He shows her the books.

She flips through it. "Oooh, Keats."

"Only the finest selection of literature. ...and Dracula."

"What's wrong with Dracula?"

"There's nothing wrong with it, it was more 'I can't give Evie only Wholesome Literature, I have to get something fun as well' and then panicking in a bookshop."

"Carmilla is more my favorite vampire."

"I'll have to read it sometime, then."

"She's a lesbian."

"It's a very admirable trait in a vampire."

"I myself have often wanted to be a depraved lesbian vampire."

"Who hasn't? Depravity has a lot going for it."

"It really does. Thank you for the gift. It's so thoughtful. What made you think of it?"

"You mentioned you didn't get to read much when you were younger. I had to guess what you hadn't read yet, but-- I thought you might have wanted more books."

"Thank you." She beams up at him. 'This is exactly what I wanted. I'm so glad to be with someone who wants me for my mind."

Something niggles at the back of Jing Yi's mind: they definitely haven't talked much since they got together, certainly not about intellectual topics.

...Which means he should do that some more, seeing as she has mentioned liking it! "It's a very charming mind! It should be appreciated more."

"Thank you! I've tried to cultivate it. I love the things you notice about me."

"Cultivated in adverse circumstances, which makes it even more remarkable."

She puts her hand on his thigh. "You're so devoted to me."

"I'm glad I'm living up to expectations."

Teasing: "I feel like you'd give me anything I want."

"And I'd be happy to demonstrate that."

"With gifts."

"--I really do need to get you a ring."

"It's all right, proposing with books works just as well." She kisses his cheek. "You didn't ruin my chastity, I don't need a diamond to make up for my loss if you don't make an honest woman of me."

"I still should do it properly." He gets off the couch and onto one knee. It's kind of awkward doing it without anything to hand over, but it probably would be awkward in any case. "I know we've already agreed, but will you marry me?"