The Long Road Ahead: C48

Tea

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

Just like any regular old matter, one without any feelings of pain or discomfort, Xiao Ning cast the issue regarding Chen Ying to the back of his mind. Shan Haiming, too, either because he also wished to ignore it, or because he understood Xiao Ning's intentions, never brought up the matter, not even a word.

"Goodness me, how could I forget such a thing? Good thing Haihong is so attentive." Wu Yi then said with a smile, "You should go take Zixin home, then. Be careful on your way."

Xiao Ning was sitting up straight as he listened to Wu Yi's advice, but these words from Shan Haiming weren't ones he had expected.

He knew he needed to speak up at this moment, as not only did Wu Yi have his own well-being at heart, but she also wanted to gauge his stance. "But since I chose to be with Haiming, I have prepared myself enough mentally with regard to things like these."

Ye Zixin bid them all a proper farewell with her tone and attitude as impeccable as always, but her expression was still as unmoving. She then left under the gentlemanly escort of Shan Haihong.

A flush of embarrassment still existed while he spoke such words in front of the person it concerned, and that guy in question also turned to look right at him with his hand propped under his cheek. "Well that must've not been easy, you can say it so nicely now."

With his level of shamelessness being far lower in comparison, it was easy for certain people to surpass, so he sent a pleading glance to Wu Yi begging: Aunty, please reign in your son!

However, Shan Haiming didn't allow his father to save face, telling him outright, "Just like it. No need to say thanks."

For this, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful.

Shan Haiming added lazily, "My mom's pretty awesome, right?"

Her choice in using the speciality table was not done on a whim either, her actions as she extracted, brewed and served the tea displaying clearly both beauty and skill. When Xiao Ning tasted the tea, as a person who never liked things like this, unsure if it was due to some psychological effect or the tea used just being that good, for the very first time in his life thought the taste of tea was actually really good.

Wu Yi, too, seemed to be somewhat surprised by her son's words, her smile still present as she replied, "I guess I'm saying too much, then."

"We didn't know what to bring you guys, but we saw these newly released colognes and decided to buy them for you both." Shan Haihong handed two gift boxes to Xiao Ning.

"Aunty," Xiao Ning put on a smile after hearing her words to say, "I really am not all that accustomed to these kinds of interpersonal relationships, to be perfectly honest, but..."

When it was time for them to head back to A-City, he tactfully decided to not visit the Lu's again so as to not add fuel to the fire. All he did in turn was give Chen Shuyun a call, briefly stating when he was leaving and wishing them farewell.

"Son," Wu Yi teased, "I haven't said anything yet, so there's no need to go into such a huff, alright?"

The two then took the 3 p.m. flight back to A-City, not with Lu Yuan, however, as he refunded the ticket Xiao Ning had bought, and took a 3 a.m. flight back to A-City instead.

For this, Xiao Ning was immensely grateful.

_{Her choice in using the speciality table was not done on a whim either, her actions as she extracted, brewed and served the tea displaying clearly both beauty and skill. When Xiao Ning tasted the tea, as a person who never liked things like this, unsure if it was due to some psychological effect or the tea used just being that good, for the very first time in his life thought the taste of tea was actually really good.}Xiao Ning nodded, but then Shan Haihong interjected, "We (him and Ye Zixin) don't drink black tea now, Zixin has a bit of a sensitivity towards caffeine. If she drinks it at night she won't be able to sleep, and it's a bit late at the moment, so I'll take her back home now since Uncle told me to take good care of her. It'll keep them from worrying."

Lu Yan also demonstrated a rarely seen sense of reliability during this time when he called Xiao Ning and told him he clarified things with Chen Shuyun, things weren't as bad as Xiao Ning thought, and that Xiao Ning shouldn't worry so much.

iana: Bless these two. []Btw, the tea is expensive, that jade tea set is expensive, and from a certain person's reaction, I can guess who bought it for Wu Yi.

Does she suspect Lu Yan?

Xiao Ning really couldn't shake the feeling of that guy being really strange. Neither he nor Shan Haiming has ever worn cologne, so was he planning on having them take it home to be used as an air freshener? "Thank you. Oh, and we brought some things back for you guys as well."

"Yeah." Xiao Ning lowered his head, and Shan Haiming continued.

He said these things, but it was impossible for Xiao Ning to understand what the truth regarding this situation was: Chen Shuyun and Lu Anguo just wanted nothing to do with it. It was especially so for Lu Anguo given his reaction. Xiao Ning could clearly imagine it. Maybe Chen Shuyun was even worried he had turned to Lu Yan.

Amidst the sweet fragrance of the tea dispersed across the room, those honeyed words of hers seeped into his heart which caused him to be a bit pained. Because he was sincerely treated, it made him unable to manage so much as a perfunctory answer, and once he got serious, he got really scared.

Her words were forthright, earning a smile from Xiao Ning as he replied the same, "That's true, I really am not used to these kinds of scenes, but it's still alright."

"Yeah." Xiao Ning lowered his head, and Shan Haiming continued.

Does she suspect Lu Yan?

"Really? That's great then." Wu Yi breathed a sigh of relief. "Goodness me, how good it is to be young! Seeing you two be so much in love has put my heart at ease. Hey, Haiming, don't you see Xiao Ning's cup is empty as well, pour him some more tea."

"Aunty," Xiao Ning put on a smile after hearing her words to say, "I really am not all that accustomed to these kinds of interpersonal relationships, to be perfectly honest, but..."

Wow... I finally understand where this personality of Haiming's came from...

Ye Zixin bid them all a proper farewell with her tone and attitude as impeccable as always, but her expression was still as unmoving. She then left under the gentlemanly escort of Shan Haihong.

Xiao Ning: "..."

"We didn't know what to bring you guys, but we saw these newly released colognes and decided to buy them for you both." Shan Haihong handed two gift boxes to Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning thought: This should be the case. Can't blame others for your own slip of the tongue.

Xiao Ning was sitting up straight as he listened to Wu Yi's advice, but these words from Shan Haiming weren't ones he had expected.

Wow... I finally understand where this personality of Haiming's came from...

Xiao Ning finally managed to move his head in a nod, able to now find his words, "Thank you, Aunty."

"You guys are so thoughtful, thank you." Shan Haihong happily took the basket of local speciality items and chatted with Ye Zixin. Ye Zixin hardly gave him any responses, yet he still chatted along quite contentedly.

Chen Shuyun was a bit awkward during their call, but it wasn't too bad, and well within the range Xiao Ning could handle.

With his level of shamelessness being far lower in comparison, it was easy for certain people to surpass, so he sent a pleading glance to Wu Yi begging: Aunty, please reign in your son!

Ye Zixin was really silent time after time during this period, sitting next to Shan Haihong like a beautiful sculpture. But the members of the Shan family were quite skilled in making sure everything was all right and went along quite harmoniously. So with Wu Yi and Shan Haihong tossing at least five out of every sentence during their conversation Ye Zixin's way, she was bright into the conversation and the atmosphere couldn't be any more harmonious than it was.

"Oh, you silly kid." Wu Yi chuckled, with a shake of the head before she stood. "Alright then. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you two with the task of tidying this up here. I have to go accompany your Uncle Shan, otherwise, he'll go into a huff. And it's already late so don't trouble yourselves and just spend the night here, alright?"

Xiao Ning nodded, but then Shan Haihong interjected, "We (him and Ye Zixin) don't drink black tea now, Zixin has a bit of a sensitivity towards caffeine. If she drinks it at night she won't be able to sleep, and it's a bit late at the moment, so I'll take her back home now since Uncle told me to take good care of her. It'll keep them from worrying."

"My mom just means for you to keep loving me just as earnestly as you do, okay?"

Aside from these passing thoughts, Xiao Ning dedicated no more brain power to any of this. These things weren't his business, and they'd remain just that.

When they got back, Shan Haiming took Xiao Ning to his parent's house that very evening, along with a huge bundle of gifts. After dinner, it was time for them to give away the gifts, which so happened to also coincide with Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin's return from a trip to Hong Kong. They had also come bearing a lot of brand name items, which made the table they were all piled on give off a very luxurious kind of feeling.

"We didn't know what to bring you guys, but we saw these newly released colognes and decided to buy them for you both." Shan Haihong handed two gift boxes to Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning: "..."

He did indeed prepare a batch of separate gifts for Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin, all of which were food items. There was nothing to lose with such a gift, it was all just to have a taste anyhow.

With his level of shamelessness being far lower in comparison, it was easy for certain people to surpass, so he sent a pleading glance to Wu Yi begging: Aunty, please reign in your son!

Xiao Ning: "..."

The two then took the 3 p.m. flight back to A-City, not with Lu Yuan, however, as he refunded the ticket Xiao Ning had bought, and took a 3 a.m. flight back to A-City instead.

Since when did the relationship between the two reach the level that they go on trips as a couple?

However, Shan Haiming didn't allow his father to save face, telling him outright, "Just like it. No need to say thanks."

"Why are you bringing this up?" Shan Haiming cut her off.

"You don't need to force yourself. I already told you before, that the duties in our family are clearly defined, and as long as we stay along those lines we can live comfortably. " Wu Yi then smiled lightly, "You also know that the situation here is a bit complicated—"

But then again, they are engaged, so it should be okay, right?

Does she suspect Lu Yan?

Aside from these passing thoughts, Xiao Ning dedicated no more brain power to any of this. These things weren't his business, and they'd remain just that.

Chen Shuyun was a bit awkward during their call, but it wasn't too bad, and well within the range Xiao Ning could handle.

Without looking at both his mother and Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming finished his cup of tea and then placed it on the wooden mat. "He can handle it."

It was clear Shan Yisong only tagged along to give his wife face, because after drinking two cups he made his way upstairs, but not before shooting Xiao Ning a glance that gave him a start.

But both Wu Yi and Shan Haiming paid no mind to this performance of his, with Wu Yi then asking Xiao Ning cheerily, "Are you coming to Haihong's engagement party?"

N/A

Maybe it would've been better for me to stay with Shan Yisong?

Her words were forthright, earning a smile from Xiao Ning as he replied the same, "That's true, I really am not used to these kinds of scenes, but it's still alright."

Xiao Ning thought it looked a bit chilly.

T/n: Sichuan province and Chengdu (its capital city) are renowned for their giant pandas.

"We didn't know what to bring you guys, but we saw these newly released colognes and decided to buy them for you both." Shan Haihong handed two gift boxes to Xiao Ning.

"Yeah." Xiao Ning lowered his head, and Shan Haiming continued.

Xiao Ning finally managed to move his head in a nod, able to now find his words, "Thank you, Aunty."

Xiao Ning: "..."

Her words were forthright, earning a smile from Xiao Ning as he replied the same, "That's true, I really am not used to these kinds of scenes, but it's still alright."

Xiao Ning: "..."

"Goodness me, how could I forget such a thing? Good thing Haihong is so attentive." Wu Yi then said with a smile, "You should go take Zixin home, then. Be careful on your way."

He did indeed prepare a batch of separate gifts for Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin, all of which were food items. There was nothing to lose with such a gift, it was all just to have a taste anyhow.

The two then took the 3 p.m. flight back to A-City, not with Lu Yuan, however, as he refunded the ticket Xiao Ning had bought, and took a 3 a.m. flight back to A-City instead.

Xiao Ning tossed an obscured glance that guy's way to indicate he shouldn't tear down the stage he just built.

But both Wu Yi and Shan Haiming paid no mind to this performance of his, with Wu Yi then asking Xiao Ning cheerily, "Are you coming to Haihong's engagement party?"

"Son," Wu Yi teased, "I haven't said anything yet, so there's no need to go into such a huff, alright?"

"Dad, Xiao Ning bought this small screen portrait for you." Shan Haiming then pulled out an object that was wrapped in a very sturdy package, which he opened on the spot. It was the Sichuan double-sided embroidery he had planned from the beginning. It was conveniently small, which meant it could be placed on a display case, and the picture embroidered on it was a cute panda gnawing on bamboo.

Since when did the relationship between the two reach the level that they go on trips as a couple?

But then again, they are engaged, so it should be okay, right?

T/n: Sichuan province and Chengdu (its capital city) are renowned for their giant pandas.

N/A

T/n: Sichuan province and Chengdu (its capital city) are renowned for their giant pandas.

Shan Haiming went on to add, "Go on, say more."

T/n: Sichuan province and Chengdu (its capital city) are renowned for their giant pandas.

Xiao Ning tossed an obscured glance that guy's way to indicate he shouldn't tear down the stage he just built.

Xiao Ning: "..."

She took two steps then stopped to add, "Xiao Ning, don't feel like there isn't anything you can do to help us or Haiming either. A person's feelings, their love are quite precious, they're more precious than you can imagine. The more you experience life, the more you'll grow to understand this. Giving a share of your love to someone isn't easy, so don't think lightly of yourself, alright?"

It was clear Shan Yisong only tagged along to give his wife face, because after drinking two cups he made his way upstairs, but not before shooting Xiao Ning a glance that gave him a start.

Maybe it would've been better for me to stay with Shan Yisong?

"Mn." Shan Haiming looked as though he was unable to figure out if he liked the ornament or not, but he did give in to the degree of nodding to indicate a degree of acknowledgement. His current attitude when it came to Xiao Ning was neither hot nor cold, but Xiao Ning found such an attitude much better than the attitude Ye Zixin had to those around her.

But both Wu Yi and Shan Haiming paid no mind to this performance of his, with Wu Yi then asking Xiao Ning cheerily, "Are you coming to Haihong's engagement party?"

"Goodness me, how could I forget such a thing? Good thing Haihong is so attentive." Wu Yi then said with a smile, "You should go take Zixin home, then. Be careful on your way."

Ye Zixin bid them all a proper farewell with her tone and attitude as impeccable as always, but her expression was still as unmoving. She then left under the gentlemanly escort of Shan Haihong.

Xiao Ning couldn't help the smile from spreading across his face while that very face grew hot. He tried his best to reign in his feelings, as his gaze fell to the hand Shan Haiming had rested on the table, a good while passing as he prepared his heart and moved his own hand to cover Shan Haiming's. "Okay. I get it," He finally whispered.

He did indeed prepare a batch of separate gifts for Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin, all of which were food items. There was nothing to lose with such a gift, it was all just to have a taste anyhow.

However, Shan Haiming didn't allow his father to save face, telling him outright, "Just like it. No need to say thanks."

Wu Yi then invited everyone left to the sunroom at the back of the villa, where a gongfu tea table resided. "Haihong did make a good point, drinking black tea this late can have some negative effects on sleep. So how about we drink some White Hair Silver Needle tea to cleanse our palates?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

Aside from these passing thoughts, Xiao Ning dedicated no more brain power to any of this. These things weren't his business, and they'd remain just that.

"It's so cute. Did you choose it, Xiao Ning?" Wu Yi beamed as she then went on to ask expectantly, "Did you happen to pick up something for me too?"

Xiao Ning thought: This should be the case. Can't blame others for your own slip of the tongue.

"When Haiming and I were on a stroll, we found something really beautiful, and I hope you like it, Aunty." Xiao Ning went all out to choose the perfect gift for Wu Yi. It was an exquisitely crafted bamboo-inspired tea set with a rich verdant green glaze. Each teacup had an imitation of a bamboo knot crafted on it and when the cups were stacked it even formed a bamboo stalk.

"It's so beautiful!" Wu Yi picked up one of the cups and couldn't put it down. "It just so happens that they sent over some Jinjunmei black tea so how about I brew us a batch? Do you drink black tea, Xiao Ning?"

But...

Since when did the relationship between the two reach the level that they go on trips as a couple?

"Aunty," Xiao Ning put on a smile after hearing her words to say, "I really am not all that accustomed to these kinds of interpersonal relationships, to be perfectly honest, but..."

"Goodness me, how could I forget such a thing? Good thing Haihong is so attentive." Wu Yi then said with a smile, "You should go take Zixin home, then. Be careful on your way."

Xiao Ning: "..."

The truth was, that all these concerns of Wu Yi's were unnecessary. There was nothing from outside that ever led him to release that hand in his, because he was just like the person beside him. Once he starts, he would stick it through until the end.

But both Wu Yi and Shan Haiming paid no mind to this performance of his, with Wu Yi then asking Xiao Ning cheerily, "Are you coming to Haihong's engagement party?"

"It's alright. If you want to go, just go, and if not then that's that. There's no pressure either way." Wu Yi poured him a new cup as she continued, "I do think that Haiming doesn't want you to go, though. Some people like to point fingers when they have nothing better to do. There may even be some who want to suck up to get a leg up. Xiao Ning, with that super shy personality of yours, it's probably something you're not used to."

"So what you're saying is," Wu Yi turned a blind eye to his plight, sighing deeply before she continued, "You won't leave Haiming's side because of messy issues like these, yes?"

Ye Zixin bid them all a proper farewell with her tone and attitude as impeccable as always, but her expression was still as unmoving. She then left under the gentlemanly escort of Shan Haihong.

Xiao Ning's heart fell a bit when he saw the original tea set on the table. No matter how one looked at it, they seemed to be high-end products, like jade. Put simply, the pretty teacup set had bout couldn't be compared to them. But Wu Yi didn't appear to mind one bit as she enthusiastically replaced both the cups and teapot with the ones from him.

Chen Shuyun was a bit awkward during their call, but it wasn't too bad, and well within the range Xiao Ning could handle.

These parting words of hers left Xiao Ning speechless, and it wasn't until after she was gone, did he finally take a deep breath. "Aunty is really..."

Shan Haiming added lazily, "My mom's pretty awesome, right?"

Maybe it would've been better for me to stay with Shan Yisong?

Xiao Ning tossed an obscured glance that guy's way to indicate he shouldn't tear down the stage he just built.

Xiao Ning: "?!"

It was clear Shan Yisong only tagged along to give his wife face, because after drinking two cups he made his way upstairs, but not before shooting Xiao Ning a glance that gave him a start.

Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning thought: This should be the case. Can't blame others for your own slip of the tongue.

However, Shan Haiming didn't allow his father to save face, telling him outright, "Just like it. No need to say thanks."

But both Wu Yi and Shan Haiming paid no mind to this performance of his, with Wu Yi then asking Xiao Ning cheerily, "Are you coming to Haihong's engagement party?"

"Son," Wu Yi teased, "I haven't said anything yet, so there's no need to go into such a huff, alright?"

Xiao Ning: "?!"

"Son," Wu Yi teased, "I haven't said anything yet, so there's no need to go into such a huff, alright?"

Although he already got Shan Haiming's support, he was aware that Wu Yi, as an elder, would have her own views, so he glanced at Shan Haiming before saying "I um..."

He did indeed prepare a batch of separate gifts for Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin, all of which were food items. There was nothing to lose with such a gift, it was all just to have a taste anyhow.

It was clear Shan Yisong only tagged along to give his wife face, because after drinking two cups he made his way upstairs, but not before shooting Xiao Ning a glance that gave him a start.

"Aunty likes you a lot too, Xiao Ning. Haiming's eye for people is never wrong, so I know for sure you're a good person. But your personality being more closed off in comparison had me worried for a bit there." Wu Yi continued with a face full of smiles, "So what I mean to say is that no matter what happens, you don't need to hold it all in and keep it to yourself, alright? The most dire issue that can come between two people is a lack of communication. So no matter how important something is, once you speak up, you've already taken the most important step in resolving it. Plus, if you think it's something you can't solve on your own, Haiming is there; and if he can't do it, there's still your Uncle Shan and me. Do you understand, love?"

Xiao Ning was sitting up straight as he listened to Wu Yi's advice, but these words from Shan Haiming weren't ones he had expected.

"Why are you bringing this up?" Shan Haiming cut her off.

And while Xiao Ning had yet to overcome this embarrassment of his to reply yes, that guy poured himself another cup of tea and added, "He can't bear to part with me."