The Long Road Ahead: C31

Chapter: 31 | Soup

• Previous
• Next
• ToC

Soup

---

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

_{Even Xiaohei was awake and pawing at his master's leg while meowing to announce its hunger.}
Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.

Even Xiaohei was awake and pawing at his master's leg while meowing to announce its hunger.

_{{Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.}}Exceptionally shίtty.

Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.

_{{—Bring back some food.}}Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

—Bring back some food.

_{An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.}Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

_{The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.}
Xiao Ning thought he would storm off in a huff, but surprisingly, after taking a moment to hold himself together, he sat back down. With an unstable expression on his face, Lu Yan then pulled into a smile. "So when am I going to meet that guy?"

The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.

_{Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:}N/A

Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

_{Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work.}The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.

Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work. But when it came to his cooking, that was only when Shan Haiming wasn't busy and had the time to come over. After eating, he would just stay over at Shan Haiming's to watch a movie, and because Shan Haiming liked small animals, he would take Xiaohei along with him every time. As a result, Shan Haiming would happily play with Xiaohei, teasing the little creature until its hair stood on end. Making it so that every time Xiao Ning brought it back home, it would throw the world's biggest tantrum in protest and make Xiao Ning feed it a lot of dried fish and stroke its fur a few times to console it once more. It was quite tiring.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}Exceptionally shίtty.

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.}
"Meet who?" After asking this, Xiao Ning felt foolish. Who else could it be?

Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.}
After hearing his reply, Lu Yan also said, "Who else could it be? I'm talking about that boyfriend of yours."

Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

_{With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.}Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.

_{In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.}He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.

_{He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.}Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.

He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

_{"Yes, but I feel bad that you also had to pay for Haiming's." Wu Yi then naturally took Xiao Ning's hands into her own. "So are the two of you living together now?"}
He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"

"Yes, but I feel bad that you also had to pay for Haiming's." Wu Yi then naturally took Xiao Ning's hands into her own. "So are the two of you living together now?"

_{{But what is it that I regret so much?} Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. {It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}}Upon hearing this, Wu Yi looked as though she was bewildered, lost in thought for a moment, but then as if her thoughts had been cleared up, she smiled. "Oh, so that's how it is. Are you all settled in at your new place? Is there anything you need? If there is, I can buy you basic appliances, if you'd like?"

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_{"Meet who?" After asking this, Xiao Ning felt foolish. {Who else could it be?}}Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣). She would ask Xiao Ning more about his matters than she would about Shan Haiming's. Even when Xiao Ning would rack his mind to say something about any of Shan Haiming's recent developments, she would say "Who cares about him?" and then steer the conversation back to Xiao Ning. All that enthusiasm had made it seem as if Xiao Ning was her own son as well, as though Shan Haiming was a buy one get one free deal.

"Meet who?" After asking this, Xiao Ning felt foolish. Who else could it be?

_{Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.}To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him. Wasn't that obvious? Because if Xiao Ning had always liked men all along... No, that was impossible! Because he couldn't have seen it over all those years—he never even once considered the possibility. Back when he was a student, he was never scared about Xiao Ning knowing about his sexuality because he figured that even if Xiao Ning thought two men being together was strange, he would just get used to it for Lu Yan's sake. But if he knew about Xiao Ning being gay in those days, then he'd...

Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.

_{Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.}
Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}But seeing how much Shan Haiming loved it, Xiao Ning thought it was all worth it in the end.

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣).}
Under the hazy lights of that restaurant, Xiao Ning's smile seemed quite mild, but to Lu Yan, the entire display was nothing but an eyesore. As he thought this, he also couldn't help but wonder when the last time he properly looked at Xiao Ning had been.

Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣). She would ask Xiao Ning more about his matters than she would about Shan Haiming's. Even when Xiao Ning would rack his mind to say something about any of Shan Haiming's recent developments, she would say "Who cares about him?" and then steer the conversation back to Xiao Ning. All that enthusiasm had made it seem as if Xiao Ning was her own son as well, as though Shan Haiming was a buy one get one free deal.

_{Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"}
He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

_{Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:}During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead. But this made Xiao Ning quite stressed. Because even though Wu Yi wore no expensive gold or silver jewellery, the glass-like jadeiteT/n: There are two types of Jade: nephrite (the common one found everywhere) and jadeite (the rarer expensive one that can be translucent and looks more gem-like) bracelet she wore made it known to everyone who saw her she was a rich woman; and because the two shred no resemblance, making it clear they were neither mother and son nor an older sister and brother.

Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

_{"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.}
An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.

_{Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.}Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"}
Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.

He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"

_{Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.}
But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

_{He figured that no matter how wilful Shan Haiming might be, he would still have to show courtesy while entertaining others at work, and more than a few times, Xiao Ning had seen Shan Haiming return after staying out late. What's more, doing that will definitely do damage to your stomach.}N/A

He figured that no matter how wilful Shan Haiming might be, he would still have to show courtesy while entertaining others at work, and more than a few times, Xiao Ning had seen Shan Haiming return after staying out late. What's more, doing that will definitely do damage to your stomach. It wouldn't be noticeable when you're young, but if you never pay proper attention to it, too much iron will accumulate and it will become an issue. So it's clear some nourishing food would be a good way to help.

_{An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.}He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"

An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

_{Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.}
To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him. Wasn't that obvious? Because if Xiao Ning had always liked men all along... No, that was impossible! Because he couldn't have seen it over all those years—he never even once considered the possibility. Back when he was a student, he was never scared about Xiao Ning knowing about his sexuality because he figured that even if Xiao Ning thought two men being together was strange, he would just get used to it for Lu Yan's sake. But if he knew about Xiao Ning being gay in those days, then he'd...

Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.

_{iana: Aw... the note. Looks like Realisation did a one-two combo against two people in this chapter.}
Lu Yan snapped out of his thoughts, his brows knitting together. What am I even doing?

iana: Aw... the note. Looks like Realisation did a one-two combo against two people in this chapter.

_N/A
He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

N/A

_{After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were.}Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

_{Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients.}But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

_{Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."}Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."

Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."

_{In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.}
Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.

_{Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"}So when she took Xiao Ning to a men's clothing store to buy clothes, the eyes of the employees all around them were filled with surprise and the words "Oh... we understand"T'n: they think our boy's a sugar baby (T^T could practically be seen written in them. The embarrassment was so much for Xiao Ning, that when the time to pay came, he stole the chance to pay for his own stuff.

Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

_{Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"}"Yes, but I feel bad that you also had to pay for Haiming's." Wu Yi then naturally took Xiao Ning's hands into her own. "So are the two of you living together now?"

Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

_{But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.}
Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.

_{Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.}Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.

_{Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.}◈◇◈

Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

_◈◇◈
Exceptionally shίtty.

◈◇◈

_{At around 10 a.m., Shan Haiming walked out of the elevator.}
In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.

At around 10 a.m., Shan Haiming walked out of the elevator.

_N/ADuring the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead. But this made Xiao Ning quite stressed. Because even though Wu Yi wore no expensive gold or silver jewellery, the glass-like jadeiteT/n: There are two types of Jade: nephrite (the common one found everywhere) and jadeite (the rarer expensive one that can be translucent and looks more gem-like) bracelet she wore made it known to everyone who saw her she was a rich woman; and because the two shred no resemblance, making it clear they were neither mother and son nor an older sister and brother.

N/A

_{He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"}But Xiao Ning only swiped his card and took all their bags, replying, "I'm not being formal, it's just, how can I let my Aunt spend her money?"

He finally succeeded in capturing Xiao Ning's gaze. "Is he gay?"

_{Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.}Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

_{During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead.}
Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."

During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead. But this made Xiao Ning quite stressed. Because even though Wu Yi wore no expensive gold or silver jewellery, the glass-like jadeiteT/n: There are two types of Jade: nephrite (the common one found everywhere) and jadeite (the rarer expensive one that can be translucent and looks more gem-like) bracelet she wore made it known to everyone who saw her she was a rich woman; and because the two shred no resemblance, making it clear they were neither mother and son nor an older sister and brother.

_{{But what is it that I regret so much?} Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. {It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}}At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_{{But what is it that I regret so much?} Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. {It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}}He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_{Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.}
"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.

Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.

_{With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.}Soup

With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.

_{{But what is it that I regret so much?} Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. {It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}}Exceptionally shίtty.

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_N/AAn uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

N/A

_{But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}
With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_{In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.}Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.

_{He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away.}
After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

_{"Meet who?" After asking this, Xiao Ning felt foolish. {Who else could it be?}}He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

"Meet who?" After asking this, Xiao Ning felt foolish. Who else could it be?

_{After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were.}Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

_{Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.}
Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}Xiao Ning was never a person who lived delicately, needing more than the necessities to live, so everything he had at home was enough, and didn't anything else. But Wu Yi was obviously someone who found joy in living life, so she suggested some green plants that could help improve one's health and mood, selecting a couple of pots and asking Xiao Ning to take one back for himself and Shan Haiming.

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.}Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣). She would ask Xiao Ning more about his matters than she would about Shan Haiming's. Even when Xiao Ning would rack his mind to say something about any of Shan Haiming's recent developments, she would say "Who cares about him?" and then steer the conversation back to Xiao Ning. All that enthusiasm had made it seem as if Xiao Ning was her own son as well, as though Shan Haiming was a buy one get one free deal.

Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

_{During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead.}Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.

During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead. But this made Xiao Ning quite stressed. Because even though Wu Yi wore no expensive gold or silver jewellery, the glass-like jadeiteT/n: There are two types of Jade: nephrite (the common one found everywhere) and jadeite (the rarer expensive one that can be translucent and looks more gem-like) bracelet she wore made it known to everyone who saw her she was a rich woman; and because the two shred no resemblance, making it clear they were neither mother and son nor an older sister and brother.

_{Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:}
—Bring back some food.

Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

_{iana: Aw... the note. Looks like Realisation did a one-two combo against two people in this chapter.}He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

iana: Aw... the note. Looks like Realisation did a one-two combo against two people in this chapter.

_{After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were.}At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

_{But seeing how much Shan Haiming loved it, Xiao Ning thought it was all worth it in the end.}
Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

But seeing how much Shan Haiming loved it, Xiao Ning thought it was all worth it in the end.

_{Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: {What a coincidence.}}Lu Yan sprung to his feet in shock.

Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were.}Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

◈◇◈

_{Lu Yan snapped out of his thoughts, his brows knitting together. What am I even doing?}
Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work. But when it came to his cooking, that was only when Shan Haiming wasn't busy and had the time to come over. After eating, he would just stay over at Shan Haiming's to watch a movie, and because Shan Haiming liked small animals, he would take Xiaohei along with him every time. As a result, Shan Haiming would happily play with Xiaohei, teasing the little creature until its hair stood on end. Making it so that every time Xiao Ning brought it back home, it would throw the world's biggest tantrum in protest and make Xiao Ning feed it a lot of dried fish and stroke its fur a few times to console it once more. It was quite tiring.

Lu Yan snapped out of his thoughts, his brows knitting together. What am I even doing?

_{Xiao Ning was never a person who lived delicately, needing more than the necessities to live, so everything he had at home was enough, and didn't anything else. But Wu Yi was obviously someone who found joy in living life, so she suggested some green plants that could help improve one's health and mood, selecting a couple of pots and asking Xiao Ning to take one back for himself and Shan Haiming.}
But seeing how much Shan Haiming loved it, Xiao Ning thought it was all worth it in the end.

Xiao Ning was never a person who lived delicately, needing more than the necessities to live, so everything he had at home was enough, and didn't anything else. But Wu Yi was obviously someone who found joy in living life, so she suggested some green plants that could help improve one's health and mood, selecting a couple of pots and asking Xiao Ning to take one back for himself and Shan Haiming.

_{Lu Yan snapped out of his thoughts, his brows knitting together. {What am I even doing?}}But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.

Lu Yan snapped out of his thoughts, his brows knitting together. What am I even doing?

_{So when she took Xiao Ning to a men's clothing store to buy clothes, the eyes of the employees all around them were filled with surprise and the words "Oh..}
Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣). She would ask Xiao Ning more about his matters than she would about Shan Haiming's. Even when Xiao Ning would rack his mind to say something about any of Shan Haiming's recent developments, she would say "Who cares about him?" and then steer the conversation back to Xiao Ning. All that enthusiasm had made it seem as if Xiao Ning was her own son as well, as though Shan Haiming was a buy one get one free deal.

So when she took Xiao Ning to a men's clothing store to buy clothes, the eyes of the employees all around them were filled with surprise and the words "Oh... we understand"T'n: they think our boy's a sugar baby (T^T could practically be seen written in them. The embarrassment was so much for Xiao Ning, that when the time to pay came, he stole the chance to pay for his own stuff.

_{Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: {What a coincidence.}}Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

_{So patting Xiaohei's head, he then turned to scoop a steaming hot portion of this LaohuoT/n: It's a staple of Cantonese cuisine that has really good cooling effects when the weather gets spicy. soup for himself, and ate it with a piece of plain toast.}
During the weekend, Shan Haiming still had no free time, he had to head to a small town on the outskirts of A-City for a project and would not return until Monday. But Wu Yi didn't seem to worry about one bit, because she happily pulled Xiao Ning along with her on a shopping trip instead. But this made Xiao Ning quite stressed. Because even though Wu Yi wore no expensive gold or silver jewellery, the glass-like jadeiteT/n: There are two types of Jade: nephrite (the common one found everywhere) and jadeite (the rarer expensive one that can be translucent and looks more gem-like) bracelet she wore made it known to everyone who saw her she was a rich woman; and because the two shred no resemblance, making it clear they were neither mother and son nor an older sister and brother.

So patting Xiaohei's head, he then turned to scoop a steaming hot portion of this LaohuoT/n: It's a staple of Cantonese cuisine that has really good cooling effects when the weather gets spicy. soup for himself, and ate it with a piece of plain toast. Xiao Ning then placed another share into a thermos and wrote a note. On his way to work, he put the thermos and the flower pot in front of Shan Haiming's door before going on his way.

_{Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"}At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

_{{—Bring back some food.}}Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

—Bring back some food.

_{Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.}—Bring back some food.

Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.

_{Xiao Ning didn't notice at all that Wu Yi had also just picked out clothes for Shan Haiming, and he couldn't explain anything at that time, so he could only cover his head and admit, "N-no... I live next door."}
So when she took Xiao Ning to a men's clothing store to buy clothes, the eyes of the employees all around them were filled with surprise and the words "Oh... we understand"T'n: they think our boy's a sugar baby (T^T could practically be seen written in them. The embarrassment was so much for Xiao Ning, that when the time to pay came, he stole the chance to pay for his own stuff.

Xiao Ning didn't notice at all that Wu Yi had also just picked out clothes for Shan Haiming, and he couldn't explain anything at that time, so he could only cover his head and admit, "N-no... I live next door."

_{Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients.}
At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

_{Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.}—Bring back some food.

Because of his family situation and his natural temperament, whether it be living with, or communicating with, it was very simple with Xiao Ning; and because there was no one else, Lu Yan was his most important person, in addition to those two elders of the Lu family. This fact wasn't something Lu Yan thought about often, neither was it something he would tell a soul, but it was something he had deeply relished.

_{But Wu Yi was a remarkable conversationalist, and she got quite close to Xiao Ning. She asked him why he hadn't gotten his driver's permit, and then she talked about how Shan Haiming was someone whose body ran a bit hotT/N: In TCM your body constitution is either hot or cold, it was mentioned before than Xiao Ning was on the cold side.}
But Xiao Ning only swiped his card and took all their bags, replying, "I'm not being formal, it's just, how can I let my Aunt spend her money?"

But Wu Yi was a remarkable conversationalist, and she got quite close to Xiao Ning. She asked him why he hadn't gotten his driver's permit, and then she talked about how Shan Haiming was someone whose body ran a bit hotT/N: In TCM your body constitution is either hot or cold, it was mentioned before than Xiao Ning was on the cold side.. And her saying this, had made the idea to buy a pot to make soup blossom in Xiao Ning's mind.

_{He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away.}Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

_{Exceptionally shίtty.}
"Yes, but I feel bad that you also had to pay for Haiming's." Wu Yi then naturally took Xiao Ning's hands into her own. "So are the two of you living together now?"

Exceptionally shίtty.

_{To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him.}Even Xiaohei was awake and pawing at his master's leg while meowing to announce its hunger.

To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him. Wasn't that obvious? Because if Xiao Ning had always liked men all along... No, that was impossible! Because he couldn't have seen it over all those years—he never even once considered the possibility. Back when he was a student, he was never scared about Xiao Ning knowing about his sexuality because he figured that even if Xiao Ning thought two men being together was strange, he would just get used to it for Lu Yan's sake. But if he knew about Xiao Ning being gay in those days, then he'd...

_{Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"}
Xiao Ning didn't notice at all that Wu Yi had also just picked out clothes for Shan Haiming, and he couldn't explain anything at that time, so he could only cover his head and admit, "N-no... I live next door."

Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

_{Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.}Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haiming at the question, and a smile spread on his face unconsciously as a result. "Why would you even ask that? If he wasn't gay, would he even be with me?"

Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

_{"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.}Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.

_{Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work.}The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.

Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work. But when it came to his cooking, that was only when Shan Haiming wasn't busy and had the time to come over. After eating, he would just stay over at Shan Haiming's to watch a movie, and because Shan Haiming liked small animals, he would take Xiaohei along with him every time. As a result, Shan Haiming would happily play with Xiaohei, teasing the little creature until its hair stood on end. Making it so that every time Xiao Ning brought it back home, it would throw the world's biggest tantrum in protest and make Xiao Ning feed it a lot of dried fish and stroke its fur a few times to console it once more. It was quite tiring.

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}
Upon hearing this, Wu Yi looked as though she was bewildered, lost in thought for a moment, but then as if her thoughts had been cleared up, she smiled. "Oh, so that's how it is. Are you all settled in at your new place? Is there anything you need? If there is, I can buy you basic appliances, if you'd like?"

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣).}Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

Then, if Shan Haiming wasn't free, he would also often be in contact with Wu Yi, who would call and chat with him for ages. It seemed as though rich wives had a lot of time on their hands because she could stay on the phone with him and talk for hours without stoppingiana: That's more of a mom thing than it is a rich wife thing (￣▽￣). She would ask Xiao Ning more about his matters than she would about Shan Haiming's. Even when Xiao Ning would rack his mind to say something about any of Shan Haiming's recent developments, she would say "Who cares about him?" and then steer the conversation back to Xiao Ning. All that enthusiasm had made it seem as if Xiao Ning was her own son as well, as though Shan Haiming was a buy one get one free deal.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.}
Xiao Ning was never a person who lived delicately, needing more than the necessities to live, so everything he had at home was enough, and didn't anything else. But Wu Yi was obviously someone who found joy in living life, so she suggested some green plants that could help improve one's health and mood, selecting a couple of pots and asking Xiao Ning to take one back for himself and Shan Haiming.

He no longer followed that train of thought, he always found it to be terrifying. Xiao Ning and him were good friends—good buddies even. His parents both consider Xiao Ning as another son of theirs, and they've practically always been together.

_{"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.}Soup

"Oh... okay? But you haven't touched your food..." At the moment, his words and actions were so spontaneous that Xiao Ning honestly couldn't keep up.

_{It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."}In an instant, that crappy feeling had practically enveloped Lu Yan's entire being, leaving him feeling both weakened and frustrated. It was as if the most important part of his life had been suddenly thrown into chaos, as though everything had collapsed. And despite him wanting to pick up the pieces, he had no idea where to even start.

It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."

_{Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:}But Xiao Ning only swiped his card and took all their bags, replying, "I'm not being formal, it's just, how can I let my Aunt spend her money?"

Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

_{He figured that no matter how wilful Shan Haiming might be, he would still have to show courtesy while entertaining others at work, and more than a few times, Xiao Ning had seen Shan Haiming return after staying out late. What's more, doing that will definitely do damage to your stomach.}
Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

He figured that no matter how wilful Shan Haiming might be, he would still have to show courtesy while entertaining others at work, and more than a few times, Xiao Ning had seen Shan Haiming return after staying out late. What's more, doing that will definitely do damage to your stomach. It wouldn't be noticeable when you're young, but if you never pay proper attention to it, too much iron will accumulate and it will become an issue. So it's clear some nourishing food would be a good way to help.

_{Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.}Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

_{Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work.}He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work. But when it came to his cooking, that was only when Shan Haiming wasn't busy and had the time to come over. After eating, he would just stay over at Shan Haiming's to watch a movie, and because Shan Haiming liked small animals, he would take Xiaohei along with him every time. As a result, Shan Haiming would happily play with Xiaohei, teasing the little creature until its hair stood on end. Making it so that every time Xiao Ning brought it back home, it would throw the world's biggest tantrum in protest and make Xiao Ning feed it a lot of dried fish and stroke its fur a few times to console it once more. It was quite tiring.

_{But Xiao Ning only swiped his card and took all their bags, replying, "I'm not being formal, it's just, how can I let my Aunt spend her money?"}
But Wu Yi was a remarkable conversationalist, and she got quite close to Xiao Ning. She asked him why he hadn't gotten his driver's permit, and then she talked about how Shan Haiming was someone whose body ran a bit hotT/N: In TCM your body constitution is either hot or cold, it was mentioned before than Xiao Ning was on the cold side.. And her saying this, had made the idea to buy a pot to make soup blossom in Xiao Ning's mind.

But Xiao Ning only swiped his card and took all their bags, replying, "I'm not being formal, it's just, how can I let my Aunt spend her money?"

_{After hearing his reply, Lu Yan also said, "Who else could it be? I'm talking about that boyfriend of yours."}
He figured that no matter how wilful Shan Haiming might be, he would still have to show courtesy while entertaining others at work, and more than a few times, Xiao Ning had seen Shan Haiming return after staying out late. What's more, doing that will definitely do damage to your stomach. It wouldn't be noticeable when you're young, but if you never pay proper attention to it, too much iron will accumulate and it will become an issue. So it's clear some nourishing food would be a good way to help.

After hearing his reply, Lu Yan also said, "Who else could it be? I'm talking about that boyfriend of yours."

_{{But what is it that I regret so much?} Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. {It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.}}It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."

But what is it that I regret so much? Was the question Lu Yan posed to himself. It must be because I hadn't paid attention to Xiao Ning for too long, and it made that kid go down the wrong path. That has to be it, I must just feel responsible.

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him.}Now looking at the untouched curry rice across from him, Xiao Ning thought to himself: What a coincidence.

To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him. Wasn't that obvious? Because if Xiao Ning had always liked men all along... No, that was impossible! Because he couldn't have seen it over all those years—he never even once considered the possibility. Back when he was a student, he was never scared about Xiao Ning knowing about his sexuality because he figured that even if Xiao Ning thought two men being together was strange, he would just get used to it for Lu Yan's sake. But if he knew about Xiao Ning being gay in those days, then he'd...

_Soup
Xiao Ning was embarrassed to mention all this to Wu Yi, so after he and Wu Yi parted ways, he went to the market to buy an electric cooker and a thermos. On Sunday morning, he looked up the recipe for duck soup and went to buy the ingredients. Then that evening, he put the soup into the crock pot to stew all night. The electric cooker was very convenient for Xiao Ning, there was no way he could make the time to constantly get up and adjust the flame when cooking, cooking couldn't be recreational for him.

Soup

_{It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."}He recalled their schooldays and the skinny little kid who would always trail behind him. That scrawny boy wasn't much to look at, but how could he have grown up in such a flash? His immaturity had been shed, and his figure had developed, but it was hardly enough to take anyone's breath away. However, Xiao Ning was a person who followed a regular schedule, balancing his work and life; in addition, he neither smoked nor drank, so his skin was exceptionally nice. Couple that with his gentle and well-suited features, his looks became all the more pleasing.

It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."

_{{Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.}}Even Xiaohei was awake and pawing at his master's leg while meowing to announce its hunger.

Irritated, hollow, and a tinge of regret.

_{After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were.}
But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.

After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

_{{—Bring back some food.}}But seeing how much Shan Haiming loved it, Xiao Ning thought it was all worth it in the end.

—Bring back some food.

_{But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.}—Bring back some food.

But when he climbed out of bed and went to open the lid for that soup the next morning, the rich scent of it had hit him all at once. It was the kind of flavour that not only aroused your sense of smell but also excited your taste buds. It was like a slow melody that satisfies your lazy appetite to kick off your day. It was so good that Xiao Ning was simply taken aback for a moment.

_{With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.}
Even Xiaohei was awake and pawing at his master's leg while meowing to announce its hunger.

With a wave, Lu Yan turned and walked away with a long face.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}Upon hearing this, Wu Yi looked as though she was bewildered, lost in thought for a moment, but then as if her thoughts had been cleared up, she smiled. "Oh, so that's how it is. Are you all settled in at your new place? Is there anything you need? If there is, I can buy you basic appliances, if you'd like?"

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}Xiao Ning was both confused and amused by these developments, as Wu Yi was the complete opposite of Chen Shuyun. His situation fully embodied the differences between being "the son's friend" and "the son's partner" and Xiao Ning thought that if he was a woman, Wu Yi would've decided to take him to the beauty salon for a spa day or something of the like.

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."}
Xiao Ning took a big whiff of his soup, filling his chest with a scent that could only be understood and never explained. He then turned to placate Xiaohei, pouring a bowl of chicken-flavoured cat food. "Is it yummy?"

It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."

_{The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.}Twirling a fork of pasta, Xiao Ning thought these circumstances were remarkably strange. Then with a vibration from his phone, he picked it up and saw a message from Shan Haiming:

The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.

_{Xiao Ning thought he would storm off in a huff, but surprisingly, after taking a moment to hold himself together, he sat back down. With an unstable expression on his face, Lu Yan then pulled into a smile. "So when am I going to meet that guy?"}
The little cat busy stuffing its mouth obviously ignored him at this point.

Xiao Ning thought he would storm off in a huff, but surprisingly, after taking a moment to hold himself together, he sat back down. With an unstable expression on his face, Lu Yan then pulled into a smile. "So when am I going to meet that guy?"

_{An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.}After hearing his reply, Lu Yan also said, "Who else could it be? I'm talking about that boyfriend of yours."

An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

_{Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.}Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

Yet, at current, Xiao Ning was before him smiling and telling him about his partner—a person who could be closer to Xiao Ning than himself. It was also resoundingly clear to Lu Yan that Xiao Ning's feelings for this person were sincere, and because they were sincere, just thinking about it made Lu Yan feel like shίt.

_{At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "{Xiao} Ning-{ah}, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"}After he left, only then did Xiao Ning remember that they hadn't decided how soon it would be before they head back to their home town, or when it was he wanted to meet Shan Haiming. What exactly was going on with Lu Yan? Forget about today, as of recently, nothing about him had been as they usually were. Before it was always Xiao Ning who took the initiative to call him, and it was a toss-up on whether Lu Yan would even answer. But now, it was the complete opposite, and to be frank, Xiao Ning was very unaccustomed to this sort of situation.

At that time, with a graceful smile, Wu Yi asked, "Xiao Ning-ah, there's no need for you to be so formal. So let me spend my money on you, okay?"

_{To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him.}
So patting Xiaohei's head, he then turned to scoop a steaming hot portion of this LaohuoT/n: It's a staple of Cantonese cuisine that has really good cooling effects when the weather gets spicy. soup for himself, and ate it with a piece of plain toast. Xiao Ning then placed another share into a thermos and wrote a note. On his way to work, he put the thermos and the flower pot in front of Shan Haiming's door before going on his way.

To Lu Yan, Xiao Ning was—without a shred of doubt—being led astray. After all, he was such a pure and simple person, so he must've surely been caught in a trap by one of those player-like bastards spewing a bunch of sweet talk to sponge off him. Wasn't that obvious? Because if Xiao Ning had always liked men all along... No, that was impossible! Because he couldn't have seen it over all those years—he never even once considered the possibility. Back when he was a student, he was never scared about Xiao Ning knowing about his sexuality because he figured that even if Xiao Ning thought two men being together was strange, he would just get used to it for Lu Yan's sake. But if he knew about Xiao Ning being gay in those days, then he'd...

_{An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.}
At around 10 a.m., Shan Haiming walked out of the elevator.

An uncomfortable feeling welled within Lu Yan's chest, it was the same kind of feeling from that day he smashed his phone against the wall in belated shock. He wasn't even conscious of it back then. And even after he got a new phone and was setting up his messages and contacts, he got so irritated once more, that he almost smashed that new phone into the wall as well.

_{Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."}
It took him one look to see something was blocking the entrance to his apartment, and as he walked closer, he could make out it was a thermos, along with some sort of unknown plant. Bending down, he picked up the note that had only one sentence written on it: "Duck. —from your next-door neighbour."

Lu Yan hung his head low, his gaze fixed on the spoon lying next to the serving of curry rice sitting before for a long, long time. Lifting his head suddenly, he stated simply, "I'm going to head back first."

_{Upon hearing this, Wu Yi looked as though she was bewildered, lost in thought for a moment, but then as if her thoughts had been cleared up, she smiled. "Oh, so that's how it is. Are you all settled in at your new place? Is there anything you need? If there is, I can buy you basic appliances, if you'd like?"}◈◇◈

Upon hearing this, Wu Yi looked as though she was bewildered, lost in thought for a moment, but then as if her thoughts had been cleared up, she smiled. "Oh, so that's how it is. Are you all settled in at your new place? Is there anything you need? If there is, I can buy you basic appliances, if you'd like?"

_{Under the hazy lights of that restaurant, Xiao Ning's smile seemed quite mild, but to Lu Yan, the entire display was nothing but an eyesore. As he thought this, he also couldn't help but wonder when the last time he properly looked at Xiao Ning had been.}
Looking at the thermos in his hand, a laugh suddenly escaped Shan Haiming. His brows had turned upwards, and the youthful joy that left him was the kind hated to be concealed. After such a reaction he whipped his head around in all directions, seeing no one about.

Under the hazy lights of that restaurant, Xiao Ning's smile seemed quite mild, but to Lu Yan, the entire display was nothing but an eyesore. As he thought this, he also couldn't help but wonder when the last time he properly looked at Xiao Ning had been.

_{Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work.}
Afterwards, a somewhat joyful, somewhat troubled look emerged on his face. Then, for a moment, a different sort of meaning was held within his eyes. Stuffing the note in his pocket, he picked up the thermos in one hand and the potted plant in the other, using his elbow to push open his door, he finally walked into his apartment.

Xiao Ning had not the slightest clue what was going on between Lu Yan and Xia Li. Anyhow, since he had moved somewhere closer to his company, he had a lot more free time after work. But when it came to his cooking, that was only when Shan Haiming wasn't busy and had the time to come over. After eating, he would just stay over at Shan Haiming's to watch a movie, and because Shan Haiming liked small animals, he would take Xiaohei along with him every time. As a result, Shan Haiming would happily play with Xiaohei, teasing the little creature until its hair stood on end. Making it so that every time Xiao Ning brought it back home, it would throw the world's biggest tantrum in protest and make Xiao Ning feed it a lot of dried fish and stroke its fur a few times to console it once more. It was quite tiring.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: Aw... the note. Looks like Realisation did a one-two combo against two people in this chapter.

• Previous
• Next
• ToC