Chapter 69
Su Ran leaned his face against Ji Chun's, his entire body molding against the taller man's frame. "Today...is my father's death anniversary," he began, his voice steady at first. "I was born into the Demonic Cult. My father was just a low-ranking member until he saved the former leader's life and was promoted to Hall Master."
The night air grew heavier as Su Ran continued. "I remember him as kind—until the day a group of sect members took my mother by force. After that, he became a different man. Violent. Unstable. He abused her relentlessly until her death, showing no remorse." A tremor entered his voice. "On New Year's Eve when I was ten, he came home drunk—tried to kill me."
Ji Chun felt Su Ran's grip tighten painfully around his hand. "That winter...was so cold. So dark. He knocked over candles as he lunged at me. I only meant to defend myself with a dagger..." A wetness glistened on Su Ran's lashes. "But he fell on the blade. My first kill was my own father." Suddenly, he whirled in Ji Chun's arms, eyes burning. "And I don't regret it! After what he did to my mother, he deserved death!"
Moonlight caught in those fathomless eyes that had first captivated Ji Chun—now swirling with decades-of old pain. He remembered their rainy night embrace, how Su Ran had wept so violently. The ruthless Demonic Cult Leader everyone feared had been forged in this crucible of childhood horror.
After a shuddering breath, Su Ran buried his face in Ji Chun's chest. "Remember this, monk. I've killed my father, murdered my master, seized power through bloodshed. Betray me, and I'll make you beg for death." The threat should have chilled him, but Ji Chun heard the unspoken plea beneath: Love me anyway.
"I vow upon
Su Ran sniffed, rubbing his cheek against Ji Chun's chest like a cat marking territory. When he lifted his face, his teeth found Ji Chun's chin—a sharp nip followed by a soothing lick. The unexpected playfulness dissolved the remaining tension as their noses brushed, breaths mingling.
"Let's go home," Ji Chun whispered.
Hand in hand, they returned to find Su Ran's mood visibly lighter. Later, as Ji Chun sat propped against the headboard with Su Ran pillowed against him, the Demonic Cult Leader suddenly twisted around. "Why is your head still shaved?" He traced the smooth scalp possessively. "You're mine now not Shaolin's."
Ji Chun flushed. "Habit, since childhood..."
Su Ran's smirk widened. "Good. I like it." His fingers lingered. "Once we secure Di Mang, I'll personally explain your departure to those bald donkeys."
Ji Chun could only nod in agreement. Nothing mattered to him except Su Ran. Seeing the satisfied squint in Su Ran's eyes, he felt everything was worthwhile. Su Ran and their unborn child had become his entire world. With the baby due in just a month, Ji Chun had been quietly making plans—though he'd never shared them with Su Ran until now.
He hooked his finger with Su Ran's and whispered, "The child will be here soon. If you still want to pursue Di Mang, we must ensure the baby's safety first."
To his surprise, Su Ran waved a hand dismissively. "I've already considered that. Don't worry about it."
"You have?" Ji Chun couldn't hide his astonishment. "What are you planning?"
"I'll have members of the Demonic Cult come retrieve the child," Su Ran declared, watching Ji Chun's face expectantly. His primary motivation had been to please the monk, who clearly doted on the unborn baby.
But instead of delight, Ji Chun frowned. "The journey would be too harsh for an infant." He hesitated before suggesting, "I was thinking... perhaps we could ask the old doctor and his wife from town to care for the child here, with Doctor Liang's family assisting. They're good people—the baby would be safe with them."
Su Ran considered briefly. Truthfully, he cared little about the child's arrangements—this was all for Ji Chun's sake. "As you wish," he conceded with a shrug.
Relieved, Ji Chun continued, "I've visited the elderly couple several times these past months. They're eagerly awaiting the birth. And Doctor Liang's family is well-respected in the village..." He trailed off, noticing Su Ran's attention waning.
Su Ran gave a perfunctory nod before stretching lazily. He poked his swollen belly and sighed dramatically before rolling over to sleep.
Concerned, Ji Chun leaned closer, brushing Su Ran's cheek. "What's wrong?"
He poked his belly resentfully. "You've made me soft. I should've disposed of this little thief stealing my portions."
Ji Chun chuckled, squeezing Su Ran's hand. "Only because it's ours." Seeing Su Ran return the grip, he settled down beside him, wrapping his arms around his lover as usual.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning after breakfast, they visited Doctor Liang's home. The cheerful Liang Zheng greeted them at the door, his small frame practically vibrating with excitement. Ji Chun presented the New Year's money he'd prepared, making the boy blush with shy gratitude.
Doctor Liang and his wife welcomed them warmly. Examining Su Ran's belly, the doctor remarked, "The birth should come by month's end. Is that miracle doctor of yours on his way?"
"Yes," Ji Chun confirmed gratefully. "We received word he's already traveling here."
"Excellent!" Doctor Liang beamed. "Come to us for anything you need."
His wife added hesitantly, "We heard you'll be staying in Huhua Village awhile. Does that mean after the baby comes...?"
Ji Chun came straight to the point. "We actually came to ask a favor. Truthfully, we're both... men of the underworld with unfinished business. After the birth—"
"Please don't worry," Liang Daosan interjected warmly, her perceptive eyes softening with understanding. "You can trust my husband and me completely with your child's care. Our families have been close for so long, and Su Gongzi is our son's teacher after all." She paused, her voice carrying both reassurance and quiet admiration. "A woman knows these things—I understood your concerns before you even voiced them."
Her gaze shifted between the two men, genuine affection shining through. In her heart, she found their love profoundly moving—how rare and beautiful that two souls could cherish each other so deeply, defying the world's narrow expectations.
Doctor Liang nodded in agreement. "My wife and I discussed this already. We knew from your arrival you weren't ordinary men destined for domestic life. Men like you must have your own paths to walk. You settled in this village for the child's sake, but now that you must leave, entrust them to us. My own child is half-grown—between us, your little one will be safe and well cared for." His expression turned wistful. "Though I must say, what you've built here is remarkable."
Overcome with gratitude, Ji Chun stood and bowed deeply. "Your kindness is unforgettable."
Even Su Ran, usually so aloof, offered rare thanks. "We're in your debt."
"We've also considered inviting two elders from the city to stay with us," Ji Chun explained. "They're both advanced in years and have often asked to see the child after its birth. I believe it would be best for them to spend their remaining days here with us. What are your thoughts?"
"Of course, it's a wonderful idea. To be honest, as a younger man, I should have been the one tending to such matters—but living so far away, I've neglected my duties. You have my deepest gratitude."
Doctor Liang sighed, guilt weighing on his words. He hadn't shown these elders the filial devotion they deserved. Yet if they chose to settle in the village, surrounded by care and companionship, perhaps their twilight years could still be filled with joy.