The Long Road Ahead: C49
Meeting
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
Later on that night, it was only natural that Xiao Ning would sleep in Shan Haiming's room. Plus, out of consideration for both of them having to head to work the following day, Shan Haiming didn't toss about with Xiao Ning much and went to sleep after doing it once.
"Hey, that girl over there, the really gorgeous one, have we ever seen her in A-City before?" Seeing Shan Haiming stay quiet, the ones around him, who found it impossible to stay mum, began chattering on their own.
In Xiao Ning's mind, this especially made him want to say: Young people, cherish your blessings and eat less...
Letting out a breath, Xiao Ning turned his body, walking over as Shan Haiming was inspecting his own chin. Shan Haiming saw Xiao Ning returning from the corner of his eye, yet despite the resolution and will to risk it all drawn on the face of the man approaching him, all the other did was place a light touch on the corner of his lips.
He then stared at the milk beside Xiao Ning's hand. "Just say whatever it is you'd like to eat. Why be so polite?"
But Shan Haiming glanced at his mother who was separate from the crowd and sent her a nod. Then he swallowed the fruit in his mouth and replied to the suggestion casually, "Nope. The one waiting at home for me is strict."
Chen Ying.
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
"Is Haiming the one who refuses to bring you?" Shan Haihong frowned. "How could he do such a thing? You're not a person who should not be seen."
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
The next morning, he awoke earlier than usual, not making any noise so as to not wake Shan Haiming. But while he was just entering the bathroom, as par the course with that ever incomprehensible biological clock of Shan Haiming's, wearing his slippers, that man had shuffled in behind him. Standing at the sink, Shan Haiming let out a yawn. It seemed that being in the room he had grown up in had made him even more relaxed than usual.
Meeting
Shan Haihong chuckled a his remark, now asking out of the blue. "Zixin and I are throwing an engagement party his weekend. Are you tagging along with Haiming? We have a store that makes some pretty nice custom suits, you should ask Haiming to take you there."
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
This person, he really scares me.
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
Xiao Ning gave way to him right as he rinsed his mouth, and then spat. Afterwards, those half-opened eyes of his glanced towards Xiao Ning. It was then followed by him dazedly leaning Xiao Ning's way to press a kiss on his lips. After the peck between them, Xiao Ning wanted to laugh, because on Shan Haiming's washed lips was now a ring of foam from the toothpaste that was transferred from Xiao Ning's.
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
Shan Haiming turned his head, and upon seeing that guy wanted to flee, he reached out and hooked him back to him, then bound him in a kiss so deep that he did not release until Xiao Ning couldn't breathe.
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
Everyone had ulterior motives, and the richer they were, the greater those motives would grow. But the secret of the upper class was that whatever you think was secret, was something everyone else would know. Everyone was in the same class, after all, so everyone in these circles was mutually known. So it was natural for everyone to be interested when Huang Li said this, and a man from beside her, who didn't want to ask, was pushed by the girls around him to inquire, "So, what's the scoop?"
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
The second he said this, a wave of dumbstruck hit every one of the people around him.
"Why do I have to report what I do to you?" Shan Haiming's patience with those people grew thin. If not for them being on Shan Haihong's side, he honestly would be too lazy to deal with them given his personality. "If there's anything else you need to ask, ask it all together now, after you're done, if you're going stay here, don't bother me."
iana: Wu Yi gets a clap for subtly mentioning Shan Haiming is taken to nib ertain greedy ideas in the bud. She's finally here, boo!
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
So, on account of the recent favourable weather and warm breeze, the banquet for the engagement ceremony was held outdoors at the rooftop garden of a five-star hotel, beautifully decorated with long dining tables holding a wide assortment of food and drinks. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for this marriage-to-be in private, Ye Zixin, once she hit the stage with Shan Haihong, her act was no less than his. Putting on the performance of "a noble lady who will soon happily marry her beloved" that could be classed as a masterpiece.
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
iana: Wu Yi gets a clap for subtly mentioning Shan Haiming is taken to nib ertain greedy ideas in the bud. She's finally here, boo!
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
Shan Haiming looked at him through the mirror as he wiped his face. "I have to drive you."
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
The next morning, he awoke earlier than usual, not making any noise so as to not wake Shan Haiming. But while he was just entering the bathroom, as par the course with that ever incomprehensible biological clock of Shan Haiming's, wearing his slippers, that man had shuffled in behind him. Standing at the sink, Shan Haiming let out a yawn. It seemed that being in the room he had grown up in had made him even more relaxed than usual.
Xiao Ning swallowed down the words "You don't need to trouble yourself," knowing Shan Haiming wouldn't like to hear them. He consciously changed his own deeply rooted sleeping habits, after all, something that must not have been easy, though it would always be good. "Alright, then. Are we eating breakfast here, at home?"
Xiao Ning gave way to him right as he rinsed his mouth, and then spat. Afterwards, those half-opened eyes of his glanced towards Xiao Ning. It was then followed by him dazedly leaning Xiao Ning's way to press a kiss on his lips. After the peck between them, Xiao Ning wanted to laugh, because on Shan Haiming's washed lips was now a ring of foam from the toothpaste that was transferred from Xiao Ning's.
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
"We're all family now, so there's no need for you to regard us as strangers. You can just call me by my name," Shan Haihong replied, just as as Shan Haiming descended the stairs.
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Letting out a breath, Xiao Ning turned his body, walking over as Shan Haiming was inspecting his own chin. Shan Haiming saw Xiao Ning returning from the corner of his eye, yet despite the resolution and will to risk it all drawn on the face of the man approaching him, all the other did was place a light touch on the corner of his lips.
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
"Why do I have to report what I do to you?" Shan Haiming's patience with those people grew thin. If not for them being on Shan Haihong's side, he honestly would be too lazy to deal with them given his personality. "If there's anything else you need to ask, ask it all together now, after you're done, if you're going stay here, don't bother me."
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
"I'll take him." Shan Haiming put down his cup and began digging into the breakfast Yin Xi had brought him. Shan Haihong nodded to show his understanding and simply left right after.
Yin Xi smiled at him politely before heading to the kitchen to prepare them.
"What're you eating?"
But Shan Haiming cared for none of this, only returning to eat the fruit that was on his plate, ignoring them all as usual, not saying so much as a word.
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
The next morning, he awoke earlier than usual, not making any noise so as to not wake Shan Haiming. But while he was just entering the bathroom, as par the course with that ever incomprehensible biological clock of Shan Haiming's, wearing his slippers, that man had shuffled in behind him. Standing at the sink, Shan Haiming let out a yawn. It seemed that being in the room he had grown up in had made him even more relaxed than usual.
"Hey, that girl over there, the really gorgeous one, have we ever seen her in A-City before?" Seeing Shan Haiming stay quiet, the ones around him, who found it impossible to stay mum, began chattering on their own.
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Letting out a breath, Xiao Ning turned his body, walking over as Shan Haiming was inspecting his own chin. Shan Haiming saw Xiao Ning returning from the corner of his eye, yet despite the resolution and will to risk it all drawn on the face of the man approaching him, all the other did was place a light touch on the corner of his lips.
"Oh, it's nothing like that. But I still feel apologetic towards you Director Shan." Xiao Ning took a bite of his toast, then said, with a rather friendly attitude, "So later, I will make the time for a special trip to give both you and Ms. Ye my congratulations."
Yin Xi smiled at him politely before heading to the kitchen to prepare them.
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
And from beside him, the water-drinking Shan Haiming shot him a flirtatious glance.
"Oh, it's nothing like that. But I still feel apologetic towards you Director Shan." Xiao Ning took a bite of his toast, then said, with a rather friendly attitude, "So later, I will make the time for a special trip to give both you and Ms. Ye my congratulations."
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
Shan Haiming picked up the half-slice, took a bite then gave a nod. So with this, Xiao Ning moved to help him spread the butter while looking at him choke a bit without blinking an eye. "Would you like some milk? I haven't added any sugar to my glass, so you can have some first."
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
Now that he was gone, Xiao Ning felt a bit more at ease. Even though he regarded that man as small-hearted, Xiao Ning still couldn't help but feel that older brother had always had some sort of ambiguous meaning in his words.
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
Shan Haiming turned his head, and upon seeing that guy wanted to flee, he reached out and hooked him back to him, then bound him in a kiss so deep that he did not release until Xiao Ning couldn't breathe.
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"Toast. It was made quite well." When Xiao Ning greeted him, Shan Haiming had already sat beside him and taken a bite from the piece of toast in his hand. "It's too sweet. Xiao Yin, can I have a few slices of this with some sausages and eggs on the side?"
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
Shan Haiming licked his lips, as if he were reminiscing, then curved them into a grin as said smoothly, "Take notes."
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
Shan Haiming licked his lips, as if he were reminiscing, then curved them into a grin as said smoothly, "Take notes."
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
Wu Yi was chatting with a woman when he approached her but was not surprised to see him make his way there. So she smiled and introduced him to the person. "This is my other son, Shan Haiming."
"Oh, it's nothing like that. But I still feel apologetic towards you Director Shan." Xiao Ning took a bite of his toast, then said, with a rather friendly attitude, "So later, I will make the time for a special trip to give both you and Ms. Ye my congratulations."
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
But Shan Haiming glanced at his mother who was separate from the crowd and sent her a nod. Then he swallowed the fruit in his mouth and replied to the suggestion casually, "Nope. The one waiting at home for me is strict."
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
This person, he really scares me.
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
Shan Haiming licked his lips, as if he were reminiscing, then curved them into a grin as said smoothly, "Take notes."
"Shan-shao! It's been so long since I last saw you, hasn't it?" A familiar voice calling out to him warmly broke his peace, and a group of other voices joined in alongside it. Turning his head around to look, Shan Haiming saw the group were all his friends.
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
This person, he really scares me.
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
"Mr. Xiao, what would you like to eat?" Yin Xi was currently placing a bowl of congee and several other dishes on the table for Shan Haihong. Shan Haihong looked at Xiao Ning, giving him a nod and a smile. "Morning. Did you you get up? What would you like to eat? As long as it's not anything too uncommon, we should have it here."
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
"Good morning to you too." Xiao Ning then told Yin Xi, "Just a slice of toast and some milk is fine, thank you."
Shan Haihong chuckled a his remark, now asking out of the blue. "Zixin and I are throwing an engagement party his weekend. Are you tagging along with Haiming? We have a store that makes some pretty nice custom suits, you should ask Haiming to take you there."
Yin Xi smiled at him politely before heading to the kitchen to prepare them.
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
Everyone had ulterior motives, and the richer they were, the greater those motives would grow. But the secret of the upper class was that whatever you think was secret, was something everyone else would know. Everyone was in the same class, after all, so everyone in these circles was mutually known. So it was natural for everyone to be interested when Huang Li said this, and a man from beside her, who didn't want to ask, was pushed by the girls around him to inquire, "So, what's the scoop?"
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
Because Shan Haihong sat at the head of the dining table, so as to not be rude, Xiao Ning couldn't sit too far and had no choice but to sit beside him.
"Mr. Xiao, what would you like to eat?" Yin Xi was currently placing a bowl of congee and several other dishes on the table for Shan Haihong. Shan Haihong looked at Xiao Ning, giving him a nod and a smile. "Morning. Did you you get up? What would you like to eat? As long as it's not anything too uncommon, we should have it here."
Sitting at the table, with his squinted eyes on the two at the centre of attention, Shan Haiming leaned back with folded arms, his mind somewhat adrift. Sometimes he felt quite tired of it all, but there was no other way. Nobody can attain comfort and enjoyment without having to give up something. Shan Haihong was doing it, Ye Zixin was doing it, and he was doing so too.
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
He then stared at the milk beside Xiao Ning's hand. "Just say whatever it is you'd like to eat. Why be so polite?"
Everyone had ulterior motives, and the richer they were, the greater those motives would grow. But the secret of the upper class was that whatever you think was secret, was something everyone else would know. Everyone was in the same class, after all, so everyone in these circles was mutually known. So it was natural for everyone to be interested when Huang Li said this, and a man from beside her, who didn't want to ask, was pushed by the girls around him to inquire, "So, what's the scoop?"
Now that he was gone, Xiao Ning felt a bit more at ease. Even though he regarded that man as small-hearted, Xiao Ning still couldn't help but feel that older brother had always had some sort of ambiguous meaning in his words.
And from beside him, the water-drinking Shan Haiming shot him a flirtatious glance.
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
Shan Haihong chuckled a his remark, now asking out of the blue. "Zixin and I are throwing an engagement party his weekend. Are you tagging along with Haiming? We have a store that makes some pretty nice custom suits, you should ask Haiming to take you there."
iana: Wu Yi gets a clap for subtly mentioning Shan Haiming is taken to nib ertain greedy ideas in the bud. She's finally here, boo!
"Toast. It was made quite well." When Xiao Ning greeted him, Shan Haiming had already sat beside him and taken a bite from the piece of toast in his hand. "It's too sweet. Xiao Yin, can I have a few slices of this with some sausages and eggs on the side?"
"I'll take him." Shan Haiming put down his cup and began digging into the breakfast Yin Xi had brought him. Shan Haihong nodded to show his understanding and simply left right after.
This person, he really scares me.
"Good morning to you too." Xiao Ning then told Yin Xi, "Just a slice of toast and some milk is fine, thank you."
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
"A-at... at home?" He Shuzhou, with the ones around him, all looked at one another, a forced smile on their faces. "Shan-shao... you've settled down, too? How come we haven't heard anything, huh?"
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
Chen Ying.
He Shuzhou, dressed up to the nines, stood before him, holding a glass of wine as he said kindly, "Have you been busy lately? I couldn't even get a hold of you to ask you out."
N/A
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
Chen Ying.
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Chen Ying.
"Is Haiming the one who refuses to bring you?" Shan Haihong frowned. "How could he do such a thing? You're not a person who should not be seen."
In Xiao Ning's mind, this especially made him want to say: Young people, cherish your blessings and eat less...
"So troublesome," Shan Haiming muttered.
"What're you eating?"
Because Shan Haihong sat at the head of the dining table, so as to not be rude, Xiao Ning couldn't sit too far and had no choice but to sit beside him.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
But Shan Haiming cared for none of this, only returning to eat the fruit that was on his plate, ignoring them all as usual, not saying so much as a word.
This person, he really scares me.
"Oh, it's nothing like that. But I still feel apologetic towards you Director Shan." Xiao Ning took a bite of his toast, then said, with a rather friendly attitude, "So later, I will make the time for a special trip to give both you and Ms. Ye my congratulations."
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
"We're all family now, so there's no need for you to regard us as strangers. You can just call me by my name," Shan Haihong replied, just as as Shan Haiming descended the stairs.
Shan Haiming licked his lips, as if he were reminiscing, then curved them into a grin as said smoothly, "Take notes."
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
Shan Haiming picked up the half-slice, took a bite then gave a nod. So with this, Xiao Ning moved to help him spread the butter while looking at him choke a bit without blinking an eye. "Would you like some milk? I haven't added any sugar to my glass, so you can have some first."
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
The next morning, he awoke earlier than usual, not making any noise so as to not wake Shan Haiming. But while he was just entering the bathroom, as par the course with that ever incomprehensible biological clock of Shan Haiming's, wearing his slippers, that man had shuffled in behind him. Standing at the sink, Shan Haiming let out a yawn. It seemed that being in the room he had grown up in had made him even more relaxed than usual.
"What're you eating?"
Sitting at the table, with his squinted eyes on the two at the centre of attention, Shan Haiming leaned back with folded arms, his mind somewhat adrift. Sometimes he felt quite tired of it all, but there was no other way. Nobody can attain comfort and enjoyment without having to give up something. Shan Haihong was doing it, Ye Zixin was doing it, and he was doing so too.
Sitting at the table, with his squinted eyes on the two at the centre of attention, Shan Haiming leaned back with folded arms, his mind somewhat adrift. Sometimes he felt quite tired of it all, but there was no other way. Nobody can attain comfort and enjoyment without having to give up something. Shan Haihong was doing it, Ye Zixin was doing it, and he was doing so too.
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
"Is Haiming the one who refuses to bring you?" Shan Haihong frowned. "How could he do such a thing? You're not a person who should not be seen."
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
"Why do I have to report what I do to you?" Shan Haiming's patience with those people grew thin. If not for them being on Shan Haihong's side, he honestly would be too lazy to deal with them given his personality. "If there's anything else you need to ask, ask it all together now, after you're done, if you're going stay here, don't bother me."
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
"Toast. It was made quite well." When Xiao Ning greeted him, Shan Haiming had already sat beside him and taken a bite from the piece of toast in his hand. "It's too sweet. Xiao Yin, can I have a few slices of this with some sausages and eggs on the side?"
"Is Haiming the one who refuses to bring you?" Shan Haihong frowned. "How could he do such a thing? You're not a person who should not be seen."
Seeing he wanted to eat, Xiao Ning pushed over his plate with his remaining half-slice of toast and suggested, "How about adding some butter to this one? It won't be too sweet, but it will be a bit greasy. So I'll add a bit less, then. Would you like some?"
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
The second he said this, a wave of dumbstruck hit every one of the people around him.
"Hey, that girl over there, the really gorgeous one, have we ever seen her in A-City before?" Seeing Shan Haiming stay quiet, the ones around him, who found it impossible to stay mum, began chattering on their own.
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
Shan Haiming picked up the half-slice, took a bite then gave a nod. So with this, Xiao Ning moved to help him spread the butter while looking at him choke a bit without blinking an eye. "Would you like some milk? I haven't added any sugar to my glass, so you can have some first."
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
"I'll take him." Shan Haiming put down his cup and began digging into the breakfast Yin Xi had brought him. Shan Haihong nodded to show his understanding and simply left right after.
Meeting
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
But Shan Haiming waved his hand and poured himself a glass of regular water instead. Drinking down half the glass in only one gulp.
Seeing he wanted to eat, Xiao Ning pushed over his plate with his remaining half-slice of toast and suggested, "How about adding some butter to this one? It won't be too sweet, but it will be a bit greasy. So I'll add a bit less, then. Would you like some?"
Shan Haiming looked at him through the mirror as he wiped his face. "I have to drive you."
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
But Shan Haiming cared for none of this, only returning to eat the fruit that was on his plate, ignoring them all as usual, not saying so much as a word.
◈◇◈
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
"What're you eating?"
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
"So troublesome," Shan Haiming muttered.
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
He then stared at the milk beside Xiao Ning's hand. "Just say whatever it is you'd like to eat. Why be so polite?"
"Why do I have to report what I do to you?" Shan Haiming's patience with those people grew thin. If not for them being on Shan Haihong's side, he honestly would be too lazy to deal with them given his personality. "If there's anything else you need to ask, ask it all together now, after you're done, if you're going stay here, don't bother me."
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
Xiao Ning swallowed down the words "You don't need to trouble yourself," knowing Shan Haiming wouldn't like to hear them. He consciously changed his own deeply rooted sleeping habits, after all, something that must not have been easy, though it would always be good. "Alright, then. Are we eating breakfast here, at home?"
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
"I'm not that troublesome, you know." Xiao Ning smiled as he replied in a whisper.
Because Shan Haihong sat at the head of the dining table, so as to not be rude, Xiao Ning couldn't sit too far and had no choice but to sit beside him.
And from beside him, the water-drinking Shan Haiming shot him a flirtatious glance.
Shan Haiming looked at him through the mirror as he wiped his face. "I have to drive you."
"We're all family now, so there's no need for you to regard us as strangers. You can just call me by my name," Shan Haihong replied, just as as Shan Haiming descended the stairs.
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
Because Shan Haihong sat at the head of the dining table, so as to not be rude, Xiao Ning couldn't sit too far and had no choice but to sit beside him.
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
The two had now entered a world of their own as though there was no one else around them. So Shan Haihong, who wisely did not interrupt, let them be and silently finished his breakfast.
Xiao Ning's face did not redden at this, but his ears did change colour. He was at a loss for words, as usual, so he opted to quickly run out the door and down the stairs.
"Oh, it's nothing like that. But I still feel apologetic towards you Director Shan." Xiao Ning took a bite of his toast, then said, with a rather friendly attitude, "So later, I will make the time for a special trip to give both you and Ms. Ye my congratulations."
"Mr. Xiao, what would you like to eat?" Yin Xi was currently placing a bowl of congee and several other dishes on the table for Shan Haihong. Shan Haihong looked at Xiao Ning, giving him a nod and a smile. "Morning. Did you you get up? What would you like to eat? As long as it's not anything too uncommon, we should have it here."
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
And from beside him, the water-drinking Shan Haiming shot him a flirtatious glance.
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
Shan Haihong chuckled a his remark, now asking out of the blue. "Zixin and I are throwing an engagement party his weekend. Are you tagging along with Haiming? We have a store that makes some pretty nice custom suits, you should ask Haiming to take you there."
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
"We're all family now, so there's no need for you to regard us as strangers. You can just call me by my name," Shan Haihong replied, just as as Shan Haiming descended the stairs.
"I'll take him." Shan Haiming put down his cup and began digging into the breakfast Yin Xi had brought him. Shan Haihong nodded to show his understanding and simply left right after.
The second he said this, a wave of dumbstruck hit every one of the people around him.
Seeing he wanted to eat, Xiao Ning pushed over his plate with his remaining half-slice of toast and suggested, "How about adding some butter to this one? It won't be too sweet, but it will be a bit greasy. So I'll add a bit less, then. Would you like some?"
In Xiao Ning's mind, this especially made him want to say: Young people, cherish your blessings and eat less...
Sitting at the table, with his squinted eyes on the two at the centre of attention, Shan Haiming leaned back with folded arms, his mind somewhat adrift. Sometimes he felt quite tired of it all, but there was no other way. Nobody can attain comfort and enjoyment without having to give up something. Shan Haihong was doing it, Ye Zixin was doing it, and he was doing so too.
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
"What're you eating?"
So, on account of the recent favourable weather and warm breeze, the banquet for the engagement ceremony was held outdoors at the rooftop garden of a five-star hotel, beautifully decorated with long dining tables holding a wide assortment of food and drinks. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for this marriage-to-be in private, Ye Zixin, once she hit the stage with Shan Haihong, her act was no less than his. Putting on the performance of "a noble lady who will soon happily marry her beloved" that could be classed as a masterpiece.
Now that he was gone, Xiao Ning felt a bit more at ease. Even though he regarded that man as small-hearted, Xiao Ning still couldn't help but feel that older brother had always had some sort of ambiguous meaning in his words.
Now that he was gone, Xiao Ning felt a bit more at ease. Even though he regarded that man as small-hearted, Xiao Ning still couldn't help but feel that older brother had always had some sort of ambiguous meaning in his words.
◈◇◈
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
"I'm not that troublesome, you know." Xiao Ning smiled as he replied in a whisper.
The next morning, he awoke earlier than usual, not making any noise so as to not wake Shan Haiming. But while he was just entering the bathroom, as par the course with that ever incomprehensible biological clock of Shan Haiming's, wearing his slippers, that man had shuffled in behind him. Standing at the sink, Shan Haiming let out a yawn. It seemed that being in the room he had grown up in had made him even more relaxed than usual.
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
Right then, Yin Xi had brought Xiao Ning his breakfast. But, although Xiao Ning had asked for a simple glass of milk with a slice of toast, the woman had brought him pan-fried toast accompanied by a small plate of both blueberry jam and butter; while the milk was heated to the perfect temperature on the stove.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
So, on account of the recent favourable weather and warm breeze, the banquet for the engagement ceremony was held outdoors at the rooftop garden of a five-star hotel, beautifully decorated with long dining tables holding a wide assortment of food and drinks. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for this marriage-to-be in private, Ye Zixin, once she hit the stage with Shan Haihong, her act was no less than his. Putting on the performance of "a noble lady who will soon happily marry her beloved" that could be classed as a masterpiece.
Shan Haiming turned his head, and upon seeing that guy wanted to flee, he reached out and hooked him back to him, then bound him in a kiss so deep that he did not release until Xiao Ning couldn't breathe.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
Xiao Ning swallowed down the words "You don't need to trouble yourself," knowing Shan Haiming wouldn't like to hear them. He consciously changed his own deeply rooted sleeping habits, after all, something that must not have been easy, though it would always be good. "Alright, then. Are we eating breakfast here, at home?"
"Mr. Xiao, what would you like to eat?" Yin Xi was currently placing a bowl of congee and several other dishes on the table for Shan Haihong. Shan Haihong looked at Xiao Ning, giving him a nod and a smile. "Morning. Did you you get up? What would you like to eat? As long as it's not anything too uncommon, we should have it here."
Because Shan Haihong sat at the head of the dining table, so as to not be rude, Xiao Ning couldn't sit too far and had no choice but to sit beside him.
Sitting at the table, with his squinted eyes on the two at the centre of attention, Shan Haiming leaned back with folded arms, his mind somewhat adrift. Sometimes he felt quite tired of it all, but there was no other way. Nobody can attain comfort and enjoyment without having to give up something. Shan Haihong was doing it, Ye Zixin was doing it, and he was doing so too.
This person, he really scares me.
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
Shan Haiming looked at him through the mirror as he wiped his face. "I have to drive you."
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"Shan-shao! It's been so long since I last saw you, hasn't it?" A familiar voice calling out to him warmly broke his peace, and a group of other voices joined in alongside it. Turning his head around to look, Shan Haiming saw the group were all his friends.
"So troublesome," Shan Haiming muttered.
He Shuzhou, dressed up to the nines, stood before him, holding a glass of wine as he said kindly, "Have you been busy lately? I couldn't even get a hold of you to ask you out."
"What're you eating?"
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
N/A
This person, he really scares me.
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
"Shan-shao! It's been so long since I last saw you, hasn't it?" A familiar voice calling out to him warmly broke his peace, and a group of other voices joined in alongside it. Turning his head around to look, Shan Haiming saw the group were all his friends.
But Shan Haiming glanced at his mother who was separate from the crowd and sent her a nod. Then he swallowed the fruit in his mouth and replied to the suggestion casually, "Nope. The one waiting at home for me is strict."
But Shan Haiming cared for none of this, only returning to eat the fruit that was on his plate, ignoring them all as usual, not saying so much as a word.
The second he said this, a wave of dumbstruck hit every one of the people around him.
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
Shan Haiming turned his head, and upon seeing that guy wanted to flee, he reached out and hooked him back to him, then bound him in a kiss so deep that he did not release until Xiao Ning couldn't breathe.
Shan Haiming licked his lips, as if he were reminiscing, then curved them into a grin as said smoothly, "Take notes."
"Toast. It was made quite well." When Xiao Ning greeted him, Shan Haiming had already sat beside him and taken a bite from the piece of toast in his hand. "It's too sweet. Xiao Yin, can I have a few slices of this with some sausages and eggs on the side?"
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
The second he said this, a wave of dumbstruck hit every one of the people around him.
Later on that night, it was only natural that Xiao Ning would sleep in Shan Haiming's room. Plus, out of consideration for both of them having to head to work the following day, Shan Haiming didn't toss about with Xiao Ning much and went to sleep after doing it once.
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
Now that he was gone, Xiao Ning felt a bit more at ease. Even though he regarded that man as small-hearted, Xiao Ning still couldn't help but feel that older brother had always had some sort of ambiguous meaning in his words.
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
So they all laughed as chiding, until Bai Li spoke up to say, "Ugh, these formal banquets are so boring. How about we go hang out later, with you too, Shan-shao. I heard a new nightclub opened up nearby, and everything there's first-class."
"A-at... at home?" He Shuzhou, with the ones around him, all looked at one another, a forced smile on their faces. "Shan-shao... you've settled down, too? How come we haven't heard anything, huh?"
But Shan Haiming glanced at his mother who was separate from the crowd and sent her a nod. Then he swallowed the fruit in his mouth and replied to the suggestion casually, "Nope. The one waiting at home for me is strict."
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
He Shuzhou, dressed up to the nines, stood before him, holding a glass of wine as he said kindly, "Have you been busy lately? I couldn't even get a hold of you to ask you out."
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
◈◇◈
"Why do I have to report what I do to you?" Shan Haiming's patience with those people grew thin. If not for them being on Shan Haihong's side, he honestly would be too lazy to deal with them given his personality. "If there's anything else you need to ask, ask it all together now, after you're done, if you're going stay here, don't bother me."
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
Being familiar with him, He Shuzhou and the others know this was just how he spoke. They all chalked it up to a young master's temper, and nothing more. In any case, it wasn't just about being good friends with him, they just weren't the type to take such things to heart.
"So troublesome," Shan Haiming muttered.
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
So, on account of the recent favourable weather and warm breeze, the banquet for the engagement ceremony was held outdoors at the rooftop garden of a five-star hotel, beautifully decorated with long dining tables holding a wide assortment of food and drinks. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for this marriage-to-be in private, Ye Zixin, once she hit the stage with Shan Haihong, her act was no less than his. Putting on the performance of "a noble lady who will soon happily marry her beloved" that could be classed as a masterpiece.
"I'll take him." Shan Haiming put down his cup and began digging into the breakfast Yin Xi had brought him. Shan Haihong nodded to show his understanding and simply left right after.
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
But Shan Haiming cared for none of this, only returning to eat the fruit that was on his plate, ignoring them all as usual, not saying so much as a word.
"Toast. It was made quite well." When Xiao Ning greeted him, Shan Haiming had already sat beside him and taken a bite from the piece of toast in his hand. "It's too sweet. Xiao Yin, can I have a few slices of this with some sausages and eggs on the side?"
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
Shan Haiming looked at him through the mirror as he wiped his face. "I have to drive you."
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
"Hey, that girl over there, the really gorgeous one, have we ever seen her in A-City before?" Seeing Shan Haiming stay quiet, the ones around him, who found it impossible to stay mum, began chattering on their own.
◈◇◈
"I'm not that troublesome, you know." Xiao Ning smiled as he replied in a whisper.
"At least drink some hot water." Xiao Ning sighed, then took a cup and stood up to pour him a half glass of hot water.
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
Turning to to the one who asked the question, He Shuzhou replied, "No. It'd be unbelievable for a person that beautiful to be in A-City without anyone in our circle remembering her."
Wu Yi was chatting with a woman when he approached her but was not surprised to see him make his way there. So she smiled and introduced him to the person. "This is my other son, Shan Haiming."
Shan Haiming looked away from him, turning his attention to his plate from which he then picked up a small tomato. "what good is there in talking to you guys?"
"Is Haiming the one who refuses to bring you?" Shan Haihong frowned. "How could he do such a thing? You're not a person who should not be seen."
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
The weekend had arrived in the blink of an eye. The engagement ceremony of the next successor of the Shan clan and the daughter of the Ye family was not only attended by a few family members and friends, but also business partners, and a large number of media personnel were invited too. After all, at this very same engagement banquet, there was a joint business venture being undertaken by the Shan and Ye groups involving one billion yuan dedicated as the start-up funding alone.
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
N/A
Shan Haihong chuckled a his remark, now asking out of the blue. "Zixin and I are throwing an engagement party his weekend. Are you tagging along with Haiming? We have a store that makes some pretty nice custom suits, you should ask Haiming to take you there."
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
But Shan Haiming waved his hand and poured himself a glass of regular water instead. Drinking down half the glass in only one gulp.
The woman now looking his way was no particular beauty, her features weren't as delicate as Wu Yi's. But there was a softness to her features, and the way she carried herself had a certain grace. When her eyes fell on you, they had a softness and subtlety that made her seem inferior, at least in terms of temperament, while she stood next to someone like Wu Yi. "What a fine-looking man you are. Both of your sons are dragons and phoenixes amongst the crowds, you are truly blessed, Madam Shan."
At these words of his, a switch inside of Xiao Ning was immediately flipped. Xiao Ning now put on a surprised expression, shaking his head as he smiled. "Well, I never expected a house that looks so beautiful and pristine would have such terrible soundproofing."
It was only when Shan Haiming bent over to wash his face did he finally fully wake.
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
The woman now looking his way was no particular beauty, her features weren't as delicate as Wu Yi's. But there was a softness to her features, and the way she carried herself had a certain grace. When her eyes fell on you, they had a softness and subtlety that made her seem inferior, at least in terms of temperament, while she stood next to someone like Wu Yi. "What a fine-looking man you are. Both of your sons are dragons and phoenixes amongst the crowds, you are truly blessed, Madam Shan."
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
The woman now looking his way was no particular beauty, her features weren't as delicate as Wu Yi's. But there was a softness to her features, and the way she carried herself had a certain grace. When her eyes fell on you, they had a softness and subtlety that made her seem inferior, at least in terms of temperament, while she stood next to someone like Wu Yi. "What a fine-looking man you are. Both of your sons are dragons and phoenixes amongst the crowds, you are truly blessed, Madam Shan."
The girl beside Huang Li tapped her, then sent a vague glance Shan Haiming's way. Huang Li then changed the topic, avoiding matters that were sensitive, adding, "Oh, the one behind her, do you guys see her? She's her stepmother, and she's a formidable one as well."
The two had now entered a world of their own as though there was no one else around them. So Shan Haihong, who wisely did not interrupt, let them be and silently finished his breakfast.
Yin Xi smiled at him politely before heading to the kitchen to prepare them.
"Why don't you go back and sleep a little longer?" Xiao Ning rinsed his mouth. "Do you have something to take care of this early?"
"Hey, that girl over there, the really gorgeous one, have we ever seen her in A-City before?" Seeing Shan Haiming stay quiet, the ones around him, who found it impossible to stay mum, began chattering on their own.
"So troublesome," Shan Haiming muttered.
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
Bai Li scratched his nose, letting out a scoff as he asked, "Well why don't you tell us, Huang Li? You know her?"
Everyone had ulterior motives, and the richer they were, the greater those motives would grow. But the secret of the upper class was that whatever you think was secret, was something everyone else would know. Everyone was in the same class, after all, so everyone in these circles was mutually known. So it was natural for everyone to be interested when Huang Li said this, and a man from beside her, who didn't want to ask, was pushed by the girls around him to inquire, "So, what's the scoop?"
"Shan-shao! It's been so long since I last saw you, hasn't it?" A familiar voice calling out to him warmly broke his peace, and a group of other voices joined in alongside it. Turning his head around to look, Shan Haiming saw the group were all his friends.
As a person who would meet the good lord if she didn't gossip, at his question, Huang Li's true nature shone through. But as a person who barely managed to squeeze into this group because her family wasn't that powerful, she had taken quite an interest in such things. "At first, I thought that Zhao Yaya just didn't know how to deal with that woman, so I thought it was just that their mother-daughter relationship wasn't good. But after finding out how her stepmother got into the family, everything made sense. I asked around and some people told me the stepmother was originally a mistress. She apparently fought with the legal wife and chased her off. Aren't her skills something else? Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"Good morning to you too." Xiao Ning then told Yin Xi, "Just a slice of toast and some milk is fine, thank you."
So, on account of the recent favourable weather and warm breeze, the banquet for the engagement ceremony was held outdoors at the rooftop garden of a five-star hotel, beautifully decorated with long dining tables holding a wide assortment of food and drinks. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for this marriage-to-be in private, Ye Zixin, once she hit the stage with Shan Haihong, her act was no less than his. Putting on the performance of "a noble lady who will soon happily marry her beloved" that could be classed as a masterpiece.
"You guys were probably already asleep by the time I came back last night, yes?" Shan Haihong then chuckled. "It was a bit noisy, though."
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
"Nothing. I'm... I'm going to go first." Xiao Ning turned and made his way to the door, but he stopped when he heard the sound of the electric razor behind him. His hand stayed on that doorknob, his heart heart pounded in his chest. It felt as though that now rapidly beating organ of his was slamming hard and painfully against some kind of inner shell.
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
"Yes. I had dinner with her before." Huang Li then nudged upwards with her chin towards the young woman in question. "Her name's Zhao Yaya. Her father is a Chinese citizen from abroad and came to the country that long ago. It seems he came here to do business, to find some opportunities. I think he wants to get involved in the project being launched here too."
"A-at... at home?" He Shuzhou, with the ones around him, all looked at one another, a forced smile on their faces. "Shan-shao... you've settled down, too? How come we haven't heard anything, huh?"
He then stared at the milk beside Xiao Ning's hand. "Just say whatever it is you'd like to eat. Why be so polite?"
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
Wu Yi was chatting with a woman when he approached her but was not surprised to see him make his way there. So she smiled and introduced him to the person. "This is my other son, Shan Haiming."
Xiao Ning swallowed down the words "You don't need to trouble yourself," knowing Shan Haiming wouldn't like to hear them. He consciously changed his own deeply rooted sleeping habits, after all, something that must not have been easy, though it would always be good. "Alright, then. Are we eating breakfast here, at home?"
But Shan Haiming glanced at his mother who was separate from the crowd and sent her a nod. Then he swallowed the fruit in his mouth and replied to the suggestion casually, "Nope. The one waiting at home for me is strict."
A young woman then chuckled, then after gaining everyone's attention, she teased, "You guys are really behind on the hottest news."
The woman now looking his way was no particular beauty, her features weren't as delicate as Wu Yi's. But there was a softness to her features, and the way she carried herself had a certain grace. When her eyes fell on you, they had a softness and subtlety that made her seem inferior, at least in terms of temperament, while she stood next to someone like Wu Yi. "What a fine-looking man you are. Both of your sons are dragons and phoenixes amongst the crowds, you are truly blessed, Madam Shan."
Everyone had ulterior motives, and the richer they were, the greater those motives would grow. But the secret of the upper class was that whatever you think was secret, was something everyone else would know. Everyone was in the same class, after all, so everyone in these circles was mutually known. So it was natural for everyone to be interested when Huang Li said this, and a man from beside her, who didn't want to ask, was pushed by the girls around him to inquire, "So, what's the scoop?"
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
It was an irresistible impulse that gave him a start. Xiao Ning had never imagined the kind of person he would be like when in love, but he at least thought he would never turn into the type that was all gooey and sweet. But now, he noticed that oftentimes, there were moments he felt the overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Shan Haiming.
And from beside him, the water-drinking Shan Haiming shot him a flirtatious glance.
Xiao Ning wanted to kiss him.
The embarrassment from such an idea popping into his mind crashed over him like a wave. And, perhaps his gaze on that man before him had lingered for a moment too long because the now-shaving Shan Haiming looked his way to ask, "What's wrong?"
"We're all family now, so there's no need for you to regard us as strangers. You can just call me by my name," Shan Haihong replied, just as as Shan Haiming descended the stairs.
"How could you say that? It is your Yaya who steals everyone's heart upon first glance. Alas, if it weren't for both my Haihong and Haiming finding their partners already, I would've seriously talked to you about becoming in-laws." Wu Yi kept smiling, then was satisfied when the person understood the meaning hidden in her words. Then she turned to to Shan Haiming and said, "Haiming, this is Mr. Zhao's wife, Chen Ying. They just arrived in A-City not too long ago, so we will have more chances to meet them in the future."
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
"I forgot to tell you good morning." Xiao Ning's face was as red as a beet as he spoke.
Chen Ying.
Seeing his prickly mood, the others didn't want to gather around close and make him angry, but they also didn't want to disperse. So some gathered around him in a circle, while the others who wanted to talk to him and were outside this circle, had no way to enter.
Seeing he wanted to eat, Xiao Ning pushed over his plate with his remaining half-slice of toast and suggested, "How about adding some butter to this one? It won't be too sweet, but it will be a bit greasy. So I'll add a bit less, then. Would you like some?"
Chen Ying.
The truth was, that everyone could get the life they desired. It was only a question of what they were willing to give up to do so.
Without a doubt, there was something in those words of his, that Shan Haiming had found pleasing to the ear. Because Xiao Ning now looked at the corners of his still-moistened lips as they rose into the softest of smiles. And given that it was still quite early in the morning, such a sight was especially refreshing and sublime.
After he was done, he asked, "Xiao Ning, would you like a lift to the company?"
Shan Haiming's eyes slightly narrowed. "Hearing your accent, you don't sound a native of A-City."
Yin Xi smiled at him politely before heading to the kitchen to prepare them.
"I can't make it that day, so I will not be attending." Xiao Ning spread the jam on his toast, smiling awkwardly. "But I do wish to send you two my blessings in advance."
Shan Haiming was tired of listening to them, so he gave them the slip and left. But those guys still found him and trailed after him like flies, and that place wasn't one he could just leave casually. So he had no choice but to turn and head to his mother's side, knowing those guys wouldn't dare casually approach someone like Madam Shan, with them standing at a distance and coming no closer.
The way he asked was abrupt, but Chen Ying still didn't find it rude. "That's true. I'm originally from C-City. I heard things are developing quite well there. So I hope to go there when I have the chance to take a look for myself."
He Shuzhou, dressed up to the nines, stood before him, holding a glass of wine as he said kindly, "Have you been busy lately? I couldn't even get a hold of you to ask you out."
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