The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 132: Master and Shi Mo

As evening fell, weary birds returned to their nests. The disciples of Death and Life Peak finished their daily tasks and headed for the Netherworld Hall. But Mo Ran didn't leave, standing by the wooden dummy, seemingly waiting for someone.

Over the years, Xue Meng's relationship with him had improved significantly, especially after Mo Ran found an exquisite spirit stone to embed in Xue Meng's Dragon City sabre. The estrangement between them as brothers had faded. So Xue Meng turned his head and asked, "Are we eating together?"

"I'll be there later."

Shi Mo stood under the remaining sunlight, his skin glowing like porcelain, his beauty unparalleled. Brushing aside a strand of hair from his temple, he asked, "Is Ah Ran waiting for Master?"

"Mm-hmm." Even though Mo Ran had seen him during morning practice, and that year when they joined hands to mend the sky's rift, he'd caught a glimpse of Shi Mo surpassing Xue Meng in appearance.

But now, with the setting sun, as he and Xue Meng stood one in front of the other, Mo Ran still felt a little awkward. It wasn't that he thought Shi Mo was unattractive, it was just...

He couldn't put his finger on it. Mo Ran didn't know what this feeling was. Perhaps he was accustomed to seeing Shi Mo looking delicate, always sheltered behind Xue Meng. He hadn't expected the roles to reverse.

Mo Ran finally smiled at Shi Mo, "I missed the banquet yesterday, so I want to apologize to Master and invite him to a meal down the mountain. That's why I won't be going to the Netherworld Hall today. If you two want to come along, you're welcome."

Neither Xue Meng nor Shi Mo were used to dining with Chu Wanning. They exchanged glances and left. With nothing else to do, Mo Ran squatted on a large green stone, plucked a blade of grass to play with, and waited for Chu Wanning to descend the mountain.

As the sun bled its crimson hue into the sky, and the crescent moon emerged from the purplish-red clouds, a figure strolled leisurely along the bamboo path on the southern peak. The person had changed into a clean white robe and carried a package in hand. Upon seeing Mo Ran, he paused, looking slightly taken aback and uneasy.

"I was just about to look for you for something... Why are you here?"

"I'm waiting for Shifu to have dinner," Mo Ran replied, jumping down from the stone, still holding onto the blade of grass, his smile radiant. "There's a new restaurant that opened up in Impermanence Town. They say the chef used to be famous in the Upper cultivation world, and their pastries are exceptional. I wanted to invite Shifu to try them out."

Chu Wanning glanced at him indifferently from head to toe. "You've grown up, huh? Got some money now?"

Mo Ran smiled but didn't respond.

Chu Wanning harrumphed, tossing the cloth bundle at him. Mo Ran caught it and asked, "What's this?"

"Your clothes," Chu Wanning said, already walking ahead. Mo Ran hurried after him, walking alongside him with a smile. "This fabric is nice – lightweight yet warm. If Shifu likes it, I can have someone alter it to fit better..."

"I don't wear clothes that others have worn before."

Mo Ran was slightly startled, then felt awkward. "That's not what I meant... I saw Shifu wearing it this morning and thought you liked it... It was my oversight. I'll ask someone to go to the shop and get a new one made."

Chu Wanning inquired, "Do you know my size?"

Mo Ran pondered, how could he not know Chu Wanning's measurements?

With his arm encircling him, he could estimate the breadth of Chu Wanning's waist. He knew that when Chu Wanning stood on tiptoe, his chin would rest perfectly on Mo Ran's shoulder. In their intimate moments, Chu Wanning sometimes couldn't resist biting him, leaving two rows of sharp teeth marks near his collarbone that lingered for days.

Of course, he was also aware of the length of Chu Wanning's legs. Those powerful limbs that were so strong in combat appeared helpless when wrapped around his waist, with slender calves trembling slightly and rounded toes tensing tightly...

How could he not know the width of Chu Wanning's shoulders or the full, rounded curve of his hips?

Unfortunately, Chu Wanning, innocent as ever, was unaware of the absurdity of his question, believing it to be a profound query that had stumped his talented disciple, Mo Weiyu.

Chu Wanning brushed away his sleeve, saying, "If you don't know, why are you even sewing clothes?"

"..."

Mo Ran found himself speechless.

He couldn't very well admit that he did know, that even while kneading dough balls, his thoughts would inadvertently wander to Chu Wanning's figure from the previous day, the well-proportioned silhouette in the misty waters of the Wonderful Sound Pond, as firm and appealing as he remembered.

His mind then wandered further to Chu Wanning's lips, pale and thin, which had once struggled to swallow him, contorting in pain, his throat constricting, trying to retch.

Mo Ran closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing, but inwardly he cursed himself as an animal.

Respect him, love him, and never again entertain improper thoughts.

Respect him... Respect him...

Taking two deep breaths, he managed to suppress the burning desire, but the dumplings he'd rolled seemed too large. His master might find them sticky in his mouth, so he discarded them and started anew. This time, he crafted three dainty ones. Mo Ran held them between his fingers, comparing their sizes and contemplating for a moment. He imagined Chu Wanning's delicate lips parting, his warm mouth enveloping the sweet glutinous balls...

A flick of the tongue, like a gentle flame igniting Mo Ran's emotions, claiming his very life.

He knew intimately the capacity of Chu Wanning's mouth for sweets, yet that man had actually asked him – did he know his clothing measurements?

That question was like the soft tip of a cat's tongue, teasing his chest.

Mo Ran dared not dwell on it further, bowing his head as he replied, "Of course, I would consult with Master before tailoring any clothes."

Chu Wanning looked at him quizzically. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Mo Ran answered.

"Why is your voice hoarse?"

"…From getting too heated."

Chu Wanning froze for a moment, as if recalling something. He swiftly turned his face away, pressing his lips together tightly. A frown gathered between his brows, while the back of his ears tinged with a faint blush.

This subtle flush only faded as they arrived at Impermanence Town and sat down in the newly opened Zhongqiu Pavilion's window-side private room.

It was the first time Mo Ran had sincerely invited Chu Wanning to a meal. Although he had done so before, those were either out of obligation or necessity, making this occasion feel genuinely different.

A waiter from Zhongqiu Pavilion first served them a pot of Lushan Mist tea, accompanied by sunflower seeds and nuts. Then, with great respect, he presented two bamboo scrolls containing the menu to the two Immortal Lords of the Summit of Life and Death. Mo Ran took the scrolls, smiled naturally at the waiter, and said, "Thank you."

Chu Wanning lifted his gaze slightly, looking at Mo Ran.

This person didn't have the habit of expressing gratitude before.

"You can order whatever you like, Shifu. But I recommend their pine nut mandarin fish. It's said to be both sweet and sour, and looks very appealing."

Chu Wanning nodded. "Then let's have that. You decide on the rest."

Mo Ran smiled. "Then I'll tailor it to your taste."

Chu Wanning said nonchalantly, "You know what I like to eat?"

"Uh-huh, I do."

Though he had known before, he would always forget.

Not anymore.

As he was reading the bamboo scroll, he suddenly heard footsteps coming from the staircase. The tinkling of a beaded curtain caught his attention. A waiter's voice echoed, "Oh, Immortal Sir, this way please. The two people you're looking for are in a private room... Yes, yes, the drinks haven't been served yet."

A delicate, fair hand gently lifted the green gauze curtain, revealing a string of agate beads.

A stunning man with soft, black hair and rosy lips appeared at the door, a jug of wine in hand. His eyes held a smile as pure as the clear sky after a rainstorm. Mo Ran turned around, clearly surprised. "Shi Mo? Why are you here?"

"In the Netherworld Hall, I ran into Lord Zun. He heard that you two came down the mountain to dine here. Knowing that this restaurant is newly opened with good dishes but no aged wine, he sent me with a jug of White Apricot Blossom," Shi Mo explained, swaying the red clay wine jug in his hand. The jug was wrapped in bamboo vines, looking sturdy and charming. The sound of the liquid inside could be heard, and the aroma of the wine seemed to seep through the clay seal.

Shi Mo chuckled. "Fortunately, I made it in time. Otherwise, if you had already ordered drinks, my visit would have been unnecessary."

Chu Wanning asked, "What about you? Have you eaten?"

"I'll eat when I get back. The Naihe Hall won't close that quickly, so there's still time."

"There's no need to leave now that you're here." Chu Wanning, being a polite person, said, "Sit down and join us."

"This... I'm afraid it'll be an expense for Aran."

Mo Ran smiled and said, "How could it be? It's just a matter of adding a chair and a set of utensils." As he spoke, he instructed the waiter to bring another set of bowls and chopsticks. This Zhongqiu Pavilion was indeed lavish; even the utensils in the private room were intricately inlaid with gold and silver threads, shimmering beautifully under the candlelight.

Shi Mo took his seat and filled three cups with pear blossom wine in the luminous night cups. The rich, fragrant aroma of the wine instantly suffused the entire table. This scent was intimately familiar; after Shi Mo's demise in a previous life, Mo Ran had partaken of it. And when Chu Wanning passed away, Mo Ran spent an entire night drinking it atop a roof.

Now that the calamity has passed, both of them have survived.

Suddenly, Mo Ran found that those past possessiveness and love no longer seemed as significant. The two people who had treated him best in his life were still alive, and he could afford to treat them to a meal and a drink. That was enough for him.

Three cups and two glasses, they equal the boundless landscapes of a past life.

"Excuse me, waiter, I'd like to order a dish of Pine Nut Mandarin Fish, followed by Crab Powder Lion's Head, Crystal Trotter, Cherry Ham, Three Delicacies Soup, and Zongzi-style Steamed Pork with Rice Flour. All of these dishes should be without any spiciness. Then, I'd like to have a portion of Sichuan Boiled Fish, Mapo Tofu, Husband and Wife's Lung Slices, and Kung Pao Chicken, which should be heavily spiced and numbing. For the salty snacks, I'd like to order Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Pork Ribs with Soy Sauce, Dried Scallops with Bean Curd, and Black Bean Chicken Feet. As for the desserts..." Mo Ran glanced at Chu Wanning, closed the bamboo menu, "I won't go into details, just bring us one of each."

Chu Wanning didn't even raise an eyebrow. "We can't finish it."

Mo Ran said, "Take it back with us."

"It'll be cold by then."

"...Ask Old Lady Meng to warm it up."

Chu Wanning felt that Mo Ran's behavior was akin to a merchant who had struck gold overnight and was now recklessly extravagant. He was too lazy to argue further, so he opened the bamboo scroll in front of him and scanned the menu. "I'd like one Yunnan bean roll and one leaf dumpling, along with three sweet red bean soup balls. Thank you."

The dishes arrived promptly. Shi Mo enjoyed spicy food, while Chu Wanning avoided anything red. So Mo Ran ordered separately, resulting in a table divided into half with fresh and light flavors, and the other half with bold and fiery hues. The contrast in colors unexpectedly created an appealing sight.

"Here comes the last dish, our signature specialty: pine nut mandarin fish!"

With the waiter's announcement, two attendants brought out a plate of Mandarin fish with a glossy sauce and rich aroma. The fish appeared to weigh at least five pounds, fried to a golden crisp and served on a vast celadon platter. Its body was sliced evenly into petal-like shapes, drizzled with a bright red and sweet sour glaze, sprinkled with green peas, thin slices of ham, and translucent shrimp. The presentation was visually stunning and instantly whetted one's appetite.

Chu Wanning had a sweet tooth, especially for sweet and sour flavors. Although his expression remained unchanged, his eyes couldn't help but brighten upon seeing the fish.

This change in his gaze did not escape Mo Ran's notice.

The waiter glanced at their table and, noticing that there was still space in front of Shi Mo, prepared to clear the dishes to make room there. However, someone beat him to it, already rearranging the tabletop. Mo Ran stood up and moved the few meat dishes that Chu Wanning barely touched to his side. Then, he placed several spicy dishes with good flavors in front of Shi Mo. This way, space opened up in front of Chu Wanning. Smiling at the waiter, Mo Ran said, "Put the fish here."

"Alright, right away!"

Encountering such a considerate customer who helped adjust the table himself, the waiter was naturally delighted. He immediately took the plates from the attendants with a wide grin, placing them on the cleared space, and bowed respectfully as he retreated.

Mo Ran's rearrangement was done effortlessly, and anyone watching would have thought he was simply assisting the waiter. But Shi Mo perceived the favoritism behind it. He was slightly surprised by Mo Ran's action, his eyes flickering with fragmented light before he lowered his gaze, seemingly a bit disheartened.

Shi Mo felt that after five years, not only had Mo Ran's appearance changed, but the affection he showed him seemed to have faded significantly.

He enjoyed eating pine nut-stuffed mandarin fish too. Why did Mo Ran place it so far from him? Was he unaware? Or...

Or had his heart changed, no longer the same as before.

Shi Mo was not a man who undervalued himself. His looks and temperament surpassed Chu Wanning's, and even in the entire cultivation world, few could compare to his attractiveness.

But at this moment, he suddenly felt a touch of uncertainty.

He knew that when Mo Ran was young, he appeared flirtatious and fickle, his affection for beautiful appearances seemingly boundless. But it had all been an illusion. To Mo Ran, the most precious thing was true friendship.

If someone gave him a mere ounce, he would repay them with a thousand ounces.

Now that their past grievances were reconciled, Chu Wanning's kindness to Mo Ran surpassed anything Shi Mo could offer. Thinking of this, a chill suddenly washed over Shi Mo's heart. He lifted his face abruptly to study the two figures illuminated by the lamplight.

One sat with his head bowed, drinking wine. His phoenix eyes were as serene as water, his eyelashes like a veil of smoke, his expression and demeanor both subdued.

The other, with a bright smile, propped his cheek on his hand, gazing at the one drinking. Sparkling lights reflected in his eyes, like a spring night with snowy pavilions and moonlit pear blossoms. When his lashes fluttered gently, it was as if ripples spread across a lake, stirring countless stars. The depth of emotion in those eyes might have even been unknown to their owner.

Lost in thought, Shi Mo inadvertently nudged his elbow against the chopsticks, causing them to clatter to the floor with a "pat" sound. Regaining his composure, he hastily apologized and bent down to retrieve them.

As he leaned forward, he froze for a moment.

The chopsticks had landed perfectly beside Mo Ran's boot. Their lustrous sheen lay quietly, awaiting his attention.

He could have asked the server for another pair, but Shi Mo never liked to inconvenience others. Perhaps, in the face of such disparity, even the most composed and self-assured person might feel a tinge of resentment and confusion. Or maybe it was simpler than that; sometimes, a person's actions truly stem from a fleeting thought.

For Shi Mo at this very moment, fate seemed to conspire, making him genuinely curious about how much affection Mo Ran still held for him. With a hint of hesitation and a passing thought, he lowered his head, extending his slender, pale hand to pick up the chopsticks that rested near Mo Ran's feet.

The chopsticks had fallen too close, and so it was only natural that when Shi Mo picked them up, the back of his hand brushed against Mo Ran's calf.

Author's Note:

"When I Have Money"

Mo Ran: Read the main story.

Chu Wanning: Impossible. Buying various mecha materials is very costly; I couldn't possibly have a lot of money.

Ye Wangxi: Possessions are but trifles, sufficient is enough; it's better to donate them.

Mei Hanxue: Buy trinkets to charm the ladies.

Nan Gongsi: Do you really think having money brings happiness? You have no idea about the agony of being someone as wealthy as me.

Xue Meng: Once I'm wealthy, the first thing I'd do is humanely eliminate fools like the one upstairs. I'm more than eager to understand your pain. So, hand over your treasure trove to me, please.