Whispers of the Jade Lotus
Chapter 10
Back in the town, the healer tends to Wei Lianfeng’s wounds. Lan Yueming stays by his side, his usual composure replaced by quiet anxiety. When Wei Lianfeng finally stirs, Lan Yueming leans closer.
Wei Lianfeng
(weakly) Lan Yueming… did we win?
Lan Yueming
(smiling faintly): "You nearly got yourself killed, but yes. We won.
Wei Lianfeng
Told you I had a plan.
Lan Yueming
Next time, tell me before throwing yourself into danger.
Wei Lianfeng
(grinning despite the pain)
You were worried about me, weren’t you?
Lan Yueming
(quietly to himself)
You have no idea.
The unspoken emotions between them grow stronger, but neither is ready to fully acknowledge them just yet.
Wei Lianfeng remains in bed, recovering from his injuries. Lan Yueming stays close, occasionally leaving to gather supplies or assist the healer. Mei Lin stands in the doorway, watching their interactions with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.
Mei Lin
Lan Yueming, may I speak with you?
Mei Lin
(hesitating)
If I hadn’t brought you into this, Wei Lianfeng wouldn’t be lying there now. I… I didn’t expect the rogue cultivator to be so powerful.
Lan Yueming
You underestimated the threat, but so did we. Blame won’t change what happened.
Mei Lin
Still, I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right. You have my word.
Lan Yueming doesn’t respond, but his tense posture relaxes slightly. Mei Lin leaves, giving him space to return to Wei Lianfeng’s side.
A few days later, Wei Lianfeng is well enough to sit up. Lan Yueming enters with a tray of food.
Wei Lianfeng
Lan Yueming, my savior! You brought food. Is it edible, or should I prepare myself for something tragic?
Lan Yueming
The healer prepared it. Eat.
Wei Lianfeng takes a bite and grimaces playfully.
Wei Lianfeng
Not bad, but it could use some spice. Like you.😏😉
Lan Yueming
Must you joke about everything?
Wei Lianfeng
Only to see that look on your face. Priceless.
Lan Yueming sighs, but there’s a faint smile tugging at his lips. Wei Lianfeng notices and grins wider.
Lan Yueming checks on Wei Lianfeng later that night, finding him staring out the window at the moonlit street.
Lan Yueming
You should be resting.
Wei Lianfeng
I’ve rested enough. I just… needed some air.
Lan Yueming sits beside him, the two of them falling into a companionable silence.
Wei Lianfeng
You know, when I was lying there, I thought… this might be it. My grand finale. But then I heard your voice, and I knew I couldn’t leave yet.
Lan Yueming
(softly)
You’re reckless. If you had died—
Wei Lianfeng
But I didn’t. Thanks to you.
Their eyes meet, the unspoken emotions between them hanging heavily in the air. For a moment, it seems like Lan Yueming might say more, but he stands abruptly.
Lan Yueming
Get some rest. We leave when you’re fully recovered.
Wei Lianfeng
Lan Yueming… thank you.
Lan Yueming doesn’t reply, but the faint blush on his cheeks doesn’t go unnoticed.
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