Chapter 777: The Oath to Stay Together

After briefly learning about the situation in Gangqu with Tiancheng and Zhenhai and making a small agreement, Qin Ge rushed straight to Zhongying Cottage.

Although Tiancheng had said before that Biyu's condition was improving, Qin Ge needed to see it himself.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw a figure sitting under the cherry blossom tree, looking ethereal and lively.

"Biyu?" Qin Ge stared at the figure in surprise, then quickly stepped forward and said, "Tiancheng didn't say your illness wasn't fully healed? You're still in recovery—why did you come out?"

Biyu looked at the somewhat anxious Qin Ge, performed a gentle salute, and said, "Commander, long time no see, welcome back."

Qin Ge supported her arm and said, "Let's not talk about that now; I'll help you to your room to rest."

Biyu lightly laughed and shook her head, saying, "Commander, don't worry. Although I was indeed seriously ill before, after this period of recuperation I'm mostly better."

Moreover, staying cooped up in the room all day does nothing, so I might as well wait for you here. I originally planned to go to the port to greet you, but I was afraid my condition would affect your mood, so I decided to wait for you here instead.

Qin Ge sighed and said, "No need, do we still need a welcome when returning home? For me, home is the place with the fewest rules, so don't worry about those formalities. But it's nice to stay here; the wind at the port is stronger."

Since you don't want to go back to your room, let's not stand here—let's sit over there and talk.

"Sure, Commander will sit too."

The two sat together on the wooden steps, Qin Ge taking Biyu's hand and asking, "What did they say? How much longer until the recuperation ends and you return to normal?"

"Probably a few more months," Biyu said. "The Wisdom Cube's injury has fully healed; I just need my body to sync with the Cube, and then I'll be completely restored."

"That's wonderful," Qin Ge said softly. "Back then your condition almost scared me to death—I thought I might really lose you."

"It's my fault," Biyu apologized. "If I had been able to dodge in time back then, you wouldn't have worried so much, Commander."

"Don't talk nonsense," Qin Ge said. "Whether you dodge or not makes no difference—the Arbiter's pressure on us is too great; even if your position were swapped with Emperor Frederick or Xin ze xi, they'd get hurt too. But seeing you like this now puts my mind at ease."

"Yeah," Biyu replied. "I also want to get better soon, after all I'm the fleet's banquet host, and the Spring Festival in Donghuang is coming up—looks like I won't be able to help the Commander this year."

Qin Ge smiled and said, "These are trivial matters; healing your body is what's important. The Spring Festival comes every year, but you only have one life."

Biyu looked at the gentle Qin Ge, smiled, and said, "I feel like the Commander has changed a lot since returning this time."

"What exactly has changed?" Qin Ge asked.

"He's become gentler and likes to smile more," Biyu said.

Qin Ge touched his own face and said, "I used to like smiling quite a bit too."

"Hehe," Biyu chuckled. "Although the Commander used to like smiling, his smile always had a forced feel, but this time his smile comes straight from the heart."

"Ha," Qin Ge laughed. "After all this time, people inevitably grow. Whether it's about managing the fleet or about you all, I don't want to repeat the past—taking things for granted when we have them, then regretting it bitterly after losing them."

"So I've decided that whenever I have time, I'll spend more of it with you all. No matter what the future holds, at least we'll have left behind shared happy memories."

"Mm, that's what the Commander said," Biyu smiled.

"Besides, I didn't come empty-handed this time. I originally planned to give it to you after you recovered, but I think if I present it as a gift to help you get better sooner, that would be best."

Qin Ge said, pulling a small box from his pocket. With Biyu's hopeful eyes watching, he opened the box, and the Oath Ring shone forth, appearing before both of them.

"This…" Biyu's voice trembled slightly.

"I think this is the best gift. Will you accept it, Biyu?" Qin Ge said, producing the Oath Ring, rising to kneel on one knee, and looking at her.

"Is this… the Commander's oath to be with me forever?" Biyu's voice shook, but her joy could not be concealed. "Thank you, I'm so happy… but, Commander. If an unfortunate moment truly arrives, I still hope you will prioritize your own safety…"

Qin Ge laughed and shook his head. "Considering your own safety would be far too cruel, so I've decided to make sure that day never comes. From now on I'll work to strengthen our fleet's power so that no one has to face that day, and no one gets hurt."

Watching Qin Ge place the ring on her finger, Biyu lightly laughed and said, "How could that be? As long as there's battle, there will always be a moment of injury. But since the Commander said that, I'll definitely pay close attention from now on—never get hurt and worry the Commander again. This is our oath."

Qin Ge nodded and said, "That's good."

Biyu gave a faint smile, a blush rising on her cheeks, and said, "Um, Commander, I also have a gift I'd like to give you, but could you please close your eyes while I present it? I want to surprise you."

Qin Ge chuckled and said, "All this mystery? But since it's Biyu's request, I'll look forward to this gift."

Seeing Qin Ge close his eyes, Biyu's pretty face flushed, and she also gently closed her eyes, leaning her head forward.

A warm, moist sensation rose on Qin Ge's lips; he didn't rush to open his eyes, perhaps having already guessed what Biyu wanted to do, so he hated to break the atmosphere.

He reached out, embraced Biyu in his arms, and sincerely felt her kiss.

In the cold winter month, cherry blossoms fluttered here, falling onto their shoulders like a beautiful painting.

When their lips parted, they gazed at each other and smiled—everything was understood without words.

"By the way, are these floating cherry blossoms the work of Zhang Men?" Qin Ge asked.

"Yeah," Biyu replied, leaning against Qin Ge. "Zhang Men is originally the divine child of the Sakura Empire; this cherry tree has been infused with her divine power and built within a barrier, so it will always stay like this—never withering, never fading."

"All right, that's impressive," Qin Ge smiled. "When the Sakura Empire blooms in spring, let's make a trip to the Sakura Empire main island. Last time we went on a mission; this time I want to properly explore it."

"Sure, I'll follow the Commander's lead."

"Then that's settled."