The Long Road Ahead: C24

Chapter: 24 | Me Too

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Me Too

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

_{The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning.}
The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

_{For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.}
He must be really busy, right?

For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"}N/A

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

_{It took no guesses to figure out that the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"}He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

It took no guesses to figure out that the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

_{Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."}When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."

_{He must be really busy, right?}
And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

He must be really busy, right?

_{"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"}Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"

_{He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.}Me Too

He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

_{After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.}
"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

_{For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.}Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"

For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

_{He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.}N/A

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

_{The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.}
Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning said, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is Uncle feeling better?"

The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

_{The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning.}Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

_{Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange.}He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

_{Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.}"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

_{Shan Haiming faced him, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."}
"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there to be embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back. Has he said anything about when he'll be visiting us?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

Shan Haiming faced him, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

_{But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."}
But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

_{After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.}The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

_{A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.}
"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

_{He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.}
Xiao Ning couldn't get a word in edgewise.

He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

_N/A
But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

N/A

_{But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with {Xiao} Ning right now, not your son."}After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

_◈◇◈Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

◈◇◈

_{"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."}
"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

_{Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."}Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

_{He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.}
She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for a visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.

_{A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.}Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

_{"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.}The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

_{{He must be really busy, right?}}Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

He must be really busy, right?

_◈◇◈
Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

◈◇◈

_{"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.}"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there to be embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back. Has he said anything about when he'll be visiting us?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

_{What was the big deal anyhow?}
Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

What was the big deal anyhow?

_{Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"}Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

_{Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.}◈◇◈

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

_{The doorbell then rung.}
Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

The doorbell then rung.

_{Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."}
As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

_{Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"}
For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"

_{Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."}But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

_{With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.}
He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

_{Then added, "I definitely knew."}Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

Then added, "I definitely knew."

_{The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.}
What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

_N/AIt was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

N/A

_{Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"}He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

_{Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"}When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

_{Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."}
Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

_{Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."}"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

_N/A"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

N/A

_{"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.}
What was the big deal anyhow?

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

_{Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.}The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

_{Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."}Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

_{Then added, "I definitely knew."}
When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

Then added, "I definitely knew."

_{Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"}
"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

_{Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.}Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

_{Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."}N/A

Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

◈◇◈

_{Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.}
The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

_{But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."}The doorbell then rung.

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

_{"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."}Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

_{The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?".}
As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

_{When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.}"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

_N/A◈◇◈

N/A

_{Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."}"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there to be embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back. Has he said anything about when he'll be visiting us?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

_{It took no guesses to figure out that the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"}
Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

It took no guesses to figure out that the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

_{Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"}A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

_{{What was the big deal anyhow?}}Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

What was the big deal anyhow?

_{It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"}
The doorbell then rung.

It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

_{Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"}For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

_{For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.}Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

_{Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."}The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

_◈◇◈
It took no guesses to figure out that the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

◈◇◈

_{For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.}Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"}Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

_{Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.}
It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

_"Oh..
"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

_{Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."}Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

_{Xiao Ning couldn't get a word in edgewise.}
Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"

Xiao Ning couldn't get a word in edgewise.

_N/A
Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

N/A

_{Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."}◈◇◈

Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

_N/AThe apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

N/A

_{"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there to be embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back. Has he said anything about when he'll be visiting us?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.}
Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."

"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there to be embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back. Has he said anything about when he'll be visiting us?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

_{"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.}N/A

"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

_{Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.}He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

◈◇◈

_{"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, that Xiao Ning answered without thinking.}
When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, that Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

_{"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "{Xiao} Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."}N/A

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

_{Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."}"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, that Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

_{"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.}Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

_{Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."}
Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

_{The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning.}Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

_{"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."}
"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

_{"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.}
He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

_{Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."}
The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

_{Me Too}
Shan Haiming faced him, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Me Too

_{Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange.}N/A

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

_{The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.}Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

_{Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"}
The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

_{The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.}Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

_{The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?".}"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

_{"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.}
After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

_{But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."}As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

_{A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.}It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

_{For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.}Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

_{Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.}
Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

_{Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."}"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

_{Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning said, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is Uncle feeling better?"}
Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning said, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is Uncle feeling better?"

_{Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange.}Shan Haiming faced him, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

_{Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"}Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

_{"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"}Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"

_{When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.}
Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

_{Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.}"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

_{Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"}But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it to eat?"

_{The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.}Then added, "I definitely knew."

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

_{Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"}
"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

_{As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.}Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, and then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

_{"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."}
Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

_{It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"}N/A

It was not ten o'clock yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

_{And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."}
Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

_N/AShan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

N/A

_{When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.}
Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

_{Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."}Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

_{He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.}
Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

_{Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."}Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

_{As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.}When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

_{She then brought the phone closer and continued, "{Xiao} Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for a visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."}"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for a visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

_{Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."}
Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

_{Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.}
"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, that Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

_{When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.}The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

_{And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."}"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"}
Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe some straight men wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

_N/AAs Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

N/A

_"Oh..Then added, "I definitely knew."

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

_{"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"}
He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"

_{As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.}"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

_{When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.}He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing as making him spend the entire day in a funk was quite laughable and cute.

_{Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.}
He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

_{As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.}"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

_{Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.}
"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "Do you actually like men?"

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

_{Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."}
Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

_{She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for a visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."}
A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for a visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

_{Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.}
Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

_{After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.}◈◇◈

After taking the bouquet into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

_{"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."}For the past couple of days, he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

_{As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.}
Then added, "I definitely knew."

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

_{Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"}
With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

_{"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."}What was the big deal anyhow?

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to a dinner party afterwards last night."

_{What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.}
Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.

_"Oh..Carefully removing his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell him to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

_{Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."}But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

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