The Long Road Ahead: C26

Chapter: 26 | The Conversation

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The Conversation

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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￣)

_{Thinking it over for a bit, Xiao Ning replied, "I know a little."}
At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.

Thinking it over for a bit, Xiao Ning replied, "I know a little."

_{Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.}
At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.

_{For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"}"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

_{This explanation was perfect.}
Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

This explanation was perfect.

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}This old man is also quite cute.

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.}Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.

_{"Wang-ge was my superior in the past." Xiao Ning nodded as he replied. "Honestly, after that night, because it was rather embarrassing, the two of us weren't planning to continue our in-depth exchanges. I also thought I would never get into contact with Haiming again. But then I had some trouble at work. He had mentioned this to you, right?"}
But this relaxed state of Xiao Ning's did not last for very long, because Shan Yisong who had maintained his silence the entire time had called him up to his study.

"Wang-ge was my superior in the past." Xiao Ning nodded as he replied. "Honestly, after that night, because it was rather embarrassing, the two of us weren't planning to continue our in-depth exchanges. I also thought I would never get into contact with Haiming again. But then I had some trouble at work. He had mentioned this to you, right?"

_{That question of Shan Yisong's made Xiao Ning break character, it wasn't something he had ever, in his life, considered. So when Shan Yisong proposed such a question he mulled over the logic behind the man's query for a while before he understood, and at that moment, Xiao Ning experienced a novel sense of hilarity.}However, to the contrary, Xiao Ning was as calm as a tranquil sea. "My father had already passed away a long time ago. And before he left this world, he and my mother had divorced. So for a short period, I had lived with my paternal aunt."

That question of Shan Yisong's made Xiao Ning break character, it wasn't something he had ever, in his life, considered. So when Shan Yisong proposed such a question he mulled over the logic behind the man's query for a while before he understood, and at that moment, Xiao Ning experienced a novel sense of hilarity.

_{"I {thought} you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"}"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"

_{When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"}
It was nothing he did not expect. It was bound to occur sooner or later. So rather calmly, Xiao Ning made his way up the stairs.

When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"

_{But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."}
"Sit."

But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."

_{Shan Yisong's eyes widened. "If he hasn't told you anything, how am I supposed to believe you two are a actually couple?"}Like father, like son, huh...

Shan Yisong's eyes widened. "If he hasn't told you anything, how am I supposed to believe you two are a actually couple?"

_{The Conversation}
Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

The Conversation

_{It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.}When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"

It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.

_{But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."}Xiao Ning: "..."

But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."

_{For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"}
Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.

For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

_{iana: Happy New Year!}Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

iana: Happy New Year!

_{Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?}
Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"

Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

_{Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.}Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."

Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.

_{Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"}
Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"

_{"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.}
Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."

"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.

_{The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"}
"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

_{This old man is also quite cute.}
Like father, like son, huh...

This old man is also quite cute.

_{Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."}Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."

_{The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"}"What do you mean they don't need to know?" Shan Yison looked as though he wanted to slam the desk, and the pressure leaving him rose sharply. "I'm warning you..."

The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

_{Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."}
Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"

Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."

_{Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. {What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?}}Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

_{Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."}"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."

_{After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.}Xiao Ning felt his sense of responsibility grow a bit greater, his mouth pressing into a line before he responded, "Mr. Shan, so you think your son are I are putting on an act, or is it that you hope this is all just a show?"

After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.

_{Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.}
Panic flashed on Shan Yisong's face at this question, his expression could almost be described as helpless, but it was quickly hidden away, nowhere to be seen. And, if not for Xiao Ning's habit of observation and pouring every one of his attention towards that old man's body language, he would've missed that expression.

Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.

_{"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."}"What do you mean they don't need to know?" Shan Yison looked as though he wanted to slam the desk, and the pressure leaving him rose sharply. "I'm warning you..."

"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

_{Xiao Ning looked at Shan Yisong. While speaking of Shan Haiming's sexual orientation, he still managed to maintain an inscrutable expression because it was Shan Haiming's own choice, which indicated the existence of a certain level of trust Shan Yisong has in his son. But at the mere possibility of his son being subjected to unfair treatment, he displayed his anger clearly.}
"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.

Xiao Ning looked at Shan Yisong. While speaking of Shan Haiming's sexual orientation, he still managed to maintain an inscrutable expression because it was Shan Haiming's own choice, which indicated the existence of a certain level of trust Shan Yisong has in his son. But at the mere possibility of his son being subjected to unfair treatment, he displayed his anger clearly.

_{The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"}Xiao Ning: "..."

The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

_{Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. {It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.}}iana: Happy New Year!

Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

_{After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.}
"I understand, Mr. Shan." Xiao Ning then thought carefully before he added, "I sincerely apologise. I had no intention of offending you. It would be too arrogant of me if I said I understood your feelings. I found out that Haiming holds his family in very high regard, but he never explained his family matters to me in detail, so your question just now caught me by surprise."

After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.

_{Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.}His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.

_{The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"}Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

_{And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"}
"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"

_{For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"}"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"

_{Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."}"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."

_{So this is why Shan Haiming had an easy time coming out of the closet because Shan Yisong just never believed him at all?}
This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.

So this is why Shan Haiming had an easy time coming out of the closet because Shan Yisong just never believed him at all?

_{"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."}"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."

_{Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?}Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.

Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?

_{"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.}
It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.

"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

_{Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.}
After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

_{"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.}Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.

_{"What do you mean they don't need to know?" Shan Yison looked as though he wanted to slam the desk, and the pressure leaving him rose sharply. "I'm warning you..."}
The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

"What do you mean they don't need to know?" Shan Yison looked as though he wanted to slam the desk, and the pressure leaving him rose sharply. "I'm warning you..."

_{{Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.}}"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

_{"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."}
"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"

"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."

_{This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.}Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.

_{In the end, Xiao Ning gathered his courage and replied to the older man, "On the night we met one another, the two of us drank a bit and afterwards... Haiming spent the night at my place."}
"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.

In the end, Xiao Ning gathered his courage and replied to the older man, "On the night we met one another, the two of us drank a bit and afterwards... Haiming spent the night at my place."

_{{His question was direct as it was practical.} Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."}But he obviously couldn't laugh out loud then and there, so with a gulp, he restrained himself and replied, "Um... I was actually taken there that night by Wang Hua. I had no idea who I was even meeting."

His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

_{With his gaze cast downwards, Xiao Ning couldn't help a feeling of admiration from brewing.}Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

With his gaze cast downwards, Xiao Ning couldn't help a feeling of admiration from brewing.

_{Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?}
"Good." Shan Yisong then asked, "So tell me, what did my son give you to make you come here and put on this act of his?"

Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?

_{"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."}His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."

_{Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?}
So this is why Shan Haiming had an easy time coming out of the closet because Shan Yisong just never believed him at all?

Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

_{"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."}
Xiao Ning felt his sense of responsibility grow a bit greater, his mouth pressing into a line before he responded, "Mr. Shan, so you think your son are I are putting on an act, or is it that you hope this is all just a show?"

"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

_{On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"}The hands Shan Yisong used to hold the back of his chair clenched tightly as he bellowed, "Nonsense!"

On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

_{Xiao Ning's honest and assured response allowed him to gain some of Shan Yisong's trust. So now, the older man's words no longer held an edge. "Does Haiming really like men?"}
For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"

Xiao Ning's honest and assured response allowed him to gain some of Shan Yisong's trust. So now, the older man's words no longer held an edge. "Does Haiming really like men?"

_{Xiao Ning looked at Shan Yisong. While speaking of Shan Haiming's sexual orientation, he still managed to maintain an inscrutable expression because it was Shan Haiming's own choice, which indicated the existence of a certain level of trust Shan Yisong has in his son. But at the mere possibility of his son being subjected to unfair treatment, he displayed his anger clearly.}This explanation was perfect.

Xiao Ning looked at Shan Yisong. While speaking of Shan Haiming's sexual orientation, he still managed to maintain an inscrutable expression because it was Shan Haiming's own choice, which indicated the existence of a certain level of trust Shan Yisong has in his son. But at the mere possibility of his son being subjected to unfair treatment, he displayed his anger clearly.

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"}Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"

_{"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.}This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.

"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.

_{Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."}
Thinking it over for a bit, Xiao Ning replied, "I know a little."

Out of caution, Xiao Ning could only ask, "Exactly what Haiming had told you."

_{{Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?}}After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.

Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

_{Those words were not an answer, but they were extremely suggestive in nature. They left ample room for one's imagination and were enough for the one listening to understand. They were words one should never say before the head of a family, however, it was the safest way for his statement to be worded.}
"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

Those words were not an answer, but they were extremely suggestive in nature. They left ample room for one's imagination and were enough for the one listening to understand. They were words one should never say before the head of a family, however, it was the safest way for his statement to be worded.

_{On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"}"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."

On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

_{Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.}"Good." Shan Yisong then asked, "So tell me, what did my son give you to make you come here and put on this act of his?"

Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

_{"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.}"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

_{Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.}
Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?

Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

_{Like father, like son, huh...}
Ultimately, Xiao Ning replied, "Do things happen for a reason?"

Like father, like son, huh...

_{At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.}Thinking it over for a bit, Xiao Ning replied, "I know a little."

At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.

_{It was nothing he did not expect. It was bound to occur sooner or later. So rather calmly, Xiao Ning made his way up the stairs.}
Shan Yisong's eyes widened. "If he hasn't told you anything, how am I supposed to believe you two are a actually couple?"

It was nothing he did not expect. It was bound to occur sooner or later. So rather calmly, Xiao Ning made his way up the stairs.

_{{Like father, like son, huh...}}Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

Like father, like son, huh...

_{{This old man is also quite cute.}}Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

This old man is also quite cute.

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.}
"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."

Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.

_{iana: Happy New Year!}His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

iana: Happy New Year!

_{Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.}
This explanation was perfect.

Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

_{"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.}But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."

"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

_{It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.}But before Xiao Ning could open his mouth to speak, Shan Yisong raised his hand to stop him and added, "Just know, I have methods of verifying whether your words are truthful or lies."

It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.

_{Xiao Ning grinned as he replied, "I have a classmate from primary school who has been my friend since then. His family is very kind, and once they knew of my situation they had helped me a lot."}When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"

Xiao Ning grinned as he replied, "I have a classmate from primary school who has been my friend since then. His family is very kind, and once they knew of my situation they had helped me a lot."

_{Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.}
And to it, Shan Yisong nodded while admitting, "You two have only known each other for about three months."

Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.

_{Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.}And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"

Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.

_{But before Xiao Ning could open his mouth to speak, Shan Yisong raised his hand to stop him and added, "Just know, I have methods of verifying whether your words are truthful or lies."}
Xiao Ning's honest and assured response allowed him to gain some of Shan Yisong's trust. So now, the older man's words no longer held an edge. "Does Haiming really like men?"

But before Xiao Ning could open his mouth to speak, Shan Yisong raised his hand to stop him and added, "Just know, I have methods of verifying whether your words are truthful or lies."

_{"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.}When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"

"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.

_{Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.}
Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.

Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}
It was a good thing. Liking the same sex on the familial side of things can be a difficult road to traverse, so if it can be resolved, it should. This way, even if he and Shan Haiming do "break up" Shan Haiming would be able to choose to be with a male partner freely.

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.}After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.

_N/A
When Shan Yisong stepped back, the vague tangled web of emotions woven onto his face gradually turned into resolve, and from his elevated position, he looked down at Xiao Ning. "How long have the of you been dating?"

N/A

_{The Conversation}Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.

The Conversation

_{At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.}
Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

At lunch, both the guests and the hosts enjoyed themselves and their meals.

_{But he obviously couldn't laugh out loud then and there, so with a gulp, he restrained himself and replied, "Um... I was actually taken there that night by Wang Hua. I had no idea who I was even meeting."}It was nothing he did not expect. It was bound to occur sooner or later. So rather calmly, Xiao Ning made his way up the stairs.

But he obviously couldn't laugh out loud then and there, so with a gulp, he restrained himself and replied, "Um... I was actually taken there that night by Wang Hua. I had no idea who I was even meeting."

_{It was a good thing. Liking the same sex on the familial side of things can be a difficult road to traverse, so if it can be resolved, it should. This way, even if he and Shan Haiming do "break up" Shan Haiming would be able to choose to be with a male partner freely.}Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

It was a good thing. Liking the same sex on the familial side of things can be a difficult road to traverse, so if it can be resolved, it should. This way, even if he and Shan Haiming do "break up" Shan Haiming would be able to choose to be with a male partner freely.

_{{Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine.} And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."}The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."

_{Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.}
Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.

Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.}The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}Xiao Ning's honest and assured response allowed him to gain some of Shan Yisong's trust. So now, the older man's words no longer held an edge. "Does Haiming really like men?"

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.}Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.

_{"Nothing to do with you and Haiming?" Shan Yisong asked. "How can they have nothing to do with you two?! Shan Haiming brought this matter to us on this side, so what about your own? Do your parents know about you and Haiming?"}
Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?

"Nothing to do with you and Haiming?" Shan Yisong asked. "How can they have nothing to do with you two?! Shan Haiming brought this matter to us on this side, so what about your own? Do your parents know about you and Haiming?"

_{The Conversation}"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.

The Conversation

_{"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too.}
In the end, Xiao Ning gathered his courage and replied to the older man, "On the night we met one another, the two of us drank a bit and afterwards... Haiming spent the night at my place."

"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

_{"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"}Shan Yisong was sitting behind his desk, which had two wooden chairs laid out before it, chairs that didn't seem one bit comfortable. It looks like he discusses business matters with people at home during the weekdays.

"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

_{The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"}At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

_{{So this is why Shan Haiming had an easy time coming out of the closet because Shan Yisong just never believed him at all?}}But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."

So this is why Shan Haiming had an easy time coming out of the closet because Shan Yisong just never believed him at all?

_{"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"}
Those words were not an answer, but they were extremely suggestive in nature. They left ample room for one's imagination and were enough for the one listening to understand. They were words one should never say before the head of a family, however, it was the safest way for his statement to be worded.

"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"

_{Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."}"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

_{"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."}
The hands Shan Yisong used to hold the back of his chair clenched tightly as he bellowed, "Nonsense!"

"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."

_{"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.}Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."

"So what do you think about it?" Shan Yisong asked.

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{{This old man is also quite cute.}}Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

This old man is also quite cute.

_{"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.}
And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"

"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.

_{{Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?}}Xiao Ning grinned as he replied, "I have a classmate from primary school who has been my friend since then. His family is very kind, and once they knew of my situation they had helped me a lot."

Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

_{The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"}N/A

The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"}
Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"

_{Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?}
That question of Shan Yisong's made Xiao Ning break character, it wasn't something he had ever, in his life, considered. So when Shan Yisong proposed such a question he mulled over the logic behind the man's query for a while before he understood, and at that moment, Xiao Ning experienced a novel sense of hilarity.

Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?

_{It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.}
Sir, do you think this is some kind of TV drama?

It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.

_{Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."}"Perhaps..." Xiao Ning, losing himself in his role, smiled bitterly as he continued, "he still doesn't know me well enough to share all of those things with me. To be honest, we haven't known each other for very long, and we still haven't shared our unhappy past. So apart from the things he did tell me, I can only guess about other things pertaining to him."

Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

_{For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"}Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

_{Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.}Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"

Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

_{On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"}
But he obviously couldn't laugh out loud then and there, so with a gulp, he restrained himself and replied, "Um... I was actually taken there that night by Wang Hua. I had no idea who I was even meeting."

On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

_{Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?}Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.

Xiao Ning was rather hesitant to reply to this question. What was he supposed to say? Young people are extremely frivolous? It's a waste if someone doesn't act carefree during their youth?

_{On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"}Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.

On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

_{In the end, Xiao Ning gathered his courage and replied to the older man, "On the night we met one another, the two of us drank a bit and afterwards... Haiming spent the night at my place."}For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

In the end, Xiao Ning gathered his courage and replied to the older man, "On the night we met one another, the two of us drank a bit and afterwards... Haiming spent the night at my place."

_{However, to the contrary, Xiao Ning was as calm as a tranquil sea. "My father had already passed away a long time ago. And before he left this world, he and my mother had divorced. So for a short period, I had lived with my paternal aunt."}
"Wang Hua, as in his assistant?" Shan Yisong asked in confirmation.

However, to the contrary, Xiao Ning was as calm as a tranquil sea. "My father had already passed away a long time ago. And before he left this world, he and my mother had divorced. So for a short period, I had lived with my paternal aunt."

_{{This old man is also quite cute.}}Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"

This old man is also quite cute.

_{"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"}
"Wang-ge was my superior in the past." Xiao Ning nodded as he replied. "Honestly, after that night, because it was rather embarrassing, the two of us weren't planning to continue our in-depth exchanges. I also thought I would never get into contact with Haiming again. But then I had some trouble at work. He had mentioned this to you, right?"

"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

_{iana: Happy New Year!}
Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

iana: Happy New Year!

_"Sit."
Stopping himself mid-sentence, the older man's expression changed again, a weary sigh escaping him before he sat himself back into the chair and massaged his temples. "Continue."

"Sit."

_{Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"}For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"

Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"

_{"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too.}The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"}Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?

Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment, then asked a question he probably shouldn't have. "Why would he go bring someone here to pretend he was gay?"

_{Xiao Ning felt his sense of responsibility grow a bit greater, his mouth pressing into a line before he responded, "Mr. Shan, so you think your son are I are putting on an act, or is it that you hope this is all just a show?"}
"It so happened that Wang-ge's wife had given birth, so when I went to see them I ended up talking about that matter with him, and that was how I found out about Haming's identity. I was quite shocked upon hearing it, too. I hadn't recalled Shan Haihong's name clearly back then either," Xiao Ning explained himself in detail, then added, "I guess it was fate. So, all in all, Haiming and I got in touch with each other once more like this. I was grateful for his help, and we kept in touch with each other more. But since we had already spent the night together, things progressed in a way that couldn't be controlled."

Xiao Ning felt his sense of responsibility grow a bit greater, his mouth pressing into a line before he responded, "Mr. Shan, so you think your son are I are putting on an act, or is it that you hope this is all just a show?"

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}The hands Shan Yisong used to hold the back of his chair clenched tightly as he bellowed, "Nonsense!"

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.}
After he was finished speaking, Xiao Ning let out a breath of satisfaction at having delivered this story chock full of twists and turns, along with riveting ups and downs. It was reasonable enough to make a person be convinced.

After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

_{Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.}Stopping himself mid-sentence, the older man's expression changed again, a weary sigh escaping him before he sat himself back into the chair and massaged his temples. "Continue."

Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

_{Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.}This old man is also quite cute.

Disbelief mixed with a struggle for acceptance saturated the older man's features, so much so, that he rose to his feet and took a couple steps away from his desk. Xiao Ning's gaze trailed the man's movements, guessing there would be another scene between the father and son proceeding this meeting.

_{And to it, Shan Yisong nodded while admitting, "You two have only known each other for about three months."}
Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.

And to it, Shan Yisong nodded while admitting, "You two have only known each other for about three months."

_{That question of Shan Yisong's made Xiao Ning break character, it wasn't something he had ever, in his life, considered. So when Shan Yisong proposed such a question he mulled over the logic behind the man's query for a while before he understood, and at that moment, Xiao Ning experienced a novel sense of hilarity.}
The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

That question of Shan Yisong's made Xiao Ning break character, it wasn't something he had ever, in his life, considered. So when Shan Yisong proposed such a question he mulled over the logic behind the man's query for a while before he understood, and at that moment, Xiao Ning experienced a novel sense of hilarity.

_{Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."}Perhaps he put too much faith in Shan Haiming, and unexpectedly, had never thought of going over his lines with Shan Haiming even once.

Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."

_{"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.}The next words Xiao Ning spoke were said with a bit more aggression than he normally used to speak. "From the start, you had already decided for yourself what sort of person I am. So in my humble opinion, apart from hearing what you think to be true, nothing I say would ever qualify as your 'truth.'"

"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.

_{For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"}
Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"

_{"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.}"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."

"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.

_{Probably because he never expected Xiao Ning's family situation to be like this, Shan Yisong lost his bearings, but he still did not hesitate to ask, "How did your father pass? Was it a hereditary genetic illness or was it accidental?"}
But before Xiao Ning could open his mouth to speak, Shan Yisong raised his hand to stop him and added, "Just know, I have methods of verifying whether your words are truthful or lies."

Probably because he never expected Xiao Ning's family situation to be like this, Shan Yisong lost his bearings, but he still did not hesitate to ask, "How did your father pass? Was it a hereditary genetic illness or was it accidental?"

_{The hands Shan Yisong used to hold the back of his chair clenched tightly as he bellowed, "Nonsense!"}
Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.

The hands Shan Yisong used to hold the back of his chair clenched tightly as he bellowed, "Nonsense!"

_{Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.}"Young man, I'm the one asking the questions here," Shan Yisong declared.

Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.

_{Panic flashed on Shan Yisong's face at this question, his expression could almost be described as helpless, but it was quickly hidden away, nowhere to be seen. And, if not for Xiao Ning's habit of observation and pouring every one of his attention towards that old man's body language, he would've missed that expression.}
On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

Panic flashed on Shan Yisong's face at this question, his expression could almost be described as helpless, but it was quickly hidden away, nowhere to be seen. And, if not for Xiao Ning's habit of observation and pouring every one of his attention towards that old man's body language, he would've missed that expression.

_{"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.}It wasn't because he was currently being interrogated like a criminal, however, it was instead for Shan Haiming's sake.

"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.

_{And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"}Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?

And the gaze he had cast towards Xiao Ning grew all the more displeased. "Haihong said you worked at Rihua, so did you know of Haiming and deliberately approach him?"

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
"Nothing to do with you and Haiming?" Shan Yisong asked. "How can they have nothing to do with you two?! Shan Haiming brought this matter to us on this side, so what about your own? Do your parents know about you and Haiming?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.}Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.

_{Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. {What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?}}After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

Those words of his made Xiao Ning think the man before him knew that the only thing between himself and Shan Haiming was an agreement. What on earth did Shan Haiming say to his father?

_{"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.}Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.

_{It was a good thing. Liking the same sex on the familial side of things can be a difficult road to traverse, so if it can be resolved, it should. This way, even if he and Shan Haiming do "break up" Shan Haiming would be able to choose to be with a male partner freely.}
Xiao Ning looked at Shan Yisong. While speaking of Shan Haiming's sexual orientation, he still managed to maintain an inscrutable expression because it was Shan Haiming's own choice, which indicated the existence of a certain level of trust Shan Yisong has in his son. But at the mere possibility of his son being subjected to unfair treatment, he displayed his anger clearly.

It was a good thing. Liking the same sex on the familial side of things can be a difficult road to traverse, so if it can be resolved, it should. This way, even if he and Shan Haiming do "break up" Shan Haiming would be able to choose to be with a male partner freely.

_{The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"}
This old man is also quite cute.

The family elder emitted a sort of pressure as he spoke, "Who are the members of your family? What do they do? Are you alone here in C-City, or do you have relatives here?"

_{Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."}Xiao Ning remained silent for a while.

Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

_{"I understand, Mr. Shan." Xiao Ning then thought carefully before he added, "I sincerely apologise. I had no intention of offending you. It would be too arrogant of me if I said I understood your feelings. I found out that Haiming holds his family in very high regard, but he never explained his family matters to me in detail, so your question just now caught me by surprise."}
With his gaze cast downwards, Xiao Ning couldn't help a feeling of admiration from brewing.

"I understand, Mr. Shan." Xiao Ning then thought carefully before he added, "I sincerely apologise. I had no intention of offending you. It would be too arrogant of me if I said I understood your feelings. I found out that Haiming holds his family in very high regard, but he never explained his family matters to me in detail, so your question just now caught me by surprise."

_{iana: Happy New Year!}After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

iana: Happy New Year!

_{Probably because he never expected Xiao Ning's family situation to be like this, Shan Yisong lost his bearings, but he still did not hesitate to ask, "How did your father pass? Was it a hereditary genetic illness or was it accidental?"}Shan Yisong's face had also been devoid of doubt. It only held a reluctance to believe the words spoken as true, words even Xiao Ning himself would have believed.

Probably because he never expected Xiao Ning's family situation to be like this, Shan Yisong lost his bearings, but he still did not hesitate to ask, "How did your father pass? Was it a hereditary genetic illness or was it accidental?"

_{With his gaze cast downwards, Xiao Ning couldn't help a feeling of admiration from brewing.}
Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."

With his gaze cast downwards, Xiao Ning couldn't help a feeling of admiration from brewing.

_{Shan Yisong then asked, "So where is your mother?"}
"What do you mean they don't need to know?" Shan Yison looked as though he wanted to slam the desk, and the pressure leaving him rose sharply. "I'm warning you..."

Shan Yisong then asked, "So where is your mother?"

_{For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"}Thinking it over for a bit, Xiao Ning replied, "I know a little."

For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

_{"Good." Shan Yisong then asked, "So tell me, what did my son give you to make you come here and put on this act of his?"}
However, to the contrary, Xiao Ning was as calm as a tranquil sea. "My father had already passed away a long time ago. And before he left this world, he and my mother had divorced. So for a short period, I had lived with my paternal aunt."

"Good." Shan Yisong then asked, "So tell me, what did my son give you to make you come here and put on this act of his?"

_{"I {thought} you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"}"Don't speak in circles." Shan Yisong's frown was extremely intimidating. "How can Haiming like men? Did he bring you here as a farce?"

"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"

_{But this relaxed state of Xiao Ning's did not last for very long, because Shan Yisong who had maintained his silence the entire time had called him up to his study.}
Probably because he never expected Xiao Ning's family situation to be like this, Shan Yisong lost his bearings, but he still did not hesitate to ask, "How did your father pass? Was it a hereditary genetic illness or was it accidental?"

But this relaxed state of Xiao Ning's did not last for very long, because Shan Yisong who had maintained his silence the entire time had called him up to his study.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."}
His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

Shan Yisong's expression did not look all that great, he had no idea where his imagination had taken him. "Haiming did tell me, he said..."

_{After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.}iana: Happy New Year!

After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

_{"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.}
Shan Yisong then asked, "So where is your mother?"

"Of course not, Mr. Shan," Xiao Ning replied.

_{"I {thought} you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"}Without any delay, Shan Yisong directly stuck the knife in and cut to the chase, "What's going on between you and Haiming?"

"I thought you were a person who had at least some sense of propriety." Shan Yisong narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed Xiao Ning. "This is my house, and you don't wish to be kicked out of here, do you not?"

_{This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.}
"She um... had her troubles." Out of habit, Xiao Ning smiled lightly as he continued, "She had left some money for me to be taken care of at my aunt's place, but, during my high school years, I lived at the dormitory. So I lost contact with them over the years."

This old man who could not be looked upon as an old man, held his back straight and bore the demeanour of someone who stood above all—as someone who had full dominion over all, prompting Xiao Ning to square himself in his seat. But even though he carefully considered Shan Yisong's words, for some reason he could not explain, Xiao Ning felt his anger rise.

_{Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. {Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?}}On his knees, the hands resting on them clasped together without him knowing. "That... Those things have nothing to do with me and Haiming, how can they?"

Internally, he regretted his carelessness, his brows crinkling slightly into a frown. Shan Yisong never believed Shan Haiming was gay from the beginning, so maybe... this was something he hadn't asked?

_{Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."}
Maintaining his smile, Xiao Ning continued, "Which is why it doesn't matter that they don't know about me and Haiming."

Whatever... If it can make Shan Haiming's father rest at ease, talking about it should be fine. And so Xiao Ning replied, "They don't need to know."

_{Ultimately, Xiao Ning replied, "Do things happen for a reason?"}
Shan Yisong wasn't a young man who lacked understanding, so despite the tact and simplicity within the words Xiao Ning spoke, in between his sentences, were the difficulties of a youth who had lost his support system.

Ultimately, Xiao Ning replied, "Do things happen for a reason?"

_{At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.}
For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

_{After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.}At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

After all, even an idiot could figure out the situation after one or two guesses, and Xiao Ning was a person who had always thought a lot. How could Shan Yisong not see the enmity Shan Haihong has towards Shan Haiming? And instead of doing something, that man was questioning him. He didn't even think about why Shan Haiming would be doing all this.

_{Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.}
Xiao Ning grinned as he replied, "I have a classmate from primary school who has been my friend since then. His family is very kind, and once they knew of my situation they had helped me a lot."

Such efficiency... After being done asking about the cause of the relationship, he got right down to investigating the members of the household.

_{"Wang-{ge} was my superior in the past." Xiao Ning nodded as he replied. "Honestly, after that night, because it was rather embarrassing, the two of us weren't planning to continue our in-depth exchanges. I also thought I would never get into contact with Haiming again. But then I had some trouble at work. He had mentioned this to you, right?"}"I'm not interested in your flowery words, I just want the truth."

"Wang-ge was my superior in the past." Xiao Ning nodded as he replied. "Honestly, after that night, because it was rather embarrassing, the two of us weren't planning to continue our in-depth exchanges. I also thought I would never get into contact with Haiming again. But then I had some trouble at work. He had mentioned this to you, right?"

_{Shan Yisong's eyes widened. "If he hasn't told you anything, how am I supposed to believe you two are a actually couple?"}
Nodding, Shan Yisong to a moment before he finally spoke. "I understand, and I believe you, for now."

Shan Yisong's eyes widened. "If he hasn't told you anything, how am I supposed to believe you two are a actually couple?"

_{Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.}Xiao Ning was taken aback. He and Shan Haiming never rehearsed any lines.

Smiling politely, Xiao Ning took a seat opposite the older man.

_{Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.}"Good." Shan Yisong then asked, "So tell me, what did my son give you to make you come here and put on this act of his?"

Wu Yi was a very gracious hostess, not allowing anyone to feel left out in the cold. But regardless of whether it was due to her nature or just her ability, she nonetheless made people feel at ease.

_{His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."}
But then, following a pause, he added, "There's still a long way to go."

His question was direct as it was practical. Earning Xiao Ning's reply, "It was probably... accidental not from a genetic disease. There is no history of major diseases in my family."

_{For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"}For a long time, he looked at Xiao Ning with a gaze that grew all the more complex. "If you lost contact with them during high school, how did you manage to continue your studies and housing?"

For a good while, Shan Yisong simply stared at Xiao Ning, as if he were dissecting the younger man's expression with his eyes. In the end, he closed his eyes while releasing a drawn-out sigh, the fiercely imposing air that had gathered around him earlier quietly dissipating. "Do you know about what happened to Shan Haiming before?"

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: Happy New Year!

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