The Long Road Ahead: C25

Chapter: 25 | The Visit

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The Visit

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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￣)

_{After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning.}
It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn't appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

_{Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"}Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

_{But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.}The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

_{The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.}
It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.

_{Xiao Ning paused for a moment.}"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

_◈◇◈Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

◈◇◈

_{Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."}
What opinions could I have?

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."

_{Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"}Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"

_{Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.}"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

_{The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."}
Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

_{Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.}The Visit

Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

_{Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."}"You're here too?" Shan Haiming got out of his car without taking out the keys. "I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late."

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

_{His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "{Xiao} Ming, you're back?"}Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, "All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups."

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "Xiao Ming, you're back?"

_{"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."}
Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"

"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

_{"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.}
"No... I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve the issue and you won't be wronged," Xiao Ning explained, then added, "So isn't it bad, then? Setting things right once and for all?"

"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

_{The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.}"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.

_{Xiao Ning paused for a moment.}There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

_{"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."}Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

_{Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, "All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups."}
"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."

Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, "All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups."

_{"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."}Wu Yi then told her, "Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it."

"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."

_{While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."}"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."

_{The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."}"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

_{Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.}
That statement of his had reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming's original intention for asking him to act as his boyfriend, which had even helped him out as a result. Others must've not expected such a turn of events, but... for Shan Haiming, his own feelings were his highest priority. If it wasn't, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn't have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century-old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would've been better to keep it hidden because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

_{Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.}
Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

_{"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."}They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

_{Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."}"Take a good bit, I'll be using them to pad beneath." As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, "Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don't get in the way."

Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

_{"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."}
His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.

"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

_{Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body.}
That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

_{"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.}"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

_{Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"}
Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"

_{Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."}Wu Yi then told her, "Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it."

Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

◈◇◈

_{Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"}
The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

_{"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.}Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

_{Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.}Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.

_{Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.}Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

_{And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remained trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.}
They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remained trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.

_{"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."}"No... I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve the issue and you won't be wronged," Xiao Ning explained, then added, "So isn't it bad, then? Setting things right once and for all?"

"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

_{If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."}Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."

_{The housekeeper rushed over to them again.}
"You're here too?" Shan Haiming got out of his car without taking out the keys. "I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late."

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

_{"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."}"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

_{Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."}"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."

_{The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. {Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.}}Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

_{"Alright, let's." Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, "Take these and wash them so they can be used as the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don't you?"}
The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

"Alright, let's." Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, "Take these and wash them so they can be used as the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don't you?"

_{They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"}They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

_{As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.}Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

_{The Visit}So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

The Visit

_{Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.}
Xiao Ning had gotten out of the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, "Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother's assistant."

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

_◈◇◈That statement of his had reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming's original intention for asking him to act as his boyfriend, which had even helped him out as a result. Others must've not expected such a turn of events, but... for Shan Haiming, his own feelings were his highest priority. If it wasn't, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn't have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century-old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would've been better to keep it hidden because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

◈◇◈

_{Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.}"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

_{"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "{Xiao} Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."}Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."

"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

_{It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.}
"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.}"Alright, let's." Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, "Take these and wash them so they can be used as the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don't you?"

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}
Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.}"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

_{Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"}The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

_{If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."}"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."

_{"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."}
Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."

"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

_{Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"}What opinions could I have?

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

_{"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."}After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn't appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

_{His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.}
"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.

_{"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."}So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

_{Xiao Ning had gotten out of the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, "Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother's assistant."}
His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "Xiao Ming, you're back?"

Xiao Ning had gotten out of the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, "Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother's assistant."

_{"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. {It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother.} "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."}Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

_{It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.}"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

_{That statement of his had reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming's original intention for asking him to act as his boyfriend, which had even helped him out as a result. Others must've not expected such a turn of events, but.}
Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

That statement of his had reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming's original intention for asking him to act as his boyfriend, which had even helped him out as a result. Others must've not expected such a turn of events, but... for Shan Haiming, his own feelings were his highest priority. If it wasn't, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn't have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century-old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would've been better to keep it hidden because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

_{They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"}The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

_{Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."}What opinions could I have?

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."

_{The housekeeper rushed over to them again.}"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

_{As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.}
"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

_{The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes.}So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

_{"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."}Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

_{His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.}Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.

_{It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"}
Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"

_{"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."}
After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn't appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."

_{"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. {It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother.} "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."}The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.}But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

_{There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.}
But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

_{What opinions could I have?}
Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

What opinions could I have?

_{That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...}
To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...

_{{That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...}}Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...

_{"You're here too?" Shan Haiming got out of his car without taking out the keys. "I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late."}
As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

"You're here too?" Shan Haiming got out of his car without taking out the keys. "I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late."

_{Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."}"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

_{Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.}
"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

_{If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."}
The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."

_{"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. {It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother.} "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."}Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

_{Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"}The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

_{Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."}"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

_{While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."}
Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."

_{But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.}"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

_{On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"}
But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"

_{The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.}
The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

_{Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."}
"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."

Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

_{"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"}But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"

_{"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."}
"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

_{"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "{Xiao} Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."}To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

_{"No... I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve the issue and you won't be wronged," Xiao Ning explained, then added, "So isn't it bad, then? Setting things right once and for all?"}
If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."

"No... I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve the issue and you won't be wronged," Xiao Ning explained, then added, "So isn't it bad, then? Setting things right once and for all?"

_{"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."}His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "Xiao Ming, you're back?"

"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

_{"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.}Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

_{But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.}
There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong's face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn't help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

_{Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"}Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"

_{Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"}That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

_◈◇◈
Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.

◈◇◈

_{The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.}The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.

_{"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."}Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

_{The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.}
Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

_{On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"}"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"

_{Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.}"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

_{His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.}"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

His thoughts drifted to Shan Haihong.

_{The Visit}
"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

The Visit

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.}So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

_{The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes.}
"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."

The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

_{"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "{Xiao} Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."}Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"

"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

_{"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.}Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

"Nice to meet you." Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

_{Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."}After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn't appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

_{Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"}
"Alright, let's." Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, "Take these and wash them so they can be used as the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don't you?"

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his mind was left a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, "Not bad?"

_{{What opinions could I have?}}"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

What opinions could I have?

_{Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."}"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

_{Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."}But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

_{"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."}
Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, "All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups."

"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

_{"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."}"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."

_{Xiao Ning paused for a moment.}
"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

_{But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.}
Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

_{{That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...}}Today, her hair was styled beautifully and intricately, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

That's not possible, right? It's his brother after all, but...

_{The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."}They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

_{While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."}"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."

_{Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."}
The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."

_{"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. {It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother.} "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."}Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

"Yes, they're all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?" The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming's mother. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Ning, and thank you."

_{"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."}"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

_{Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."}
Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."}To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, "Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I'll bring it back to you this evening."

_{Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"}Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"

_{"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."}
On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"

"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

_N/A
"Take a good bit, I'll be using them to pad beneath." As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, "Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don't get in the way."

N/A

_{It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.}To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

_{Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"}Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

_{To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning.}
After glancing at Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

_{On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"}"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"

_{It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"}Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"

_{Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."}"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

_{After glancing at Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.}
"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

After glancing at Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

_{To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning.}The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, "I have to leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with."

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters were between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

_{The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes.}That statement of his had reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming's original intention for asking him to act as his boyfriend, which had even helped him out as a result. Others must've not expected such a turn of events, but... for Shan Haiming, his own feelings were his highest priority. If it wasn't, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn't have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century-old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would've been better to keep it hidden because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

The two in question were Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

_{"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."}"You're here too?" Shan Haiming got out of his car without taking out the keys. "I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late."

"Yeah." With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning's attempts at helping as he continued, "The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let's go."

_{"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."}
While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."

"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."

_{"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."}Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. "Yes, I'm back. Is everyone inside?"

"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."

_{On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"}It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. "Sure, how many?"

_{But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.}Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

_{"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.}
"Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I'll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf." But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, "He doesn't like spicy foods. So you don't need to worry about that."

"Haiming." The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

_{Wu Yi then told her, "Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it."}
"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"

Wu Yi then told her, "Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it."

_{Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.}It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

_◈◇◈"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

◈◇◈

_{"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? {Xiao} Yin."}"Thank you, I love them." With a smile, she then called, "Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth."

"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

_{Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"}
Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."

Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. "Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?"

_{Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."}Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, "Not bad?"

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."

_{Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: {Aunt}.}Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

_{The Visit}After glancing at Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

The Visit

_{"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."}
"Oh." All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, "Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin."

"Yeah, setting things right once and for all." For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming's face tugged into a smile. "Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone."

_{If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."}Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, "He's right, you don't need to worry about me. I can eat anything."

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression was still mostly as normal as it had been before. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan."

_{"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"}"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

"Is that so?" Wu Yi then asked, "Then what sort of food do you like?"

_{It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.}"Is this Xiao Ning?" Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so Xiao Ning explained, "A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities."

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

_{"Take a good bit, I'll be using them to pad beneath." As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, "Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don't get in the way."}
The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

"Take a good bit, I'll be using them to pad beneath." As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, "Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don't get in the way."

_{While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."}Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning's arms, the woman's eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, "Oh my, lilies are Madame's favourite."

While helping her spread a sheet of newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, "Yes, I'm originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation."

_{"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."}The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

"Did you bring these for me?" Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one's true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. "I hope you like them."

_{Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."}
Wu Yi then told her, "Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it."

Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

_{They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"}
Resting the flowers down, she said in a tone with hints of teasing, "Don't worry, dear. Miss Guo's is much better than Haiming's. But Haiming's must've gotten better, hasn't it? He had practised for so many days, after all."

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

_{"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"}It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. "Do you have any opinions?"

"So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?" Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, "Your accent isn't a local one, right?"

_{The housekeeper rushed over to them again.}"Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them." The tone of Wu Yi's voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, "Aunty..."

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

_{So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card.}
"Aren't you still arranging the flowers?" Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

_{The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.}But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City's second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high-priced property in A-City.

_{Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body.}Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, "Relax, Zixin. I've seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there."

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

_{So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card.}◈◇◈

So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"[]Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"[]Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"[]*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

_{Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."}
Xiao Ning lips's parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming's fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. "Sit."

_{Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: {Aunt}.}They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, "You came?"

Xiao Ning then thought back to that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

_{His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "Xiao Ming, you're back?"}
And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remained trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. "Xiao Ming, you're back?"

_{Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body.}"Let's have the flower cakes for dessert," Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person in the lot, so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, "and use the dried goods in a soup."

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if it was due to her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had imagined, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What's more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming's good looks was on account of her.

_{It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.}Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing in the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming's seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn't help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

---

Author's Note:

So that from the last chapter couldn't be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least to the extent where both sides speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the "it's fine as long as the heart understands" card. Hahahahaha

Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally... Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:

Bestie: "Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?"

Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?"

Bestie: "Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?"

Me: *re-reads* "Five... is that not right?"

Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. "Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!"

*counts seriously* Me: "=w=||||| It uh... looks like four."

Notes:

N/A

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