Chapter 68

Free from outside disturbances, Ji Chun and Su Ran settled into a peaceful domestic rhythm. By mid-to-late November, with the Lunar New Year just over a month away, Ji Chun made an early morning trip down the mountain to visit the old doctor and his wife while stocking up on household supplies.

Snow began falling lightly on his return journey, dusting the path as he arrived home. Pushing open the gate with his purchases, he heard Su Ran conversing with young Liang Zheng inside. A warmth blossomed in his chest as Su Ran immediately came forward, relieving him of his bundles and brushing snow from his shoulders. Noticing the pink tinge on Su Ran's fair cheeks from the cold, Ji Chun tenderly clasped his chilled hands and shepherded both him and the wide-eyed child indoors.

"Why wait outside in this weather?" Ji Chun chided gently as he changed into dry clothes by the hearth's warmth.

Su Ran, unusually bundled in thick layers despite his formidable inner strength, lounged lazily by the fire. "You were due back," he murmured, squinting sleepily.

Ji Chun moved behind him, kneading his shoulders. "The snow's picking up, Zheng'er. Why not stay for dinner?"

"Thank you, Ji Shushu," the boy replied softly, eyeing the worsening storm outside.

"How long has this been going on?" Su Ran grumbled suddenly, shifting uncomfortably in his chair as the weight of his belly pressed awkwardly.

"Nearly eight months now," Ji Chun answered with a soft smile, his thumb unconsciously brushing Su Ran's cheek as he smoothed a frown.

Liang Zheng peered curiously at Su Ran's midsection. "Will there be a baby in two months?"

"Yes," Ji Chun's heart swelled at the thought of their child—a living testament to their bond.

The boy scrambled closer, emboldened by their growing familiarity. Su Ran, unnerved by their twin gazes, stood abruptly with flushed ears. "Haven't you seen a belly before?" he snapped before retreating to the bedroom.

"Ji Shushu, is Shizun angry?" Liang Zheng's eyes brimmed with tears.

"Just tired," Ji Chun reassured, ruffling his hair. "Help me prepare lunch?"

After the meal, as the snow continued falling heavily under leaden skies, Ji Chun settled Liang Zheng in the east room - their compromise after previous quarrels about sleeping arrangements. Returning to the main bedroom, he found Su Ran already in bed. Sliding in behind him, Ji Chun wrapped an arm around his waist, palm resting on the swell of his belly.

"After the baby comes..." Ji Chun ventured hesitantly during the drowsy quiet, "must you still pursue Di Mang?"

"Absolutely." Su Ran's response brooked no argument.

Ji Chun sighed, nuzzling against his back. "Then I'll go with you."

Satisfied, Su Ran patted his arm almost tenderly. "With Di Mang, the Demonic Cult will rule the martial world. You'll stand second to none beside me." He hesitated briefly before adding, "And this child... when we're old, the entire martial world will be theirs to command."

Though Su Ran's ambitions diverged sharply from his own principles, what truly moved Ji Chun was seeing himself and their child included in the man's future plans. That alone was enough. As for Di Mang? If this was what Su Ran desired, why shouldn't he help him obtain it?

New Year's Eve arrived, and Ji Chun noticed something amiss with Su Ran all day. The man seemed distracted, his responses unusually absentminded. Occupied with preparing the lavish holiday feast, Ji Chun left him to his thoughts until evening.

After setting the table with steaming dishes and wine, Ji Chun washed up and went to fetch Su Ran. Outside, fireworks painted the night sky while celebratory firecrackers popped incessantly. Yet their bedroom lay in complete darkness. Concerned, Ji Chun lit a lamp to find Su Ran sprawled motionless on the bed.

Bending down, he brushed his fingers along Su Ran's cheek. "What troubles you?"

After a pause, Su Ran sat up abruptly. "Nothing. Let's eat." He strode out without explanation.

Perplexed but unwilling to press the matter during their meal, Ji Chun followed. The sumptuous spread gradually lifted Su Ran's spirits. He sampled a dish and offered Ji Chun a strained smile. "Your cooking improves daily." Then he began feeding Ji Chun his favorite bites.

The shared meal unfolded comfortably—exchanging food, trading light conversation—until Ji Chun posed an unexpected question: "All this time together, yet I've never asked—how old are you?"

Su Ran paused, chopsticks midair. The realization struck him as absurd. "Twenty-four come tomorrow. And you?"

"Twenty," Ji Chun admitted awkwardly, suddenly conscious of their age difference.

Su Ran's eyes crinkled mischievously. "Such a young monk! Don't worry, this Gege will protect you." He punctuated the tease by poking Ji Chun's hand with his chopsticks.

Ji Chun captured the offending hand, his gaze steady. "I'm not like the others."

Caught in that intense stare, Su Ran conceded with a careless nod. "No, you're not."

Later, stomachs pleasantly full, they ventured outside along the frozen riverbank. The crisp night air carried distant celebrations as Ji Chun wordlessly clasped Su Ran's chilled fingers. "Cold?"

Su Ran burrowed deeper into his robes. "Hold me properly," he murmured, the request uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Ji Chun readily complied, enveloping him from behind—his broader frame easily shielding Su Ran from the wind. Chin resting on Su Ran's shoulder, he nuzzled the cold earlobe beneath his lips. "You've been unsettled all day. Will you tell me why?"

Pressed against the monk's warmth, lulled by the steady breath at his neck, Su Ran finally exhaled the weight he'd carried silently. "These memories... I'd never share them with anyone but you."