The Long Road Ahead: C58

Plans

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

_{Chen Ying no longer sent Xiao Ning any gifts, which allowed Xiao Ning to significantly rest at ease. But after that incident, Xiao Ning also began to selectively reply to Chen Ying's messages, and this undoubtedly gave Chen Ying a huge amount of incentive.}
Chen Ying no longer sent Xiao Ning any gifts, which allowed Xiao Ning to significantly rest at ease. But after that incident, Xiao Ning also began to selectively reply to Chen Ying's messages, and this undoubtedly gave Chen Ying a huge amount of incentive. Not long after this, she called him again. But perhaps because she learned from the last time, this time around, she stayed away from bringing up anything from the past and only repeated the things she told him in her messages. She reminded Xiao Ning to take care of his health as well as talking about various places around A-City.

Chen Ying no longer sent Xiao Ning any gifts, which allowed Xiao Ning to significantly rest at ease. But after that incident, Xiao Ning also began to selectively reply to Chen Ying's messages, and this undoubtedly gave Chen Ying a huge amount of incentive. Not long after this, she called him again. But perhaps because she learned from the last time, this time around, she stayed away from bringing up anything from the past and only repeated the things she told him in her messages. She reminded Xiao Ning to take care of his health as well as talking about various places around A-City.

_{Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."}Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

Xiao Ning wanted to rub the ridge of his brows after he hung up the phone. Even though Chen Ying's tone and words were all very graceful, her attitude was very enthusiastic, as if she were trying to pour all those years of lost motherly affections on his head all at once.

_{"You're having a laugh again, Mr. Shan." Chen Ying's tone turned frigid as she spoke. "Perhaps it's because you're at that age where it's still amusing to play around. But make no mistake, in the eyes of those who have more experience in life, you are nothing but a child who is ignorant of their actions."}
Xiao Ning wanted to rub the ridge of his brows after he hung up the phone. Even though Chen Ying's tone and words were all very graceful, her attitude was very enthusiastic, as if she were trying to pour all those years of lost motherly affections on his head all at once.

"You're having a laugh again, Mr. Shan." Chen Ying's tone turned frigid as she spoke. "Perhaps it's because you're at that age where it's still amusing to play around. But make no mistake, in the eyes of those who have more experience in life, you are nothing but a child who is ignorant of their actions."

Chen Ying obviously ignored his words and instead sneered in return, "I have said what I need to say. I'll also be discussing this matter with Xiao Ning. So, Mr. Shan, I implore you to give careful consideration to this matter as well."

_{"I feel the same way too." Shan Haiming had a lot of faith in his mother, and since Chen Ying was determined to track his mother down to clarify her feelings about the matter, wouldn't it be best to let that dear mother of his know?}Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

"I feel the same way too." Shan Haiming had a lot of faith in his mother, and since Chen Ying was determined to track his mother down to clarify her feelings about the matter, wouldn't it be best to let that dear mother of his know?

_{"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.}"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."

"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.

_◈◇◈
But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.

◈◇◈

_{Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"}Chen Ying no longer sent Xiao Ning any gifts, which allowed Xiao Ning to significantly rest at ease. But after that incident, Xiao Ning also began to selectively reply to Chen Ying's messages, and this undoubtedly gave Chen Ying a huge amount of incentive. Not long after this, she called him again. But perhaps because she learned from the last time, this time around, she stayed away from bringing up anything from the past and only repeated the things she told him in her messages. She reminded Xiao Ning to take care of his health as well as talking about various places around A-City.

Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"

_{"Hello, Mr. Shen." Chen Ying had a voice whose feminity was quite potent, much akin to a warm and gentle stream when it struck a person's ears. "There's a rumour I have gotten wind of, and because it concerns someone very dear to me, I had no choice but to confirm its validity by calling to ask you. So, do accept my apologies for this inconsiderate disturbance of mine."}Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

"Hello, Mr. Shen." Chen Ying had a voice whose feminity was quite potent, much akin to a warm and gentle stream when it struck a person's ears. "There's a rumour I have gotten wind of, and because it concerns someone very dear to me, I had no choice but to confirm its validity by calling to ask you. So, do accept my apologies for this inconsiderate disturbance of mine."

_{"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"}
With Shan Haiming, he had begun talking about his past a lot more often, something he had always avoided before. But even with that sharp tongue of Shan Haiming's slashing his way each time, he was also incredibly fond of the look in that man's eyes when he listened to him—a cherished kind of look. And every time he saw it, Xiao Ning couldn't help but want to kiss that man.

"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. {Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?}}After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}Xiao Ning was very grateful for his concern, but it did feel rather strange. Why are he and Haiming acting like I'm some kid who'll get his lollipop scammed from him?

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.}
But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.

_{"Does Rihua have annual leave?"}After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

"Does Rihua have annual leave?"

Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."

_{"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"}
Anyhow, Lu Yan had been quite concerned about the progress of this mother-son relationship between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying. Every now and then, he would call Xiao Ning, warning him not to be fooled by a few sweet words and leave everything behind. Then, when he heard that the relationship between the two had relaxed, he'd rush over to lecture Xiao Ning.

"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"

_{iana: This isn't even the main reason I hate her.}
"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"

iana: This isn't even the main reason I hate her.

_{But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.}What's more, he realised he wasn't fond of such a thing at all. Despite how few those times were, they kept leaving him with a sense of powerlessness and emptiness.

But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.

_{"To me, it appears self-righteousness doesn't have anything to do with age." Shan Haiming's tone grew a bit more arrogant as he now spoke, "But I'd advise you to not go discussing such things with my mother. She already knows about everything, and there is no need for you to go parroting it."}
Xiao Ning was very grateful for his concern, but it did feel rather strange. Why are he and Haiming acting like I'm some kid who'll get his lollipop scammed from him?

"To me, it appears self-righteousness doesn't have anything to do with age." Shan Haiming's tone grew a bit more arrogant as he now spoke, "But I'd advise you to not go discussing such things with my mother. She already knows about everything, and there is no need for you to go parroting it."

_{"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.}
"Heh, I actually wish that you'd grow up a bit. Look at how kindly you're treating her now." Irritated, Lu Yan pointed his finger at Xiao Ning as he added, "With the way things are going, it won't even be long before you start calling her mom again."

"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.

_{"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.}"Huh?" Lu Yan lifted his head.

"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.

_◈◇◈Shan Haiming, of course, hadn't taken her words to heart. It was just that the wall between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying had lowered slightly, and Chen Ying just had to take it upon herself to bring up his relationship with Xiao Ning. This was, honestly, a bad decision on her part.

◈◇◈

_{{Don't take it to heart.}}Chen Ying obviously ignored his words and instead sneered in return, "I have said what I need to say. I'll also be discussing this matter with Xiao Ning. So, Mr. Shan, I implore you to give careful consideration to this matter as well."

Don't take it to heart.

_{Because the sight of a person's back always seemed as though it was saying "goodbye."}
"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.

Because the sight of a person's back always seemed as though it was saying "goodbye."

_{Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.}
Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

_{After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.}But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"

After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

_{"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then.}"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.

"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then. Let her come. If she wasn't, I would've invited her over myself. But don't let her go saying this nonsense in front of Xiao Ning. With that boy's personality, he'll surely take her words to heart. Letting him have one less thing to worry about would be best."

_{"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."}Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."

_{Despite his saying this, Lu Yan's melancholy still blossomed, and he had not a clue why. He just felt there was something strange whenever he got involved with Xiao Ning, and he was quite worried about it.}
Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

Despite his saying this, Lu Yan's melancholy still blossomed, and he had not a clue why. He just felt there was something strange whenever he got involved with Xiao Ning, and he was quite worried about it.

_{Xiao Ning wanted to rub the ridge of his brows after he hung up the phone. Even though Chen Ying's tone and words were all very graceful, her attitude was very enthusiastic, as if she were trying to pour all those years of lost motherly affections on his head all at once.}He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning. That period of internal uneasiness seemed to have completely run its course, so Xiao Ning could now even say in jest, "It's probably because the two of us would be like a right hand holding its left, huh?"

_{Shan Haiming's lips curled into a light smile. He was not surprised at all that Chen Ying would've found out on her own. His relationship with Xiao Ning had spread to a certain extent in his circle, and it was a rather widespread one at that. Of course, this extended degree of circulation was partly thanks to that dear big brother of his.}
After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Shan Haiming's lips curled into a light smile. He was not surprised at all that Chen Ying would've found out on her own. His relationship with Xiao Ning had spread to a certain extent in his circle, and it was a rather widespread one at that. Of course, this extended degree of circulation was partly thanks to that dear big brother of his.

_{Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."}Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

_{There was no worry in his mind that Xiao Ning would be put in a difficult position in having to choose between himself and Chen Ying—he had no doubts about who it was Xiao Ning would choose. It was just that he was a person who didn't care about a lot of things—the opinions of others being one of them—but he didn't want such troublesome things to have a negative effect on Xiao Ning's mood.}
The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.

There was no worry in his mind that Xiao Ning would be put in a difficult position in having to choose between himself and Chen Ying—he had no doubts about who it was Xiao Ning would choose. It was just that he was a person who didn't care about a lot of things—the opinions of others being one of them—but he didn't want such troublesome things to have a negative effect on Xiao Ning's mood. Xiao Ning was a person who didn't have much in the beginning, and now he could be one less. If Chen Ying was willing to coexist peacefully, Shan Haiming would've been happy to sit back and let Xiao Ning maintain their relationship. If things went that way, it would've meant Xiao Ning's life would be more complete.

_{"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.}
Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."

"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.

_{{Don't take it to heart.}}Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

Don't take it to heart.

_{In the backseat of a car, Shan Haiming sank into the backrest with his eyes closed. He and Wang Hua were already back in A-City and were currently heading to Shan Haiming's apartment. The construction of the resort had begun, and this meant there would be a long period during this time that he would no longer have to monitor the venture as closely, so he could now take a break for a while.}Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

In the backseat of a car, Shan Haiming sank into the backrest with his eyes closed. He and Wang Hua were already back in A-City and were currently heading to Shan Haiming's apartment. The construction of the resort had begun, and this meant there would be a long period during this time that he would no longer have to monitor the venture as closely, so he could now take a break for a while.

Shan Haiming, of course, hadn't taken her words to heart. It was just that the wall between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying had lowered slightly, and Chen Ying just had to take it upon herself to bring up his relationship with Xiao Ning. This was, honestly, a bad decision on her part.

_{Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"}With Shan Haiming, he had begun talking about his past a lot more often, something he had always avoided before. But even with that sharp tongue of Shan Haiming's slashing his way each time, he was also incredibly fond of the look in that man's eyes when he listened to him—a cherished kind of look. And every time he saw it, Xiao Ning couldn't help but want to kiss that man.

Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

_{After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.}"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"

After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

"Well, you're the complete opposite of that these days." Lu Yan paused for a while before he continued, "This is actually much better. Before, you were far too easy to push around. Now, you're much more cheerful."

_{Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."}
"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"

Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."

_{"Does Rihua have annual leave?"}Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

"Does Rihua have annual leave?"

_{The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.}
He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning. That period of internal uneasiness seemed to have completely run its course, so Xiao Ning could now even say in jest, "It's probably because the two of us would be like a right hand holding its left, huh?"

The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.

_{Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"}He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning. That period of internal uneasiness seemed to have completely run its course, so Xiao Ning could now even say in jest, "It's probably because the two of us would be like a right hand holding its left, huh?"

_{"Well, you're the complete opposite of that these days." Lu Yan paused for a while before he continued, "This is actually much better. Before, you were far too easy to push around. Now, you're much more cheerful."}"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}Anyhow, Lu Yan had been quite concerned about the progress of this mother-son relationship between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying. Every now and then, he would call Xiao Ning, warning him not to be fooled by a few sweet words and leave everything behind. Then, when he heard that the relationship between the two had relaxed, he'd rush over to lecture Xiao Ning.

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.}
Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."

After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

_{Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.}This undisguised statement was a blatant show of force, but Chen ing still kept her composure as she went on to ask, "Mr Shan, I know of your past as well, and I believe you have better options available to you, so please understand that Xiao Ning is not the right person for you."

Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

_{Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"}"That's nothing for you to concern yourself over," Chen Ying replied, then added, "And I believe these sentiments of mine are also shared by your mother."

Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"

_{Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.}"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.

Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

_{Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."}
"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.

Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

_{In that now-silent car, the default iPhone ringtone sounded, earning Shan Haiming's frown. Picking up the phone, he glanced at the screen, only to see it was an unknown number, so he declined the call and tossed his phone to the side.}This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.

In that now-silent car, the default iPhone ringtone sounded, earning Shan Haiming's frown. Picking up the phone, he glanced at the screen, only to see it was an unknown number, so he declined the call and tossed his phone to the side.

_{[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]}Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]

_{"I feel the same way too." Shan Haiming had a lot of faith in his mother, and since Chen Ying was determined to track his mother down to clarify her feelings about the matter, wouldn't it be best to let that dear mother of his know?}
"Hey, come on now. Which part of me isn't a catch, huh? Do you have any idea how many love letters I've received since I was a kid until now?" Lu Yan then retorted, "Plus, how many of those snacks given to me by those girls ended up in your stomach, huh? They were all given because of my charm, so just be honest, okay?"

_{And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."}"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."

_{But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.}
"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}Plans

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{This undisguised statement was a blatant show of force, but Chen ing still kept her composure as she went on to ask, "Mr Shan, I know of your past as well, and I believe you have better options available to you, so please understand that Xiao Ning is not the right person for you."}He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning. That period of internal uneasiness seemed to have completely run its course, so Xiao Ning could now even say in jest, "It's probably because the two of us would be like a right hand holding its left, huh?"

This undisguised statement was a blatant show of force, but Chen ing still kept her composure as she went on to ask, "Mr Shan, I know of your past as well, and I believe you have better options available to you, so please understand that Xiao Ning is not the right person for you."

_{But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"}"I feel the same way too." Shan Haiming had a lot of faith in his mother, and since Chen Ying was determined to track his mother down to clarify her feelings about the matter, wouldn't it be best to let that dear mother of his know?

But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"

_{He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning.}
"Well, you're the complete opposite of that these days." Lu Yan paused for a while before he continued, "This is actually much better. Before, you were far too easy to push around. Now, you're much more cheerful."

He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning. That period of internal uneasiness seemed to have completely run its course, so Xiao Ning could now even say in jest, "It's probably because the two of us would be like a right hand holding its left, huh?"

_{Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.}
"Well, being pushed around by you for all those years wasn't an easy feat," Xiao Ning joked.

Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.

_{In the backseat of a car, Shan Haiming sank into the backrest with his eyes closed. He and Wang Hua were already back in A-City and were currently heading to Shan Haiming's apartment. The construction of the resort had begun, and this meant there would be a long period during this time that he would no longer have to monitor the venture as closely, so he could now take a break for a while.}But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"

_{And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."}N/A

And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."

_{"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.}
And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."

"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.

_{[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]}
Noticing the conflicted look now drawn on the face before him, Xiao Ning called in a light tone, "Lu Yan?"

[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]

_{But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.}Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"

_{Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.}But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

_{"Heh, I actually wish that you'd grow up a bit. Look at how kindly you're treating her now." Irritated, Lu Yan pointed his finger at Xiao Ning as he added, "With the way things are going, it won't even be long before you start calling her mom again."}
"Huh?" Lu Yan lifted his head.

"Heh, I actually wish that you'd grow up a bit. Look at how kindly you're treating her now." Irritated, Lu Yan pointed his finger at Xiao Ning as he added, "With the way things are going, it won't even be long before you start calling her mom again."

_{In the backseat of a car, Shan Haiming sank into the backrest with his eyes closed. He and Wang Hua were already back in A-City and were currently heading to Shan Haiming's apartment. The construction of the resort had begun, and this meant there would be a long period during this time that he would no longer have to monitor the venture as closely, so he could now take a break for a while.}
"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}There was no worry in his mind that Xiao Ning would be put in a difficult position in having to choose between himself and Chen Ying—he had no doubts about who it was Xiao Ning would choose. It was just that he was a person who didn't care about a lot of things—the opinions of others being one of them—but he didn't want such troublesome things to have a negative effect on Xiao Ning's mood. Xiao Ning was a person who didn't have much in the beginning, and now he could be one less. If Chen Ying was willing to coexist peacefully, Shan Haiming would've been happy to sit back and let Xiao Ning maintain their relationship. If things went that way, it would've meant Xiao Ning's life would be more complete.

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{"To me, it appears self-righteousness doesn't have anything to do with age." Shan Haiming's tone grew a bit more arrogant as he now spoke, "But I'd advise you to not go discussing such things with my mother. She already knows about everything, and there is no need for you to go parroting it."}"So..." Xiao Ning lifted his brows, "don't take the past to heart."

_{Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."}◈◇◈

Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."

_{"That's nothing for you to concern yourself over," Chen Ying replied, then added, "And I believe these sentiments of mine are also shared by your mother."}
"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.

"That's nothing for you to concern yourself over," Chen Ying replied, then added, "And I believe these sentiments of mine are also shared by your mother."

_{"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.}Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.

"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.

_{"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"}Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"

_{Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."}Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"

Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

_{Anyhow, Lu Yan had been quite concerned about the progress of this mother-son relationship between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying. Every now and then, he would call Xiao Ning, warning him not to be fooled by a few sweet words and leave everything behind. Then, when he heard that the relationship between the two had relaxed, he'd rush over to lecture Xiao Ning.}
Don't take it to heart.

Anyhow, Lu Yan had been quite concerned about the progress of this mother-son relationship between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying. Every now and then, he would call Xiao Ning, warning him not to be fooled by a few sweet words and leave everything behind. Then, when he heard that the relationship between the two had relaxed, he'd rush over to lecture Xiao Ning.

_{Shan Haiming, of course, hadn't taken her words to heart. It was just that the wall between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying had lowered slightly, and Chen Ying just had to take it upon herself to bring up his relationship with Xiao Ning. This was, honestly, a bad decision on her part.}There was no worry in his mind that Xiao Ning would be put in a difficult position in having to choose between himself and Chen Ying—he had no doubts about who it was Xiao Ning would choose. It was just that he was a person who didn't care about a lot of things—the opinions of others being one of them—but he didn't want such troublesome things to have a negative effect on Xiao Ning's mood. Xiao Ning was a person who didn't have much in the beginning, and now he could be one less. If Chen Ying was willing to coexist peacefully, Shan Haiming would've been happy to sit back and let Xiao Ning maintain their relationship. If things went that way, it would've meant Xiao Ning's life would be more complete.

_{After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.}
Despite his saying this, Lu Yan's melancholy still blossomed, and he had not a clue why. He just felt there was something strange whenever he got involved with Xiao Ning, and he was quite worried about it.

After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

_{"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill.}Anyhow, Lu Yan had been quite concerned about the progress of this mother-son relationship between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying. Every now and then, he would call Xiao Ning, warning him not to be fooled by a few sweet words and leave everything behind. Then, when he heard that the relationship between the two had relaxed, he'd rush over to lecture Xiao Ning.

"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill. Then the two walked to the door together, side by side, until they were outside, where they went their separate ways. After a couple of steps, Lu Yan turned to look at Xiao Ning's departing figure. His back was held straight, his steps were relaxed, and the feeling his presence gave now was a world away from the way it had been in the past. But it wasn't something Lu Yan could be completely certain of because he rarely had the chance in the past to carefully examine Xiao Ning's parting figure.

_{Chen Ying obviously ignored his words and instead sneered in return, "I have said what I need to say. I'll also be discussing this matter with Xiao Ning. So, Mr. Shan, I implore you to give careful consideration to this matter as well."}Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

_{"Do you know a Xiao Ning?" She asked in return.}This undisguised statement was a blatant show of force, but Chen ing still kept her composure as she went on to ask, "Mr Shan, I know of your past as well, and I believe you have better options available to you, so please understand that Xiao Ning is not the right person for you."

"Do you know a Xiao Ning?" She asked in return.

_{"Hello, Mr. Shen." Chen Ying had a voice whose feminity was quite potent, much akin to a warm and gentle stream when it struck a person's ears. "There's a rumour I have gotten wind of, and because it concerns someone very dear to me, I had no choice but to confirm its validity by calling to ask you. So, do accept my apologies for this inconsiderate disturbance of mine."}
Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."

_{Calmly straitening his back, he returned Chen Ying's call. "Hello, Madam Zhao."}Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.

Calmly straitening his back, he returned Chen Ying's call. "Hello, Madam Zhao."

_{"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"}"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

"Who said I'm worried?" Lu Yan then chuckled. "But isn't it weird? You're gay, and I also like men, so how is it that we never got together or something?"

_{"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.}
"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."

"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.

_{But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?}
"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill. Then the two walked to the door together, side by side, until they were outside, where they went their separate ways. After a couple of steps, Lu Yan turned to look at Xiao Ning's departing figure. His back was held straight, his steps were relaxed, and the feeling his presence gave now was a world away from the way it had been in the past. But it wasn't something Lu Yan could be completely certain of because he rarely had the chance in the past to carefully examine Xiao Ning's parting figure.

But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

_{"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.}After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.

_{Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."}But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

_{Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."}
What's more, he realised he wasn't fond of such a thing at all. Despite how few those times were, they kept leaving him with a sense of powerlessness and emptiness.

Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."

_{Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.}"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"

Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

_{Calmly straitening his back, he returned Chen Ying's call. "Hello, Madam Zhao."}
Because the sight of a person's back always seemed as though it was saying "goodbye."

Calmly straitening his back, he returned Chen Ying's call. "Hello, Madam Zhao."

_{After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.}"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."

After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

_{"Hey, come on now. Which part of me isn't a catch, huh? Do you have any idea how many love letters I've received since I was a kid until now?" Lu Yan then retorted, "Plus, how many of those snacks given to me by those girls ended up in your stomach, huh? They were all given because of my charm, so just be honest, okay?"}"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

"Hey, come on now. Which part of me isn't a catch, huh? Do you have any idea how many love letters I've received since I was a kid until now?" Lu Yan then retorted, "Plus, how many of those snacks given to me by those girls ended up in your stomach, huh? They were all given because of my charm, so just be honest, okay?"

_{Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."}
Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning also followed along and no longer talked about Chen Ying, replying, "I know. It's fine. I'm in no rush. Besides, it's normal for Auntie and Uncle to not accept it."

_{After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.}"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then. Let her come. If she wasn't, I would've invited her over myself. But don't let her go saying this nonsense in front of Xiao Ning. With that boy's personality, he'll surely take her words to heart. Letting him have one less thing to worry about would be best."

After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

_{After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"}Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."

After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

_{"Hello, Mr. Shen." Chen Ying had a voice whose feminity was quite potent, much akin to a warm and gentle stream when it struck a person's ears. "There's a rumour I have gotten wind of, and because it concerns someone very dear to me, I had no choice but to confirm its validity by calling to ask you. So, do accept my apologies for this inconsiderate disturbance of mine."}Xiao Ning was very grateful for his concern, but it did feel rather strange. Why are he and Haiming acting like I'm some kid who'll get his lollipop scammed from him?

◈◇◈

_{Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"}
In the backseat of a car, Shan Haiming sank into the backrest with his eyes closed. He and Wang Hua were already back in A-City and were currently heading to Shan Haiming's apartment. The construction of the resort had begun, and this meant there would be a long period during this time that he would no longer have to monitor the venture as closely, so he could now take a break for a while.

Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"

_{"Does Rihua have annual leave?"}
"Does Rihua have annual leave?"

"Does Rihua have annual leave?"

_{"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.}
Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.

_{"Hey, come on now. Which part of me isn't a catch, huh? Do you have any idea how many love letters I've received since I was a kid until now?" Lu Yan then retorted, "Plus, how many of those snacks given to me by those girls ended up in your stomach, huh? They were all given because of my charm, so just be honest, okay?"}Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

_{"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"}
Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.

"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"

_{"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."}
In that now-silent car, the default iPhone ringtone sounded, earning Shan Haiming's frown. Picking up the phone, he glanced at the screen, only to see it was an unknown number, so he declined the call and tossed his phone to the side.

"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."

_{Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."}Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.

Lu Yan dragged out a "yeah," and then let out a sigh. "We're actually very compatible with one another, but we're way too familiar with one another, so there are no feelings like that at all there."

_{"Do you know a Xiao Ning?" She asked in return.}
Not long after, he was sent a message. Curious, he retrieved the phone and opened it.

"Do you know a Xiao Ning?" She asked in return.

_{After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"}"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill. Then the two walked to the door together, side by side, until they were outside, where they went their separate ways. After a couple of steps, Lu Yan turned to look at Xiao Ning's departing figure. His back was held straight, his steps were relaxed, and the feeling his presence gave now was a world away from the way it had been in the past. But it wasn't something Lu Yan could be completely certain of because he rarely had the chance in the past to carefully examine Xiao Ning's parting figure.

After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

_{"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."}◈◇◈

"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."

_{"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."}But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

_{"You don't need to worry yourself about that," Shan Haiming chuckled. "If I wasn't who I am, I'm sure you would've already drafted a check with my name, no?"}
[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]

"You don't need to worry yourself about that," Shan Haiming chuckled. "If I wasn't who I am, I'm sure you would've already drafted a check with my name, no?"

_{"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.}The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.

"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.

_{Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.}
Shan Haiming's lips curled into a light smile. He was not surprised at all that Chen Ying would've found out on her own. His relationship with Xiao Ning had spread to a certain extent in his circle, and it was a rather widespread one at that. Of course, this extended degree of circulation was partly thanks to that dear big brother of his.

Shan Haiming said nothing more. Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.

_{"So..." Xiao Ning lifted his brows, "don't take the past to heart."}"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then. Let her come. If she wasn't, I would've invited her over myself. But don't let her go saying this nonsense in front of Xiao Ning. With that boy's personality, he'll surely take her words to heart. Letting him have one less thing to worry about would be best."

"So..." Xiao Ning lifted his brows, "don't take the past to heart."

_{"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.}"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.

"Nonsense," Lu Yan said for no reason.

_Plans
Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

Plans

_{"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."}"You're having a laugh again, Mr. Shan." Chen Ying's tone turned frigid as she spoke. "Perhaps it's because you're at that age where it's still amusing to play around. But make no mistake, in the eyes of those who have more experience in life, you are nothing but a child who is ignorant of their actions."

"Are you a wife or something?" Lu Yan grumbled. "I came all the way just to see you, and you didn't even treat me to a meal."

_{"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then.}
Calmly straitening his back, he returned Chen Ying's call. "Hello, Madam Zhao."

_{He seemed genuinely confused by this, unable to find an answer no matter how hard he thought about it. But, unlike before, he no longer seemed burdened when discussing such matters with Xiao Ning.}"Heh, I actually wish that you'd grow up a bit. Look at how kindly you're treating her now." Irritated, Lu Yan pointed his finger at Xiao Ning as he added, "With the way things are going, it won't even be long before you start calling her mom again."

_{"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.}
"Hello, Mr. Shen." Chen Ying had a voice whose feminity was quite potent, much akin to a warm and gentle stream when it struck a person's ears. "There's a rumour I have gotten wind of, and because it concerns someone very dear to me, I had no choice but to confirm its validity by calling to ask you. So, do accept my apologies for this inconsiderate disturbance of mine."

"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.

_{"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.}After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Everything's going quite well. There's nothing to worry about." Even though he only grumbled his question out, Xiao Ning understood what he meant.

_{Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"}
"Do you know a Xiao Ning?" She asked in return.

Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"

_{"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"}Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."

"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"

_{Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."}"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill. Then the two walked to the door together, side by side, until they were outside, where they went their separate ways. After a couple of steps, Lu Yan turned to look at Xiao Ning's departing figure. His back was held straight, his steps were relaxed, and the feeling his presence gave now was a world away from the way it had been in the past. But it wasn't something Lu Yan could be completely certain of because he rarely had the chance in the past to carefully examine Xiao Ning's parting figure.

Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."

_{Noticing the conflicted look now drawn on the face before him, Xiao Ning called in a light tone, "Lu Yan?"}But at the same time, the more he spoke to her, the more settled his emotions became. Nonetheless, he was well aware that whatever hopes Chen Ying had of kickstarting their mother-son relationship right where it left off were impossible—at least that was the case in the short term.

Noticing the conflicted look now drawn on the face before him, Xiao Ning called in a light tone, "Lu Yan?"

_{"Huh?" Lu Yan lifted his head.}
"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.

"Huh?" Lu Yan lifted his head.

_{And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."}
Now, on the other side of the line, there was silence for a few seconds, followed by Chen Ying asking, "Are you aware of my relationship with him, then?"

And Lu Yan did not refute him this time around. After a good while, he said offhandedly, "Yeah, I did push you around, so I do owe you for that."

_{Despite his saying this, Lu Yan's melancholy still blossomed, and he had not a clue why. He just felt there was something strange whenever he got involved with Xiao Ning, and he was quite worried about it.}Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

_{"Well, being pushed around by you for all those years wasn't an easy feat," Xiao Ning joked.}
Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"

"Well, being pushed around by you for all those years wasn't an easy feat," Xiao Ning joked.

_{Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. {Geez, I really am losing it.} He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.}"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"

Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}◈◇◈

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{Xiao Ning was very grateful for his concern, but it did feel rather strange. Why are he and Haiming acting like I'm some kid who'll get his lollipop scammed from him?}
This undisguised statement was a blatant show of force, but Chen ing still kept her composure as she went on to ask, "Mr Shan, I know of your past as well, and I believe you have better options available to you, so please understand that Xiao Ning is not the right person for you."

Xiao Ning was very grateful for his concern, but it did feel rather strange. Why are he and Haiming acting like I'm some kid who'll get his lollipop scammed from him?

_{"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.}"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"

"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.

_{Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"}Don't take it to heart.

Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

_{Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"}
"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

_{"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.}But all he wants is just that little bit of sweetness. Why can't younger folks not know that things can be done in moderation? Can't a kiss just be a kiss?

"But isn't she my mom, though?" Xiao Ning replied helplessly.

_{Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. {Geez, I really am losing it.} He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.}"Does Rihua have annual leave?"

Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.

_{This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.}
But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"

This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.

_{Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."}
"You don't need to worry yourself about that," Shan Haiming chuckled. "If I wasn't who I am, I'm sure you would've already drafted a check with my name, no?"

Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."

_{"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"}Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

"Hold on just a moment, Mrs. Zhao," Shan Haiming said mockingly. "Do you think you have any understanding of the kind of person he really is?"

_{Chen Ying obviously ignored his words and instead sneered in return, "I have said what I need to say. I'll also be discussing this matter with Xiao Ning. So, Mr. Shan, I implore you to give careful consideration to this matter as well."}
"You're having a laugh again, Mr. Shan." Chen Ying's tone turned frigid as she spoke. "Perhaps it's because you're at that age where it's still amusing to play around. But make no mistake, in the eyes of those who have more experience in life, you are nothing but a child who is ignorant of their actions."

_N/A"Why are you acting so petty?" Xiao Ning Ning chuckled as he sat with his friend. "You're treating me as if I'm a kid?"

N/A

_{What's more, he realised he wasn't fond of such a thing at all. Despite how few those times were, they kept leaving him with a sense of powerlessness and emptiness.}
"I thought ladies weren't that fond of speaking about themselves getting on in years," Shan Haiming countered politely.

What's more, he realised he wasn't fond of such a thing at all. Despite how few those times were, they kept leaving him with a sense of powerlessness and emptiness.

_N/AShan Haiming, of course, hadn't taken her words to heart. It was just that the wall between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying had lowered slightly, and Chen Ying just had to take it upon herself to bring up his relationship with Xiao Ning. This was, honestly, a bad decision on her part.

N/A

_{"Hey, come on now. Which part of me isn't a catch, huh? Do you have any idea how many love letters I've received since I was a kid until now?" Lu Yan then retorted, "Plus, how many of those snacks given to me by those girls ended up in your stomach, huh? They were all given because of my charm, so just be honest, okay?"}
"To me, it appears self-righteousness doesn't have anything to do with age." Shan Haiming's tone grew a bit more arrogant as he now spoke, "But I'd advise you to not go discussing such things with my mother. She already knows about everything, and there is no need for you to go parroting it."

_{Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.}Looking at his watch, Xiao Ning rose from his seat and announced, "It's time for me to head home. Haiming's coming back home today."

Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

_{This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.}Lu Yan suddenly got angry at himself for his behaviour. Geez, I really am losing it. He then turned back around and hurried off in the opposite direction of Xiao Ning.

This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.

_{After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"}
Chen Ying obviously ignored his words and instead sneered in return, "I have said what I need to say. I'll also be discussing this matter with Xiao Ning. So, Mr. Shan, I implore you to give careful consideration to this matter as well."

After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

_{The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.}"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.

The concern in his voice was reminiscent of how it had been in their past.

_{"So..." Xiao Ning lifted his brows, "don't take the past to heart."}
After saying this, that woman abruptly hung up the phone.

"So..." Xiao Ning lifted his brows, "don't take the past to heart."

_{Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."}
Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

Waving his hand, he replied simply, No."

_{"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.}Wang Hua, who was driving upfront, replied to him, "Yes. Those kinds of huge enterprises should all have it."

"What is it, then?" Shan Haiming asked.

_{"Well, you're the complete opposite of that these days." Lu Yan paused for a while before he continued, "This is actually much better. Before, you were far too easy to push around. Now, you're much more cheerful."}
Shan Haiming, of course, hadn't taken her words to heart. It was just that the wall between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying had lowered slightly, and Chen Ying just had to take it upon herself to bring up his relationship with Xiao Ning. This was, honestly, a bad decision on her part.

_{"Wasn't me eating them just because you didn't like them? You refused to throw them away just to keep up that nice guy act, remember? You should be thanking me for putting up with the humiliation of having to help you solve something so troublesome."}
There was no worry in his mind that Xiao Ning would be put in a difficult position in having to choose between himself and Chen Ying—he had no doubts about who it was Xiao Ning would choose. It was just that he was a person who didn't care about a lot of things—the opinions of others being one of them—but he didn't want such troublesome things to have a negative effect on Xiao Ning's mood. Xiao Ning was a person who didn't have much in the beginning, and now he could be one less. If Chen Ying was willing to coexist peacefully, Shan Haiming would've been happy to sit back and let Xiao Ning maintain their relationship. If things went that way, it would've meant Xiao Ning's life would be more complete.

_{"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.}Hearing this, Lu Yan then asked in a mumble, "You and, um... how have you been recently? I mean, with your um..."

"Who's compatible with who, huh? Quit acting as if you're God's gift to mankind, alright?" Xiao Ning chuckled.

_{"Next time." Xiao Ning made his way to the counter to pay the bill.}
After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

_{Shan Haiming said nothing more. {Given Xiao Ning's personality, he wouldn't have used up his vacation days yet. It'd be better to take advantage of the good weather we have now to go back to C-City again. Plus, last time everything was too rushed.}}Plans

_{Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"}"That's nothing for you to concern yourself over," Chen Ying replied, then added, "And I believe these sentiments of mine are also shared by your mother."

Shan Haiming gave a casual hum to her in reply, then added, "He told me that his mother had run off and abandoned him. Is that person really you?"

_{"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"}
"Really? She's coming to see me? Where on earth does she get the confidence to think she can convince me to fall in line with her?" Wu Yi burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Alright, then. Let her come. If she wasn't, I would've invited her over myself. But don't let her go saying this nonsense in front of Xiao Ning. With that boy's personality, he'll surely take her words to heart. Letting him have one less thing to worry about would be best."

"I was just joking around, alright? It's not serious." Xiao then added with a chuckle, "We're friends, aren't we?"

_{"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.}This time, their call ended on a cheerful note.

"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.

_{{Don't take it to heart.}}After thinking some more, he called Wu Yi.

Don't take it to heart.

_{Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.}
"I feel the same way too." Shan Haiming had a lot of faith in his mother, and since Chen Ying was determined to track his mother down to clarify her feelings about the matter, wouldn't it be best to let that dear mother of his know?

Chen Ying had recently begun actively rubbing elbows with Wu Yi, so she must've inquired about the Shans and would've naturally come to know about Xiao Ning.

_{[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]}Shan Haiming was contemplating for a moment when Wang Hua asked, "President Shan, is there something wrong?"

[——Hello, Mr. Shan, this is Chen Ying. I have some things I would like to ask you, so I hope you will accept my call.]

_{"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.}After saying this, Lu Yan remained silent, so after waiting a while, Xiao Ning asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"My lover just so happens to go by that very name," Shan Haiming replied.

_{But Chen Ying remained indifferent as she countered with a question in return: "You and I are both well aware of the seriousness of a relationship between two men, so answer me this, Mr. Shan, for how long do you think your family will indulge you?"}Lu Yan wanted to curse, but he held his tongue. Then, taking a breath, he changed the topic. "Oh yeah, my mom asked about you, and that's alright now too. She's just as soft-hearted as you are. It's just my dad who's having a bit of a harder time with it, you know?"

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: This isn't even the main reason I hate her.

The Long Road Ahead: C58

Plans

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Notes:

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