Watching Yunyi’s solemn expression, Huo Jingrui felt inexplicably nervous. "Go ahead and ask."
Yunyi considered for a moment. "Do you have a girlfriend, or are you engaged?"
Huo Jingrui’s tense heart relaxed upon hearing this, and he suddenly laughed. "No."
Since they rarely had the chance to meet, Yunyi didn’t want to wait any longer. She wanted to secure him for herself as soon as possible. "Do you think..."
Before she could finish, Huo Jingrui stood up.
He also took a step forward and gave Yunyi a military salute. "Chu Yunyi, my name is Huo Jingrui. I am twenty-five years old, unmarried, and have never been in a relationship. My family has not arranged a fiancée for me. I have served in the military for seven and a half years and am currently a battalion commander. My salary is seventy-eight yuan, excluding mission bonuses, and I have no bad habits."
After a short pause, he added, "I would like to date you with the intention of marriage."
He felt this was somewhat abrupt and hurriedly explained, "Since we parted, I’ve been thinking of you constantly. I think I’ve fallen for you. Is that okay?"
He had hurried to speak because of his intuition; he felt Yunyi might like him too. If his feelings were reciprocated, he believed it was better for the man to speak up first in such matters.
Secondly, even if she didn’t, he wanted to take this chance; he didn’t want to give up without trying.
After speaking, he kept his eyes fixed on Yunyi, awaiting her reply.
Yunyi deliberately didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she kept staring at him until he grew uneasy. Then, she smiled and extended her hand. "I agree."
Huo Jingrui was visibly excited. "I, I just knew you felt the same!"
He raised his hands, wanting to embrace her, but then hesitated, afraid she might get angry. His expression made Yunyi laugh outright.
Since he was her destined one, there was no need for formality. She reached out, embraced him, and leaned against his chest, taking a deep breath. This was the embrace she had missed for so long.
It was truly comforting, and her eyes moistened involuntarily.
At first, Huo Jingrui was somewhat taken aback. But gradually, he lowered his hesitant hands and held her tightly. "Ever since we separated, I don’t know what’s happened, but I dream every single time I sleep."
He looked up and saw Yunyi’s eyes widen in disbelief, a reaction that soon melted into an understanding smile.
He handed over the Jade Pendant. "What’s wrong?"
Yunyi’s hand trembled slightly as she took the pendant. She had never imagined that this Jade Pendant, which she had personally carved from a Spirit Crystal found on Snow Spirit Mountain in their first life, would have accompanied them to this one.
She was smiling, but her eyes were brimming with tears.
Huo Jingrui felt a sudden pang in his heart. "Don’t cry. It hurts me to see you cry."
Yunyi caressed the Jade Pendant. Recalling the events on the mountain that day, she instantly understood. "Keep this safe. Having it with you will put my mind at ease."
No wonder Huo Jingrui said he’d been dreaming frequently ever since they came down from the mountain. It seemed the Jade Pendant was the reason.
She clearly remembered that on that day, her blood had dripped onto the pocket of Huo Jingrui’s jacket—precisely where this Ice Crystal Jade Pendant, seemingly made of Ruyu, was kept.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant