Heikou (Black Dragon Mouth)
Heicheng (Black Dragon City)
Censorate (Supervisory Court)
Yuling City (Jade City)
Jingui Town (Golden Turtle Town)
...
Rebuilding the houses wouldn't start immediately—they still needed to finalize discussions with Black Dragon Mouth and wait for the finalized data to arrive.
They also had to prepare construction materials, but transportation was an issue. The simplest solution was to wait for the Demon King's return and use the flying vessel.
Then there was the matter of the business trip. The construction teams were made up of wandering demons with no family ties, though a few had already taken a liking to some single demons in the city. By spring, there might be weddings.
But this assignment meant being away for an indefinite period, so Yin Jixue understood if some workers were reluctant to go.
Construction Teams #1 and #2 had roughly the same number of workers. Based on past progress, twenty workers could complete the houses in three months.
With more laborers, they could even divert some from Team #1 to repair the city walls. The walls would have to be handled by Black Dragon Mouth itself—her side would only provide materials and manpower.
After listing everything out, Yin Jixue turned to the labor compensation for the houses.
She couldn't encourage laziness, so even though the houses were free, the recipients would have to repay with labor.
But those demons look severely malnourished—I can't possibly make them work for me right now.
Once the Demon King returned with food, she'd distribute two months' worth of rations. They couldn't eat their fill every day—some grain had to be sent to other cities—but they'd at least get the minimum sustenance.
Black Dragon Mouth had also received sweet taro seeds, though she hadn't seen any arable land during her visit. But if sweet taro can grow in scorched earth, shouldn't it thrive in loess too?
Sweet Taro: I have some choice words, but I'll keep them to myself.
By the time she finished handling miscellaneous tasks, another day had passed.
The Demon King had been gone for over ten days. Barring any mishaps, he'd be back in two or three days.
But before she could start missing him, he was already there.
She rubbed her eyes in disbelief. No, I'm not imagining it—he's getting closer.
Since arriving in the demon realm, her emotions had only fluctuated wildly twice:
On her wedding night.
Right now.
Maybe it was the sunset's warm hues, casting a golden glow over the cold palace, softening everything.
She couldn't quite describe what she was feeling. If she had to express it physically, the urge was to fling herself into his arms.
Pfft, as if I'm some blushing maiden!
If anyone's doing the flinging, it should be him jumping into my arms.
…Fine, if he won't, I'll just hug him myself!
"You're back so soon." Her voice was muffled against his chest—though she'd subtly risen onto her tiptoes.
Lou Zhao didn't know why he'd rushed back either. The flying vessel was still en route, but it felt too slow, so he'd flown ahead alone.
Even though this girl was always spouting nonsense, every time he turned his head and didn't see her, his chest felt hollow.
His queen had noticed him the moment he landed, darting over to wrap her arms around him tightly.
From awkwardly frozen limbs, he gradually relaxed, eventually patting her head gently.
"It was too slow. I came back first."
Yin Jixue nuzzled against him. Good thing I'm not wearing makeup—I'd smear it all over him.
"The flying vessel won't run into trouble, right? What about our supplies?"
Even while hugging her beloved, the Queen never forgets her duties.
Lou Zhao: "..."
"Everything's fine. The supplies are with me." A pause. "Aren't you worried about me?"
Her ears burned, the flush spreading to her neck.
"Why would I worry? You're standing here in one piece."
Lou Zhao didn't know what came over him. As if bewitched, he leaned close to her ear and whispered:
"Then… did you miss me?"
"Boom!"
Fireworks exploded in her mind. The words looped endlessly, a hypnotic spell.
She didn't know how she responded—her brain had short-circuited.
Sure, she loved teasing him, but that was just from watching too many dramas. In reality, her romantic experience was lacking.
In school, while her classmates were dating, she'd wondered what was so great about immature boys. If she ever fell in love, it'd be after becoming financially independent—a first love that lasted a lifetime.
Then the apocalypse hit. She'd seen couples betray each other, and spouses choosing suicide after their partner turned.
She didn't understand such emotions, but she wasn't afraid of love. She still believed in it.
At first, she'd been drawn to the Demon King's looks. Learning his identity had been a relief—at least I didn't marry poorly.
Early on, her knowledge of him came from servants and guards:
A responsible ruler, burdened from birth.
His life was dedicated to the Black Dragon Clan, never his own.
A demon king who bore no resemblance to evil.
As the saying goes: "First drawn by looks, but staying for character."
That was exactly how she felt.
The more time they spent together, the more she saw past his mature exterior to the youthful playfulness beneath.
After all, to the elders, he's still just a "young one."
Yin Jixue finally let go, stepping back—her arms were sore. Smiling up at him, she said:
"I didn't miss the Demon King… but I did miss 'Zai Zai.'"
Lou Zhao frowned. "Who's 'Zai Zai'? Did you pick up another kid?!" Every time I leave, she adopts someone new!
She blinked innocently. "Isn't the little one right in front of me?"
Lou Zhao: "..."
The romantic atmosphere vanished instantly. As he made to storm off—probably to fight Old Demon—Yin Jixue grabbed his arm.
"Are you mad?"
He refused to look at her. Always bullying the Demon King.
"Isn't 'Zai Zai' cute? Don't you like it?"
Her fingers slipped down his arm, inching toward his wrist.
I'm being outrageously bold.
Lou Zhao muttered, "Who'd like a name like that?!"
"But I don't know your real name. Should I just keep calling you 'Demon King'? Or… 'Husband'?"
Why can't I control my mouth?!
Yin Jixue resigned herself to another sleepless night. Every time she teased him into blushing, she was the one left restless.
"You—call me whatever you want." His voice was flustered, but his words were stubborn. "My name… I'll only say it once, so remember it."
Her fingertips had finally brushed his palm.
Lou Zhao jolted as if scalded, but after token resistance, he let her hold on.
She suppressed a grin, but just as her hand fully touched his—
"Ah!"
Lou Zhao flipped their positions, lacing his fingers tightly with hers in a firm grip.
(The female lead is almost seventeen! The age for sweet, innocent romance is coming!)
(But no early dating, kids! Focus on studies! Work toward shared goals—now that's a wholesome love story!)