "and what do you mean about not having beauty? In my eyes, you are the most beautiful woman in all of the Three Realms," he flashed me a smile. Psh! He's only saying that because he doesn't know there's another world call Earth out there somewhere with celebrities who look absolutely astonishing!
"B-b-but, w-we don't know anything about each other!" I blurted out. He chuckled as he let go off me and sat down by the tea table.
"Then let's get to know each other," he waved his arm across the table and four wine bottles appeared. Before I knew it I was already sitting down across from him. I heard him stifle a laugh before he pulled off the cover of one of the wine bottle and handed it to me. I took it with grace as I closed my eyes and I put it up to my nose where I took in its heavenly odor. Mmmm... oohh yes... ooohh! He took out the one I brought with fruits and herbs... hmm.. yes... you're going to ge- ah! I placed the wine back on the table as I looked at him trying to hold back a laugh.
"Y-you! What are you trying to do?" I blurted out yet I could feel saliva gathering in my mouth at the thought of the wine.
"You were the one who said that the Crown Prince promised to meet you here and drink with you after the celebration. I said the Crown Prince confirmed what you said was true, so... here we are," he gestured toward the wine. I fiddled with my sleeve, unsure of what to do. I really, really, really, REALLY, wanted to stay and drink the wine... but another part of me wanted to leave immediately in order to avoid trouble. I didn't want to turn into that whore again... but this wine... it's so... good... and rare. Hmmm... what should I do? I stared at the wine bottles with deep intent. From their smell alone, I knew they wanted me to drink them... but wine, I have responsibilities... but then again wine, you are so good to me... if I hadn't found you then I don't know how I would've lived in this world... I kept debating in my mind and then I heard him chuckle. I looked up to see him smiling at me.
"What?" I barked at him. He shook his head as he coughed and his face went back to neutral.
"Nothing," he replied yet I could see the ends of his lips trembling. I clicked my tongue.
"Hey! If you have something to say, then you should just say it! No need to act like that!" I scolded. He pressed his lips together before clearing his throat.
"I really have nothing to say... nothing," he reassured me, yet the ends of his lips were still trembling. I squinted my eyes at him as I slammed my hand down on the table before pointing at him.
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"Y-you!" before I could continue my scolding the ring caught my eye and I paused. That's right! Promises! I don't break promises! Master has always taught us that breaking promises is breaking the trust that other people put in us so that we shouldn't make any promises we can't keep. So... I can't break this promise of drinking with the Crown Prince. Master, this time your disciple will follow your words.
I cleared my throat as I waved my hand over the table and two wine cups appeared. I took the bottle and poured the heavenly nectar into the wine cups. After that, I held up my cup with two hands and held it in front of me.
"Congratulations Heavenly Crown Prince, Su Hai, on your 100,000th birthday. I, Que Hei Bin, promised you that I would drink with you after your birthday celebration and I won't go back on my words. I drink to your health and wisdom. May you always be this uh... forgiving and uh... kind Celestial Being forever," I gave him a head bow before bringing the winecup to my lips, and pouring it down my mouth. Mmmm... it went down smoother than anything I've ever had... damn you Hua Min for not offering me this wine yesterday! And thank you, Su Hai, for offering it to me today. Hehe... I'm going to have a good time today... I picked up the wine bottle and looked at it. I looked back at the winecup. Psh... I got no more use for you anymore winecup. I threw the winecup behind me as I tipped the winecup onto my lips. Mmm... this fruity taste... with a hint of freshness due to the herbs... and ooh, what is this? A little syrup I taste... mmm, no wonder it goes down so smoothly.
I slammed the wine bottle on the table as I wiped my mouth with the back of my sleeve. I looked up to see Su Hai hasn't touched his yet. What is this idiot doing?
"You," I pointed at him, "are you not going to d-d-drink?" I slurred out. Huh? Was I already... woah... when did the colors in here get so vibrant? I heard someone laughing and I looked up. Ah! It's Su Hai! Hmm... oh yea... why isn't he drinking? I just gave him a toast... wait... is he laughing at me? "What?" I yelled out.
"Ah... nothing..." he said again. Hmph... who did he think he was?
"It better be nothing! Or else..." I rested my head on my hand as I took another sip from the wine bottle.
"Or else?" he propped his arms on the table as he moved closer to me. I shook my head at him. This little man!
"Or else! I will teach you a lesson!" I warned.
"A lesson? What kind of lesson?"
"I... I will make you run 100 laps around Cui Yun Mountain! Then you will know how it feels to be the laughing stock of your seniors..." I took another sip.
"100 laps around Cui Yun Mountain? Hmm... did you have to do that?" I nodded my head as stretched my arm out on the table and laid my head on it.
"Un... it's the punishment that Master gave me..."
"When?"
"Hmm... a month ago?"
"Why?"
"Why? Why... because... I didn't listen to him and went to the mortal realm to drink..."
"What? Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you go to the mortal realm to drink?"
"Because! Umm... that's right... the week before my punishment I went and drank all the wine from Hua Mi's storage..."
"Hua Mi? Lord Hua Mi?"
"Hmm? Ah... that's right... he's a Lord now... and this happened over 100,000 years ago... ugh... why did so much time pass while I was sleeping?" I took another sip.
"Are... are you close with Lord Hua Mi?"
"Hmm? Umm... yes. We are very close."
"Very close? How close?" Su Hai looked alert. Hehe...
"Why? Are you jealous?" I teased and he narrowed his eyes at me as I felt his aura intensify, "I'm just joking! Hua Mi is only a little brother to me... wait... now he feels like an older brother... Hua Mi is only an older brother to me... I really cherish him but... I can never see him in that way... and I'm sure he feels the same toward me…” I quickly clarified.
“How did you guys meet?”
“Hmm? Us? Hmm… that’s right… I met when I was 22,000 years old at He Ping Mountain… I tried to become a student there but… they wouldn’t accept me because I didn’t have any special connections… so I went to their kitchen to steal alcohol… and that was when I saw a boy getting bullied. Do you know that Hua Mi is a deer? And I am a magpie?” I asked randomly.
“Yes.”
“Hmm… that’s good… anyways, they were bullying him for trying to become a disciple when the headmaster only brought him in to become a kitchen boy… I was infuriated because I felt his pain… they threatened him by saying they were going to kill him and use his innards to make alcohol… so I punished them… after that Hua Mi was crying and telling me he could never repay my debt… so I told him to make the best alcohol for me… and I also gave him the name Hua Mi… before that he was known as kitchen boy… hehe… that was so long ago…”
I tilted the wine bottle up, however, it was already empty. Hmph… why did you have to be gone so fast? I threw the wine bottle behind me as I grabbed another one. I pulled off the cap and looked up to see Su Hai staring down at the table. He seemed to be deep in thoughts. What was he thinking of?
“And,” I raised my voice and he looked up at me, “that’s another reason we can’t be together.”
“What do you mean?” his attention came back to me.
“I saw you earlier… you didn’t seem to like Hua Mi a lot… .”
“What does my relationship with Hua Mi have to do with my relationship with you?”
“Hua Mi is like a brother to me… if you don’t get along with him then you can’t be with me… I really cherish my relationships… if you don’t cherish my relationships then I can’t be with you! Do you understand?” I took another sip. Mmmm… so good…
“Alright… I understand.”
“Then that’s good. You can for-”
“As long as the relationship between Hua Mi and I improve, then you will be more comfortable with our relationship,” he picked up the wine cup and tilted the contents into his mouth. Wow… how can a man… look so sexy while drinking? How ca- ah! I tapped the table and shook my head.
“Y-you!” why was this man so stubborn? How can I get him to stop? Hmm… ah… “Y-you… you’re the Crown Prince, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then… your father is the Seventh disciple of Cui Yun Mountain, right?”
“Right.”
“Then… we can’t be together,” I shook my pointer finger at him, “do you know that 120,000 years ago your father and I were romantically involved? It’s improper of me to have a relationship with you due to this,” I took another sip. I watched as Su Hai raised an eyebrow before he smiled.
“Were you two engaged?” he questioned.
“Huh? Uh… no…”
“Then, did you two do intimate things together?”
“Hah! No!”
“Then it’s all good.”
“Huh?”
“You two weren't engaged nor were you two intimate, so it’s alright for us to pursue this relationship,” he smirked. Ahh! This man!
“Don’t you feel disgusted? I was romantically involved with your father!” I took another sip.
“But… nothing really happened, so, I don’t really mind at all,” he shrugged his shoulder.
“Hah! Y-you! Still, since I was studying with your father I am like your aunt! Don't you mind?"
"I don't mind."
"Y-you! Fine! I was really close with your father! We were like love birds that couldn't be separated! I can't be involved with you!” I argued. The look in his eyes sharpened and I feel a chill go down my back. He stood from his chair and walked to me. “Ah, S-s-su Hai?” he pulled onto my arm so I stood up and then he slid his hand to hold my back.
“Did my father ever hold you like this?” he smiled. My cheeks felt hot and I couldn’t tell if it was from the alcohol or from him.
“N-no,” I murmured.
“Then did he ever do this to you,” I felt his lips pressed against my forehead. Oohhh… woah… “or this?” his lips moved down to my cheek, “or this?” he tilted my chin up and I closed my eyes as I felt his soft lips on mine. Damn… this man was really too smooth… so smooth. He backed away and I blinked to stay focus. I turned my head and grabbed the wine bottle. It was still half full and I dunked all the contents down my throat. I needed courage right now… and this was my courage… I needed the courage to reject him correctly! I threw the wine bottle behind me and looked back up at Su Hai. Woah... those stunning eyes... and I thought that Master was the most beautiful man I would ever come across... hehe... wait... what was I going to do? Hmm... psh... whatever, I want to hold him.
“Hehe…” I giggled… I wrapped my arms around his neck and I got on my tiptoes. I gave him a peck on the cheek before moving back. Hehe… “You… are really handsome,” I poked his squishy cheeks, “with this fair tan skin..” I brushed over his eyes, “and these sharp eyes,” I trailed down his nose, “and this tall curved nose,” and then I touched his lips, “and these sexy lips,” another giggle escaped me, “how blessed you are."
“Sexy? What does that mean?” he furrowed his brows. Hehe… how cute…
“It means… that you’re very attractive,” I tapped the tip of his nose, “and… I really like sexy men…” hehehe…
“So… you like me?” he looked entertained. I narrowed my eyes at him before laughing.
“Hmm… I like you…” I confessed, “your looks that is… hehe… but you? You’re a bit creepy…” I tapped on his shoulder.
“Creepy?”
“Un. We only met… and you were already being so touchy-feely with me…”
“Hmm… but you were the one who kissed me first when we met.”
“T-t-that doesn’t count!” I pouted my lips as I pulled on his red robes and I heard him chuckle. I looked up and glared at him. “Stop laughing!” I yelled and he cleared his throat. Why was he making fun of me like this? I pulled on his robe… why was his robe so red? “Hey!” I peeked back up at him, “why are you always wearing red robes embroidered with doves? Are you getting married?” I leaned my head to one side. The glee vanished from his eyes. Why did he look like that? I brought my hands up to his cheeks and pinched them.
“Smile!” I demanded, “you look better when you smile!” his eyes turned back to playfulness and I felt proud.
“Ah Bin, you’ve had too much to drink,” he said and he bent down for a moment. I felt his hand under my knees as he lifted me up, princess styled again. I held my breath as he carried me over to the bed and laid me down. He brushed my hair back as he looked at me with loving eyes. “Rest,” he breathed out and then planted a kiss on my forehead. He started to move back and I frowned. I grabbed onto his sleeve and pulled him down on the bed. Where did he think he was going? He landed beside me and I propped myself on my elbow as I leaned over and placed my other hand over his chest.
“Where are you going?” I demanded, “I’m right here. Where are you going?” he looked at me a bit surprised before I felt his hand on my upper arm.
“I was going to go back and rest in my room… did you want me to stay?” he smiled and I smiled back.
“Un,” I nodded my head, “I want you to stay,” I tapped on his nose, “because… after this… we won’t see each other anymore,” I rested my head on his shoulder.
“What do you mean by that?”
“After tonight… it will be hard for us to meet… so… let’s enjoy it while we can…” I stroked his hard chest… hehe…
“What makes you think that?”
“You are the Heavenly Crown Prince… I don’t believe that you can just come and go as you please. Don’t you have responsibilities?” I drew circles on his chest.
“Ah Bin,” I felt his hand touch the back of my head, “are you saying this because you want to continue meeting me in the future?”
“Uh… that… I don’t know…” I buried my face in his shoulder.
“Ah Bin… I will always show up in front of you when you want me to no matter where you are in all of the Three Realms…” he declared. I pulled my face out and looked up at him.
“How are you going to do that? How will you know where I am?”
“Heh… that’s easy,” he grabbed my hand. He brought my hand up to his face and blew onto the ring. His breath held a fue of red as it seemed to be sucked into the ring. Woah! The gem turned a deep crimson red… how pretty! Hehe…
“What did you do? Do it again!” I said and he chuckled as he laced his fingers in between mine.
“I put a spell in here. If you ever want to meet me then call my name three times in a row, and I will definitely show up in front of you,” his lips touched my forehead. Hehe… a warm feeling spread inside me as I snuggled closer to him.
“Good… you must come when I call you three times in a row… it’s a promise…” I closed my eyes.
“Un… I promise you,” he whispered. His voice was so calming and gentle… mmm….