The next day…
I knocked on the door.
"Mang Lu, it's me—Lin Xian. Are you home?"
Mang Lu's voice came from inside. "Yes, I'll be right out."
Creek! The door opened slowly, and there she stood.
So gorgeous…
Mang Lu smiled. "You really think so?"
Oops. Did I say that out loud?
She laughed softly.
"Are you ready?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Where would you like to go?"
She thought for a moment. "Let's go to the top of Phoenix Mountain."
"Alright. Hold on to me."
"Why?"
"Just trust me. Please."
"Okay."
Swoosh.
We took off into the sky, gliding smoothly through the air.
"We're flying at around 10 miles an hour right now. We'll be there soon."
She turned to look at me. "You're a cultivator?"
"Yes."
"You never told me that."
"Is that a problem?"
"No, not at all. I'm just surprised. You always seemed like someone without a family or clear direction… like a wandering soul, just trying to find his way."
I hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "I don't have a family anymore. They died just before I came here. I left to travel the world… trying to figure out my purpose."
She looked down. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive."
"No, no—it's not your fault. I should've told you sooner."
"From now on, no more secrets. Deal?"
She nodded. "Deal."
"We're here."
She stepped forward, taking in the view. "It's so… what's the word?"
"Pretty?"
She smiled. "Yes."
"I see more than one pretty thing right now."
She rolled her eyes, laughing. "Oh, stop it."
"I mean it." I paused, then took a deep breath.
"I know this might be sudden, but… I want to spend the rest of my days with you."
"What are you saying?"
"Mang Lu… will you be my betrothed? Will you marry me one day?"
She gasped. "This is all so sudden! But… yes. I will marry you."
We sat and watched the sunset together—not just as friends, not just as lovers…
But as two souls, now promised to each other.