Mo Ran and Wanning stand side by side as they watch the scene in front of them from afar.
Madam Wang stood holding onto her husband and son. Not wanting to let them go. She has spent the whole week together with them. Neither were out of her sight for longer than a second. Spending every second with each other. None can complain.
This isn't a typical business trip. A week or two at the longest but never this long. They all know it's going to be longer than what they think. Traveling never goes as planned. For all they know they can be gone for a year.
It's a bit heartbreaking to see but he's the sect leader. They don't have any say. Not really. Plus Zhengyong seems really passionate about this.
"Be careful." Chuqing says.
"We will. Meng-er got my back." Zhengyong says placing a kiss on his wife's hand.
"And dad's got mine." Xue Meng says with a smile. She stares at them both with watery eyes.
"I'm going to miss you both." she says placing a hand on their cheeks, caressing them softly.
"Don't worry mom." Xue Meng says, smile still on his face.
"You won't be alone. Yuheng and Ran-er will be there for you." Zhengyong says. He gives a look at the two. Taking that as their cue the couple walk forward joining the family circle. With the way things are going the two won't leave any time soon. Dawn is beginning to peek over the mountains. They need to leave but madam Wang doesn't seem to want to let them go.
"As promised we will." Wanning nods. Zhengyong smiles. "You two must be careful too."
"Don't be too trusting." Mo Ran says.
Zhengyong lets out a chuckle. "We will. I'll even send a letter noting where we are heading." Getting a look at all three. His wife, friend and nephew. Though at the moment it felt more like wife, daughter and other son. He feels very loved. He wants to hurry and leave so he can hurry and come back.
"That will help. If you are ever in trouble-" Wanning starts but is interrupted, cut off.
"I know you'll come to save us." No doubt in his voice. Xue Meng grins right by his father.
"I'll be expecting those letters." Chuqing says looking into her husbands eyes, letting him know how serious she is.
"I promise." He says leaning close to hug his wife. Xue Meng makes a disgusted face, never enjoyed seeing his parents being lovey dovey with each other. Mo Ran and Wanning look away to give the couple some privacy. Wanning not use to the couple being affectionate. Mo Ran didn't care just choosing to ignore it. More wishing he can be this open with Wanning.
"There shouldn't be too much work that I left but if you don't know what to do you can always ask Yuheng for help."
"I will." Chuqing agrees easily. Even she knows she won't be much help when it comes to sect leader business. She feels rather lucky to have Wanning helping and there's Mo Ran too.
"Dad we should go." Xue Meng says looking at the sun rising.
"We'll see you all soon." Zhengyong says turning to walk down the steps. Mengmeng behind him.
"Safe travels." Chuqing tells them waving good bye. Wanning and Mo Ran waving goodbye along with her.
They watch the two descend the steps down the peak. The couple choosing to stand with Chuqing for when she may need to be comforted.
They stand there for an hour before Chuqing decides to go inside. The couple join her. Still in silence they walk to the main building. Once inside they follow her to her work room. Instead of working the madam sits at the table. Staring at nothing.
"Madam Wang," Wanning calls her. Her eyes look at him. "Is there anything you need help with?" He asks, wanting to get her mind off things for now.
"No." She shakes her head. Wanning stares for a while before deciding not to push. They don't have that close of a relationship. He shouldn't prod, it won't help anyway. He can't tell her to not worry about her husband and son.
"Then I'm going home to do some work. Call if you need anything." Wanning bows to her then stands. He leaves closing the door behind him.
Mo Ran bites his lips. He doesn't want to do this with auntie so obviously sad but if she doesn't talk then he can't do much. He scoots to sit in front of her. "I'll be heading out too auntie. I've got a mission to go on. I'll see you soon."
"Be careful." She says looking at him. He gives her a smile to reassure her. He leaves the room too. Once far enough he rushes to catch up to Wanning. Finding his lover not that far away.
"Wanning." Mo Ran says as he gets closer. Wanning turns to him. Mo Ran smiles as he stops in front of his lover. "I'm going to go on my mission now. I'll see you when I get back." Mo Ran says looking down at the younger man. Wanning nods.
"Be extra vigilant." Wanning says. Mo Ran gives a smiles. He takes a look around making sure the area is empty. Seeing that it is he pulls Wanning against him, capturing his lips. Wanning lets out a squeak, surprised but he melts into it soon enough.
When Mo Ran pulls away he fixes his lovers coat. Making sure it is on and secure. "Stay warm okay." Mo Ran says laying one more kiss on the elders forehead. Not waiting a second he turns and runs.
Wanning can't help but stare. Cheeks flush. A smile does creep onto his face. So full of bliss.
"Wanning!" A voice calling his name close to his ears has him jumping in his skin. He turns to find Mo Ran hovering over his shoulder with a smile on his face.
"Mm." Wanning hums, a brush being held in his mouth. He sets the metal piece and brush down on the table. He then reaches up and takes the brush from his mouth to set it down with the other. "Welcome back." Wanning says getting to his feet. As he stands his vision goes white stumbling back down. Almost if not for Mo Ran watch him. He grabs Wanning before he makes contact with the floor. Wanning stays quiet.
Mo Ran narrows his eyes. "When was the last time you ate?" He questions seriously. Wanning doesn't look at his eyes.
"Diner last night." he answers truthfully. Knowing full well that Mo Ran would see through any lie he try to come up with. Even a lie as simple as having eaten this morning would be easily seen through.
"Ever since you finished those plans for the upgrade you've been working to hard." Mo Ran says worried about how much Wanning never thinks of himself. His eyes brighten as he gets an idea. "Let's have dinner with auntie. I've been thinking about it all day. I'm sure she'd like the company." Mo Ran suggests.
"Sure." Wanning answers. Smiling at the thoughtfulness. He hopes the madam doesn't mind.