The Long Road Ahead: C18
Admitting Mistakes
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"
After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"
"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.
At that, Shan Haiming's mood seemed to brighten greatly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Okay. By the way, are you moving this Saturday?"
Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out of the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?
He, himself, knew he was someone who dragged his feet, so even more, he wasn't going to let himself procrastinate this time around.
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.
At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."
"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing before he heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"
"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."
"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let his impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far away, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
"No, not yet." Never expecting him to be able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more trouble to Shan Haiming all the more.
N/A
I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"
Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as well find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so his admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.
Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"
So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out of the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"
Xiao Ning was almost flattered by the sentiment. "What are you even saying? Why would I be angry at you?"
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness made it so he often could never forget what he had done.
Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seemed quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
After putting on their act a couple of times, Xiao Ning grew a bit accustomed to his teasing. What's more, Lu Yan was currently beside him, making him want to put on an act a bit, so he directly replied, "You got that right. Others shouldn't have to trouble themselves over this matter at all. So if you didn't come pick me up I would've hunted you down to ask for reimbursements for the fare."
The power of true love is impressive.
"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."
Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
"Saturday?" Xiao Ning then asked curiously, "Didn't you say it was Sunday? Why did it change?"
While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
Until recently... recently...
Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, nor had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his were just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?
This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."
"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left are some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting for them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as though he was helplessly hung up on the past as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
N/A
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
Lu Yan removed his hand, and then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.
At that, Shan Haiming's mood seemed to brighten greatly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Okay. By the way, are you moving this Saturday?"
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"
Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."
Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.
He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left are some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting for them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as though he was helplessly hung up on the past as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.
"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"
iana: This is a multi-chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the Disqus button to load it now.
While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.
Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
He, himself, knew he was someone who dragged his feet, so even more, he wasn't going to let himself procrastinate this time around.
But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.
Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seemed quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.
While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.
He really is a man with a plan.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
The power of true love is impressive.
Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."
Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood, he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.
"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeding others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
At that, Shan Haiming's mood seemed to brighten greatly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Okay. By the way, are you moving this Saturday?"
Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"
"Saturday?" Xiao Ning then asked curiously, "Didn't you say it was Sunday? Why did it change?"
"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"
N/A
Lu Yan removed his hand, and then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.
iana: This is a multi-chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the Disqus button to load it now.
So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.
"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing before he heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"
Lu Yan spied on him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"
This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."
"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
Lu Yan removed his hand, and then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.
As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"
Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let his impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far away, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.
"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
Lu Yan spied on him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
He really is a man with a plan.
"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let his impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far away, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"
"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."
At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.
"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeding others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.
So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out of the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
The power of true love is impressive.
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.
Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"
Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing before he heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"
Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seemed quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
N/A
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.
"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."
He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao' Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."
He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.
"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let his impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far away, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."
Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood, he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."
Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"
The power of true love is impressive.
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
The power of true love is impressive.
"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"
"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.
Admitting Mistakes
"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "You don't have a car, right?"
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"
Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness made it so he often could never forget what he had done.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
iana: This is a multi-chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the Disqus button to load it now.
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let his impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far away, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."
"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"
Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.
So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out of the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?
Lu Yan spied on him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
Xiao Ning was almost flattered by the sentiment. "What are you even saying? Why would I be angry at you?"
Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."
Admitting Mistakes
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
Until recently... recently...
He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"
Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he acts like this, the more he cannot control his temper when it comes to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to be patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even was. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad-tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.
Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood, he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.
He really is a man with a plan.
But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.
"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so his asking more questions as a follow-up was quite normal.
Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was too tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.
Lu Yan removed his hand, and then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.
"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.
Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seemed quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
"No, not yet." Never expecting him to be able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more trouble to Shan Haiming all the more.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
iana: This is a multi-chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the Disqus button to load it now.
Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he acts like this, the more he cannot control his temper when it comes to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to be patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even was. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad-tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seemed quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.
Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he acts like this, the more he cannot control his temper when it comes to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to be patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even was. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad-tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.
"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeding others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.
Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood, he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.
So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.
Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, nor had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his were just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?
Until recently... recently...
"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"
"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."
"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.
Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for all those memories to easily drown him.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.
He really is a man with a plan.
As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.
Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness made it so he often could never forget what he had done.
"Saturday?" Xiao Ning then asked curiously, "Didn't you say it was Sunday? Why did it change?"
"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao' Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."
iana: This is a multi-chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the Disqus button to load it now.
Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.
"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.
He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.
After putting on their act a couple of times, Xiao Ning grew a bit accustomed to his teasing. What's more, Lu Yan was currently beside him, making him want to put on an act a bit, so he directly replied, "You got that right. Others shouldn't have to trouble themselves over this matter at all. So if you didn't come pick me up I would've hunted you down to ask for reimbursements for the fare."
Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as well find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so his admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.
Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"
Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?
Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness made it so he often could never forget what he had done.
These ups and downs within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to be ignored and left inside there on his own."
He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.
So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out of the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?
Admitting Mistakes
"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."
"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.
The power of true love is impressive.
Lu Yan spied on him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"
At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."
Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.
Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he acts like this, the more he cannot control his temper when it comes to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to be patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even was. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad-tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.
This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"
"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeding others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, nor had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his were just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?
It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.
Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness made it so he often could never forget what he had done.
Lu Yan spied on him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"
Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!
N/A
Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"
"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"
At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so it's really easy to find."
Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.
He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.
"No, not yet." Never expecting him to be able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more trouble to Shan Haiming all the more.
"No, not yet." Never expecting him to be able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more trouble to Shan Haiming all the more.
Lu Yan removed his hand, and then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.
I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.
Author's Note:
Notes:
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