The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 181: Master's Memories

The morning after the confession, Chu Wanning woke up very early.

But he didn't get out of bed because he peeked through the curtains and saw that Mo Ran was still asleep, lying on a simple mat right next to the bed.

Through the curtains, his vision wasn't very clear, so Chu Wanning hesitated for a moment before he couldn't resist the urge. He reached out his hand, wanting to lift the curtain just a bit. But before his fingers touched the silk, he changed his mind and used the tip of his finger to lift it up, only a tiny fraction.

It felt like as long as it was just a tiny bit, it wouldn't count as peeking.

Morning light filtered in through the paper window, casting a narrow, golden-red shadow on Mo Ran's handsome face.

Chu Wanning hadn't seen Mo Ran's sleeping face in a long time. He watched him quietly and attentively, gazing at him for a long time.

So long that he couldn't help but recall the year when Mo Ran had first been brought to the Summit of Life and Death by Xue Zhengyong. He had been a slightly bashful young man who could radiate a brilliant, fiery joy when happy. He would always cling to Chu Wanning, insisting on becoming his disciple no matter what.

He couldn't be chased away.

In front of the Tower of Heaven, Chu Wanning had refused to take him as a disciple, finding the notion that "he looks the kindest, so I like him best" utterly absurd and unbelievable.

For this reason, he ignored Mo Weiyu for fourteen days.

It was said that Mo Weiyu had sought advice from Xue Zhengyong, Madame Wang, Shi Mingjing, and even Xue Ziming on how to gain entry into his tutelage. Eventually, someone must have given him the ill-advised suggestion to imitate the act of standing in the snow outside one's master's door, waiting patiently. So every morning when Chu Wanning left the Red Lotus Water Pavilion, Mo Weiyu would greet him respectfully and beg to be taken as a disciple. And every evening when Chu Wanning returned, he would do the same. Unwavering in his determination, like dripping water that could eventually wear away stone.

Chu Wanning's response to such persistence was a simple: Huh.

He paid it no mind and walked away.

He disliked others pursuing him so fervently. As an emotionally detached person himself, he preferred dealing with those who also exhibited calm restraint.

Perhaps due to his upbringing, the young man was skilled at reading people's emotions. Sensing the coldness in Chu Wanning's demeanor, he only persisted for two days before giving up on pleading to become Chu Wanning's disciple.

Nonetheless, he continued to visit the Red Lotus Water Pavilion daily, diligently sweeping away any dead branches or fallen leaves at the entrance of the courtyard. When Chu Wanning emerged, he would lean on his broom, scratch his head, and smile, saying, "Elder Yu Heng."

No early greetings in the dawn light, no inquiries about wellbeing at dusk.

Just a straightforward "Elder Yu Heng," followed by a warm smile.

Chu Wanning didn't look at him, walking away on his own accord. Mo Ran wasn't annoyed; instead, he cheerfully swept the fallen leaves behind the other man.

For ten peaceful days, this routine continued. One morning, it seemed that over a dozen lotus flowers in the Red Lotus Water Pavilion had bloomed overnight, filling the air with a rich fragrance that lifted Chu Wanning's spirits.

Pushing open the door, he spotted the young Mo Ran with his head bowed, diligently climbing the winding mountain path and sweeping the leaves. One particular leaf seemed to be stuck in a crevice, posing a challenge to remove. He bent down to retrieve it, preparing to toss it into the undergrowth.

As he lifted his head, he noticed Chu Wanning standing at the entrance of the mountain gate. Pausing for a moment, he then grinned, revealing a charming smile. With his rolled-up sleeves exposing his arms, he held up the withered leaf he hadn't yet discarded, waving at Chu Wanning.

"Senior Elder Yu Heng."

The voice was crystal clear, imbued with the sweetness of fresh fruit. Though it was not loud, it seemed to echo perpetually between the peaks, resonating amidst billowing white clouds. Sunlight cascaded down from the heavens, piercing through the forest canopy and dancing between the bamboo leaves. A gentle breeze swept through the bamboo grove, causing a rustling symphony.

Chu Wanning lingered where he stood, his pupils diluting into a warm amber hue as the sudden brilliance of the morning sun washed over them. He squinted slightly, and in that fleeting moment, he perceived that the withered leaf in the youth's hand no longer seemed lifeless. Instead, it had transformed, mirroring the dazzling radiance of the person smiling brilliantly, overflowing with vibrant colors and luminosity.

He descended the stone steps with an unperturbed composure.

Mo Ran was long accustomed to his aloofness and took no offense, instead standing aside as usual, patiently waiting for Chu Wanning to approach.

That day, Chu Wanning descended the stairs with composed grace, just as he always did, passing by his side.

Then, he suddenly turned his head slightly and glanced back at the youth with a gaze as clear as a spring and as serene as a lake.

He said, "Thank you."

Mo Ran was taken aback for a moment, but then his eyes lit up. He quickly waved his hand and said, "No need, no need. It's what a disciple should do."

Chu Wanning said, "… I didn't plan on taking you as my disciple."

But his tone and demeanor were no longer as resolute as before.

After he finished speaking, he turned around and continued walking forward. Yet, for some reason, perhaps due to a pang of conscience, he looked back at Mo Ran again.

To his surprise, the young man didn't seem bothered at all. Instead, he excitedly hopped in place, holding onto his broom. His youthful face was brimming with vitality, radiating boundless energy and warmth.

… So this guy hadn't even registered the second half of the sentence, and was just happy to have received a simple 'thank you'?

Several days passed like this. One day, it rained.

The rain wasn't too heavy. Chu Wanning had always been someone too lazy to carry an umbrella or bother creating a protective barrier. He figured that it would only take him about a stick of incense to reach the Platform of Good and Evil. Getting wet wouldn't be a problem; he could simply use magic to dry himself off later.

He pushed the door open and stepped out.

Mo Ran was still there.

However, he wasn't sweeping today; the broom was set aside as he held up an oil-paper umbrella, crouching on the ground with his back to Chu Wanning. He was engrossed in tinkering with something, his single shoulder subtly twitching. His small stature made him appear even smaller when crouched down, and the large, dark-brown umbrella only added to the comical sight, resembling a mushroom sprouting in a spring drizzle.

With a subtle smile held back, Chu Wanning approached from behind and cleared his throat gently, asking, "What are you doing?"

"Ahh." The young man jumped in surprise, turning around to look up at him.

"Elder Yu Heng," came the first sentence.

Before Chu Wanning could respond, he widened his eyes and spoke again, "Why aren't you holding an umbrella?"

Not waiting for Chu Wanning's reply, he stood up on his tiptoes, striving to lift the oiled paper umbrella higher as he said his third sentence, "Here, take this."

However, he was still too short, standing on a step lower than Chu Wanning. Despite his efforts, the umbrella just barely covered the top of Chu Wanning's head, but it wasn't stable enough. With a gust of wind, he lost his grip, and the umbrella tilted, causing a cascade of water droplets to pour down the collar of Chu Wanning's neck, trickling down his skin.

Thus, before Chu Wanning could utter a word, Mo Ran hastily apologized, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Chu Wanning: "............"

When Mo Ran said the first sentence, he could have replied with "Mm-hmm."

For the second sentence, he could have answered, "That's not necessary."

Upon hearing the third, he could have said, "Keep it for yourself."

But with the fourth apology, Chu Wanning found himself at a loss for words. Lowering his gaze, it was unclear whether his expression was indifferent or gloomy. In the end, he simply sighed and took the umbrella from Mo Ran, holding it straight above both their heads.

He lifted his eyelids to look at Mo Ran, pondered for a moment, then returned to his initial question.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving earthworms."

Assuming he had misheard, Chu Wanning furrowed his brow and asked, "What did you say?"

Mo Ran chuckled, his dimples deep and endearing. He scratched his head bashfully, stammering, "S-Saving... earthworms."

Chu Wanning lowered his gaze, focusing on the hand Mo Ran had hanging down. In that palm was a twig, dripping with water, likely picked up from the ground. Looking ahead, he saw a clumsy earthworm lying in a puddle on the stone steps, slowly squirming.

"When the rain stops, these earthworms will be dried out," Mo Ran said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "So I thought of moving them back into the grass."

Chu Wanning asked coolly, "With a stick?"

"… Mm."

Noticing the other's indifferent expression, Mo Ran, fearing to be looked down upon by Elder Yu Heng, quickly explained, "I, I'm not afraid to use my hands. It's just that when I was little, my mother told me that you can't catch earthworms with your hands; it'll cause their skin and flesh to rot…"

Chu Wanning shook his head. "That's not what I meant."

Finishing his words, he slightly raised his hand, and with a gentle tap of his fingertip, a thin golden willow branch emerged from a crack in the green stone steps. The willow branch wrapped around the earthworm in the puddle, gently lifting it back to the nearby grass. Mo Ran's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?"

"Tianwen."

"What's Tianwen?"

Chu Wanning glanced at him and replied, "It's my weapon."

Mo Ran appeared even more astonished. "The elder's weapon... so... so..."

"Tiny?" Chu Wanning completed the sentence for him.

Mo Ran chuckled. "Heh heh."

Chu Wanning brushed his sleeves and said coolly, "It has its fierce moments."

"Then, can I take a look?"

"It's best if you never see it."

At that time, Mo Ran didn't understand the meaning behind Chu Wanning's words. He turned to watch the willows and vines stretching out from the crevices in the stone steps, wrapping up the earthworms that had been soaked in the rain and returning them to the moist soil, gradually revealing a look of envy.

Chu Wanning suddenly asked, "Do you want to learn?"

Mo Ran was taken aback, then his eyes widened abruptly. Overwhelmed with surprise, he didn't know what to say, and could only nod repeatedly, his handsome little face turning red.

Chu Wanning said, "After morning practice tomorrow, go to the bamboo grove behind the Virtue and Vice Platform. I'll be waiting for you there."

With those words, his pristine silk shoes stepped on the damp stone steps as he held an oil paper umbrella and walked down the mountain alone. Mo Ran watched his graceful, ethereal figure sway in the wind, and after a moment of stunned silence, he abruptly grasped the hidden meaning behind Chu Wanning's words. His face flushed even more, and his eyes sparkled with extraordinary intensity.

No longer caring about the wet ground, he immediately knelt down and bowed, his youthful voice brimming with eagerness and joy.

"Yes, Master!"

"..." This time, Chu Wanning didn't agree or object; he merely stood there for a moment before continuing his journey. Raindrops tapped against the umbrella, creating a melody akin to a konghou's song.

Only when Chu Wanning's figure vanished did Mo Ran rise from the ground. It was then that he noticed a translucent golden barrier, adorned with five-petaled flower shadows, had silently formed above his head, shielding him from the dense rain and wind.

Chu Wanning recalled how, back then, when Xue Zhengyong had learned of his decision, he had been both relieved and astonished, asking, "Yu Heng, why did you agree to take him in?"

At that time, Chu Wanning had been seated on the high seat of the Platform of Good and Evil, holding the oil-paper umbrella that Mo Ran had given him. His slender fingers gently rubbed against the rustic handle, before he casually replied, "For convenience in saving earthworms."

Xue Zhengyong had let out an "ah," his leopard-like eyes widening into an almost feline expression.

"Save what?"

Chu Wanning didn't respond further, but a hint of a smile began to form in the depths of his eyes as he gazed down at the bamboo ribs of the green parasol.

In the blink of an eye, so much time had passed.

That young boy he had taken as his disciple back then, innocent at first but later straying from the right path, had fortunately, in the end, grown into a proper Immortal Lord, not disappointing him.

A hint of lotus-white fingertips reached out from beneath the gauzy curtains, and Chu Wanning gazed intently at Mo Ran's sleeping face through the faint light.

That young boy was now a handsome and upright man, his features more chiseled and distinct than before, exuding a mature and steady demeanor around his eyes.

But just as before, when Mo Ran slept, his brows would slightly furrow. Since childhood, his long eyelashes hung low, as if weighed down by the heavy burdens of his heart.

Chu Wanning found it somewhat amusing. He thought to himself, How can such a young person have so many worries and concerns?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he noticed Mo Ran's curled-up eyelashes quiver slightly, and his eyes slowly opened.

"..."

Chu Wanning's fingers instantly froze, wanting to withdraw his hand and pretend to still be asleep.

But Mo Ran was a strange person. He didn't have the typical laziness of a young person when waking up; instead, he had a mannerism that was more akin to someone older, in other words, he woke up quickly.

Strangely, he seemed to possess an uncanny intuition for even the slightest changes in his sleeping environment – as if he were perpetually on high alert against potential assassination attempts, each step taken with utmost caution.

Before Chu Wanning could withdraw his finger from the gap in the curtains, Mo Ran's gaze had already locked onto that precise spot.

Chu Wanning: "............"

For the sake of Elder Yu Heng's dignity and reputation, at this critical moment, Chu Wanning swiftly rolled over, extending his entire hand beyond the curtain in a casual, relaxed manner.

Now, it would appear that he hadn't been peeking but rather that a person deep in slumber had simply shifted position, inadvertently letting their arm dangle outside the canopy.

Mo Ran never would have imagined that the strict and rigid Chu Wanning could come up with such a ruse, so he was easily deceived. Not wanting to disturb Chu Wanning, he got out of bed as quietly as possible.

But instead of leaving immediately, he gently took hold of Chu Wanning's wrist, which was still exposed, and carefully placed it back between the blankets. After doing so, it was only after a while that Chu Wanning heard the creak of the door opening.

Mo Ran had gone.

Chu Wanning's eyes widened slightly, gazing at the soft glow of daylight filtering in through the doorway as he stood in a prolonged reverie.

Perhaps because he had never dared to hope or even imagine a future where he and Mo Ran could be together, even after spending a night like this, he still felt as if he were dreaming.

In his memory, Mo Ran was clearly infatuated with Shi Mingjing. All those years, he stood alone behind them, observing everything with crystal clarity.

He had seen Mo Ran's bright smile for Shi Mingjing, watched him cook noodles for his senior, and noticed how Mo Ran secretly completed tasks assigned to Shi Mingjing with a delighted expression, thinking no one else knew.

In truth, all of this was clear to Chu Wanning.

He had felt envy, jealousy, pain, and resentment because of it.

He even thought he had come to terms with it.

But letting go wasn't that simple. Even though he knew it was impossible, he stubbornly refused to look back or leave.

Over the years, Chu Wanning had asked himself countless times if waiting for an unattainable outcome was worth it, if such an obstinate devotion was degrading. Yet, every time he questioned himself, the answer remained unresolved.

He, Chu Wanning, had once been an indifferent observer of those lovesick men and women, utterly perplexed as to why they would cling to a relationship that caused them so much pain, refusing to let go even when wounded. It was not until the fire of unrequited love burned in his heart that he finally understood:

Such profound affection and sincerity in this world were, more often than not, like this.

One could set it down, but never truly abandon it.

Thus, Chu Wanning, who was unaware of Mo Ran's true feelings for Shi Mo, was somewhat perplexed and hesitant. He couldn't understand what had made Mo Ran divert his gaze from the serene Shi Mingjing to his own slightly disheveled face.

Hmm... Was it because of gratitude?

Or perhaps guilt?

Was Mo Ran trying to emulate the ghost maiden's repayment or the flower demon's requited love, offering himself in return?

...Damn, could it be that Mo Ran had confessed to Shi Mo, only to be rejected...?

Lost in thought, Chu Wanning's mind wandered, conjuring up a jumbled mess of images: a ghostly beauty, a kind-hearted snail maiden, and the unfaithful Chen Shimei. His frustration grew, and before he could stop himself, he rose to his feet and, making sure no one was watching, gave Mo Ran's sleeping mat from the previous night a fierce kick.

Author's Note: After a friend reminded me, I realized I had missed responding to several lovely comments in the confession chapter. I'm truly sorry, qaq. I didn't notice during my review, and I apologize to those whose messages I overlooked. Muah!

Also, yesterday's chapter was deemed impure by an editor, and it's now awaiting admin approval. If it gets locked, don't worry; I'll appeal.

Moreover... a peck on the cheek is not impure! Little sister, such arbitrary judgments will get you kicked by a donkey, okay?!

Mini-drama: "I've Heard You're Impure"

A creation born from the resentment of censorship —

Censor: I heard you're impure, I'll lock those steamy scenes.

0.5: Try it if you dare.

Censor: ...Never mind, it's approved.

Censor: I heard you're impure, I'll lock the chapters with your explicit desires.

1.0: (Sly laugh) Hehe, my friend, are you being serious?

Censor: ...Forget it, let it slide this time. Don't do it again.

Censor: I heard you're impure, I'll lock your intimate chapters.

2.0: I've never indulged in such acts.

Censor: I'll lock your chapters of self-expression then.

2.0: I've never gone too wild.

Reviewer: Lock that chapter with your kissing scene!!

2.0: ...I've never kissed either.

Reviewer: Damn it! I'll lock you anyway! Now, confess! What have you two been up to?

2.0 (sighs): I'm an honest man. I only kissed his cheek.

Reviewer: (ecstatic) Great!!! (slams the table) That's it! You dared to kiss someone else! Shameless! Lock that chapter where you kiss his cheek!! Review him!!

This tale tells us, in life, it's best to be a 0.5.

Being a 2.0 only invites trouble.

(Oh come on, don't say things like that!!)