That day, he didn’t manage to retain everything but it was a beginning. And every day, he learned more, remembered more. After a while, it became apparent that when Bao Feng Yu put his mind to something, he was able to achieve results rather fast. Just a few weeks went by and the two of them were already able to carry a simple conversation in what was Yang Guang’s own language.

Spurred on by this success, Bao Feng Yu threw himself at his task with even more vigor, not only having Yang Guang show him more and more each day and practice with him, but also using all the time after he returned to his own palace to practice on his own.

After a few months, the speed with which they were able to talk had picked up a lot and there were seldom moments where Bao Feng Yu couldn’t understand anymore. Even if it happened that he didn’t know originally, Yang Guang just needed to slowly sign in a different way, explaining what he had missed this way. Then, the conversation already went on as usual, with just one more thing added to what Bao Feng Yu was able to understand.

Yang Guang’s eyes glimmered with happiness whenever they had a long conversation. It reminded him of the time when his parents had still been alive and he felt so much more free being able to talk this way. He didn’t need to fret over how to say something to make himself understood and even if he was misunderstood once, he had no problem backtracking and explaining what exactly Bao Feng Yu had gotten wrong. It was … relaxed.

Yes, this was much more comfortable than the way he had been doing it before. And even though he had originally said that Bao Feng Yu didn’t need to do it, he was still happy that the storm god had convinced him otherwise. Now, he couldn’t even imagine going back to how things had been before.

One of those days, Bao Feng Yu looked at him and his hands moved, pulling Yang Guang out of his thoughts. He looked up and finally, his expression changed.

Bao Feng Yu raised his brows, wondering if he had made one of the more stupid mistakes. He thought for a moment but figured that it should have been right. To make sure that he hadn’t accidentally said something different though, he signed again. 'Will you be my lover?'

Yang Guang looked at him and feeling that just a nod wouldn’t be enough, he signed his answer. 'Yes, very much so.' He lowered his head, his cheeks flushing red before he leaned over and gently kissed him.

At this time, almost a year had gone by since they met in the mortal realm. In this year, they had gotten so much closer that there was no doubt on either side. Thus, the question was asked, an answer given, and things were settled just like this.

Looking back now, after another six years had gone by, it seemed as if everything had indeed been predetermined, fate leading them to each other and making them go forward together.

Lying in the dark of his palace, Yang Guang looked at his lover’s sleeping face next to him, smiling faintly when he thought back to that day they had finally become a couple. He hadn’t regretted it even once and he knew he wouldn’t going forward either.

He reached out, gently brushing his lover’s cheek before he leaned over him and gently kissed him. He remained like that, just gazing at the familiar face. Moonlight was spilling onto it, softening the rough edges and giving it a dream-like quality. Yang Guang’s smile brightened and he laid down again, snuggling up to his lover’s chest again.

Having woken up when that pair of soft lips touched his skin, Bao Feng Yu smiled as well and rubbed his back. He craned his neck and kissed the top of his head, feeling contented.

He lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling before he grabbed Yang Guang’s hand. He gently wrote on his palm since it was too dark to see the other person sign. 'What’s the matter? Can’t sleep?'

Yang Guang smiled and turned his hand back around. 'It is our anniversary tomorrow.'

Bao Feng Yu kissed his forehead. 'I know.'

Yang Guang’s lips curved up further and he felt like he really should’ve expected this. Bao Feng Yu wasn’t the type of person who would let something like this slip his mind. That was probably why he had come to the mortal realm as well. They would be busy tomorrow so there wouldn’t be time to go then. Thus, they had probably both thought of going earlier.

His lover brushed his skin with his lips and couldn’t help but add another sentence. 'Better sleep soon so you’ll have energy for tomorrow.'

Even if they couldn’t go down to take part in the festival, they would surely celebrate at home. It was better to be well-rested for that.

Yang Guang nodded. 'Good night.'

Bao Feng Yu turned his hand around and requited the wish before the two of them closed their eyes again, finally falling asleep for real.