Moonlit Hearts

Chapiter 70: A Father's Honor, A Lover's Nerve

The path behind the Cloud Recesses was quiet, the sounds of early birds and the trickle of a nearby stream blending into a rare, peaceful morning.

Lan Wangji walked in step beside Wei Wuxian, hands behind his back, robes lightly brushing with every step. Wei Ying had convinced him to go for "a real walk, not just a brooding stroll," and so far had only stopped three times to pick wildflowers and dramatically describe them.

"Look at this one," Wei Ying said, holding up a purple bloom. "Doesn't it look like your eyebrows when you're trying not to judge me?"

Wangji glanced at the flower. "No."

Wei Ying snickered and tucked it behind Wangji's ear anyway. "There. Now you match your aura."

They turned the corner near the magnolia grove — and abruptly froze.

Under the wide petals and filtered sunlight stood Lan Sizhui and Jingyi.

Locked in a kiss.

A very earnest kiss.

Neither of them had noticed their very present, very observing audience of two.

Wei Ying blinked. "Oh."

Lan Wangji did not speak. His gaze had narrowed. His jaw tensed.

Wei Ying reached over slowly and pressed a calming hand to Wangji's arm. "Let them live."

Just then, Sizhui opened his eyes.

And froze.

Jingyi was still kissing him until Sizhui gently patted his chest and whispered, "Turn around."

Jingyi turned—

"AAHH!"

He actually jumped.

"Senior Lan—! Senior Wei—! Oh no. Oh no no no no."

Sizhui gave a polite bow, despite his slightly flushed cheeks. "Father. Senior Wei."

"Good morning," Wei Ying offered, barely suppressing a grin. "Don't mind us. We're just out for a walk."

Wangji said nothing.

Jingyi stood frozen, posture stiff, palms out like he was about to be exorcised.

"Explain," Wangji said.

Sizhui answered calmly. "We're... together. For some time now. We meant to speak to you."

Wangji's expression did not change.

Jingyi, however, began sweating profusely. "I swear, Senior Lan, it's all very honorable! I would never—I mean, I have, clearly, but not in a disrespectful way—"

Wei Ying leaned in to whisper to Wangji, "You're making him panic, Lan Zhan. It's a little funny, admit it."

"I am not trying to be funny."

"That's what makes it funny."

Sizhui stepped forward a little. "Father, I care about him. And he cares about me."

"I do!" Jingyi nodded furiously. "More than anything!"

Wangji's gaze shifted to him. "Do you intend to court him formally?"

"Yes, sir! With respect! And—with your blessing! Or without it! I mean—with it would be much better—"

"You kissed him in public."

"We thought we were alone," Jingyi wailed.

"You kissed my son."

"I love your son!"