The Long Road Ahead: C03

Chapter: 3 | Carried Home

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Carried Home

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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￣)

_{Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.}
Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that. Only Shan Haiming would ask him a few sentences, every now and again, to which he gave careful replies. All the others around them could do was stare on with blank expressions. Xiao Ning even managed to pull out his phone, at some point during it all, to send Lu Yan a message asking what he would like for lunch.

Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.

_{To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-{shao}, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."}To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

_{"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

_{Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.}Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

_{Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.}
During this time, someone had chosen to sing the King of Karaoke^[1], and their rendition of the song was soulful.

Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.

_{Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.}"I'm fine. After a shower and a jog, I'm feeling a lot better." Shan Haiming's brows drew into a light knit, his inner thoughts unknown. "And just call me Haiming from now on. Wasn't it easier to call me that last night?"

Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.

_{Xiao Ning's eyes slightly widened, barely managing to respond. "Mr. Shan?"}Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

Xiao Ning's eyes slightly widened, barely managing to respond. "Mr. Shan?"

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}N/A

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
Enough to coax a smile from Xiao Ning when he looked up and saw the lyrics while he still fiddled around with his phone.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits.}
Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.

Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits. As soon as the porridge was placed in front of him, he began to gulp it all down at a speed, which was rather quick.

_{That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.}
But such matters were that man's own business, and Xiao Ning had his own issues to take care of, so where would he find the energy to be gossiping about that?

That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

_{Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.}While being pressed below the other man, Xiao Ning honestly just wanted to stay lying there until morning.

Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

_{The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive.}After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there. Once there, after many trials and tribulations, Xiao Ning managed to drag Shan Haiming into the apartment. The task had left him panting for breath as he moved to close the door. Tossing his keys into the shoe cabinet without any effort, he was accidentally tripped by Shan Haiming's legs, causing them both to simultaneously fall to the floor.

The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive. This was how Xiao Ning was able to pull out Shan Haiming's phone to see if he could contact one of the man's family members or friends. Only to find out after clicking on the screen that a password was required.

_{{That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.}}Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.

_{Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.}
When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.

Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.

_{Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.}
Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.

_{"Do you like men?"}Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.

"Do you like men?"

_{When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.}
Baili, who had also drank himself into a stupor, was tapping Shan Haiming's shoulder, wanting to ask him something, but the other man simply flung off his advances. Shan Haiming instead just closed his eyes, repulsion clear on his face melded with the mischievous look of a person holding no interest in talking with anyone, as he leaned his body against Xiao Ning.

When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.

_{"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."}Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

_{Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before.}While being pressed below the other man, Xiao Ning honestly just wanted to stay lying there until morning.

Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before. But the image now shown in front of Xiao Ning's eyes to the contrary seemed to resemble that of a little brother next door.

_{{When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he?} But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.}Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."

When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

_{This sleep he fell into then was rather deep, so much so, that having heard the muffled sounds of someone stirring, all he did was pull the sofa's cushion over his head before again going back to sleep.}
Xiao Ning felt that in this current moment, not saying anything more would be difficult to explain away. So after reaching out his hand to support the man against him, he said, "It looks like you're all spent. Are you guys planning on leaving as well?"

This sleep he fell into then was rather deep, so much so, that having heard the muffled sounds of someone stirring, all he did was pull the sofa's cushion over his head before again going back to sleep.

_{Within living things, the biological clock they possessed was a quite powerful thing, you see, as Xiao Ning had awakened that following morning at eight on the dot. For a second, he could not make out the situation, and the front door he was facing suddenly opened, giving him a start that was enough to wash his drowsiness away.}What time it was? It was almost midnight.

Within living things, the biological clock they possessed was a quite powerful thing, you see, as Xiao Ning had awakened that following morning at eight on the dot. For a second, he could not make out the situation, and the front door he was facing suddenly opened, giving him a start that was enough to wash his drowsiness away.

_{During this time, someone had chosen to sing the King of Karaoke, and their rendition of the song was soulful.}
To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

During this time, someone had chosen to sing the King of Karaoke, and their rendition of the song was soulful.

_{Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.} Song by Eason Chen.

Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

_{Baili, who had also drank himself into a stupor, was tapping Shan Haiming's shoulder, wanting to ask him something, but the other man simply flung off his advances. Shan Haiming instead just closed his eyes, repulsion clear on his face melded with the mischievous look of a person holding no interest in talking with anyone, as he leaned his body against Xiao Ning.}"The user you are trying to reach has had their device switched off."

Baili, who had also drank himself into a stupor, was tapping Shan Haiming's shoulder, wanting to ask him something, but the other man simply flung off his advances. Shan Haiming instead just closed his eyes, repulsion clear on his face melded with the mischievous look of a person holding no interest in talking with anyone, as he leaned his body against Xiao Ning.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Carried Home}
What time it was? It was almost midnight.

Carried Home

_{He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.}Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.

_{To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-{shao}, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."}That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

_{Once he sensed the weight from the one stuck to him get heavier, he dragged Shan Haiming back up again, asking, "Mr. Shan? Are you alright, Mr Shan?"}
Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.

Once he sensed the weight from the one stuck to him get heavier, he dragged Shan Haiming back up again, asking, "Mr. Shan? Are you alright, Mr Shan?"

_{Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.}Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before. But the image now shown in front of Xiao Ning's eyes to the contrary seemed to resemble that of a little brother next door.

Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

_{Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."}After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there. Once there, after many trials and tribulations, Xiao Ning managed to drag Shan Haiming into the apartment. The task had left him panting for breath as he moved to close the door. Tossing his keys into the shoe cabinet without any effort, he was accidentally tripped by Shan Haiming's legs, causing them both to simultaneously fall to the floor.

Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

_{As the secondary master of the house, Xiao Ning himself took the initiative to do these things as well. He first went to tidy himself up, then returned to take the two cans of soup into the kitchen.}
"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.

As the secondary master of the house, Xiao Ning himself took the initiative to do these things as well. He first went to tidy himself up, then returned to take the two cans of soup into the kitchen. There was nothing in the fridge there, but the utensils and cookware in the kitchen were all fully stocked. So Xiao Ning poured the congee into two bowls and then placed them into the microwave for a couple of minutes.

_{Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."}"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.

Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."

_{Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."}
Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."

_{In the meantime, Xiao Ning felt as though his head was about to explode, as there were no hotels anywhere near that area for several miles, and the landscaping of the area was rather well-done since it was all main roads.}The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive. This was how Xiao Ning was able to pull out Shan Haiming's phone to see if he could contact one of the man's family members or friends. Only to find out after clicking on the screen that a password was required.

In the meantime, Xiao Ning felt as though his head was about to explode, as there were no hotels anywhere near that area for several miles, and the landscaping of the area was rather well-done since it was all main roads.

_{Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"}"Do you like men?"

Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"

_{While being pressed below the other man, Xiao Ning honestly just wanted to stay lying there until morning.}
Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."

While being pressed below the other man, Xiao Ning honestly just wanted to stay lying there until morning.

_{He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.}Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.

_{When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.}
As he said this, his expression was rather ambiguous, and he then added "You two can hurry on off now. I'll have to trouble you to look after him, Xiao Ning."

When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

_{"The user you are trying to reach has had their device switched off."}
Xiao Ning: "..."

"The user you are trying to reach has had their device switched off."

_{But such matters were that man's own business, and Xiao Ning had his own issues to take care of, so where would he find the energy to be gossiping about that?}Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.

But such matters were that man's own business, and Xiao Ning had his own issues to take care of, so where would he find the energy to be gossiping about that?

_{Within living things, the biological clock they possessed was a quite powerful thing, you see, as Xiao Ning had awakened that following morning at eight on the dot. For a second, he could not make out the situation, and the front door he was facing suddenly opened, giving him a start that was enough to wash his drowsiness away.}
Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.

Within living things, the biological clock they possessed was a quite powerful thing, you see, as Xiao Ning had awakened that following morning at eight on the dot. For a second, he could not make out the situation, and the front door he was facing suddenly opened, giving him a start that was enough to wash his drowsiness away.

_{Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.}That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.

Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.

_{Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. {Everyone had their troubles it seems.} After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"}N/A

Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

_{However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."}Xiao Ning: "..."

However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."

_N/A
Once he sensed the weight from the one stuck to him get heavier, he dragged Shan Haiming back up again, asking, "Mr. Shan? Are you alright, Mr Shan?"

N/A

_{Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."}Xiao Ning: "..."

Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

_{What time it was? It was almost midnight.}
Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

What time it was? It was almost midnight.

_{Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers.}To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers. So around this time, he truly was quite sleepy. Thus after a quick washing up, Xiao Ning's entire form then weakly collapsed onto the sofa, not long having passed until he fell fast asleep.

_{{When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he?} But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

_{Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.}As the secondary master of the house, Xiao Ning himself took the initiative to do these things as well. He first went to tidy himself up, then returned to take the two cans of soup into the kitchen. There was nothing in the fridge there, but the utensils and cookware in the kitchen were all fully stocked. So Xiao Ning poured the congee into two bowls and then placed them into the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.

_{Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.}
"The user you are trying to reach has had their device switched off."

Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

_{Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. {Everyone had their troubles it seems.} After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"}Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.

Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

_{However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."}
Xiao Ning: "..."

However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."

_{Having made it to this point, Xiao Ning never intended for Shan Haiming to sleep on the sofa. The man was Wang Hua's new boss, after all, so showing this bit of favour was also doable for Xiao Ning.}That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

Having made it to this point, Xiao Ning never intended for Shan Haiming to sleep on the sofa. The man was Wang Hua's new boss, after all, so showing this bit of favour was also doable for Xiao Ning.

_{Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"}
When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"

_{That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.}Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.

That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

_{Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.}Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.

Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.

_{"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."}
However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."

"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."

_{Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.}Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits. As soon as the porridge was placed in front of him, he began to gulp it all down at a speed, which was rather quick.

Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.

_{Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.}That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.

_{Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."}
Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.

Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."

_{Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.}Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.

Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

_{Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."}Heshu Zhou was the first to be stunned, his gaze moving to examine Shan Haiming's face before moving to smack his own forehead, saying, "Yeah yeah yeah. Jeez, I'm so thoughtless."

Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

_{"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.}
He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.

"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.

_{Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.}As the secondary master of the house, Xiao Ning himself took the initiative to do these things as well. He first went to tidy himself up, then returned to take the two cans of soup into the kitchen. There was nothing in the fridge there, but the utensils and cookware in the kitchen were all fully stocked. So Xiao Ning poured the congee into two bowls and then placed them into the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.

_{Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

_{"I'm fine. After a shower and a jog, I'm feeling a lot better." Shan Haiming's brows drew into a light knit, his inner thoughts unknown. "And just call me Haiming from now on. Wasn't it easier to call me that last night?"}
In the meantime, Xiao Ning felt as though his head was about to explode, as there were no hotels anywhere near that area for several miles, and the landscaping of the area was rather well-done since it was all main roads.

"I'm fine. After a shower and a jog, I'm feeling a lot better." Shan Haiming's brows drew into a light knit, his inner thoughts unknown. "And just call me Haiming from now on. Wasn't it easier to call me that last night?"

_{Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. {Everyone had their troubles it seems.} After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"}Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

_{Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits.}Xiao Ning: "..."

Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits. As soon as the porridge was placed in front of him, he began to gulp it all down at a speed, which was rather quick.

_{As he said this, his expression was rather ambiguous, and he then added "You two can hurry on off now. I'll have to trouble you to look after him, Xiao Ning."}
Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

As he said this, his expression was rather ambiguous, and he then added "You two can hurry on off now. I'll have to trouble you to look after him, Xiao Ning."

_{Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.}During this time, someone had chosen to sing the King of Karaoke, and their rendition of the song was soulful.

Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

_{Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before.}Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before. But the image now shown in front of Xiao Ning's eyes to the contrary seemed to resemble that of a little brother next door.

_{After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there.}
That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.

After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there. Once there, after many trials and tribulations, Xiao Ning managed to drag Shan Haiming into the apartment. The task had left him panting for breath as he moved to close the door. Tossing his keys into the shoe cabinet without any effort, he was accidentally tripped by Shan Haiming's legs, causing them both to simultaneously fall to the floor.

_{"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."}Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

_{N/A}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

N/A

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive. This was how Xiao Ning was able to pull out Shan Haiming's phone to see if he could contact one of the man's family members or friends. Only to find out after clicking on the screen that a password was required.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{During this time, someone had chosen to sing the {King of Karaoke}, and their rendition of the song was soulful.}After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there. Once there, after many trials and tribulations, Xiao Ning managed to drag Shan Haiming into the apartment. The task had left him panting for breath as he moved to close the door. Tossing his keys into the shoe cabinet without any effort, he was accidentally tripped by Shan Haiming's legs, causing them both to simultaneously fall to the floor.

During this time, someone had chosen to sing the King of Karaoke, and their rendition of the song was soulful.

_{Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.}"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.

_{Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.}
Xiao Ning: "..."

Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

_{Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."}Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."

_{Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. {Everyone had their troubles it seems.} After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"}"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

_{Xiao Ning felt that in this current moment, not saying anything more would be difficult to explain away. So after reaching out his hand to support the man against him, he said, "It looks like you're all spent. Are you guys planning on leaving as well?"}
Looks as if I'm going to have to carry out this good deed of the day all the way to the end. Xiao Ning found himself thinking. It's just a way to accumulate good virtue. It was just making a new friend like Wang Hua had said.

Xiao Ning felt that in this current moment, not saying anything more would be difficult to explain away. So after reaching out his hand to support the man against him, he said, "It looks like you're all spent. Are you guys planning on leaving as well?"

_{However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."}When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.

However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."

_{Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers.}Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers. So around this time, he truly was quite sleepy. Thus after a quick washing up, Xiao Ning's entire form then weakly collapsed onto the sofa, not long having passed until he fell fast asleep.

Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers. So around this time, he truly was quite sleepy. Thus after a quick washing up, Xiao Ning's entire form then weakly collapsed onto the sofa, not long having passed until he fell fast asleep.

_{Having made it to this point, Xiao Ning never intended for Shan Haiming to sleep on the sofa. The man was Wang Hua's new boss, after all, so showing this bit of favour was also doable for Xiao Ning.}
Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.

Having made it to this point, Xiao Ning never intended for Shan Haiming to sleep on the sofa. The man was Wang Hua's new boss, after all, so showing this bit of favour was also doable for Xiao Ning.

_{"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."}
After putting Shan Haiming in the car, Xiao Ning gave the driver the address of the apartment where he would be staying temporarily. Doing so because that place was not too far from their current location, and would take twenty minutes at most for them to get there. Once there, after many trials and tribulations, Xiao Ning managed to drag Shan Haiming into the apartment. The task had left him panting for breath as he moved to close the door. Tossing his keys into the shoe cabinet without any effort, he was accidentally tripped by Shan Haiming's legs, causing them both to simultaneously fall to the floor.

"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

_{Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers.}
While being pressed below the other man, Xiao Ning honestly just wanted to stay lying there until morning.

Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers. So around this time, he truly was quite sleepy. Thus after a quick washing up, Xiao Ning's entire form then weakly collapsed onto the sofa, not long having passed until he fell fast asleep.

_{Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.}Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.

Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

_{Song by Eason Chen.}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

Song by Eason Chen.

_{The person who came in and did so was wearing sportswear, while carrying a plastic bag, showing signs of freshness which was similar to the moisture of the morning dew. "You're up?"}
Shan Haiming, who only let out a frown to show he was just mildly disturbed, after grinding his jaw a bit, simply found a comfortable spot for himself between Xiao Ning's shoulders before again falling back asleep.

The person who came in and did so was wearing sportswear, while carrying a plastic bag, showing signs of freshness which was similar to the moisture of the morning dew. "You're up?"

_{The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive.}
Releasing a long sigh, Xiao Ning, after a silent grumble, carefully leaned his body while supporting Shan Haiming to allow the two of them to stand up. That apartment had two bedrooms, and Xiao Ning only ever stayed in the one for guests. The master bedroom was reserved for Lu Yan, even if he only ever went there less than a couple of times a year. Plus, in that master bedroom, there was none of Lu Yan's personal belongings, and when he was there, Xiao Ning never stepped foot in it.

The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive. This was how Xiao Ning was able to pull out Shan Haiming's phone to see if he could contact one of the man's family members or friends. Only to find out after clicking on the screen that a password was required.

_{But such matters were that man's own business, and Xiao Ning had his own issues to take care of, so where would he find the energy to be gossiping about that?}
Having made it to this point, Xiao Ning never intended for Shan Haiming to sleep on the sofa. The man was Wang Hua's new boss, after all, so showing this bit of favour was also doable for Xiao Ning.

But such matters were that man's own business, and Xiao Ning had his own issues to take care of, so where would he find the energy to be gossiping about that?

_{Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.}Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits. As soon as the porridge was placed in front of him, he began to gulp it all down at a speed, which was rather quick.

Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

_{Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.}Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.

_{Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before.}
Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before. But the image now shown in front of Xiao Ning's eyes to the contrary seemed to resemble that of a little brother next door.

_{"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.}This sleep he fell into then was rather deep, so much so, that having heard the muffled sounds of someone stirring, all he did was pull the sofa's cushion over his head before again going back to sleep.

"Haiming?" He then called out softly, but Shan Haiming's eyes didn't open in return.

_{However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."}When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

However, Xiao Ning was nevertheless left hung out to dry, while someone else was being carried in his arms. Now standing in the doorway wearing a dumbfounded expression, Xiao Ning asked, "Mr. Shan? Mr. Shan, where do you live? need to take you home."

_{Xiao Ning's eyes slightly widened, barely managing to respond. "Mr. Shan?"}
Shan Haiming was right about one thing he said earlier, Xiao Ning did have a regular work and sleep schedule. Meaning, that he had to go to bed before eleven in order for him to wake up before eight o'clock sharp the next morning, a behaviour that could be regarded as that of a role model amongst his peers. So around this time, he truly was quite sleepy. Thus after a quick washing up, Xiao Ning's entire form then weakly collapsed onto the sofa, not long having passed until he fell fast asleep.

Xiao Ning's eyes slightly widened, barely managing to respond. "Mr. Shan?"

_{Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that.}"Do you like men?"

Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that. Only Shan Haiming would ask him a few sentences, every now and again, to which he gave careful replies. All the others around them could do was stare on with blank expressions. Xiao Ning even managed to pull out his phone, at some point during it all, to send Lu Yan a message asking what he would like for lunch.

_{Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"}
This sleep he fell into then was rather deep, so much so, that having heard the muffled sounds of someone stirring, all he did was pull the sofa's cushion over his head before again going back to sleep.

Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

_{"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."}Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

_{That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.}When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.

That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

_{Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."}Releasing a long sigh, Xiao Ning, after a silent grumble, carefully leaned his body while supporting Shan Haiming to allow the two of them to stand up. That apartment had two bedrooms, and Xiao Ning only ever stayed in the one for guests. The master bedroom was reserved for Lu Yan, even if he only ever went there less than a couple of times a year. Plus, in that master bedroom, there was none of Lu Yan's personal belongings, and when he was there, Xiao Ning never stepped foot in it.

Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."

_{Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."}
Within living things, the biological clock they possessed was a quite powerful thing, you see, as Xiao Ning had awakened that following morning at eight on the dot. For a second, he could not make out the situation, and the front door he was facing suddenly opened, giving him a start that was enough to wash his drowsiness away.

Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

_{Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.

_{The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive.}Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"

The cold wind of the night air hummed, and Xiao Ning noticed Shan Haiming had finally finished vomiting. His face was now completely white, his body hanging weakly, with him completely unresponsive. This was how Xiao Ning was able to pull out Shan Haiming's phone to see if he could contact one of the man's family members or friends. Only to find out after clicking on the screen that a password was required.

_{"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."}Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

_{Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.}
The person who came in and did so was wearing sportswear, while carrying a plastic bag, showing signs of freshness which was similar to the moisture of the morning dew. "You're up?"

Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.

_{Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.}Xiao Ning felt that in this current moment, not saying anything more would be difficult to explain away. So after reaching out his hand to support the man against him, he said, "It looks like you're all spent. Are you guys planning on leaving as well?"

Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.

_{To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."}
Xiao Ning's eyes slightly widened, barely managing to respond. "Mr. Shan?"

To this question, a guy who had just introduced himself as Heshu Zhou, let out a hearty laugh before replying, "Xiao-shao, don't you see what time it is? We can still keep going some more."

_{Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."}
Shan Haiming walked over and gave him the keys, taking a seat right beside him before moving to put the stuff in his other hand on the table. "Don't leave your keys lying about."

Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

_{{That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.}}Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.

That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.

_{"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."}Seeing the group was still acting rowdy, a bit of compassion welled up within him. Everyone had their troubles it seems. After supporting Shan Haiming, he tried to stand. Drunks were always especially heavy, but thankfully Shan Haiming didn't struggle. Xiao Ning then said to Heshu Zhou, "I'm sorry, but Shan Haiming and I will be leaving first. You guys can continue enjoying yourselves, alright?"

"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Shan Haiming only let out a groan, then no longer responded. Xiao Ning just then remembered all those western liquor he had drunk straight, a really bad feeling then coming over him. So when they had made it to the elevator, he gave Wang Hua a call.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Releasing a long sigh, Xiao Ning, after a silent grumble, carefully leaned his body while supporting Shan Haiming to allow the two of them to stand up. That apartment had two bedrooms, and Xiao Ning only ever stayed in the one for guests.}
Xiao Ning looked at the keys in the other man's hands, reaching out to take them before tucking them back into his pocket. Only just then did he notice Shan Haiming's hair was a bit damp, and on top of the image of the light grey tracksuit he was wearing, were traces of that "Shan-shao" from the private room the night before. But the image now shown in front of Xiao Ning's eyes to the contrary seemed to resemble that of a little brother next door.

Releasing a long sigh, Xiao Ning, after a silent grumble, carefully leaned his body while supporting Shan Haiming to allow the two of them to stand up. That apartment had two bedrooms, and Xiao Ning only ever stayed in the one for guests. The master bedroom was reserved for Lu Yan, even if he only ever went there less than a couple of times a year. Plus, in that master bedroom, there was none of Lu Yan's personal belongings, and when he was there, Xiao Ning never stepped foot in it.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}When he finally realised the situation around him again, the show was at an end, and only a few people were left standing. What's more, since the target of their concentrated firepower was Shan Haiming, he was of course not spared.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that.}Xiao Ning: "..."

Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that. Only Shan Haiming would ask him a few sentences, every now and again, to which he gave careful replies. All the others around them could do was stare on with blank expressions. Xiao Ning even managed to pull out his phone, at some point during it all, to send Lu Yan a message asking what he would like for lunch.

_{Carried Home}The person who came in and did so was wearing sportswear, while carrying a plastic bag, showing signs of freshness which was similar to the moisture of the morning dew. "You're up?"

Carried Home

_{Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that.}
Although his face is not particularly oozing a healthy flush, there was however no sign of the fatigue expected from his past night's drinking. So if you took his appearance from the night prior into account, his recovery was rather amazing.

Adhering to the speak little and do little principle, throughout the entire course of the evening, Xiao Ning maintained his silence. This was on account of Shan Haiming's attitude while they were there, so no one managed to bother him after that. Only Shan Haiming would ask him a few sentences, every now and again, to which he gave careful replies. All the others around them could do was stare on with blank expressions. Xiao Ning even managed to pull out his phone, at some point during it all, to send Lu Yan a message asking what he would like for lunch.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{"Do you like men?"}
Their measurements were more or less the same, and Shan Haiming didn't look bad at all wearing Xiao Ning's tracksuit. In fact, he looked a lot better in it than Xiao Ning ever did. But Xiao Ning wasn't all too comfortable with Shan Haiming's taking it without asking him first, however, he just avoided the topic. "Mr Shan, you drank a lot last night, so do you feel better now?"

"Do you like men?"

_{Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."}
"I'm fine. After a shower and a jog, I'm feeling a lot better." Shan Haiming's brows drew into a light knit, his inner thoughts unknown. "And just call me Haiming from now on. Wasn't it easier to call me that last night?"

Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

_{Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.}
Even though the words stated in his sentence leaned towards ones of mockery, Shan Haiming's tone when he said them, in contrast, was very light-hearted, seeming as though it was just a casual mention which made Xiao Ning not know what he really meant.

Shan Haiming never sang, however, only downing glass after glass as he drank with the others. Xiao Ning guessed his mood must've not been all that great because of this, but the more he thought about it when adding the fact he found some random guy to at like his boyfriend, he also guessed the other must've had some secret.

_{"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."}"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

_{Baili, who had also drank himself into a stupor, was tapping Shan Haiming's shoulder, wanting to ask him something, but the other man simply flung off his advances. Shan Haiming instead just closed his eyes, repulsion clear on his face melded with the mischievous look of a person holding no interest in talking with anyone, as he leaned his body against Xiao Ning.}
"Thanks for last night, by the way. It was a good thing that Wang Hua managed to have found someone reliable. Shan Haiming did not go into any details beyond this, and Xiao Ning would naturally not ask him for more, saying, "It was nothing, besides, it wasn't that troublesome."

Baili, who had also drank himself into a stupor, was tapping Shan Haiming's shoulder, wanting to ask him something, but the other man simply flung off his advances. Shan Haiming instead just closed his eyes, repulsion clear on his face melded with the mischievous look of a person holding no interest in talking with anyone, as he leaned his body against Xiao Ning.

_{Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.}
Shan Haiming nodded absentmindedly upon hearing this while rummaging through the bag on the table and pulling out some biscuits and cans of Eight Treasures Congee. "I couldn't find any places selling breakfast here, there was only a supermarket, so we'll have to make do with eating these."

Xiao Ning was somewhat infuriated; however, after all those years of having his temperament "trained" by Lu Yan, the anger within him did not surface, as he stuffed it back down himself.

_{He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.}
That guy being considerate to this degree took Xiao Ning by surprise. So far he got the feeling that despite Shan Haiming's attitude that was imbued with him having his way, it seemed as though he was not like all the other rich guys.

He vomited violently, spilling his entire heart out as he hunched over and released his stomach's contents. It was to the point where if not for Xiao Ning pulling him upward, he would've probably keeled over into his own puke. From the looks of things, it seemed as though he had not eaten a thing for that day, as there was nothing in his vomit aside from the drinks themselves.

_{Enough to coax a smile from Xiao Ning when he looked up and saw the lyrics while he still fiddled around with his phone.}
Xiao Ning responded after, saying, "Let's reheat the congee before we eat it, you drank a good bit yesterday, so it's better if you ate warm congee."

Enough to coax a smile from Xiao Ning when he looked up and saw the lyrics while he still fiddled around with his phone.

_{Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.}Having consoled himself, once he was done building up his mental fortitude, Xiao Ning called them a taxi and then had to wait over an hour for the cab to speedily arrive.

Xiao Ning just turned his attention to Shan Haiming, who had his brows now tightly knitted, not knowing if the act was due to the other man having a headache on account of his drinking, or whether it was because he had some other unsolved troubles weighing on his mind.

_{Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."}Releasing a long sigh, Xiao Ning, after a silent grumble, carefully leaned his body while supporting Shan Haiming to allow the two of them to stand up. That apartment had two bedrooms, and Xiao Ning only ever stayed in the one for guests. The master bedroom was reserved for Lu Yan, even if he only ever went there less than a couple of times a year. Plus, in that master bedroom, there was none of Lu Yan's personal belongings, and when he was there, Xiao Ning never stepped foot in it.

Xiao Ning then regained his senses: "..."

_{Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.}
"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

Since there was nothing he could do about that, Xiao Ning put on a brave face and gave the others a nod, an act which could be considered a greeting. He then half supported, half dragged, Shan Haiming out of the private room.

_{That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.}
As the secondary master of the house, Xiao Ning himself took the initiative to do these things as well. He first went to tidy himself up, then returned to take the two cans of soup into the kitchen. There was nothing in the fridge there, but the utensils and cookware in the kitchen were all fully stocked. So Xiao Ning poured the congee into two bowls and then placed them into the microwave for a couple of minutes.

That infamous line said it right: shit happens right when no one expects it to.

_{Looks as if I'm going to have to carry out this good deed of the day all the way to the end. Xiao Ning found himself thinking. It's just a way to accumulate good virtue. It was just making a new friend like Wang Hua had said.}
Looking down at his watch to check the time, he knew since it was the weekend, Lu Yan would never be up before eleven, and would just have himself brunch, so he figured even a delay of a couple of hours would be fine. Xiao Ning took out the congee and left the kitchen, to see Shan Haiming was already seated at the table eating a few biscuits. As soon as the porridge was placed in front of him, he began to gulp it all down at a speed, which was rather quick.

Looks as if I'm going to have to carry out this good deed of the day all the way to the end. Xiao Ning found himself thinking. It's just a way to accumulate good virtue. It was just making a new friend like Wang Hua had said.

_{Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.}"I used your bathroom for a bit, by the way, but why does your house have so many disposable items?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, interrupting Xiao Ning's focused stare. He clearly was not interested in hearing the other man's answer so he continued by adding, "Plus, this is your suit I'm wearing, so I'll buy you back a similar one as compensation."

Xiao Ning gave his all and persisted until Shan Haiming finally reacted. The man then opened his eyes slightly, his unfocused gaze swaying until it landed on Xiao Ning's face, as his lips then parted—to vomit.

_{Song by Eason Chen.}Without any sort of washing up, Xiao Ning then dragged Shan Haiming straight into his bedroom, then onto the bed. A relieved breath finally left him as he thought about how the craziness of the past few hours that night was now over and done with.

Song by Eason Chen.

_{Song by Eason Chen.}When that guy offloads his problems, he's quite thorough, isn't he? But Xiao Ning wasn't really mad at Wang Hua, after all, the other man's wife was in the hospital giving birth, and he still had to deal with that situation. So it wasn't wrong for him to do that.

Song by Eason Chen.

_{"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."}
"Do you like men?"

"Sounds good." Shan Haiming threw the can back. "You should go reheat them, then."

---

Author's Note:

{N/A}

Notes:

^1. Song by Eason Chen.

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