Chapter 189 - 4.54 Kunlun Mirror
When Heimo emerged from the bath, he had changed out of his white robes to his signature black and gold robes, his hair tied into a high ponytail with a gold ribbon, the hairpin dangling along with his long jet black hair. For a split second, it was like the arduous ten years didn’t exist and Heimo was still the same Heimo, save for his thinner face and the more mature and somber way he carried himself. He walked to the back garden because he knew Luqiu Ning would be there and he was right on mark. There she was, reclining on a chair as she enjoyed the lukewarm sun, eyes softly closed. Time had changed the sickly nine years old to an elegant and sophisticated little lady and for a while, Heimo was struck with a sudden nostalgia. He spent a few moments simply gazing at the peaceful Luqiu Ning until the woman stirred, sensing his presence.
"Brother—" Her smile froze as soon as she caught sight of him, eyes opened wide in utter astonishment. "Oh..."
"Ningning." Heimo strode forward and gave him a relieving smile. "Ningning, I did it."
There was no need for further explanation as they both knew exactly what could have granted Heimo liberation. In an instant, Luqiu Ning burst into tears, desperately trying to cover her mouth only to fail when a sob slipped through her lips. Heimo spent no time closing the distance between them and took her into an embrace. "Silly girl." He laughed wetly. "Why are you crying? You should be happy for me."
"I am..." Luqiu Ning hiccupped. "I am so happy for you, brother."
"I know." Heimo said softly, taking in a deep breath. And for the first time in a while, he couldn’t wait to wake up the next day because that meant that he was one step closer to his beloved. "Thank you, Ningning. For everything."
Luqiu Ning merely shook her head stubbornly. "I should be thankful, really. If not because of him, I might still be—"
"Hush." Heimo chided softly. "We had discussed this before. No more guilt and what ifs, we will only look forward to the future."