The days pass.
Of course the news spread wider about the romance and made up drama between Yuheng and his disciple. Everyone talked about it.
No one did not know about it.
You might as well be living under a rock if you had not heard.
Because of this Yuheng and Mo Ran didn't leave their home. For a day or two.
After those days Mo Ran wanted to go out on a walk, a date with his wife. Maybe even show off.
It was satisfying seeing people talk about them. Though he did not like hearing about some made up drama between him, Wanning and Tanlang. He did not steal anyone!
But he can't say much. The fact of the matter is he's married to Wanning and they are having a baby. He is. Not anyone else.
After walking around for a while talking, they decide to go into Mengpo hall for lunch. Mo Ran has been cooking so Wanning agreed easily, wanting his husband to take a break from making all their meals.
As they walk closer to the door they can hear the noise. It only get's louder and louder. The noise is something the two don't mind. The Red Lotus pavilion is so quiet that it's almost unnerving. They love it.
Some days it feels like it's just them in the world.
Other days it's so silent it's insane inducing. Talking to each other doesn't make it less mind breaking. Those days they'd visit Zhengyong or Chuqing.
Now they can go out and not worry.
The meeting didn't go the way either thought it would. Being late is included in that. But after the meeting is over everyone leaves but very slowly. Everyone wanting a look at Wanning. He continues to sit down talking to Chuqing.
As they enter the room, it gets quiet immediately. All eyes on them. Mo Ran continues to smiles, not reacting to the attention. He leans over to Wanning. "Go find a seat I'll get our food." he whispers though he didn't need to. It became so quiet that those close to Mo Ran heard what he had said.
Wanning doesn't move for a second. He wanted to do it, get the food and let his husband rest but with him so heavy and pregnant he does not think he can stand in line without a problem. He nods and looks around, not acknowledging the eyes. He finds an empty table. His ears turn pink as he waddles his way to the table. Carefully he sits. Waiting for Mo Ran.
By the time Mo Ran join him, the silence has been replaced with murmurs about him. He decides to let it be and ignore everyone. This is way better than what would happen later if he were to be walking around with an infant. He's sure people would think he kidnapped someone's child.
Mo Ran sets the tray down, revealing two large bowl, rice and sweets to Wanning. He instantly drools, especially at the red broth. He's been loving the spicy stuff. That and he's been hungry with no end in sight. Mo Ran has caught him eating in the middle of the night before he comes back to bed to sleep. Many times. Sometimes he doesn't even remember doing that.
Wanning is focused on eating while Mo Ran is watching Wanning with a sickeningly loving grin. The moment is interrupted by a call of their names. "Yuheng! Ran-er!" Wanning continues to eat. Mo Ran turns at his uncle's call. He stands next to their table, not sitting so he won't join them. "I heard an elder had volunteered you for a mission. Both of you."
"Oh." Mo Ran turns to him as Wanning pays attention to him. He must be asking about that. He knew it would be brought it up.
"Yes. Mo Ran had already gone on a mission no one was willing to go on. He was gone for a month. Another came and he didn't want to go. They tried persuading him. Even tried to get me to go. Of course I couldn't." Yuheng explains motioning to his belly.
"I wanted to rest longer with my family. That didn't seem like a good enough reason for some." Mo Ran adds.
"I see. I got the paper complaining about it. I don't think there's much to say about it. But I thought I'd hear it from your side." he tells them.
"Madam Wang took care of it." Wanning adds.
"I'll talk to him. I don't want him to still be upset even after all this time." Zhengyong says with a grin. He waves them goodbye letting the two enjoy their meal. Mo Ran and Wanning look at each other. They forgot all about it.
Feet touch the pavement heavy but quick.
Left foot. Right foot.
Running. As fast as they can go. Breath heavily as they've been running for a while now.
Shi Mei had heard two people gossiping about it as he came back. But after someone had come up to him and talk to him about it as he walk further into the sect he froze. Unable to believe the news.
He has to see it himself.
It can't be true.
He hasn't been gone that long. No longer than the sect leader and Xue Meng. He said goodbye to them the day he left. So much has happened. He doesn't understand how it all happened.
He runs around trying to find his teacher.
It's not until he runs into madam Wang where he gets his answer. Now with a destination in mind he runs there. Not caring if he was rude. He's not sure he even bowed his head to her.
Once he sees the door he knows Wanning is in he jumps forward, slamming the door open. Shocking all three inside the room. All three pause in their motions, head turning to look at the guest. Wanning sat leaning against a chair, mouth open as his legs are up. No shoes on his feet, bare for all to see, resting on Mo Ran lap who has his bare hands on the sole of the elders feet. Messaging Wanning feet is what Mo Ran is doing, now his focus is on him. Chopsticks in Wanning hand, hovering over the bowl of food being held up by Xue Meng in one hand while his own chopsticks are in the other, who is sharing his food with Wanning. Happy to be able to do that now that Wanning seem to want to eat everything no matter the spice. All three sets of eyes are now looking at him.
He steps closer not caring how they are looking at him curiously. Shi Mei's eyes are more focused on his teacher. Noting the very obvious change. His teachers stomach is large and round. Wanning is very large meaning he was pregnant when he left but since he's doesn't seem to be waiting for the baby to be born that must mean he wasn't that far along when they said their goodbyes.
"Shizun! Your pregnant!" he shouts.
"It's a little rude to be shouting that at someone." Mo Ran says turning to look down at Wanning feet that are in his hands. Continuing his message.
"I..." Shi Mei blinks surprised. He's not wrong but to have it pointed out by Mo Ran of all people is a blow to the gut. Shi Mei fixes himself. Collecting his broken mind as he closes the door. "I apologize." He says as he steps forward bowing towards Wanning. "I just got back and heard the news. I had to make sure it's true." Shi Mei steps closer.
"It's fine. The news is shocking. How was you trip?" Wanning asking putting his chopsticks in his mouth, continuing his meal sharing.
"It was informative... more importantly who is... the... uh..." Shi Mei eyes are glued to Wanning stomach.
Xue Meng huffs a laugh, he motions with his nose to Mo Ran. "The father is currently messaging his wifes sore feet." Xue Meng tells him with attitude.
"I also brought you some food MengMeng." Mo Ran says eyes on Wanning feet.
"What?" Shi Mei says breathless. He looks between the two.
"They even got married. Was your trip hard?" Xue Meng asks pushing something towards Wanning side of the plate of food. Wanning takes it, eating it.
"Not hard but challenging in a good way."
Shi Mei watches as they act normally. This does not seem to be the first time they've done this.
He finds himself joining them.