Act III: Affections.

The long years pass like shattered jade and condensed pearls flowing in the river of time—though it takes just a fleeting moment to recount the bitterness of an entire life.

Qi Zhao knew that Mo Jiuli was a mortal, not meant to be his ideal match, yet love has a way of wearing one down. By the time his heart understood, the roots of his feelings had already grown too deep to be pulled out.

In the blink of an eye, five years had passed. Even though the Creator God had come down to earth, Mo Jiuli’s brush never stopped. He wanted to preserve these memories so that when he returned to the dark place, he could look back at them again. This was his way of holding on to something.

But Qi Zhao knew nothing of this.

From travel companions to close friends, their relationship tiptoed around the edges of intimacy. Qi Zhao, of course, was aware of his own feelings, but Mo Jiuli remained oblivious—an innocent blank slate when it came to emotions like love and desire.

Qi Zhao had hinted many times, only to end up with nothing but embarrassment. Until one day, they visited a bookstore. Mo Jiuli wanted to find some picture books to learn new illustration techniques.

The narrative ends here. Bai Fanlu, as the voice actor, saw a hidden compartment on the bookshelf, just as Mo Jiuli did. He pulled open the drawer, grabbed a booklet, but before he could open it, Qi Zhao quickly snatched it away and covered Mo Jiuli’s eyes.

However, Bai Fanlu had already glimpsed the cover. It seemed to be… an erotic art book.

“What are you covering my eyes for? What was that just now?”

From the script, Mo Jiuli should be calm, which relieved Bai Fanlu, as he didn’t need to act—only provide the voice. Otherwise, his expression would have surely broken character by now.

“You can’t look at this. Let’s go.” Qi Zhao released Mo Jiuli’s eyes and pulled him by the hand to leave.

“Why can’t I look?”

“It’s not good.”

“How do you know it’s not good if I haven’t even looked?”

Mo Jiuli turned back and checked the hidden compartment again, finding only ordinary books inside.

Bai Fanlu immediately realized that Qi Zhao had used some kind of magic to replace the original book.

Still, something felt off. The book he had glimpsed clearly had illustrations, but now it was just words. Did Mo Jiuli notice?

Qi Zhao cleared his throat, looking serious. “I told you it’s not interesting. Come on, there’s something better over there.”

Bai Fanlu couldn’t help but think, even if Mo Jiuli didn’t understand such matters, with his sharp perception, he should have realized that Qi Zhao was up to something.

As the saying goes, some things can’t be avoided forever. No matter how powerful Qi Zhao’s divine abilities were, he couldn’t shield everything.

That night, Mo Jiuli still ended up seeing a similar book.

According to the story, Mo Jiuli, being a prince, had long reached the age of marriage. Initially, it was the Empress who was reluctant to let him marry, which delayed things repeatedly. Later, she wanted him to settle down by finding him a suitable bride, and she finally picked a noblewoman for him. However, Mo Jiuli was still unaware of this.

That night, after his bath, an elderly maidservant brought a woman and several attendants into Mo Jiuli’s chamber.

“Ninth Highness, I am here under the Empress’s orders to instruct you.”

“Instruct me? In what?” Bai Fanlu was momentarily confused.

The maidservant presented a brocade box, inside which was a book and a jar of ointment.

The book had illustrations, depicting a man and woman embracing. It was Bai Fanlu’s second time seeing something like this in one day, and he couldn’t help but feel awkward.

Seeing the situation unfold, he realized: In ancient times, it was customary for noble men to receive instruction in marital relations upon reaching adulthood. He hadn’t expected to encounter such a scene.

Oh no! He was currently inhabiting Mo Jiuli’s body. Could this possibly turn into something real?

No, it couldn’t be… Considering the way the audio drama glossed over explicit content, even if there were such scenes, they wouldn’t be detailed. Besides, Mo Jiuli and Qi Zhao were clearly a pair. If anything happened here, it would ruin the audience’s goodwill.

The maidservant nudged the beautiful woman forward. “This is Danzhu, a lady chosen by the Empress for Your Highness, to prepare for your future marriage.”

“Marriage?” Bai Fanlu, though panicked, didn’t forget to voice the character.

At this moment, a noise came from the ceiling.

Bai Fanlu sighed in relief. He knew it—there was no way Qi Zhao wouldn’t show up in a moment like this.

“I’m tired today. You may leave for now. I’ll speak to Mother tomorrow.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As the door closed, Mo Jiuli looked down at the “strange” book. Just as he turned two pages, a sudden gust of wind knocked it to the ground with a loud thud.

Qi Zhao leapt down from the beams, sweeping the book aside with a flick of his hand.

His face was dark with displeasure. “You’re going to get married?”

Bai Fanlu immediately sensed trouble. Qi Zhao was obviously jealous.

“What are you talking about?” Mo Jiuli frowned. “Those books in the bookstore earlier—did you switch them out?”

“Just answer me. Are you really going to get married?”

“It’s my mother’s decree…”

“You!” Qi Zhao gritted his teeth, his eyes practically ablaze. “You’re not allowed to marry anyone!”

Mo Jiuli, perplexed, was about to stand when Qi Zhao stepped forward, pinning him between the desk and himself.

“Even if you’re getting married, it can only be to me.”

Bai Fanlu saw the fire in Qi Zhao’s eyes. At first, he felt nothing, but suddenly, another person came to mind. It was as if Qi Zhao’s face had merged with someone else’s, and Bai Fanlu couldn’t help but feel shaken.

But Yun Zhan didn’t like him. Best not to think about it anymore.

He forced himself to focus on the lines. The important thing was the tone.

Mo Jiuli’s lines had become more complex, and Bai Fanlu concentrated on the prompts to ensure he wouldn’t miss anything.

“With… you?”

“Yes, with me.”

Mo Jiuli suddenly snapped back to reality, shoving Qi Zhao away. “Stop talking nonsense! How can I marry you?”

Qi Zhao replied, “Why not?”

“Marriage between a man and a woman is for the sake of offspring. It’s the natural order. You and I are both men…”

“So what if we’re both men? Love and desire are also part of the natural order. I love you, no matter if you’re a man or a woman. I only recognize you.”

“You… What are you saying?”

Qi Zhao suddenly drew closer, the tension mounting. Bai Fanlu, focused on the dialogue, suddenly sensed Mo Jiuli breaking free and standing up.

“What nonsense are you talking about? You’re a god, and I’m just a mortal.”

“What does it matter? Mortals may live for a hundred years at most. After a hundred years, you can reincarnate, and I’ll find you again.”

At this moment, Bai Fanlu saw two lines appear in the corner, indicating Mo Jiuli’s inner thoughts.

“Ridiculous. I won’t even live a hundred years, let alone reincarnate.”

“Enough, I need to give him a clear answer and make him give up.”

Then, Mo Jiuli calmly said, “But I see you as a friend—a very good friend.”

Qi Zhao stared at him, “You…”

After a long pause, he shook his head. “Alright.”

Qi Zhao’s expression betrayed his disappointment as he turned to leave. Mo Jiuli called after him, “Hey, return my things.”

“What?”

“That box.”

Bai Fanlu only then realized that Qi Zhao had not only knocked the book to the ground but had also taken the brocade box. Looking at the floor, he noticed the book had disappeared as well.

Qi Zhao returned the box, but it was empty inside.

Mo Jiuli asked, “Where is it?”

“I told you, you can’t look at those things.”

“Why not?”

Qi Zhao hesitated, then stubbornly said, “Because I said so!”

Mo Jiuli frowned. “Fine. I’ll go back to the bookstore tomorrow. There are plenty more in town.”

“The minute you leave, I can make sure all those things disappear.”

“Why are you being so unreasonable?”

According to the script, Mo Jiuli was slightly upset, which was rare. What followed was a rapid exchange of dialogue, making Bai Fanlu feel quite tense.

“Why do you insist on looking at that?”

“And why are you so adamant about not letting me?”

“Do you even know what that is?”

“Isn’t it just a picture book? What’s wrong with looking at it?”

When this line came out, Bai Fanlu couldn’t help but find it amusing, and he saw Qi Zhao’s expression become quite complicated.

Qi Zhao stared at Mo Jiuli for a long while. “Do you even know what marriage entails?”

“Of course, to form a union and continue the family line.”

“And how do you continue the family line?”

“Well…” Mo Jiuli’s tone was uncertain, not out of embarrassment but lack of clarity.

“Just like that, you say you know?”

The two stared at each other, and the atmosphere suddenly grew awkward in the silence.

Bai Fanlu thought, The Creator God who built this world surely knows the surface-level rules but doesn’t understand the practical details?

“If even such shallow matters are beyond his understanding, deeper affections are likely even harder to grasp,” Bai Fanlu thought, feeling an odd sympathy for Qi Zhao.

According to the story, Qi Zhao had taken Mo Jiuli across the mortal world, even visiting places of indulgence, but the simplicity and purity of the human prince’s heart far exceeded his expectations. After that discovery, Qi Zhao never brought him to such places again.

Though Qi Zhao maintained his dignity and didn’t involve himself in casual affairs, he was still well-versed in such matters. Coupled with his flirtatious reputation and smooth talk, many believed he could navigate any romantic entanglement without getting attached. Yet here he was, brought low by a mere mortal—something that would no doubt provoke laughter if told.

“A-Li, don’t let your curiosity get the better of you and ask others. If you want to know, I’ll tell you myself in due time.”

As he left, Qi Zhao couldn’t help but emphasize again, “Did you hear me? Don’t ask anyone else.”

Bai Fanlu sighed at the awkward jealousy in Qi Zhao’s tone.

The next morning, Mo Jiuli went to pay respects to the Empress.

Before he could say anything, the Empress spoke. “You must be here to ask about the marriage, right? Well, that matter is now canceled.”

“Your father came this morning. He said that the royal diviner performed a reading last night, which revealed that your destiny is extraordinarily noble. Only a deity can be your match. If the marriage is mismatched, it will bring calamity to our kingdom.”

Bai Fanlu immediately knew this was Qi Zhao’s doing.

The scene shifted, showing Mo Jiuli walking alone through the palace. A text prompt appeared at the bottom of the screen.

Mo Jiuli felt no disappointment about the cancellation of his marriage; instead, he felt relieved. He had initially planned to stay in the mortal world for a year or so, but five years had passed without him realizing it. He wasn’t sure why he had delayed his return for so long, but one day his spirit would have to depart, leaving the human Mo Jiuli a lifeless puppet. Any woman who married him would be unfortunate, so perhaps this was for the best.

“Before I leave, I should bid him a proper farewell and explain everything, so he won’t come looking for me again.”

This was Mo Jiuli speaking to himself.

Unlike before, many days passed before Qi Zhao finally came to find him again.

“Sorry, I’ve been caught up in some matters and arrived late,” Qi Zhao explained as he entered.

With no lines of response, Bai Fanlu focused on the narrative.

Apparently, two main deities of the Eastern Heavenly Realm had quarreled and fought so fiercely that they even broke some pillars in the celestial palace. It had taken a great deal of effort to calm them down. Such a major disturbance had never happened in the Heavenly Realm before, and with the Celestial Emperor in seclusion, it had been a real headache for Qi Zhao.

Now that he had settled the matter and returned to the mortal world, Qi Zhao felt a wave of clarity upon seeing Mo Jiuli. After several days apart, his feelings for him were even stronger.

“A-Li, come. Today I’ll take you somewhere special.”

He brought Mo Jiuli up to the back of the mountain, and in a swift motion, they soared through the clouds to a quiet, secluded place.

“This is the Nameless Valley.”

“Nameless Valley?” Bai Fanlu thought the valley suited the nameless Creator God rather well.

Qi Zhao explained, “I used to come here often to cultivate. It’s very close to the Heavenly Realm, and the scenery is excellent. It’s practically half-Heaven. You could paint here and compare it to the landscapes of the mortal world.”

Bai Fanlu, following Mo Jiuli’s gaze, saw the surroundings: delicate flowers scattered among patches of snow, a blend of spring and winter in a surreal harmony. It wasn’t quite spring, nor was it fully winter. The landscape was a breathtaking fusion of snowy whites and vibrant reds, like jade branches adorned with silver snow and emerald leaves, the sky and river painted in rich hues.

“It’s also connected to the Celestial River. Let me show you.”

Following Qi Zhao deeper into the valley, they soon came upon a shimmering silver waterfall composed of dozens of smaller cascades. The sound of the water blended with the misty air, scattering droplets like pearls. Above the waterfall, icicles gleamed with rainbow hues, creating a magnificent and ethereal scene.

“Do you like it?”

Mo Jiuli nodded. “It’s a beautiful place.”

“Do you want to paint it?”

With a wave of his sleeve, Qi Zhao conjured an art station with brushes, paper, and two chairs before Mo Jiuli.

Bai Fanlu mused to himself, Gods really do have a way of charming people. Whatever you need, they can just summon with a flick of the wrist.

The story explained that Mo Jiuli had been painting mortal landscapes up until now, but today, inspired by the heavenly scene before him, he felt the urge to capture the beauty of this place as well. As he glanced at Qi Zhao standing before the waterfall, Mo Jiuli realized that the god himself made a worthy subject for the painting too. Thinking of their impending farewell, he poured all his emotions into the brush, painting with intensity and fluidity.

Qi Zhao watched from the side, his eyes fixed on Mo Jiuli. To him, the artist was a masterpiece in his own right, a sight he could never tire of.

When Mo Jiuli finally finished, Qi Zhao collected the materials and snatched the painting for himself.

“Since we’re in my domain, consider this a gift for me.”

Mo Jiuli protested, “You come here often. Why do you need to keep a painting? I was going to take it back for my collection.”

“With me around, you can come here whenever you want. Why would you need a collection?”

Mo Jiuli reached out to grab the painting, but Qi Zhao turned it into a wisp of energy and absorbed it into his sleeve.

“This scenery is nothing. The Celestial River is most beautiful at night. You’ll see.”

The scene transitioned to night, and Bai Fanlu finally understood the true beauty of the Celestial River. It was an unforgettable sight.

He had seen images of the Milky Way in posters and photos, but never this close, this real. It felt like being immersed in a full panorama, surrounded by stars that flowed slowly around him, casting a crystal-clear glow everywhere.

“A-Li, do you see that brightest star?”

“Huh? Yes, I see it.”

“That’s me. I’ll pluck it down and give it to you, alright?”

Qi Zhao reached out, seemingly grasping the star and offering it to Mo Jiuli.

“Why are you suddenly…”

Bai Fanlu read the lines, seeing Qi Zhao draw closer to Mo Jiuli. Sensing the impending intimacy, he focused on the dialogue prompts to avoid missing any cues.

Though he couldn’t see it, the narrative continued to describe the scene.

Mo Jiuli, not understanding Qi Zhao’s intentions, felt a strange sensation as Qi Zhao gazed at him. With the starlight reflecting in his deep eyes, Qi Zhao’s gaze was even more dazzling than the Milky Way.

A new, unfamiliar feeling surged through Mo Jiuli, making his body tingle and his heart race. He couldn’t name it, but it wasn’t unpleasant—just strange.

He watched as Qi Zhao drew closer, sliding his hand from Mo Jiuli’s temple to the back of his head, and then, gently, their lips met.

It was a tentative kiss, brief and exploratory. But when Qi Zhao saw Mo Jiuli’s dazed expression, he sighed softly and deepened the kiss.

The Milky Way swirled around them, silver waterfalls cascading nearby, and the kiss grew wetter with the misty air.

In the heat of the moment, even a god could lose control. Qi Zhao embraced Mo Jiuli, resting against him to catch his breath.

Bai Fanlu’s mind buzzed as he finally spotted his line.

“What’s wrong with you?” Mo Jiuli, his breathing also unsteady, gazed at Qi Zhao, his clear eyes slightly dazed.

Qi Zhao, looking into his eyes, whispered, “A-Li, have you ever relieved yourself?”

“What do you mean?” Mo Jiuli asked.

Qi Zhao guided him gently. “I mean… this.”

“You…” Mo Jiuli quickly pulled his hand away.

“This is a normal reaction for men. Like I said, love and desire are part of the natural order. When I kiss you, I feel desire.”

Qi Zhao lightly touched Mo Jiuli. “Look, you’re starting to feel something too… which means you have feelings for me.”

Mo Jiuli’s face flushed, but he tried to remain composed. “You said it’s a normal reaction for men, so how does that count?”

“True, it doesn’t count. But those books you were curious about—they depict exactly this. The real act is something sacred between two people. And it only makes sense after marriage.”

As Qi Zhao’s fingers traced along Mo Jiuli’s skin, the latter gritted his teeth, refusing to admit defeat, yet unable to resist entirely.

“It’s something private, meant only for those who love each other. That’s why I want to be the one to teach you. I don’t want you looking at other people in books—I only want you to see me.”

Bai Fanlu silently read the lines, feeling embarrassed even as he voiced them.

His script even included little sound effects he had to deliver.

“Who wants to look at you…”

Qi Zhao chuckled softly. “But I really want to look at you. Not just that—I want you to belong to me, and only me.”

Mo Jiuli, his breath quickening, pushed Qi Zhao away and fled.

Qi Zhao laughed and summoned his mount, Snow from Behind the Mountain. “Take him home.”

“Aren’t you going to go after him yourself, My Lord?”

“I think I scared him tonight. I’ll give him some time to think it over.”

Whether Mo Jiuli heard these words or not, Bai Fanlu couldn’t tell. But they were part of the plot he had seen and heard.

Though that night’s events stopped short, Mo Jiuli remained in a daze for several days, even losing focus while painting.

He seemed just like before, yet undeniably different.

Act III: Affections, complete.