"I'll do it myself," Su Ran said indifferently, glancing at Ji Chun. He leaned forward and drank the medicine from the spoon, immediately frowning at its bitter taste. Without a word, he reached out to take the medicine bowl from Ji Chun's hands, intending to finish it quickly. But as the strong, bitter smell hit him, he hesitated. His face clearly showed his distaste as he stared at the light brown liquid in the bowl.
Ji Chun noticed Su Ran's hesitation and understood the reason from his expression. He felt a small, secret urge to laugh. Who would have thought that the feared leader of the Demonic Cult was afraid of bitter medicine? "Is it bitter?" Ji Chun asked, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of amusement.
Though Ji Chun didn't show it openly, Su Ran sensed the subtle mockery. He raised his chin defiantly and replied, "It's not bitter!" His competitive nature refused to let him admit any weakness.
Ji Chun said nothing more, but his expression seemed to say, Then drink it quickly.
Su Ran took a deep breath, steeling himself like a hero facing death, and brought the bowl to his lips. He took several large gulps, the bitter liquid flooding his taste buds and burning his throat. As the medicine settled in his stomach, he grimaced, sticking out his tongue slightly to try to dispel the unbearable bitterness.
"Wait," Ji Chun said, unable to watch him suffer any longer. He quickly stood up and left the room, heading to the front of the shop to find some candied fruits.
Su Ran stared blankly at Ji Chun's retreating figure, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. He was annoyed at having lost face in front of Ji Chun and resolved not to show weakness again. This monk secretly loves me, he thought, so I'll play along and never let him see me falter.
Ji Chun returned shortly, holding a small paper bag. He walked to the bed and handed it to Su Ran, his expression slightly awkward. "Here… candied fruit," he said in a deep voice.
Su Ran eyed him suspiciously before opening the bag. Inside were sweet and sour candied fruits. He picked one up and popped it into his mouth, savoring the delightful contrast to the bitterness of the medicine. His eyes narrowed in satisfaction, and he pointed to the bed, saying, "Sit down."
After watching Su Ran struggle through the medicine, Ji Chun took the empty bowl and carefully helped him lie back down. "Rest for a while," he said gently.
Su Ran wasn't particularly sleepy, so he lay on the bed, staring idly at the bed curtains. Knowing Ji Chun was still nearby, he asked, "How did you find me?"
"I asked Yun Mushang," Ji Chun replied calmly, sitting back on the stool beside the bed.
"And when did you realize I was missing?" Su Ran pressed.
"The night you left," Ji Chun answered, his tone even. He avoided looking directly at Su Ran, keeping his gaze lowered.
"Why… did you save me?" Su Ran asked casually, his eyes still fixed on the bed curtains. His fingers unconsciously gripped the corner of the quilt.
Ji Chun fell silent. He didn't know how to answer, nor did he dare to meet Su Ran's gaze.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Su Ran demanded, turning his head to stare at Ji Chun. He was determined to see how long the monk could keep up his act.
"I don't know," Ji Chun whispered, his palms growing damp under Su Ran's intense scrutiny.
Su Ran reached out and covered Ji Chun's hand, tightening his grip slowly. He stared into Ji Chun's eyes and asked pointedly, "Then why were you holding my hand while I slept?" Damn this monk, he thought. How dare he act so innocent?
Ji Chun's face flushed crimson, his ears turning red as well. He pulled his hand back awkwardly and stammered, "It… it was an accident."
Su Ran couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at Ji Chun's embarrassment. The frustration he'd felt earlier melted away, replaced by a mischievous glee. "So, Dashi," he said in a teasing tone, "do you often 'accidentally' hold a man's hand?"
Ji Chun was at a loss for words. He knew he had crossed a line and lowered his head, remaining silent. How can this man be so energetic after just waking up? he wondered.
Su Ran sighed dramatically, pretending to be hurt. "You're usually so quick to lecture others. Why so quiet today? Are you tired of me?"
"No," Ji Chun replied quickly, eager to change the subject. "Are you hungry? I'll get you some food."
"I'm starving," Su Ran said, reaching down to touch his belly. As his hand brushed over the slight bulge, he paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "How is… the little one?" he asked quietly.
"The child is fine," Ji Chun said, his voice softening. A hint of tenderness crept into his tone as he added, "Just… try not to be so impulsive in the future."
"I know," Su Ran murmured, his hand resting on his rounded stomach. He wondered if there really was a baby growing inside him. If the child were born, would it fear him?
"I'll get the food," Ji Chun said, standing up and leaving the room. He returned shortly with a steaming bowl of congee. Walking to the bed, he carefully helped Su Ran sit up and handed him the bowl.
Seeing Ji Chun sitting quietly on the bench without saying a word, Su Ran felt bored and decided to break the silence. "What have you been doing these past two days?" he asked.
"Trying to gather information and find out where you were," Ji Chun replied. He thought back to the days when Su Ran had been missing, and how he had felt almost possessed by worry. He had skipped meals and rushed around day and night, a heavy weight pressing on his heart that left him no peace.
Hearing this answer, Su Ran felt a surge of joy and satisfaction. The corners of his mouth curled up involuntarily. This monk is truly devoted to me, he thought silently. "Well, from now on, you'll just follow me," Su Ran said, taking a deep breath to suppress his nervousness and speaking in a tone that sounded casual and natural.
"What?" Ji Chun was taken aback. He found Su Ran's words strange. Hadn't they always traveled together? Why was Su Ran now insisting that he follow him? Did he want Ji Chun to join the Demonic Cult? The thought made Ji Chun uneasy, and he quickly replied, "Thank you, Sect Leader Su, but I'd rather remain a Shaolin disciple."
Su Ran was stunned. He realized that Ji Chun had misunderstood him. What he had meant to say was, Since you have feelings for me, and I don't hate you, I've decided to accept you as my husband. But now, it seemed Ji Chun thought Su Ran was asking him to betray Shaolin and join the Demonic Cult. Though he's not entirely wrong, Su Ran thought. If he becomes mine, he can't remain a Shaolin monk.
Recalling Ji Chun's response, Su Ran felt a surge of anger, and his expression darkened. This was the first time he had decided to take a man into his confidence, and yet Ji Chun had rejected him without a second thought. How ungrateful! Su Ran seethed. Fine, Ji Chun, you stubborn monk. Remember this. One day, I'll make you admit it to my face!
Ji Chun, unaware of Su Ran's thoughts, noticed the man's anger. Of course he's upset, Ji Chun reasoned. As a leader, he asked me to join the Demonic Cult, and I refused outright. It's only natural he'd be angry. After a moment of hesitation, Ji Chun added, "As long as you don't do anything that goes against the natural order, I'll help you."
"You!" Su Ran was furious. Despite the pain, he turned over to face the wall and growled, "I'll do whatever I want, even if it's against the natural order! Get out!"
Ji Chun was taken aback by the outburst. This man is becoming more and more temperamental, he thought. Not wanting to argue, he remained silent and left the room quietly. Before closing the door, he said, "If you feel unwell, call for me."
Damn monk! Su Ran fumed. Don't you have any shame? You clearly have feelings for me, yet you act like some saintly monk! Do you expect me to beg you? Hmph! Just wait. I'll see how long you can keep up this act! Su Ran clenched the corner of the quilt, his anger simmering. He gritted his teeth, already plotting how to deal with this arrogant, ungrateful monk in the future.
After leaving the room, Ji Chun wasn't sure what to do, so he went to the front of the shop to help the old doctor. Over time, the two became more familiar. Thinking of Su Ran's injuries, Ji Chun took the opportunity to ask, "Doctor, how long will it take for my friend to recover? We have some matters to attend to and need to travel soon."
The old doctor glanced at Ji Chun, stroking his gray beard thoughtfully. "He'll need at least half a month to recuperate," he said slowly. "But I have some concerns." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "He's four months pregnant, and his belly is starting to show. In the coming weeks, it's best to avoid appearing in public too often to prevent drawing attention and causing unnecessary trouble. So, I'm curious, Young Dashi—how do you plan to continue your journey? It's not easy for a man to be in this condition. You'll need to be patient and understanding."
Ji Chun felt a pang of guilt at the old doctor's words. "Thank you for the reminder, Doctor," he said quietly. "These things aren't important. Once he's recovered, I'll take him to a safe place. We'll wait until after the birth before making any further plans."
"It'll be more than five months," the old doctor said, his tone kind but firm. "You'll have your work cut out for you. Whether it's a man or a woman, pregnancy is a challenging time. You'll need to take good care of him."
"I'll keep your advice in mind, Doctor," Ji Chun replied, nodding. His heart softened as he thought of Su Ran. This man has suffered so much. If it weren't for me, he wouldn't be in this situation. From now on, unless it was absolutely necessary, Ji Chun resolved to go along with Su Ran's wishes and avoid upsetting him.
At noon, the old woman brought food to the shop for the doctor. She smiled warmly at Ji Chun and said gently, "Young Dashi, don't be so formal. Go to the kitchen and get some food for yourself and your… wife… ehh friend."
Wife…The word brought Su Ran's beautiful face to Ji Chun's mind, and his heart stirred. If only I weren't a monk, he thought wistfully. But he quickly pushed the thought aside. There was no point in dwelling on "what ifs."
Carrying the meal, Ji Chun stood in front of Su Ran's door and knocked lightly. After a moment, Su Ran's muffled voice came from inside. "Come in!"
When Ji Chun entered, he saw that Su Ran had just woken up. His face was flushed, and his eyes glistened with a hint of moisture. His long hair was disheveled, some strands damp with sweat and clinging to his flawless skin. The sharp, fierce aura he usually carried had faded, which left him looking vulnerable and pitiful.
"Eat. This humble monk will help you sit up," Ji Chun said, suppressing the inexplicable flutter in his chest and speaking in a low, steady voice.