The Long Road Ahead: C02

Chapter: 2 | Ridiculous

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Ridiculous

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This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_Ridiculous
Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

Ridiculous

_{Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-{ge}, what did you just say?"}Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."

Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"

_{"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.}Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.

"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"}
Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.

Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

_{Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."}This place had a membership system.

Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

_{"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.}Xiao Ning: "?????"

"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.

_{Xiao Ning: "?????"}
This place had a membership system.

Xiao Ning: "?????"

_{None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master.}Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.

None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master. However, he couldn't grasp the current atmosphere, so it wasn't easy for him to speak rashly. But elegant indifference wasn't his style either. Thus, keeping up the act they had to put on was a little difficult. Naturally, it wasn't easy for him to sit still and stare off blankly, as the feeling he should be doing something kept prickling him. So, having caught sight of the fruit bowl on the table, he bent over and reached to grab it.

_{This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."}This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."

_{Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."}Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

_{Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"}
Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."

Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"

_{"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-{shao}, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."}Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

_{Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."}Ridiculous

Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."

_{There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.}
"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.

There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.

_{This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.}
While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."

This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.

_{Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.}The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.

_{"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.}
Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.

"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.

_{Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.}The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

_{Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"}Xiao Ning: "?????"

Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

_{There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.}Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.

_{Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."}
"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand." After saying this, the elevator arrived. Wang Hua pulled Xiao Ning inside, then pressed the button for the third floor. With his brows furrowed tightly, embarrassment soon exploded on his face, "I know you're single, and I also know you won't act recklessly with President Shan."

Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."

_{"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know.}"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"

"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know. I wouldn't be rest assured if it were anyone else since if it's you, I'm sure nothing untoward will happen. So all you have to do is go in there and show your face, say a few words, and nothing else, okay?"

_{Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣.}
Xiao Ning: "?????"

Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

_{"Why do you meeting him, or not, hold any importance?" Shan Haiming inclined his head, not giving the guy any semblance of face as he continued, "Are you my mother?"}
Wang Hua then looked at him with a constipated expression, ultimately crapping out the next few words: "Pretend to be my new boss' boyfriend, okay?"

"Why do you meeting him, or not, hold any importance?" Shan Haiming inclined his head, not giving the guy any semblance of face as he continued, "Are you my mother?"

_{When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory.}Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"

When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory. So, no one could even try to get an inch closer to Xiao Ning. Even if the two did not seem particularly intimate, the protectiveness between them was quite evident.

_{Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.}Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.

_{Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."}
Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"

Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

_{"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know.}Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know. I wouldn't be rest assured if it were anyone else since if it's you, I'm sure nothing untoward will happen. So all you have to do is go in there and show your face, say a few words, and nothing else, okay?"

_{This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.}Just then, a guy spoke up. "Hey, who's he?"

This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

_{Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."}
The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"

Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

_{"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.}Ridiculous

"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.

_{Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."}Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

_{The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."}
How could he say such a thing...

The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."

_{The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.}How could he say such a thing...

The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

_{Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure.}Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure. Before he came here, he did not have the right lines to say. Thus, he made many mistakes. So, at least Shan Haiming was reliable and did not allow him to go through much hassle.

_{"Why do you meeting him, or not, hold any importance?" Shan Haiming inclined his head, not giving the guy any semblance of face as he continued, "Are you my mother?"}Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

"Why do you meeting him, or not, hold any importance?" Shan Haiming inclined his head, not giving the guy any semblance of face as he continued, "Are you my mother?"

_{"It's just an act, nothing more. So it's not a big deal." In any case, he was the one who agreed to go there, so who wouldn't put a brighter spin on things? Xiao Ning and Wang Hua made their way to the door at the end of the room, with him following behind the other man as he opened the door, then walked in.}
Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"

"It's just an act, nothing more. So it's not a big deal." In any case, he was the one who agreed to go there, so who wouldn't put a brighter spin on things? Xiao Ning and Wang Hua made their way to the door at the end of the room, with him following behind the other man as he opened the door, then walked in.

_{None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master.}Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master. However, he couldn't grasp the current atmosphere, so it wasn't easy for him to speak rashly. But elegant indifference wasn't his style either. Thus, keeping up the act they had to put on was a little difficult. Naturally, it wasn't easy for him to sit still and stare off blankly, as the feeling he should be doing something kept prickling him. So, having caught sight of the fruit bowl on the table, he bent over and reached to grab it.

_{Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... {haa...} My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."}Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

_{"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-{shao}, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."}Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"

"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

_{Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"}
Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"

_{This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.}
Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

_{Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however.}
Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

_{Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."}Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

_{"Xiao Ning: "..."}I already became Xiao-shao?

"Xiao Ning: "..."

_{While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."}Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."

_{With these words said, he perfectly delivered his message, then took his leave.}
"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know. I wouldn't be rest assured if it were anyone else since if it's you, I'm sure nothing untoward will happen. So all you have to do is go in there and show your face, say a few words, and nothing else, okay?"

With these words said, he perfectly delivered his message, then took his leave.

_{Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.}Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.

_{It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.}
Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.

It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.

_{"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."}Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

_{Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."}
Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."

_{He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.}This place had a membership system.

He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.

_{Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."}He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.

Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

_{"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"}
So, having thought about it, he also did not want to cause his former superior to worry, saying, "Then, yes, I'll do it, and I'll try my best."

"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"

_{Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.}Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

_{Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).}
Wang Hua was shocked, he never thought that Xiao Ning would relent, but it was a great relief he had, "In that case..."

Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

_{But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.}
While he spoke, the phone rang again, Wang Hua hurriedly answered it, his brows furrowing all the more.

But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.

_{Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."}"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"

Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

_{Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).}Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

_{How could he say such a thing...}
Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

How could he say such a thing...

_{{How could he say such a thing...}}When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory. So, no one could even try to get an inch closer to Xiao Ning. Even if the two did not seem particularly intimate, the protectiveness between them was quite evident.

How could he say such a thing...

_{Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".}
Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

_{Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."}"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand." After saying this, the elevator arrived. Wang Hua pulled Xiao Ning inside, then pressed the button for the third floor. With his brows furrowed tightly, embarrassment soon exploded on his face, "I know you're single, and I also know you won't act recklessly with President Shan."

Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

_{{How could he say such a thing...}}Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

How could he say such a thing...

_{Shan Haiming was a step ahead of him, however, reaching over himself to grab the bowl of fruit, then drag it right in front of him, the boorish nature of the act causing a loud creak to erupt from the table.}This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

Shan Haiming was a step ahead of him, however, reaching over himself to grab the bowl of fruit, then drag it right in front of him, the boorish nature of the act causing a loud creak to erupt from the table.

_{He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.}
Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.

_{Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.}The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."

Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.

_{When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory.}
"It's just an act, nothing more. So it's not a big deal." In any case, he was the one who agreed to go there, so who wouldn't put a brighter spin on things? Xiao Ning and Wang Hua made their way to the door at the end of the room, with him following behind the other man as he opened the door, then walked in.

When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory. So, no one could even try to get an inch closer to Xiao Ning. Even if the two did not seem particularly intimate, the protectiveness between them was quite evident.

_{Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason.}Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

_{Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."}"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.

Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."

_{Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"}
Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"

_{"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."}
Just then, a guy spoke up. "Hey, who's he?"

"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

_{Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."}Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

_{Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."}"It's just an act, nothing more. So it's not a big deal." In any case, he was the one who agreed to go there, so who wouldn't put a brighter spin on things? Xiao Ning and Wang Hua made their way to the door at the end of the room, with him following behind the other man as he opened the door, then walked in.

Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

_{Shan Haiming was a step ahead of him, however, reaching over himself to grab the bowl of fruit, then drag it right in front of him, the boorish nature of the act causing a loud creak to erupt from the table.}
Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

Shan Haiming was a step ahead of him, however, reaching over himself to grab the bowl of fruit, then drag it right in front of him, the boorish nature of the act causing a loud creak to erupt from the table.

_{This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.}Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."

This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.

_{The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-{shao} is so protective. I'm so jealous."}Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."

_{"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."}
This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."

"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

_{Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."}"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.

Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

_{Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."}This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."

Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

_{Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-{shao}, how come I've never met this guy before now?"}Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

_{Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason.}
With these words said, he perfectly delivered his message, then took his leave.

Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

_{Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.}Wang Hua was shocked, he never thought that Xiao Ning would relent, but it was a great relief he had, "In that case..."

Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

_{Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.}After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

_{Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.}
"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

_{Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.}Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.

_{This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.}Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"

This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

_{Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."}
Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

_{This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.}Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.

This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

_{Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.}
But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.

Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

_{Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".}Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

_{Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."}Just then, a guy spoke up. "Hey, who's he?"

Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."

_{Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."}Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

_{Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.}
This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.

Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.

_{"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand.}
Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."

"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand." After saying this, the elevator arrived. Wang Hua pulled Xiao Ning inside, then pressed the button for the third floor. With his brows furrowed tightly, embarrassment soon exploded on his face, "I know you're single, and I also know you won't act recklessly with President Shan."

_{This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.}It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.

This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

_{Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."}The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."

Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."

_{Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.}Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

_{The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"}
Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"

_{Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".}"Haven't you guys all been super swamped these days? Are the men or women I like any business of yours?" Shan Haiming smirked, possessing an indescribable degree of arrogance. "So drop it. I only brought Xiao Ning here today to meet you all, to show you some face. What more do you want from me? Would you like a written confession?"

Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

_{Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"}
Shan Haiming's brows rose with displeasure, his arm reaching over to rest itself on the back of the sofa behind Xiao Ning, seeming wronged, so he remained silent, with Xiao Ning also maintaining a wooden expression. Now, the performance of the two took off. Putting on their play "the perfect pair of quarrelling lovers was displayed" for all eyes to see.

Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

_{When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory.}Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.

When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory. So, no one could even try to get an inch closer to Xiao Ning. Even if the two did not seem particularly intimate, the protectiveness between them was quite evident.

_{Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."}This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

_{Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."}Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

_{While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."}
Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."

_{The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-{shao} where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."}Furthermore, the level of the job he had upgraded to was quite high, so Xiao Ning did not know what to say, and could only look at Wang Hua inquiringly.

The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."

_{"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."}"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.

"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"}Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

_{The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."}
"Why do you meeting him, or not, hold any importance?" Shan Haiming inclined his head, not giving the guy any semblance of face as he continued, "Are you my mother?"

The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."

_{"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand.}Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

"My current boss has found himselfNote the pronouns for he/she/they/them/it all sound the same in Chinese. in a bit of a snag, and it's very complicated so I don't really know how exactly to explain it to you beforehand." After saying this, the elevator arrived. Wang Hua pulled Xiao Ning inside, then pressed the button for the third floor. With his brows furrowed tightly, embarrassment soon exploded on his face, "I know you're single, and I also know you won't act recklessly with President Shan."

_{Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.}Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

_{{How could he say such a thing...}}The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"

How could he say such a thing...

_{While he spoke, the phone rang again, Wang Hua hurriedly answered it, his brows furrowing all the more.}
Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"

While he spoke, the phone rang again, Wang Hua hurriedly answered it, his brows furrowing all the more.

_{Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."}Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

_{Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."}Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

_{But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.}"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.

_{After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?}
"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

_{I already became Xiao-shao?}
"Haven't you guys all been super swamped these days? Are the men or women I like any business of yours?" Shan Haiming smirked, possessing an indescribable degree of arrogance. "So drop it. I only brought Xiao Ning here today to meet you all, to show you some face. What more do you want from me? Would you like a written confession?"

I already became Xiao-shao?

_{This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.}Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

This was due to that voice from just now because no matter how pleasing it was to the ears, no one would ever have mistaken it as one belonging to a woman.

_{Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."}I already became Xiao-shao?

Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

_{Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.}
None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master. However, he couldn't grasp the current atmosphere, so it wasn't easy for him to speak rashly. But elegant indifference wasn't his style either. Thus, keeping up the act they had to put on was a little difficult. Naturally, it wasn't easy for him to sit still and stare off blankly, as the feeling he should be doing something kept prickling him. So, having caught sight of the fruit bowl on the table, he bent over and reached to grab it.

Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.

_{"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.}Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.

_{Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.}
Shan Haiming was a step ahead of him, however, reaching over himself to grab the bowl of fruit, then drag it right in front of him, the boorish nature of the act causing a loud creak to erupt from the table.

Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.

_{Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-{shao}, how come I've never met this guy before now?"}Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

_{Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."}
"Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

_{Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."}With these words said, he perfectly delivered his message, then took his leave.

Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

_{After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. {A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?}}Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."

After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

_{Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."}Wang Hua then looked at him with a constipated expression, ultimately crapping out the next few words: "Pretend to be my new boss' boyfriend, okay?"

Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

_{"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.}
Inexplicably, he also felt that this guy's domineering nature was rather cute, as he then picked up a piece of ruby-red watermelon before saying, "Thanks."

"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.

_{The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.}
Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

_{Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."}Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."

_{Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."}It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.

Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

_{Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure.}
Shan Haiming did not look at him, however. Instead, he simply took a sip of the drink in his hand.

Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure. Before he came here, he did not have the right lines to say. Thus, he made many mistakes. So, at least Shan Haiming was reliable and did not allow him to go through much hassle.

_{Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason.}So, having thought about it, he also did not want to cause his former superior to worry, saying, "Then, yes, I'll do it, and I'll try my best."

Thinking about it carefully some more, he guessed the general reasons for this situation. It could be nothing more than that reason. Xiao Ning thought it was rather funny. Out of everyone, is there anyone who hasn't had an embarrassing moment? Come to think of it, isn't such a thing a bit more embarrassing for a woman to experience? Anyhow, the most important thing is that neither of us is from the same social circles, which is rather convenient because now there won't be any worry of unforeseen issues cropping up later on.

_{Author's note: {N/A}}"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.

Author's note: N/A

_{Shan Haiming's brows rose with displeasure, his arm reaching over to rest itself on the back of the sofa behind Xiao Ning, seeming wronged, so he remained silent, with Xiao Ning also maintaining a wooden expression. Now, the performance of the two took off. Putting on their play "the perfect pair of quarrelling lovers was displayed" for all eyes to see.}Hearing this, Xiao Ning took a few seconds to react, "Wang-ge, what did you just say?"

Shan Haiming's brows rose with displeasure, his arm reaching over to rest itself on the back of the sofa behind Xiao Ning, seeming wronged, so he remained silent, with Xiao Ning also maintaining a wooden expression. Now, the performance of the two took off. Putting on their play "the perfect pair of quarrelling lovers was displayed" for all eyes to see.

_{Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."}
Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

_{Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.}Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

Wang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

_{Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."}
"Xiao-shao, don't be mad at Shan-shao, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-shao had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."

Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

_{"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-{shao}, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."}Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

_{The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-{shao} is so protective. I'm so jealous."}Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."

_{"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."}After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

_{Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.}
I already became Xiao-shao?

Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

_{"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."}Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

_{{I already became Xiao-{shao}?}}Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

I already became Xiao-shao?

_{Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... {haa...} My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."}"Oh yeah," that person added. "But last time I saw Shan-shao, I thought he wasn't interested in anyone."

Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

_{None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master.}
Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

None of this really gave any one of them any face whatsoever. Plus, upon seeing this, Xiao Ning, who before this had thought that Lu Yan was a person not easy to serve, was right then seeing before him the visage of a true young master. However, he couldn't grasp the current atmosphere, so it wasn't easy for him to speak rashly. But elegant indifference wasn't his style either. Thus, keeping up the act they had to put on was a little difficult. Naturally, it wasn't easy for him to sit still and stare off blankly, as the feeling he should be doing something kept prickling him. So, having caught sight of the fruit bowl on the table, he bent over and reached to grab it.

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"}Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

_{The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.}"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

_{Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... {haa...} My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."}Ridiculous

Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

_{Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.}
There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.

Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

_{Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."}"Wang-ge can you clue me in on what's going on first?" Xiao Ning let himself get pulled inside.

Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."

_{This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.}Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.

This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

_{Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.}Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.

_{Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."}
"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.

Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

_{Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."}
Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."

Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

_{Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"}
The laughter of a woman there rang out. "Wow, Shan-shao is so protective. I'm so jealous."

Everyone wore a somewhat curious expression on their faces, but the person who had asked the question at the beginning again inquired laughingly, "Shan-shao, how come I've never met this guy before now?"

_{Shan Haiming's brows rose with displeasure, his arm reaching over to rest itself on the back of the sofa behind Xiao Ning, seeming wronged, so he remained silent, with Xiao Ning also maintaining a wooden expression. Now, the performance of the two took off. Putting on their play "the perfect pair of quarrelling lovers was displayed" for all eyes to see.}
Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

Shan Haiming's brows rose with displeasure, his arm reaching over to rest itself on the back of the sofa behind Xiao Ning, seeming wronged, so he remained silent, with Xiao Ning also maintaining a wooden expression. Now, the performance of the two took off. Putting on their play "the perfect pair of quarrelling lovers was displayed" for all eyes to see.

_{"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know.}
After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

"Xiao Ning, your Wang-ge doesn't usually say this to other people, but I've never screwed you over before, right?" Wang Hua was completely serious as he looked at Xiao Ning, "I do realize that I am asking you for something selfish, but this new job has really good benefits, even if there are a few tasks that are seriously random. Right now, I don't have the time to find anyone else to ask, and you're the most reliable person out of all the young people I know. I wouldn't be rest assured if it were anyone else since if it's you, I'm sure nothing untoward will happen. So all you have to do is go in there and show your face, say a few words, and nothing else, okay?"

_{"Xiao-{shao}, don't be mad at Shan-{shao}, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-{shao} had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."}Xiao Ning was shocked, "Then why aren't you rushing over there?"

"Xiao-shao, don't be mad at Shan-shao, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-shao had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."

_{Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."}Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

_{Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.}
Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

Xiao Ning just wanted to go in and find Wang Hua, but he was stopped by security at the door.

_{This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."}
Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure. Before he came here, he did not have the right lines to say. Thus, he made many mistakes. So, at least Shan Haiming was reliable and did not allow him to go through much hassle.

This natural confidence and calm demeanour of his properly put Wang Hua's heart at ease, "President Shan, I brought Xiao Ning, but I still have some business to attend to at the hospital at the moment. Please accept my apologies, everyone, as I must take my leave ahead of time."

_{Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.}Xiao Ning called himself a taxi, and luckily, the driver knew where that place was, even managing to drop him off at the main entrance. That place was far more imposing than a regular bar, however. There was no noise from the people there as they came and left, as it seemed to be some sort of high-class club. To open a place here, in this kind of deserted area in the outskirts, is a seriously detached level of pretentiousness.

Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.

_{This place had a membership system.}
This act was why when he saw Shan Haiming pull out a cigarette, in tandem, he picked up a lighter from the table to assist.

This place had a membership system.

_{Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... {haa...} My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."}"It's just an act, nothing more. So it's not a big deal." In any case, he was the one who agreed to go there, so who wouldn't put a brighter spin on things? Xiao Ning and Wang Hua made their way to the door at the end of the room, with him following behind the other man as he opened the door, then walked in.

Seeing Xiao Ning staring at him, Wang Hua hung up the phone and then explained, "Everything is piling up on top of each other today... haa... My wife just went into the hospital, and she's about to give birth. So I have to head over there right now."

_{There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.}There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.

There was nothing to laugh about, yet they all lavished heaps of laughter.

_{Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"}"Xiao-shao, don't be mad at Shan-shao, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-shao had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."

Xiao Ning laughed, since such a request came so far out of left field, there was nothing he could say in response. Wang Hua was just about to say something, but just at that moment, his phone rang, "Huh? I'm coming right now. No, no...no, no, no, I got it, I understand... I'm on my way right now, alright? Just ask her to hold on for a bit, yeah?"

_{Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."}
Shan Haiming was a bit surprised at this, his brow lifting as he took a look. The dancing flame made his slightly younger face to be noticeable, his expression as if he was just a handsome youth.

Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

_{The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"}While he spoke, the phone rang again, Wang Hua hurriedly answered it, his brows furrowing all the more.

The elevator door had already opened then, and Wang Hua released an 'ah' sound, taking the lead, walking out first, while that frozen plank behind him did not move an inch. It seemed as though the other man's proposal was extremely outrageous, "Anyhow, it's just this one time, so let's just go deal with this, okay?"

_{Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.}Xiao Ning: "?????"

Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

_{After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. {A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?}}Author's note: N/A

After saying that, he downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Xiao Ning's throat jerked unconsciously. A drink like that has a lot of burn, doesn't it?

_{Just then, a guy spoke up. "Hey, who's he?"}
The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."

Just then, a guy spoke up. "Hey, who's he?"

_{Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."}He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.

Around them, everyone else moved to introduce themselves one after the other, "Hey, Baili, pour him a glass quickly."

_{Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."}This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

_{Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣.}"Understood," a voice lazily replied. "Don't delay that troublesome business of yours now; get going. Hurry along."

Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

_{Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."}
The two of their eyes met in tacit understanding, though, agreeing to regard the gossip around them as nothing.

Her words were said with playfulness, but her tone carried traces of jealousy. Xiao Ning didn't know if he should laugh or cry at that moment, only then hearing Shan Haiming scoff as he took his former drink. "You want to joke with me? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

_{Wang Hua was shocked, he never thought that Xiao Ning would relent, but it was a great relief he had, "In that case..."}
Xiao Ning returned the lighter, and Shan Haiming leaned back, a happy mood clearly shown on his face, as he said to the others, "What are you looking at? So gross."

Wang Hua was shocked, he never thought that Xiao Ning would relent, but it was a great relief he had, "In that case..."

_{Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.}But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.

Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

_{This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.}Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

_{Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."}The atmosphere between them was so good, it got the rest all riled up again, "I was just about to ask Shan-shao where he up and disappeared to this year, but it turns out he went off and found love."

Shan Haiming's current expression naturally made Xiao Ning a bit unnerved, so after a two-second pause, he made his way over to Shan Haiming and then sat beside him. He didn't know how exactly he should respond, leaving him with no choice but to keep his composure as he replied, "I was already in my bed and sleeping at this hour."

_{"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.}
He and Shan Haiming were now sitting quite close. In the beginning, there was still a gap between them, but afterwards, somehow, they got stuck closely together. But even though Xiao Ning was a bit uncomfortable, he didn't show that much emotion at this time, simply eating a piece of fruit by his lonesome while displaying an attitude of nonchalance.

"We'd like to offer you a toast. Don't take this all to heart, okay? We came here to meet up once, so let's have some fun and relax ourselves." After saying this, they raised their glasses and then gave a noise-filled toast.

_{Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).}Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

_{Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."}It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.

Xiao Ning put on a smile while he faced that person, then said to everyone, "My apologies, everyone, I ran a bit late."

_{"Haven't you guys all been super swamped these days? Are the men or women I like any business of yours?" Shan Haiming smirked, possessing an indescribable degree of arrogance. "So drop it. I only brought Xiao Ning here today to meet you all, to show you some face. What more do you want from me? Would you like a written confession?"}
"You keep nibbling on those fruits. Do you want to order some food?" Shan Haiming put out his cigarette and asked, the wisps of hair from his bangs falling downwards, blocking the sight of his sharp brows, making him seem a bit harder to get close to.

"Haven't you guys all been super swamped these days? Are the men or women I like any business of yours?" Shan Haiming smirked, possessing an indescribable degree of arrogance. "So drop it. I only brought Xiao Ning here today to meet you all, to show you some face. What more do you want from me? Would you like a written confession?"

_{Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."}Everyone in the room was rather quiet, but Xiao Ning had no idea whether it was because of their sudden entrance or simply the original state of the room. He looked around as he pleased, seeing seven to eight men and women gathered together, and at that time, he couldn't tell which one was "Haiming".

Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

_{{This place had a membership system.}}While they now stood in front of the elevator, Wang Hua wiped his face, his expression one of extreme gloom, "Well, the thing is... Um, something like this... even if I tell you, you won't believe it. But, long story short, I switched jobs just like you."

This place had a membership system.

_{Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.}
Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."

Allowing a smile to grace his face, one akin to a spring breeze that subtly morphs into a light rain. The corners of his eyes then lifted, meeting the sight of that other man's own eyes, which were earlier drawn with displeasure, now lifted.

_{Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."}
"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"

Having never been fond of this sort of stuff, Xiao Ning still joined in on the flow of conversation, also picking up a glass, but was unable to stop Shan Haiming from reaching out from beside him to put the glass back on the table, "Only drink what you want to drink. If you don't like it, let them drink it themselves."

_{Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure.}Relying on that self-restraint he had developed over all those years, he was able to pull the corners of his lips into a plastered smile, and then make his way over to that person. That person was also looking his way. The bridge of their nose was rather high and handsome. Caught in his line of sight, his tone was not too good, "You're difficult to invite out."

Xiao Ning witnessed all of this from beside him, also unable to understand how with this attitude of his, there would still be a few people who could really become his friends. But this situation also gave Xiao Ning a lot less pressure. Before he came here, he did not have the right lines to say. Thus, he made many mistakes. So, at least Shan Haiming was reliable and did not allow him to go through much hassle.

_{Wang Hua then looked at him with a constipated expression, ultimately crapping out the next few words: "Pretend to be my new boss' boyfriend, okay?"}
Xiao Ning thought about how he should answer, and Shan Haiming's brows furrowed as he interrupted, "Quit with the nagging. His work hours aren't like that of you demons. He's already tired enough from being dragged here at this hour, so who would want to still talk random crap with you."

Wang Hua then looked at him with a constipated expression, ultimately crapping out the next few words: "Pretend to be my new boss' boyfriend, okay?"

_{"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-{shao} where do you work?"}Wang Hua seemed more anxious now, what else was there for him to pay attention to? "Um, when the time comes, just play it by the ear." After saying this, he again shot a glance Xiao Ning's way, then said rather meaningfully, "Xiao Ning, this time around, I have done you wrong."

"Then have something to drink." Shan Haiming's words were not questions, as he was already calling over a waiter to brink a selection of juices. Not even lifting a finger himself, as he then had someone else pour some for Xiao Ning, "Xiao-shao where do you work?"

_{Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.}Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"

Wang Hua's usually carefree character was, at present, replaced with an anxiety-filled one, where even his forehead was dripping with sweat. It was a sight Xiao Ning couldn't bear to see.

_{Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."}
It was not easy for that person to ask Xiao Ning a question again, as he was caught by Shan Haiming and fed a more than few glasses, made to drink them all until he had passed out.

Xiao Ning rubbed his nose and then gave Wang Hua a call, but less than a few seconds later, he saw Wang Hua rushing out, then over, to grab him by the wrist, "Hurry, save this mess."

_{Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"}Wang Hua was shocked, he never thought that Xiao Ning would relent, but it was a great relief he had, "In that case..."

Xiao Ning mulled things over for a while, thinking about what he could say that would not cause an issue, letting out a laugh. "I have one nose and two eyes, yeah? So what's there to be curious about?"

_{Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.}
When has Shan Haiming ever given someone such good treatment? The others also clearly understood. Shan-shao, despite it hurting his reputation to bring out that person for them to meet, to the contrary, seemed just like a wolf encircling its own territory. So, no one could even try to get an inch closer to Xiao Ning. Even if the two did not seem particularly intimate, the protectiveness between them was quite evident.

Xiao Ning did see how anxious and worried he was and thought what he asked for was too much. But it did also seem as if it was not that big deal. Plus, it wasn't like it was some kind of marriage contract or something. It was just a one-time deal. It was simply a rescue mission.

_{Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣.}Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

Xiao Ning smiled. It was clear that this "Shan Haiming"Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as the more feminine 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣. was the new aforementioned boss, and to be a decisively thinking woman able to stage such an emergency couple play on the spot like this was also rather manly, "For this temporary play, is there anything I should pay attention to?"

_{"Xiao Ning: "..."}
Xiao Ning had no idea what this feeling was, however.

"Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."}Noticing Shan Haiming's mood was better, the others brought more drinks over and continuously piled on nice words. Shan Haiming did not refuse any of them, but every question was about Xiao Ning, and Shan Haiming gave them all right back. It seemed as though they were quite used to this attitude of his. With them just saying a few joking words before letting the matter rest.

Xiao Ning never thought he would speak with him directly, and those others were already singing karaoke, so he could only answer, "No need. I already ate before I came here."

_RidiculousWang Hua, seeming as if he had been granted amnesty, nimbly closed the door and made his way out.

Ridiculous

_{"Xiao-shao, don't be mad at Shan-shao, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-shao had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."}
This was truly ridiculous. Throughout the entirety of his life, this was the first time Xiao Ning ever felt another person so indiscriminately be this staunchly protective towards him, and unexpectedly, it had to happen under such circumstances.

"Xiao-shao, don't be mad at Shan-shao, alright? We were the ones who got curious after hearing Shan-shao had a boyfriend and wanted to meet the person who had such a great talent." Baili then diligently poured a glass of pure foreign liquor and handed it to Xiao Ning. "We were all just a bit surprised, is all. There no other meaning behind it."

_{But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.}While he spoke, the phone rang again, Wang Hua hurriedly answered it, his brows furrowing all the more.

But for Xiao Ning, no matter how open his heart was, at that moment, had felt a bit uneasy.

_{Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-{shao}'s preference?"}Wang Hua waved his hand, "I have to escort you in there first. Shan Haiming knows how to handle things tactfully, so I'm sure you won't be made to feel awkward. Plus, if you help them out, you could be regarded as a friend."

Those words made that person laugh awkwardly, while from nearby chimed in to smooth things over, "It can't be... did you not know about Shan-shao's preference?"

---

Author's Note:

Author's note: {N/A}

Notes:

Translator Note: 1. Xiao Ning interpreted Shan Haiming's name as 单海茗, instead of 单海鸣 before they met and when he assumed he was a woman, so that's why the name was in quotes. 2. 单少: Young Master Shao, is just a friendly way to say Shaoye:少爷 (Young master).

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