The Long Road Ahead: C61

A Condition

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

_{He was certain Chen Ying would not accept it, even though he was unsure why he felt this way. He also didn't like all those arrangements she was making, even if he knew she was doing it for his own good. They seemed much better than what his current job had to offer, but Xiao Ning was self-aware enough to know he wasn't the right fit.}
Xiao Ning never really had an elder that he was truly close to in his life growing up, so he never had to consider the impact revealing his sexuality would bring. But now that Chen Ying reappeared in his life out of thin air, for the first time, Xiao Ning was experiencing troubles in this regard.

He was certain Chen Ying would not accept it, even though he was unsure why he felt this way. He also didn't like all those arrangements she was making, even if he knew she was doing it for his own good. They seemed much better than what his current job had to offer, but Xiao Ning was self-aware enough to know he wasn't the right fit.

“He is a very friendly man, so friendly in fact, he informed me of a few things.” Wu Yi’s expression turned regretful. “Regarding Mr. Zhao’s health, well, you’ve been working hard all these years, haven’t you? It is no wonder Mr. Zhao treasures his daughter so preciously, but it must still be a pity he can no longer father children of his own.”

_{Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”}“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”

_{“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”}The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.

“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

_{“Are you listening to yourself? And you must not know how things are in my family because I don’t control what Haiming does, and neither would he do as I say." Wu Yi let out a sigh.}
He was certain Chen Ying would not accept it, even though he was unsure why he felt this way. He also didn't like all those arrangements she was making, even if he knew she was doing it for his own good. They seemed much better than what his current job had to offer, but Xiao Ning was self-aware enough to know he wasn't the right fit.

“Are you listening to yourself? And you must not know how things are in my family because I don’t control what Haiming does, and neither would he do as I say." Wu Yi let out a sigh. “I never intended to interfere in the beginning either. I was simply going to stand back and let those kids handle their own affairs. But the thing is, Xiao Ning is a boy who makes a person not help but worry because he has such an unreliable elder around him now. One, who, after neglecting him for so many years, has shown up to try to take control of his life halfway in.”

_{Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”}"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.

Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”

_{Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”}
Then, when it came to his sexuality, that was another drawn-out endeavour he foresaw and one that would drain away his energy. So, just the thought of going through it alone was enough to make his head ache.

Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”

_{The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.}
Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and took pictures of Tangtang and Xiaohei as they played. He then asked Xiao Ning, "Where'd you like to go for our trip?" But Xiao Ning, who still was very much lost in his thoughts about his business with Chen Ying, didn't hear a word of this request.

The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.

_{Seeing he was unheard, Shan Haiming put away his phone and then tilted his head as he stared at Xiao Ning. Seeing that even this went unnoticed, he took a few steps closer to the absentminded Xiao Ning, squatted beside him, and then blew a breath into his ear.}
Seeing he was unheard, Shan Haiming put away his phone and then tilted his head as he stared at Xiao Ning. Seeing that even this went unnoticed, he took a few steps closer to the absentminded Xiao Ning, squatted beside him, and then blew a breath into his ear. Xiao Ning, from his face to his neck, was covered in a blush out of shock. He had almost launched himself off the sofa, but upon regaining some composure, he whipped his head towards that man and asked with an emotionless face, "Why?"

Seeing he was unheard, Shan Haiming put away his phone and then tilted his head as he stared at Xiao Ning. Seeing that even this went unnoticed, he took a few steps closer to the absentminded Xiao Ning, squatted beside him, and then blew a breath into his ear. Xiao Ning, from his face to his neck, was covered in a blush out of shock. He had almost launched himself off the sofa, but upon regaining some composure, he whipped his head towards that man and asked with an emotionless face, "Why?"

Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”

_{"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."}“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

_{“I don’t know, but will you tell him, or will you agree?” Wu Yi stared at Chen Ying with great interest before asking her outright, “So, in other words, which is more important to you now? Being Xiao Ning’s mother, or becoming a more powerful Mrs. Zhao?”}“Are you listening to yourself? And you must not know how things are in my family because I don’t control what Haiming does, and neither would he do as I say." Wu Yi let out a sigh. “I never intended to interfere in the beginning either. I was simply going to stand back and let those kids handle their own affairs. But the thing is, Xiao Ning is a boy who makes a person not help but worry because he has such an unreliable elder around him now. One, who, after neglecting him for so many years, has shown up to try to take control of his life halfway in.”

“I don’t know, but will you tell him, or will you agree?” Wu Yi stared at Chen Ying with great interest before asking her outright, “So, in other words, which is more important to you now? Being Xiao Ning’s mother, or becoming a more powerful Mrs. Zhao?”

_{“It seems everyone has at least one thing they especially regret.” Wu Yi moved her gaze towards the courtyard, her eyes holding no emotion within. “But if this wasn't the case, it wouldn't be life.”}
Staring at the peeved guy before him for a few seconds, Shan Haiming plopped his butt right next to him, then snaked one arm around to pull him especially close. With his other hand, he pulled out his phone to snap a picture of their intimate pose. "I'll send it to you, too."

“It seems everyone has at least one thing they especially regret.” Wu Yi moved her gaze towards the courtyard, her eyes holding no emotion within. “But if this wasn't the case, it wouldn't be life.”

_{{Aunty, you...}}“My level of knowledge may be shallow, but I am aware that society does not recognise such things.” Chen Ying’s voice was calm. “So there is no guarantee that they will always be together. How far can such a road even go? What worries me is that after stubbornly going down this path, he’ll accept it as the truth, and his life will be forever ruined in the end.”

Aunty, you...

_{“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.}The two were well aware of the circumstances behind this meeting, but neither said a word about it and kept chatting as though they had been best friends who hadn’t seen one another for ages. It wasn’t until after the waiter arrived and served the meal that the two heartily ate that the conversation that they aimed to have began.

“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.

_{Chen Ying remained silent for a moment before she managed to say, “Then I count myself as a person quite envious of you, Mrs. Shan.”}
The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.

Chen Ying remained silent for a moment before she managed to say, “Then I count myself as a person quite envious of you, Mrs. Shan.”

_{“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”}“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”

The two were well aware of the circumstances behind this meeting, but neither said a word about it and kept chatting as though they had been best friends who hadn’t seen one another for ages. It wasn’t until after the waiter arrived and served the meal that the two heartily ate that the conversation that they aimed to have began.

“That’s true, because it’s natural for everyone to be faced with choices, and there are times when compromise won’t be possible.” A wry smile now found its way on Chen Ying’s face as she continued, “Perhaps you too have also experienced such a time, Mrs. Shan.”

While Xiao Ning was still very much stuck in his embarrassment, Wu Yi sent back a reply, but the content of that message was well beyond anything Xiao Ning could imagine. "Hey, where's the intimacy? Why do these pics barely have any? Son, I expect a lot of couple photos. Photos of a couple kissing while snapping pics, okay?😊"

_{Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”}
"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

_{"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."}
Shan Haiming gave a hum in response, then made his own suggestion. "I was thinking about us going back to C-City."

"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

_◈◇◈“There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s how I feel about this matter.” Wu Yi shrugged before continuing, “It’s their life. So even if their heads bleed, it will be a valuable experience for them in the end. It’s not the responsibility of parents to block them from bumping into every wall; that would be such a bore, wouldn’t it? All we have to do is make sure they have a place to come back to and be bandaged up when they do get a bump.”

◈◇◈

_{“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.}A Condition

“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_{Wu Yi gestured for a timeout with her hands, then said frankly, “Honestly, whether you doubt my words or not doesn’t matter much to me. So how about we cut the chatter and get the reason you came looking for me?"}
This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

Wu Yi gestured for a timeout with her hands, then said frankly, “Honestly, whether you doubt my words or not doesn’t matter much to me. So how about we cut the chatter and get the reason you came looking for me?"

_{Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”}“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”

Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

_{"And because it's your hometown. I want to see more of it because of that.}Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"

"And because it's your hometown. I want to see more of it because of that." Shan Haiming kept fiddling with the pictures on his phone as he said these words casually, not knowing they washed and calmed Xiao Ning's heart like a glass of warm milk. Xiao Ning suddenly felt like the temperature in the room was growing hotter; nonetheless, he replied, "Alright then. I already sent in my application today, so I should be able to get the last five days of the month."

_{“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”}This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”

_{Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.}
"And because it's your hometown. I want to see more of it because of that." Shan Haiming kept fiddling with the pictures on his phone as he said these words casually, not knowing they washed and calmed Xiao Ning's heart like a glass of warm milk. Xiao Ning suddenly felt like the temperature in the room was growing hotter; nonetheless, he replied, "Alright then. I already sent in my application today, so I should be able to get the last five days of the month."

Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.

_{Staring at the peeved guy before him for a few seconds, Shan Haiming plopped his butt right next to him, then snaked one arm around to pull him especially close. With his other hand, he pulled out his phone to snap a picture of their intimate pose. "I'll send it to you, too."}
Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."

Staring at the peeved guy before him for a few seconds, Shan Haiming plopped his butt right next to him, then snaked one arm around to pull him especially close. With his other hand, he pulled out his phone to snap a picture of their intimate pose. "I'll send it to you, too."

The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.

_{Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”}
"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.

Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

_{After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"}“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground. “If you don’t agree, I won’t do anything either. Whether Xinhong wins the bid or not will be solely based on its abilities. If you accept, the opportunity to work with us will simply be guaranteed. So, there was no threat delivered because nothing would be taken away from you.”

After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"

_{"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.}“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.

_{The two were well aware of the circumstances behind this meeting, but neither said a word about it and kept chatting as though they had been best friends who hadn’t seen one another for ages. It wasn’t until after the waiter arrived and served the meal that the two heartily ate that the conversation that they aimed to have began.}Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and took pictures of Tangtang and Xiaohei as they played. He then asked Xiao Ning, "Where'd you like to go for our trip?" But Xiao Ning, who still was very much lost in his thoughts about his business with Chen Ying, didn't hear a word of this request.

_{“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground.}
Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"

“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground. “If you don’t agree, I won’t do anything either. Whether Xinhong wins the bid or not will be solely based on its abilities. If you accept, the opportunity to work with us will simply be guaranteed. So, there was no threat delivered because nothing would be taken away from you.”

_{Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”}After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"

_◈◇◈A Condition

◈◇◈

_{Chen Ying frowned. “What are you talking about?”}The furrow in Chen Ying's brows at the mention of this name deepened even more. Not only was Cui Tao a famous doctor, but the thing about him that was the most significant was that he was the doctor of the Zhao family.

Chen Ying frowned. “What are you talking about?”

_{"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.}
Xiao Ning was still speechless.

"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

_{Shan Haiming gave a hum in response, then made his own suggestion. "I was thinking about us going back to C-City."}
Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"

Shan Haiming gave a hum in response, then made his own suggestion. "I was thinking about us going back to C-City."

_{The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.}With him now like this, Shan Haiming again asked, "So, where'd you like to go for our vacation?"

_{“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”}“I don’t know, but will you tell him, or will you agree?” Wu Yi stared at Chen Ying with great interest before asking her outright, “So, in other words, which is more important to you now? Being Xiao Ning’s mother, or becoming a more powerful Mrs. Zhao?”

_{“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.}
"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.

_{Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”}Pausing for a moment, Chen Ying looked at Wu Yi. “I think you are also familiar with their name, Mrs. Chen. That child is called Xiao Ning.”

Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."}“Frankly speaking, because this matter concerns my son, as a mother, I have to concern myself with it as well. So I also got well-informed on a few things, and then I found Cui Tao—a doctor named Cui Tao. Doctor Cui is rather renowned in the overseas Chinese community, isn’t he?”

"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature. He does not like being in competitive situations, and because of his temperament, he will not be the kind of person that would be of use to you.” Wu Yi kept her eyes trained on Chen Ying, adding, “But I have a proposal. If you let them continue their relationship freely without trying to persuade Xiao Ning, Xinhong can join in on Rihua’s current project.”

Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and took pictures of Tangtang and Xiaohei as they played. He then asked Xiao Ning, "Where'd you like to go for our trip?" But Xiao Ning, who still was very much lost in his thoughts about his business with Chen Ying, didn't hear a word of this request.

_{“Oh, is that it? But is the recognition of society genuinely a guarantee, though? Even if a person gets married, they can still get divorced. Even if a person has a child, they can also abandon that child without caring. So, on that front, there truly is no significant difference, now, is there?” Wu Yi’s smile brightened as she spoke. “Well, what do you think about that, Mrs. Zhao?”}
Aunty, you...

“Oh, is that it? But is the recognition of society genuinely a guarantee, though? Even if a person gets married, they can still get divorced. Even if a person has a child, they can also abandon that child without caring. So, on that front, there truly is no significant difference, now, is there?” Wu Yi’s smile brightened as she spoke. “Well, what do you think about that, Mrs. Zhao?”

_{While Xiao Ning was still very much stuck in his embarrassment, Wu Yi sent back a reply, but the content of that message was well beyond anything Xiao Ning could imagine. "Hey, where's the intimacy? Why do these pics barely have any? Son, I expect a lot of couple photos. Photos of a couple kissing while snapping pics, okay?😊"}“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

_{With him now like this, Shan Haiming again asked, "So, where'd you like to go for our vacation?"}
While Xiao Ning was still very much stuck in his embarrassment, Wu Yi sent back a reply, but the content of that message was well beyond anything Xiao Ning could imagine. "Hey, where's the intimacy? Why do these pics barely have any? Son, I expect a lot of couple photos. Photos of a couple kissing while snapping pics, okay?😊"

With him now like this, Shan Haiming again asked, "So, where'd you like to go for our vacation?"

_{The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.}Seeing he was unheard, Shan Haiming put away his phone and then tilted his head as he stared at Xiao Ning. Seeing that even this went unnoticed, he took a few steps closer to the absentminded Xiao Ning, squatted beside him, and then blew a breath into his ear. Xiao Ning, from his face to his neck, was covered in a blush out of shock. He had almost launched himself off the sofa, but upon regaining some composure, he whipped his head towards that man and asked with an emotionless face, "Why?"

For a moment, Wu Yi stared at the bowing woman, after which she replied, “Of course I understand you, but what I can’t wrap my head around is why you seem so certain Xiao Ning isn’t and won’t be happy?”

_{“I won’t comment on Young Master Shan’s proclivities, but I am also well-informed of his past.” Chen Ying tried to say these words politely, but she couldn’t mask her disdain. “And because of this, it makes me doubt the words you just said.”}
This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.

“I won’t comment on Young Master Shan’s proclivities, but I am also well-informed of his past.” Chen Ying tried to say these words politely, but she couldn’t mask her disdain. “And because of this, it makes me doubt the words you just said.”

Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”

_{With him now like this, Shan Haiming again asked, "So, where'd you like to go for our vacation?"}This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

With him now like this, Shan Haiming again asked, "So, where'd you like to go for our vacation?"

_{“You and I are both people who have seen more of life, so I believed that despite the differences in our individual experiences, we could still find some common ground between us. I’ve worked hard for many years, and now I’ve finally gotten the ability to give my son a good life.}
After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"

“You and I are both people who have seen more of life, so I believed that despite the differences in our individual experiences, we could still find some common ground between us. I’ve worked hard for many years, and now I’ve finally gotten the ability to give my son a good life.” Chen Ying paused meaningfully for a moment before she continued, “They are still young. They’re still ignorant of the way the world works. As their mothers, are we just supposed to sit by and watch as they barrel into a wall and then writhe around in pain?”

_{The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.}Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”

The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.

_{Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”}Seeing he was unheard, Shan Haiming put away his phone and then tilted his head as he stared at Xiao Ning. Seeing that even this went unnoticed, he took a few steps closer to the absentminded Xiao Ning, squatted beside him, and then blew a breath into his ear. Xiao Ning, from his face to his neck, was covered in a blush out of shock. He had almost launched himself off the sofa, but upon regaining some composure, he whipped his head towards that man and asked with an emotionless face, "Why?"

Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.}
"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_{Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”}Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”

Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”}“Really? I’m just speaking casually after all.” Wu Yi passed for a moment, her eyes locking with Chen Ying. “I’m also aware of just how much effort you’ve invested in Xinhong; you’re even more hard-working than me in this regard.”

Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”

_{Wu Yi, again, said nothing in response.}“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

Wu Yi, again, said nothing in response.

_{Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”}
Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”

Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”

_{Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”}"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.

Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"}Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"

_{Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”}iana: This is why I hate her. If she had another kid, Xiao Ning wouldn't have been a passing thought; a blimp on her radar; a pimple on her butt! That's why despite knowing who to call to find him for twenty years—TWENTY STINKING YEARS—and at least ten years after she got established in that family, she gave sh!t-all about him. The stepdaughter hates her a$$, she couldn't pop one out, so after making sure all bridges were burnt, she went with the last ditch option: Xiao Ning. She honestly disgusts me as a character. Her little speech last chapter about "why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small" had some truth in it, but just this bit: why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you. She rationalised it as "doing it for her son—for them" but once she dipped, she forgot her way home after getting that milk. B!tch could've at least sent money. But no, she could get knocked up and an extra son could weaken her struggle for power. As a pure liability, Xiao Ning had to be kept away. But now she's back and has the AUDACITY to micro-manage his life "for his sake!" Reading her nonsense pissed me off, translating it pissed me off more "because I have to remain impartial blah blah blah..." Somebody call that psycho Zixin to push her into a pool. *End of rant* My apologies.

_{Xiao Ning never really had an elder that he was truly close to in his life growing up, so he never had to consider the impact revealing his sexuality would bring. But now that Chen Ying reappeared in his life out of thin air, for the first time, Xiao Ning was experiencing troubles in this regard.}
Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.

Xiao Ning never really had an elder that he was truly close to in his life growing up, so he never had to consider the impact revealing his sexuality would bring. But now that Chen Ying reappeared in his life out of thin air, for the first time, Xiao Ning was experiencing troubles in this regard.

_{Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"}For a moment, Wu Yi stared at the bowing woman, after which she replied, “Of course I understand you, but what I can’t wrap my head around is why you seem so certain Xiao Ning isn’t and won’t be happy?”

Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"

_{“Frankly speaking, because this matter concerns my son, as a mother, I have to concern myself with it as well. So I also got well-informed on a few things, and then I found Cui Tao—a doctor named Cui Tao. Doctor Cui is rather renowned in the overseas Chinese community, isn’t he?”}"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

“Frankly speaking, because this matter concerns my son, as a mother, I have to concern myself with it as well. So I also got well-informed on a few things, and then I found Cui Tao—a doctor named Cui Tao. Doctor Cui is rather renowned in the overseas Chinese community, isn’t he?”

◈◇◈

_{The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.}
Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”

_{Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”}Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.}Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.

Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.

_{Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."}
The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.

Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."

_{Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”}Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"

_{This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.}Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”

This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.

_{But Wu Yi replied bluntly, “I haven’t.” And such a decisive response took Chen Ying by surprise.}
“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

But Wu Yi replied bluntly, “I haven’t.” And such a decisive response took Chen Ying by surprise.

_{Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”}“He is a very friendly man, so friendly in fact, he informed me of a few things.” Wu Yi’s expression turned regretful. “Regarding Mr. Zhao’s health, well, you’ve been working hard all these years, haven’t you? It is no wonder Mr. Zhao treasures his daughter so preciously, but it must still be a pity he can no longer father children of his own.”

Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”

_{Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."}"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."

_{“He is a very friendly man, so friendly in fact, he informed me of a few things.” Wu Yi’s expression turned regretful. “Regarding Mr. Zhao’s health, well, you’ve been working hard all these years, haven’t you? It is no wonder Mr. Zhao treasures his daughter so preciously, but it must still be a pity he can no longer father children of his own.”}iana: This is why I hate her. If she had another kid, Xiao Ning wouldn't have been a passing thought; a blimp on her radar; a pimple on her butt! That's why despite knowing who to call to find him for twenty years—TWENTY STINKING YEARS—and at least ten years after she got established in that family, she gave sh!t-all about him. The stepdaughter hates her a$$, she couldn't pop one out, so after making sure all bridges were burnt, she went with the last ditch option: Xiao Ning. She honestly disgusts me as a character. Her little speech last chapter about "why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small" had some truth in it, but just this bit: why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you. She rationalised it as "doing it for her son—for them" but once she dipped, she forgot her way home after getting that milk. B!tch could've at least sent money. But no, she could get knocked up and an extra son could weaken her struggle for power. As a pure liability, Xiao Ning had to be kept away. But now she's back and has the AUDACITY to micro-manage his life "for his sake!" Reading her nonsense pissed me off, translating it pissed me off more "because I have to remain impartial blah blah blah..." Somebody call that psycho Zixin to push her into a pool. *End of rant* My apologies.

_{“Really? I’m just speaking casually after all.” Wu Yi passed for a moment, her eyes locking with Chen Ying. “I’m also aware of just how much effort you’ve invested in Xinhong; you’re even more hard-working than me in this regard.”}
The smile that had previously spread across Chen Ying’s face upon the utterance of the word boyfriend deepened. “Alright. Anyhow, I heard the sashimi here is quite delicious, and the ambience here is also excellent. I’ve been troubling you so much recently that I told myself I'd treat you to a meal in return, no matter what.”

“Really? I’m just speaking casually after all.” Wu Yi passed for a moment, her eyes locking with Chen Ying. “I’m also aware of just how much effort you’ve invested in Xinhong; you’re even more hard-working than me in this regard.”

_{The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.}“Oh, is that it? But is the recognition of society genuinely a guarantee, though? Even if a person gets married, they can still get divorced. Even if a person has a child, they can also abandon that child without caring. So, on that front, there truly is no significant difference, now, is there?” Wu Yi’s smile brightened as she spoke. “Well, what do you think about that, Mrs. Zhao?”

The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.}Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.

This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.

_{“Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying breathed in deeply, “you are overthinking these matters.”}
Wu Yi did quite like such exquisite things and this sort of style, and it must have been hard for Chen Ying to have her pegged so precisely. So, with a smile, she replied, “Oh, you’re welcome, but I didn’t help that much.”

“Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying breathed in deeply, “you are overthinking these matters.”

_{"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.}
The two were well aware of the circumstances behind this meeting, but neither said a word about it and kept chatting as though they had been best friends who hadn’t seen one another for ages. It wasn’t until after the waiter arrived and served the meal that the two heartily ate that the conversation that they aimed to have began.

"Huh?" Xiao Ning unwittingly followed Shan Haiming's line of sight to the place it was pointing to, and right then, with a gentle tap, the image of the two was captured on the waiting screen.

_{The furrow in Chen Ying's brows at the mention of this name deepened even more. Not only was Cui Tao a famous doctor, but the thing about him that was the most significant was that he was the doctor of the Zhao family.}
Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

The furrow in Chen Ying's brows at the mention of this name deepened even more. Not only was Cui Tao a famous doctor, but the thing about him that was the most significant was that he was the doctor of the Zhao family.

_{Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"}
“It seems everyone has at least one thing they especially regret.” Wu Yi moved her gaze towards the courtyard, her eyes holding no emotion within. “But if this wasn't the case, it wouldn't be life.”

Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"

_{Towards this assessment of Chen Ying, Wu Yi said nothing to refute and only maintained her smiling expression while she delivered her own assessment: “So you don’t want to be a villain in front of your son, and you want me to be the one to drive a wedge through the loving couple, yes?”}
“That’s true, because it’s natural for everyone to be faced with choices, and there are times when compromise won’t be possible.” A wry smile now found its way on Chen Ying’s face as she continued, “Perhaps you too have also experienced such a time, Mrs. Shan.”

Towards this assessment of Chen Ying, Wu Yi said nothing to refute and only maintained her smiling expression while she delivered her own assessment: “So you don’t want to be a villain in front of your son, and you want me to be the one to drive a wedge through the loving couple, yes?”

_{Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.}
But Wu Yi replied bluntly, “I haven’t.” And such a decisive response took Chen Ying by surprise.

Before he finished saying those words, he had already captured Xiao Ning’s lips. But as their kiss deepened, their photo-taking task had, in the end, been long forgotten.

_{Since the other side had made their intentions clear, Wu Yi saw no reason to keep up the pretence, either. "Mrs.}“My level of knowledge may be shallow, but I am aware that society does not recognise such things.” Chen Ying’s voice was calm. “So there is no guarantee that they will always be together. How far can such a road even go? What worries me is that after stubbornly going down this path, he’ll accept it as the truth, and his life will be forever ruined in the end.”

Since the other side had made their intentions clear, Wu Yi saw no reason to keep up the pretence, either. "Mrs. Zhao, I think there are a lot of things you’re misunderstanding. What makes you so certain he is unwilling? Did you talk to him about it to find such a thing out? And given how long it has been since you two have been separated, how could you still know he still possesses the kind of character you think he has? As far as I see, he and Haiming are quite happy together. Here, have a look. There’s even a photo of them on my phone.”

_{Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"}Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

_{“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.}Aunty, you...

“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_{The smile that had previously spread across Chen Ying’s face upon the utterance of the word boyfriend deepened. “Alright. Anyhow, I heard the sashimi here is quite delicious, and the ambience here is also excellent. I’ve been troubling you so much recently that I told myself I'd treat you to a meal in return, no matter what.”}
Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

The smile that had previously spread across Chen Ying’s face upon the utterance of the word boyfriend deepened. “Alright. Anyhow, I heard the sashimi here is quite delicious, and the ambience here is also excellent. I’ve been troubling you so much recently that I told myself I'd treat you to a meal in return, no matter what.”

_{Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"}
Chen Ying remained silent for a moment before she managed to say, “Then I count myself as a person quite envious of you, Mrs. Shan.”

Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"

_{Xiao Ning was still speechless.}“Really? I’m just speaking casually after all.” Wu Yi passed for a moment, her eyes locking with Chen Ying. “I’m also aware of just how much effort you’ve invested in Xinhong; you’re even more hard-working than me in this regard.”

Xiao Ning was still speechless.

_{Then, when it came to his sexuality, that was another drawn-out endeavour he foresaw and one that would drain away his energy. So, just the thought of going through it alone was enough to make his head ache.}Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

Then, when it came to his sexuality, that was another drawn-out endeavour he foresaw and one that would drain away his energy. So, just the thought of going through it alone was enough to make his head ache.

_{Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.}Chen Ying frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.

_{Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”}
Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

_{This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."}"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

_{"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."}Pausing for a moment, Chen Ying looked at Wu Yi. “I think you are also familiar with their name, Mrs. Chen. That child is called Xiao Ning.”

"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

_{"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."}
Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”

"Anywhere is fine. We could even tag along with Aunty and Uncle to England." After saying this, Xiao Ning let out a laugh. "But I think it's better for us not to be a third wheel."

_{“So, according to your line of reasoning, not having a child is quite a precarious position to be in, no?” Wu Yi then curiously asked, “I wonder how you brought up the matter with Xiao Ning to Mr. Zhao?”}Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”

“So, according to your line of reasoning, not having a child is quite a precarious position to be in, no?” Wu Yi then curiously asked, “I wonder how you brought up the matter with Xiao Ning to Mr. Zhao?”

_{As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part.}Since the other side had made their intentions clear, Wu Yi saw no reason to keep up the pretence, either. "Mrs. Zhao, I think there are a lot of things you’re misunderstanding. What makes you so certain he is unwilling? Did you talk to him about it to find such a thing out? And given how long it has been since you two have been separated, how could you still know he still possesses the kind of character you think he has? As far as I see, he and Haiming are quite happy together. Here, have a look. There’s even a photo of them on my phone.”

As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part. I also know that Shans are in charge of such a vast enterprise that a person like me is not worthy of saying such a thing to you. But whether it’s me or Xiao Ning, neither of us can compare to you all in any way. I just… I hoped that you could help me out in such a matter, for the sake of us both being mothers.

_{Then, when it came to his sexuality, that was another drawn-out endeavour he foresaw and one that would drain away his energy. So, just the thought of going through it alone was enough to make his head ache.}
Pausing for a moment, Chen Ying looked at Wu Yi. “I think you are also familiar with their name, Mrs. Chen. That child is called Xiao Ning.”

_{“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”}The door facing the courtyard of the Japanese-styled room lay open and framed the scenery from the courtyard outside. There was a very strong sense of zen within that living portrait, which contained numerous shades of light green, while the sound of trickling water gently soothed the ear and aided in giving a refreshing feel to the summer air.

“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

_{Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”}
Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”

_{After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"}
“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"

_{“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.}Shan Haiming nodded, glanced at Xiao Ning, then lifted his phone upwards and said, "Hey, look here."

“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_{Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing.}Staring at the peeved guy before him for a few seconds, Shan Haiming plopped his butt right next to him, then snaked one arm around to pull him especially close. With his other hand, he pulled out his phone to snap a picture of their intimate pose. "I'll send it to you, too."

_{“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.}Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”

“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.

_{Pausing for a moment, Chen Ying looked at Wu Yi. “I think you are also familiar with their name, Mrs. Chen. That child is called Xiao Ning.”}
Since the other side had made their intentions clear, Wu Yi saw no reason to keep up the pretence, either. "Mrs. Zhao, I think there are a lot of things you’re misunderstanding. What makes you so certain he is unwilling? Did you talk to him about it to find such a thing out? And given how long it has been since you two have been separated, how could you still know he still possesses the kind of character you think he has? As far as I see, he and Haiming are quite happy together. Here, have a look. There’s even a photo of them on my phone.”

Pausing for a moment, Chen Ying looked at Wu Yi. “I think you are also familiar with their name, Mrs. Chen. That child is called Xiao Ning.”

_{“My level of knowledge may be shallow, but I am aware that society does not recognise such things.” Chen Ying’s voice was calm. “So there is no guarantee that they will always be together. How far can such a road even go? What worries me is that after stubbornly going down this path, he’ll accept it as the truth, and his life will be forever ruined in the end.”}
Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”

“My level of knowledge may be shallow, but I am aware that society does not recognise such things.” Chen Ying’s voice was calm. “So there is no guarantee that they will always be together. How far can such a road even go? What worries me is that after stubbornly going down this path, he’ll accept it as the truth, and his life will be forever ruined in the end.”

_{Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”}Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”

_{“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”}Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”

_{Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”}Turning her gaze back at the woman before her, Wu Yi looked Chen Ying in the eyes. “So long as the decision was made by oneself, there is no reason for one to regret it.”

Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

_{Xiao Ning was still speechless.}
“I won’t comment on Young Master Shan’s proclivities, but I am also well-informed of his past.” Chen Ying tried to say these words politely, but she couldn’t mask her disdain. “And because of this, it makes me doubt the words you just said.”

Xiao Ning was still speechless.

_{{Aunty, you...}}This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.

Aunty, you...

_{Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”}Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

_{iana: This is why I hate her. If she had another kid, Xiao Ning wouldn't have been a passing thought; a blimp on her radar; a pimple on her butt! That's why despite knowing who to call to find him for twenty years—TWENTY STINKING YEARS—and at least ten years after she got established in that family, she gave sh!t-all about him.}
Wu Yi gestured for a timeout with her hands, then said frankly, “Honestly, whether you doubt my words or not doesn’t matter much to me. So how about we cut the chatter and get the reason you came looking for me?"

iana: This is why I hate her. If she had another kid, Xiao Ning wouldn't have been a passing thought; a blimp on her radar; a pimple on her butt! That's why despite knowing who to call to find him for twenty years—TWENTY STINKING YEARS—and at least ten years after she got established in that family, she gave sh!t-all about him. The stepdaughter hates her a$$, she couldn't pop one out, so after making sure all bridges were burnt, she went with the last ditch option: Xiao Ning. She honestly disgusts me as a character. Her little speech last chapter about "why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small" had some truth in it, but just this bit: why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you. She rationalised it as "doing it for her son—for them" but once she dipped, she forgot her way home after getting that milk. B!tch could've at least sent money. But no, she could get knocked up and an extra son could weaken her struggle for power. As a pure liability, Xiao Ning had to be kept away. But now she's back and has the AUDACITY to micro-manage his life "for his sake!" Reading her nonsense pissed me off, translating it pissed me off more "because I have to remain impartial blah blah blah..." Somebody call that psycho Zixin to push her into a pool. *End of rant* My apologies.

_{Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”}“You’re actually right on time.” Wu Yi set her phone aside and flashed a smile. “Haiming lives with his boyfriend, so he’s rarely ever at home, and Haihong and his father are at the office, so there’s not a soul at the house. Since there’s nothing to do there, I decided to come here a bit early. So there’s nothing to forgive.”

_{“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.}Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”

“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_N/A
“I think that is something you should already understand well enough deep down.” Chen Ying sighed. “You should understand what I’m feeling. I want my child to live a lavish life, have a secure future, and live out his days in happiness. In that relationship, I’m certain the young master Shan is the one calling the shots, so my wish is for you to try to persuade him. He is used to these kinds of things, so it will be easy for him to leave on his own. But Xiao Ning is not like him. It’s easy for him to take such a thing seriously, and something like that could ruin his life.”

N/A

_{Chen Ying’s head lowered, her posture sincerely bowing low.}
Towards this assessment of Chen Ying, Wu Yi said nothing to refute and only maintained her smiling expression while she delivered her own assessment: “So you don’t want to be a villain in front of your son, and you want me to be the one to drive a wedge through the loving couple, yes?”

Chen Ying’s head lowered, her posture sincerely bowing low.

_{“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground.}Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"

_{Chen Ying walked in and took a seat across from the woman waiting for her, putting on a remorseful look as she said, “Please forgive me for causing you to wait so long, especially since it was I who made this appointment with you in the first place.”}
Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”

Chen Ying walked in and took a seat across from the woman waiting for her, putting on a remorseful look as she said, “Please forgive me for causing you to wait so long, especially since it was I who made this appointment with you in the first place.”

_{This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.}
Wu Yi, again, said nothing in response.

This gap-less elder even ended her message with an emoji, too.

_{"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."}“That’s true, because it’s natural for everyone to be faced with choices, and there are times when compromise won’t be possible.” A wry smile now found its way on Chen Ying’s face as she continued, “Perhaps you too have also experienced such a time, Mrs. Shan.”

"My mom." Shan Haiming replied nonchalantly. "She said she wanted some."

_{Chen Ying remained silent momentarily, then went on to add, "They’re both young and have no idea what they’re doing. At times like these, shouldn’t we, as their elders, make the plans for the future on their behalf?”}Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”

_{“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”}Wu Yi did quite like such exquisite things and this sort of style, and it must have been hard for Chen Ying to have her pegged so precisely. So, with a smile, she replied, “Oh, you’re welcome, but I didn’t help that much.”

“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”

_{Chen Ying lowered her gaze, her disappointed tone tinged with arrogance. “But what would Xiao Ning think if he found out about this?”}
As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part. I also know that Shans are in charge of such a vast enterprise that a person like me is not worthy of saying such a thing to you. But whether it’s me or Xiao Ning, neither of us can compare to you all in any way. I just… I hoped that you could help me out in such a matter, for the sake of us both being mothers.

Chen Ying lowered her gaze, her disappointed tone tinged with arrogance. “But what would Xiao Ning think if he found out about this?”

_{Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”}
Chen Ying’s head lowered, her posture sincerely bowing low.

Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”

_{The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.}Then, when it came to his sexuality, that was another drawn-out endeavour he foresaw and one that would drain away his energy. So, just the thought of going through it alone was enough to make his head ache.

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

_{“Frankly speaking, because this matter concerns my son, as a mother, I have to concern myself with it as well. So I also got well-informed on a few things, and then I found Cui Tao—a doctor named Cui Tao. Doctor Cui is rather renowned in the overseas Chinese community, isn’t he?”}
For a moment, Wu Yi stared at the bowing woman, after which she replied, “Of course I understand you, but what I can’t wrap my head around is why you seem so certain Xiao Ning isn’t and won’t be happy?”

_◈◇◈
“My level of knowledge may be shallow, but I am aware that society does not recognise such things.” Chen Ying’s voice was calm. “So there is no guarantee that they will always be together. How far can such a road even go? What worries me is that after stubbornly going down this path, he’ll accept it as the truth, and his life will be forever ruined in the end.”

◈◇◈

_{“It seems everyone has at least one thing they especially regret.” Wu Yi moved her gaze towards the courtyard, her eyes holding no emotion within. “But if this wasn't the case, it wouldn't be life.”}“You and I are both people who have seen more of life, so I believed that despite the differences in our individual experiences, we could still find some common ground between us. I’ve worked hard for many years, and now I’ve finally gotten the ability to give my son a good life.” Chen Ying paused meaningfully for a moment before she continued, “They are still young. They’re still ignorant of the way the world works. As their mothers, are we just supposed to sit by and watch as they barrel into a wall and then writhe around in pain?”

_{As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part.}Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”

_{Wu Yi, again, said nothing in response.}
“Oh, is that it? But is the recognition of society genuinely a guarantee, though? Even if a person gets married, they can still get divorced. Even if a person has a child, they can also abandon that child without caring. So, on that front, there truly is no significant difference, now, is there?” Wu Yi’s smile brightened as she spoke. “Well, what do you think about that, Mrs. Zhao?”

Wu Yi, again, said nothing in response.

_{“That’s true, because it’s natural for everyone to be faced with choices, and there are times when compromise won’t be possible.” A wry smile now found its way on Chen Ying’s face as she continued, “Perhaps you too have also experienced such a time, Mrs. Shan.”}
Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”

_{Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.}Shan Haiming brought his hand back in and looked over the photo, then snapped his fingers in front of the still-dazed Xiao Ning. "Do you want me to send it to you, too?"

Chen Ying pulled her lips into a smile despite those words, but it no longer held any of its prior brilliance.

_{Chen Ying remained silent for a moment before she managed to say, “Then I count myself as a person quite envious of you, Mrs. Shan.”}“I won’t comment on Young Master Shan’s proclivities, but I am also well-informed of his past.” Chen Ying tried to say these words politely, but she couldn’t mask her disdain. “And because of this, it makes me doubt the words you just said.”

Chen Ying remained silent for a moment before she managed to say, “Then I count myself as a person quite envious of you, Mrs. Shan.”

_{Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”}Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and took pictures of Tangtang and Xiaohei as they played. He then asked Xiao Ning, "Where'd you like to go for our trip?" But Xiao Ning, who still was very much lost in his thoughts about his business with Chen Ying, didn't hear a word of this request.

Not a thing changed on Wu Yi’s face; her smile remained the same. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? My son’s boyfriend is also named Xiao Ning.”

_{The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.}
“Are you listening to yourself? And you must not know how things are in my family because I don’t control what Haiming does, and neither would he do as I say." Wu Yi let out a sigh. “I never intended to interfere in the beginning either. I was simply going to stand back and let those kids handle their own affairs. But the thing is, Xiao Ning is a boy who makes a person not help but worry because he has such an unreliable elder around him now. One, who, after neglecting him for so many years, has shown up to try to take control of his life halfway in.”

The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.

_{Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”}
“I just want my child to live a good life—a better life,” Chen Ying defended.

_{The pictures he took were very beautiful, mainly because the models in them had especially good looks. Xiao Ning loved each one the second he laid eyes on them, as he now huddled up on the sofa, scrolling through them with Shan Haiming.}Thus, when Xiao Ning finally arrived home, he was already in an irritable mood. Shan Haiming could tell how Xiao Ning was feeling with only a glance, but he wasn't very fond of asking how things between Xiao Ning and Chen Ying were progressing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and took pictures of Tangtang and Xiaohei as they played. He then asked Xiao Ning, "Where'd you like to go for our trip?" But Xiao Ning, who still was very much lost in his thoughts about his business with Chen Ying, didn't hear a word of this request.

_{“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”}
“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”

“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”

_{“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”}
“You and I are both people who have seen more of life, so I believed that despite the differences in our individual experiences, we could still find some common ground between us. I’ve worked hard for many years, and now I’ve finally gotten the ability to give my son a good life.” Chen Ying paused meaningfully for a moment before she continued, “They are still young. They’re still ignorant of the way the world works. As their mothers, are we just supposed to sit by and watch as they barrel into a wall and then writhe around in pain?”

“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”

_{“I think that is something you should already understand well enough deep down.” Chen Ying sighed.}Xiao Ning never really had an elder that he was truly close to in his life growing up, so he never had to consider the impact revealing his sexuality would bring. But now that Chen Ying reappeared in his life out of thin air, for the first time, Xiao Ning was experiencing troubles in this regard.

“I think that is something you should already understand well enough deep down.” Chen Ying sighed. “You should understand what I’m feeling. I want my child to live a lavish life, have a secure future, and live out his days in happiness. In that relationship, I’m certain the young master Shan is the one calling the shots, so my wish is for you to try to persuade him. He is used to these kinds of things, so it will be easy for him to leave on his own. But Xiao Ning is not like him. It’s easy for him to take such a thing seriously, and something like that could ruin his life.”

_{Chen Ying also wore a proper smile alongside her, saying, “I think you are also aware of the situation in my family, such as Yaya not being my biological child. The truth is that before I met her father, I was married and had another child of my own.”}
“There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s how I feel about this matter.” Wu Yi shrugged before continuing, “It’s their life. So even if their heads bleed, it will be a valuable experience for them in the end. It’s not the responsibility of parents to block them from bumping into every wall; that would be such a bore, wouldn’t it? All we have to do is make sure they have a place to come back to and be bandaged up when they do get a bump.”

_{This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."}Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”

This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}“I think that is something you should already understand well enough deep down.” Chen Ying sighed. “You should understand what I’m feeling. I want my child to live a lavish life, have a secure future, and live out his days in happiness. In that relationship, I’m certain the young master Shan is the one calling the shots, so my wish is for you to try to persuade him. He is used to these kinds of things, so it will be easy for him to leave on his own. But Xiao Ning is not like him. It’s easy for him to take such a thing seriously, and something like that could ruin his life.”

_{“Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying breathed in deeply, “you are overthinking these matters.”}The lattice door was pushed open, and the person she had been waiting for had arrived.

“Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying breathed in deeply, “you are overthinking these matters.”

_{Wu Yi did quite like such exquisite things and this sort of style, and it must have been hard for Chen Ying to have her pegged so precisely. So, with a smile, she replied, “Oh, you’re welcome, but I didn’t help that much.”}
Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”

Wu Yi did quite like such exquisite things and this sort of style, and it must have been hard for Chen Ying to have her pegged so precisely. So, with a smile, she replied, “Oh, you’re welcome, but I didn’t help that much.”

_{"And because it's your hometown. I want to see more of it because of that.}“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

_{As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part.}"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}“As a mother, the kind of child Xiao Ning is is something I clearly understand.” Chen Ying’s expression turned grave. “He’s an obedient and soft-hearted boy, which is why there are times he’ll go along with others and do things he would’ve never wanted to do.”

_{"And because it's your hometown. I want to see more of it because of that.}
Chen Ying frowned. “What are you talking about?”

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature. He does not like being in competitive situations, and because of his temperament, he will not be the kind of person that would be of use to you.” Wu Yi kept her eyes trained on Chen Ying, adding, “But I have a proposal. If you let them continue their relationship freely without trying to persuade Xiao Ning, Xinhong can join in on Rihua’s current project.”

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”}
“Frankly speaking, because this matter concerns my son, as a mother, I have to concern myself with it as well. So I also got well-informed on a few things, and then I found Cui Tao—a doctor named Cui Tao. Doctor Cui is rather renowned in the overseas Chinese community, isn’t he?”

_{“I think that is something you should already understand well enough deep down.” Chen Ying sighed.}
The furrow in Chen Ying's brows at the mention of this name deepened even more. Not only was Cui Tao a famous doctor, but the thing about him that was the most significant was that he was the doctor of the Zhao family.

_{Aunty, you...}
“He is a very friendly man, so friendly in fact, he informed me of a few things.” Wu Yi’s expression turned regretful. “Regarding Mr. Zhao’s health, well, you’ve been working hard all these years, haven’t you? It is no wonder Mr. Zhao treasures his daughter so preciously, but it must still be a pity he can no longer father children of his own.”

Aunty, you...

_{This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."}This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

This made Xiao Ning stunned for a moment, but he also said in agreement, "That sounds good, too. There are actually a lot of scenic spots there."

_{For a moment, Wu Yi stared at the bowing woman, after which she replied, “Of course I understand you, but what I can’t wrap my head around is why you seem so certain Xiao Ning isn’t and won’t be happy?”}
“So, according to your line of reasoning, not having a child is quite a precarious position to be in, no?” Wu Yi then curiously asked, “I wonder how you brought up the matter with Xiao Ning to Mr. Zhao?”

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}Chen Ying lowered her gaze, her disappointed tone tinged with arrogance. “But what would Xiao Ning think if he found out about this?”

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

_{“There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s how I feel about this matter.}“He is a very friendly man, so friendly in fact, he informed me of a few things.” Wu Yi’s expression turned regretful. “Regarding Mr. Zhao’s health, well, you’ve been working hard all these years, haven’t you? It is no wonder Mr. Zhao treasures his daughter so preciously, but it must still be a pity he can no longer father children of his own.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s how I feel about this matter.” Wu Yi shrugged before continuing, “It’s their life. So even if their heads bleed, it will be a valuable experience for them in the end. It’s not the responsibility of parents to block them from bumping into every wall; that would be such a bore, wouldn’t it? All we have to do is make sure they have a place to come back to and be bandaged up when they do get a bump.”

_{“There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s how I feel about this matter.}
“Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying breathed in deeply, “you are overthinking these matters.”

_{As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part.}“I won’t comment on Young Master Shan’s proclivities, but I am also well-informed of his past.” Chen Ying tried to say these words politely, but she couldn’t mask her disdain. “And because of this, it makes me doubt the words you just said.”

_{“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”}The smile that had previously spread across Chen Ying’s face upon the utterance of the word boyfriend deepened. “Alright. Anyhow, I heard the sashimi here is quite delicious, and the ambience here is also excellent. I’ve been troubling you so much recently that I told myself I'd treat you to a meal in return, no matter what.”

“Then what is this thing you call good?” Wu Yi’s lips curled as she asked. “Do you believe whatever you think is good is what’s best?”

_{“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground.}Shan Haiming gave a hum in response, then made his own suggestion. "I was thinking about us going back to C-City."

_{“I don’t know, but will you tell him, or will you agree?” Wu Yi stared at Chen Ying with great interest before asking her outright, “So, in other words, which is more important to you now? Being Xiao Ning’s mother, or becoming a more powerful Mrs. Zhao?”}
“Really? I’m just speaking casually after all.” Wu Yi passed for a moment, her eyes locking with Chen Ying. “I’m also aware of just how much effort you’ve invested in Xinhong; you’re even more hard-working than me in this regard.”

_{"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.}“Oh, is that it? But is the recognition of society genuinely a guarantee, though? Even if a person gets married, they can still get divorced. Even if a person has a child, they can also abandon that child without caring. So, on that front, there truly is no significant difference, now, is there?” Wu Yi’s smile brightened as she spoke. “Well, what do you think about that, Mrs. Zhao?”

"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

_{Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”}
“Well, my circumstances are much different than yours, Mrs. Shan,” Chen Ying said with a sly smile. “So it’s only natural that I would have to work harder.”

Shan Haiming beckoned Xiao Ning over with a wave of the hand, and then, after getting hold of him, he tugged him even closer. “So, let’s do as told.”

_{Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”}While Xiao Ning was still very much stuck in his embarrassment, Wu Yi sent back a reply, but the content of that message was well beyond anything Xiao Ning could imagine. "Hey, where's the intimacy? Why do these pics barely have any? Son, I expect a lot of couple photos. Photos of a couple kissing while snapping pics, okay?😊"

_{Wu Yi beamed as she looked at the pictures of her son and daughter-in-law on her phone, humming satisfyingly, too. Soon, there was a call from beyond the door of the place where she was seated. It was a woman’s voice saying, “Pardon the intrusion.”}As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part. I also know that Shans are in charge of such a vast enterprise that a person like me is not worthy of saying such a thing to you. But whether it’s me or Xiao Ning, neither of us can compare to you all in any way. I just… I hoped that you could help me out in such a matter, for the sake of us both being mothers.

_{He was certain Chen Ying would not accept it, even though he was unsure why he felt this way. He also didn't like all those arrangements she was making, even if he knew she was doing it for his own good. They seemed much better than what his current job had to offer, but Xiao Ning was self-aware enough to know he wasn't the right fit.}Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”

_{“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature.}
“Alright then. But Xiao Ning is a gentle person by nature. He does not like being in competitive situations, and because of his temperament, he will not be the kind of person that would be of use to you.” Wu Yi kept her eyes trained on Chen Ying, adding, “But I have a proposal. If you let them continue their relationship freely without trying to persuade Xiao Ning, Xinhong can join in on Rihua’s current project.”

_{“You and I are both people who have seen more of life, so I believed that despite the differences in our individual experiences, we could still find some common ground between us. I’ve worked hard for many years, and now I’ve finally gotten the ability to give my son a good life.}“Haiming isn’t the type that plays around either,” Wu Yi said in rebuttal.

_{Chen Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly while she responded, “Xiao Ning is not the kind of person who plays around. He is a very serious person when it comes to such matters, and that’s the reason for my concern.”}Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”

_{Shan Haiming then looked back down and saved the image, under the gaze of Xiao Ning's sharp eyes. Xiao Ning then noticed the one he was sending it to was not him, so he asked, "Who are you sending this to?"}Taking a sip of her tea to moisten her lips, Chen Ying was the first to speak. “Actually, there is one thing in my life I have always regretted.”

_{Since the other side had made their intentions clear, Wu Yi saw no reason to keep up the pretence, either. "Mrs.}
Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”

_{The furrow in Chen Ying's brows at the mention of this name deepened even more. Not only was Cui Tao a famous doctor, but the thing about him that was the most significant was that he was the doctor of the Zhao family.}Wu Yi’s fingers now tapped against the table, her gaze trained on the now silent Chen Ying. “Alright then. I don’t have a lot of time either; it’s almost time to leave for dinner. Why don’t we just put all our cards on the table, alright?”

_{Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”}
“No, not at all.” Wu Yi remained indifferent to the other woman before her, who seemed to be temporarily standing on a moral high ground. “If you don’t agree, I won’t do anything either. Whether Xinhong wins the bid or not will be solely based on its abilities. If you accept, the opportunity to work with us will simply be guaranteed. So, there was no threat delivered because nothing would be taken away from you.”

Wu Yi again wore a smile, then said in turn, “I’m not one to be envied. I could just be a stubborn mule who simply refuses to admit my mistakes.”

"Huh...?" Xiao Ning muttered, confused.

_{A Condition}
Chen Ying lowered her gaze, her disappointed tone tinged with arrogance. “But what would Xiao Ning think if he found out about this?”

A Condition

_{As for Chen Ying, her voice was almost weak. “I know such a request is rather abrupt on my part.}
“I don’t know, but will you tell him, or will you agree?” Wu Yi stared at Chen Ying with great interest before asking her outright, “So, in other words, which is more important to you now? Being Xiao Ning’s mother, or becoming a more powerful Mrs. Zhao?”

_{Chen Ying’s expression stiffened. It seemed as though she never thought Wu Yi would propose a condition like this at such a time, and thus she broke out in laughter. It was a laugh that held undisguised mockery in its tone. “You truly are deserving of the title, Madame Shan. Is this supposed to be a threat?”}Chen Ying’s face immediately darkened. She truly was put at a disadvantage by those words, but all she could do was pretend she couldn’t hear them. “I think that given that there are always risks, it would be best to find someone with as little risk as possible. So, Mrs. Shen, please let my son and I go.”

_{After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"}Xiao Ning never really had an elder that he was truly close to in his life growing up, so he never had to consider the impact revealing his sexuality would bring. But now that Chen Ying reappeared in his life out of thin air, for the first time, Xiao Ning was experiencing troubles in this regard.

After waiting for him to read it carefully, Shan Haiming took back his phone and asked, "You saw it, right?"

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

New Story here, it's called Achillean Game aka the Gay Game sorry for the rant in advance.

iana: This is why I hate her. If she had another kid, Xiao Ning wouldn't have been a passing thought; a blimp on her radar; a pimple on her butt! That's why despite knowing who to call to find him for twenty years—TWENTY STINKING YEARS—and at least ten years after she got established in that family, she gave sh!t-all about him. The stepdaughter hates her a$$, she couldn't pop one out, so after making sure all bridges were burnt, she went with the last ditch option: Xiao Ning. She honestly disgusts me as a character. Her little speech last chapter about "why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small" had some truth in it, but just this bit: why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you. She rationalised it as "doing it for her son—for them" but once she dipped, she forgot her way home after getting that milk. B!tch could've at least sent money. But no, she could get knocked up and an extra son could weaken her struggle for power. As a pure liability, Xiao Ning had to be kept away. But now she's back and has the AUDACITY to micro-manage his life "for his sake!" Reading her nonsense pissed me off, translating it pissed me off more "because I have to remain impartial blah blah blah..." Somebody call that psycho Zixin to push her into a pool. *End of rant* My apologies.

The Long Road Ahead: C61

A Condition

Author's Note:

Notes:

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