The Long Road Ahead: C43
Eat! Eat! Eat!
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
That morning, Xiao Ning woke up on time as usual, but the one beside him didn't so much as stir. Xiao Ning got a feel for Shan Haiming's habits at this point, realising that if there was something the sleeping man had to do, he could keep his energy levels up—even if the matter kept him awake late into the night. But once there was nothing for him to take care of, he could transform into the type that's too lazy to drag himself out of bed.
It seemed each snack presented to him carried with it a memory. Then as he spoke of each kind and watched Shan Haiming try them, in those moments, the wonderful feeling of this truly his hometown gradually arose. This city, in its own way, had raised him. It was there where he also made memories that weren't all sad.
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
"Mn..." Using one to embrace him, Shan Haiming used the other to rub his brow line while watching Xiao Ning with his head askew. "You're up so early, do you have something to do?"
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
The touch of moist coldness quickly brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, and after it parted, Xiao Ning wiped his cheeks. A smile now spread across Xiao Ning's face, one he kept as he repeated, "Yes, everything is alright now, indeed."
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
He really is a flexible one, isn't he?
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
At his response, Shan Haiming stared down at Xiao Ning, his perspiration-soaked brows imbuing his sharp, handsome features with the ferocity of a wild beast, in the end, he captured the lips of the man below him in a kiss hinting of an incomplete satisfaction, as though that man below had barely passed the test. During his enthusiastic actions, bit by bit, Xiao Ning lost his own senses. Now all that was between them was their mingling sweat along with the delightful force emerging from their ever-compressing skin; and once again, more than anyone, no one had entered Xiao Ning as deeply as Shan Haiming.
What's more, there were no urgent matters currently requiring his attention, so Xiao Ning had no intention of waking Shan Haiming from his sleep. But since he, himself, had already woken up, it felt awkward for him to still be lying in bed. So after checking on the person beside him, still sleeping as soundly as before, Xiao Ning quietly tried to drag himself off the bed.
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
"I don't know either." Back then, there was no chance for him to go to the doctor, and even though it was painful, it was not enough to endanger his life. Furthermore, it would've been troublesome to others if he said anything about it, so in the end, he just patiently endured. Children who were forced to mature early seemed to have a knack for taking care of themselves all on their own. So, usually, when eating with adults, he'd have no way out of it and had to eat what was given. But once he was alone, he could take care of the matter a lot easier by avoiding meat and always eating light.
The mattress was so soft, that even if one fell on it, there would be nothing nearing pain. But the sudden shift in his posture did cause him some slight dizziness, yet even then, Xiao Ning's first reaction was to feel apologetic. "Did I wake you?"
Most of the time, this "kid" was far more experienced and far more composed than Xiao Ning, but there were still occasional times when he didn't act as composed and collected, and it was a bit amusing. Xiao Ning also knew well the stubborn personality of Shan Haiming, which would not give up until he got an answer. So he went along and complied with that man's wish, replying, "Mhm."
Xiao Ning was already full at this point, and taking a look at the hot stuff left, he again got up and went to buy a cup of fresh rock sugar pear juice which he placed next to Shan Haiming. "I had some stomach issues in the past."
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
"Mn..." Using one to embrace him, Shan Haiming used the other to rub his brow line while watching Xiao Ning with his head askew. "You're up so early, do you have something to do?"
The next round that followed between them had lasted for far longer than the one they had prior, and the end of it had them both lazing around in bed, where they actually managed to stay for the rest of the entire morning. Xiao Ning's phone had even rung a few times during this period, but Xiao Ning who had been enraptured by such a leisurely mood couldn't find it in himself to answer it.
C-City's airport was not that far away from the heart of the city, so when the traffic conditions were good, it only took a thirty-minute drive to get there. Prior to coming on this trip, Xiao Ning had prepared a short tourist-based itinerary for Shan Haimimg. So on the schedule for that day was a stroll through several places in the heart of the city, and on the schedule for the next day was a tour of the tourist attractions located in the city's environs.
Xiao Ning then recalled they hadn't spoken for long the day before, and thought that right then would be a good time to give the other a call. He planned to first settle things with Shan Haiming, then head to visit Chen Shuyun and Lu Anguo later that evening, with the possibility of an aggrieved Shan Haiming having to have dinner on his own that night.
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
Xiao Ning had also gone to a gastroscopy after work in private, and there was nothing wrong. The doctor had even suggested that being under long-term pressure or stress could be reflected in the stomach experiencing discomfort, resulting in symptoms that mimic chronic gastritis pain.
"This is a hotel, why go out to buy it?" Shan Haiming propped himself up slightly, pressing half of his weight against Xiao Ning, the sleepiness on his face was now completely washed away. As for Xiao Ning, his face now pricked with a heat, because pressed up against his thigh was a hot and hard certain something.
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
So at this moment, he naturally followed Shan Haiming.
They were both men, and such a thing was well understood.
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
While Xiao Ning was off to buy more dishes, a thought popped into his mind. He figured it would be rare for Shan Haiming to go there again, so he was overcome by the need to let the other man try as many dishes as he could. He practically swept through the streets after, buying up as much as he could until both his hands were soon full. Then he rushed back to the table, released his hoard and repeated it all again and again until the table was full.
"This is a hotel, why go out to buy it?" Shan Haiming propped himself up slightly, pressing half of his weight against Xiao Ning, the sleepiness on his face was now completely washed away. As for Xiao Ning, his face now pricked with a heat, because pressed up against his thigh was a hot and hard certain something.
To which Xiao Ning hummed out a feint "Mn?"
It must be my imagination, right? Right then, Xiao Ning couldn't shake the feeling that Shan Haiming's current expression was exactly like the one he wore back at home whenever he would tease Xiaohei.
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
This line he just spoke coupled with all the stuff he just bought from the stall, made Shan Haiming get the feeling that he was currently being seriously spoiled. It was a thought that made his lips tug upwards, and for the remaining rice ball on his stick to be pressed towards Xiao Ning's lip. Under the gaze of others, Xiao Ning exposed a concerned expression for the crowd, but just as quickly, an apologetic smile spread on his face for this brief moment of hesitation before he took the bamboo-skewered delicacy to eat.
But although he should be talking about Xiao Ning's stomach troubles, right then, he honestly didn't seem to be.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
They were both men, and such a thing was well understood.
Shan Haiming listened to him attentively, then leaned over to the cake in Xiao Ning's hand to take a bite. But Xiao Ning had been preparing to eat from it himself while he spoke, bringing the cake close to his own lips. So now when Shan Haiming performed this sudden action, he had gotten so close, that it created a rather intimate scene between them, even if it was still a step away from being mistaken for a kiss.
Another person was there.
Shan Haiming drank his juice while listening, but then he stopped to stare at Xiao Ning, followed by his juice-carrying hand's sudden extension to gently touch Xiao Ning's cheek. He then said faintly, "Everything's alright now."
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
It was true that this sort of thing was quite uncomfortable in the beginning, and that even if it felt really good as it went on, after finishing, not only would one be incredibly exhausted, but its after-effects also made things troublesome past that as well.
It must be my imagination, right? Right then, Xiao Ning couldn't shake the feeling that Shan Haiming's current expression was exactly like the one he wore back at home whenever he would tease Xiaohei.
However, Xiao Ning was bashful by nature, and that pure-hearted personality of his, which possessed all too few desires, had also resulted in his awkwardness and unenthusiastic feelings towards such matters. But as long Shan Haiming wanted to, he would also not refuse.
This... we're in public...
There was another person beside him.
Xiao Ning then recalled they hadn't spoken for long the day before, and thought that right then would be a good time to give the other a call. He planned to first settle things with Shan Haiming, then head to visit Chen Shuyun and Lu Anguo later that evening, with the possibility of an aggrieved Shan Haiming having to have dinner on his own that night.
That morning, Xiao Ning woke up on time as usual, but the one beside him didn't so much as stir. Xiao Ning got a feel for Shan Haiming's habits at this point, realising that if there was something the sleeping man had to do, he could keep his energy levels up—even if the matter kept him awake late into the night. But once there was nothing for him to take care of, he could transform into the type that's too lazy to drag himself out of bed.
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
So at this moment, he naturally followed Shan Haiming.
So after they found another hotel in the city centre, Xiao Ning took Shan Haiming out for a stroll.
The touch of moist coldness quickly brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, and after it parted, Xiao Ning wiped his cheeks. A smile now spread across Xiao Ning's face, one he kept as he repeated, "Yes, everything is alright now, indeed."
After the call ended, Shan Haiming had finished getting himself ready, so the two made their way from the hotel.
The tourists had turned their attention their way because of this, while Shan Haiming rested his hand on the table and ate three sticks of swan eggs (sweet, fried glutinous rice balls). "That's a lot of bags."
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
Another person was there.
But this time, halfway through their act, Shan Haiming suddenly asked him, "You like it?"
It must be my imagination, right? Right then, Xiao Ning couldn't shake the feeling that Shan Haiming's current expression was exactly like the one he wore back at home whenever he would tease Xiaohei.
To which Xiao Ning hummed out a feint "Mn?"
The mattress was so soft, that even if one fell on it, there would be nothing nearing pain. But the sudden shift in his posture did cause him some slight dizziness, yet even then, Xiao Ning's first reaction was to feel apologetic. "Did I wake you?"
Shan Haiming listened to him attentively, then leaned over to the cake in Xiao Ning's hand to take a bite. But Xiao Ning had been preparing to eat from it himself while he spoke, bringing the cake close to his own lips. So now when Shan Haiming performed this sudden action, he had gotten so close, that it created a rather intimate scene between them, even if it was still a step away from being mistaken for a kiss.
However, Xiao Ning was bashful by nature, and that pure-hearted personality of his, which possessed all too few desires, had also resulted in his awkwardness and unenthusiastic feelings towards such matters. But as long Shan Haiming wanted to, he would also not refuse.
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
iana: This was so freaking cute I want to eat them. Speaking of eating, the food pics are below.[]
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
"Once in a while, stuff like this is fine." Xiao Ning laughed as he answered, watching him eat while he remained still.
Those were his memories, memories that now left Xiao Ning in a semi-trance. "After I graduated college, it gradually got better. Looking back, it might've been just been nervous stomach aches."
The next round that followed between them had lasted for far longer than the one they had prior, and the end of it had them both lazing around in bed, where they actually managed to stay for the rest of the entire morning. Xiao Ning's phone had even rung a few times during this period, but Xiao Ning who had been enraptured by such a leisurely mood couldn't find it in himself to answer it.
Xiao Ning: "..."
While Xiao Ning was off to buy more dishes, a thought popped into his mind. He figured it would be rare for Shan Haiming to go there again, so he was overcome by the need to let the other man try as many dishes as he could. He practically swept through the streets after, buying up as much as he could until both his hands were soon full. Then he rushed back to the table, released his hoard and repeated it all again and again until the table was full.
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
The touch of moist coldness quickly brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, and after it parted, Xiao Ning wiped his cheeks. A smile now spread across Xiao Ning's face, one he kept as he repeated, "Yes, everything is alright now, indeed."
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
That morning, Xiao Ning woke up on time as usual, but the one beside him didn't so much as stir. Xiao Ning got a feel for Shan Haiming's habits at this point, realising that if there was something the sleeping man had to do, he could keep his energy levels up—even if the matter kept him awake late into the night. But once there was nothing for him to take care of, he could transform into the type that's too lazy to drag himself out of bed.
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
Most of the time, this "kid" was far more experienced and far more composed than Xiao Ning, but there were still occasional times when he didn't act as composed and collected, and it was a bit amusing. Xiao Ning also knew well the stubborn personality of Shan Haiming, which would not give up until he got an answer. So he went along and complied with that man's wish, replying, "Mhm."
There were four missed calls, all from Lu Yan.
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
What's more, there were no urgent matters currently requiring his attention, so Xiao Ning had no intention of waking Shan Haiming from his sleep. But since he, himself, had already woken up, it felt awkward for him to still be lying in bed. So after checking on the person beside him, still sleeping as soundly as before, Xiao Ning quietly tried to drag himself off the bed.
At his response, Shan Haiming stared down at Xiao Ning, his perspiration-soaked brows imbuing his sharp, handsome features with the ferocity of a wild beast, in the end, he captured the lips of the man below him in a kiss hinting of an incomplete satisfaction, as though that man below had barely passed the test. During his enthusiastic actions, bit by bit, Xiao Ning lost his own senses. Now all that was between them was their mingling sweat along with the delightful force emerging from their ever-compressing skin; and once again, more than anyone, no one had entered Xiao Ning as deeply as Shan Haiming.
Xiao Ning didn't want everyone to be unhappy while having a good meal, and more important than that, he couldn't stand the idea of Shan Haiming being put in an awkward situation, so he stepped up and politely refused.
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
After the call ended, Shan Haiming had finished getting himself ready, so the two made their way from the hotel.
Xiao Ning didn't want everyone to be unhappy while having a good meal, and more important than that, he couldn't stand the idea of Shan Haiming being put in an awkward situation, so he stepped up and politely refused.
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
At his response, Shan Haiming stared down at Xiao Ning, his perspiration-soaked brows imbuing his sharp, handsome features with the ferocity of a wild beast, in the end, he captured the lips of the man below him in a kiss hinting of an incomplete satisfaction, as though that man below had barely passed the test. During his enthusiastic actions, bit by bit, Xiao Ning lost his own senses. Now all that was between them was their mingling sweat along with the delightful force emerging from their ever-compressing skin; and once again, more than anyone, no one had entered Xiao Ning as deeply as Shan Haiming.
It was true that this sort of thing was quite uncomfortable in the beginning, and that even if it felt really good as it went on, after finishing, not only would one be incredibly exhausted, but its after-effects also made things troublesome past that as well.
Shan Haiming drank his juice while listening, but then he stopped to stare at Xiao Ning, followed by his juice-carrying hand's sudden extension to gently touch Xiao Ning's cheek. He then said faintly, "Everything's alright now."
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
To which Xiao Ning hummed out a feint "Mn?"
But he did really like it, he liked it a great deal. Whether it was the the weight from their mingled skin, the lingering intimacy of their union, or the taste of their entangled breaths—all of it captured his infatuation, all of it was something he cherished.
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
It was a moment where all of the world seemed to have been pushed to the wayside, all but him... and this other person.
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
There was another person beside him.
But he did really like it, he liked it a great deal. Whether it was the the weight from their mingled skin, the lingering intimacy of their union, or the taste of their entangled breaths—all of it captured his infatuation, all of it was something he cherished.
Another person was there.
That morning, Xiao Ning woke up on time as usual, but the one beside him didn't so much as stir. Xiao Ning got a feel for Shan Haiming's habits at this point, realising that if there was something the sleeping man had to do, he could keep his energy levels up—even if the matter kept him awake late into the night. But once there was nothing for him to take care of, he could transform into the type that's too lazy to drag himself out of bed.
The mattress was so soft, that even if one fell on it, there would be nothing nearing pain. But the sudden shift in his posture did cause him some slight dizziness, yet even then, Xiao Ning's first reaction was to feel apologetic. "Did I wake you?"
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
To which Xiao Ning hummed out a feint "Mn?"
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
And every time Xiao Ning became aware of this, he invariably felt moved.
Another person was there.
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
N/A
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
N/A
N/A
Xiao Ning was already full at this point, and taking a look at the hot stuff left, he again got up and went to buy a cup of fresh rock sugar pear juice which he placed next to Shan Haiming. "I had some stomach issues in the past."
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
He couldn't help but steal a few more glances at that spot right before he finally paid. Then while carrying their food with Shan Haiming, his sharp eyes spotted a free table in the dining area outside, causing him to grab hold of Shan Haiming and pull him to those seats before they again became occupied.
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
Xiao Ning had also gone to a gastroscopy after work in private, and there was nothing wrong. The doctor had even suggested that being under long-term pressure or stress could be reflected in the stomach experiencing discomfort, resulting in symptoms that mimic chronic gastritis pain.
Xiao Ning was already full at this point, and taking a look at the hot stuff left, he again got up and went to buy a cup of fresh rock sugar pear juice which he placed next to Shan Haiming. "I had some stomach issues in the past."
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
So after they found another hotel in the city centre, Xiao Ning took Shan Haiming out for a stroll.
While Xiao Ning was off to buy more dishes, a thought popped into his mind. He figured it would be rare for Shan Haiming to go there again, so he was overcome by the need to let the other man try as many dishes as he could. He practically swept through the streets after, buying up as much as he could until both his hands were soon full. Then he rushed back to the table, released his hoard and repeated it all again and again until the table was full.
The next round that followed between them had lasted for far longer than the one they had prior, and the end of it had them both lazing around in bed, where they actually managed to stay for the rest of the entire morning. Xiao Ning's phone had even rung a few times during this period, but Xiao Ning who had been enraptured by such a leisurely mood couldn't find it in himself to answer it.
What's more, there were no urgent matters currently requiring his attention, so Xiao Ning had no intention of waking Shan Haiming from his sleep. But since he, himself, had already woken up, it felt awkward for him to still be lying in bed. So after checking on the person beside him, still sleeping as soundly as before, Xiao Ning quietly tried to drag himself off the bed.
Those were his memories, memories that now left Xiao Ning in a semi-trance. "After I graduated college, it gradually got better. Looking back, it might've been just been nervous stomach aches."
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
"I don't know either." Back then, there was no chance for him to go to the doctor, and even though it was painful, it was not enough to endanger his life. Furthermore, it would've been troublesome to others if he said anything about it, so in the end, he just patiently endured. Children who were forced to mature early seemed to have a knack for taking care of themselves all on their own. So, usually, when eating with adults, he'd have no way out of it and had to eat what was given. But once he was alone, he could take care of the matter a lot easier by avoiding meat and always eating light.
What's more, there were no urgent matters currently requiring his attention, so Xiao Ning had no intention of waking Shan Haiming from his sleep. But since he, himself, had already woken up, it felt awkward for him to still be lying in bed. So after checking on the person beside him, still sleeping as soundly as before, Xiao Ning quietly tried to drag himself off the bed.
It was true that this sort of thing was quite uncomfortable in the beginning, and that even if it felt really good as it went on, after finishing, not only would one be incredibly exhausted, but its after-effects also made things troublesome past that as well.
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
"Once in a while, stuff like this is fine." Xiao Ning laughed as he answered, watching him eat while he remained still.
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
Shan Haiming had no objections to this itinerary, but he didn't seem all that excited about it either.
"This is a hotel, why go out to buy it?" Shan Haiming propped himself up slightly, pressing half of his weight against Xiao Ning, the sleepiness on his face was now completely washed away. As for Xiao Ning, his face now pricked with a heat, because pressed up against his thigh was a hot and hard certain something.
At first, his words sounded like disgust, however, they carried traces of a liking of the peculiar, so Xiao Ning picked it up and smiled as responded, "There was an 'uncle' who would ride around and sell these when I was a kid. He'd ride around to a bunch of different schools during the weekdays and sell these at the gate, so it's just been a long time since I've last had it. Plus, the ones back then compared to these were much more delicious, especially the ones sprinkled with red bean powder. Those were especially soft, fragrant and sweet, but they weren't at all oily. So it was possible for it to all melt in your mouth just after one bite."
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
At first, his words sounded like disgust, however, they carried traces of a liking of the peculiar, so Xiao Ning picked it up and smiled as responded, "There was an 'uncle' who would ride around and sell these when I was a kid. He'd ride around to a bunch of different schools during the weekdays and sell these at the gate, so it's just been a long time since I've last had it. Plus, the ones back then compared to these were much more delicious, especially the ones sprinkled with red bean powder. Those were especially soft, fragrant and sweet, but they weren't at all oily. So it was possible for it to all melt in your mouth just after one bite."
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
It was a moment where all of the world seemed to have been pushed to the wayside, all but him... and this other person.
He couldn't help but steal a few more glances at that spot right before he finally paid. Then while carrying their food with Shan Haiming, his sharp eyes spotted a free table in the dining area outside, causing him to grab hold of Shan Haiming and pull him to those seats before they again became occupied.
There were four missed calls, all from Lu Yan.
There was another person beside him.
Xiao Ning then recalled they hadn't spoken for long the day before, and thought that right then would be a good time to give the other a call. He planned to first settle things with Shan Haiming, then head to visit Chen Shuyun and Lu Anguo later that evening, with the possibility of an aggrieved Shan Haiming having to have dinner on his own that night.
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
This line he just spoke coupled with all the stuff he just bought from the stall, made Shan Haiming get the feeling that he was currently being seriously spoiled. It was a thought that made his lips tug upwards, and for the remaining rice ball on his stick to be pressed towards Xiao Ning's lip. Under the gaze of others, Xiao Ning exposed a concerned expression for the crowd, but just as quickly, an apologetic smile spread on his face for this brief moment of hesitation before he took the bamboo-skewered delicacy to eat.
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
It seemed each snack presented to him carried with it a memory. Then as he spoke of each kind and watched Shan Haiming try them, in those moments, the wonderful feeling of this truly his hometown gradually arose. This city, in its own way, had raised him. It was there where he also made memories that weren't all sad.
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
It was a moment where all of the world seemed to have been pushed to the wayside, all but him... and this other person.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
Xiao Ning had also gone to a gastroscopy after work in private, and there was nothing wrong. The doctor had even suggested that being under long-term pressure or stress could be reflected in the stomach experiencing discomfort, resulting in symptoms that mimic chronic gastritis pain.
There were four missed calls, all from Lu Yan.
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
N/A
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
Xiao Ning didn't want everyone to be unhappy while having a good meal, and more important than that, he couldn't stand the idea of Shan Haiming being put in an awkward situation, so he stepped up and politely refused.
Eat! Eat! Eat!
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
Eat! Eat! Eat!
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
After the call ended, Shan Haiming had finished getting himself ready, so the two made their way from the hotel.
At first, his words sounded like disgust, however, they carried traces of a liking of the peculiar, so Xiao Ning picked it up and smiled as responded, "There was an 'uncle' who would ride around and sell these when I was a kid. He'd ride around to a bunch of different schools during the weekdays and sell these at the gate, so it's just been a long time since I've last had it. Plus, the ones back then compared to these were much more delicious, especially the ones sprinkled with red bean powder. Those were especially soft, fragrant and sweet, but they weren't at all oily. So it was possible for it to all melt in your mouth just after one bite."
C-City's airport was not that far away from the heart of the city, so when the traffic conditions were good, it only took a thirty-minute drive to get there. Prior to coming on this trip, Xiao Ning had prepared a short tourist-based itinerary for Shan Haimimg. So on the schedule for that day was a stroll through several places in the heart of the city, and on the schedule for the next day was a tour of the tourist attractions located in the city's environs.
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
Shan Haiming had no objections to this itinerary, but he didn't seem all that excited about it either.
And every time Xiao Ning became aware of this, he invariably felt moved.
Most of the time, this "kid" was far more experienced and far more composed than Xiao Ning, but there were still occasional times when he didn't act as composed and collected, and it was a bit amusing. Xiao Ning also knew well the stubborn personality of Shan Haiming, which would not give up until he got an answer. So he went along and complied with that man's wish, replying, "Mhm."
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
So after they found another hotel in the city centre, Xiao Ning took Shan Haiming out for a stroll.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
Shan Haiming listened to him attentively, then leaned over to the cake in Xiao Ning's hand to take a bite. But Xiao Ning had been preparing to eat from it himself while he spoke, bringing the cake close to his own lips. So now when Shan Haiming performed this sudden action, he had gotten so close, that it created a rather intimate scene between them, even if it was still a step away from being mistaken for a kiss.
It was a moment where all of the world seemed to have been pushed to the wayside, all but him... and this other person.
Eat! Eat! Eat!
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
As a native of C-City, even Xiao Ning could afford to eat these reasonably priced snacks every so often, what's more, Lu Yan was also a very generous friend. So, of course, he had eaten it, and like before, he also had a story to tell.
What's more, there were no urgent matters currently requiring his attention, so Xiao Ning had no intention of waking Shan Haiming from his sleep. But since he, himself, had already woken up, it felt awkward for him to still be lying in bed. So after checking on the person beside him, still sleeping as soundly as before, Xiao Ning quietly tried to drag himself off the bed.
The difference between the specially built "old streets" and the other "old streets" was that about eighty percent of the shops there were selling food. There was even an entire alley with nothing but small snack shops lined up together, which were mostly made up of foods that had a lot of flavour because you could even smell them all from far away.
It was true that this sort of thing was quite uncomfortable in the beginning, and that even if it felt really good as it went on, after finishing, not only would one be incredibly exhausted, but its after-effects also made things troublesome past that as well.
"Mn..." Using one to embrace him, Shan Haiming used the other to rub his brow line while watching Xiao Ning with his head askew. "You're up so early, do you have something to do?"
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
Xiao Ning didn't want everyone to be unhappy while having a good meal, and more important than that, he couldn't stand the idea of Shan Haiming being put in an awkward situation, so he stepped up and politely refused.
They were both men, and such a thing was well understood.
"What's this?" Shan Haiming finally showed interest in something, so Xiao Ning looked up and explained: "It's one serving of steamed beef."
However, Xiao Ning was bashful by nature, and that pure-hearted personality of his, which possessed all too few desires, had also resulted in his awkwardness and unenthusiastic feelings towards such matters. But as long Shan Haiming wanted to, he would also not refuse.
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
But this time, halfway through their act, Shan Haiming suddenly asked him, "You like it?"
The next round that followed between them had lasted for far longer than the one they had prior, and the end of it had them both lazing around in bed, where they actually managed to stay for the rest of the entire morning. Xiao Ning's phone had even rung a few times during this period, but Xiao Ning who had been enraptured by such a leisurely mood couldn't find it in himself to answer it.
There was another person beside him.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
But he did really like it, he liked it a great deal. Whether it was the the weight from their mingled skin, the lingering intimacy of their union, or the taste of their entangled breaths—all of it captured his infatuation, all of it was something he cherished.
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
He really is a flexible one, isn't he?
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
iana: This was so freaking cute I want to eat them. Speaking of eating, the food pics are below.[]
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
He couldn't help but steal a few more glances at that spot right before he finally paid. Then while carrying their food with Shan Haiming, his sharp eyes spotted a free table in the dining area outside, causing him to grab hold of Shan Haiming and pull him to those seats before they again became occupied.
As a native of C-City, even Xiao Ning could afford to eat these reasonably priced snacks every so often, what's more, Lu Yan was also a very generous friend. So, of course, he had eaten it, and like before, he also had a story to tell.
"What's this?" Shan Haiming finally showed interest in something, so Xiao Ning looked up and explained: "It's one serving of steamed beef."
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
The difference between the specially built "old streets" and the other "old streets" was that about eighty percent of the shops there were selling food. There was even an entire alley with nothing but small snack shops lined up together, which were mostly made up of foods that had a lot of flavour because you could even smell them all from far away.
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
Setting the dishes on the table one by one, before placing the napkins and chopsticks to the side, Xiao Ning then told Shan Haiming, "You eat first in the meantime, I'll go buy some other dishes."
He had managed to make his way to the bedside and even got a foot down too. But before he could put his weight on it, a strong force captured him by the waist and pulled him back on the bed.
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
There was another person beside him.
While Xiao Ning was off to buy more dishes, a thought popped into his mind. He figured it would be rare for Shan Haiming to go there again, so he was overcome by the need to let the other man try as many dishes as he could. He practically swept through the streets after, buying up as much as he could until both his hands were soon full. Then he rushed back to the table, released his hoard and repeated it all again and again until the table was full.
After the call ended, Shan Haiming had finished getting himself ready, so the two made their way from the hotel.
Shan Haiming sat there, both hands resting on his lap as Xiao Ning spoke. He looked like a kid at that moment, one looking up at their mom, who in this case was Xiao Ning, displaying a rarely seen obedient attitude before responding with a "Mhm."
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
C-City's airport was not that far away from the heart of the city, so when the traffic conditions were good, it only took a thirty-minute drive to get there. Prior to coming on this trip, Xiao Ning had prepared a short tourist-based itinerary for Shan Haimimg. So on the schedule for that day was a stroll through several places in the heart of the city, and on the schedule for the next day was a tour of the tourist attractions located in the city's environs.
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
While Xiao Ning was off to buy more dishes, a thought popped into his mind. He figured it would be rare for Shan Haiming to go there again, so he was overcome by the need to let the other man try as many dishes as he could. He practically swept through the streets after, buying up as much as he could until both his hands were soon full. Then he rushed back to the table, released his hoard and repeated it all again and again until the table was full.
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
But, for some reason, he got the feeling that Lu Yan would probably not be too happy with this decision. So after thinking it over again, Xiao Ning decided to avoid those sharp edges and contact Chen Shuyun directly instead.
This line he just spoke coupled with all the stuff he just bought from the stall, made Shan Haiming get the feeling that he was currently being seriously spoiled. It was a thought that made his lips tug upwards, and for the remaining rice ball on his stick to be pressed towards Xiao Ning's lip. Under the gaze of others, Xiao Ning exposed a concerned expression for the crowd, but just as quickly, an apologetic smile spread on his face for this brief moment of hesitation before he took the bamboo-skewered delicacy to eat.
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
"What's this?" Shan Haiming finally showed interest in something, so Xiao Ning looked up and explained: "It's one serving of steamed beef."
The tourists had turned their attention their way because of this, while Shan Haiming rested his hand on the table and ate three sticks of swan eggs (sweet, fried glutinous rice balls). "That's a lot of bags."
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
Shan Haiming then sped up his waist's movement, making him have to catch his breath. Because of this and his ability to unexpectedly maintain his calm appearance at such a time, the sensuality was especially evident when he asked once more, "You like it?"
At his response, Shan Haiming stared down at Xiao Ning, his perspiration-soaked brows imbuing his sharp, handsome features with the ferocity of a wild beast, in the end, he captured the lips of the man below him in a kiss hinting of an incomplete satisfaction, as though that man below had barely passed the test. During his enthusiastic actions, bit by bit, Xiao Ning lost his own senses. Now all that was between them was their mingling sweat along with the delightful force emerging from their ever-compressing skin; and once again, more than anyone, no one had entered Xiao Ning as deeply as Shan Haiming.
This... we're in public...
But although he should be talking about Xiao Ning's stomach troubles, right then, he honestly didn't seem to be.
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
Another person was there.
"Once in a while, stuff like this is fine." Xiao Ning laughed as he answered, watching him eat while he remained still.
But this time, halfway through their act, Shan Haiming suddenly asked him, "You like it?"
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
This line he just spoke coupled with all the stuff he just bought from the stall, made Shan Haiming get the feeling that he was currently being seriously spoiled. It was a thought that made his lips tug upwards, and for the remaining rice ball on his stick to be pressed towards Xiao Ning's lip. Under the gaze of others, Xiao Ning exposed a concerned expression for the crowd, but just as quickly, an apologetic smile spread on his face for this brief moment of hesitation before he took the bamboo-skewered delicacy to eat.
Xiao Ning: "..."
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
"Once in a while, stuff like this is fine." Xiao Ning laughed as he answered, watching him eat while he remained still.
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
Setting the dishes on the table one by one, before placing the napkins and chopsticks to the side, Xiao Ning then told Shan Haiming, "You eat first in the meantime, I'll go buy some other dishes."
After they were done talking about that dinner matter, Chen Shuyun told Xiao Ning to bring over his friend. But before Xiao Ning could respond to her invitation, he heard Lu Yan's voice echo from behind her asking: "Why would an outsider come here?"
"What's this?" Shan Haiming finally showed interest in something, so Xiao Ning looked up and explained: "It's one serving of steamed beef."
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
Shan Haiming drank his juice while listening, but then he stopped to stare at Xiao Ning, followed by his juice-carrying hand's sudden extension to gently touch Xiao Ning's cheek. He then said faintly, "Everything's alright now."
After retrieving his hand, again, Shan Haiming placed a piece of cake before Xiao Ning's face, this time after using a bamboo leaf to scoop it out, while the fingers of his other hand were casually licked. "You like eating this kind of thing."
This line he just spoke coupled with all the stuff he just bought from the stall, made Shan Haiming get the feeling that he was currently being seriously spoiled. It was a thought that made his lips tug upwards, and for the remaining rice ball on his stick to be pressed towards Xiao Ning's lip. Under the gaze of others, Xiao Ning exposed a concerned expression for the crowd, but just as quickly, an apologetic smile spread on his face for this brief moment of hesitation before he took the bamboo-skewered delicacy to eat.
It was true that this sort of thing was quite uncomfortable in the beginning, and that even if it felt really good as it went on, after finishing, not only would one be incredibly exhausted, but its after-effects also made things troublesome past that as well.
Shan Haiming had no objections to this itinerary, but he didn't seem all that excited about it either.
Most of the time, this "kid" was far more experienced and far more composed than Xiao Ning, but there were still occasional times when he didn't act as composed and collected, and it was a bit amusing. Xiao Ning also knew well the stubborn personality of Shan Haiming, which would not give up until he got an answer. So he went along and complied with that man's wish, replying, "Mhm."
So at this moment, he naturally followed Shan Haiming.
At first, his words sounded like disgust, however, they carried traces of a liking of the peculiar, so Xiao Ning picked it up and smiled as responded, "There was an 'uncle' who would ride around and sell these when I was a kid. He'd ride around to a bunch of different schools during the weekdays and sell these at the gate, so it's just been a long time since I've last had it. Plus, the ones back then compared to these were much more delicious, especially the ones sprinkled with red bean powder. Those were especially soft, fragrant and sweet, but they weren't at all oily. So it was possible for it to all melt in your mouth just after one bite."
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
But he did really like it, he liked it a great deal. Whether it was the the weight from their mingled skin, the lingering intimacy of their union, or the taste of their entangled breaths—all of it captured his infatuation, all of it was something he cherished.
They were both men, and such a thing was well understood.
Shan Haiming listened to him attentively, then leaned over to the cake in Xiao Ning's hand to take a bite. But Xiao Ning had been preparing to eat from it himself while he spoke, bringing the cake close to his own lips. So now when Shan Haiming performed this sudden action, he had gotten so close, that it created a rather intimate scene between them, even if it was still a step away from being mistaken for a kiss.
They were both men, and such a thing was well understood.
iana: This was so freaking cute I want to eat them. Speaking of eating, the food pics are below.[]
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
The tourists had turned their attention their way because of this, while Shan Haiming rested his hand on the table and ate three sticks of swan eggs (sweet, fried glutinous rice balls). "That's a lot of bags."
Eat! Eat! Eat!
This... we're in public...
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
But although he should be talking about Xiao Ning's stomach troubles, right then, he honestly didn't seem to be.
Eat! Eat! Eat!
He didn't get to eat a proper meal before, so this could be considered his breaking point. Then as Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet to pay, his mood was nothing but bright and cheerful. But it had nothing to do with his wallet being a different one than before, it was still the same old wallet, it was just that tucked neatly in the pocket for a photo was now a napkin folded into a square.
It must be my imagination, right? Right then, Xiao Ning couldn't shake the feeling that Shan Haiming's current expression was exactly like the one he wore back at home whenever he would tease Xiaohei.
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
Eat! Eat! Eat!
He really is a flexible one, isn't he?
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
After which, Shan Haiming pointed to a few other items and told the shop owner, "I'll take one serving of these."
"After hearing you talk about it, I just wanted to try it again." Shan Haiming used his chopsticks to pick up another snack as he asked, "What about this? Did you eat these when you were little, too?"
But although he should be talking about Xiao Ning's stomach troubles, right then, he honestly didn't seem to be.
As a native of C-City, even Xiao Ning could afford to eat these reasonably priced snacks every so often, what's more, Lu Yan was also a very generous friend. So, of course, he had eaten it, and like before, he also had a story to tell.
Xiao Ning then recalled they hadn't spoken for long the day before, and thought that right then would be a good time to give the other a call. He planned to first settle things with Shan Haiming, then head to visit Chen Shuyun and Lu Anguo later that evening, with the possibility of an aggrieved Shan Haiming having to have dinner on his own that night.
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
To which Xiao Ning hummed out a feint "Mn?"
It seemed each snack presented to him carried with it a memory. Then as he spoke of each kind and watched Shan Haiming try them, in those moments, the wonderful feeling of this truly his hometown gradually arose. This city, in its own way, had raised him. It was there where he also made memories that weren't all sad.
C-City's airport was not that far away from the heart of the city, so when the traffic conditions were good, it only took a thirty-minute drive to get there. Prior to coming on this trip, Xiao Ning had prepared a short tourist-based itinerary for Shan Haimimg. So on the schedule for that day was a stroll through several places in the heart of the city, and on the schedule for the next day was a tour of the tourist attractions located in the city's environs.
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
So at this moment, he naturally followed Shan Haiming.
Xiao Ning was already full at this point, and taking a look at the hot stuff left, he again got up and went to buy a cup of fresh rock sugar pear juice which he placed next to Shan Haiming. "I had some stomach issues in the past."
"Mn..." Using one to embrace him, Shan Haiming used the other to rub his brow line while watching Xiao Ning with his head askew. "You're up so early, do you have something to do?"
After the two released, they both took a moment to rest and catch their breaths. Shan Haiming was then the first to leave the bed and head to the bathroom. Xiao Ning thought he was heading to go take a shower, not expecting him to as soon as he did then say, "I forgot to use one. I'll help you clean up after we're done."
Those were his memories, memories that now left Xiao Ning in a semi-trance. "After I graduated college, it gradually got better. Looking back, it might've been just been nervous stomach aches."
Eat! Eat! Eat!
Xiao Ning: "..."
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
Xiao Ning was already full at this point, and taking a look at the hot stuff left, he again got up and went to buy a cup of fresh rock sugar pear juice which he placed next to Shan Haiming. "I had some stomach issues in the past."
"I don't know either." Back then, there was no chance for him to go to the doctor, and even though it was painful, it was not enough to endanger his life. Furthermore, it would've been troublesome to others if he said anything about it, so in the end, he just patiently endured. Children who were forced to mature early seemed to have a knack for taking care of themselves all on their own. So, usually, when eating with adults, he'd have no way out of it and had to eat what was given. But once he was alone, he could take care of the matter a lot easier by avoiding meat and always eating light.
At his response, Shan Haiming stared down at Xiao Ning, his perspiration-soaked brows imbuing his sharp, handsome features with the ferocity of a wild beast, in the end, he captured the lips of the man below him in a kiss hinting of an incomplete satisfaction, as though that man below had barely passed the test. During his enthusiastic actions, bit by bit, Xiao Ning lost his own senses. Now all that was between them was their mingling sweat along with the delightful force emerging from their ever-compressing skin; and once again, more than anyone, no one had entered Xiao Ning as deeply as Shan Haiming.
But, at the way he ate back then when Lu Yan saw it, he had just assumed it was because Xiao Ning was saving money on meals.
The difference between the specially built "old streets" and the other "old streets" was that about eighty percent of the shops there were selling food. There was even an entire alley with nothing but small snack shops lined up together, which were mostly made up of foods that had a lot of flavour because you could even smell them all from far away.
However, Xiao Ning was bashful by nature, and that pure-hearted personality of his, which possessed all too few desires, had also resulted in his awkwardness and unenthusiastic feelings towards such matters. But as long Shan Haiming wanted to, he would also not refuse.
Xiao Ning had also gone to a gastroscopy after work in private, and there was nothing wrong. The doctor had even suggested that being under long-term pressure or stress could be reflected in the stomach experiencing discomfort, resulting in symptoms that mimic chronic gastritis pain.
Setting the dishes on the table one by one, before placing the napkins and chopsticks to the side, Xiao Ning then told Shan Haiming, "You eat first in the meantime, I'll go buy some other dishes."
It seemed each snack presented to him carried with it a memory. Then as he spoke of each kind and watched Shan Haiming try them, in those moments, the wonderful feeling of this truly his hometown gradually arose. This city, in its own way, had raised him. It was there where he also made memories that weren't all sad.
"What's this?" Shan Haiming finally showed interest in something, so Xiao Ning looked up and explained: "It's one serving of steamed beef."
The mattress was so soft, that even if one fell on it, there would be nothing nearing pain. But the sudden shift in his posture did cause him some slight dizziness, yet even then, Xiao Ning's first reaction was to feel apologetic. "Did I wake you?"
Those were his memories, memories that now left Xiao Ning in a semi-trance. "After I graduated college, it gradually got better. Looking back, it might've been just been nervous stomach aches."
He really is a flexible one, isn't he?
Shan Haiming then went on to lazily take a bite of a steamed rice cake, it was smooth and delicate, being just a bit harder than cotton candy, and as for taste, it wasn't really that sweet. Using his fingers to break off half, he again reached over to feed it to Xiao Ning. But unlike his attempt last time around, his actions were all the more brazen. Xiao Ning was entangled by his concern about those around him, but seeing the enthusiastic look on Shan Haiming's face made him chuckle internally while letting out a sigh. He still opened his mouth, however, in cooperation with that man's act, receiving the piece of cake from Shan Haiming's very fingers before he chewed on the snack.
While holding the straw for his milk between his lips, Xiao Ning finally decided to pull out his phone to check it.
Shan Haiming did feel thirsty, so he picked up the cup and drank some, the cold, sweet pear feeling quite refreshing. "How could you get stomach issues when you were so young?"
So at this moment, he naturally followed Shan Haiming.
Xiao Ning had also gone to a gastroscopy after work in private, and there was nothing wrong. The doctor had even suggested that being under long-term pressure or stress could be reflected in the stomach experiencing discomfort, resulting in symptoms that mimic chronic gastritis pain.
Xiao Ning took a look. Oh... Oh right. The hotel bathrooms had a good bit of condoms.
Shan Haiming drank his juice while listening, but then he stopped to stare at Xiao Ning, followed by his juice-carrying hand's sudden extension to gently touch Xiao Ning's cheek. He then said faintly, "Everything's alright now."
Every stall was swept by Xiao Ning when he was done, and every foodstuff they sold was bought. The table was laden with all the snacks meant for them, and it was an impressive haul. So much so, that for just two people, it was a "battle" whose scope they would be unable to solve.
And every time Xiao Ning became aware of this, he invariably felt moved.
With Shan Haiming taking the lead, all the food that wasn't spicy was soon finished by the two. All that was left behind then was everything that looked as though it carried a good bit of heat. Shan Haiming wasn't particularly fond of spicy dishes, but it wasn't that he couldn't eat them either. So he no longer teased Xiao Ning and began eating them on his own. "I thought the people in C-City all ate spicy food."
But although he should be talking about Xiao Ning's stomach troubles, right then, he honestly didn't seem to be.
After retrieving his hand, again, Shan Haiming placed a piece of cake before Xiao Ning's face, this time after using a bamboo leaf to scoop it out, while the fingers of his other hand were casually licked. "You like eating this kind of thing."
As a result, they only had some snacks delivered from the hotel, enough to sate their burning hunger.
So in the instant Shan Haiming came, Xiao Ning circled his arms around him, then muttered in a voice akin to a drawn-out breath slipping through one's lips, "I like it. I do."
The touch of moist coldness quickly brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, and after it parted, Xiao Ning wiped his cheeks. A smile now spread across Xiao Ning's face, one he kept as he repeated, "Yes, everything is alright now, indeed."
The tourists had turned their attention their way because of this, while Shan Haiming rested his hand on the table and ate three sticks of swan eggs (sweet, fried glutinous rice balls). "That's a lot of bags."
Xiao Ning replied, "I was going to buy us breakfast. Is there anything you want to eat?"
When a period of rest runs its course, the beckoning of an empty stomach will soon follow. Shan Haiming suggested they order some room service to eat their fill, but Xiao Ning advised to the contrary: "Let's just eat a bit now and go eat out in the city instead."
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