The Long Road Ahead: C12

Chapter: 12 | The Reason

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The Reason

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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￣)

_{Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.}
In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

_{Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Ning couldn't help but think of Shan Haiming. He now understood the other man a little more. Having a fake intimate relationship with someone to use as an excuse was surprisingly very useful.}He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.

Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Ning couldn't help but think of Shan Haiming. He now understood the other man a little more. Having a fake intimate relationship with someone to use as an excuse was surprisingly very useful.

_{If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?}
Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?

_{"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."}Xiao Li nodded in understanding before sincerely and excitedly wishing, "Anyway, I hope everything goes without a hitch for you two. Good luck."

"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

_{He then thought that he should first find himself a place to rent and move out of Lu Yan's. He lived that nameless, share-less, faceless, skinless—all in all shameless—kind of life for far too long. It was enough.}
Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

He then thought that he should first find himself a place to rent and move out of Lu Yan's. He lived that nameless, share-less, faceless, skinless—all in all shameless—kind of life for far too long. It was enough.

_{"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.}
"I landed the real-estate job so I'll probably be busy for the next few months. Once everything kicks off, I'll just toss it over to the sales team. I'll be able to take it easy after that." The three sat beside one another facing the bar where the chef cooked the sizzling Thai shrimp on the teppanT/n: Flat iron grill, with Lu Yan being the one sandwiched between them. Leaning over to Xia Li, he asked, "So what'd you buy?"

"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

_{Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.}"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

_{{Which is comparatively better, right?}}After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in. Xiao Ning actually had nothing to do, but he declined the offer with a smile nonetheless, saying, "It's too far, and there's no need for you to go that far out of the way. I can just take a take a cab back. You two should go have fun."

Which is comparatively better, right?

_{Pulling his brows tightly; LuYan turned a little to stare at Xiao Ning.}
"Just some random stuff. The shower gel I wanted to buy was out of stock though, so can I just use yours for the time being?" Propping his head on his hand, Xia Li then turned to face him, "I already asked Xiao Ning about this, but are there any places to rent in your apartment building?"

Pulling his brows tightly; LuYan turned a little to stare at Xiao Ning.

_◈◇◈In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

◈◇◈

_{"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"}But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.

"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.}
Lu Yan didn't think for a second before responding, "Rent what apartment? If you want to live in A-City, just stay with me for now. After you get on your feet we can talk about it again."

But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.

_{"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."}
"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."

"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

_{Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.}Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.

_{Even though his tone sounded playful, Xiao Ning could hear the stubbornness within his voice. But his date with Shan Haiming absolutely could not be broken, so Xiao Ning, with a laugh, replied, "It's already been set."}Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

Even though his tone sounded playful, Xiao Ning could hear the stubbornness within his voice. But his date with Shan Haiming absolutely could not be broken, so Xiao Ning, with a laugh, replied, "It's already been set."

_{"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."}But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.

"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

_{Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.}
Seeing the two of them, Xiao Ning believed straightening out his thoughts and making a decision earlier would allow him to have no issue when facing Lu Yan or Xia Li alone. But now, seeing how intimate and affectionate the two acted towards one another, a dull ache of regret pierced his gaze, running all the way down to his heart.

Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.

_{Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.}
He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.

Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}Lu Yan didn't think for a second before responding, "Rent what apartment? If you want to live in A-City, just stay with me for now. After you get on your feet we can talk about it again."

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"}Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

_{"Be careful on the road." After saying this, Xiao Ning turned and left.}
"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

"Be careful on the road." After saying this, Xiao Ning turned and left.

_{Lu Yan wanted to ask him again but Xia Li spoke up from beside him. "Why don't you have another serving of snowflake beef? Lu Yan?"}
Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."

Lu Yan wanted to ask him again but Xia Li spoke up from beside him. "Why don't you have another serving of snowflake beef? Lu Yan?"

_{As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."}"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."

As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

_{Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.}Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.

_{In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief.}
"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

_{This made Lu Yan turn his head back, but his brows remained drawn. First muttering to himself, he then said with a smile, "What date, huh? It's better to hang with me and Xia Li."}"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."

This made Lu Yan turn his head back, but his brows remained drawn. First muttering to himself, he then said with a smile, "What date, huh? It's better to hang with me and Xia Li."

_{Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."}Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."

_{"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."}What will happen though? You guys are free to guess.

"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

_{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}
"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."}
The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."

_{{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}}Which is comparatively better, right?

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}}He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."}Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."

_{"There's someone coming to pick me up." Xiao Ning kept a faint smile on his face, giving Xia Li a nod. "Bye, and enjoy yourself, alright."}
"Another friend?" Lu Yan looked visibly shocked, "Who?"

"There's someone coming to pick me up." Xiao Ning kept a faint smile on his face, giving Xia Li a nod. "Bye, and enjoy yourself, alright."

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.}The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

_{"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"}"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

_{"If it's been set, it can also be broken." Lu Yan twisted his mouth, continuing, "Since you and Xia Li get along so well, you can just hang out with us. You're not fond of dinner parties to begin with anyhow."}
Xiao Ning picked up a shrimp with his chopsticks, taking a bite. "You don't know them."

"If it's been set, it can also be broken." Lu Yan twisted his mouth, continuing, "Since you and Xia Li get along so well, you can just hang out with us. You're not fond of dinner parties to begin with anyhow."

_{"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.}Finally aware that the atmosphere wasn't good, Xia Li confusedly and nervously looked at Lu Yan's tightened side profile as he kept on staring at Xiao Ning. Noticing his gaze, Xiao Ning smiled even more gently, saying, "Forget it. I'll just call for a taxi."

"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

_{"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."}
"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"

"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

_{"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."}"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."

"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

_{Maybe because he was determined to say he wouldn't tell, Xia Li opened his mouth then shut it nervously, letting out a giggle afterwards, choosing to swallow back his words to instead say, "Hey, when are you planning to introduce him to us? I'm super curious. Do you have a picture?"}
"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

Maybe because he was determined to say he wouldn't tell, Xia Li opened his mouth then shut it nervously, letting out a giggle afterwards, choosing to swallow back his words to instead say, "Hey, when are you planning to introduce him to us? I'm super curious. Do you have a picture?"

_{Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"}But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.

Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

_{Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.}
Lu Yan wanted to ask him again but Xia Li spoke up from beside him. "Why don't you have another serving of snowflake beef? Lu Yan?"

Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

_{As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."}Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

_{In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief.}Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

_{{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}}What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{Seeing the two of them, Xiao Ning believed straightening out his thoughts and making a decision earlier would allow him to have no issue when facing Lu Yan or Xia Li alone. But now, seeing how intimate and affectionate the two acted towards one another, a dull ache of regret pierced his gaze, running all the way down to his heart.}
"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."

Seeing the two of them, Xiao Ning believed straightening out his thoughts and making a decision earlier would allow him to have no issue when facing Lu Yan or Xia Li alone. But now, seeing how intimate and affectionate the two acted towards one another, a dull ache of regret pierced his gaze, running all the way down to his heart.

_{Lu Yan didn't think for a second before responding, "Rent what apartment? If you want to live in A-City, just stay with me for now. After you get on your feet we can talk about it again."}"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

Lu Yan didn't think for a second before responding, "Rent what apartment? If you want to live in A-City, just stay with me for now. After you get on your feet we can talk about it again."

_{{If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?}}"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?

_{Xiao Ning picked up a shrimp with his chopsticks, taking a bite. "You don't know them."}"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"

Xiao Ning picked up a shrimp with his chopsticks, taking a bite. "You don't know them."

_{He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.}
Annoyed by the two echoing each other, deflated, Lu Yan nodded. "Fine. I'll have some."

He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.

_{Xiao Ning sighed, his eyes seeming to be covered by a faint layer of helplessness. "I'm the one at fault, alright? You shouldn't take it to heart, it'll just put you guys in a bad mood."}
When the chef turned his back to them, Xia Li took advantage of this opportunity to give Lu Yan a quick peck on the cheek. "Why are you so upset?"

Xiao Ning sighed, his eyes seeming to be covered by a faint layer of helplessness. "I'm the one at fault, alright? You shouldn't take it to heart, it'll just put you guys in a bad mood."

_{As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."}"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"

As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

_{Xia Li gave an embarrassed smile in return. "You too."}"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

Xia Li gave an embarrassed smile in return. "You too."

_{"Just some random stuff. The shower gel I wanted to buy was out of stock though, so can I just use yours for the time being?" Propping his head on his hand, Xia Li then turned to face him, "I already asked Xiao Ning about this, but are there any places to rent in your apartment building?"}Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

"Just some random stuff. The shower gel I wanted to buy was out of stock though, so can I just use yours for the time being?" Propping his head on his hand, Xia Li then turned to face him, "I already asked Xiao Ning about this, but are there any places to rent in your apartment building?"

_{He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.}
Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.

_{Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.}Lu Yan wanted to ask him again but Xia Li spoke up from beside him. "Why don't you have another serving of snowflake beef? Lu Yan?"

Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.

_{This made Lu Yan turn his head back, but his brows remained drawn. First muttering to himself, he then said with a smile, "What date, huh? It's better to hang with me and Xia Li."}
Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

This made Lu Yan turn his head back, but his brows remained drawn. First muttering to himself, he then said with a smile, "What date, huh? It's better to hang with me and Xia Li."

_{in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"}After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in. Xiao Ning actually had nothing to do, but he declined the offer with a smile nonetheless, saying, "It's too far, and there's no need for you to go that far out of the way. I can just take a take a cab back. You two should go have fun."

in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"

_{Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.}As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

Not long after this, Lu Yan arrived by car rather quickly, and then took the two for a meal at a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. With this development, Xiao Ning thought to himself that at least those dishes were cooked, and was able to feel a bit comforted.

_{Finally aware that the atmosphere wasn't good, Xia Li confusedly and nervously looked at Lu Yan's tightened side profile as he kept on staring at Xiao Ning. Noticing his gaze, Xiao Ning smiled even more gently, saying, "Forget it. I'll just call for a taxi."}
A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.

Finally aware that the atmosphere wasn't good, Xia Li confusedly and nervously looked at Lu Yan's tightened side profile as he kept on staring at Xiao Ning. Noticing his gaze, Xiao Ning smiled even more gently, saying, "Forget it. I'll just call for a taxi."

_{Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"}Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"

_{Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."}Annoyed by the two echoing each other, deflated, Lu Yan nodded. "Fine. I'll have some."

Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

_{Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."}
He then thought that he should first find himself a place to rent and move out of Lu Yan's. He lived that nameless, share-less, faceless, skinless—all in all shameless—kind of life for far too long. It was enough.

Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

_{iana: If Lu Yan knew, this would've been a different story.}
Which is comparatively better, right?

iana: If Lu Yan knew, this would've been a different story.

_{"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"}"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

_{Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"}He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.

Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

_{"Another friend?" Lu Yan looked visibly shocked, "Who?"}
Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Ning couldn't help but think of Shan Haiming. He now understood the other man a little more. Having a fake intimate relationship with someone to use as an excuse was surprisingly very useful.

"Another friend?" Lu Yan looked visibly shocked, "Who?"

_{"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."}
What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

"I'll have some too then," Xiao Ning interrupted, catching a glance of Xia Li, sending him a wink while he added, "Lu Yan definitely needs it. He's not happy unless he has meat."

_{Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.}Lu Yan didn't pay attention to him at all, however, only seriously staring at Xiao Ning. A smile was clearly shown on his face, but not one trace of it could be seen in his eyes.

Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

_{"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."}The Reason

"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

_{Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"}As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

_{Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.}
Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.

Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

_{"Isn't our relationship being good, not alright?" Xiao Ning teased, "Don't worry, I'm not going to run off with your Xia Li."}Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

"Isn't our relationship being good, not alright?" Xiao Ning teased, "Don't worry, I'm not going to run off with your Xia Li."

_{Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.}"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.

◈◇◈

_{"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"}
After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in. Xiao Ning actually had nothing to do, but he declined the offer with a smile nonetheless, saying, "It's too far, and there's no need for you to go that far out of the way. I can just take a take a cab back. You two should go have fun."

"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"

_{Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."}"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

_{"Just some random stuff. The shower gel I wanted to buy was out of stock though, so can I just use yours for the time being?" Propping his head on his hand, Xia Li then turned to face him, "I already asked Xiao Ning about this, but are there any places to rent in your apartment building?"}
Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.

"Just some random stuff. The shower gel I wanted to buy was out of stock though, so can I just use yours for the time being?" Propping his head on his hand, Xia Li then turned to face him, "I already asked Xiao Ning about this, but are there any places to rent in your apartment building?"

_{Xia Li's eyes widened a bit from beside them, originally, he and Lu Yan planned to go see a stage play that Monday night, so how could he just change their plans like that?}
While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."

Xia Li's eyes widened a bit from beside them, originally, he and Lu Yan planned to go see a stage play that Monday night, so how could he just change their plans like that?

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}
"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."}Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

_{"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.}Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Ning couldn't help but think of Shan Haiming. He now understood the other man a little more. Having a fake intimate relationship with someone to use as an excuse was surprisingly very useful.

"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.

_{In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief.}Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.

In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

_{A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.}
Maybe because he was determined to say he wouldn't tell, Xia Li opened his mouth then shut it nervously, letting out a giggle afterwards, choosing to swallow back his words to instead say, "Hey, when are you planning to introduce him to us? I'm super curious. Do you have a picture?"

A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.

_{The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."}Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.}The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.

_{While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."}
Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."

_{"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"}
On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

_{"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.}
Xiao Li nodded in understanding before sincerely and excitedly wishing, "Anyway, I hope everything goes without a hitch for you two. Good luck."

"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}"Another friend?" Lu Yan looked visibly shocked, "Who?"

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"}Lu Yan wanted to ask him again but Xia Li spoke up from beside him. "Why don't you have another serving of snowflake beef? Lu Yan?"

Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

_{Lu Yan didn't pay attention to him at all, however, only seriously staring at Xiao Ning. A smile was clearly shown on his face, but not one trace of it could be seen in his eyes.}
Lu Yan brought the car over slowly, and Xiao Ning subconsciously walked over to the front passenger seat, the pause in his action faintly undetectable, as he still moved to open the door at once. Imitating a gentleman, he then looked to Xia Li and smiled, "If you please."

Lu Yan didn't pay attention to him at all, however, only seriously staring at Xiao Ning. A smile was clearly shown on his face, but not one trace of it could be seen in his eyes.

_{The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."}The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

_{What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.}
"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.

What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.

_{Even though his tone sounded playful, Xiao Ning could hear the stubbornness within his voice. But his date with Shan Haiming absolutely could not be broken, so Xiao Ning, with a laugh, replied, "It's already been set."}
Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"

Even though his tone sounded playful, Xiao Ning could hear the stubbornness within his voice. But his date with Shan Haiming absolutely could not be broken, so Xiao Ning, with a laugh, replied, "It's already been set."

_{Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.}Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

_{Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.}The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

_{Lu Yan brought the car over slowly, and Xiao Ning subconsciously walked over to the front passenger seat, the pause in his action faintly undetectable, as he still moved to open the door at once. Imitating a gentleman, he then looked to Xia Li and smiled, "If you please."}
"Isn't our relationship being good, not alright?" Xiao Ning teased, "Don't worry, I'm not going to run off with your Xia Li."

Lu Yan brought the car over slowly, and Xiao Ning subconsciously walked over to the front passenger seat, the pause in his action faintly undetectable, as he still moved to open the door at once. Imitating a gentleman, he then looked to Xia Li and smiled, "If you please."

_{Xiao Ning only smiled without saying a word in return. The smiling expression he wore was no different than the one earlier, but Lu Yan felt an angry and flustered feeling rise within him. Although it wasn't that Xiao Ning had never politely declined him in the past because he had other plans, it was just that this time, something about it felt different.}"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

Xiao Ning only smiled without saying a word in return. The smiling expression he wore was no different than the one earlier, but Lu Yan felt an angry and flustered feeling rise within him. Although it wasn't that Xiao Ning had never politely declined him in the past because he had other plans, it was just that this time, something about it felt different.

_{"Isn't our relationship being good, not alright?" Xiao Ning teased, "Don't worry, I'm not going to run off with your Xia Li."}
Pulling his brows tightly; LuYan turned a little to stare at Xiao Ning.

"Isn't our relationship being good, not alright?" Xiao Ning teased, "Don't worry, I'm not going to run off with your Xia Li."

_{After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in.}
Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in. Xiao Ning actually had nothing to do, but he declined the offer with a smile nonetheless, saying, "It's too far, and there's no need for you to go that far out of the way. I can just take a take a cab back. You two should go have fun."

_{"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."}Following what seemed like an eternity, that aforementioned fella finally called. He was done with his business at work and was preparing to go find them. So, finding another coffee shop, the two sat and waited. Xiao Ning ordered himself a cup of tea, he was old, so he couldn't handle drinking more than two cups of a caffeinated beverage in one day.

"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

_{Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"}
This made Lu Yan turn his head back, but his brows remained drawn. First muttering to himself, he then said with a smile, "What date, huh? It's better to hang with me and Xia Li."

Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

_{During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.}He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.

During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.

_{Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"}In the end, Xia Li chose a belt which cost a little over three thousand, and because it was a gift, Xiao Ning didn't offer to help him pay. After this, he accompanied Xia Li to buy a bag as well as some pyjamas, but during all that, maybe due to Shan Haiming's phone call and the things Xia Li overheard, the younger man no longer treated him with suspicion, allowing him to sigh with relief. Even if Xiao Ning didn't care about Lu Yan, he still didn't want other people always bickering with him.

Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"

_{While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."}Which is comparatively better, right?

While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."

_{"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."}
Even though his tone sounded playful, Xiao Ning could hear the stubbornness within his voice. But his date with Shan Haiming absolutely could not be broken, so Xiao Ning, with a laugh, replied, "It's already been set."

"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

_{Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."}Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}"If it's been set, it can also be broken." Lu Yan twisted his mouth, continuing, "Since you and Xia Li get along so well, you can just hang out with us. You're not fond of dinner parties to begin with anyhow."

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{When the chef turned his back to them, Xia Li took advantage of this opportunity to give Lu Yan a quick peck on the cheek. "Why are you so upset?"}
"If it's been set, it can also be broken." Lu Yan twisted his mouth, continuing, "Since you and Xia Li get along so well, you can just hang out with us. You're not fond of dinner parties to begin with anyhow."

When the chef turned his back to them, Xia Li took advantage of this opportunity to give Lu Yan a quick peck on the cheek. "Why are you so upset?"

_{He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.}"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

He didn't join in on the conversation between them. Firstly, because he had no wish of becoming a third wheel, and secondly, because he had no interest in saying a word. He wanted nothing more than to not stay there for a second longer, yet he still sat beside them quietly, listening and looking on.

_{Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.}
When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

Xia Li blinked, implicitly and explicitly showing off his "I just know~" look. His provocative look made Lu Yan hot under the collar, prompting him to cuddle up next to Xia Li, teasing him. The two now went at it back and forth, their questions seeming no different than flirting, the earlier issue regarding Xiao Ning long tossed aside.

_{"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."}◈◇◈

"Why don't you have this?" Xiao Ning used his chopsticks to point at the things on Lu Yan's plate, "It won't taste good if it gets cold."

_{"I landed the real-estate job so I'll probably be busy for the next few months. Once everything kicks off, I'll just toss it over to the sales team.}
Lu Yan didn't pay attention to him at all, however, only seriously staring at Xiao Ning. A smile was clearly shown on his face, but not one trace of it could be seen in his eyes.

"I landed the real-estate job so I'll probably be busy for the next few months. Once everything kicks off, I'll just toss it over to the sales team. I'll be able to take it easy after that." The three sat beside one another facing the bar where the chef cooked the sizzling Thai shrimp on the teppanT/n: Flat iron grill, with Lu Yan being the one sandwiched between them. Leaning over to Xia Li, he asked, "So what'd you buy?"

_{The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."}
Xiao Ning only smiled without saying a word in return. The smiling expression he wore was no different than the one earlier, but Lu Yan felt an angry and flustered feeling rise within him. Although it wasn't that Xiao Ning had never politely declined him in the past because he had other plans, it was just that this time, something about it felt different.

The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

_{The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."}"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

_{While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."}Lu Yan brought the car over slowly, and Xiao Ning subconsciously walked over to the front passenger seat, the pause in his action faintly undetectable, as he still moved to open the door at once. Imitating a gentleman, he then looked to Xia Li and smiled, "If you please."

While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."

_{The Reason}
What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.

The Reason

_{Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.}
Finally aware that the atmosphere wasn't good, Xia Li confusedly and nervously looked at Lu Yan's tightened side profile as he kept on staring at Xiao Ning. Noticing his gaze, Xiao Ning smiled even more gently, saying, "Forget it. I'll just call for a taxi."

Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

_{Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.}Maybe because he was determined to say he wouldn't tell, Xia Li opened his mouth then shut it nervously, letting out a giggle afterwards, choosing to swallow back his words to instead say, "Hey, when are you planning to introduce him to us? I'm super curious. Do you have a picture?"

Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.

_{The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."}Xia Li laughed upon hearing this, then said, "We were chatting about Xiao Ning's date tomorrow."

The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

_{Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."}"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

Lu Yan turned to look at him. "Huh? Really? I'll get Xiao Ning to hang out with you more then. I'll be pretty busy these days anyhow."

_{"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"}
"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

_{Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"}
During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.

Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

_{"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.}During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.

"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

_{"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"}Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

_{As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."}
The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

_{{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}}While waiting on the sidewalk for Lu Yan to bring the car around, Xia Li and Xiao Ning chatted. "It's really really hard for me to hold this back! I hope you have lots of fun tomorrow."

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{{What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?}}Lost in thought over the next day's mission, Xiao Ning had completely forgotten all about the two beside him.

What should I wear tomorrow? If it's Shan Haiming's brother, wouldn't that be my boss? Should I wear something formal then? But... considering Shan Haiming's style, too formal wouldn't be that good. Anyhow, who could the other friend be?

_{"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."}
As he spoke, he exited the car. But while the car door was still open, he heard Lu Yan speak, "If that's the case, Xia Li and I will go with you. I also want to meet this new friend of yours."

"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

_{Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"}
Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."}Lu Yan stared at Xiao Ning unhappily, then turned to Xia Li and asked suspiciously, "Why does it sound as if you know?"

But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."

_{On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.}"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."

On that topic, he wondered whether he should take a few pictures of Shan Haiming, or whether should he give Shan Haiming some pictures of himself to increase their credibility. The two have never even exchanged text messages, so, to a person as conscientious in everything they do in life, like Xiao Ning, these things were really too perfunctory.

_{Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.}When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

_{"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."}
But what else could he have said? Xiao Ning resisted the urge to fall back into his habit of wanting to compromise. They couldn't keep going on like this. So maybe they can gradually grow accustomed to this change. It's better to warm up to it first.

"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."

_{Xiao Li nodded in understanding before sincerely and excitedly wishing, "Anyway, I hope everything goes without a hitch for you two. Good luck."}
Xia Li's eyes widened a bit from beside them, originally, he and Lu Yan planned to go see a stage play that Monday night, so how could he just change their plans like that?

Xiao Li nodded in understanding before sincerely and excitedly wishing, "Anyway, I hope everything goes without a hitch for you two. Good luck."

_{Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.}"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

_{Which is comparatively better, right?}
But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."

Which is comparatively better, right?

_{"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.}If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?

"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}
in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{"I landed the real-estate job so I'll probably be busy for the next few months. Once everything kicks off, I'll just toss it over to the sales team.}Xia Li's eyes widened a bit from beside them, originally, he and Lu Yan planned to go see a stage play that Monday night, so how could he just change their plans like that?

"I landed the real-estate job so I'll probably be busy for the next few months. Once everything kicks off, I'll just toss it over to the sales team. I'll be able to take it easy after that." The three sat beside one another facing the bar where the chef cooked the sizzling Thai shrimp on the teppanT/n: Flat iron grill, with Lu Yan being the one sandwiched between them. Leaning over to Xia Li, he asked, "So what'd you buy?"

_{"Be careful on the road." After saying this, Xiao Ning turned and left.}He then thought that he should first find himself a place to rent and move out of Lu Yan's. He lived that nameless, share-less, faceless, skinless—all in all shameless—kind of life for far too long. It was enough.

"Be careful on the road." After saying this, Xiao Ning turned and left.

_{What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.}But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."

What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.

_{Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.}
Xia Li was even more shocked now, Lu Yan was an uninhibited romantic when it came to playing around. When his affection was strong, he spoke sweet coaxing words smoothly, but if he didn't pay care though, he revealed an attitude of dispensability. Although this attitude made people feel as if they couldn't hold onto him, it also added to his appeal.

Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.

_{"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.}
He had known Lu Yan for so long, but when has Xia Li ever seen this side of Lu Yan's?

"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.

_{A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.}"There's someone coming to pick me up." Xiao Ning kept a faint smile on his face, giving Xia Li a nod. "Bye, and enjoy yourself, alright."

A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.

_{Xiao Ning only smiled without saying a word in return. The smiling expression he wore was no different than the one earlier, but Lu Yan felt an angry and flustered feeling rise within him. Although it wasn't that Xiao Ning had never politely declined him in the past because he had other plans, it was just that this time, something about it felt different.}
"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

Xiao Ning only smiled without saying a word in return. The smiling expression he wore was no different than the one earlier, but Lu Yan felt an angry and flustered feeling rise within him. Although it wasn't that Xiao Ning had never politely declined him in the past because he had other plans, it was just that this time, something about it felt different.

_{During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.}
"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

During the ride, not a soul said a word. Xia Li felt awkward. He wanted to say something, but couldn't dare utter a peep. He had no idea if doing so would be alright, or what the hell was currently going on.

_{"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."}"But he has plans with other people too." Xia Li then wore a vague smile as he continued, "He even has a dateT/n: the word for date is also used to refer to any appointment. with someone tomorrow."

"If it's not interesting, why are you still going, then?" Lu Yan raised his voice a lot, directing his anger at Xiao Ning. "Why are you acting like this? We've been friends for so many years, so how can you not have one ounce of loyalty? Xiao Ning, you're not being a good friend."

_{The Reason}"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

The Reason

_{in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"}Lu Yan with one hand on the steering wheel, tilted his head to look at Xia Li. "No, seriously, tell me. Why is the relationship between you two so friendly? Just what exactly have you two been chatting about?"

in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"

_{What will happen though? You guys are free to guess.}
Xiao Ning sighed, his eyes seeming to be covered by a faint layer of helplessness. "I'm the one at fault, alright? You shouldn't take it to heart, it'll just put you guys in a bad mood."

What will happen though? You guys are free to guess.

_{He had known Lu Yan for so long, but when has Xia Li ever seen this side of Lu Yan's?}
Lu Yan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze lowering somewhat before lifting it. "Fine. I won't get in your way. Can I drop you off there then?"

He had known Lu Yan for so long, but when has Xia Li ever seen this side of Lu Yan's?

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}"Of course not! But it is inconvenient for me." Even if Xiao Ning couldn't agree; his tone was still much lighter. "You and Xia Li are having a good time as a couple, what fun do you think me coming along would allow you two to have? Besides, there's nothing interesting there."

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."}
"There's someone coming to pick me up." Xiao Ning kept a faint smile on his face, giving Xia Li a nod. "Bye, and enjoy yourself, alright."

Xiao Ning shook his head. "We haven't known each other for too long."

_{"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"}After eating, Lu Yan planned to drive Xiao Ning back to the house beyond the third ringT/n: A-City (based on Beijing) has a circular expressway made up of seven rings starting from the centre leading outwards., assuming as per usual the other man would have nothing to do at night and would be returning home following their chat to stay in. Xiao Ning actually had nothing to do, but he declined the offer with a smile nonetheless, saying, "It's too far, and there's no need for you to go that far out of the way. I can just take a take a cab back. You two should go have fun."

"A date?" Lu Yan's brows crinkled slightly, as he then turned his head to Xiao Ning to ask: "With Wang Hua?"

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."}
Xia Li gave an embarrassed smile in return. "You too."

But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."

_{iana: If Lu Yan knew, this would've been a different story.}What exactly was different about it? Lu Yan couldn't actually say, so all could do was stubbornly fix his gaze on Xiao Ning, hoping just like every other time before, the man would just compromise for him.

iana: If Lu Yan knew, this would've been a different story.

_{Pulling his brows tightly; LuYan turned a little to stare at Xiao Ning.}But Xiao Ning replied, "That would be inconvenient."

Pulling his brows tightly; LuYan turned a little to stare at Xiao Ning.

_{"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.}"There's someone coming to pick me up." Xiao Ning kept a faint smile on his face, giving Xia Li a nod. "Bye, and enjoy yourself, alright."

"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

_{Lu Yan stared at his retreating back, his anger boiling. Pounding the steering wheel once, he then sucked in his rage before furiously stepping on the gas, driving away.}
"Be careful on the road." After saying this, Xiao Ning turned and left.

Lu Yan stared at his retreating back, his anger boiling. Pounding the steering wheel once, he then sucked in his rage before furiously stepping on the gas, driving away.

_{Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.}"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

Usually, Lu Yan would just go along with it and agree, however right then, he had no idea what kind of crazy he was on but he needed to send Xiao Ning back himself. Xiao Ning also never pushed the matter, and so simply agreed.

_{"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"}The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

"Xiao Ning is pretty nice, and not at all boring like you said." Xia Li's lips curled upwards, as he now looked past Lu Yan over to Xiao Ning. "We had a nice chat, right?"

_◈◇◈
Lu Yan stared at his retreating back, his anger boiling. Pounding the steering wheel once, he then sucked in his rage before furiously stepping on the gas, driving away.

◈◇◈

_{"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"}"Actually, if he asks, it won't be a problem if you just tell him." Xiao Nng figured he'd have to reveal it sooner or later, so there wasn't anything wrong with Lu Yan getting the news from Xia Li.

"Huh, I don't think so." Lu Yan now turned his entire body around, propping his elbow on the table. "You only have a few friends, is there still anyone I don't know?"

_{The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."}
Thinking about the atmosphere between those two which made others unable to get in, Xia Li pinched his lips together lightly, worriedly wondering if he let himself be relieved too early.

The silence of that ride continued until they arrived at the neighbourhood entrance, with Xiao Ning saying, "Drop me off here. This afternoon was fun."

_{Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.}Seeing the two of them, Xiao Ning believed straightening out his thoughts and making a decision earlier would allow him to have no issue when facing Lu Yan or Xia Li alone. But now, seeing how intimate and affectionate the two acted towards one another, a dull ache of regret pierced his gaze, running all the way down to his heart.

Those two words... "new friend", if anyone else didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't be able to sense the abnormality within them. But Xiao Ning wasn't anyone else, he could guess the intention behind them just by the small twitch of Lu Yan's brows. So hearing those words, he immediately understood that Lu Yan's strange self-centred fit of anger was severe.

_{Annoyed by the two echoing each other, deflated, Lu Yan nodded. "Fine. I'll have some."}
He was hesitant to mention the matter of Xiao Ning having a boyfriend, however, there was a deeper worry he was afraid to voice out loud.

Annoyed by the two echoing each other, deflated, Lu Yan nodded. "Fine. I'll have some."

_{The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."}A tiny smile drew itself on Xiao Ning's face during all this, as he felt as though he had quickly advanced. Strangely enough, the bit of numbness he felt in his chest right then, much to the contrary, felt a bit better.

The chef placed the cooked shrimp on the three plates, while Xiao Ning replied, "No, another friend."

_{When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."}"Thanks!" Xia Li beamed at him, scooting a bit closer. "I bought something for you too. I'll give it to you when we get back."

When it came to Lu Yan's change of attitude, Xia Li didn't notice at all, chiming in smilingly from the side, "It's not a dinner party."

_{"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.}Seeing the two of them, Xiao Ning believed straightening out his thoughts and making a decision earlier would allow him to have no issue when facing Lu Yan or Xia Li alone. But now, seeing how intimate and affectionate the two acted towards one another, a dull ache of regret pierced his gaze, running all the way down to his heart.

"We're going." Lu Yan turned around with an expressionless face, instantly starting the car and using practical actions to block Xiao Ning's words.

_{in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"}
If Lu Yan knew Xiao Ning was gay, what would happen then?

in the end, Lu Yan could not keep his composure, his tone now filled with criticism, as if he was wronged, while he gritted his teeth, "Why is it inconvenient? Am I not fit to be seen?"

_{Lu Yan stared at his retreating back, his anger boiling. Pounding the steering wheel once, he then sucked in his rage before furiously stepping on the gas, driving away.}"Thank you." Xia Li very cooperatively put on a gleeful look, lowering himself to enter. Afterwards, Xiao Ning himself entered the back seat.

Lu Yan stared at his retreating back, his anger boiling. Pounding the steering wheel once, he then sucked in his rage before furiously stepping on the gas, driving away.

---

Author's Note:

What will happen though? You guys are free to guess.

Notes:

iana: If Lu Yan knew, this would've been a different story.

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