The Long Road Ahead: C46

Chapter: 46 | Aunt

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Aunt

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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￣)

_N/A
Xiao Ning was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock, his head feeling heavy when he did. His waist also felt like it was on the verge of breaking on account of certain physical activity. So as someone unaccustomed to working out ordinarily, his adaptation to such an intense "workout" has so far been quite poor.

N/A

_{Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.}
Last night when returned, despite him not saying anything as usual, Shan Haiming, from just a glance, could tell Xiao Ning's mood was down. But this time he asked nothing, apart from asking whether Xiao Ning ate.

Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

_{"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.}
Xiao Ning replied he did.

"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.

_{{That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?}}Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?

_{Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"}N/A

Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

_{Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.}
Shan Haiming nodded, indicating that was good.

Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.}Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

_{Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.}Shan Haiming's hair was the complete opposite of his personality, it was soft and fine, and Xiao Ning had found himself addicted to running his fingers through it. As his roaming hands and faintly intoxicated mind kept blowing, a hand suddenly grasping his stole his attention, and he then saw Shan Haiming lifting his head to look at him with a raised brow. "You want us to go back to bed again?"

Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there.}Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

_{iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3}
It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was... a sight a behold. And when coupled with the shy to-the-bone and ever-compliant appearance of Xiao Ning, who lay below him, whose soft moans and whimpers were like kitten pawing at one's heart, those acts which bore their own unique flavour of seduction only made a person want to devour them again and again.

iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

_{Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?}
Xiao Ning did also enjoy these intimate acts—at least, in the first half, but this was due to his physical endurance not being up to par with Shan Haiming's. So during the latter half, it became just a bit much for him to bear.

Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?

_{That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?}
But there was also an advantage, or two, in this aspect, as he was so worn out he got to sleep peacefully, and had no time to overthink. His body was properly exhausted, and his heart was blissfully light.

That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?

_{For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.}"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.

_{This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."}It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

_{Xiao Ning was startled for a second, and instinctively lifted a hand to rest against the bare shoulder above him, his shock now mixed with embarrassment. Does he seriously want to do it again? Isn't this rate a bit high?}
Back to the present, with a shake of his head, Xiao Ning gave his best effort to climb out the bed. Looking at his watch, he saw it was about eight in the morning. He estimated that after washing up and eating, they'd still make it to the station before the ten o'clock train departs. They had ample time.

Xiao Ning was startled for a second, and instinctively lifted a hand to rest against the bare shoulder above him, his shock now mixed with embarrassment. Does he seriously want to do it again? Isn't this rate a bit high?

_{But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy.}Xiao Ning was startled for a second, and instinctively lifted a hand to rest against the bare shoulder above him, his shock now mixed with embarrassment. Does he seriously want to do it again? Isn't this rate a bit high?

But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy. His facial contours were smooth and graceful. As for his skin, although the sleeping man's skin wasn't as nice as his own, there were no imperfections, it was clear and refreshing; and when coupled with his sharp features and expression it all melded just right.

_◈◇◈Xiao Ning did also enjoy these intimate acts—at least, in the first half, but this was due to his physical endurance not being up to par with Shan Haiming's. So during the latter half, it became just a bit much for him to bear.

◈◇◈

_{Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.}So, like this, stared at Shan Haiming while a surge of embarrassment flooded him.

Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.

_{But there was also an advantage, or two, in this aspect, as he was so worn out he got to sleep peacefully, and had no time to overthink. His body was properly exhausted, and his heart was blissfully light.}
So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."

But there was also an advantage, or two, in this aspect, as he was so worn out he got to sleep peacefully, and had no time to overthink. His body was properly exhausted, and his heart was blissfully light.

_{Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.}Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.

_{Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.}
Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.

_{Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"}
Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."

Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"

_{For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.}
The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.

For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.

_{Xiao Ning was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock, his head feeling heavy when he did. His waist also felt like it was on the verge of breaking on account of certain physical activity. So as someone unaccustomed to working out ordinarily, his adaptation to such an intense "workout" has so far been quite poor.}
After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.

Xiao Ning was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock, his head feeling heavy when he did. His waist also felt like it was on the verge of breaking on account of certain physical activity. So as someone unaccustomed to working out ordinarily, his adaptation to such an intense "workout" has so far been quite poor.

_{It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was..}
But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy. His facial contours were smooth and graceful. As for his skin, although the sleeping man's skin wasn't as nice as his own, there were no imperfections, it was clear and refreshing; and when coupled with his sharp features and expression it all melded just right.

It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was... a sight a behold. And when coupled with the shy to-the-bone and ever-compliant appearance of Xiao Ning, who lay below him, whose soft moans and whimpers were like kitten pawing at one's heart, those acts which bore their own unique flavour of seduction only made a person want to devour them again and again.

_{Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."}So, like this, stared at Shan Haiming while a surge of embarrassment flooded him.

Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."

_{Xiao Ning replied he did.}
This is the man who likes me, but what on earth about me is there to like? Xiao Ning thought about this for a long time, yet he couldn't come up with a thing about himself that this person would find likeable.

Xiao Ning replied he did.

_{"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.}iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

_{Xiao Ning did also enjoy these intimate acts—at least, in the first half, but this was due to his physical endurance not being up to par with Shan Haiming's. So during the latter half, it became just a bit much for him to bear.}
That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?

Xiao Ning did also enjoy these intimate acts—at least, in the first half, but this was due to his physical endurance not being up to par with Shan Haiming's. So during the latter half, it became just a bit much for him to bear.

_{Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."}Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

_{"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.}"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.

"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.

_{"Xiao Ning?"}
Xiao Ning: "..."

"Xiao Ning?"

_{Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.}It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

_{Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."}Xiao Ning: "..."

Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."

_{Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"}
Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.

Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

_{Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.}Xiao Ning: "..."

Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.

_{So, like this, stared at Shan Haiming while a surge of embarrassment flooded him.}
So, like this, stared at Shan Haiming while a surge of embarrassment flooded him.

So, like this, stared at Shan Haiming while a surge of embarrassment flooded him.

_{"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.}
It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.

_{Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."}
Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.

Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

_{iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3}The beauty of a man is before me.

iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

_{Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.}
"You should blow dry your hair first," Xiao Ning couldn't help but remind Shan Haiming when he saw him already wearing pants and looking for a shirt. But that guy only said after finding picking a shirt, "It'll be dry in a little while anyway."

Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.

_{Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"}Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

_{"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there.}Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

_{The subtle expression on that woman's face now turned to a rather reluctant form of surprise, as she took a few steps closer. "You really are {Xiao} Ning? You're back? Since when?"}Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

The subtle expression on that woman's face now turned to a rather reluctant form of surprise, as she took a few steps closer. "You really are Xiao Ning? You're back? Since when?"

_{The old building didn't cover a large area and it was not easy to develop, which was why, even with a new building, the property remained the same. Xiao Ning looked at the supermarket across the street, does my aunt's family still live there?}
Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.

The old building didn't cover a large area and it was not easy to develop, which was why, even with a new building, the property remained the same. Xiao Ning looked at the supermarket across the street, does my aunt's family still live there?

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.}Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

_{{Young people should pay more attention to their health...}}Xiao Ning was startled for a second, and instinctively lifted a hand to rest against the bare shoulder above him, his shock now mixed with embarrassment. Does he seriously want to do it again? Isn't this rate a bit high?

Young people should pay more attention to their health...

_Aunt
But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."

Aunt

_{Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.}Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.

_{Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."}Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.

Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

_{But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy.}
"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.

But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy. His facial contours were smooth and graceful. As for his skin, although the sleeping man's skin wasn't as nice as his own, there were no imperfections, it was clear and refreshing; and when coupled with his sharp features and expression it all melded just right.

_{{When I was little...}}The old building didn't cover a large area and it was not easy to develop, which was why, even with a new building, the property remained the same. Xiao Ning looked at the supermarket across the street, does my aunt's family still live there?

When I was little...

_{{It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.}}Xiao Ning: "..."

It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

_{Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.}
Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.

Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.

_{Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"}Xiao Ning was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock, his head feeling heavy when he did. His waist also felt like it was on the verge of breaking on account of certain physical activity. So as someone unaccustomed to working out ordinarily, his adaptation to such an intense "workout" has so far been quite poor.

Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"

_{{When I was little...}}After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."

When I was little...

_{As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good.}
The beauty of a man is before me.

As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good. He once even resolved that he would simply forget it all, never look back, and focus on nothing but the future. Yet, things were like this, maybe that was just how things were. No matter how bad something might be, it won't be that sad to talk about in the future.

_{Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.}Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"

Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.

_{But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."}Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"

But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."

_{After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.}Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"

After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.

_{After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.}
After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."

After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.

_{Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.}Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.

_{Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.}
Xiao Ning: "..."

Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.

_{This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."}N/A

This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

_{"I just got here.' Xiao Ning paused for a few seconds before gradually adding, "Aunt, long time no see."}He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"

"I just got here.' Xiao Ning paused for a few seconds before gradually adding, "Aunt, long time no see."

_{iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3}"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.

iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

_{"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.}
Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?

"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.

_{Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."}But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy. His facial contours were smooth and graceful. As for his skin, although the sleeping man's skin wasn't as nice as his own, there were no imperfections, it was clear and refreshing; and when coupled with his sharp features and expression it all melded just right.

Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."

_{He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"}For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.

He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"

_{Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."}
For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.

Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."

_{Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."}This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

_{As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good.}The beauty of a man is before me.

As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good. He once even resolved that he would simply forget it all, never look back, and focus on nothing but the future. Yet, things were like this, maybe that was just how things were. No matter how bad something might be, it won't be that sad to talk about in the future.

_{"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.}
Shan Haiming's hair was the complete opposite of his personality, it was soft and fine, and Xiao Ning had found himself addicted to running his fingers through it. As his roaming hands and faintly intoxicated mind kept blowing, a hand suddenly grasping his stole his attention, and he then saw Shan Haiming lifting his head to look at him with a raised brow. "You want us to go back to bed again?"

"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

_{Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.}Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.

Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

_{"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.}Xiao Ning replied he did.

"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.

_{It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was..}Shan Haiming nodded, indicating that was good.

It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was... a sight a behold. And when coupled with the shy to-the-bone and ever-compliant appearance of Xiao Ning, who lay below him, whose soft moans and whimpers were like kitten pawing at one's heart, those acts which bore their own unique flavour of seduction only made a person want to devour them again and again.

_{The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.}
Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"

The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...}"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.

It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

_{So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."}
He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"

So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."

_{As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good.}"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good. He once even resolved that he would simply forget it all, never look back, and focus on nothing but the future. Yet, things were like this, maybe that was just how things were. No matter how bad something might be, it won't be that sad to talk about in the future.

_{{Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?}}This is the man who likes me, but what on earth about me is there to like? Xiao Ning thought about this for a long time, yet he couldn't come up with a thing about himself that this person would find likeable.

Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?

_{It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...}
Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

_{For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.}Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

For a good while now, Xiao Ning has learned the best way to deal with such situations was to keep his lips zipped. So, like this, Xiao Ning quietly dried up most of Shan Haiming's hair with a towel to stop the dripping, then turned on the dryer to lightly blow the rest of his hair dry.

_{This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."}After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."

This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

_{Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"}When I was little...

Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

_{Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."}
When I was little...

Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

_{Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.}"Xiao Ning?"

Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.

_{Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.}"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

_{The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.}
Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.

The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.

_{Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.}"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.

_{Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."}Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

_{Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"}The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.

Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"

_{Young people should pay more attention to their health...}
When I was little...

Young people should pay more attention to their health...

_{It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was..}Following the nudges of Xiao Ning's hand, Shan Haiming turned to reveal the damp spot on his left. "How about the place you lived when you were little?"

It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was... a sight a behold. And when coupled with the shy to-the-bone and ever-compliant appearance of Xiao Ning, who lay below him, whose soft moans and whimpers were like kitten pawing at one's heart, those acts which bore their own unique flavour of seduction only made a person want to devour them again and again.

_Aunt"Xiao Ning?"

Aunt

_{But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."}Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"

But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."

_{When I was little...}
Fiddling with his hair, Shan Haiming raised his head to look at him, "You don't want to?"

When I was little...

_{Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."}Xiao Ning didn't blowdry his own hair either, but he did use a towel to get most of the water out, and he was not like the person currently dripping wet. He was even doubtful that guy had used a towel to try drying it at all.

Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

_{{Young people should pay more attention to their health...}}"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.

Young people should pay more attention to their health...

_{Xiao Ning replied he did.}So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."

Xiao Ning replied he did.

_{Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.}
This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.

_{Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.}◈◇◈

Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}When I was little...

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...}It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

_{This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."}
Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

_{Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.}It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.

_{It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was..}Xiao Ning: "..."

It was fair to say the under-twenty-five-year-old Shan Haiming was at his hot-blooded, youthful prime, and once he began feasting on that desired meat, it was... a sight a behold. And when coupled with the shy to-the-bone and ever-compliant appearance of Xiao Ning, who lay below him, whose soft moans and whimpers were like kitten pawing at one's heart, those acts which bore their own unique flavour of seduction only made a person want to devour them again and again.

_{When I was little...}
Unable to to settle his thoughts, however, Xiao Ning unconsciously reached out to stroke Shan Haiming's hair. Not with the palm of his hand, though, just his fingers which caressed the soft strands ends, as well as carefully brushing back the parts that were raised in a few places.

When I was little...

_{Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."}
It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}This is the man who likes me, but what on earth about me is there to like? Xiao Ning thought about this for a long time, yet he couldn't come up with a thing about himself that this person would find likeable.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{{Young people should pay more attention to their health...}}He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"

Young people should pay more attention to their health...

_{Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.}It wasn't until Shan Haiming woke up did Xiao Ning came to the startling realisation he had been staring at the man before him for a few hours. Luckily, the guy facing him hadn't noticed, otherwise, that would've been really...

Xiao Ning was embarrassed by his own thoughts. He then let out a sigh at the idea Shan Haiming had given him so much, yet he seemed unable to give anything back in return.

_{Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.}
Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.

Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

_{Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."}
Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"

Shan Haiming moved to kiss him despite his eyes remaining shut, his aim accurately finding its target, where he remained until the other man was gasping. After which, he buried his head in the pillow as if he was hiding, mumbling, "Be good, don't fuss."

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}"You should blow dry your hair first," Xiao Ning couldn't help but remind Shan Haiming when he saw him already wearing pants and looking for a shirt. But that guy only said after finding picking a shirt, "It'll be dry in a little while anyway."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.}Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?

Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.

_{As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good.}"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good. He once even resolved that he would simply forget it all, never look back, and focus on nothing but the future. Yet, things were like this, maybe that was just how things were. No matter how bad something might be, it won't be that sad to talk about in the future.

_{Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"}
Xiao Ning was startled for a second, and instinctively lifted a hand to rest against the bare shoulder above him, his shock now mixed with embarrassment. Does he seriously want to do it again? Isn't this rate a bit high?

Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"

_{iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3}The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.

iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:) []Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

_{"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.}◈◇◈

"Geez, how old are you?" Shan Haiming teased.

_{Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.}
Young people should pay more attention to their health...

Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.

_{Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."}Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

_{Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.}
Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."

Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

_{Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"}When I was little...

Shan Haiming sighed, turning around, grabbing Xiao Ning by the wrist to pull him back to the bed to sit down, then took advantage of the situation to press Xiao Ning under him. "How about another round?"

_{The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.}The subtle expression on that woman's face now turned to a rather reluctant form of surprise, as she took a few steps closer. "You really are Xiao Ning? You're back? Since when?"

The still-panting Xiao Ning was left without words.

_{"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.}Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.

_{The beauty of a man is before me.}
Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

The beauty of a man is before me.

_{Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.}Xiao Ning turned half his body, "But we have to go sightseeing today..."

Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

_{Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.}
Then with a shake of his head, he got off the bed—getting himself tidied up too—before walking out the door with Shan Haiming.

Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.

_{Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."}"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.

Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

◈◇◈

_{Shan Haiming nodded, indicating that was good.}
Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.

Shan Haiming nodded, indicating that was good.

_{Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.}Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"

Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

_{This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."}Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

This pulled Xiao Ning from his daze, the aftertaste lasting a moment before he not so much reluctantly smiled and answered, "It's not that, It's just... there isn't anything good to see there? Plus, it's a really old street, so I'm not even sure I'll be able to find it."

_{"Xiao Ning?"}But Xiao Ning was lacking when it came to the skill of persuading others, even more so for that guy named Shan Haiming. So he went straight to the bathroom to get the blow dryer and a towel, then said, "I'll help you dry it. When you're young, you're body's healthy so it doesn't matter, but when you're older you get a headache at night."

"Xiao Ning?"

_◈◇◈
The old building didn't cover a large area and it was not easy to develop, which was why, even with a new building, the property remained the same. Xiao Ning looked at the supermarket across the street, does my aunt's family still live there?

◈◇◈

_{"I just got here.' Xiao Ning paused for a few seconds before gradually adding, "Aunt, long time no see."}
"Is that where you lived when you were little?" Shan Haiming surveyed the old five-storey building while standing on the steps with a bottle of mineral water in his hand.

"I just got here.' Xiao Ning paused for a few seconds before gradually adding, "Aunt, long time no see."

_{Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."}Young people should pay more attention to their health...

Seeing that overthinking look no longer on Xiao Ning's face, Shan Haiming released him. He then gently used his finger to caress the face below him before getting off the bed and throwing on a short-sleeved shirt. "I'm hungry, so let's go eat first."

_{Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."}
"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

_{It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.}
Xiao Ning then pointed not too far away and continued, "There was a primary school over there, but now it's just a park."

It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

_{{That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?}}N/A

That man had the looks, body, mind, personality—even his family background was great. So could the reason he likes me just be because my skin's a bit better than his?

_{Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"}Young people should pay more attention to their health...

Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

_{{The beauty of a man is before me.}}But Xiao Ning was already too awake to return to sleep, so all he could do was use those widened eyes of his to stare at Shan Haiming's half-exposed face. His lashes were long, so long they seemed as though they were heavy. His facial contours were smooth and graceful. As for his skin, although the sleeping man's skin wasn't as nice as his own, there were no imperfections, it was clear and refreshing; and when coupled with his sharp features and expression it all melded just right.

The beauty of a man is before me.

_{Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"}
As soon as he got talking, he chattered on without end. Xiao Ning, himself, never thought he would remember so many things, given the memories that the place had given him were not at all good. He once even resolved that he would simply forget it all, never look back, and focus on nothing but the future. Yet, things were like this, maybe that was just how things were. No matter how bad something might be, it won't be that sad to talk about in the future.

Xiao Ning's fingers contracted, not retracting either. Then to the strong implications behind his grasp, Xiao Ning could only smile wryly. "You came on this trip, so why don't you want to go out at all?"

_{Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."}After their brief entanglement, he stayed in place, lying on the bed, not planning to wake Shan Haiming, allowing the other to sleep for as long as he wanted.

Shan Haiming shrugged, no longer teasing Xiao Ning as he let go of his hand; squinting when the hot air of the blow-dryer brushed past his eyes. "I don't want to go to those scenic spots, there's too many people. I'd rather just go on a stroll somewhere."

_{Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.}Aunt

Xiao Ning thought to himself, comfortingly telling himself it had been so long that it shouldn't be a big deal.

_{Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.}Fiddling with his hair, Shan Haiming raised his head to look at him, "You don't want to?"

Xiao Ning's hand froze, and the dryer turned off. Just the mention of this place had stunned him, letting loose a storm in his mind that seemed to leech away all the colours, leaving only shades of black, white and grey.

_{"You should blow dry your hair first," Xiao Ning couldn't help but remind Shan Haiming when he saw him already wearing pants and looking for a shirt. But that guy only said after finding picking a shirt, "It'll be dry in a little while anyway."}
Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

"You should blow dry your hair first," Xiao Ning couldn't help but remind Shan Haiming when he saw him already wearing pants and looking for a shirt. But that guy only said after finding picking a shirt, "It'll be dry in a little while anyway."

_{Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.}Xiao Ning was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock, his head feeling heavy when he did. His waist also felt like it was on the verge of breaking on account of certain physical activity. So as someone unaccustomed to working out ordinarily, his adaptation to such an intense "workout" has so far been quite poor.

Shan Haiming replied with an "en" and said nothing else afterwards. But this did mean the matter was decided.

_{Back to the present, with a shake of his head, Xiao Ning gave his best effort to climb out the bed. Looking at his watch, he saw it was about eight in the morning. He estimated that after washing up and eating, they'd still make it to the station before the ten o'clock train departs. They had ample time.}
"Nothing, I was just feeling... quite emotional." Xiao Ning pressed his lips into a smile, then took the lead down the steps, looking back at him, then waiting at the bottom.

Back to the present, with a shake of his head, Xiao Ning gave his best effort to climb out the bed. Looking at his watch, he saw it was about eight in the morning. He estimated that after washing up and eating, they'd still make it to the station before the ten o'clock train departs. They had ample time.

_{Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.}
Right then, all Shan Haiming could feel was Xiao Ning's gaze being no different than springtime: overflowing with a soft breeze and gentle rain, which had left him completely stunned, then filled his chest with an all-encompassing sense of cosiness.

Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.

_{Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.}Why do I feel ashamed all of a sudden?

Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.

_{Fiddling with his hair, Shan Haiming raised his head to look at him, "You don't want to?"}
"Do you want to go for a stroll in the park?" Xiao Ning beamed as he asked him.

Fiddling with his hair, Shan Haiming raised his head to look at him, "You don't want to?"

_{After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."}It's just going back to have a look, nothing more.

After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."

_{{This is the man who likes me, but what on earth about me is there to like?} Xiao Ning thought about this for a long time, yet he couldn't come up with a thing about himself that this person would find likeable.}Then after this interaction, he tugged Xiao Ning "to bed."

This is the man who likes me, but what on earth about me is there to like? Xiao Ning thought about this for a long time, yet he couldn't come up with a thing about himself that this person would find likeable.

_{Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"}
"Xiao Ning?"

Xiao Ning suddenly felt traces of relief within him, unconsciously turning to look at Shan Haiming for him to be inexplicably hit with the sentence in return, "What is it?"

_{After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."}
The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.

After waiting for, what seemed like a heck of a long time, Shan Haiming twisted his head to see Xiao Ning staring vacantly at his back, prompting him to say, "It wouldn't be hurt if you didn't claw it."

_{Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.}Shan Haiming's hair was the complete opposite of his personality, it was soft and fine, and Xiao Ning had found himself addicted to running his fingers through it. As his roaming hands and faintly intoxicated mind kept blowing, a hand suddenly grasping his stole his attention, and he then saw Shan Haiming lifting his head to look at him with a raised brow. "You want us to go back to bed again?"

Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.

_{Shan Haiming's hair was the complete opposite of his personality, it was soft and fine, and Xiao Ning had found himself addicted to running his fingers through it. As his roaming hands and faintly intoxicated mind kept blowing, a hand suddenly grasping his stole his attention, and he then saw Shan Haiming lifting his head to look at him with a raised brow. "You want us to go back to bed again?"}
Shan Haiming walked down the final two steps, taking his place at Xiao Ning's side before asking with a grimace, "Who are you?"

Shan Haiming's hair was the complete opposite of his personality, it was soft and fine, and Xiao Ning had found himself addicted to running his fingers through it. As his roaming hands and faintly intoxicated mind kept blowing, a hand suddenly grasping his stole his attention, and he then saw Shan Haiming lifting his head to look at him with a raised brow. "You want us to go back to bed again?"

_{Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.}Shan Haiming left for the bathroom to take a shower, returning all clean and refreshed, creating a stark contrast with Xiao Ning's current gloom.

Nonetheless, he still sat on the bed with his legs spread and pressed flush against the sheets. He was only wearing a pair of jeans, one still unbuttoned, as he relaxed his back completely, and leaned forward slightly, to reveal a strong waistline that froze Xiao Ning in place for a good while.

_{So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."}Xiao Ning was now half lying on the bed, his senses slowly returning. When he finally got back to his senses and realised what happened, a gush of warmth moved him.

So he moved to turn off his alarm. But just as he did, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back, and then a voice murmured from behind him, "Sleep a bit more."

_{"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there.}
The subtle expression on that woman's face now turned to a rather reluctant form of surprise, as she took a few steps closer. "You really are Xiao Ning? You're back? Since when?"

"Yeah, it was originally my grandmother's place. My aunt's family took care of her before she passed, and afterwards, they just continued living there." Xiao Ning's emotions weren't as complex as he believed they would've been earlier. They were just memories and nothing more. "Ever since my parents... after they left, I lived here until I graduated middle school. But then I had always lived in the dorms so I only came back during the holidays. Back then, the road wasn't this wide, and there was a market on that side."

_{The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.}The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.

The uncertain voice of a woman then broke apart the two's locked gazes, and Xiao Ning turned to look at the woman as if her very presence was inconceivable, his face contorting as he looked at her as if he was stabbed.

_{Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.}The beauty of a man is before me.

Since it had been decided, there was no need for them to delay any further. So promptly after eating, the two set off for Xiao Ning's childhood neighbourhood. The old street was completely different from how it was before, resulting in Xiao Ning taking a long time to search for it on the map before leading Shan Haiming there.

_{He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"}
"I just got here.' Xiao Ning paused for a few seconds before gradually adding, "Aunt, long time no see."

He had an idea, so there was no need for someone else to inundate him with a slew of other opinions, so Xiao Ning didn't say much either, only asking, "Then, where would you like to go for this stroll? Somewhere with food? Window shopping, perhaps?"

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: Another belated Happy Diwali greeting:)

Shan Haiming's brief method of speaking is the bane of my existence! A pronoun never killed anybody T_T. Anyhow, a surefire way to prevent a Xiao Ning overthinking tailspin has been proven a resounding success<3

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