The Long Road Ahead: C22

Chapter: 22 | Make it up to you

• Previous
• Next
• ToC

Make it up to you

---

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."}
Feeling a little worried by the sound which came from Lu Yan's end of the call, Xiao Ning stared blankly at the phone in his hand.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.}He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

_{Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."}Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

_{Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."}
Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

_{"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.}
"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

_{The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins.}After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

_{However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"}
To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

_{"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.}After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

_{The grocery store clerk: "..."}N/A

The grocery store clerk: "..."

_{Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?}
As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

_{He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."}N/A

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

_{"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.}Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

_{But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.}Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

_{"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.}
Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

_{Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.}"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

_{When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"}Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

_{When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"}Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

_{When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"}
Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

_{He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.}
"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

_{Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.}
Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

_{To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."}
At least it wasn't past twelve, right?

To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."

_{Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.}
The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

_{Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.}By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

_{{It tastes so good!}}Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so good!

_{A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."}
"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

_{Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."}Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

_{It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"}Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

_{"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."}
"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

_{But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."}Xiao Ning: "..."

But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

_{Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.}Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

_{Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.}He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

_N/A
"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

N/A

_{It tastes so good!}
It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

It tastes so good!

_{After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.}"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.

_{So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.}
Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.

_{Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.}
What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

_{The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins.}An abandoned cat?

The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

_{Feeling a little worried by the sound which came from Lu Yan's end of the call, Xiao Ning stared blankly at the phone in his hand.}
Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

Feeling a little worried by the sound which came from Lu Yan's end of the call, Xiao Ning stared blankly at the phone in his hand.

_{Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.}It tastes so good!

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

_{Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."}
"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

_{When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"}"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

_{That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.}Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

_{He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.}
Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

_{Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."}Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.}"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

_{"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.}
He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

_{He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.}An abandoned cat?

He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}◈◇◈

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.}He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.

_{It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.}
He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

_{Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."}
After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

_{It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."}
"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

_{However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"}Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

_{A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."}Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

_{But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."}A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

_{Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?}
Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

_{But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."}When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

_{Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."}Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

_{{Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?}}◈◇◈

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

_{The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."}
"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

_{As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."}When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

_{Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]}By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_{Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.}
Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

_{Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?}Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

_{Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."}Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

_{An abandoned cat?}
Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

An abandoned cat?

_{"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.}
However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

_{And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.}
Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

_{Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.}But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

_{But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.}Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

_{They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.}What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

_{The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.}
Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

_{"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"}Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

_{Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."}What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

_{Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.}
It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

_{"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."}
But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

_{Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.}And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

_{As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.}An abandoned cat?

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

◈◇◈

_{"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."}
Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

_{Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.}
They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

_{After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of {déjà vu}. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.}When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

_{When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.}"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_{Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.}
Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.

_{{You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.}}On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

_{Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.}That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

_{The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."}
Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

_{"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.}Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

_{They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.}You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

_{Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.}After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.}
While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}
The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_{Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, {Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.}}A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

_{Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?}Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

_{But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.}
When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

_{A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.}It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

_{{If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.}}"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

_{But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.}Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

_{But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."}
The grocery store clerk: "..."

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

_{Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.}To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

_{Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."}
Xiao Ning: "..."

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

_{{It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...}}"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

_{"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."}"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

_{"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."}
Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

_{Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.}
Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

_{"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.}Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

_{Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.}The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

_{As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."}
"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

_{Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."}Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

_{But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.}Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

_{But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.}
Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

_{The grocery store clerk: "..."}
That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

The grocery store clerk: "..."

_{Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.}Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

_{Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.}
But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

_{"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.}And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

_{"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.}The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

_{As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."}Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

_{Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.}
Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

_{Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.}Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

_{"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."}"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

_{Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."}Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

_{After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"}
Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

_{Make it up to you}
It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Make it up to you

_{It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"}Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

_{Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"}
After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

_{"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.}Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

_◈◇◈The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

◈◇◈

_{Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."}Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

◈◇◈

_{As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.}
Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

_{Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.}What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.}Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

_{"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."}"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

_{After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.}
"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

_{He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.}The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

_{Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.}It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

_{A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.}
Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

_{It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.}On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

_{It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.}Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

_{After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"}As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

_{But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."}
Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.

But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

_{Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.}However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

_{{Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat?} Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.}But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

_{It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"}
He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

_{"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.}
Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.

"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

_{Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.}"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."}
Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_◈◇◈The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

◈◇◈

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_{What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.}
By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

_{He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."}"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

_{If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.}
After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

_{However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"}Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

_{"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."}Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

_{It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."}As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

_{Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."}
But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

_{It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"}Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

_{As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.}"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

_{Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"}After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

_{Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.}
It tastes so good!

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

_{As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.}Xiao Ning: "..."

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

_{{Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?}}After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

_{Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."}"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

_{He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.}
The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

_{"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."}Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

_{A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.}Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

_{The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.}
A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

_{Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.}Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

_{{At least it wasn't past twelve, right?}}Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

At least it wasn't past twelve, right?

_{Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."}
So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

_{"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."}Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

_{As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."}"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

_{It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...}
Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

_{{It tastes so good!}}Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so good!

_{Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.}On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

_{Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.}
Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.}◈◇◈

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

_{"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"}
He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

_{He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.}By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

_{As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.}Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

_{Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.}Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

_{Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."}
After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

_{Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"}
On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

_{Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"}
Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

_{He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.}Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

_{What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.}"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

_{Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"}As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

_{Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.}
The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

_{After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.}An abandoned cat?

After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

_{Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.}◈◇◈

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

_{"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"}However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

_{He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."}
Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

_{Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.}Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

_{Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.}"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

_{Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.}
A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

_{However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"}Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

_{However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"}A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

_{Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."}And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

_{You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.}
An abandoned cat?

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

_{The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."}Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

_{"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.}Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

_{{It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...}}Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

_{He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.}
It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

_◈◇◈
After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.

◈◇◈

_{Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."}Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

_{{Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?}}The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

_{"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.}Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

_{Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.}
Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

_{Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."}The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

_{Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]}
Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

_{{An abandoned cat?}}Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

An abandoned cat?

_{By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.}A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

_{But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."}Xiao Ning: "..."

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

_{Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.}
But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

_{Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.}The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.

_{At least it wasn't past twelve, right?}
If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

At least it wasn't past twelve, right?

_{Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.}Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

_{He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.}As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

_{That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.}
Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

_{Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.}You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

_{While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.}And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

_{After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.}
"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

_{Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.}Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

_{Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."}"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

_◈◇◈
The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

◈◇◈

_{Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."}Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

_{{If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.}}But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

_{Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"}"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

_{When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.}
"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

_{"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."}Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

_{Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"}
He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

_{Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"}It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

_{On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."}
And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

_{{So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.}}Xiao Ning: "..."

So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.

_{"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."}
You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

_{"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.}Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

_{Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"}They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

_{Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.}
As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.

---

Author's Note:

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

Notes:

N/A

• Previous
• Next
• ToC