The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 137: Master and I Spend the Night Outdoors

Mo Ran's fingertips trembled, his heartbeat racing wildly.

One of the most tragic aspects of being male was that sexual desire could not be tamed by reason. Even if he was a million times unwilling, his lower body still hardened, swelling uncontrollably.

He cursed himself softly, adjusting his posture to conceal it, then leaned forward to serve Chu Wanning another bowl of soup.

As he passed the soup bowl, their fingers brushed against each other. Startled, Mo Ran felt a jolt of electric tingles shoot up his spine, causing him to tremble and spill some of the broth.

Chu Wanning frowned but didn't mind, taking the bowl and drinking from it to soothe the burning sensation on his tongue. Mo Ran watched silently as his lips, reddened by the spiciness, resembled luscious fruits nestled among leaves or vibrant blossoms on a branch.

They would be soft, warm, and moist to kiss...

Slap!

Mo Ran slapped himself across the face.

Everyone was stunned, watching him in stunned silence.

Mo Ran abruptly regained his composure, clearing his throat rather awkwardly as he rasped, "There was a mosquito resting on my face."

"Ay-oh!" A clear and melodious feminine voice suddenly sounded, full of alarm. "Autumn mosquitoes are the most venomous. They're feeding up to survive the winter. Did Immortal Lord bring any herbal ointment?"

"Ah?" Mo Ran was momentarily taken aback, turning to locate the source of the voice. It was a beautiful young woman with sleek black braids, dressed in a jade-green robe. Her features were delicate, her skin fair, but her gaze was bold. Upon meeting Mo Ran's eyes, her expression immediately grew more animated.

Mo Ran failed to react promptly, his mind still preoccupied with the thought, Oh, it's that girl who sang the little tune earlier.

Though he was slow to catch on, the elderly lady seated beside the young woman was sharp-witted. A mother of seven, she was adept at reading women's minds. She smoothly responded, "Immortal Lord won't be staying long in the village. He'll return after the harvest is over. Why would he bring herbal ointment? Ling'er, you should send a jar to Immortal Lord later."

The girl named Ling'er beamed instantly. "Of course, I'll bring it to Immortal Lord tonight."

"..." Before Mo Ran could say a word, these two zealous women had already settled the matter for him, leaving him somewhat speechless. He turned to look at Chu Wanning, only to see him taking out a handkerchief to slowly wipe the soup stains from his hands, his expression slightly disdainful.

Mo Ran wasn't skilled at dealing with women, so he whispered to Chu Wanning, "Some soup also splashed on my hand. Can I use your handkerchief when you're done?"

Chu Wanning passed his handkerchief to Mo Ran, still the one embroidered with peony blossoms.

Mo Ran remembered using this same handkerchief back in Peach Blossom Spring. Despite his aloof demeanor, Chu Wanning seemed to be a sentimental person. In his previous life, Mo Ran had noticed that the man's clothing styles and household decorations often remained unchanged for decades. It just never occurred to him that even this handkerchief was no exception.

Despite its age and faded embroidery, the sentimental person had kept it all this time.

Mo Ran wiped his hands and studied the handkerchief more closely. Suddenly, he noticed that while the flowers were intricately embroidered, the stitches were uneven and clumsy, indicating that it was likely the work of a beginner. He was taken aback.

He thought to himself, Perhaps my Master embroidered this out of boredom. The image of his strict Master seriously poking at a small needle to create a peony made Mo Ran smile despite himself...

Just as he was about to examine it further, Chu Wanning took the handkerchief away.

Mo Ran said, "Why are you taking it? I'll wash it for you."

"I can wash it myself," Chu Wanning replied, picking up his utensils again. Mo Ran wasn't about to let him risk his life again and quickly exchanged bowls with him, saying, "Eat from my bowl. I haven't touched it."

The village chief's wife also chimed in, "Immortal, if you can't handle spicy food, just don't eat it. It's alright, really."

Chu Wanning pursed his lips, then, after a moment, looked down and said, "I'm sorry." He then swapped meals with Mo Ran, who took the bowl and chopsticks from him, ready to dig in. But as he thought about how Chu Wanning had already taken a bite, a strange warmth and fluttering sensation filled his heart.

He picked up a slice of fatty pork, brought it to his mouth, and allowed the chopsticks to graze his teeth and lips ever so slightly...

In his previous life, what hadn't he done with Chu Wanning? Yet in this lifetime, he found himself content with merely licking the chopsticks Chu Wanning had used and pressing his lips against the rim of a bowl his Master had touched.

It was only this, yet his lower body swelled with heat, impossible to control.

Despite sternly warning himself and repeatedly reminding himself not to entertain lustful thoughts towards his pure and righteous Master, his heart seemed to belong to someone else. He could refrain from touching Wanning, but he couldn't stop thinking about him.

He no longer held any hatred towards Chu Wanning. He had thought that after stripping away those negative emotions, his feelings for his Master should be nothing but respect and affection.

But it appeared he was mistaken. Once the veil of hatred was lifted, what revealed itself were moist emotions and scorching desires... Lost in a sea of desire, he struggled to cling onto the raft of reason to escape its depths. However, a single glance from Chu Wanning or a casual remark could drag him right back into the abyss of longing.

He felt like he had truly lost his mind.

Knowing that Chu Wanning disliked men, Mo Ran would never touch or bully him, even if it meant death.

So desire burned within him like an inferno, flooding his consciousness. Amidst this torment, he forgot everything else, except for that pristine figure before him, who had somehow found a place in his unclean heart.

The rustling of autumn winds and the scent of rice mingled with the croaks of frogs. Sitting beside him, Mo Ran absurdly imagined at that moment that if they could stay like this forever, it wouldn't be so bad. In the past, he felt that he lacked everything, driving him to desperately grasp for more. But now, he realized that he already had everything he needed and dared not ask for more.

The harvest season would last for about half a month, during which time Chu Wanning and Mo Ran resided in Yulang Village.

Though the small village wasn't prosperous, preparing two empty houses for them wasn't too difficult, albeit a bit challenging due to the harsh living conditions. The village chief's wife gritted her teeth, sparing two thick mattresses for them, but they both declined her offer in unison.

Chu Wanning said, "The straw bedding is warm enough. You keep it for yourselves."

Mo Ran also chuckled, "As cultivators, we can't possibly compete with you for blankets, right?"

The village chief was filled with regret and repeatedly apologized, "We're truly sorry. We used to have extra bedding, but during the demonic disturbance last year, our village caught fire, and many things were lost..."

Chu Wanning replied, "It's alright."

After comforting them some more, the village chief and his wife finally left unsteadily. Mo Ran helped Chu Wanning arrange the bed, layering more straw underneath the mattress to make it softer, resembling a dog eagerly fetching cushions for its home.

Leaning against the table, Chu Wanning watched indifferently and said, "That should be enough. If you add more, I might as well be sleeping in a grain pile."

Feeling a bit embarrassed by Chu Wanning's words, Mo Ran scratched his head and said, "I've been too hasty today. Tomorrow, I'll go to the nearby market and buy a blanket for Shifu."

"But who will do the farm work if you go buy a blanket?" Chu Wanning glared at him. "This is fine, it's quite good," he said, walking over to take a sniff. "There's the scent of rice grains."

Mo Ran protested, "No, Shifu, you're the one who fears the cold the most. You can't possibly sleep without proper bedding..."

"It's not winter yet," Chu Wanning frowned. "Why are you being so fussy? Stop talking so much and go back to your room. You must be tired after a long day, and your feet must ache. I'm going to sleep."

Mo Ran obediently left.

Just as Chu Wanning had taken off his shoes and scooped some water from the tub to rinse his feet, preparing to climb onto his rice-straw bed, he heard a knock on the door. Mo Ran returned, calling out from outside, "Shifu, I'm coming in!"

"..." Chu Wanning was furious. "Didn't I tell you not to say 'I'm coming in' to me anymore?!"

Allowing Chu Wanning to be angry, Mo Ran cheerfully nudged the slightly ajar door open with his head. He really didn't have a free hand to push it; both his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his tanned, toned, and sensually muscular arms that carried a full bucket of steaming water.

In the mist of the water, the young man's eyes sparkled exceptionally bright, burning with intensity.

Chu Wanning's heart raced under Mo Ran's gaze, leaving him at a loss for words.

Mo Ran placed the heavy bucket by the side of Chu Wanning's bed, his face aglow with a gentle smile and dimples forming. "Shifu, soak your feet. You've worked hard all day. Afterward, I'll give you a massage. Then, you can sleep."

"No..."

"I know what you're going to say," Mo Ran chuckled. "But no, you need it. Your first time doing farm work will leave your back and waist sore. If Shifu doesn't rest well, you won't be able to get up tomorrow, and those kids in the village will tease you again."

The water in the wooden bucket was warm and hot, even slightly scorching, but not unbearable.

Chu Wanning's bare feet were immersed in the water, their toes rounded and delicate, with ankles that were sleek and distinct. His skin was very fair, almost pale from being shielded from the sun for so long.

Mo Ran noticed this and suddenly thought Chu Wanning had such beautiful skin, even whiter and more pristine than the refined girls from Sichuan.

Upon reflection, even Song Qiutong, the woman he had married in his previous life, didn't have the same touch as Chu Wanning... Damn, what was he thinking?

So while Chu Wanning soaked his feet, Mo Ran sat across from him reading a book.

It was one he had brought himself, a rather dull text on healing spells. The room was quiet, so quiet that both of them unconsciously slowed their breathing, not wanting the other to hear. In the dimly lit space, the only sound that occasionally broke the silence was the gentle lapping of water as Chu Wanning shifted his feet.

"I'm done washing. My feet don't ache anymore. You can go back now."

But Mo Ran was insistent. He no longer trusted Chu Wanning's claims of "no pain" or "no discomfort." He put down his book and knelt down beside the bed, taking hold of Chu Wanning's foot that was trying to retreat, his gaze firm.

"I'll return to my quarters after I've finished massaging your feet for you, Master."

"..." Chu Wanning wanted to kick him away and tell him to hurry up and leave, but not to just blurt out whatever he pleased.

However, the hand holding his foot was strong and somewhat rough, with calluses on the palm and base of the thumb pressing against his flesh. His foot, softened by the warm water, had become unusually sensitive, causing an itch that made him want to laugh. All his energy went into suppressing his laughter, and he missed the last chance to assert his authority and chase Mo Ran away.

Mo Ran knelt halfway, resting his foot on his knee. With lowered eyes, he began massaging it meticulously and patiently.

"As Master, wasn't it cold in the paddy field?" he asked while kneading.

"It was bearable."

"There were many broken twigs and decaying leaves. Look here, it's scratched."

"…" Chu Wanning glanced at the side of his right foot and saw a small cut. "It's just a tiny wound. I didn't even feel it."

Mo Ran replied, "I brought some ointment for sprains and bruises. Master, please wait a moment. I'll go get it and apply it to your wound. Aunt prepared it especially, and it works wonders. Your wound will heal by tonight." He then left the room. His small house was directly opposite Chu Wanning's, separated only by a courtyard that took ten steps to cross. He quickly returned with a jar of balm.

"Why be so fussy?"

"How is this being fussy? It could get infected and cause more trouble. Come, Master, let me have your foot."

Chu Wanning felt a little awkward. He had lived for so long, and his feet were an extremely private part of his body. He always dressed properly, so he would never walk around barefoot. Few people had seen or touched this skin.

precisely because ignorance bred fearlessness, he hadn't known what it would feel like to have his feet massaged, so he allowed Mo Ran to do it a few times. Little did he expect such a tingling, aching sensation. It felt as if ants were crawling under his skin. Now, when he wanted to extend his foot again, he hesitated.

Mo Ran gazed upon those pristine, fair feet, partially concealed beneath the hem of his robe. The hot water had finally infused them with a hint of color. Chu Wanning's toes were evenly spaced and delicate, their nails resembling thin ice that formed on a southern lake in the depths of winter – translucent and crystalline. Yet, the tips of his fingers, freshly soaked, revealed a faint, rosy hue.

It was as if a bud of a peach blossom was frozen within the ice, awaiting its moment to bloom.

Mo Ran knelt once more, his expression tender and reverent as he held that warm, blossoming peach blossom in the palm of his hand.

He sensed the tremors of the flower in his grasp, its petals quivering softly. Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming urge to lower his head and press a kiss to it, to reassure it, to banish its fears, allowing it to unfold its fragrance and release its petals.

"Shifu..."

"What is it?"

He thought he detected a hint of huskiness in Chu Wanning's voice, as though it were saturated with deep desire, overwhelming the branches of a flower-laden tree. The blooms seemed on the verge of wilting, their dewdrops about to drip onto the earth.

Mo Ran abruptly lifted his head, and at that moment, the candle flickered and burst, sending a trail of sparks into the air. Candle wax trickled slowly down. Their eyes met, both shining brightly in the lamplight, filled with desire and a hint of spring's tide.

"You..."

Chu Wanning lowered his eyelashes, his tone indifferent. "My feet are ticklish. Hurry up."

Mo Ran's face flushed instantly, but fortunately, his tan hid it well. He muttered an "oh" and buried his head, blushing as he applied the ointment to the other person.

In his ears, those words echoed repeatedly: "Be quicker."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he gazed at the delicate skin before him.

Memories of his past life flooded his mind, becoming clearer and clearer. He recalled the disheveled bed in the Wu Shan Temple, with crimson pillows that accentuated Chu Wanning's paleness. They had tumbled together like beasts, their breaths ragged, growls low, surrounded by the pungent scent of desire and stickiness.

He remembered Chu Wanning moaning softly beneath him, his icy voice melting into a heated, tender stream under the waves of passion.

"Hurry up… ah…" It was as if Chu Wanning was moaning right into his ear, his voice almost tangible.

Mo Ran abruptly shut his eyes, his brows knotting together.

He had finally realized one thing: it was incredibly difficult for him to treat Chu Wanning well.

If he kept his distance, he feared he wouldn't be able to warm this person up, to take proper care of him.

But when he drew near, he found it impossible to quell the wicked flames in his heart. In a moment of carelessness, his rationality would be consumed, and he might just end up crossing a line he shouldn't.

He desired him, longed for him, and at this moment, he suddenly realized that what he truly wanted was not to kneel before Chu Wanning to apply medicine and massage his feet. This person was sitting right in front of him, on the bed, and with his current strength, Chu Wanning wouldn't be able to escape from him.

He yearned to take him, to pin him down on the bed, his thirst reaching his throat, his desire aching with intensity. He wanted to press firmly against Chu Wanning, moving rhythmically, he...

"Shifu, it's done!" He nearly shouted it out loud, startling Chu Wanning.

Only Mo Ran knew that he was drenched in cold sweat behind his back.

He felt an overwhelming sadness – why couldn't he simply show kindness to Shifu without any ulterior motives? Why couldn't he express his affection openly and honestly? Why was he unable to free himself from those burning desires?

Chu Wanning, Chu Wanning...

His Master was the most aloof person in the world. If he found out that his disciple harbored such feelings for him, how much contempt and disdain would he have?

It had been two lifetimes.

He didn't want him to look down on him again.

Chu Wanning finished putting on his shoes and socks. Throughout the process, Mo Ran kept his head down and remained silent beside him, appearing like an obedient and docile dog. Only he himself knew that a ravenous wolf was locked within his heart.

For a moment, Mo Ran struggled to suppress the heat in his heart before he said, "Master, please rest well. If you feel unwell tomorrow, don't get out of bed. I can manage both our shares of work."

Before Chu Wanning could respond, they heard a delicate voice from outside call out, "Lord Mo, Lord Mo, are you there?"

The author has something to say:

Short Scene:

"If the main characters were to time-travel to modern times, what professions could they excel in based on their skills?"

Master: First, become an outstanding graduate from Blue Sky Technical School, then become a car mechanic and operate excavators and forklifts. Oh, right, speaking of which, if I ever write a salted egg novel, I'll create a CEO who drives a tractor. I've had enough of CEOs driving Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Ferraris. Isn't it not a CEO novel if they don't? So annoying! I want a CEO who drives a tractor! I want to drive a tractor! Chu Wanning, you'll be the male lead of the CEO novel! Drive your tractor! Crash into someone's Ferrari! Go ahead!

Doggy: Chef, an excellent graduate from New East Cooking Academy. A chef who drives a Porsche, a perfect match with the tractor-driving CEO. Not bad, not bad.

Xue Meng: Can't do anything, probably would just die.

Shi Mo: Selling fake medicine, an easy way to make money. But with his good conscience, he might not be able to bear it, so he'd likely end up bankrupt.

Ye Wangxi: Policeman.

Mei Hanxue: ...Duck King.

Nan Gongsi: Pet shop owner, or if that's not feasible, a pig farm manager would do as well.