The Long Road Ahead: C32

Chapter: 32 | Key

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

_{To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."}
—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?

To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."

_{"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.}
When he first received the message, Xiao Ning had no idea what Shan Haiming's intention was. At lunchtime, the people in the office either ordered take-out, warmed up their lunches, or went out to eat. If not for this message, Xiao Ning would be going out with his team to eat.

"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

_{"No, this is good enough." Shan Haiming, after washing his hands, dug right in, which even made the glass containing the milk oily, resulting in Xiao Ning handing him a few napkins. "Besides, eating too much at night can cause indigestion. A late-night snack is much better."}
Does this mean he's coming here?

"No, this is good enough." Shan Haiming, after washing his hands, dug right in, which even made the glass containing the milk oily, resulting in Xiao Ning handing him a few napkins. "Besides, eating too much at night can cause indigestion. A late-night snack is much better."

_{Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"}
Confounded, Xiao Ning sent a message in reply with the location of his office. Then, concerning what he wanted to eat, if it was someone else, he would've probably said that anything would be fine. But if he replied like that to Shan Haiming, he was pretty certain that guy would be unhappy with such an answer and send his own reply saying "Quit it with that nonsense" or the like.

Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

_{Everything in that place was simple, warm, and tidy like their owner.}
So, for a good while, he thought about what he would like seriously, then carefully replied: A vegetable dish, something light; and if it's convenient, an extra bowl of soup.

Everything in that place was simple, warm, and tidy like their owner.

_KeyFan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

Key

_{"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.}N/A

"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

_{Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"}◈◇◈

Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

_{After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"}
It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"

_{"Oh that, I think it's called a Peach BeautyT/n: It's known as Blue Haze in English..}What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

"Oh that, I think it's called a Peach BeautyT/n: It's known as Blue Haze in English.." Xiao Ning sat at his desk and began pulling out the containers from the bag one by one, and it was unexpectedly a lot. The main dish was obviously the steamed fish taking up the largest container, while in the others were rice, sautéed broccoli in garlic sauce, steamed eggs topped with minced pork, and even a five-fingered peach rootT/n: Also known as Cantonese ginseng and it has a coconut-like taste. chicken soup.

_{"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.}Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

_{When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant.}"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant. So now when it sat on the floor in that graceful posture unique to cats, it had completely encompassed the quiet beauty of a cat. But it was still too young to have shed the penchant for getting into trouble and curiosity of its species. Meaning, that when there were no eyes on it, it spent the day rolling about like a mad ball of fur, then after its master returned in the evening, it would sit on his lap waiting to have its fur stroked.

_{"Oh that, I think it's called a Peach BeautyT/n: It's known as Blue Haze in English..}
Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

"Oh that, I think it's called a Peach BeautyT/n: It's known as Blue Haze in English.." Xiao Ning sat at his desk and began pulling out the containers from the bag one by one, and it was unexpectedly a lot. The main dish was obviously the steamed fish taking up the largest container, while in the others were rice, sautéed broccoli in garlic sauce, steamed eggs topped with minced pork, and even a five-fingered peach rootT/n: Also known as Cantonese ginseng and it has a coconut-like taste. chicken soup.

_{Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."}
It felt quite strange for some reason, it was as if the fluorescent lights on the ceiling above all got brighter. Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming who raised a brow when their gazes met, and before he knew it, Xiao Ning found himself spreading his face in a smile. After waiting for Shan Haiming to get closer, he asked with a laugh, "Why did you come all the way here?"

Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."

_{Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."}
"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."

_{Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.}
The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.

Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

_{When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.}
Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"

When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.

_{From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"}
"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"

From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"

_{Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."}Xiao Ning was not a person with a flair for decor, the neat style of his room almost bordered on bland. This made the peach beauty sitting at his bedside stick out like a sore thumb.

Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."

_{"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.}What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

_{"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.}
Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

_{Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"}
"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

_{"You should eat more meat." Shan Haiming's hand moved, reaching outwards but he stopped before doing anything further. Taking advantage of the motion to look at his watch, he then tossed Xiao Ning a key. "So... don't forget to drop the clothes you bought me off at my place, and there's cat food for Xiaohei on the table, the thermos is there too, so you can take those yourself."}"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

"You should eat more meat." Shan Haiming's hand moved, reaching outwards but he stopped before doing anything further. Taking advantage of the motion to look at his watch, he then tossed Xiao Ning a key. "So... don't forget to drop the clothes you bought me off at my place, and there's cat food for Xiaohei on the table, the thermos is there too, so you can take those yourself."

_{Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"}Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"

_{The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."}Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."

_{Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"}
"Oh that, I think it's called a Peach BeautyT/n: It's known as Blue Haze in English.." Xiao Ning sat at his desk and began pulling out the containers from the bag one by one, and it was unexpectedly a lot. The main dish was obviously the steamed fish taking up the largest container, while in the others were rice, sautéed broccoli in garlic sauce, steamed eggs topped with minced pork, and even a five-fingered peach rootT/n: Also known as Cantonese ginseng and it has a coconut-like taste. chicken soup.

Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"

_{"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.}
Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."

"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

_{Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed.}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed. Sound asleep in the position it skilfully occupied since earlier, by his uninvited arrival to that bed, Shan Haiming had offended that little sleeping ancestor of his, which let out some 'roars' in protest. But Shan Haiming had always been someone unfazed, so from the start to the end, he regarded the little outcries as nothing.

_{Xiao Ning: "?"}Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

Xiao Ning: "?"

_{"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.}"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

_{"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"}
"You should eat more meat." Shan Haiming's hand moved, reaching outwards but he stopped before doing anything further. Taking advantage of the motion to look at his watch, he then tossed Xiao Ning a key. "So... don't forget to drop the clothes you bought me off at my place, and there's cat food for Xiaohei on the table, the thermos is there too, so you can take those yourself."

"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

_{Does this mean he's coming here?}
The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."

Does this mean he's coming here?

_N/A"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

N/A

_{When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.}Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed. Sound asleep in the position it skilfully occupied since earlier, by his uninvited arrival to that bed, Shan Haiming had offended that little sleeping ancestor of his, which let out some 'roars' in protest. But Shan Haiming had always been someone unfazed, so from the start to the end, he regarded the little outcries as nothing.

When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.

_{An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."}
"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

_KeyShe wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end. So, with her lunch box in hand, she made her way over to other women in the office to share the information she had gathered.

Key

_{Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat.}Xiao Ning was not a person with a flair for decor, the neat style of his room almost bordered on bland. This made the peach beauty sitting at his bedside stick out like a sore thumb.

Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Xiao Ning's body had almost fallen onto to floor with how far his body had tilted, causing Xiaohei to let out a meow with its fur on end before lightly hopping away. Xiao Ning then looked at the time in a daze. It's almost eleven, does Shan Haiming need something?}
After Xiao Ning returned to his senses, he stared at the key on the table in front of him, dumbfounded. Not too long ago, he had returned a set of keys to Lu Yan's, and now, in the blink of an eye, he was given another set of keys to another person's house. It gave him mixed feelings. When he finally remembered what he wanted to say, Shan Haiming was already long gone.

Xiao Ning's body had almost fallen onto to floor with how far his body had tilted, causing Xiaohei to let out a meow with its fur on end before lightly hopping away. Xiao Ning then looked at the time in a daze. It's almost eleven, does Shan Haiming need something?

_{An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."}Key

An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

_{"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"}His blankets had no unnecessary scents either, and most likely had never been scented. When it was washed, the most basic and unscented detergent must've also been used. But the scent infused in those blankets was nice and warm, it made lying in them feel no different than sleeping under the sun.

"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"

_{Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."}"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

_{Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."}
A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"

Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

_{His blankets had no unnecessary scents either, and most likely had never been scented. When it was washed, the most basic and unscented detergent must've also been used. But the scent infused in those blankets was nice and warm, it made lying in them feel no different than sleeping under the sun.}
"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

His blankets had no unnecessary scents either, and most likely had never been scented. When it was washed, the most basic and unscented detergent must've also been used. But the scent infused in those blankets was nice and warm, it made lying in them feel no different than sleeping under the sun.

_{Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed.}
Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed. Sound asleep in the position it skilfully occupied since earlier, by his uninvited arrival to that bed, Shan Haiming had offended that little sleeping ancestor of his, which let out some 'roars' in protest. But Shan Haiming had always been someone unfazed, so from the start to the end, he regarded the little outcries as nothing.

_{Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."}Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."

_{When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.}To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."

When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.

_{A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"}
From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"

A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"

_{The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur.}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur. On the sofa in his living room, one human and one cat sat staring at the television with drowsy eyes. At least, they were, until a sudden knock sounded at their door.

_{Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat.}
An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

_{When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant.}
She wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end. So, with her lunch box in hand, she made her way over to other women in the office to share the information she had gathered.

When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant. So now when it sat on the floor in that graceful posture unique to cats, it had completely encompassed the quiet beauty of a cat. But it was still too young to have shed the penchant for getting into trouble and curiosity of its species. Meaning, that when there were no eyes on it, it spent the day rolling about like a mad ball of fur, then after its master returned in the evening, it would sit on his lap waiting to have its fur stroked.

◈◇◈

_{She wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end.}
There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise. It was Xiao Ning's first time in this apartment when its owner was away, which made him unable to help feeling a bit awkward as he was there. Walking in, he saw there was a five-kilogram bag of cat food on the table, and upon picking it up, he saw the words: Salmon and Blueberry.

She wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end. So, with her lunch box in hand, she made her way over to other women in the office to share the information she had gathered.

_{The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.}After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"

The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.

_{"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.}Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

_{"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.}Xiao Ning: "..."

"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

_{Having meowed in complaint for a long time without getting any reaction, it then went to scratch at the door to no avail, since its little paws couldn't open it. In the end, realising the situation, it again became an elegant cat. Turning around and leaving Shan Haiming at a distance, once more, it became a little ball of fluff.}
Xiao Ning: "..."

Having meowed in complaint for a long time without getting any reaction, it then went to scratch at the door to no avail, since its little paws couldn't open it. In the end, realising the situation, it again became an elegant cat. Turning around and leaving Shan Haiming at a distance, once more, it became a little ball of fluff.

_{When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant.}Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant. So now when it sat on the floor in that graceful posture unique to cats, it had completely encompassed the quiet beauty of a cat. But it was still too young to have shed the penchant for getting into trouble and curiosity of its species. Meaning, that when there were no eyes on it, it spent the day rolling about like a mad ball of fur, then after its master returned in the evening, it would sit on his lap waiting to have its fur stroked.

_{As Shan Haiming lay on the bed, he felt when Xiaohei hopped back up again, making a compromise as it rolled into a ball.}"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

As Shan Haiming lay on the bed, he felt when Xiaohei hopped back up again, making a compromise as it rolled into a ball.

_{"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.}Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

_{"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."}
What about this sounds appetising?

"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."

_{Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.}After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"

Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{{—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?}}It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?

_N/A
Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.

N/A

_{Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.}Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"

Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.

_{There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise.}Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise. It was Xiao Ning's first time in this apartment when its owner was away, which made him unable to help feeling a bit awkward as he was there. Walking in, he saw there was a five-kilogram bag of cat food on the table, and upon picking it up, he saw the words: Salmon and Blueberry.

_{"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.}Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

_{—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?}
When he got back to his place, Xiaohei came to rub itself against him affectionately. Since that kitten had grown older, its fur was longer and softer and its figure had grown more elegant. So now when it sat on the floor in that graceful posture unique to cats, it had completely encompassed the quiet beauty of a cat. But it was still too young to have shed the penchant for getting into trouble and curiosity of its species. Meaning, that when there were no eyes on it, it spent the day rolling about like a mad ball of fur, then after its master returned in the evening, it would sit on his lap waiting to have its fur stroked.

—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"}Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"

_{Xiao Ning: "...okay?"}"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

_{"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.}
"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

_{Xiao Ning was not a person with a flair for decor, the neat style of his room almost bordered on bland. This made the peach beauty sitting at his bedside stick out like a sore thumb.}
Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"

Xiao Ning was not a person with a flair for decor, the neat style of his room almost bordered on bland. This made the peach beauty sitting at his bedside stick out like a sore thumb.

_{Confounded, Xiao Ning sent a message in reply with the location of his office. Then, concerning what he wanted to eat, if it was someone else, he would've probably said that anything would be fine. But if he replied like that to Shan Haiming, he was pretty certain that guy would be unhappy with such an answer and send his own reply saying "Quit it with that nonsense" or the like.}
Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

Confounded, Xiao Ning sent a message in reply with the location of his office. Then, concerning what he wanted to eat, if it was someone else, he would've probably said that anything would be fine. But if he replied like that to Shan Haiming, he was pretty certain that guy would be unhappy with such an answer and send his own reply saying "Quit it with that nonsense" or the like.

_{"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"}After Xiao Ning returned to his senses, he stared at the key on the table in front of him, dumbfounded. Not too long ago, he had returned a set of keys to Lu Yan's, and now, in the blink of an eye, he was given another set of keys to another person's house. It gave him mixed feelings. When he finally remembered what he wanted to say, Shan Haiming was already long gone.

"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

_{Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"}The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."

Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"

_{She wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end.}It felt quite strange for some reason, it was as if the fluorescent lights on the ceiling above all got brighter. Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming who raised a brow when their gazes met, and before he knew it, Xiao Ning found himself spreading his face in a smile. After waiting for Shan Haiming to get closer, he asked with a laugh, "Why did you come all the way here?"

She wanted to say more, but Xiao Ning had already begun eating his lunch, and it was rare for their Team Leader Xiao to not give someone his full attention like this. Fan Ying still gave a hinting look in her eyes, but it wasn't easy for her to ask any more questions in the end. So, with her lunch box in hand, she made her way over to other women in the office to share the information she had gathered.

_{Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."}
The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur. On the sofa in his living room, one human and one cat sat staring at the television with drowsy eyes. At least, they were, until a sudden knock sounded at their door.

Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

_{"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"}His blankets had no unnecessary scents either, and most likely had never been scented. When it was washed, the most basic and unscented detergent must've also been used. But the scent infused in those blankets was nice and warm, it made lying in them feel no different than sleeping under the sun.

"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"

_{Xiao Ning: "?"}—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?

Xiao Ning: "?"

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
Xiao Ning's body had almost fallen onto to floor with how far his body had tilted, causing Xiaohei to let out a meow with its fur on end before lightly hopping away. Xiao Ning then looked at the time in a daze. It's almost eleven, does Shan Haiming need something?

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"}Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"

Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"

_{A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"}Confounded, Xiao Ning sent a message in reply with the location of his office. Then, concerning what he wanted to eat, if it was someone else, he would've probably said that anything would be fine. But if he replied like that to Shan Haiming, he was pretty certain that guy would be unhappy with such an answer and send his own reply saying "Quit it with that nonsense" or the like.

A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"

_{The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.}
Just as Xiao Ning thought, the one knocking at his door was indeed that neighbour living across from him, and right as he opened the door Shan Haiming stated, "Key."

The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.

_{"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"}The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.

"Do you think I brought it here to stab you with?" Shan Haiming asked absent-mindedly. "By the way, what's the one in the pot you left in front of my door earlier?"

_{Xiao Ning was mad. {Why didn't this guy say anything when he tossed the key? Second Young Master Shan, I think you have really overestimated the degree of the tacit understanding between us.} But, out of habit, Xiao Ning was the one to offer an apology first. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't know..."}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

Xiao Ning was mad. Why didn't this guy say anything when he tossed the key? Second Young Master Shan, I think you have really overestimated the degree of the tacit understanding between us. But, out of habit, Xiao Ning was the one to offer an apology first. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't know..."

_{Just as Xiao Ning thought, the one knocking at his door was indeed that neighbour living across from him, and right as he opened the door Shan Haiming stated, "Key."}Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"

Just as Xiao Ning thought, the one knocking at his door was indeed that neighbour living across from him, and right as he opened the door Shan Haiming stated, "Key."

_{"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.}
Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"

"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.

_{Yawning, Shan Haiming turned his body sideways and squeezed his way in. "You have anything to eat?"}What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

Yawning, Shan Haiming turned his body sideways and squeezed his way in. "You have anything to eat?"

_{An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."}Everything in that place was simple, warm, and tidy like their owner.

An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

_{Shan Haiming: "..."}
Shan Haiming: "..."

Shan Haiming: "..."

_{Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."}The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."

Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."

_{Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."}From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"

Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

_{Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"}
Xiao Ning: "?"

Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"

_{Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"}Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"

_N/A
Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"

N/A

_{A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"}"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"

A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"

_{"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.}Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"

"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

_{"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.}
To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."

"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

_{There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise.}
Xiao Ning: "..."

There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise. It was Xiao Ning's first time in this apartment when its owner was away, which made him unable to help feeling a bit awkward as he was there. Walking in, he saw there was a five-kilogram bag of cat food on the table, and upon picking it up, he saw the words: Salmon and Blueberry.

_{What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?}
Xiao Ning was mad. Why didn't this guy say anything when he tossed the key? Second Young Master Shan, I think you have really overestimated the degree of the tacit understanding between us. But, out of habit, Xiao Ning was the one to offer an apology first. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't know..."

What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.}
"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."

Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.

_{So, for a good while, he thought about what he would like seriously, then carefully replied: A vegetable dish, something light; and if it's convenient, an extra bowl of soup.}
Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

So, for a good while, he thought about what he would like seriously, then carefully replied: A vegetable dish, something light; and if it's convenient, an extra bowl of soup.

_{There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise.}To this, Shan Haiming replied coldly, "You got that right, congrats."

There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise. It was Xiao Ning's first time in this apartment when its owner was away, which made him unable to help feeling a bit awkward as he was there. Walking in, he saw there was a five-kilogram bag of cat food on the table, and upon picking it up, he saw the words: Salmon and Blueberry.

_{Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"}
What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"

_{An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."}Everything in that place was simple, warm, and tidy like their owner.

An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

_{When he first received the message, Xiao Ning had no idea what Shan Haiming's intention was. At lunchtime, the people in the office either ordered take-out, warmed up their lunches, or went out to eat. If not for this message, Xiao Ning would be going out with his team to eat.}
Yawning, Shan Haiming turned his body sideways and squeezed his way in. "You have anything to eat?"

When he first received the message, Xiao Ning had no idea what Shan Haiming's intention was. At lunchtime, the people in the office either ordered take-out, warmed up their lunches, or went out to eat. If not for this message, Xiao Ning would be going out with his team to eat.

_{It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.}Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

_{An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."}Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

An unmistakable look of "Omg, there's really a chance?" was written on the young woman's apple-shaped face as she politely replied, "Haha, you're just teasing, aren't you? That would be way too sudden."

_{The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."}"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.

The density of the information he just received hit Xiao Ning with such an impact that he could only unconsciously choose the simplest one to respond to. "But Xiaohei still has a lot of food at my place..."

_Key
"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"

Key

_{Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat.}"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"

Shan Haiming didn't send him a message in reply, but he also didn't make him wait long either, because after twenty minutes he showed up. Xiao Ning had been standing for a while with his back to the doorway located not too far from his seat. He was staring at the humidifier on someone else's desk when he suddenly got a feeling. Upon turning, he saw a plastic bag carrying Shan Haiming striding towards him.

_{As Shan Haiming lay on the bed, he felt when Xiaohei hopped back up again, making a compromise as it rolled into a ball.}
Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."

As Shan Haiming lay on the bed, he felt when Xiaohei hopped back up again, making a compromise as it rolled into a ball.

_{Shan Haiming: "..."}Bending down, Xiao Ning lifted Xiaohei into his arms. "Are you hungry?"

Shan Haiming: "..."

_{Yawning, Shan Haiming turned his body sideways and squeezed his way in. "You have anything to eat?"}
Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

Yawning, Shan Haiming turned his body sideways and squeezed his way in. "You have anything to eat?"

_{{Does this mean he's coming here?}}"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

Does this mean he's coming here?

_{The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur.}
"Okay." Shan Haiming's voice, when he spoke, dragged on a bit, sounding especially sluggish and unguarded. He then turned his head to look for Xiaohei, but that little guy had long moseyed its way back to Xiao Ning's bedroom, leaving nothing but a cloud of cat fur behind it.

The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur. On the sofa in his living room, one human and one cat sat staring at the television with drowsy eyes. At least, they were, until a sudden knock sounded at their door.

_{The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.}When he first received the message, Xiao Ning had no idea what Shan Haiming's intention was. At lunchtime, the people in the office either ordered take-out, warmed up their lunches, or went out to eat. If not for this message, Xiao Ning would be going out with his team to eat.

The first thing he pulled out wasn't a box of food, though, it was actually a cactus. The pot it was set in was big enough to fit into a palm, and the spikes also looked soft to the touch.

_{Xiao Ning: "?"}
Xiao Ning wasn't much of a cook, but he couldn't just let Shan Haiming eat plain toast. Luckily, there were a few eggs in the fridge he was planning to boil for breakfast the next morning. Using a frying pan, he fried the eggs until they were nearly cooked on one side, then placed a slice of bread onto it before flipping it over to continue toasting them. He made two of these one after the other, toasting both sides of the bread in addition to warming up a cup of milk.

Xiao Ning: "?"

_{"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."}The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur. On the sofa in his living room, one human and one cat sat staring at the television with drowsy eyes. At least, they were, until a sudden knock sounded at their door.

"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."

_{Xiao Ning: "...okay?"}
Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"

Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

_{"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.}Shan Haiming: "..."

"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

_{"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.}From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"

"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
"No, this is good enough." Shan Haiming, after washing his hands, dug right in, which even made the glass containing the milk oily, resulting in Xiao Ning handing him a few napkins. "Besides, eating too much at night can cause indigestion. A late-night snack is much better."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{{Does this mean he's coming here?}}Shan Haiming's expression was blank, looking as though he didn't want to talk about it. But after changing into the slippers and lying on the sofa he still went on to explain, "I couldn't eat."

Does this mean he's coming here?

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"

_{What about this sounds appetising?}
After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"

What about this sounds appetising?

_{Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"}
"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.

Shan Haiming's expressionless stare focused on him made Xiao Ning have a sudden realisation. "Did you just have that one key?!"

_{Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"}Key

Confused, Xiao Ning asked, "Was it not on your coffee table?"

_{Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."}After wiping his mouth, he took the dishes to the sink to wash them, then asked upon returning, "Where can I sleep?"

Xiao Ning lifted his head, and sprawled on his face was a rarely seen unmistakable beaming grin. "Thank you."

_{Just as Xiao Ning thought, the one knocking at his door was indeed that neighbour living across from him, and right as he opened the door Shan Haiming stated, "Key."}
Shan Haiming didn't refuse his offer. Following a quick washing up, he made his way into Xiao Ning's room and went straight to bed. Sound asleep in the position it skilfully occupied since earlier, by his uninvited arrival to that bed, Shan Haiming had offended that little sleeping ancestor of his, which let out some 'roars' in protest. But Shan Haiming had always been someone unfazed, so from the start to the end, he regarded the little outcries as nothing.

Just as Xiao Ning thought, the one knocking at his door was indeed that neighbour living across from him, and right as he opened the door Shan Haiming stated, "Key."

_{Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"}It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

Having only been able to make that much, he still worried about it not being enough for Shan Haiming, so while sitting beside him he asked, "Do you want to order take-out?"

_N/A"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"

N/A

_{"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.}Xiao Ning wasn't much of a cook, but he couldn't just let Shan Haiming eat plain toast. Luckily, there were a few eggs in the fridge he was planning to boil for breakfast the next morning. Using a frying pan, he fried the eggs until they were nearly cooked on one side, then placed a slice of bread onto it before flipping it over to continue toasting them. He made two of these one after the other, toasting both sides of the bread in addition to warming up a cup of milk.

"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

_{"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"}
Having meowed in complaint for a long time without getting any reaction, it then went to scratch at the door to no avail, since its little paws couldn't open it. In the end, realising the situation, it again became an elegant cat. Turning around and leaving Shan Haiming at a distance, once more, it became a little ball of fluff.

"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"

_{It felt quite strange for some reason, it was as if the fluorescent lights on the ceiling above all got brighter. Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming who raised a brow when their gazes met, and before he knew it, Xiao Ning found himself spreading his face in a smile. After waiting for Shan Haiming to get closer, he asked with a laugh, "Why did you come all the way here?"}There weren't many things inside Shan Haiming's apartment, it was simplistic. Plus, as a young bachelor, keeping it clean was an act practically deserving of praise. It was Xiao Ning's first time in this apartment when its owner was away, which made him unable to help feeling a bit awkward as he was there. Walking in, he saw there was a five-kilogram bag of cat food on the table, and upon picking it up, he saw the words: Salmon and Blueberry.

It felt quite strange for some reason, it was as if the fluorescent lights on the ceiling above all got brighter. Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming who raised a brow when their gazes met, and before he knew it, Xiao Ning found himself spreading his face in a smile. After waiting for Shan Haiming to get closer, he asked with a laugh, "Why did you come all the way here?"

_{Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"}"Use it to switch up the food. I'm off." Saying this, Shan Haiming made a speedy exit.

Xiao Ning took the cactus in its blue ceramic pot and placed it in an empty space to the right of his computer. "Is it for me?"

_{It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.}
When it was finally quiet, Shan Haiming turned over.

It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

_{Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"}"Huh? Oh. Yes, he is." Xiao Ning replied after again coming back to his senses, while somewhat guiltily covering the key in the table with his hand before stuffing it into his pocket.

Fan Ying was a very lively person who wasn't one to conceal her true feelings, so at that moment, her eyes were practically beaming. But she still maintained a reserved expression as she then asked, "He's very handsome, isn't he? This is the first time I've seen him at the company. Do you know what he came here for? How old is he? Is he single?"

_{{—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?}}Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

—Which floor is your office on? What do you want to eat?

_{Xiao Ning was mad. Why didn't this guy say anything when he tossed the key? Second Young Master Shan, I think you have really overestimated the degree of the tacit understanding between us. But, out of habit, Xiao Ning was the one to offer an apology first. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't know..."}
Xiao Ning was not a person with a flair for decor, the neat style of his room almost bordered on bland. This made the peach beauty sitting at his bedside stick out like a sore thumb.

Xiao Ning was mad. Why didn't this guy say anything when he tossed the key? Second Young Master Shan, I think you have really overestimated the degree of the tacit understanding between us. But, out of habit, Xiao Ning was the one to offer an apology first. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't know..."

_{{What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?}}"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

_{Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"}
His blankets had no unnecessary scents either, and most likely had never been scented. When it was washed, the most basic and unscented detergent must've also been used. But the scent infused in those blankets was nice and warm, it made lying in them feel no different than sleeping under the sun.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked with a chuckle, "What is this?"

_{"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"}
Everything in that place was simple, warm, and tidy like their owner.

"Just a few slices of bread." Closing the door after him, Xiao Ning then took out a pair of slippers. "How could you still not have eaten anything when it's already so late?"

_{"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.}"Mr. Xiao," with a smiling expression in his eyes, Shan Haiming then continued sarcastically, "Can't you see what it is?"

"I came to see your General Manager Shan." With his outstanding looks and disposition, once Shan Haiming entered he naturally attracted quite a number of stares. But none of it seemed to affect him in any way as he simply moved to place the bags directly on the desk.

_{A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"}Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

A member of his team called Fan Ying then made her way over to him with a pink lunch container in her hand. "Boss, was that guy who just came a friend of yours?"

_{Xiao Ning: "?"}It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

Xiao Ning: "?"

_◈◇◈
As Shan Haiming lay on the bed, he felt when Xiaohei hopped back up again, making a compromise as it rolled into a ball.

◈◇◈

_{{What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?}}"You should eat more meat." Shan Haiming's hand moved, reaching outwards but he stopped before doing anything further. Taking advantage of the motion to look at his watch, he then tossed Xiao Ning a key. "So... don't forget to drop the clothes you bought me off at my place, and there's cat food for Xiaohei on the table, the thermos is there too, so you can take those yourself."

What are you going to do now, though? It's eleven at night. Are there any locksmiths that stay open all night?

_{From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"}"You can sleep in my room." Xiao Ning slept in the master bedroom, which was obviously much better than the bed in the second bedroom which still had a white linen covering it to protect it from dust, and its bedding and covers were also just washed. Anyhow, the weather was warm, and Xiao Ning was planning to make do by covering up with a thin blanket.

From the moment she opened her mouth, she started with a barrage of questions. With a purse of his lips, Xiao Ning then teased, "You want to give him a call?"

_{Xiao Ning: "...okay?"}"No, this is good enough." Shan Haiming, after washing his hands, dug right in, which even made the glass containing the milk oily, resulting in Xiao Ning handing him a few napkins. "Besides, eating too much at night can cause indigestion. A late-night snack is much better."

Xiao Ning: "...okay?"

_{"Okay." Shan Haiming's voice, when he spoke, dragged on a bit, sounding especially sluggish and unguarded. He then turned his head to look for Xiaohei, but that little guy had long moseyed its way back to Xiao Ning's bedroom, leaving nothing but a cloud of cat fur behind it.}
"You like it too, don't you?" He asked, obviously gaining no reply in return from Xiaohei.

"Okay." Shan Haiming's voice, when he spoke, dragged on a bit, sounding especially sluggish and unguarded. He then turned his head to look for Xiaohei, but that little guy had long moseyed its way back to Xiao Ning's bedroom, leaving nothing but a cloud of cat fur behind it.

_{Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.}Recalling Shan Haiming had gone to meet with Shan Haihong earlier that day, Xiao Ning felt Shan Haiming's bad mood and that: thinking of himself as the protagonist in a wealthy family drama older brother of his, were connected. So his unfavourable feelings towards Shan Haihong went up by a few percent. "Just hold on for a bit, then. I'll go make you some toast."

Resting the clothes on the sofa, Xiao Ning picked up both the cat food and the thermos, and then following a moment of hesitance, he placed the key on the coffee table. He had no idea what Shan Haiming's intentions were, but something like taking someone's key just felt too intimate, and for some reason, that kind of thing made Xiao Ning anxious—it made him want to avoid it.

_{It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.}Xiaohei straightened itself in Xiao Ning's arms, resting its paws on his chest to sniff him, putting Xiao Ning in such a good mood he laughed. "Alright, alright. There's some new food for you today, so let's give it a try."

It was nothing but a reply with an order, but Xiao Ning found himself feeling particularly embarrassed by the situation. His embarrassment was not because he would be troubling another person, however. Instead, it was more of a touch of nervous excitement. Speaking of embarrassment, being treated to unexpected favours like this made him feel overwhelmed.

_{After Xiao Ning returned to his senses, he stared at the key on the table in front of him, dumbfounded. Not too long ago, he had returned a set of keys to Lu Yan's, and now, in the blink of an eye, he was given another set of keys to another person's house. It gave him mixed feelings. When he finally remembered what he wanted to say, Shan Haiming was already long gone.}
Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

After Xiao Ning returned to his senses, he stared at the key on the table in front of him, dumbfounded. Not too long ago, he had returned a set of keys to Lu Yan's, and now, in the blink of an eye, he was given another set of keys to another person's house. It gave him mixed feelings. When he finally remembered what he wanted to say, Shan Haiming was already long gone.

_{Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.}The strange salmon-blueberry flavour had surprisingly actually won Xiaohei's favour, the little guy ate all his dinner faster than usual and was even making noise for more. Afraid it wouldn't give up on its pleas, Xiao Ning picked up Xiaohei and it to the living room to brush its fur. On the sofa in his living room, one human and one cat sat staring at the television with drowsy eyes. At least, they were, until a sudden knock sounded at their door.

Chuckling quietly in the darkness, after pulling the blanket to bury himself even deeper within it, Shan Haiming closed his eyes.

_Key"Forget it." Shan Haiming didn't seem to have even the slightest bit of qualms over accepting his apology, nor any intention to reflect on his own actions. Afterwards, with a frown, he added, "Be careful next time, don't just leave anything I give you lying around."

Key

_{"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.}What about this sounds appetising?

"Did you behave yourself at home today?" Xiao Ning looked at the sofa cushions scattered about on the floor and knew that little guy had actually been up to all sorts of trouble for the day. Walking out to the balcony, Xiao Ning picked up the blanket and bedding that had been drying in the sun. Xiaohei always followed behind him, clinging to him like a cat.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

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