WangXian Forever Book 8

Chapter 111 Shopping

Wei Ying was quite impressed with the way Lan Zhan handled himself in the marketplace.

Now that he had actually confessed to running away from home, because problems..., there was no stress and he felt much better. Besides, what could beat walking through Caiyi Town, hand in hand with the man he loved? Nothing, that's what.

So they leisurely strolled through previously unexplored alleys and streets, simply enjoying each other's company. And as casual as it was, both understood that it was also a rare privilege, just to be able to spend time together like this.

"Mostly, we're in a rush to get from one place to another..." Wei Ying mused, delighting in the way his hand fit so well in Lan Zhan's.

He didn't need the protection, but to have it, and to have someone willing to fight his battles for him was a luxury he could get used to very well.

"Mn. One errand or another." Lan Zhan agreed, feeling content and unusually, carefree.

But then, Wei Ying always made him feel that way, that he could leave responsibility and duty outside of their bubble and it would be, and was, okay. This was a stress-free state, and he was beginning to really enjoy living like this.

He could sense people watching them, because the magnificent, beautiful Wei Ying like a light in the dark attracting all and sundry, was walking next to him, and while Lan Zhan knew that perfectly well, because they made a handsome couple, he couldn't help feeling quite smug about the whole thing.

He had managed to snag the best-looking cultivator out there...scratch that, the best looking person, who just happened to be pure gold on the inside too...and he loved Wei Ying, heart and Soul.

Lan Zhan memorised this feeling, because it was going to be a cherished memory, walking down the streets with his beloved.

Wei Ying was full of lovely vitality, his hips swinging merrily, pausing to take a long draught of his drink, and Lan Zhan too, would turn to watch droplets travel down his delectable neck, that soft skin just begging to be bitten. And then, as Wei Ying pointed to something on the side with the jar still in his hand, his other hand safely encased with Lan Zhan, he could patiently admire the way his beautiful red ribbon floated on the wind.

Wei Ying possessed an inner glow that was brim full of love. It shone through in the way he casually touched Lan Zhan, the way his fingers would ghost over his skin, as if not quite believing he was allowed to do that.

And not just with him; any child they met, he treated as his own, randomly buying them sweet haws or tanghulu as they passed by.

Lan Zhan loved sharing those with his husband, to be able to place his lips where Wei Ying's had been...it was an honour he did not take lightly.

Wei Ying watched Lan Zhan surreptitiously...because he could feel a change.

It wasn't something easily definable, something he could put his finger on and say, that's it! That's what is different about you...but it was subtle like the currents of the sea.

Powerfully present but hidden in the water.

Lan Zhan looked...Happy.

Which was a big thing.

This man had shouldered responsibility for far too long, and Wei Ying had made it his mission in life to make sure Lan Zhan had a good time as often as possible.

They snacked on freshly made dumplings and hot sweet potatoes, fresh peach tea though in that, Lan Zhan was alone since Wei Ying preferred his own beverage.

And then later in the day, as the sun began to set, they found themselves at the door of Wei Ying's favourite restaurant.

As they were regulars here, the proprietor greeted them respectfully and ushered them inside. While they waited for their food, Wei Ying leaned his head on Lan Zhan's shoulder.

Lan Zhan looked down fondly, and pressed his lips into that beautiful hair.

Wei Ying brought their hands, still clasped together, on top of the table.

"I've always loved your hands." He remarked.

"Mn?"

"Oh...I mean, I love all of you, every part. But there's something so wonderful about these." A finger from his free hand lightly traced the smooth skin of the ridges on his knuckles.

Lan Zhan shivered.

This was so unexpected.

"They're so beautiful...and again, so is the rest of you...but these?" He brought them up to his lips and Lan Zhan felt every caress of his mouth on his suddenly sensitive skin.

But he was done for when Wei Ying used his tongue.

Lan Zhan grabbed his face and kissed him deeply, not holding back at all. This kiss, it was everything.

Hot and sweet, sweeter because Wei Ying reciprocated by sliding that naughty tongue deep inside his mouth, wet and warm and beautifully tender. His arms wrapped around Lan Zhan's neck and ever conscious for his comfort, Lan Zhan was lifting him out of his seat and into his own lap, eager to feel their hearts beating as one.

Oh...to have Wei Ying here, holding him this close, kissing him as if his life depended on it...this was real.

No matter how many times it happened, Lan Zhan would forever be grateful for this new chance.

Wei Ying paused when he tasted something salty...and realised it wasn't coming from him.

Lan Zhan was so focused on kissing him, he wasn't even aware of his tears, falling one by one like diamonds from the sky.

There was no need for words because Wei Ying knew why.

It was the reason the sun rose every morning, the reason why the flowers bloomed and why their hearts always beat together.

Love.

Pure and all encompassing, it surrounded them now as they gazed deeply into each others eyes, complete and satisfied with themselves.

A throat cleared uncomfortably right next to them, and Wei Ying scrambled off the very comfortable place he was sitting on, red-faced but never ashamed.

"Your meal. Please enjoy..." the waiter said, uncomfortably.

Wei Ying snickered and poured his favourite condiment all over his food.

They didn't bat an eyelid when Hui Gai turned up, grinning, with Zago.

"Hello PengYou! Guess what? We've been shopping!" He exclaimed enthusiastically, holding up a bag.

It began to wriggle, all by itself.