The Long Road Ahead: C40

Chapter: 40 | Plans

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Plans

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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￣)

_{"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.}
After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."

"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

_{"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."}
As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.

"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."

_{For a few seconds, Lu Yan was dead silent at the end of the line but then he exploded in a breathless rage, "Why aren't you listening to what I say? Didn't I tell you to break up with him?!"}
When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too. When he moved, that youthful and passionate recklessness of his was enough to make a person immensely aroused, urging the curled form of the man beneath him into wanting to gasp out a moan.

For a few seconds, Lu Yan was dead silent at the end of the line but then he exploded in a breathless rage, "Why aren't you listening to what I say? Didn't I tell you to break up with him?!"

_{The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.}If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

_{The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.}Xiao Ning: "It's nothing, I'm fine. Plus, isn't there a holiday coming?"

The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

_{That last sentence of his alone was already quite harsh.}
Every time Xiao Ning was no longer able to contain himself, a few soft and puppy-like whimpers escaped him, but all these whines seemed to do was spur Shan Haiming on to thrust into him harder, with even more intensity; which in turn gave rise to incurable desire from the slippery impact of their sweat-drenched skin that forced even more mewls to leave Xiao Ning's lips.

That last sentence of his alone was already quite harsh.

_{These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"}But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

_{Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.}Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."

Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.

_◈◇◈
Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."

◈◇◈

_{{For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.}}But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.

_{iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?}But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

_{Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute.}iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute. It left Lu Yan with no more moves, and he was so aggrieved it seemed as though he would explode into a mushroom cloud on the spot. "Are you having dinner with him tonight? Fine—fine then, I'll also come to see what is so sacred about this guy that has confused you and turned you into a fool."

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"}
The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.

But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

_{When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too.}This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too. When he moved, that youthful and passionate recklessness of his was enough to make a person immensely aroused, urging the curled form of the man beneath him into wanting to gasp out a moan.

_{"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."}After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.

"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."

_{After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.}
However, Xiao Ning thought such a statement was strange and even more embarrassing than being entered. After all, which part of a man his age could be described as cute?

After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.

_{As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.}"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.

_{Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line.}"Yeah, that's true. It's tomorrow. Anyhow, you want to come have dinner tonight?" Lu Yan then paused for a while, before saying as if aggrieved, "It's been a long time since we last saw each other, you know?"

Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line. His response was not enough for any person to have heard the difference, but this could not be said of Lu Yan. Those decades of friendship between them weren't for nought. Moreover, he was well accustomed to being given the ultra platinum VIP treatment by Xiao Ning for years, so this sort of contrasting action had stood out like a sore thumb to him.

_{After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.}If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.

_{As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.}
But all these musings were quickly forgotten, as matters of greater importance claimed his attention instead.

As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.}
Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.

"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.

_{Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute.}"Yeah, that's true. It's tomorrow. Anyhow, you want to come have dinner tonight?" Lu Yan then paused for a while, before saying as if aggrieved, "It's been a long time since we last saw each other, you know?"

Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute. It left Lu Yan with no more moves, and he was so aggrieved it seemed as though he would explode into a mushroom cloud on the spot. "Are you having dinner with him tonight? Fine—fine then, I'll also come to see what is so sacred about this guy that has confused you and turned you into a fool."

_{"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."}
However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him. Every unplanned kiss that fell upon him bore traces of playfulness and tender feelings, and each time they conjured the memory of that carefully folded napkin that was tucked away in Xiao Ning's wallet into his mind.

"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

_{Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"}The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

_N/A"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

N/A

_{But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"}"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."

But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

_{Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.}
Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.

Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.

_{This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"}Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

_{But all these musings were quickly forgotten, as matters of greater importance claimed his attention instead.}
His own mess of confused emotions aside, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful towards Shan Haiming. These organised feelings were the reason he always told himself that he must be very good to this person—he must treat them well. So even if Shan Haiming met another person he liked and broke up with him in the future, nothing would change, because no matter what Shan Haiming had in mind, for Xiao Ning, he had already considered their present something that was worth a lifetime.

But all these musings were quickly forgotten, as matters of greater importance claimed his attention instead.

_◈◇◈
When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

◈◇◈

_{The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.}"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

_{Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."}But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."

_{Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."}
But just thoughts of this kind of future had already left Xiao Ning a bit disheartened, so shifting in Shan Haiming's arms, he turned his body to face him.

Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."

_{This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"}The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

_{I was at fault as well. Xiao Ning did do some self-introspection. A decent man is never supposed to stand himself under a dangerous wall, who told him to stand so close?}
"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.

I was at fault as well. Xiao Ning did do some self-introspection. A decent man is never supposed to stand himself under a dangerous wall, who told him to stand so close?

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"}"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

_{The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.}But just thoughts of this kind of future had already left Xiao Ning a bit disheartened, so shifting in Shan Haiming's arms, he turned his body to face him.

The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

_{{There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?}}Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

_{"What's up with you, did something good happen?" He did know Xiao Ning after all, so Lu Yan did notice upon hearing his voice. "You sound so happy."}
For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.

"What's up with you, did something good happen?" He did know Xiao Ning after all, so Lu Yan did notice upon hearing his voice. "You sound so happy."

_{{Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.}}"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

_{Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."}It couldn't be that they arranged a blind date for Lu Yan in such a short window, could it?

Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."

_{If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.}Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

_Plans
Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

Plans

_{But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."}Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."

But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

_{{For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.}}Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.

_{Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.}
The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.

_{{What a curious sight}, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. {Why does like this sort of thing?}}Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.

What a curious sight, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. Why does like this sort of thing?

◈◇◈

_{But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"}
Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

_{{There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?}}Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

_{For a few seconds, Lu Yan was dead silent at the end of the line but then he exploded in a breathless rage, "Why aren't you listening to what I say? Didn't I tell you to break up with him?!"}But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

For a few seconds, Lu Yan was dead silent at the end of the line but then he exploded in a breathless rage, "Why aren't you listening to what I say? Didn't I tell you to break up with him?!"

_{For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.}Putting aside those matters, Xiao Ning then asked Shan Haiming, "Aunty said I could bring her back anything I feel like, but I don't her very well as yet, so what do you think would be a good gift to give her?"

For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.

_{The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.}
Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.

_{However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him.}But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him. Every unplanned kiss that fell upon him bore traces of playfulness and tender feelings, and each time they conjured the memory of that carefully folded napkin that was tucked away in Xiao Ning's wallet into his mind.

_{{There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?}}This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

_{This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"}
Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

_{Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."}
"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.

Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."

_{Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."}Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

_{Yes, his mood was incredibly good.}Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute. It left Lu Yan with no more moves, and he was so aggrieved it seemed as though he would explode into a mushroom cloud on the spot. "Are you having dinner with him tonight? Fine—fine then, I'll also come to see what is so sacred about this guy that has confused you and turned you into a fool."

Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

_{When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too.}
"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too. When he moved, that youthful and passionate recklessness of his was enough to make a person immensely aroused, urging the curled form of the man beneath him into wanting to gasp out a moan.

_{"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.}"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"

"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.

_{"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.}N/A

"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.

_{As for Shan Yisong, {Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.}}Xiao Ning: "It's nothing, I'm fine. Plus, isn't there a holiday coming?"

As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.

_{As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.}
This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."}When it came to lubricating and stretching, Shan Haiming was clearly not one who had a lot of restraint. So when he impatiently entered, the two of them were both uncomfortable, but that kind of coarse friction was exciting too. When he moved, that youthful and passionate recklessness of his was enough to make a person immensely aroused, urging the curled form of the man beneath him into wanting to gasp out a moan.

After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."

_{Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."}Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."

Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

_{The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.}
"What's up with you, did something good happen?" He did know Xiao Ning after all, so Lu Yan did notice upon hearing his voice. "You sound so happy."

The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

_{"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."}Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

_{The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.}Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."

The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

_{Xiao Ning then remembered something and went on to tell Lu Yan, "Oh, you don't need to bother picking me up tomorrow evening either because I'll be bringing someone. I'll be going to eat with him before heading to the airport, so you don't need to wait for us. I'll go collect the tickets myself."}But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

Xiao Ning then remembered something and went on to tell Lu Yan, "Oh, you don't need to bother picking me up tomorrow evening either because I'll be bringing someone. I'll be going to eat with him before heading to the airport, so you don't need to wait for us. I'll go collect the tickets myself."

_{What a curious sight, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. Why does like this sort of thing?}
Xiao Ning: "It's nothing, I'm fine. Plus, isn't there a holiday coming?"

What a curious sight, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. Why does like this sort of thing?

_{"Oh, understood." Shan Haiming's hand was currently on the steering wheel, moving to give it a turn. "You should give him a call, and tell him we won't be travelling with him."}
"Yeah, that's true. It's tomorrow. Anyhow, you want to come have dinner tonight?" Lu Yan then paused for a while, before saying as if aggrieved, "It's been a long time since we last saw each other, you know?"

"Oh, understood." Shan Haiming's hand was currently on the steering wheel, moving to give it a turn. "You should give him a call, and tell him we won't be travelling with him."

_{"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.}
But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.

_{Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.}Every time Xiao Ning was no longer able to contain himself, a few soft and puppy-like whimpers escaped him, but all these whines seemed to do was spur Shan Haiming on to thrust into him harder, with even more intensity; which in turn gave rise to incurable desire from the slippery impact of their sweat-drenched skin that forced even more mewls to leave Xiao Ning's lips.

Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.

_{Xiao Ning also realised he couldn't do anything about him either. {Why can't that kid just let it go?}}"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

Xiao Ning also realised he couldn't do anything about him either. Why can't that kid just let it go?

_{"What's up with you, did something good happen?" He did know Xiao Ning after all, so Lu Yan did notice upon hearing his voice. "You sound so happy."}Plans

"What's up with you, did something good happen?" He did know Xiao Ning after all, so Lu Yan did notice upon hearing his voice. "You sound so happy."

_{iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?}
"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

_{"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."}"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

_{These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"}Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

_{However, Xiao Ning thought such a statement was strange and even more embarrassing than being entered. After all, which part of a man his age could be described as cute?}
"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.

However, Xiao Ning thought such a statement was strange and even more embarrassing than being entered. After all, which part of a man his age could be described as cute?

_{{What a curious sight}, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. {Why does like this sort of thing?}}After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.

What a curious sight, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. Why does like this sort of thing?

_{Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."}
I was at fault as well. Xiao Ning did do some self-introspection. A decent man is never supposed to stand himself under a dangerous wall, who told him to stand so close?

Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

_{Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"}But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

_{But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"}Xiao Ning still had no idea how it was he had become Shan Haiming's cup of tea.

But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

_{But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"}"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."

But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

_{But just thoughts of this kind of future had already left Xiao Ning a bit disheartened, so shifting in Shan Haiming's arms, he turned his body to face him.}
So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.

But just thoughts of this kind of future had already left Xiao Ning a bit disheartened, so shifting in Shan Haiming's arms, he turned his body to face him.

_{Yes, his mood was incredibly good.}
Xiao Ning then remembered something and went on to tell Lu Yan, "Oh, you don't need to bother picking me up tomorrow evening either because I'll be bringing someone. I'll be going to eat with him before heading to the airport, so you don't need to wait for us. I'll go collect the tickets myself."

Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

_{"Yeah, that's true. It's tomorrow. Anyhow, you want to come have dinner tonight?" Lu Yan then paused for a while, before saying as if aggrieved, "It's been a long time since we last saw each other, you know?"}But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

"Yeah, that's true. It's tomorrow. Anyhow, you want to come have dinner tonight?" Lu Yan then paused for a while, before saying as if aggrieved, "It's been a long time since we last saw each other, you know?"

_{"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."}"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."

_{However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him.}"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.

However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him. Every unplanned kiss that fell upon him bore traces of playfulness and tender feelings, and each time they conjured the memory of that carefully folded napkin that was tucked away in Xiao Ning's wallet into his mind.

_{When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.}
Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."

When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

_{"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.}This mood of his was just so good, so good in fact that not even a call from Lu Yan later that day could dampen his spirits. Hell, a smile was even plastered on his face when he answered, "Hi, is something the matter?"

"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

_{For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.}But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.

_{Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.}"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

_{This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.}
"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."

This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

_{But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."}So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.

But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

_{Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.}
"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"

Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

_{For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.}As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.

For a moment, Xiao Ning stilled while thinking, then he lightly moved upwards, as though he was afraid of causing a disturbance, to softly touch Shan Haiming's lips as if he was displaying reverence.

_{If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.}
Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."

If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

_N/AAlright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

N/A

_{The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.}"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."

The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.

_{"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.}When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

_{"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.}
Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line. His response was not enough for any person to have heard the difference, but this could not be said of Lu Yan. Those decades of friendship between them weren't for nought. Moreover, he was well accustomed to being given the ultra platinum VIP treatment by Xiao Ning for years, so this sort of contrasting action had stood out like a sore thumb to him.

"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.

_{The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.}Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line. His response was not enough for any person to have heard the difference, but this could not be said of Lu Yan. Those decades of friendship between them weren't for nought. Moreover, he was well accustomed to being given the ultra platinum VIP treatment by Xiao Ning for years, so this sort of contrasting action had stood out like a sore thumb to him.

The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

_N/A
"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."

N/A

_{"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.}The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}
These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."}"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

_{So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.}
For a few seconds, Lu Yan was dead silent at the end of the line but then he exploded in a breathless rage, "Why aren't you listening to what I say? Didn't I tell you to break up with him?!"

So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.

_{But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."}
That last sentence of his alone was already quite harsh.

But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

_{But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."}"It's because we're going on holiday," Xiao Ning replied.

But in response, Xiao Ning joked as he beamed, "It's only been a few days. Besides, you used to go as much as two weeks without seeing me when you were dating before."

_{Xiao Ning also realised he couldn't do anything about him either. {Why can't that kid just let it go?}}Vexed, Lu Yan then asked him, "You better not be telling me it's your boyfriend."

Xiao Ning also realised he couldn't do anything about him either. Why can't that kid just let it go?

_{Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."}And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

_{These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"}
And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

These words of his had left Xiao Ning beyond confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

_{"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."}
But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

_{His own mess of confused emotions aside, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful towards Shan Haiming. These organised feelings were the reason he always told himself that he must be very good to this person—he must treat them well.}But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

His own mess of confused emotions aside, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful towards Shan Haiming. These organised feelings were the reason he always told himself that he must be very good to this person—he must treat them well. So even if Shan Haiming met another person he liked and broke up with him in the future, nothing would change, because no matter what Shan Haiming had in mind, for Xiao Ning, he had already considered their present something that was worth a lifetime.

_{"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."}Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."

_{"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"}
"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"

_{Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.}"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.

_PlansAs for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.

Plans

_{But all these musings were quickly forgotten, as matters of greater importance claimed his attention instead.}But just thoughts of this kind of future had already left Xiao Ning a bit disheartened, so shifting in Shan Haiming's arms, he turned his body to face him.

But all these musings were quickly forgotten, as matters of greater importance claimed his attention instead.

_{However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him.}
Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute. It left Lu Yan with no more moves, and he was so aggrieved it seemed as though he would explode into a mushroom cloud on the spot. "Are you having dinner with him tonight? Fine—fine then, I'll also come to see what is so sacred about this guy that has confused you and turned you into a fool."

However, this was all short-lived, as they were soon lying together in the afterglow of their love-making, an act Xiao Ning truly and heavily favoured. As they lay idly, Shan Haiming would encircle him like a beast, one rather fond of marking the territory that was him. Every unplanned kiss that fell upon him bore traces of playfulness and tender feelings, and each time they conjured the memory of that carefully folded napkin that was tucked away in Xiao Ning's wallet into his mind.

_{Xiao Ning then remembered something and went on to tell Lu Yan, "Oh, you don't need to bother picking me up tomorrow evening either because I'll be bringing someone. I'll be going to eat with him before heading to the airport, so you don't need to wait for us. I'll go collect the tickets myself."}
But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

Xiao Ning then remembered something and went on to tell Lu Yan, "Oh, you don't need to bother picking me up tomorrow evening either because I'll be bringing someone. I'll be going to eat with him before heading to the airport, so you don't need to wait for us. I'll go collect the tickets myself."

_◈◇◈"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."

◈◇◈

_{Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"}As for what they had forgotten to buy, that was obvious.

Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

_{It couldn't be that they arranged a blind date for Lu Yan in such a short window, could it?}
Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

It couldn't be that they arranged a blind date for Lu Yan in such a short window, could it?

_{{I was at fault as well.} Xiao Ning did do some self-introspection. A decent man is never supposed to stand himself under a dangerous wall, who told him to stand so close?}iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

I was at fault as well. Xiao Ning did do some self-introspection. A decent man is never supposed to stand himself under a dangerous wall, who told him to stand so close?

_{Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.}Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.

Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.

_{For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.}
Xiao Ning also realised he couldn't do anything about him either. Why can't that kid just let it go?

For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"}Plans

But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

_{"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.}iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

_{"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.}There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

◈◇◈

_{"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."}
After work, Shan Haiming picked him up and they both went to the supermarket to purchase a lot of speciality gifts.

"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."

_{"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."}Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

_{After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."}
"Oh right, Haiming, I forgot to tell you that..." Xiao Ning hesitated for a moment before he continued, "There's another person who'll be coming with us tomorrow."

After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."

_Plans◈◇◈

Plans

_{Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."}
"Who?" Shan Haiming asked directly.

Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

_{This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.}However, Xiao Ning thought such a statement was strange and even more embarrassing than being entered. After all, which part of a man his age could be described as cute?

This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?}"Yep, that's right. Tomorrow is the last day," the receptionist said with a smile.

iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

_{Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"}
"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

_{Xiao Ning: "It's nothing, I'm fine. Plus, isn't there a holiday coming?"}
"Oh, understood." Shan Haiming's hand was currently on the steering wheel, moving to give it a turn. "You should give him a call, and tell him we won't be travelling with him."

Xiao Ning: "It's nothing, I'm fine. Plus, isn't there a holiday coming?"

_{"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."}As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.

"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

_{But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"}iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

But Xiao Ning replied, "You can't tonight because I'm not planning to go eat with him, we'll be going shopping instead. Anyhow, you'll be able to meet him tomorrow night, so don't worry, alright?"

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}"Yes, it is." The corners of Xiao Ning's lips curved upwards unconsciously as said this. "I'll be going together with him."

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."}
This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

_{Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.}The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.

_{When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.}The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

_{So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.}Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

So it wasn't just about Xia Li, in the future, he had no plans on getting to know any of Lu Yan's partners. The very idea of it was terrible, far too terrible from the outset.

_{Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute.}
"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

Xiao Ning didn't argue, and his words were rational. Not only were they quite reasonable, they weren't easy to refute. It left Lu Yan with no more moves, and he was so aggrieved it seemed as though he would explode into a mushroom cloud on the spot. "Are you having dinner with him tonight? Fine—fine then, I'll also come to see what is so sacred about this guy that has confused you and turned you into a fool."

_{The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.}The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.

The look of Xiao Ning being thoroughly unable to resist while beneath him, was indeed quite moving and cute.

_{The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.}"Are you insane?" Lu Yan's tone turned foul. "Why are bringing that guy along? Do you think my family's going to welcome him?"

The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

_{But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."}
It couldn't be that they arranged a blind date for Lu Yan in such a short window, could it?

But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

_{Yes, his mood was incredibly good.}Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

Yes, his mood was incredibly good.

_{Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."}"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

Opening his eyes, Shan Haiming took a moment to regain his senses before peering at Xiao Ning with furrowed brows. "You really are..."

_{His own mess of confused emotions aside, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful towards Shan Haiming. These organised feelings were the reason he always told himself that he must be very good to this person—he must treat them well.}
Putting aside those matters, Xiao Ning then asked Shan Haiming, "Aunty said I could bring her back anything I feel like, but I don't her very well as yet, so what do you think would be a good gift to give her?"

His own mess of confused emotions aside, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful towards Shan Haiming. These organised feelings were the reason he always told himself that he must be very good to this person—he must treat them well. So even if Shan Haiming met another person he liked and broke up with him in the future, nothing would change, because no matter what Shan Haiming had in mind, for Xiao Ning, he had already considered their present something that was worth a lifetime.

_{"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."}This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

"It's the son of the family that supported me financially back then. We've always been schoolmates, and he's the reason his family sponsored me. Afterwards, we both settled in B-City together." Xiao Ning knew that saying all this would lead to Shan Haiming guessing that this person was also his long-time secret crush. "So he has to go back to visit his parents."

_{"Who?" Shan Haiming asked directly.}
The aforementioned "Aunty" was of course Shan Haiming's mother.

"Who?" Shan Haiming asked directly.

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}Every time Xiao Ning was no longer able to contain himself, a few soft and puppy-like whimpers escaped him, but all these whines seemed to do was spur Shan Haiming on to thrust into him harder, with even more intensity; which in turn gave rise to incurable desire from the slippery impact of their sweat-drenched skin that forced even more mewls to leave Xiao Ning's lips.

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.}Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.

When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

_{Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line.}
But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

Because Lu Yan dragged Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning's tone had turned a bit cold. It was still as mild as he was usually accustomed to, and it was certainly not out of line. His response was not enough for any person to have heard the difference, but this could not be said of Lu Yan. Those decades of friendship between them weren't for nought. Moreover, he was well accustomed to being given the ultra platinum VIP treatment by Xiao Ning for years, so this sort of contrasting action had stood out like a sore thumb to him.

_{Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.}
Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

_{Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"}After they ate, Xiao Ning wasn't able to go shopping, and any thought of the like was all forgotten since he went straight to the apartment with Shan Haiming so the two of them could again roll around in bed. On the bed, while Xiao Ning allowed himself to be stripped, he heard Shan Haiming mumble, "We forgot about shopping."

Even Xiao Ning had joined the crowd to display a rarely-seen chipper mood. So much so, the lady at the front desk teased him by saying, "Looks like recently Manager Xiao has been in a very good mood, hm?"

_{"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."}
If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

"Xiao Ning..." Lu Yan let out an empty chuckle. "You can't just forget about your friends like this just because you're seeing someone."

_{"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.}"Oh, understood." Shan Haiming's hand was currently on the steering wheel, moving to give it a turn. "You should give him a call, and tell him we won't be travelling with him."

"What are you up to?" with his eyes still closed, a drowsy Shan Haiming asked.

_{Every time Xiao Ning was no longer able to contain himself, a few soft and puppy-like whimpers escaped him, but all these whines seemed to do was spur Shan Haiming on to thrust into him harder, with even more intensity; which in turn gave rise to incurable desire from the slippery impact of their sweat-drenched skin that forced even more mewls to leave Xiao Ning's lips.}
As for Shan Yisong, Chinese-styled products would be good, yes? Sichuan embroidery, perhaps? I'll check it out after I get there.

Every time Xiao Ning was no longer able to contain himself, a few soft and puppy-like whimpers escaped him, but all these whines seemed to do was spur Shan Haiming on to thrust into him harder, with even more intensity; which in turn gave rise to incurable desire from the slippery impact of their sweat-drenched skin that forced even more mewls to leave Xiao Ning's lips.

_{"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.}However, Xiao Ning thought such a statement was strange and even more embarrassing than being entered. After all, which part of a man his age could be described as cute?

"I already know." Anyhow, when Xiao Ning had spoken to Lu Guo'an and Chen Shuyun on the phone the day before last to notify them of Lu Yan's visit, the old couple seemed over the moon at the news, as if they were planning something.

_N/ABefore the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

N/A

_{Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.}Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

_{The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.}
For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.

The rest of his words remained unspoken, as he then moved to press Xiao Ning beneath him again.

_{Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."}N/A

Xiao Ning's brows for the first time showed a slight crinkle. "Well, it's not like he knows your parents, so he won't be going to see them."

_{If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.}But, to the contrary, Lu Yan took this silence of his as proof of his anger. So now, with a softened tone, he clicked his tongue as he added, "I didn't mean to yell at you. Plus, I'm just doing this for your sake. Haven't you thought about what I said last time?"

If he were the say what the specialities of C-City were, apart from panda-styled cuisine, Xiao Ning figured Wu Yi was the type who adored exquisite trinkets. So that's what he resolved to do, buying her a large amount of such knick-knacks, and of course, there would also be things to eat included as well. Things that were vacuum sealed especially, since the shelf life would be longer.

_{"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."}"Yes." Xiao Ning replied, "I understood your intentions, I think he's a really good person, so there is nothing for you to worry about. What's more, even amongst heterosexual couples there can be things like divorce, so there is really no need for something like this to be given any special type of concern."

"Seriously? I can't even invite you for dinner now?" Lu Yan's voice now got much louder. "Just say if you're coming or not, I'll come pick you up."

_{Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."}
There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

Shan Haiming pressed into him, entering deep, before leaning his body against Xiao Ning's and lowering his head to nibble on the ear of the man below him as he whispered in a tone far more husky than it was normally, "Cute, so cute..."

_{"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.}That last sentence of his alone was already quite harsh.

"I have plans with someone this evening." Xiao Ning thought it over and decided not to say anything about what happened with Xia Li that day. He didn't want to ever mention Xia Li in front of Lu Yan again. It was not his problem, not his business, and the ones who had to deal with it were Lu Yan and Xia Li. All he was was a bystander who got caught up in their storm, just that and nothing more.

_{And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.}Lu Yan was so enraged by these last words that all he did was repeat the word "okay" a few times before hanging up the phone.

And for a long time, Xiao Ning had kept his silence. He was not good with words, so used this time to carefully think of what he should say in order to convey his intentions clearly.

_{Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.}
Like this, Xiao Ning sat silently and calculated what he should bring back to give to whom, earning the occasional glance from Shan Haiming, who reckoned the list he was currently going over in his head was without a doubt rather long. He seemed to calculating it all quite meticulously, resembling very much a squirrel which was in the middle of counting its stash of food for the winter.

Shan Haiming did not groan this time, fearing he might cause Xiao Ning to suffer as he did that first time around. But that youthful vigour of his was far easier to ignite than others, so after coming more than once that night, Xiao Ning was tormented again and again that night for a whole other reason.

_{There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?}
What a curious sight, Shan Haiming thought with no expression. Why does like this sort of thing?

There's also Ye Zixin, the expectant sister-in-law? So I should probably also bring her back something, right?

_{Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."}When that supposed time came, he would of course not make himself a hindrance to Shan Haiming, nor a burden. After all, when it came to such matters he had more than excelled, so it was expected that he would manage to do it impressively well.

Before the upcoming holiday, everyone at the office was unfocused, with no one having the heart to work, and them all speaking the words with one unified voice: "Tell me again after the holiday is over."

_{{For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.}}Alright. I already knew this would be exactly the kind of answer I would get when I asked.

For Shan Haihong... maybe bringing anything is fine.

_{This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.}But Shan Haiming replied simply, "Just as she said, just give her whatever you feel like."

This reaction of his was only natural. If Xiao Ning were alone, everything would be handled without a fuss, but since Shan Haiming was coming along, things had to be done with consideration to him as well, so there was no way he could be ignored and left out in the cold.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: what's with the MCs in the stuff I'm working on being compared to squirrels?

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