The Long Road Ahead: C14

Chapter: 14 | A Pretty Good Performance

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A Pretty Good Performance

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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￣)

_{"Why huddle together? Are you warm?" Shan Haiming did not move, only taking a sip of his tea. "Xiao Ning, you already know my older brother, and this is Ye Zixin. Zixin, this is Xiao Ning, my boyfriend."}
Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

"Why huddle together? Are you warm?" Shan Haiming did not move, only taking a sip of his tea. "Xiao Ning, you already know my older brother, and this is Ye Zixin. Zixin, this is Xiao Ning, my boyfriend."

_{"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.}It looks like they only serve high-end people here.

"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

_{The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."}Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."

The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."

_{"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."}
The place was completely different from the Jinge restaurant (Brocade Pavilion), the décor was quite classical, and the detailing was gorgeous, giving the feel of an exquisitely ornate structure. The twisting veranda was clearly inspired by Suzhou-styled gardens^[1]. It's as if a realm of little rivers flowing under little bridges was carved out in the most expensive part of the heart of the city.

"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

_{Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"}
It looks like they only serve high-end people here.

Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"

_{"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."}Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

_{During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.}Aunt?

During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.

_{Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"}The waitress did as instructed, handing a menu to Xiao Ning.

Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"

_{Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."}
Xiao Ning followed Shan Haiming wordlessly, as they were led to the door of a private room by a waitress wearing a qipao^[2], the nameplate on the door, one carved in wood, reading: Liuli Xuan.

Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

_{The place was completely different from the Jinge restaurant (Brocade Pavilion), the décor was quite classical, and the detailing was gorgeous, giving the feel of an exquisitely ornate structure. The twisting veranda was clearly inspired by Suzhou-styled gardens.}During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.

The place was completely different from the Jinge restaurant (Brocade Pavilion), the décor was quite classical, and the detailing was gorgeous, giving the feel of an exquisitely ornate structure. The twisting veranda was clearly inspired by Suzhou-styled gardens. It's as if a realm of little rivers flowing under little bridges was carved out in the most expensive part of the heart of the city.

_{Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. Like, what the heck is this?}
The waitress knocked on that door, and from the inside another waitress dressed the same as her had opened it.

Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. Like, what the heck is this?

_{So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.}Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.

_{Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.}Ye Zixin said nothing.

Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

_{Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."}Xiao Ning took the menu, but he did not open it. "How about letting Mr Shan do the honours?"

Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

_{Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.}
"Haiming!"

Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.

_{It looks like they only serve high-end people here.}
Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

It looks like they only serve high-end people here.

_{He was talking directly to Ye Zixin in the end, but her pretty and white, face appeared to have given no reaction.}
Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"

He was talking directly to Ye Zixin in the end, but her pretty and white, face appeared to have given no reaction.

_{Ye Zixin said nothing.}His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

Ye Zixin said nothing.

_{Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. {Like, what the heck is this?}}Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. Like, what the heck is this?

_{Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine.}
His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine. "Nope! I think it'll be better for Shan-shao to take me along to see the impressive sights so we can see them together. I can come to gain an appreciation for the taste of such sightsT/n: The word that means, sights/scenery/landscapes/ is also the same word Xiao Ning used to call Shan Haiming's messing about "impressive". So he's repeating it to seem annoyed.."

_{Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.}Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.

Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.

_{Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine.}Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine. "Nope! I think it'll be better for Shan-shao to take me along to see the impressive sights so we can see them together. I can come to gain an appreciation for the taste of such sightsT/n: The word that means, sights/scenery/landscapes/ is also the same word Xiao Ning used to call Shan Haiming's messing about "impressive". So he's repeating it to seem annoyed.."

_{He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"}After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."

He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"

_{Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.}
Zexin, Xiao Ning remembered seeing the name on Shan Haiming's phone at some point earlier, filling the entirety in himself.

Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.

_{Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."}The waitress knocked on that door, and from the inside another waitress dressed the same as her had opened it.

Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."

_—Crash!
Is this Ye Zixin?

—Crash!

_{Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. {What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?}}What a disaster...

Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

_{Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."} Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

_{Liuli {Xuan} room turned out to be a private room.} Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

_{Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."}
Sure enough, the girl then whined with the attitude of one who was far younger, "Why do you always not answer whenever I call you?"

Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."

_{Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."} Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."

_{Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"}Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"

_{"Haiming..." Ye Zixin rested both hands on the table, the sight of her small and delicate hands against the exquisite workmanship of the tablecloth, quite pleasing to the eyes. "...You've always liked girls before, haven't you? They said you... but I never believed it! You even said you'd marry me when we were younger."}
Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

"Haiming..." Ye Zixin rested both hands on the table, the sight of her small and delicate hands against the exquisite workmanship of the tablecloth, quite pleasing to the eyes. "...You've always liked girls before, haven't you? They said you... but I never believed it! You even said you'd marry me when we were younger."

_{The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress.}But Shan Haiming only asked strangely, "I said something like that? You must have remembered wrongly, no?"

The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress. Making it seem as though those fallen dishes had fallen onto the floor on their own. The waitress' professionalism was top-tier, showing not the slightest trace of shock. She crouched down to first clean the fallen dishes, then placed another set of tableware before Ye Zixin, restoring it all as it was in the twinkling of an eye.

_{If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.}"Haiming!"

If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.

_{He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"}
Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.

He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"

_{"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."}
That man sent a polite smile to Xiao Ning, who sent him a small one in return. "Mr Shan."

"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."

_{Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature.}Shan Haihong turned to look at her, perfectly surprised. "Zixin?"

Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

_{Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.}"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"

Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.}That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.

Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

_{Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."}
The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."

_{As she stared at Shan Haiming with a tightened gaze, Ye Zixin tried her best to suppress her emotions, and the curvature of her lips as if formed from a great number of repeated practice, did not fail at this moment either. "Haiming, may I say a few words with you in private?"}
"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."

As she stared at Shan Haiming with a tightened gaze, Ye Zixin tried her best to suppress her emotions, and the curvature of her lips as if formed from a great number of repeated practice, did not fail at this moment either. "Haiming, may I say a few words with you in private?"

_{Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"}"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."

Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

_{"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."}
The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.

"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

_{"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."}"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."

_{As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"}His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

_{Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."}Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

_{If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.}
"Why huddle together? Are you warm?" Shan Haiming did not move, only taking a sip of his tea. "Xiao Ning, you already know my older brother, and this is Ye Zixin. Zixin, this is Xiao Ning, my boyfriend."

If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.

_{What a disaster...}
During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.

What a disaster...

_{As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"}A Pretty Good Performance

As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

_{"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar for each of us."}"Um, no can do." Shan Haiming then turned to look at Xiao Ning. "I don't wish for my lover to have any misunderstandings."

"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar for each of us."

_{Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"}
When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.

Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

_{Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."}
As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

_{Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. {Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.}}That man sent a polite smile to Xiao Ning, who sent him a small one in return. "Mr Shan."

Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

_{"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."}His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."

_{Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."}
Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"

Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."

_{Ye Zixin said nothing.}Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

Ye Zixin said nothing.

_N/A Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

N/A

_{"Um, no can do." Shan Haiming then turned to look at Xiao Ning. "I don't wish for my lover to have any misunderstandings."}"Haiming!"

"Um, no can do." Shan Haiming then turned to look at Xiao Ning. "I don't wish for my lover to have any misunderstandings."

_{Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."}
Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."

Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

_{Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."}Ye Zixin said nothing.

Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

_{That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.}"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar for each of us."

That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.

_{During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.}
The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."

During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.

_{"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."}"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

_{Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."}
The waitress did as instructed, handing a menu to Xiao Ning.

Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."

_{Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."}
Xiao Ning took the menu, but he did not open it. "How about letting Mr Shan do the honours?"

Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."

_{The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.}Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

_{The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.}—Crash!

The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

_{Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"}Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"

_{The waitress knocked on that door, and from the inside another waitress dressed the same as her had opened it.}
Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

The waitress knocked on that door, and from the inside another waitress dressed the same as her had opened it.

_{Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"}"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"

_{Despite the others being unable to see it, from the movement of their shoulders it was quite clear what was happening outside their line of sight. Ye Zixin suddenly cried out, "I don't believe it."}
Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

Despite the others being unable to see it, from the movement of their shoulders it was quite clear what was happening outside their line of sight. Ye Zixin suddenly cried out, "I don't believe it."

_{The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.}Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

_{"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."}
Ye Zixin said nothing.

"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."

_{Xiao Ning followed Shan Haiming wordlessly, as they were led to the door of a private room by a waitress wearing a qipao, the nameplate on the door, one carved in wood, reading: Liuli Xuan.}"Haiming!"

Xiao Ning followed Shan Haiming wordlessly, as they were led to the door of a private room by a waitress wearing a qipao, the nameplate on the door, one carved in wood, reading: Liuli Xuan.

_{He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"}Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table. "Can you do me a favour, bro? Can you not mention things like that in the future? As you can see, it's a jar of vinegarT/n: it's just a way of saying jealousy. You knocked over I have to go clean up."

He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"

_{Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"}"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

_{A Pretty Good Performance}
Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."

A Pretty Good Performance

_{Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.} Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

_{Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."}
"Is there anything either of you dislikes eating?" while he asked this, Xiao Ning flipped open the hard menu cover. It was just as he had guessed, the prices listed at that place were beyond the range of affordability for his class. The only thing listed with a double-digit price point was the white rice.

Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."

_{{It looks like they only serve high-end people here.}} He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"

It looks like they only serve high-end people here.

_{"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."}"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

_{Ye Zixin's gaze refocused gradually, then slowly squared itself on Xiao Ning's face.}
"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

Ye Zixin's gaze refocused gradually, then slowly squared itself on Xiao Ning's face.

_{Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."}Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.

Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."

_{The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.}"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"

The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

_{Despite the others being unable to see it, from the movement of their shoulders it was quite clear what was happening outside their line of sight. Ye Zixin suddenly cried out, "I don't believe it."}The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress. Making it seem as though those fallen dishes had fallen onto the floor on their own. The waitress' professionalism was top-tier, showing not the slightest trace of shock. She crouched down to first clean the fallen dishes, then placed another set of tableware before Ye Zixin, restoring it all as it was in the twinkling of an eye.

Despite the others being unable to see it, from the movement of their shoulders it was quite clear what was happening outside their line of sight. Ye Zixin suddenly cried out, "I don't believe it."

_{Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?}
He was talking directly to Ye Zixin in the end, but her pretty and white, face appeared to have given no reaction.

Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

_{If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.}Ye Zixin said nothing.

If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.

_{There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.}
The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.

_{One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.}N/A

One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.

_{"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.}
Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."

"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

_{Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.}
Propping his chin on his hand, Shan Haiming stared directly at Xiao Ning as he ordered. Seeing him ready to close the menu, he said, "Order some more dishes you like. Oh, and the bird's nest and hashima stew here is pretty good, order that too."

Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.

_{Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.}That man sent a polite smile to Xiao Ning, who sent him a small one in return. "Mr Shan."

Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.

_{"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."}Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

_{Is this Ye Zixin?}
"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar^[3] for each of us."

Is this Ye Zixin?

_{Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.}
"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

_{Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine.}There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.

Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine. "Nope! I think it'll be better for Shan-shao to take me along to see the impressive sights so we can see them together. I can come to gain an appreciation for the taste of such sightsT/n: The word that means, sights/scenery/landscapes/ is also the same word Xiao Ning used to call Shan Haiming's messing about "impressive". So he's repeating it to seem annoyed.."

_{The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.}
Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."

The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.

_{Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"}Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"

Proving himself to be his brother, Shan Haihong was still able to smile normally as he replied, "No, not yet. Weren't we waiting for you guys to get here?"

_{Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.}During this, Xiao Ning was also taking a sip of his own tea to wet his throat, and upon hearing those words out of the blue, he almost spat his mouthful of tea right out. He managed to restrain himself, continuing to drink his tea silently, lamenting in his heart over the lack of a forewarning.

Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.

_{One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.}
Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.

_{Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"}
Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

_{Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.}One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.

Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.

_{Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table.}Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"

Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table. "Can you do me a favour, bro? Can you not mention things like that in the future? As you can see, it's a jar of vinegarT/n: it's just a way of saying jealousy. You knocked over I have to go clean up."

_{Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"}Xiao Ning took the menu, but he did not open it. "How about letting Mr Shan do the honours?"

Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"

_{The place was completely different from the Jinge restaurant (Brocade Pavilion), the décor was quite classical, and the detailing was gorgeous, giving the feel of an exquisitely ornate structure. The twisting veranda was clearly inspired by Suzhou-styled gardens.}
Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"

The place was completely different from the Jinge restaurant (Brocade Pavilion), the décor was quite classical, and the detailing was gorgeous, giving the feel of an exquisitely ornate structure. The twisting veranda was clearly inspired by Suzhou-styled gardens. It's as if a realm of little rivers flowing under little bridges was carved out in the most expensive part of the heart of the city.

_{Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.}Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

_{Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."}The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

_{That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.}"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."

That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.

_{As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"}
"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

_{Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."}Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

_{Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.}
Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.

Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.

_{The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.}"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.

_{As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"}The waitress knocked on that door, and from the inside another waitress dressed the same as her had opened it.

As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

_{Xiao Ning took the menu, but he did not open it. "How about letting Mr Shan do the honours?"}
Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.

Xiao Ning took the menu, but he did not open it. "How about letting Mr Shan do the honours?"

_Aunt?
So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.

Aunt?

_{Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"}Ye Zixin said nothing.

Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

_{Saying this, she then made her way out of the room without looking back.}
Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

Saying this, she then made her way out of the room without looking back.

_{"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.}Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

_{Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.}
"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"

Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

_{Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."}
Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

_{{Is this Ye Zixin?}}Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."

Is this Ye Zixin?

_{"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."}One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.

"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."

_{Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature.}
Never expecting Shan Haiming would take hold of his hand, Xiao Ning pulled it a bit, but it it didn't pull out. Right then, he had no intention of pulling the rug out from under Shan Haiming, so instead he thought that guy was just performing as he pleased, and doing so was just fine. "Nope! I think it'll be better for Shan-shao to take me along to see the impressive sights so we can see them together. I can come to gain an appreciation for the taste of such sightsT/n: The word that means, sights/scenery/landscapes/ is also the same word Xiao Ning used to call Shan Haiming's messing about "impressive". So he's repeating it to seem annoyed.."

Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

_{Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."}"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."

_{Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."}
"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

_{After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."}Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."

After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."

_{Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.}Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.

_{The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress.}Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress. Making it seem as though those fallen dishes had fallen onto the floor on their own. The waitress' professionalism was top-tier, showing not the slightest trace of shock. She crouched down to first clean the fallen dishes, then placed another set of tableware before Ye Zixin, restoring it all as it was in the twinkling of an eye.

_{Ye Zixin said nothing.}
Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table. "Can you do me a favour, bro? Can you not mention things like that in the future? As you can see, it's a jar of vinegarT/n: it's just a way of saying jealousy. You knocked over I have to go clean up."

Ye Zixin said nothing.

_N/A Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."

N/A

_{There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.}So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.

There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.

_{Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."}Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

_{The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.}
Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

_{"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"}"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."

"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

_{Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"}Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

_{Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.}Sure enough, the girl then whined with the attitude of one who was far younger, "Why do you always not answer whenever I call you?"

Xiao Ning never knew Shan Haiming before, and Wang Hua did once tell him Shan Haiming had acted recklessly for a time. But right at that moment he felt as if a piece of cotton was stuck in his heart, as if a painting he had always admired was recklessly demeaned by someone, and the artist of the work had no way to defend themselves.

_{"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."}
—Crash!

"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

_{He then thought it over seriously, adding the dagger, "It should be my brother who said that."}Aunt?

He then thought it over seriously, adding the dagger, "It should be my brother who said that."

_{{Is this Ye Zixin?}}Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

Is this Ye Zixin?

_{Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. {Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.}}"Haiming!"

Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

_{Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"}
The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress. Making it seem as though those fallen dishes had fallen onto the floor on their own. The waitress' professionalism was top-tier, showing not the slightest trace of shock. She crouched down to first clean the fallen dishes, then placed another set of tableware before Ye Zixin, restoring it all as it was in the twinkling of an eye.

Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"

_{Shan Haihong turned to look at her, perfectly surprised. "Zixin?"}
There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.

Shan Haihong turned to look at her, perfectly surprised. "Zixin?"

_{That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.}
What a disaster...

That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.

_{Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"}Ye Zixin said nothing.

Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

_{Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table.}
The three seemed to have a tacit agreement between them to act as if nothing was just witnessed, as Shan Haihong then asked, "So when and how did you and Haiming get to know one another, Xiao Ning?"

Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table. "Can you do me a favour, bro? Can you not mention things like that in the future? As you can see, it's a jar of vinegarT/n: it's just a way of saying jealousy. You knocked over I have to go clean up."

_{Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.}There was nothing Xiao Ning failed to understand now. That girl had clearly fancied Shan Haiming.

Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.

_{"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."}
Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."

_{Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."}Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

_{"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar for each of us."}
Ye Zixin's gaze refocused gradually, then slowly squared itself on Xiao Ning's face.

"Alright, just make the last desserts." Xiao Ning obediently ordered the last two dishes in line with his sweet preference for himself, closing the menu. "And a bowl of the bird's nest hashima stew with rock sugar for each of us."

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.}
Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

_{Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.}The waitress did as instructed, handing a menu to Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning's gaze landed on the man sitting beside the girl. His nose was tall and straight, his overall appearance quite handsome. But, to Shan Haiming, this man bore not even the slightest bit of resemblance.

_{Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"}Shan Haiming was stunned, but soon recovered himself and relaxed.

Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

_{"Looks like you were pretty {impressive} before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"}Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."

"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"

_{Sure enough, the girl then whined with the attitude of one who was far younger, "Why do you always not answer whenever I call you?"}
"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

Sure enough, the girl then whined with the attitude of one who was far younger, "Why do you always not answer whenever I call you?"

_{"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."}Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

"Don't order the bitter gourd." Shan Haihong then laughed as he continued, "Back when we were little, Zixin, I remember you coming over to our house for dinner. Back then, the nanny made pickled bitter gourd, and it looked especially good while she was making it and you insisted on eating some. But, in the end, you cried heaps after you took a bite."

_{When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.}
Not only had Shan Haiming still not released Xiao Ning's hand, but he also rocked it forward and back. And since Xiao Ning had no way to hold out, he could only pull in that direction in return.

When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.

_{"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"}Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

_{Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"}
Despite the others being unable to see it, from the movement of their shoulders it was quite clear what was happening outside their line of sight. Ye Zixin suddenly cried out, "I don't believe it."

Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

_{Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."}Aunt?

Shan Haihong indicated it was all right, "No, you can order. I heard Haiming mention it before, but I never expected you to be working at Rihua. This really is a work of fate."

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.}He was talking directly to Ye Zixin in the end, but her pretty and white, face appeared to have given no reaction.

Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

_{"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"}
Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

"Looks like you were pretty impressive before, huh? I never expected that, I never expected it at all." Xiao Ning then said to Shan Haiming in jest, "So how come you're so respectable now?"

_{Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"}
Shan Haihong turned to look at her, perfectly surprised. "Zixin?"

Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

_{Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"}"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

_{His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.}
"Haiming..." Ye Zixin rested both hands on the table, the sight of her small and delicate hands against the exquisite workmanship of the tablecloth, quite pleasing to the eyes. "...You've always liked girls before, haven't you? They said you... but I never believed it! You even said you'd marry me when we were younger."

His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

_{Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.}
Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.

Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

_{Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"}"Why huddle together? Are you warm?" Shan Haiming did not move, only taking a sip of his tea. "Xiao Ning, you already know my older brother, and this is Ye Zixin. Zixin, this is Xiao Ning, my boyfriend."

Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

_{"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."}
But Shan Haiming only asked strangely, "I said something like that? You must have remembered wrongly, no?"

"Fine. I know you're busy." Ye Zixin exposed a proper smile, a bit of her 'Ms Perfect' reservedness peeking through her words. "Haiming, why are sitting so far away? It's been so long since we last saw each other, so you acting so distant will make a person feel sad."

_{Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. {What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?}}His attitude was far from cold, but in comparison to the girl's, it was frosty. The girl was a bit dispirited but still quite happy.

Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

_{But Shan Haiming only asked strangely, "I said something like that? You must have remembered wrongly, no?"}
He then thought it over seriously, adding the dagger, "It should be my brother who said that."

But Shan Haiming only asked strangely, "I said something like that? You must have remembered wrongly, no?"

_{{Is this Ye Zixin?}}Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

Is this Ye Zixin?

_{The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress.}
Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

The sharp clatter of broken dishes rang out as Ye Zixin swept all the tableware in front of her onto the floor. She remained still in her seat, her facial expression as deep as water, as dignified as an empress. Making it seem as though those fallen dishes had fallen onto the floor on their own. The waitress' professionalism was top-tier, showing not the slightest trace of shock. She crouched down to first clean the fallen dishes, then placed another set of tableware before Ye Zixin, restoring it all as it was in the twinkling of an eye.

_{Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"}"Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

_{"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."}When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.

"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."

_{Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."}When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.

Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."

_{Zexin, Xiao Ning remembered seeing the name on Shan Haiming's phone at some point earlier, filling the entirety in himself.}
One was Shan Haihong, and the other was Shan Haiming. Those two brothers of the Shan family were simply... Xiao Ning just wanted to hold his forehead and not watch that upsetting scene.

Zexin, Xiao Ning remembered seeing the name on Shan Haiming's phone at some point earlier, filling the entirety in himself.

_N/A "Zixin," Shan Haiming leaned back, laziness in his appearance as he continued, "you don't need to say anything in my aid. What my brother said is true."

N/A

_{Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.}Aunt?

Xiao Ning was shocked, and clearly knew the scene of the climax was probably on its way.

_{Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"}Sweeping his gaze that way in a simple manner, Xiao Ning then replied, "We met through a friend and after meeting Haiming I thought he was a good person, so we got to know each other meeting up a couple or so times after that."

Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

_{Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.}
As she stared at Shan Haiming with a tightened gaze, Ye Zixin tried her best to suppress her emotions, and the curvature of her lips as if formed from a great number of repeated practice, did not fail at this moment either. "Haiming, may I say a few words with you in private?"

Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

_{Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."}
"Um, no can do." Shan Haiming then turned to look at Xiao Ning. "I don't wish for my lover to have any misunderstandings."

Shan Haiming nodded knowingly then said, "Waiter, the menu."

_N/A
Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.

N/A

_{The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.}
If it were Xiao Ning, he would be more than soft-hearted enough to say at least a few words. Why hurt someone that much? But, not only is Shan Haiming the main character, he is also the director. So if he needs a "doesn't matter, don't care", you just have to swallow it all back and coordinate with Director Shan.

The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

_{Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."}Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."

Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."

_{Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. {Like, what the heck is this?}}The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."

Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. Like, what the heck is this?

_{So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.}
After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."

So, catching a glimpse of Shan Haiming's hand hanging at his side, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out his own to pat it gently.

_{Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."}Shan Haiming backhandedly held onto Xiao Ning's hand which had yet to be retrieved, his gaze turning to him as he replied, "Because a certain someone has quite a temper."

Shan Haihong coughed a few times to hide his hard-to-miss smile. "Sorry, I won't mention it again. Xiao Ning, the Haiming with you right now is very good. You don't need to worry about it."

_{Saying this, she then made her way out of the room without looking back.}He was talking directly to Ye Zixin in the end, but her pretty and white, face appeared to have given no reaction.

Saying this, she then made her way out of the room without looking back.

_{Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.}Shan Haihong lifted his brows, his smile not diminished in the least. "Of the two of you, who chased who?"

Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.

_{"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"}
Saying this, she then made her way out of the room without looking back.

"You really want to?" Because of Xiao Ning's sarcastic tone, Shan Haiming let out a teasing smile, turning his body then used his other hand to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek while a grin framed on his handsome face. "Do you dare?"

_{The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.}Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.

The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

_{After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."}
"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."

After a long period of silence, Ye Zixin stood up. "Pardon me but I feel a bit unwell all of a sudden, so I'll be leaving first. You guys can enjoy your meal."

_{Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table.}The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

Xiao Ning's reaction wasn't as quick as Shan Haiming's, so when he was pinched, he couldn't stop the blush which erupted on his face. Shan Haiming again turned towards the two people at the opposite side of the table. "Can you do me a favour, bro? Can you not mention things like that in the future? As you can see, it's a jar of vinegarT/n: it's just a way of saying jealousy. You knocked over I have to go clean up."

_{"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."}Xiao Ning followed the direction of the voice sounding much like a yellow oriole to meet a beautiful girl looking their way, her dark pearl-like eyes shining joyfully.

"Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

_{Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.}
"So what if I know?" Shan Haiming replied without care, adding, "Do I have to be responsible for her just because she likes me? I have a lot of people I have to be responsible for, then. Besides, it's not her marriage with me, but one between the Ye family and the Shan family. Dad and Uncle Ye have already agreed to it, so don't act like you already don't know. Anyhow, as long as it's one of Dad's sons, it's fine whether it's you or me, right? Or do you hate her or something?"

Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.

_{The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.}"Understood." The waitress recorded all the orders on her tablet and then retrieved the menu.

The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

_{The three seemed to have a tacit agreement between them to act as if nothing was just witnessed, as Shan Haihong then asked, "So when and how did you and Haiming get to know one another, Xiao Ning?"}
Xiao Ning felt the only person in that room who could resonate with him, was most likely the waiter. Like, what the heck is this?

The three seemed to have a tacit agreement between them to act as if nothing was just witnessed, as Shan Haihong then asked, "So when and how did you and Haiming get to know one another, Xiao Ning?"

_{Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."}"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."

Acting as the sole conversation starter, Shan Haiming again spoke out. "Yes, seafood is Haiming's favourite thing to eat."

_{Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature.}Xiao Ning said nothing further, after all, he didn't want to appear too stingy as he was currently representing Shan Haiming's face. "What would Mr Shan and Ye Zixin like to eat?"

Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

_{Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"}
Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."

Shan Haiming lifted his gaze towards her. "Zixin, long time no see. Why did you come to the country?"

_{{Is this Ye Zixin?}}Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."

Is this Ye Zixin?

_{Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"}The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

Ye Zixin, just then, said in a voice sounding rather unnatural, "Haihong, it's not nice to say these things about Haiming. Don't pay any mind to what other people say. Don't we know the kind of person Haiming really is?"

_{Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.}What a disaster...

Although he said those words while wearing no particular expression, Xiao Ning suddenly felt rather hurt. He had no idea what the reason behind it was, but this was Shan Haiming.

_{The waitress did as instructed, handing a menu to Xiao Ning.}
He turned his gaze from Shan Haiming to Xiao Ning, sighing. "It's also a good thing you're planning on settling down. Dad and Aunt will be happy to know that. When are you planning to tell them?"

The waitress did as instructed, handing a menu to Xiao Ning.

_{Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."}Shan Haihong paused momentarily. "Let's discuss this some other time, alright? And, Zixin's opinions should be respected at least. Besides..."

Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

_{That man sent a polite smile to Xiao Ning, who sent him a small one in return. "Mr Shan."}
Aunt?

That man sent a polite smile to Xiao Ning, who sent him a small one in return. "Mr Shan."

_{The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.}"Zixin!" Shan Haihong stood while looking at Shan Haiming reproachfully. "Haiming, you know Zixin likes you. She even happily left her studies in France to come here and marry you this time. You went too far treating her like this."

The atmosphere around the table was strange, but Xiao Ning could only ignore it. According to Shan Haihong's requirements, he ordered some suitable dishes, and according to experience when he had eaten with Shan Haiming last, he ordered the shrimp and crab.

_{The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.}Is this Ye Zixin?

The two then took their seats one after the other. The waitress came forward to arrange their bowls and chopsticks, as well as, pouring them both water and tea. Her movements were quiet, fluid and carrying an immense amount of grace. When she had completed all her tasks, she again returned to her former position in silence.

_{The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."}
That word caught Xiao Ning's attention.

The waitress then handed over a menu resembling a high-end photo studio's photo album. Shan Haiming then waved his hand. "Give it to him."

_{Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature.}Zexin, Xiao Ning remembered seeing the name on Shan Haiming's phone at some point earlier, filling the entirety in himself.

Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature. [] Pic says a thousand words. boo1 [] 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

_{He then thought it over seriously, adding the dagger, "It should be my brother who said that."}
"I'll do it as soon as possible." Shan Haiming didn't look at him, he even seemed disinterested as he added, "In a day or two."

He then thought it over seriously, adding the dagger, "It should be my brother who said that."

_{Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."}As soon as those words were said the room broke out in silence. Only Shan Haiming then went on to ask as if nothing happened, "Have you ordered?"

Shan Haihong then spoke again. "Seriously, when I first heard it I was beyond shocked! Even though Haiming was fond of messing around before, I never heard about him having a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend."

_{Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."}When he lifted his eyes, Ye Zixin's smiling face was frozen stiff, a borderline look of panic in her eyes as she sated at him.

Shan Haihong: "I'm fine with anything, and Zexin likes to eat mushrooms."

_{"So what if I know?" Shan Haiming replied without care, adding, "Do I have to be responsible for her just because she likes me? I have a lot of people I have to be responsible for, then. Besides, it's not her marriage with me, but one between the Ye family and the Shan family.}
"If you need me to say something, I'll help you in persuading Dad." Shan Haihong then nodded to Xiao Ning, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm worried about Zixin. You two can stay and eat, the bill's on my tab. Goodbye."

"So what if I know?" Shan Haiming replied without care, adding, "Do I have to be responsible for her just because she likes me? I have a lot of people I have to be responsible for, then. Besides, it's not her marriage with me, but one between the Ye family and the Shan family. Dad and Uncle Ye have already agreed to it, so don't act like you already don't know. Anyhow, as long as it's one of Dad's sons, it's fine whether it's you or me, right? Or do you hate her or something?"

_{Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.}Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

Her timber as she spoke these words was both high and low, the kind of rhythm people would find rather charming. That sort of look and bearing could only be regarded as that of a girl, as at that time, she couldn't mask her voice, making it difficult for Xiao Ning, this stranger, to steal his heart from the hurt.

_{Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."}"Haiming!"

Shan Haiming's reply to this held no sincerity whatsoever. "My ears aren't good."

_{Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.}
After he spoke, he went straight out the door of the private room, taking his coat from the waitress before walking out without looking back.

Ye Zixin's face grew paler, to where even the makeup she wore couldn't hide it.

_{As she stared at Shan Haiming with a tightened gaze, Ye Zixin tried her best to suppress her emotions, and the curvature of her lips as if formed from a great number of repeated practice, did not fail at this moment either. "Haiming, may I say a few words with you in private?"}Ye Zixin gasped, her voice small, reduced to sporadic sobs. Shan Haihong leaned over to her worriedly, his face etched with pure concern. "Zixin, are you alright?"

As she stared at Shan Haiming with a tightened gaze, Ye Zixin tried her best to suppress her emotions, and the curvature of her lips as if formed from a great number of repeated practice, did not fail at this moment either. "Haiming, may I say a few words with you in private?"

_{Xiao Ning followed Shan Haiming wordlessly, as they were led to the door of a private room by a waitress wearing a qipao, the nameplate on the door, one carved in wood, reading: Liuli Xuan.}
Shan Haiming played with his emerald cup of tea, soon noticing Xiao Ning was staring at him with pursed lips, and so tilted his head while asking, "What?"

Xiao Ning followed Shan Haiming wordlessly, as they were led to the door of a private room by a waitress wearing a qipao, the nameplate on the door, one carved in wood, reading: Liuli Xuan.

_{After he spoke, he went straight out the door of the private room, taking his coat from the waitress before walking out without looking back.}
Letting out a long-winded relieved sigh, Xiao Ning withdrew his complicated gaze, lamenting as he replied, "Nothing. I was only thinking of all the bags I have to pack tonight."

After he spoke, he went straight out the door of the private room, taking his coat from the waitress before walking out without looking back.

_{Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. {Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.}}Xiao Ning held back his urge to frown. What was he saying? What do you mean by 'messing around'? What do mean by 'never had a fixed girlfriend or boyfriend'? Leaving aside whether everyone here is more or less familiar with one another, if someone says such things in front of others about their younger brother, is that older brother cracked in the head or just doing it with intention?

Xiao Ning gazed to his side from the corner of his eye. Shan Haiming's face doesn't seem to have changed.

_{The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.}Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

The round table they were at was able to seat ten, and Ye Zixing and Shan Haihong sat on one end, while Shan Haiming sat opposite them, with Xiao Ning naturally taking his seat next to him.

_{Liuli {Xuan} room turned out to be a private room.} "Naturally, I did." Xiao Ning replied confidently. "Even though I was a little apprehensive of Haiming in the beginning, afterwards, I realised it was only his mouth that was not easy to deal with at all."

Liuli Xuan room turned out to be a private room.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. Suzhou-styled gardens are traditional Chinese gardens that follow the Suzhou architectural styling that mirrors natural landscapes but scaled down, bridges and water sources are a common feature.

^2. Pic says a thousand words. boo1

^3. 冰糖燕窝炖雪蛤: lit. rock sugar & bird's nest boiled hashima. It can be a sweet or savoury dish (the one below is sweet obviously). But here's the explanation for the ingredients (the ones no regular person could afford when emperors were a thing). Hashima (hasma) is the fatty tissues extracted near the fallopian tissues of frogs (don't you dare make a face, especially if you eat stuff with gelatin) anyhow, it's dried and when you soak and cook it, it becomes white and gelatinous and takes on the flavour of what you cook it in because it has none of its own (like the bird nest). It's thought to have health benefits (just like the bird's nest) and is used in TCM. Bird's nest is the prized saliva-ish nest made by swiftlets (a bird species), it's gelatinous in texture when cooked too, and it turns clear if it's the white kind. Pic below. boo2

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