His lover knows him so well. How can anyone understand what Huaisang needs so perfectly? But it's always been like that between them, hasn't it? The other man understanding thoughts and feelings that Huaisang himself struggles to understand much less voice out loud. His best friend, the love of his life, soon to be his spouse as long as they live.

The room feels cold and empty again as soon as he's gone and Huaisang immediately touches the braid on his wrist to reassure himself. This is real. All of this is real. Jin Ziyao is in love wih him and wants to be with him, even after everything. He's alive and they're going to be wed. It's not an act or a betrayal.

It takes him some time to get ready: sketches of his parents, a pair of fine goblets, a bottle of his best wine, plenty of oil, gold jewelry and enough money to purchase an adequate amount of red fabric to adorning the matrimonial bed along with food. Once he stuffs it all into a qiankun bag, he heads out to inform the elders that he'll be away on a personal matter for a week or two. While they're not particularly happy to see him take another trip so soon, they're accustomed enough to his absences to not put up too much of a fuss.

After his arrangements are made, Huaisang heads out to the agreed meeting place, dressed down for travel, and waits in front of the inn for his lover to appear.