Chapter 62

Su Ran was bored, flipping through a book, when Ji Chun returned and mentioned that a neighbor had gone into the utility room to borrow something. At first, Su Ran paid no mind—until he suddenly sensed a stranger's presence.

Just as he turned, a middle-aged woman strode toward him. His gaze turned icy, sharp as a blade. Since becoming pregnant, he'd grown even more intolerant of uninvited guests, yet here was one who'd dared to enter without a word.

"Who are you?" Su Ran's voice was low and cold. Aside from the swell of his belly, there was nothing feminine about him.

Wang Ergu froze, startled by the masculine voice and the hostility rolling off him. The smile on her face stiffened. After a long pause, she stammered, "I—I'm Wang Ergu, from the house in front. I came to… borrow a bench." Her heart pounded. Why is this woman so man like? So terrifying? The glare Su Ran gave her could've flayed skin.

"Who let you in?" Su Ran's temper flared, his stare darkening.

"I—I—" Wang Ergu couldn't meet his eyes. She wanted to flee but stood rooted, stiff with fear. No wonder this household keeps to itself. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the new, unpacked belongings—luxuries by village standards. A fine redwood table, stacks of silver taels, a crystal jade cup… A pang of envy twisted inside her.

Su Ran sneered, seeing the greed in her eyes. "Ji Chun," he called coldly toward the utility room, "come see our guestout."

Ji Chun, who'd been dusting off stools, recognized the anger in Su Ran's voice. He emerged, carrying the benches, and shot Wang Ergu an apologetic look. "This is Wang Ergu," he murmured to Su Ran, who turned away with a scoff.

Ji Chun sighed. "Here, take these. I'll bring them to your place." He wanted to spare her further humiliation—her husband had helped them move in, after all.

Wang Ergu exhaled in relief as the oppressive atmosphere lifted. She nodded hastily and hurried out, babbling questions at Ji Chun along the way. He answered vaguely: after leaving monastic life and marrying, he'd moved here following his parents' passing.

When she prodded about his "wife," Ji Chun's tone turned guarded. Wang Ergu pitied him—how could such a fine man be shackled to that creature? No softness, no warmth, just a temper and a voice like gravel. Only the pregnancy hinted she was a woman at all.

Her thoughts spiraled. Ji Chun was handsome, wealthy, doting—what if he were her son-in-law? Those silver notes, those luxuries… could all be hers. Guilt flickered, but Su Ran's glare flashed in her mind, smothering it. He doesn't deserve it.

At her doorstep, Ji Chun set down the benches. Wang Ergu simpered, "Thank you! Won't you come in?"

"No need. You have guests." Inside, Wang Ergu's husband laughed loudly with visitors. Ji Chun had no interest in socializing.

Still, she couldn't let him leave without meeting Zhen'er. As if on cue, her daughter stepped out. "Ji Chun, this is Wang Zhen'er," Wang Ergu said, nudging her forward.

Zhen'er blinked, confused. She'd never spoken to this neighbor—why was he here? Under her mother's insistent gaze, she bowed slightly. "Ji Dage."

Recognition flickered in Ji Chun's eyes. This was the girl from the cornfield. But he merely nodded. "I'll take my leave."

"Of course!" Wang Ergu's grin strained her cheeks. She pinched Zhen'er's arm and hissed, "See him off!"

Wang Zhen'er stared at her mother's uncharacteristic enthusiasm in surprise. When Ji Chun turned to leave, her mother shoved her forward. Reluctantly, she stepped out and said, "Ji Dage, I'll walk you back," then trailed behind him at a distance.

Ji Chun, unnerved by Wang Ergu's doting gaze, quickened his pace. Wang Zhen'er, pressured by her mother's expectations, followed despite her embarrassment. Catching up, she offered a flustered explanation: "My mother insisted I see you off."

"No need," Ji Chun replied curtly. Years in the temple had left him uneasy around women.

Wang Zhen'er forced a smile. Returning empty-handed would earn her a scolding, so she grasped for conversation. The village praised Ji Chun as a devoted husband—perhaps that was safe ground. "Ji Dage, how far along is your wife now?"

"Wife?" Ji Chun paused before realizing she meant Su Ran. "Seven months."

"The village says she's the luckiest woman alive," Wang Zhen'er sighed, her voice tinged with wistfulness. "To have a man like you tending to her… She must be beautiful, the envy of every girl here."

Ji Chun's chest tightened with conflicting pride and guilt. He was proud to care for Su Ran, but outsiders didn't see the truth: Su Ran's silent sacrifices, the agony of a man enduring pregnancy. That Wang Zhen'er imagined Su Ran as some delicate beauty almost amused him. "They… are exceptional," he said softly.

Wang Zhen'er blinked. The reticent Ji Chun praising his wife to a stranger? Her curiosity flared. "I'd love to meet her someday."

"They dislikes visitors," Ji Chun cut in. Their life here was temporary; Su Ran had no patience for village gossip.

"Oh." Disappointment flickered across her face, but she dropped the subject. At the path to his home, she bid him farewell.

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Su Ran sat by the window, a pot of tea steaming in a carved jade cup. The rich aroma curled through the room as Ji Chun knelt beside him, hands working the tension from Su Ran's calves. "I bought ingredients for your favorite dishes tonight," he offered.

Su Ran's lip curled. "Stop treating me like a woman."

Ji Chun's fingers stilled. "I didn't mean—"

"Good." Su Ran dropped his other leg onto Ji Chun's lap, demanding further attention. "And keep strangers out. That hag's greed was nauseating."

"Mn." Ji Chun kneaded the taut muscles, then ventured, "Do you know what the villagers say about me?"

Su Ran's gaze sharpened. "Did they insult you?"

Ji Chun hid a smile at his protectiveness. "No. They say I… dote on my wife." A teasing glint entered his eyes. "Guess who they mean?"

"You—!" Heat flooded Su Ran's face. "Demon monk! Sleep in the east room tonight!"

Laughing, Ji Chun rose. "I'll cook to apologize, Sect Leader Su."

Su Ran glared at his retreating back, silently vowing, Just wait. I'll remind you who's in charge.