Chapter 140 - The End.

<b>Chapter 140: The End.</b>

Naturally, Qin Cheng had to inform Professor Zhu in advance that he would not be going abroad to study. When Qin Cheng mentioned this to him, Professor Zhu became rather upset. After all, this opportunity had been specially arranged for Qin Cheng by Professor Zhu. Although Professor Zhu was the Vice President of X University, such exceptions would create criticism from many of the students. Now that Qin Cheng had decided not to go, for Professor Zhu it was like wasting all that effort.

Professor Zhu, feeling frustrated, asked: “Are you really sure you don’t want to go?”

“Yes…”

However, at that moment, Qin Cheng noticed that the passing girls were casting admiring glances at Su Jingmo. Qin Cheng’s hand wobbled slightly as he reached for the cup.

Inside the Coffee Shop, with its clear glass windows rising from the floor to the ceiling, Qin Cheng was sitting at a table, holding his phone in his hand, while on a call with Professor Zhu. Although Professor Zhu’s voice, which was full of criticism, could be heard from the other end of the line, Qin Cheng’s mind was already somewhere else. For he was busily gawking at the person sitting in front of him.

With one hand resting on his chin, and having a seemingly bored expression on his face, Su Jingmo was staring out the window. However, Qin Cheng could tell that in his lover’s curved eyes, there was a deep interest for this modern world….

With his long dark hair tied up in a loose ponytail, Su Jingmo wore a white shirt and a pair of black casual pants. The white shirt was perfectly wrapped around his strong, slender torso, and he even had the upper buttons undone to expose his slender neck. The pair of black casual pants impeccably accentuated his long, straight legs….

The clothes Su Jingmo was wearing belonged to none other than Qin Cheng…..

The sunlight streaming through the window made Su Jingmo’s gentle smile stand out even more, making him look even more attractive. At that instant, Qin Cheng unconsciously raised his hand in an attempt to touch the smiling face of his lover. However, before Qin Cheng’s hand could touch Su Jingmo’s face, Professor Zhu’s voice coming from the phone brought him back to reality.

“Qin Cheng, were you not listening to me just now?” Professor Zhu sighed in frustration after having to call out to him several times without getting a response.

“Ah, um, it’s not just that.” Qin Cheng, realizing that his intentions had been exposed upon seeing Su Jingmo’s slightly raised eyebrow, scratched his nose somewhat embarrassed: “Professor Zhu, I’m really sorry. You know that I haven’t been in good health, and I want to recuperate…. Besides, I also have my own plans…”

Having spoken up to this point, Professor Zhu knew that he could no longer persuade this young man, no matter how hard he tried. Professor Zhu could only simply sigh and say: “Qin Cheng, you should already know how good the opportunity I have offered you is, right?”

“I understand, and I’m very grateful for your guidance, Professor Zhu.”

“Ah, I’m not asking for your gratitude….” After taking a short pause, Professor Zhu continued: “Forget it, forget it. If you don’t want to go, then don’t go. I also understand that you probably want to stay for that tomb….”

Qin Cheng looked at Su Jingmo, who was looking at him with a beautiful smile on his face, and pursed his lips: “Um, yes. It’s because of that tomb…..”

‘ And for its owner. ’

“If this is what you’re really passionate about, then I won’t say anything else. That big tomb is too complex, so you should be careful.”

“All right.”

Qin Cheng was really grateful to Professor Zhu’s kindness. After chatting a bit more with Professor Zhu, Qin Cheng hung up the phone.

When he saw Qin Cheng put down that thing he called a ‘cell phone’, Su Jingmo smiled and said: “Are you done? If you’re done, then let’s go. The looks from the women are quite intense.” At the same time as he said this, Su Jingmo looked around and added: “Like wolves and tigers ¹ .”

As soon as he heard these four words, Qin Cheng immediately stood up, paid the bill and took Su Jingmo outside.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Qin Cheng looked at his lover beside him and said: “I didn’t expect you to be this popular.”

A while ago, when they went shopping for Su Jingmo’s clothes, Qin Cheng remembered how the clothing store worker had been fawning over Su Jingmo while helping him try on clothes, and even took pictures of him. Qin Cheng’s heart felt somewhat bitter.

“You don’t like it that other people like me?”

“Yes.…” Qin Cheng nodded honestly.

Qin Cheng looked at his lover’s smiling face and his heart was warmed as well. Squeezing Su Jingmo’s hand, Qin Cheng said: “Although it’s almost Autumn, it’s still quite warm today. Since you’ve just started walking around outside…. how about you wait for me at Zhang Jun’s house….?”

“I have spent more than a thousand years inside the tomb, and after coming back to life, I’ve been lying in that room for a few days. Now that I can finally see the sunlight, you don’t want to let me out?”

“It’s not like that….”

Before Qin Cheng could finish speaking, Su Jingmo narrowed his eyes and said, “Besides, weren’t we going to buy furniture for our new home? Don’t you want me to accompany you?”

“Our home…..” As Su Jingmo said those words, Qin Cheng looked at him and his heart melted into a puddle of water. “Everything in our home must be chosen by you.”

With their fingers tightly intertwined, Su Jingmo was unable to restrain himself from laughing: “Fool.”

The house, which Qin Cheng had already found a few days ago, was located in a newly built residential area near the suburbs. The house had been simply furnished by the owner, having two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Originally, Qin Cheng had planned to stay at Zhang Jun’s house for a few days before moving out, but Su Jingmo’s health was not quite adequate, and it took him a few days to recover. During this time, Qin Cheng took the opportunity to buy everything he needed and clean the new house.

So as soon as Su Jingmo was able to get out of bed and walk, Qin Cheng took him out for a walk.

One bed, five chairs and two desks were sent to their new home. As everything was in a mess, Qin Cheng didn’t allow Su Jingmo to move, and even prepared some tea for him to relax. After taking off his coat, Qin Cheng began to arrange the furniture and prepare the bed.

Su Jingmo, somewhat lost in thought, leaned on the sofa as he watched silently as Qin Cheng paced back and forth across the room.

‘ This is now our home, Qin Cheng and mine…. ’

Although the place wasn’t big, there was abundant light, and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees would pour in through the windows, lightly fluttering the gauzy curtains. The golden light of the setting sun hit against the white floor of the room, illuminating the area brightly and warmly, provoking one to feel a slight drowsiness.

Su Jingmo couldn’t help, but close his eyes and think: ‘ I’ve only been in this modern world for ten days. The buildings in this world are so tall that they soar high into the sky, and the cars are so fast that it’s like watching flying birds. Everything is so wonderful and unusual, but also very noisy. In the city, you can’t hear the birds singing, or see the moon and stars at night. But here, you do hear the cheerful chirping of birds. ’

Without Qin Cheng having to say it, Su Jingmo knew that he had chosen this place specifically with him in mind. All because Su Jingmo had frowned in discomfort over the noisy city at night.

‘ This entire world is unfamiliar….. very unfamiliar to me. From the lifestyle, environment, habits, ideology…. and even the people. ’

With this in mind, Su Jingmo opened his eyes and shouted: “Qin Cheng.”

“Mmm?” Qin Cheng, holding the freshly sun-dried quilt cover with the intention of covering the quilt with it, turned around as soon as he heard his name and asked with a smile: “What’s wrong?”

“In this world, I only have you.”

Su Jingmo’s words gently flowed into Qin Cheng’s ears. After a brief pause, Qin Cheng put down the quilt cover he was holding and walked towards Su Jingmo.

Crouching down in front of Su Jingmo, Qin Cheng opened his mouth to speak. But he didn’t know what to say. All Qin Cheng could do was hold Su Jingmo’s hand tightly, his eyes filled with guilt. Guilt for bringing Su Jingmo to this world, which was completely unknown to him, without friends, without family; and yet, Qin Cheng couldn’t ask for forgiveness. Because Qin Cheng loved him too much.

“These days I’ve been thinking that if I hadn’t found you in this life, we might have never been able to be together.” Realizing that Qin Cheng had squeezed his hand a little, Su Jingmo looked at him with a faint smile on his face and continued: “If I had not met you, I would have done everything possible to seek revenge. I would have done everything possible to leave a trace of my Dynasty.”

“But I still found you.” Qin Cheng kissed Su Jingmo’s fingertips. “I found you.”

Leaning his body against Qin Cheng, Su Jingmo softly said: “Yes, you found me, and made me realize that there is a person in this world who loves me.”

Looking at Qin Cheng, who instinctively embraced him in his arms, Su Jingmo smiled faintly: “You made me experience a love I had never felt before, and become infatuated with your embrace.”

In his lover’s embrace, with a smile on his lips, Qin Cheng didn’t sit on the sofa, but remained seated on the floor. Leaning gently against Qin Cheng’s body, with his long black hair spreading over Qin Cheng, Su Jingmo felt his heart stir. Qin Cheng then raised his head and kissed his lover’s cheeks.

“A few days ago, I mentioned you to my parents.”

After saying this, Qin Cheng waited for Su JIngmo’s reply. But when he didn’t receive a response, Qin Cheng touched his nose and continued: “Although they don’t quite understand, they also accepted it. They even said that they would like to meet you, and when I have time, I should bring you to my parents’ house.”

In the Grand Xu, although men could spend their lives with another man, I’m afraid they would end up with broken legs if their families were to find out. Su Jingmo knew that among those Gongzi Officials, there were those who were more fond of low-ranking officials than of ordinary women. However, these young Officials would marry anyway when the time came and have children as it was expected. They would only dare to keep a male lover behind the backs of their wives and family.

Su Jingmo was not entirely sure what the current world’s view of such relationships was, but today when he and Qin Cheng walked hand in hand down the street, Su Jingmo noticed that some people were staring, some were even pointing at them…..

However, Qin Cheng was different. From early on, Su Jingmo was sure that Qin Cheng would tell his parents, it was just that he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“Your parents treat you very well.”

‘ Accepting us so fast could only mean that Qin Cheng is really loved by his parents. Otherwise, what kind of family would be willing to cut off their bloodline? ’

“Yes,” Qin Cheng nodded. “Then, in a couple of months, when I finish arranging things here, we’ll go visit my parents, alright?”

“As you wish.” Su Jingmo turned his body and hugged Qin Cheng’s neck. “Will this be our home from now on?”

“Yes. Although we are renting now, my original intention was to buy the property. I just don’t have enough savings at the moment. I talked to the owner, and when I save enough money, I will be able to buy it from him. Also….”

As he heard the plans for their future lives, Su Jingmo looked at Qin Cheng brimming with excitement, unable to hide his obvious happiness. In his gentle gaze, and exciting words, Qin Cheng expressed all the love and affection he had for Su Jingmo. For some reason, Su Jingmo’s heart began to beat rapidly, as memories of the night of his extravagant wedding flooded his mind. In his hazy memory, Su Jingmo could vaguely recall that this was the voice that kept repeating over and over again how much he loved him.

“Qin Cheng….” Su Jingmo’s voice came out a little hoarse.

“Hmm? What…?” However, before Qin Cheng could finish speaking, he noticed the hidden desire in Su Jingmo’s eyes. In that instant, Qin Cheng‘s throat tightened and his heart pounded out loud.

With slightly narrowed eyes, Su Jingmo looked at Qin Cheng and said with a smile: “You must take responsibility.”

As his lover’s hot breath spilled over his lips, Qin Cheng lost the ability to breathe right. In a second, Qin Cheng’s mind exploded with a loud noise. With his body trembling slightly, Qin Cheng rushed to wrap his arms tightly around Su Jingmo.

“You, your body.” As Qin Cheng’s throat had dried out, he had to swallow saliva before he could say with a cracked voice: “You’ve only just recovered.”

Su Jingmo leaned closer to Qin Cheng, letting him feel the depth of his excitement, and repeated the same sentence: “You must take responsibility.”

The hand that tightly held Su Jingmo loosened slightly, and as he looked into his lover’s eyes, Qin Cheng said: “Once I start, I won’t be able to stop for a while.”

However, as soon as these words were said, Su Jingmo’s lips pressed against Qin Cheng’s with desperation, intertwining their tongues and teeth in a passionate embrace. As Qin Cheng’s breathing grew labored, he slowly pressed himself against Su Jingmo’s body…..

As night fell, the night as dark as ink became tinged with a sweet taste….

…

Years passed, and the seasons changed. Today, in the largest conference hall of X University, the most renowned scholar of Chinese archaeology was welcomed.

A scholar, who had become famous throughout the world with his research project entitled: “The Forgotten Dynasty In History” at the age of less than thirty years.

Now, in the conference hall, that same scholar in his late sixties, with a smile on his face, and a pair of old-fashioned glasses hanging from the bridge of his nose, appeared handsome in spite of his age due to his tall, elegant figure.

Although the lecture in the conference hall was scheduled to last for two hours, it was extended for another hour due to the enthusiasm of the students. After answering a student’s question, the scholar looked at the seated audience, now silent, and asked: “Is there anyone else who would like to ask a question? This will be the last one.”

After saying that, a short amount of time quietly passed before another student had the courage to approach the microphone and ask: “I am a student from Class XX, and I have always admired Professor Qin. However, I have a question that has puzzled me for a while….”

“Please go ahead.”

“Many foreign scholars don’t acknowledge the existence of the Xu Dynasty in our Chinese history, and even less recognize your theory, for they find it too unbelievable for such a Dynasty to have existed. Professor Qin, what do you think of this?”

The scholar adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and smiled: “History is supposed to be that which happened in the distant past, and it remains only for people to look for hints about it. What does it mean to ‘exist’? Can it only be proven by a large amount of historical records? Historical records are only one point in history, the before and after that point in time have not been recorded. No one really knows what happened and how it happened. Moreover, the existence of the Xu Dynasty can be supported by a significant amount of evidence.”

“So, what the Professor means, is that there could be other unknown Dynasties at those unrecorded times in history?”

“Well, that’s something I don’t know. It’s up to you to find out.” The scholar shook his head and stood up with a slight smile on his face. Looking at the nearly one thousand college students seated in the hall, the scholar added: “But what I can be sure of is that the Xu Dynasty existed. It had an Emperor who consolidated the nation, reclaimed the lands in the Northwest, then drove the Xiongnu people past the Tian Shan Mountains, protecting his subjects and Dynasty. The name of that Emperor was….”

“….Su Jingmo.”

TRANSLATOR’S NOTE:

Here it is, the happy ending that I’ve been promising you for a long time, which at times appeared not to come, as everything suggested that it would end quite badly. But no! Qin Cheng and Su Jingmo’s love is stronger! And they both managed to have an ending where they can both live together (although I admit it would have also been cute if they had stayed as ghosts haha).

But this isn’t finished! Not yet! We still have 5 extra chapters~~ so we still have a little bit more to read about the love story between these two, and let me tell you that the extra chapters are as long as a normal chapter, so it’s quite a lot of material.

I thank all of you who have been so patient with me during the 3 years it took me to finish the novel, you are the best!

I LOVE YOU! And I’ll see you (hopefully) in my other translations! ⸜(⸝⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝⸝)⸝ ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

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Footnotes

<ol><b>如狼似虎</b> <b>rú láng sì hǔ</b> ; A Chinese idiom. It’s used to describe someone or something that is fierce, bold, and formidable, often in the context of a person’s behavior or actions. This idiom is commonly used to convey a sense of strength, aggression, or intensity.</ol>