The Long Road Ahead: C21
Overnight Stay
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome-coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.
"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"
Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"
It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superiors a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that the work schedule would remain as planned.
But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.
With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
Seeming to think this scrunched-up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a nearly unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."
"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to coax you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."
So our current positioning must be as a result of that.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?
After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.
Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."
His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.
◈◇◈
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
There wasn't any time for pretty polite words at that moment, so after stammering for a while, Xiao Ning simply added, "Seriously, thank you."
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"
As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting in a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he were acting out the motions in his sleep.
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."
Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid who had nothing to do with him.
"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.
Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"
He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superiors a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that the work schedule would remain as planned.
As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting in a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he were acting out the motions in his sleep.
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent and later had the thought he should say something.
The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.
"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
It's just the sound of the phone breaking, not a car accident. So don't overthink too much, everybody...
However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.
Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.
The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.
After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."
But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.
While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well-seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.
"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurriedly told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
All his strides over the past couple of decades were not for nought, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
It's just the sound of the phone breaking, not a car accident. So don't overthink too much, everybody...
Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"
The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome-coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.
And warm.
Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid who had nothing to do with him.
N/A
The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.
But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.
◈◇◈
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"
◈◇◈
The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.
Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"
After he said this, the line went silent.
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
◈◇◈
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
And warm.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
◈◇◈
The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.
After he said this, the line went silent.
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.
After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."
Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half-pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
So our current positioning must be as a result of that.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.
◈◇◈
After he said this, the line went silent.
So our current positioning must be as a result of that.
And warm.
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting in a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he were acting out the motions in his sleep.
After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."
Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"
With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."
"Xiao Ning?"
The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.
Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half-pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.
Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent and later had the thought he should say something.
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."
"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.
Overnight Stay
Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.
However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.
After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
All his strides over the past couple of decades were not for nought, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid who had nothing to do with him.
"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurriedly told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."
And warm.
"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."
"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
"Xiao Ning?"
"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"
Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting in a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he were acting out the motions in his sleep.
The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
Seeming to think this scrunched-up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a nearly unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.
"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."
N/A
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superiors a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that the work schedule would remain as planned.
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.
Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half-pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.
And warm.
After he said this, the line went silent.
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent and later had the thought he should say something.
Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half-pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.
"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to coax you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."
Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.
After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."
After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."
"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to coax you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Overnight Stay
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."
Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."
Xiao Ning's mind wandered.
Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.
Seeming to think this scrunched-up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a nearly unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.
The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome-coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.
Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent and later had the thought he should say something.
Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.
With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better if things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."
There wasn't any time for pretty polite words at that moment, so after stammering for a while, Xiao Ning simply added, "Seriously, thank you."
Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"
Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half-pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.
"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."
Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."
◈◇◈
Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?
Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.
There wasn't any time for pretty polite words at that moment, so after stammering for a while, Xiao Ning simply added, "Seriously, thank you."
Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?
"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"
Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."
N/A
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"
The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"
But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
Seeming to think this scrunched-up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a nearly unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.
"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to coax you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."
"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid who had nothing to do with him.
While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well-seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.
"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.
Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?
"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."
After he said this, the line went silent.
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.
Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"
Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid who had nothing to do with him.
"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"
The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.
The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.
"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.
"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seemed as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."
"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better if things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."
"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"
"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
Xiao Ning's mind wandered.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.
Overnight Stay
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.
Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."
It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superiors a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that the work schedule would remain as planned.
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
Overnight Stay
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"
Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?
Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"
After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.
So our current positioning must be as a result of that.
The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.
"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurriedly told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."
After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
Overnight Stay
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
Seeming to think this scrunched-up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a nearly unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.
"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.
"Xiao Ning?"
He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurriedly told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."
And warm.
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.
All his strides over the past couple of decades were not for nought, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"
As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.
He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"
Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.
"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better if things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."
While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well-seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.
"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.
"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."
Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.
As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.
"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.
Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.
At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.
"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
N/A
But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.
His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much that he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.
Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because, as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
It was a question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."
Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"
N/A
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."
"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better if things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."
"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"
"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."
It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come to pick you up for lunch?"
Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"
But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.
"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."
After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.
"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurriedly told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."
He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"
"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.
Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?
"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."
"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.
However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.
Xiao Ning's mind wandered.
With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration, he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."
However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.
There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"
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