Man On The Moon

Chapter 33: A New Knowledge

As the morning light filters through the blinds, Dan Heng slowly opens his eyes. The events of the previous night rush back to him and he looks at the woman in his arms, her face still relaxed in sleep. Ruan Mei, her hair slightly dishevelled, her face peaceful, looks different in the soft, early light. Dan Heng can't help but admire her, a sense of protectiveness and affection rising within him. He gently brushes a strand of hair away from her face, his touch light to not wake her. He continues to look at her, taking in her features, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyelashes cast shadows on her cheeks. The usual cool, collected Ruan Mei seems to be replaced by a vulnerable, softer version, one that he is only privy to. He could stay like this forever, just watching her sleep, feeling the warmth of her body against his. Ruan Mei, her eyes fluttering open, adjusts to the morning light. Her eyes land on Dan Heng, his gaze still on her, and a small smile graces her lips.

Ruan Mei, her voice slightly hoarse from sleep, says.

Ruan Mei: "Good morning... Did you sleep well?"

Dan Heng nods, his arm around her waist pulling her closer, his voice soft as a whisper.

Dan Heng: "Morning. I slept better than I have in a long time."

Ruan Mei snuggles into his embrace, her head resting comfortably on his chest. She lets out a content sigh, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his bare skin.

Ruan Mei: "I slept well too... I don't remember the last time I woke up feeling this relaxed."

Dan Heng chuckles lightly, his hand gently caressing her back.

Dan Heng: "I think I know why."

His tone is playful, hinting at the night's activities. He can feel her smirk against his chest without even having to look. The moment is broken by a sudden knock on the door, followed by the cheerful voice of March 7th. March 7th's voice, slightly muffled through the door.

March 7th: "Dan Heng! Are you awake?"

Before Dan Heng can respond, Topaz's voice joins in.

Topaz: "We're coming in!"

The door suddenly swings open, revealing March 7th and Topaz standing at the doorway, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity as they take in the scene in front of them.

March 7th, her eyes immediately going to the two figures in bed, grins widely. A mischievous twinkle in her eye

March 7th: "Well, well, well... looks like we're interrupting something."

Topaz, her eyes flickering between the two, lets out a small gasp, her mouth forming a surprised 'o'.

Topaz: "Oh, wow. I see that Dan Heng's night was... eventful."

Dan Heng, trying to keep his cool, sits up, careful to keep the sheets pulled up to maintain Ruan Mei's modesty. He glares at the two intruders.

Dan Heng: "Ever heard of knocking and not barging in?"

March 7th, her usual cheerful demeanour in full force, ignores his glare.

March 7th: "Oh, come on, Dan Heng. You can't blame us for being curious. It's not every day we find you... occupied like this."

Topaz, her eyes still on Ruan Mei, gives Dan Heng a knowing smile.

Topaz: "Looks like someone had a fun night."

Dan Heng's glare deepens, his annoyance clear.

Dan Heng: "Can you two give us a moment? We're still... waking up here."

March 7th grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

March 7th: "Oh, of course. We don't want to interrupt a... private moment."

Topaz, trying to suppress her giggles, adds.

Topaz: "We'll just wait out here. Take your time."

The two girls step out of the room, closing the door behind them. Dan Heng sighs, shaking his head at their antics. He turns to Ruan Mei, who's now sitting up beside him, the sheets still wrapped around her body. Dan Heng, noticing her expression, can't help but let out a small, amused laugh.

Dan Heng: "You okay there? Looks like they caught us in a... compromising position."

Ruan Mei, her usual unflustered demeanour back in place, just nods, adjusting the sheets to cover herself better.

Ruan Mei: "I should have expected them to barge in."

Dan Heng, still chuckling, shakes his head.

Dan Heng: "March 7th and Topaz are a handful, especially when they're curious. And believe me, they're always curious."

Ruan Mei, her lips curving into a small smile, responds.

Ruan Mei: "I'm getting that impression."

She looks at him, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

Ruan Mei: "So, how are we going to face them now?"

Dan Heng sighs, running a hand through his hair.

Dan Heng: "I suppose the only way is to face them head-on. We won't hear the end of it if we give them any reason to suspect something."

He looks back at Ruan Mei, a small smile on his lips.

Dan Heng: "You ready for this?"

Ruan Mei, her demeanour composed, nods in response.

Ruan Mei: "I'm ready."

Dan Heng gets up, grabs a nearby robe and throws it on before opening the door to the others waiting outside. The group walked through the sterile but organized lab, the white walls were spotless and the equipment sleek and modern. The air was cool and slightly tinged with the scent of antiseptic and various scientific preservatives. March 7th was the first to make herself comfortable, plopping down in a nearby chair and eyeing Ruan Mei curiously. Topaz, meanwhile, wandered off to look at some of the equipment, while Numby scurried off to explore. March 7th turned her focus to Ruan Mei, her eyes taking in the woman who had spent the night with her friend. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.

March 7th: "So, Ruan Mei, care to tell me how you ended up in Dan Heng's bed last night?"

Ruan Mei coolly met March 7th's gaze, unfazed by the question.

Ruan Mei: "I was working late, and Dan Heng graciously offered me a place to rest. It was purely coincidental."

March 7th's eyebrows raised, not entirely convinced by Ruan Mei's response.

March 7th: "Purely coincidental? You mean you just happened to end up in the same bed, under the same sheets, 'purely coincidentally'?"

Ruan Mei didn't waver, her expression still calm.

Ruan Mei: "Dan Heng has always been considerate. He wouldn't have let me sleep on the floor or couch, especially when there was a perfectly good bed available."

Topaz, who was previously preoccupied with the various lab equipment, turns her attention back to the trio.

Topaz: "Dan Heng, a true gentleman even at night."

Dan Heng, who was leaning against the wall, just rolled his eyes.

Dan Heng: "Can we please not make a big deal out of this?"

The group is interrupted by the sudden appearance of an old researcher. The man, though slightly bent with age, had sharp, intelligent eyes that darted between each of them.

The old researcher: "Ms. Ruan Mei, I hope you're finding our facilities satisfactory?"

Ruan Mei, recognizing the man, nods in acknowledgement.

Ruan Mei: "Yes, I'm quite satisfied with the facilities. The resources here are sufficient for my research."

The old researcher nods, then glances at the group surrounding Ruan Mei, his gaze lingering on her unusually.

The old researcher: "Ms. Ruan Mei, I apologize for the interruption, but I was curious about your... companions."

Ruan Mei gestures to the group.

Ruan Mei: "These are my... associates. Topaz, March 7th, and Dan Heng."

The old researcher nods, his gaze pausing on each of them, particularly on Dan Heng.

The old researcher: "Hmm, 'associates'. I see. I hope they're not distracting you from your work, Ms. Ruan Mei."

Ruan Mei, her voice still even, denies his concern.

Ruan Mei: "Not at all, they are here to assist me, not hinder me."

The old researcher seems placated by her answer, but Dan Heng catches a hint of something in the man's eyes, a mixture of curiosity and... caution. Before anyone can continue, a junior researcher rushes in, speaking to the old man in hushed whispers, their conversation lost to the group. The old researcher's expression grows serious as the junior researcher continues to speak. He mumbles something back before addressing the group.

The old researcher: "I'm sorry to cut this short, but there's an emergency I need to attend to. Please make yourselves comfortable and continue your... research."

The old researcher hastily exits the lab, leaving the group in relative silence. Dan Heng, who hadn't missed the man's cautious behaviour, voices his observation.

Dan Heng: "That was... odd."

March 7th, who had been curiously observing, chimes in.

March 7th: "Yeah, he seemed like he had a lot on his mind. And he was looking at you, Ruan Mei."

Ruan Mei shrugs slightly, unperturbed.

Ruan Mei: "He probably just wanted to make sure I'm still doing my job properly."

Topaz, ever the perceptive one, adds.

Topaz: "Or he's wary of outsiders, especially when they're hanging around... certain people."

March 7th turns her attention to Dan Heng, a mischievous grin on her face. Numby, who had been exploring around the lab, suddenly squeaks, drawing the attention of the group. The small creature had somehow found its way onto one of the lab tables, its tiny paws leaving little tracks on the pristine surface. March 7th, momentarily distracted, giggles.

March 7th: "Aw, look at Numby!"

She turns to Topaz.

March 7th: "Can I pick it up?"

Topaz, knowing exactly what will unfold but unable to resist March 7th's pleading look, relents.

Topaz: "Go ahead."

March 7th scoops up Numby, cradling the little creature in her arms. Numby seems quite content, nuzzling closer to her. Meanwhile, Dan Heng rubs his temple, bracing himself for the impending chaos that usually follows when March 7th has an animal in her arms. March 7th, her focus is entirely on Numby, starts cuddling and talking to it in baby talk.

March 7th: "Who's a good little Numby? You are! Yes, you are!"

Dan Heng, unable to hold back an amused sigh, says.

Dan Heng: "Just... try to keep Numby off the equipment, will you? This lab equipment isn't a chew toy."

March 7th, pouts slightly but promises Dan Heng.

March 7th: "I promise I'll be careful. Numby and I will behave."

Meanwhile, Topaz, who finds the whole situation highly amusing, comments jokingly.

Topaz: "I never thought we'd see the mighty March 7th reduced to a baby-talking animal whisperer.

Ruan Mei, who had been observing the whole scene with mild amusement, finally interjects.

Ruan Mei: "March 7th... as much as I understand your... affinity for small animals, could you please keep Numby away from my workstation? I'm working on a delicate experiment."

March 7th pauses in her baby talk, slightly guilty.

March 7th: "Oops, sorry Ruan Mei. I'll keep Numby away from your stuff."

She carefully puts Numby down, making sure the animal stays clear of Ruan Mei's workstation.