𝗣𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪. MO DAO ZU SHI

CHAPTER FOURTEEN ━ IF WITHOUT YOU

lan wangji and hai-feng stroll through the corridors of cloud recesses, enjoying the ideal weather. it's neither too chilly nor too warm, with a gentle breeze caressing their skin. the sound of birds chirping in the distance adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect day for a leisurely walk.

as they walk, lan wangji and hai-feng engage in light conversation, discussing the beauty of the cloud recesses and the tranquility it brings. lan wangji points out various landmarks and explains their significance, while hai-feng listens attentively, taking in every detail.

the two friends pause at a picturesque spot overlooking a serene pond, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the blue sky above. lan wangji gestures towards the pond, explaining its importance in the cultivation practices of the lan sect. hai-feng nods in understanding, appreciating the deep connection between nature and cultivation.

as they continue their stroll, lan wangji and hai-feng come across a field of blooming flowers, their vibrant colors standing out against the lush greenery. hai-feng bends down to admire a particularly beautiful blossom, inhaling its sweet fragrance with a smile.

feeling the weight of his gaze upon him, hai-feng looked at him. however, in that fleeting moment, lan wangji averted his attention elsewhere, leaving hai-feng wondering what thoughts lay behind those eyes.

wei ying, known for his mischievous nature and carefree spirit, was engrossed in his favorite pastime of playing in the dirt. as they continued their leisurely stroll, they stumbled upon him, completely unaware of their presence. his hands were covered in earthy smudges, and his clothes were adorned with patches of dirt, evidence of his joyful exploration.

upon catching sight of them, wei ying's eyes sparkled with delight, and he immediately paused his playful antics. with a mischievous grin spreading across his face, he greeted them with a friendly wave, his warm energy radiating towards them. his carefree demeanor and infectious smile feeling the air.

wei ying's tousled hair, slightly disheveled from his adventures, added to his charismatic charm. his eyes, filled with curiosity and mischief, seemed to hold a world of secrets waiting to be discovered. his playful nature was evident in the way he moved, his steps light and nimble, as if he were dancing with the earth beneath his feet.

"bro wangji. bro hai-feng! we haven't seen each other in ages! i thought you were angry with me."

"well you thought wrong," hai-feng called back.

taking notice of jiang cheng, hai-feng shifted his attention to lan wangji, noticing the annoyance etched within his eyes. his brows furrowed slightly as he observed the usually composed man's clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.

"i'll be back," hai-feng says successfully gaining lan wangji's attention.

"where are you going?"

"i need to speak to jiang cheng for a moment."

lan wangji falls silent before nodding. "i will see you back at jingshu."

hai-feng watched him walk away before making his way towards the duo.

"jiang cheng."

his midwinter sky eyes meet his own, locking in a piercing gaze for just a moment.

"hai-feng. how are you?"

"i am well, thank you. i wanted to give you an answer regarding the visit. i've decided to go."

jiang cheng's eyebrows shot up in a delightful blend of astonishment and joy. "really? that's great."

"uncle jiang is here," wei ying suddenly says. "is shijie here as well?"

"why would sis come? just to witness your disgrace?"

the only response wei ying gives his brother is a click of his tongue.

"don't be so brash next time."

"a-xian, get up. we're going home."

jiang fengmian was the current leader of the yunmeng jiang clan as well as jiang cheng's father. the man greeted him with a warm smile.

"hello hai-feng. how have you been?"

the young man bowed respectfully. "i've been well, thank you."

"how is lan wangji?"

"he's the same as always. but overall in good health."

"that's good to hear. i should be going now. come a-xian."

as the two leave hai-feng's heart sank as he caught sight of the slight frown etched on jiang cheng's face and the unmistakable sadness that clouded his eyes. it was as if a dark storm had settled within his friend's soul, and hai-feng couldn't bear to see him like this.

with a resolute determination to bring back the light in jiang cheng's eyes, he playfully linked arms with him.

"hai-feng, what-"

"let's go for ice cream."

with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he pulled jiang cheng along, the sound of their footsteps soon fading in the distance.

hai-feng eyes closed in pure delight as he savored the last spoonful of his ice cream. a soft murmur of satisfaction escaped his lips, a testament to the sheer deliciousness of the treat. as they walked along the streets of caiyi town, hai-feng looked over his shoulder at jiang cheng.

"let's go to hunan cuisine restaurant next. i want to try their spicy food."

jiang cheng gave a nod, elicting a smile from him as they continued on their way. the way hai-feng moved with such grace and confidence, the way his eyes sparkled with intelligence and humor, it was impossible for jiang cheng not to be drawn to him. he found himself captivated by every little detail, from the way hai-feng's hair fell in perfect waves to the way his smile lit up the room.

as they talked, jiang cheng couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort wash over him. hai-feng's easygoing nature and quick wit made him feel at ease, like he could truly be himself without fear of judgment. as they shared stories and laughed together, jiang cheng found himself feeling more alive and connected than he had in a long time.

but it wasn't just hai-feng's physical presence that captivated jiang cheng. it was the way he listened intently, the way he offered support and encouragement without hesitation. hai-feng's kindness and compassion touched jiang cheng in a way he had never experienced before, and he couldn't help but feel grateful to have him in his life.