"Zhong Lin, do you know where Dijun went?" Feng Jiu curiously asked.

"He said that he was going to visit his grandchildren." Zhong Lin responded.

"Thank you, Zhong Lin that is all for now."

"Yes Dihou."

"Hmph. Pitiful grandfather leaving me behind. Now that Qingyan is all grown up, he wants to go and be near her all the time. In that case I will visit my dear Gun Gun." Feng Jiu left Tai Chen Palace and traveled to Qing Qui.

Shiǎn Liàng was taking a stroll thru the ten miles peach grove. She reminisced her childhood years when she played hide and seek. The peach grove was in full bloom showcasing a peaceful and beautiful scenery. She found her favorite tree, climbed it and relaxed there admiring the view.

Meanwhile, Feng Jiu and Gun Gun were leisurely walking enjoying each other company and catching up. "I miss you so much mother. Is a rarity to see you by yourself without lord father hovering around."

Feng Jiu softly laughed at her son comment. "Well today, is one of those oddities, so let's spend the day together and visit your grandparents. We haven't seen them in a while. My handsome son, look how you grown. I bet you have so many princesses lined down for you already. I don't blame them; you are a quite a catch." Feng Jiu pinched Gun Gun cheek.

"They can wait all the want. I'm not interested in any of them." Gun Gun cutely pouted, rubbing his cheek. It reminded Feng Jiu of Dong Hua reaction.

"You are your father son Gun Gun. I can't believe that you haven't introduced one single lady to us already. Look at your sister! She already made you an uncle."

"Qingyan Feng has been bold ever since birth mother. She takes after you. Father still laments her husband selection. Our family gets weirder over time. My niece and nephew share demon blood. Who would it have imagined? My dear sister Queen of the demon realm. I don't know if I should praise her for this daring political move or slap her silly. She really went against the grain."

"Your sister is not senseless Gun Gun, she knew what she did and she is exerting her royal duties with excellency; just like you. We have achieved to unite 3 realms thru peaceful marriage alliances based on love and not forced. Got to love our diverse family. Your father might dislike his son-in-law but your sister and Yan Chiwu are happy Gun Gun, it's what most important. You need to pay them a visit and reconnect with her. When are you going to follow her steps eh? Is there a special lady that is in your heart?" Feng Jiu curiously asked him.

Gun Gun sensed that his mother was probing him. Learning from the cunning foxes of the family, he thought of something fun. "I tell you what mother, let's race to find out. If you win, I'll tell you, if I win, I won't have to answer, deal?"

Feng Jiu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If we are going to race, let's do it on our fox forms without using our powers, and run straight to the peach grove since we are nearby. You might be the new Qing Qui Dijun but the title of Qing Qui Devil is still mine, undefeated." Feng Jiu proudly stated.

"Is that so? All right mother, I accept your challenge and will comply with your conditions." Gun Gun turned into his majestic silver fox form and Feng Jiu into hers. "Very well, no cheating allowed. Ready?"

"Yes mother."

"Gooooooo." Both of them ran fast head-to-head, but Feng Jiu competitive side enabled her to push her limits further and arrived to the peach grove in first place. She was faster than Gun Gun.

"Wow mother, you were not kidding. At your age, and still the fastest fox in our family." Gun Gun was catching his breath. Feng Jiu sat down near one of the trees to rest too.

"My age? You must know that I'm in my optimal shape son. And I'm still undefeated. All right son, fair is fair; I won, so spill the beans. I'm waiting." Gun Gun sat next to her; Feng Jiu couldn't resist the urge to smooth his hair. "Look at you, you still need me to do your hair at your age."

"Mother knows best. I like it when you groom me." Gun Gun happily said.

"You're just like your shameless father. Don't distract me with your sultry looks and tell me who is the special lady in your heart son?"

"Is Shiǎn Liàng mother. I liked her ever since we were children."

Feng Jiu dearly smiled at her son; she wanted him to confirm it. "I knew it was her Gun Gun. She is special, isn't she?"

Gun Gun laid down his head on his mother lap. Feng Jiu perceived that he wanted to be babied on, so she softly combed his hair with her fingers. "To me she is mother. I've kept my distance because I don't want to create distress within our crazy family."

"I see. Do you love her Gun Gun?"

"I do, but I don't know if I should pursue her or not."

"Have you talked to your father about this?"

"I did. He advised me to search within my heart for guidance."

"And what does your heart tell you to do Gun Gun?"

"That I won't love another, mother. I'm sure of that, the rest is still scrambled"

Feng Jiu saw in his black stone eyes that he was certain of his feelings. "It seems to me that you have set your mind on her then. Are you afraid that she might not love you back the way that you love her?"

"That is part of my predicament mother, but it is also our crazy family. I know that her parents might not approve of our relationship, if we decide to establish one."

Feng Jiu sensing worry on his voice, she grabbed his face. "Listen to me my dear Gun Gun, falling in love is never easy. Although love is a beautiful emotion, it doesn't come without difficulties. I strongly believe that is a way for us to strengthen ourselves to see if we are ready to receive and give love back. Your father and I had to pave our way against many adversities for us to be together. We greatly suffered so much. I had to fight against my father when he was alive, because he never approved of your father to be my husband. Also, I faced Qing Qui elders several times to gain their support and on top of that, I fought fate and death. Love is the most powerful force in the universe son. Is the purest of all emotions, it is delicate yet prevailing. It will make you do things that you normally won't do. It will bring out the best of you and bless you with utterly bliss or curse you with great misery when is not corresponded. Yet we all wish to be loved and give love freely. You can't force it, impose it nor control it, but when it comes, you are certain of it. It will grow, mature you and transform you. It won't go away by itself. Time heals all wounds, but the ones of the heart will linger forever. That is why is a serious decision when choosing your mated pair. If Shiǎn Liàng is worthy of your love, your father and I will support you all the way. But you must make the decision; we can't do it for you."

"Did you fall in love with lord father at first sight?"

"The first time I saw him, I chose him to be my mate; however, our circumstances were different than yours Gun Gun. You've been hiding your feelings for so long; it hurts me to see you like this, so vulnerable."

"I say he looks rather pitiful than vulnerable." A familiar voice joined the conversation.

Fùqīn!!! Feng Jiu jumped to Zhe Yan's embrace. "My darling kittling" Zhe Yan hugged Feng Jiu not letting her go. "Oh, it's been so long since I had you in my arms. I knew that both of you were nearby." Zhe Yan expressed.

"Yéyé" Gun Gun happily said.

"Come here snowball, let me see you" Zhe Yan hugged Gun Gun and kissed his forehead. "My two favorite people after my wife. I love you both."

"Where is mǔqīn, fùqīn?" Feng Jiu asked him.

"Cooking up a storm, as soon as we sensed your presence around, she began preparing a feast. Where is your dear old hubby Xiao Jiu it is rare to see you alone?"

"He's visiting Qingyan Feng and our grandchildren."

"Never in a million years would I imagined Dong Hua married with children and grandchildren. That iceberg has surely meltdown a bit." Zhe Yan jokingly said.

Gun Gun laughed out loud. "But lord father loves you too yéyé in his own unique way."

"Haaaaa, that old rock, is always been pitiful when it comes to accept me at his father-in-law. He refuses to address me as such; always giving me a hard time. Threatening me to turn me bald. I still have to find a soft spot on his hard heart."

"Oh, but you two are like children when you are together. Your arguments are fun to watch." Feng Jiu said.

"I have to agree with mother, yéyé." Gun Gun happily said.

Zhe Yan sensed another immortal at his peach grove. He quickly thought of something to distract his visitors. "And you snowball grew to be as shameless as him. Why don't you guys go ahead, I will dig up a couple of wine bottles for us to enjoy." Feng Jiu and Gun Gun took off, while Zhe Yan stayed behind. He walked around and saw an eight tails black white tip fox peacefully resting on one of his trees. Zhe Yan widely smiled, he knew who it was.

"Well, well, well, look who the wind brought in. Shiǎn Liàng you naughty fox, what are you doing here?"

Shiǎn Liàng flutter her eyes and cutely yawned. "Grand uncle Zhe Yan, I felt asleep enjoying the breeze. You know how much I love it here."

"Did you escaped jail time huh?"

"Kind of sort of."

"Well, you are in luck I'm going to dig up a couple of wine bottles, care to lend a hand?"

"Tell me where jiù jiù"

"Third tree on your left near the great one."

"Okay." still on her fox form sniffed the ground around the great tree and dug with her paws the precious wine bottles for Zhe Yan. "Here you go jiù jiù."

"Thank you darling. Since you are here, come let's go eat. Jiùmu is cooking enough for a crowd."

"Let's go then. I can smell it all the way here, it smells really good." Shiǎn Liàng ran all the way to the hut on her fox form. At the entrance she shifted to her human form and washed her hands before entering. Zhe Yan announced their presence to the crowd. "Zhang Yu add another place at the table, look who is joining us today..."

Gun Gun turned around to see Shiǎn Liàng coming in, their eyes met. Time stood still while they gazed one another for what it seems to be an eternity. Nothing else matter around them. The red threads of destiny tied them tightly; forming a strong connection. Zhe Yan saw it and so did Feng Jiu.

"Crown Princess ..." Gun Gun greeted her

"Gun Gun Dijun... She greeted him.

"Ayyyyiooo, enough of formalities. You kittlings must be hungry. Please sit here next to Gun Gun, ." Zhe Yan placed a seat for her. Feng Jiu helped her mother serve the food. Gun Gun without wasting time added food to her plate. "Here Shiǎn Liàng eat first."

"Thank you, Gun Gun." She happily obliged.

Zhe Yan smiled at Gun Gun seeing his reaction; he was pleased, him and Shiǎn Liàng were joyfully chatting not paying attention to others at the table.

"Food was delicious jiùmu, thank you."

"You're welcome Shiǎn Liàng. We miss you having you around. You are welcome to come and visit us any time you want. Zhe Yan told me that you've been on a mission."

"Yeah, you taken after your mother when her father wanted to marry her. Xiao Wu was indeed a troublemaker scaring off all of her potential suitors. Bai Zhi was furious at your mother. It looks like you have followed her footsteps. You have built yourself quite a reputation, just like your mother. You don't want to marry ?" Zhe Yan brought the subject to the conversation on purpose.

"None of those weaklings proved worthy to be my betrothed."

"Is like seeing Xiao Wu all over again. I can't imagine how she's handling your ruckus ways on this Shiǎn Liàng." Zhe Yan laughed.

"She hasn't given up yet. And I haven't either. She keeps setting me up with blind dates and I keep finding unique ways to scare them away. Ah Li helps me out when he's free of his duties."

"That's the spirit !! Your fourth uncle was always your mother backer. There is no harm on having fun."

"Tell that to my mother jiù jiù."

"I should pay her a visit to remind her of her naughty wild days, so she can ease off on you!!!" Zhe Yan happily replied.

"How is Ah Li doing? I miss hanging out with him." Gun Gun asked her.

"He's doing fine, busy with his royal duties as Crown Prince. Mother is also looking to match him before he inherits the throne but Ah Li doesn't bother with mother blind dates. He appeals to father to send him away on missions and gets away with it. I think he's waiting for a special lady to give his heart to."

"How about you? Are you waiting for someone special Shiǎn Liàng?" Feng Jiu asked her.

"You can say that xiao jiùmu." Shiǎn Liàng lowered her face and ate looking at Gun Gun.

"Ah, you know Gun Gun is also waiting for a special someone too." Feng Jiu added.

"Mother, please!!" Gun Gun said embarrassed.

"Is true. He's not interested in any of the princesses that are interested in him Shiǎn Liàng.

How come Gun Gun?" Zhang Yu asked intrigued. "You're quite a catch."

"That's what I told him, mǔqīn!"

"Mother, please stop embarrassing me in front of Shiǎn Liàng."

"I just tell it like it is son." Feng Jiu said.

Zhe Yan served the wine to everyone. After a while everyone continued with their conversations. Gun Gun joined in on their jokes and laughter, which was odd for Feng Jiu to see him like this; but she refused to interrupt their good time. Gun Gun and Shiǎn Liàng were themselves, free of appearances and etiquette. She wished that Dong Hua witnessed the moment. She sneaked out along with her parents and left Gun Gun and Shiǎn Liàng at the table catching on.

"Mǔqīn, fùqīn aren't they delightful to watch?"

"They seem so happy with one another because they're fated. I knew it the moment when she was born." Zhe Yan said.

"Dong Hua told me that same fùqīn but I don't know how our family will handle their relationship if they ever decided to be together."

"Darling, don't forget that our kind are open minded and care free. We don't care about these trivial matters." Zhang Yu said.

"I know that grandfather and grandmother and perhaps fourth uncle won't have an issue with them, but Gugu is another story. Not to mention uncle Ye Hua. Celestials are stricter with these things."

"Do not worry about that sweetheart, every parent wish to see their children happy. Didn't we support your relationship with Dong Hua when you decided to be with him? Dong Hua didn't have a love fate darling; it was nearly impossible to be with him, but things turned out to your favor after all."

"I know fùqīn, perhaps they can also write their own destiny like we did."

"Trust me Xiao Jiu, they will be together against all odds. And we will be with them to support them, just like we were with you sweety. Our grandson deserves to be happy." Zhe Yan said.

"Thank you fùqīn."

Meanwhile Shiǎn Liàng realized that it was getting late, so she alerted Gun Gun. "It was good seeing you again Gun Gun, but I need to leave now before I get in trouble."

"Let's take a walk; I'll make sure that you get home safely."

"All right."

They got up and unhurriedly walked thru the peach forest in silence. Both eager to say something but at the same time afraid to ruin their evening.

"Shiǎn Liàng..."

"Yes, Gun Gun?"

"We had a great time. Please take good care of yourself and stay out of trouble." Gun Gun hesitantly told her.

Shiǎn Liàng got dishearten; she was expecting other words from him. She got fed up with his shyness; she faced him eye to eye. "Gun Gun are you going to leave me hanging here?"

"What do you mean Shiǎn Liàng?" Gun Gun stuttered.

"You can be so obtuse sometimes. Do you miss me?"

"Of course, I do."

"How much you miss me?"

Gun Gun eyes widen, she corralled him and caught him off guard. His ears suddenly felt hot for some odd reason and his heartbeats accelerated. His palms got sweaty and some odd feeling was stirring inside him. Shiǎn Liàng saw that he was not answering, so she decided to leave.

"Goodbye Gun Gun, perhaps you too have proven to be unworthy." She brazenly told him. Turning around and walking away from him.

"Wait Shiǎn Liàng! Please don't go." His chest was hurting and felt out of breath.

"Tell me a good reason why should I stay?"

"Because you are important to me."

"How important?"

Gun Gun encouraged himself and grabbed her hands to meet her gaze. Her beautiful sunlit eyes were radiating many raw emotions. He softly caressed her cheek and lift up her face close to his. Her alluring scent awoke his inner emotions. He said the first words that came out of his mouth.

"Too important to me." He softly placed his lips on hers and for the first time he felt an unknown sensation; desire. Gun Gun ultimately aimed at this feeling and understood that it was good. He slowly opened his eyes to see her beautiful face flushed and lovely. She didn't say a word. He contemplated her beautiful face for a few seconds, hearing her erratic heartbeats. "Shiǎn Liàng... wǒ ài"

Shiǎn Liàng opened her eyes and softly smiled at him. "Wǒ ye ài nǐ Gun Gun." She boldly placed her arms around him then closed her eyes and return his kiss with yearning and hunger. She wanted to show him how she wanted to be kissed. Gun Gun hold tighten around her meeting her desire with each kiss. They were breathless.

A whirlwind of peach blossom flowers encased them as they continued kissing each other. Nature was beautifully giving them a private moment from privy eyes. When they couldn't breathe no more they broke their kiss.