"I trust you," he says, drawing back a little so he can look up at Jin Ling's face, so he can see how seriously Yuan is taking his words. "I love you too. Forever, no matter what." he echoes.

He looks down at the ring before closing his fingers around it, clutching it so tightly it almost digs into his palm.

"It's beautiful. I'll treasure it always." he promises, voice cracking a little in a way that has nothing to do with the injury to his throat.

It's not the only thing, he's still got the box with the peony stored safely away, but he likes the ring, something he can keep on himself every day, a simple reminder no matter where he is that he is loved, and that Jin Ling is out there somewhere, even if they can't be together.

For now, he tells himself, it's only for now.