The Long Road Ahead: C62

Finale

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

_{His main goal was to tell her about him and Shan Haiming during this visit. Unlike the him from before, when it came to such an aspect, he had shown a great deal of change. Instead of hoping it wouldn’t be discovered, even if he was not being forced, he decided to forgo any explanation and simply announce it.}
Xiao Ning’s vacation application was approved, and he spared not even a second right after to book their tickets to C-City.

His main goal was to tell her about him and Shan Haiming during this visit. Unlike the him from before, when it came to such an aspect, he had shown a great deal of change. Instead of hoping it wouldn’t be discovered, even if he was not being forced, he decided to forgo any explanation and simply announce it.

_{When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.}Yet, when it came to losing himself, it was the most natural thing in the world. He was so careful, but he was still everyone else. Along the way, he had lost important things, unimportant things, but none of that mattered any more. Now he was living a happy life too.

When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

_{Yet, Xiao Ning, wearing that smile that was the same as usual, replied, “I’m sorry, then.”}
But before he left for his trip, there was a matter he couldn’t help but think about incessantly, and in the end, he made up his mind to again go visit Chen Ying.

Yet, Xiao Ning, wearing that smile that was the same as usual, replied, “I’m sorry, then.”

_{“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”}At that moment, he sat there, across from Chen Ying, with a mind filled with a million thoughts, despite seeming as though there was nothing on his mind.

“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

_{Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.}Looking at her now, Xiao Ning smiled as he asked, “I will. But what would you like? I can bring you back some local specialties.”

Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

_{When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.}And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.

When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

_{They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning.}
His main goal was to tell her about him and Shan Haiming during this visit. Unlike the him from before, when it came to such an aspect, he had shown a great deal of change. Instead of hoping it wouldn’t be discovered, even if he was not being forced, he decided to forgo any explanation and simply announce it.

They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning. It wasn’t that he was faster, but he even went the extra mile by helping Xiao Ning along so they could maintain the same speed. But that delicate body of Xiao Ning’s was miserable; all he thought as they went up was about the road being far too long. When they only had half of the journey left, he nearly gave out, and the only reason he even made it to the top was because of him clambering up there while being pulled along by Shan Haiming.

_{After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”}How far can it go?

After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”

_{Chen Ying had arrived early.}She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.

Chen Ying had arrived early.

_{After they exchanged a few friendly words, Chen Ying said, “Don’t you have plans right now? You should leave first. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll stay here for a bit longer.”}
Since there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.

After they exchanged a few friendly words, Chen Ying said, “Don’t you have plans right now? You should leave first. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll stay here for a bit longer.”

_{Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.}
That day, Shan Haiming was supposed to come pick him up from work, but Xiao Ning explained everything to him honestly and then told him he should head back home first. However, unlike last time when Shan Haiming let him go alone, this time he responded, “Then I’ll wait for you outside.”

Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

_{Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."}The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "

Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

_{On account of Shan Haiming waiting outside, Xiao Ning didn’t drag out their conversation and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t have dinner with you today, so can we order some dessert and coffee instead?"}Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”

On account of Shan Haiming waiting outside, Xiao Ning didn’t drag out their conversation and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t have dinner with you today, so can we order some dessert and coffee instead?"

_{Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."}
Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

_{“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so.}
“I’m good with just coffee,” Shan Haiming stated frankly in return.

“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so. Now worry had found its way on her beautiful brows, but she still couldn’t stop herself from asking, "I... I’m not saying I’m against you, but... Ningning, society won’t recognise it, and there are no guarantees for a future either. How far can this road even go if you take it?”

_{Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”}
Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”

_{“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so.}The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "

Upon seeing her gaze flicker and realising she heard her words, Xiao Ning continued, “This is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I thought it’d be better to tell you about this now since we've already met up a few times before. So, I have a boyfriend with whom I am in a stable relationship. You might’ve also met him before; his name is Shan Haiming.”

_{Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."}Now, no matter what happens, and regardless if there’s a day they can’t return to how it was before, this part will never again change.

Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

_{She knew she should say she regretted it; she had even said as much when facing Wu Yi. So right then, she should also say the same in front of the son she wishes to save. She should say that she had regretted it—that if she were to go back to that time, her choice would never be the same.}
Chen Ying had arrived early.

She knew she should say she regretted it; she had even said as much when facing Wu Yi. So right then, she should also say the same in front of the son she wishes to save. She should say that she had regretted it—that if she were to go back to that time, her choice would never be the same.

_{Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"}Xiao Ning honestly never thought about it, but without a doubt, he hoped that it would go as far as it possibly could. But only he or Shan Haiming had a say in that journey; the words of anyone else did not count.

Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"

_{For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability.}But the truth was, she knew herself too well. She had spent her life always desiring what was beyond her own capabilities, and the year she decided to abandon Xiao Ning was a decisive one of transformation for her. It was because she knew exactly what she wanted, so it hurt her that she had no complaints—she had no regrets.

For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability. He was scared of losing Shan Haiming. This fear was no different than the fear he once felt at the thought of losing his parents, and drowning in this fear had once made him latch onto Lu Yan as some kind of life-saving straw. He also didn’t dare let Lu Yan catch on to his feelings at the time. That was the best he could think of to alleviate his fright—the only way at that time he could come up with to make sure he could never lose.

_{But before he left for his trip, there was a matter he couldn’t help but think about incessantly, and in the end, he made up his mind to again go visit Chen Ying.}
Xiao Ning was the one who initiated the meeting this time around, and Chen Ying had naturally accepted. She seemed happier than anyone else to come out and have dinner with Xiao Ning.

But before he left for his trip, there was a matter he couldn’t help but think about incessantly, and in the end, he made up his mind to again go visit Chen Ying.

_{“I haven’t been there in such a long time." It was melancholy etched in her tone instead of nostalgia as she spoke.}iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this. He changed enough for how long this story lasted, and it’s an excellent start to allow him to start paving his own path instead of being pushed down whichever road. Look how much our Little Ningning has grown<3333 [][]Parting note time! This story was a pain in the butt to work on, honestly. The words “how tf do I put that in English” is probably engraved on my screen at this point XD But.. I love it. My baby found his peace, and that’s enough for me. Gone is the urge to rip him out of the pages and hide him in my womb… []Childhood Chronicles will be updated again now (no set schedule) and another new story coming at the end of the week will be updated alongside Achillean Game (a bonus chapter has been updated). So, that’s it.

“I haven’t been there in such a long time." It was melancholy etched in her tone instead of nostalgia as she spoke.

_{And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.}He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.

_{Xiao Ning was the one who initiated the meeting this time around, and Chen Ying had naturally accepted. She seemed happier than anyone else to come out and have dinner with Xiao Ning.}
Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.

Xiao Ning was the one who initiated the meeting this time around, and Chen Ying had naturally accepted. She seemed happier than anyone else to come out and have dinner with Xiao Ning.

_{You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?}
On account of Shan Haiming waiting outside, Xiao Ning didn’t drag out their conversation and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t have dinner with you today, so can we order some dessert and coffee instead?"

You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?

_{Xiao Ning walked over to the other side of the car, pulled open the door, and stared at the restaurant for a few seconds before his lips tugged into a soft smile. After this, he finally lowered his head and sat across from Shan Haiming.}It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.

Xiao Ning walked over to the other side of the car, pulled open the door, and stared at the restaurant for a few seconds before his lips tugged into a soft smile. After this, he finally lowered his head and sat across from Shan Haiming.

_{That day, Shan Haiming was supposed to come pick him up from work, but Xiao Ning explained everything to him honestly and then told him he should head back home first. However, unlike last time when Shan Haiming let him go alone, this time he responded, “Then I’ll wait for you outside.”}
Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"

That day, Shan Haiming was supposed to come pick him up from work, but Xiao Ning explained everything to him honestly and then told him he should head back home first. However, unlike last time when Shan Haiming let him go alone, this time he responded, “Then I’ll wait for you outside.”

Then, when the memories ended, they froze on the figure of the one beside him. It was strange; he no longer felt as anxious as before or preoccupied with always weighing gains and losses. But it wasn’t like this meant Shan Haiming was any less important to him, nor did it mean he was hopelessly optimistic and naive enough to think he was guaranteed to belong to him in this lifetime.

_{She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.}
Xiao Ning didn’t mind whatsoever and simply called over the waiter to take their orders, but it became quite clear during this that Chen Ying was preoccupied with something else. “Did I disturb your plans for today?”

She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.

_{“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."}When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."

_{{How far can it go?}}“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”

How far can it go?

_{After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”}
“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."

After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”

_{Upon seeing her gaze flicker and realising she heard her words, Xiao Ning continued, “This is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I thought it’d be better to tell you about this now since we've already met up a few times before. So, I have a boyfriend with whom I am in a stable relationship. You might’ve also met him before; his name is Shan Haiming.”}Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him. Both the bad and the good, the happy and sad. But he was not repulsed by these thoughts, nor did he reluctantly endure them. Instead, he steadied his heart and reflected on how those experiences had shaped him.

_{She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.}So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

_{Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.}
So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.

Just like they had planned, Shan Haiming accompanied Xiao Ning to C-City, and this time around, they had ample time to wander around the city. Shan Haiming didn’t want them to exhaust too much energy when it came to going around the city, so they didn’t go anywhere too far away. Luckily, C-City had lots of places to visit that were nearby, and their choice to go exploring was a famous mountain that took only a couple hours to get to.

_{How far can it go?}
“I haven’t been there in such a long time." It was melancholy etched in her tone instead of nostalgia as she spoke.

How far can it go?

_{Out of instinct, she prodded cautiously, but then she stopped midway.}He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

Out of instinct, she prodded cautiously, but then she stopped midway.

_{Now, no matter what happens, and regardless if there’s a day they can’t return to how it was before, this part will never again change.}
But Xiao Ning responded to her quite naturally: “Next time, we can go back there together. But it looks like you’re very busy these days.”

Now, no matter what happens, and regardless if there’s a day they can’t return to how it was before, this part will never again change.

_{But Xiao Ning responded to her quite naturally: “Next time, we can go back there together. But it looks like you’re very busy these days.”}
The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "

But Xiao Ning responded to her quite naturally: “Next time, we can go back there together. But it looks like you’re very busy these days.”

You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?

_{The rose-coloured sky was now transformed by countless brilliant rays of gold that welcomed the sun in all its glory, and with such a wondrous ascension, the heavens burned beautifully.}
Out of instinct, she prodded cautiously, but then she stopped midway.

The rose-coloured sky was now transformed by countless brilliant rays of gold that welcomed the sun in all its glory, and with such a wondrous ascension, the heavens burned beautifully.

_{He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.}Chen Ying had arrived early.

He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.

_{He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.}So Xiao Ning accepted, and Shan Haiming came to pick him up from work that day and then dropped him off at the restaurant where he had agreed to meet with Chen Ying.

He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

_{The author has something to say: []THE END[]Of course, those two will spend the rest of their lives together XD If our Young Master Shan knew this was Xiao Ning’s way of attaining enlightenment, he would definitely make sure he couldn’t get out of bed the next day and say: “So you’re thinking about breaking up with me at some point, are you? We’ll see about that.”[]╭(╯w╰)╮[]Anyhow, thank you for helping me proofread this thing every time I posted, Asu! It really helped me find a lot of typos.}
Xiao Ning caught on to the meaning behind this question, despite her words oddly cutting off halfway. “I’m going there to have fun with my boyfriend. He was busy at work not too long ago, but now he finally got some time off, so we decided to go back to my hometown.”

The author has something to say: []THE END[]Of course, those two will spend the rest of their lives together XD If our Young Master Shan knew this was Xiao Ning’s way of attaining enlightenment, he would definitely make sure he couldn’t get out of bed the next day and say: “So you’re thinking about breaking up with me at some point, are you? We’ll see about that.”[]╭(╯w╰)╮[]Anyhow, thank you for helping me proofread this thing every time I posted, Asu! It really helped me find a lot of typos. My Thanks to all you others who helped me fix them too–and also to you guys that threw mines, and left me messages—not to mention you little angels that read until the end. Even though I think everyone should kind of know the sort of personality I have by now, I’ll still remind you, I’m kind of indecisive. So, I don’t think there’s going to be an extra for this one I’m super sorry TwT[] So let there be no more time for regrets, and I will see you guys in the next one.[]PS: Every time I think my parting words are done, I end up wanting to write more… I keep feeling like it’s far from done and end up adding new stuff, which is why it kept getting longer and longer qaq…[]PPS: The next story is about childhood friends…(she goes on about this for a bit)[][] Please give your support.

It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.

Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him. Both the bad and the good, the happy and sad. But he was not repulsed by these thoughts, nor did he reluctantly endure them. Instead, he steadied his heart and reflected on how those experiences had shaped him.

_{{It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?}}Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.

It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?

_{He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.}
Upon seeing her gaze flicker and realising she heard her words, Xiao Ning continued, “This is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I thought it’d be better to tell you about this now since we've already met up a few times before. So, I have a boyfriend with whom I am in a stable relationship. You might’ve also met him before; his name is Shan Haiming.”

He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.

_{“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”}It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?

“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

_{For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability.}
After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.

_{iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this.}
She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.

iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this. He changed enough for how long this story lasted, and it’s an excellent start to allow him to start paving his own path instead of being pushed down whichever road. Look how much our Little Ningning has grown<3333 [][]Parting note time! This story was a pain in the butt to work on, honestly. The words “how tf do I put that in English” is probably engraved on my screen at this point XD But.. I love it. My baby found his peace, and that’s enough for me. Gone is the urge to rip him out of the pages and hide him in my womb… []Childhood Chronicles will be updated again now (no set schedule) and another new story coming at the end of the week will be updated alongside Achillean Game (a bonus chapter has been updated). So, that’s it.

_{Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”}
Xiao Ning didn’t smile, nor did he say anything. All he did was look at her to let her understand that the words he spoke were true.

Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”

_{He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.}Chen Ying covered her eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. She felt there was never a moment in her life where she felt weaker than she was right then. Her voice as she spoke grew languid because her emotions were now a tangled mess. “I don’t regret it.”

He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.

_{So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”}
Chen Ying recalled her business with Wu Yi, considering agreeing, her lips now bitterly pulling into a line. "You... are you serious about this?”

So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

_{Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"}He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"

_{They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn.}
“Yes.” Xiao Ning relaxed his fingers against the table. He felt good; he felt that confessing his relationship with Shan Haiming completely on his own accord gave him such a pleasant feeling, and then he solemnly added, “Both he and I are serious.”

They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn. It was around three or four o’clock when they ascended the cold mountain, dressed in thick clothing. And even while they did all this to trek up that mountain path, they were also told there was a chance they wouldn’t be able to see the sun rise over the horizon of Jinding Mountain.

_◈◇◈Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

◈◇◈

_{He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.}Since there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.

He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.

_{He said those words so casually that it made Chen Ying not catch the other person mentioned within them for a moment, but because she already had those things on her mind, she was able to soon latch onto them.}The rose-coloured sky was now transformed by countless brilliant rays of gold that welcomed the sun in all its glory, and with such a wondrous ascension, the heavens burned beautifully.

He said those words so casually that it made Chen Ying not catch the other person mentioned within them for a moment, but because she already had those things on her mind, she was able to soon latch onto them.

_{They now stood huddled at the railings of the Sheshen Cliff, where just beyond it was a steep drop into a sea of rolling clouds. Their gazes stayed on this place, where even its breath carried a frigidity that seemed to be beyond the realms of this world, and soon the ray of light slowly emerged from the distance.}
“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so. Now worry had found its way on her beautiful brows, but she still couldn’t stop herself from asking, "I... I’m not saying I’m against you, but... Ningning, society won’t recognise it, and there are no guarantees for a future either. How far can this road even go if you take it?”

They now stood huddled at the railings of the Sheshen Cliff, where just beyond it was a steep drop into a sea of rolling clouds. Their gazes stayed on this place, where even its breath carried a frigidity that seemed to be beyond the realms of this world, and soon the ray of light slowly emerged from the distance. Like a gaze that had remained unchanging throughout the entirety of time itself, the rising vastness permeated the heavens like a harbinger of the day.

_{After they exchanged a few friendly words, Chen Ying said, “Don’t you have plans right now? You should leave first. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll stay here for a bit longer.”}He said those words so casually that it made Chen Ying not catch the other person mentioned within them for a moment, but because she already had those things on her mind, she was able to soon latch onto them.

After they exchanged a few friendly words, Chen Ying said, “Don’t you have plans right now? You should leave first. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll stay here for a bit longer.”

_{“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”}They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning. It wasn’t that he was faster, but he even went the extra mile by helping Xiao Ning along so they could maintain the same speed. But that delicate body of Xiao Ning’s was miserable; all he thought as they went up was about the road being far too long. When they only had half of the journey left, he nearly gave out, and the only reason he even made it to the top was because of him clambering up there while being pulled along by Shan Haiming.

“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”

_{And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.}
How far can it go?

And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.

_{“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so.}Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”

_{He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.}He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.

He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

_{They now stood huddled at the railings of the Sheshen Cliff, where just beyond it was a steep drop into a sea of rolling clouds. Their gazes stayed on this place, where even its breath carried a frigidity that seemed to be beyond the realms of this world, and soon the ray of light slowly emerged from the distance.}They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn. It was around three or four o’clock when they ascended the cold mountain, dressed in thick clothing. And even while they did all this to trek up that mountain path, they were also told there was a chance they wouldn’t be able to see the sun rise over the horizon of Jinding Mountain.

_{The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "}
Xiao Ning honestly never thought about it, but without a doubt, he hoped that it would go as far as it possibly could. But only he or Shan Haiming had a say in that journey; the words of anyone else did not count.

The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "

_{Then, when the memories ended, they froze on the figure of the one beside him. It was strange; he no longer felt as anxious as before or preoccupied with always weighing gains and losses. But it wasn’t like this meant Shan Haiming was any less important to him, nor did it mean he was hopelessly optimistic and naive enough to think he was guaranteed to belong to him in this lifetime.}
For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability. He was scared of losing Shan Haiming. This fear was no different than the fear he once felt at the thought of losing his parents, and drowning in this fear had once made him latch onto Lu Yan as some kind of life-saving straw. He also didn’t dare let Lu Yan catch on to his feelings at the time. That was the best he could think of to alleviate his fright—the only way at that time he could come up with to make sure he could never lose.

_{Since there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.}
He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.

Since there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.

_{Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him.}
Yet, when it came to losing himself, it was the most natural thing in the world. He was so careful, but he was still everyone else. Along the way, he had lost important things, unimportant things, but none of that mattered any more. Now he was living a happy life too.

_{Just like they had planned, Shan Haiming accompanied Xiao Ning to C-City, and this time around, they had ample time to wander around the city. Shan Haiming didn’t want them to exhaust too much energy when it came to going around the city, so they didn’t go anywhere too far away.}The author has something to say: []THE END[]Of course, those two will spend the rest of their lives together XD If our Young Master Shan knew this was Xiao Ning’s way of attaining enlightenment, he would definitely make sure he couldn’t get out of bed the next day and say: “So you’re thinking about breaking up with me at some point, are you? We’ll see about that.”[]╭(╯w╰)╮[]Anyhow, thank you for helping me proofread this thing every time I posted, Asu! It really helped me find a lot of typos. My Thanks to all you others who helped me fix them too–and also to you guys that threw mines, and left me messages—not to mention you little angels that read until the end. Even though I think everyone should kind of know the sort of personality I have by now, I’ll still remind you, I’m kind of indecisive. So, I don’t think there’s going to be an extra for this one I’m super sorry TwT[] So let there be no more time for regrets, and I will see you guys in the next one.[]PS: Every time I think my parting words are done, I end up wanting to write more… I keep feeling like it’s far from done and end up adding new stuff, which is why it kept getting longer and longer qaq…[]PPS: The next story is about childhood friends…(she goes on about this for a bit)[][] Please give your support.

_{Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."}They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning. It wasn’t that he was faster, but he even went the extra mile by helping Xiao Ning along so they could maintain the same speed. But that delicate body of Xiao Ning’s was miserable; all he thought as they went up was about the road being far too long. When they only had half of the journey left, he nearly gave out, and the only reason he even made it to the top was because of him clambering up there while being pulled along by Shan Haiming.

Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

_{They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning.}Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”

_{He said those words so casually that it made Chen Ying not catch the other person mentioned within them for a moment, but because she already had those things on her mind, she was able to soon latch onto them.}
At that moment, he sat there, across from Chen Ying, with a mind filled with a million thoughts, despite seeming as though there was nothing on his mind.

_{He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.}So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.

_{Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”}Chen Ying recalled her business with Wu Yi, considering agreeing, her lips now bitterly pulling into a line. "You... are you serious about this?”

_{Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”}
“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”

Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”

_{But the truth was, she knew herself too well. She had spent her life always desiring what was beyond her own capabilities, and the year she decided to abandon Xiao Ning was a decisive one of transformation for her. It was because she knew exactly what she wanted, so it hurt her that she had no complaints—she had no regrets.}
You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?

But the truth was, she knew herself too well. She had spent her life always desiring what was beyond her own capabilities, and the year she decided to abandon Xiao Ning was a decisive one of transformation for her. It was because she knew exactly what she wanted, so it hurt her that she had no complaints—she had no regrets.

_{Xiao Ning didn’t mind whatsoever and simply called over the waiter to take their orders, but it became quite clear during this that Chen Ying was preoccupied with something else. “Did I disturb your plans for today?”}
But the one to whom this question was directed displayed no great shock or felt anything amiss with this line of questioning, despite the immense emotional turmoil. She thought about it for a long time. She thought for so long that the coffee placed in front of her had gone cold.

Xiao Ning didn’t mind whatsoever and simply called over the waiter to take their orders, but it became quite clear during this that Chen Ying was preoccupied with something else. “Did I disturb your plans for today?”

_{Upon seeing her gaze flicker and realising she heard her words, Xiao Ning continued, “This is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I thought it’d be better to tell you about this now since we've already met up a few times before. So, I have a boyfriend with whom I am in a stable relationship. You might’ve also met him before; his name is Shan Haiming.”}She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.

_{“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”}Xiao Ning was the one who initiated the meeting this time around, and Chen Ying had naturally accepted. She seemed happier than anyone else to come out and have dinner with Xiao Ning.

“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

_{Looking at her now, Xiao Ning smiled as he asked, “I will. But what would you like? I can bring you back some local specialties.”}
She knew she should say she regretted it; she had even said as much when facing Wu Yi. So right then, she should also say the same in front of the son she wishes to save. She should say that she had regretted it—that if she were to go back to that time, her choice would never be the same.

Looking at her now, Xiao Ning smiled as he asked, “I will. But what would you like? I can bring you back some local specialties.”

_{Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.}“Yes.” Xiao Ning relaxed his fingers against the table. He felt good; he felt that confessing his relationship with Shan Haiming completely on his own accord gave him such a pleasant feeling, and then he solemnly added, “Both he and I are serious.”

_{It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?}
But the truth was, she knew herself too well. She had spent her life always desiring what was beyond her own capabilities, and the year she decided to abandon Xiao Ning was a decisive one of transformation for her. It was because she knew exactly what she wanted, so it hurt her that she had no complaints—she had no regrets.

It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?

_{{You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?}}Now, no matter what happens, and regardless if there’s a day they can’t return to how it was before, this part will never again change.

You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?

_{Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.}Xiao Ning honestly never thought about it, but without a doubt, he hoped that it would go as far as it possibly could. But only he or Shan Haiming had a say in that journey; the words of anyone else did not count.

Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.

_{When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.}Chen Ying covered her eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. She felt there was never a moment in her life where she felt weaker than she was right then. Her voice as she spoke grew languid because her emotions were now a tangled mess. “I don’t regret it.”

When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

_{After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.}
Chen Ying covered her eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. She felt there was never a moment in her life where she felt weaker than she was right then. Her voice as she spoke grew languid because her emotions were now a tangled mess. “I don’t regret it.”

After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.

_{Not knowing if it was his tone or perhaps the actual content of his statement that touched Chen Ying, nonetheless, she was left stunned for a bit as she muttered, "C-City...}
Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”

Not knowing if it was his tone or perhaps the actual content of his statement that touched Chen Ying, nonetheless, she was left stunned for a bit as she muttered, "C-City...

_{They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn.}The author has something to say: []THE END[]Of course, those two will spend the rest of their lives together XD If our Young Master Shan knew this was Xiao Ning’s way of attaining enlightenment, he would definitely make sure he couldn’t get out of bed the next day and say: “So you’re thinking about breaking up with me at some point, are you? We’ll see about that.”[]╭(╯w╰)╮[]Anyhow, thank you for helping me proofread this thing every time I posted, Asu! It really helped me find a lot of typos. My Thanks to all you others who helped me fix them too–and also to you guys that threw mines, and left me messages—not to mention you little angels that read until the end. Even though I think everyone should kind of know the sort of personality I have by now, I’ll still remind you, I’m kind of indecisive. So, I don’t think there’s going to be an extra for this one I’m super sorry TwT[] So let there be no more time for regrets, and I will see you guys in the next one.[]PS: Every time I think my parting words are done, I end up wanting to write more… I keep feeling like it’s far from done and end up adding new stuff, which is why it kept getting longer and longer qaq…[]PPS: The next story is about childhood friends…(she goes on about this for a bit)[][] Please give your support.

_{Chen Ying recalled her business with Wu Yi, considering agreeing, her lips now bitterly pulling into a line. "You... are you serious about this?”}
He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

Chen Ying recalled her business with Wu Yi, considering agreeing, her lips now bitterly pulling into a line. "You... are you serious about this?”

_{“Yes.” Xiao Ning relaxed his fingers against the table. He felt good; he felt that confessing his relationship with Shan Haiming completely on his own accord gave him such a pleasant feeling, and then he solemnly added, “Both he and I are serious.”}So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

“Yes.” Xiao Ning relaxed his fingers against the table. He felt good; he felt that confessing his relationship with Shan Haiming completely on his own accord gave him such a pleasant feeling, and then he solemnly added, “Both he and I are serious.”

_{Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”}Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”

Xiao Ning honestly never thought about it, but without a doubt, he hoped that it would go as far as it possibly could. But only he or Shan Haiming had a say in that journey; the words of anyone else did not count.

_{Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"}
After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”

Chen Ying agreed, replying, “Oh, that’s fine. But can you sleep well tonight if you have coffee at this hour? How about you choose another drink instead?"

_{Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”}But before he left for his trip, there was a matter he couldn’t help but think about incessantly, and in the end, he made up his mind to again go visit Chen Ying.

_{Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him.}iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this. He changed enough for how long this story lasted, and it’s an excellent start to allow him to start paving his own path instead of being pushed down whichever road. Look how much our Little Ningning has grown<3333 [][]Parting note time! This story was a pain in the butt to work on, honestly. The words “how tf do I put that in English” is probably engraved on my screen at this point XD But.. I love it. My baby found his peace, and that’s enough for me. Gone is the urge to rip him out of the pages and hide him in my womb… []Childhood Chronicles will be updated again now (no set schedule) and another new story coming at the end of the week will be updated alongside Achillean Game (a bonus chapter has been updated). So, that’s it.

_◈◇◈It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?

◈◇◈

_{On account of Shan Haiming waiting outside, Xiao Ning didn’t drag out their conversation and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t have dinner with you today, so can we order some dessert and coffee instead?"}
Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”

_{At that moment, he sat there, across from Chen Ying, with a mind filled with a million thoughts, despite seeming as though there was nothing on his mind.}
Looking at her now, Xiao Ning smiled as he asked, “I will. But what would you like? I can bring you back some local specialties.”

At that moment, he sat there, across from Chen Ying, with a mind filled with a million thoughts, despite seeming as though there was nothing on his mind.

_{Upon seeing her gaze flicker and realising she heard her words, Xiao Ning continued, “This is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I thought it’d be better to tell you about this now since we've already met up a few times before. So, I have a boyfriend with whom I am in a stable relationship. You might’ve also met him before; his name is Shan Haiming.”}They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn. It was around three or four o’clock when they ascended the cold mountain, dressed in thick clothing. And even while they did all this to trek up that mountain path, they were also told there was a chance they wouldn’t be able to see the sun rise over the horizon of Jinding Mountain.

_{Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”}He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.

Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”

_{Out of instinct, she prodded cautiously, but then she stopped midway.}
After they exchanged a few friendly words, Chen Ying said, “Don’t you have plans right now? You should leave first. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll stay here for a bit longer.”

Out of instinct, she prodded cautiously, but then she stopped midway.

_{Chen Ying raised her head to look at him after this and was struck with the vague feeling that she had finally gained a bit of understanding about this man, who was her son. She wanted to laugh; it was as though she had reached the end of a long and exhausting journey., but the only thing she could manage was a softened expression. "I... I hope you two have a good time. Have fun.”}He said those words so casually that it made Chen Ying not catch the other person mentioned within them for a moment, but because she already had those things on her mind, she was able to soon latch onto them.

_{Xiao Ning didn’t smile, nor did he say anything. All he did was look at her to let her understand that the words he spoke were true.}Xiao Ning was the one who initiated the meeting this time around, and Chen Ying had naturally accepted. She seemed happier than anyone else to come out and have dinner with Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning didn’t smile, nor did he say anything. All he did was look at her to let her understand that the words he spoke were true.

_{Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him.}Since there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.

_{“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”}
There was a chance she had already noticed someone was waiting for Xiao Ning, and he made no show of acting reluctant. So, after paying the bill, he said his farewells. “I’ll be leaving then. I’ll call you when I come back.”

“Since you made your choice back then, do you regret it?”

_{He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.}
Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.

He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.

_{So Xiao Ning accepted, and Shan Haiming came to pick him up from work that day and then dropped him off at the restaurant where he had agreed to meet with Chen Ying.}
It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.

So Xiao Ning accepted, and Shan Haiming came to pick him up from work that day and then dropped him off at the restaurant where he had agreed to meet with Chen Ying.

_{Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.}Looking at her now, Xiao Ning smiled as he asked, “I will. But what would you like? I can bring you back some local specialties.”

_{The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "}Xiao Ning caught on to the meaning behind this question, despite her words oddly cutting off halfway. “I’m going there to have fun with my boyfriend. He was busy at work not too long ago, but now he finally got some time off, so we decided to go back to my hometown.”

The invitation implied in his words took Chen Ying back in surprise, reddening her eyes in an instant. “It’s fine. I can make the time for it. But, um, you going back now is... "

_{“What’s the use in two men being serious about one another?” Chen Ying wasn’t angry. She had no strength left for it—she had lost the will to do so.}He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.

_{Once there, under the still-dark heavens, were crowds of people that were, surprisingly, quite few.}
Shan Haiming was leaning on the car when Xiao Ning turned his gaze towards him. It seemed impatience might’ve gotten the best of him, resulting in his current position against the door and showing no intention of standing straight. As he stayed there, a thin shadow stretched across the ground from his feet, as if he were the one waiting at the end of this long day.

Once there, under the still-dark heavens, were crowds of people that were, surprisingly, quite few.

_Finale
When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

Finale

_{After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”}Just like they had planned, Shan Haiming accompanied Xiao Ning to C-City, and this time around, they had ample time to wander around the city. Shan Haiming didn’t want them to exhaust too much energy when it came to going around the city, so they didn’t go anywhere too far away. Luckily, C-City had lots of places to visit that were nearby, and their choice to go exploring was a famous mountain that took only a couple hours to get to.

After a brief moment passed, he also added, “Thank you.”

_{After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.}Xiao Ning’s heart remained still at her answer, even as he spoke in return. “Okay, that’s good.”

After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.

_{“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."}
Then, when he stood before that man, a pair of eyes carefully inspected him from head to toe as if he had gone to a fight and not just a coffee date. After confirming the one before him was unharmed, that man nodded and said, “It took so long.”

“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."

_{He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.}
It’s not even dark yet, so which part of it was long?

He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.

_◈◇◈Just like they had planned, Shan Haiming accompanied Xiao Ning to C-City, and this time around, they had ample time to wander around the city. Shan Haiming didn’t want them to exhaust too much energy when it came to going around the city, so they didn’t go anywhere too far away. Luckily, C-City had lots of places to visit that were nearby, and their choice to go exploring was a famous mountain that took only a couple hours to get to.

◈◇◈

_◈◇◈Xiao Ning didn’t mind whatsoever and simply called over the waiter to take their orders, but it became quite clear during this that Chen Ying was preoccupied with something else. “Did I disturb your plans for today?”

◈◇◈

_◈◇◈
Yet, Xiao Ning, wearing that smile that was the same as usual, replied, “I’m sorry, then.”

◈◇◈

_FinaleSince there was nothing to be ashamed of, the control of one’s life should at least be in one’s very own hands.

Finale

_{And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.}But Xiao Ning responded to her quite naturally: “Next time, we can go back there together. But it looks like you’re very busy these days.”

And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.

_{When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.}Chen Ying recalled her business with Wu Yi, considering agreeing, her lips now bitterly pulling into a line. "You... are you serious about this?”

When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

_{When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.}
“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

_{iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this.}Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

_{Xiao Ning walked over to the other side of the car, pulled open the door, and stared at the restaurant for a few seconds before his lips tugged into a soft smile. After this, he finally lowered his head and sat across from Shan Haiming.}
Xiao Ning walked over to the other side of the car, pulled open the door, and stared at the restaurant for a few seconds before his lips tugged into a soft smile. After this, he finally lowered his head and sat across from Shan Haiming.

Shan Haiming was leaning on the car when Xiao Ning turned his gaze towards him. It seemed impatience might’ve gotten the best of him, resulting in his current position against the door and showing no intention of standing straight. As he stayed there, a thin shadow stretched across the ground from his feet, as if he were the one waiting at the end of this long day.

◈◇◈

_{Shan Haiming was leaning on the car when Xiao Ning turned his gaze towards him. It seemed impatience might’ve gotten the best of him, resulting in his current position against the door and showing no intention of standing straight. As he stayed there, a thin shadow stretched across the ground from his feet, as if he were the one waiting at the end of this long day.}
Just like they had planned, Shan Haiming accompanied Xiao Ning to C-City, and this time around, they had ample time to wander around the city. Shan Haiming didn’t want them to exhaust too much energy when it came to going around the city, so they didn’t go anywhere too far away. Luckily, C-City had lots of places to visit that were nearby, and their choice to go exploring was a famous mountain that took only a couple hours to get to.

_{{You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?}}When Xiao Ning saw that man’s waving hand beckoning him over, the steps he took towards him quickened.

You wanted no relatives, no son, no past, nor to save money, yet without an ounce of hesitation, you went on a journey into the unknown. Did you ever regret doing so, even for a second?

_{Xiao Ning’s vacation application was approved, and he spared not even a second right after to book their tickets to C-City.}
They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn. It was around three or four o’clock when they ascended the cold mountain, dressed in thick clothing. And even while they did all this to trek up that mountain path, they were also told there was a chance they wouldn’t be able to see the sun rise over the horizon of Jinding Mountain.

Xiao Ning’s vacation application was approved, and he spared not even a second right after to book their tickets to C-City.

_{“I haven’t been there in such a long time." It was melancholy etched in her tone instead of nostalgia as she spoke.}
They persevered nonetheless. But in terms of physical strength, Shan Haiming’s was more than a notch higher than that of Xiao Ning. It wasn’t that he was faster, but he even went the extra mile by helping Xiao Ning along so they could maintain the same speed. But that delicate body of Xiao Ning’s was miserable; all he thought as they went up was about the road being far too long. When they only had half of the journey left, he nearly gave out, and the only reason he even made it to the top was because of him clambering up there while being pulled along by Shan Haiming.

“I haven’t been there in such a long time." It was melancholy etched in her tone instead of nostalgia as she spoke.

_{He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.}It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.

He figured it was better to never have anything to begin with.

_{His main goal was to tell her about him and Shan Haiming during this visit. Unlike the him from before, when it came to such an aspect, he had shown a great deal of change. Instead of hoping it wouldn’t be discovered, even if he was not being forced, he decided to forgo any explanation and simply announce it.}Yet, when it came to losing himself, it was the most natural thing in the world. He was so careful, but he was still everyone else. Along the way, he had lost important things, unimportant things, but none of that mattered any more. Now he was living a happy life too.

_{Xiao Ning didn’t smile, nor did he say anything. All he did was look at her to let her understand that the words he spoke were true.}
Once there, under the still-dark heavens, were crowds of people that were, surprisingly, quite few.

Xiao Ning didn’t smile, nor did he say anything. All he did was look at her to let her understand that the words he spoke were true.

_{Xiao Ning caught on to the meaning behind this question, despite her words oddly cutting off halfway. “I’m going there to have fun with my boyfriend. He was busy at work not too long ago, but now he finally got some time off, so we decided to go back to my hometown.”}
They now stood huddled at the railings of the Sheshen Cliff, where just beyond it was a steep drop into a sea of rolling clouds. Their gazes stayed on this place, where even its breath carried a frigidity that seemed to be beyond the realms of this world, and soon the ray of light slowly emerged from the distance. Like a gaze that had remained unchanging throughout the entirety of time itself, the rising vastness permeated the heavens like a harbinger of the day.

Xiao Ning caught on to the meaning behind this question, despite her words oddly cutting off halfway. “I’m going there to have fun with my boyfriend. He was busy at work not too long ago, but now he finally got some time off, so we decided to go back to my hometown.”

_{He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.}“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."

He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.

_{May there be no more times to come when we look back with regrets.}
The rose-coloured sky was now transformed by countless brilliant rays of gold that welcomed the sun in all its glory, and with such a wondrous ascension, the heavens burned beautifully.

May there be no more times to come when we look back with regrets.

_{Chen Ying covered her eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. She felt there was never a moment in her life where she felt weaker than she was right then. Her voice as she spoke grew languid because her emotions were now a tangled mess. “I don’t regret it.”}
Xiao Ning, just like the ones around him, silently watched the marvel before him in awe and felt many memories subconsciously emerge alongside the profound peace. His childhood, his teens, his youth—one by one passed before him. Both the bad and the good, the happy and sad. But he was not repulsed by these thoughts, nor did he reluctantly endure them. Instead, he steadied his heart and reflected on how those experiences had shaped him.

Chen Ying covered her eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. She felt there was never a moment in her life where she felt weaker than she was right then. Her voice as she spoke grew languid because her emotions were now a tangled mess. “I don’t regret it.”

_{And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.}She knew she should say she regretted it; she had even said as much when facing Wu Yi. So right then, she should also say the same in front of the son she wishes to save. She should say that she had regretted it—that if she were to go back to that time, her choice would never be the same.

And like this comes peace—like this, it will last for all eternity.

_{Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.}Xiao Ning never expected this answer, saying, “I’m planning on having dinner with Chen Ying too, so..."

Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.

_{Yet, when it came to losing himself, it was the most natural thing in the world. He was so careful, but he was still everyone else. Along the way, he had lost important things, unimportant things, but none of that mattered any more. Now he was living a happy life too.}
He had lost some things, but life itself was a process of constant loss.

Yet, when it came to losing himself, it was the most natural thing in the world. He was so careful, but he was still everyone else. Along the way, he had lost important things, unimportant things, but none of that mattered any more. Now he was living a happy life too.

_{They enjoyed themselves at the foot of the mountain for an entire day after arriving. Then, on the following day, they had to get up before dawn.}It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.

_{There was a chance she had already noticed someone was waiting for Xiao Ning, and he made no show of acting reluctant. So, after paying the bill, he said his farewells. “I’ll be leaving then. I’ll call you when I come back.”}She was shocked—shocked—at the confession Xiao Ning just made to her. Now, she could only stare at him in bewilderment, as if she were seeing the true appearance of the man before her for the very first time.

There was a chance she had already noticed someone was waiting for Xiao Ning, and he made no show of acting reluctant. So, after paying the bill, he said his farewells. “I’ll be leaving then. I’ll call you when I come back.”

_{“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”}
Then, when the memories ended, they froze on the figure of the one beside him. It was strange; he no longer felt as anxious as before or preoccupied with always weighing gains and losses. But it wasn’t like this meant Shan Haiming was any less important to him, nor did it mean he was hopelessly optimistic and naive enough to think he was guaranteed to belong to him in this lifetime.

“I’m hungry.” Shan Haiming got into the car first. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

_{Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.}
He just felt there was now a garden in his heart that had blossomed because of love, and the beautiful imprint it had left on his life was incomparable to anything else.

Until he walked out the door, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He didn’t look back, however. There was no need to do it. So, like this, Xiao Ning walked straight out of that restaurant.

_{It had barely been an hour since he had gone inside, yet the earth was still enveloped in the afterglow of the falling sun’s heat. The days were long now, and the exiting Xiao Ning had to narrow his eyes out of instinct, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hazy vision towards the clear summer sky against the sunset in the background that seemed a great distance away.}For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability. He was scared of losing Shan Haiming. This fear was no different than the fear he once felt at the thought of losing his parents, and drowning in this fear had once made him latch onto Lu Yan as some kind of life-saving straw. He also didn’t dare let Lu Yan catch on to his feelings at the time. That was the best he could think of to alleviate his fright—the only way at that time he could come up with to make sure he could never lose.

_{He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.}
Now, no matter what happens, and regardless if there’s a day they can’t return to how it was before, this part will never again change.

He said this honestly. He meant it sincerely.

_{For as long as he had known, his greatest fear was losing things. He was scared of losing his current stability.}May there be no more times to come when we look back with regrets.

_{Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.}Xiao Ning didn’t mind whatsoever and simply called over the waiter to take their orders, but it became quite clear during this that Chen Ying was preoccupied with something else. “Did I disturb your plans for today?”

Xiao Ning found it funny. That guy must’ve guessed what he was going to say and chose this method to get his point across and to stop him from wasting his breath.

_{“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."}After saying this, befuddlement was strewn across Chen Ying’s features—quite a bit of it too.

“Huh? Uh, no, you didn't." Chen Ying put on a half-reluctant smile. “I just find it a bit strange that you suddenly invited me to dinner today."

_{But the one to whom this question was directed displayed no great shock or felt anything amiss with this line of questioning, despite the immense emotional turmoil. She thought about it for a long time. She thought for so long that the coffee placed in front of her had gone cold.}
May there be no more times to come when we look back with regrets.

But the one to whom this question was directed displayed no great shock or felt anything amiss with this line of questioning, despite the immense emotional turmoil. She thought about it for a long time. She thought for so long that the coffee placed in front of her had gone cold.

_{Xiao Ning honestly never thought about it, but without a doubt, he hoped that it would go as far as it possibly could. But only he or Shan Haiming had a say in that journey; the words of anyone else did not count.}Then, when the memories ended, they froze on the figure of the one beside him. It was strange; he no longer felt as anxious as before or preoccupied with always weighing gains and losses. But it wasn’t like this meant Shan Haiming was any less important to him, nor did it mean he was hopelessly optimistic and naive enough to think he was guaranteed to belong to him in this lifetime.

_{So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”}Yet Xiao Ning felt that there was something different in her attitude compared to before. There was something strange, but since he and her weren’t close enough to know one another that well, he figured that maybe there was nothing off with her and it was just that he, himself, was feeling different that day.

So Xiao Ning explained in return, “That’s because I won’t be in C-City for a few days, so I wanted to tell you.”

Author's Note:

The author has something to say:

THE END

Of course, those two will spend the rest of their lives together XD If our Young Master Shan knew this was Xiao Ning’s way of attaining enlightenment, he would definitely make sure he couldn’t get out of bed the next day and say: “So you’re thinking about breaking up with me at some point, are you? We’ll see about that.”

╭(╯w╰)╮

Anyhow, thank you for helping me proofread this thing every time I posted, Asu! It really helped me find a lot of typos. My Thanks to all you others who helped me fix them too–and also to you guys that threw mines, and left me messages—not to mention you little angels that read until the end. Even though I think everyone should kind of know the sort of personality I have by now, I’ll still remind you, I’m kind of indecisive. So, I don’t think there’s going to be an extra for this one I’m super sorry TwT

So let there be no more time for regrets, and I will see you guys in the next one.

PS: Every time I think my parting words are done, I end up wanting to write more… I keep feeling like it’s far from done and end up adding new stuff, which is why it kept getting longer and longer qaq…

PPS: The next story is about childhood friends…(she goes on about this for a bit)

Please give your support.

Notes:

iana: Finally, she was honest. Xiao Ning didn’t go from zero to a hundred, but that’s why I like this. He changed enough for how long this story lasted, and it’s an excellent start to allow him to start paving his own path instead of being pushed down whichever road. Look how much our Little Ningning has grown<3333

Parting note time! This story was a pain in the butt to work on, honestly. The words “how tf do I put that in English” is probably engraved on my screen at this point XD But.. I love it. My baby found his peace, and that’s enough for me. Gone is the urge to rip him out of the pages and hide him in my womb…

Childhood Chronicles will be updated again now (no set schedule) and another new story coming at the end of the week will be updated alongside Achillean Game (a bonus chapter has been updated). So, that’s it.

The Long Road Ahead: C62

Finale

Author's Note:

Notes:

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