The Long Road Ahead

Admitting Mistakes

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

Xiao Ning was almost flattered by the sentiment. "What are you even saying? Why would I be angry at you?"

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"

Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering himself what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?

Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.

While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.

Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.

"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let he impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."

At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so its really easy to find."

"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"

Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.

So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.

"No, not yet." Never expecting him also being able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more troubles to Shan Haiming all the more.

Lu Yan removed his hand, then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.

This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."

"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao'Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."

He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"

"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.

At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."

"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so him asking more questions as a follow up was quite normal.

He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.

Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period of time? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"

While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.

The power of true love is impressive.

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

Until recently... recently...

Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."

Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."

So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.

He really is a man with a plan.

"No, not yet." Never expecting him also being able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more troubles to Shan Haiming all the more.

Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering himself what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?

Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.

"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"

As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"

He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"

"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk, as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "Do you don't have a car, right?"

After putting on their act a couple tomes, Xiao Ning grew a bit accustomed to his teasing. What's more, Lu Yan was currently beside him, making him wanting to put on an act a bit, so he directly replied, "You got that right. Others shouldn't have to trouble themselves over this matter at all. So if you didn't come pick me up I would've hunted you down to ask for reimbursements for the fare."

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

Lu Yan spied at him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"

After putting on their act a couple tomes, Xiao Ning grew a bit accustomed to his teasing. What's more, Lu Yan was currently beside him, making him wanting to put on an act a bit, so he directly replied, "You got that right. Others shouldn't have to trouble themselves over this matter at all. So if you didn't come pick me up I would've hunted you down to ask for reimbursements for the fare."

Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he did this, the more he could not control his temper when it came to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even were. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"

This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."

Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

At that, Shan Haiming's mood seemed to brighten greatly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Okay. By the way, are you moving this Saturday?"

Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period of time? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.

Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"

Lu Yan spied at him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"

"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so him asking more questions as a follow up was quite normal.

This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

Until recently... recently...

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.

Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period of time? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.

Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, neither had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his was just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?

As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle, but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.

Until recently... recently...

"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let he impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

He, himself, knew he was someone who dragged his feet, so even more he wasn't going to let himself procrastinate this time around.

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seeming quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.

"No, not yet." Never expecting him also being able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more troubles to Shan Haiming all the more.

Lu Yan spied at him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"

"No, not yet." Never expecting him also being able to remember his own issue, Xiao Ning's heart couldn't help being touched. It also made him not want to add any more troubles to Shan Haiming all the more.

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

He really is a man with a plan.

This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.

At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so its really easy to find."

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Still, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have a hard time. But is it really possible I'd be asked to go to his family to meet them in such a short period of time? Should it be said Shan Haiming's ability is that great, or that the Shan family members are incredibly open-minded? Plus, whether Shan Haihong had something to do with this matter was unknown.

Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."

Xiao Ning was almost flattered by the sentiment. "What are you even saying? Why would I be angry at you?"

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

N/A

Admitting Mistakes

While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.

Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, neither had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his was just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?

He really is a man with a plan.

"Saturday?" Xiao Ning then asked curiously, "Didn't you say it was Sunday? Why did it change?"

After putting on their act a couple tomes, Xiao Ning grew a bit accustomed to his teasing. What's more, Lu Yan was currently beside him, making him wanting to put on an act a bit, so he directly replied, "You got that right. Others shouldn't have to trouble themselves over this matter at all. So if you didn't come pick me up I would've hunted you down to ask for reimbursements for the fare."

As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, neither had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his was just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?

Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering himself what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?

"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk, as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "Do you don't have a car, right?"

He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.

"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let he impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."

Admitting Mistakes

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"

He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"

So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.

After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

He really is a man with a plan.

"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let he impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."

While from beside him, Lu Yan listened even more carefully.

Lu Yan removed his hand, then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he did this, the more he could not control his temper when it came to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even were. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle, but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

He really is a man with a plan.

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle, but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle, but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

Lu Yan removed his hand, then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.

But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"

Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.

These ups and down within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to ignored and left inside there on his own."

Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have completely filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for for all those memories to easily drown him.

N/A

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.

He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.

Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.

At that, Shan Haiming's mood seemed to brighten greatly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Okay. By the way, are you moving this Saturday?"

These ups and down within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to ignored and left inside there on his own."

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

Until recently... recently...

He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao'Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."

"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao'Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."

Admitting Mistakes

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.

Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.

Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seeming quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.

"Why is it that every time you open your mouth it's all about Xia Li?" Lu Yan's eyes flashed, his gaze gradually becoming grave. "Xiao'Ning, you've been acting really unusual lately. Did something happen between you and Xia Li? You were never like this before. You..."

The power of true love is impressive.

Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"

Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."

He, himself, knew he was someone who dragged his feet, so even more he wasn't going to let himself procrastinate this time around.

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

"It's to help you move to your new place." Shan Haiming's lips twisted into a smirk, as if there was something funny that Xiao Ning couldn't seem to get. "Do you don't have a car, right?"

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."

This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.

At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so its really easy to find."

Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.

After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"

Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he did this, the more he could not control his temper when it came to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even were. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

These ups and down within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to ignored and left inside there on his own."

Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have completely filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for for all those memories to easily drown him.

Xiao Ning was almost flattered by the sentiment. "What are you even saying? Why would I be angry at you?"

Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, neither had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his was just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?

So despite him saying this, when his family background is taken into consideration, how could it be possible that things really went as quietly as he said? Forget about an industry giant like the Rihua Group, and someone with such as huge standing as Chairman Shan, even in ordinary families, wouldn't having one's son suddenly come out the closet not resulting in birds flying and dogs jumping just be strange?

As he said all that, Xiao Ning still thought of giving his final struggle, but was not allowed to so much as voice his 'wait a minute' before the call was cut off, not allowing him to continue speaking at all.

"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."

Admitting Mistakes

Lu Yan removed his hand, then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

He had only meant to ask for an address, but Shan Haiming replied, "I'll come pick you up. How could I let my boyfriend take a taxi over to meet my parents all by his lonesome?"

Lu Yan spied at him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

"Hey." Lu Yan clicked his tongue, seeming a little irritated. "Is it because Xia Li said something to you that day? Why are you doing all this, huh? Like, come on. Xia Li is my man, shouldn't I protect him at least that much? And besides, it's not like we're strangers, are we? So if I ever say anything out of turn like that, you shouldn't take it personally."

After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"

The power of true love is impressive.

Lu Yan was the youngest son of his family, a family with a strict father at its head. So from his childhood he had developed his skills—that when compounded with his looks, that beaming smile as he spoke softly, and an effortless sincere attitude—gave that handsome face of his a beautiful and innocent look. It was a look that made others feel it would be a sin to not forgive him. So it was no wonder why the partners he found would run themselves around in circles by his coaxing.

He, himself, knew he was someone who dragged his feet, so even more he wasn't going to let himself procrastinate this time around.

But the only person he never confessed his wrong-doings to was Xiao Ning. Never having done so because he never had to need to.

These ups and down within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to ignored and left inside there on his own."

Possibly recalling something, he stopped speaking halfway, staring at Xiao Ning's as his changing expression a few times, before pursing his lips and frowning.

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

N/A

"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so him asking more questions as a follow up was quite normal.

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

"Saturday?" Xiao Ning then asked curiously, "Didn't you say it was Sunday? Why did it change?"

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"

Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he did this, the more he could not control his temper when it came to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even were. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.

"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.

Amongst this mix of hopeless humility and insignificant fervour, it seemed as though the two were a great distance away from one other, but once they reached out and touched, it was still scalding.

This sentiment of his made Xiao Ning's heart feel incredibly at peace. Discussing matters with Shan Haiming always made him feel that way, in fact. It seems as though such things to Shan Haiming don't matter at all—that, to him, other people getting themselves tangled up in overly careful thoughts is simply ridiculous, and the right thing to do is just not think about it. "If I get hurt, I'll get hurt. It's not the end of the world, really."

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

After saying this Lu Yan scratched his nose. "I'm really not used to you acting like this, so cut me some slack, alright, bro?"

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

"Xiao'Ning?" A dash of fear rose within Lu Yan. Xiao Ning's recent attitude made him feel utterly uneasy, and from their childhood until now, Xiao Ning had been, without a doubt, the only person who had never made him feel ill at ease.

"What reaction? They just told me they wanted to meet you. Are you free this Sunday?" Within Shan Haiming's words, nothing giving away what the situation was like could be heard, with that typical indifference of his.

He had lent Lu Yan his own umbrella so Lu Yan could go chase after girls, all while he would stand in front of the library, waiting for the rain to end. He would help Lu Yan when he skipped classes to on dates, by filling in Lu Yan's name in the roster himself. Then for the final project of the semester, he and Lu Yan would form a group. But Lu Yan would go help his girlfriend in a different department complete her project and leave him to complete both their parts of their projects alone.

Until recently... recently...

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

This question greatly shocked Xiao Ning.

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

I never got any of the advantages, yet I thoroughly and unjustly got all the blame.

"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so him asking more questions as a follow up was quite normal.

Lu Yan thought it over carefully. It ought to be around the time Xia Li showed up that Xiao Ning became considerably different. Usually, even if Xiao Ning had disappeared from his life for a long time, he never felt as though they were far apart. All it would take was a beaconing wave from his end and Xiao Ning would return to his side without showing any reaction. But now, when Xiao Ning stood before him, he felt as if every inch of his body was permeated with a distant air, one that gave him the sense the other man would turn and walk away at any given second.

Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness, made so he often could never forget what he had done.

Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness, made so he often could never forget what he had done.

Admitting Mistakes

At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness, made so he often could never forget what he had done.

Admitting Mistakes

Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness, made so he often could never forget what he had done.

Lu Yan also regards Xiao Ning as a close friend, but the more he did this, the more he could not control his temper when it came to Xiao Ning. With others, he pretends to patient to make them happy, which makes him happy in turn. But with Xiao Ning, he just doesn't know what sort of things tolerance or concession even were. If was the least bit unhappy he would be extremely arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable; and no matter how bad tempered he was to him, he never felt he was unjustified in doing so in any way.

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"

"Well, honestly, there's not much for me to move. I already moved some little by little so all that's left is some small items. For the rest, I'm just waiting on them to be delivered, so when that happens I can live there." Saying this, Xiao Ning remembered something he wanted to say. He still had a good bit of stuff at Lu Yan's house. They weren't necessarily expensive things, but not taking them when he was moving would seem really strange. It would seem as tough he was helplessly hung up on the past, as if he was planning to return whenever he got the chance.

He never thought a small change in Xiao Ning's attitude could affect him like that.

"Wang Hua mentioned it. He's quite efficient when it comes to handling business." Shan Haiming's sentence explained it all. Xiao Ning then thought about it some more. It was Shan Haiming who had sent Wang Hua the message. Based on appearances, he looked like a person covered in thorns, but the truth was, he was the type who really looked after people, so him asking more questions as a follow up was quite normal.

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

At once, Xiao Ning retracted his gaze, his expression now calm, his attention returning to the call he had ongoing. "You just reminded me that there were still some things I need to move, so Saturday's good. I'll send you the address later. It's near a prime transit area so its really easy to find."

Did the sun just rise in the west? Did Lu Yan just seriously think up such a thing? Xiao Ning had known Lu Yan for over two decades, this was the first time it had happened. Every other time Lu Yan would always only think of how others had wronged him.

These ups and down within Xiao Ning's heart were complex and difficult to put into words. Nonetheless, on his face was a flush of warmth carried like a breath of spring, curling his lips into a smile, one gentle and kind. "It's really not good for Xia Li to ignored and left inside there on his own."

Lu Yan refused to allow himself to suffer such a wrong. That sort of bad feeling made him uncomfortable. So he figured he might as find Xiao Ning and admit his he was wrong. He lost his temper at Xiao Ning a lot of times, anyhow, so him admitting to whichever mistake like this was good enough.

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

Until recently... recently...

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

Xiao Ning had no idea what Lu Yan was thinking about, only wondering himself what reason there was for Lu Yan's change in character. Could the reason for his change of heart be related to Xia Li?

Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"

The power of true love is impressive.

So he had no idea what the reason for the change was.

"You told your parents?" But Xiao Ning had no time to care about him, only anxiously asking, "What was their reaction?"

Not knowing why he was doing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

"Alright, I got it. I'll come pick you up on Sunday." Shan Haiming's tone was lower than ordinary, not at all in line with his usual clear voice; and when he released it, doing so gently, it was tinged with wafts of tenderness. "You don't need to worry, alright? I won't let you get hurthurt here specifically refers to being screwed over.."

At this point, Xiao Ning had nothing more to say, building layer upon layer in his heart before flashing a smile and shaking his head at Lu Yan who had an arm around him. "Do I look as though I still don't know your character? If I was going to be mad at you, I would've been rolling with rage at you since long ago."

Xiao Ning didn't have to think especially hard to recall a few piles of times he became a scapegoat for Lu Yan's sake. They've known each other for so long, long enough to have completely filled up the entirety of Xiao Ning's misery-laden childhood and youth, long enough for for all those memories to easily drown him.

Feeling this anxious because of someone was a novelty for Lu Yan. It was different than when he was scared of being caught by Lu Anguo for doing something bad. That kind of painstaking terror and extreme restlessness, made so he often could never forget what he had done.

Xiao Ning let out a hopeless laugh, during which Lu Yan asked from beside him, "Is you call over?"

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

Shan Haiming said nothing about this matter of finding the place. "Got it. I'll come pick you up on Saturday."

Those words were true, from the beginning, Xiao Ning was never angry at Lu Yan, neither had he ever felt wronged by him. Those matters of his was just something he had to bear himself, so who could he blame?

"Why are you still waiting here?" Xiao Ning sighed. This young master is not one bit accustomed to heeded others' advice. How could he not listen to what I just told him? He's been out here with me for so long that Xia Li with his sensitive feelings must have no idea what to think.

Xiao Ning's imagination was in full swing as he then heard Shan Haiming ask, "Do you need my help with anything on your end?"

Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seeming quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.

Xiao Ning was rather shocked by his question. "How did you know I found a place already?"

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Lu Yan spied at him for a long time, and once he knew Xiao Ning was not lying, he grinned, visibly relaxing before punching Xiao Ning on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't take everything to heart. Anyway, who was that just now? Was it that new friend you mentioned?"

He really is a man with a plan.

"Yes." Xiao Ning replied simply. Then thinking about Lu Yan's true love he urged, "We should get back, alright?"

"If I'm busy doing everything, the people under me won't need to get paid." Shan Haiming then let he impatience be known. "So I'll come pick you up on Saturday. That place is so far, the earlier you move the better. Anyhow, I have some business to attend to on my end right now so I'm hanging up."

iana: This is a multi chapter update (Happy Diwali) []Technical note:- you need to click on the disqus button to load it now.

As a reflex, Xiao Ning declined, saying, "No, you don't need to do that. Aren't you busy with work?"

Lu Yan removed his hand, then happily followed Xiao Ning back inside to their seats.

"I'm really fed up with you, yet I'm so generous" was clearly plastered over Lu Yan's face, he then hooked his arm over Xiao Ning's shoulder, making them look as closely knit as they were during their days as students, before using a teasing tone to voice his complaints. "How come I never you could be so petty before? Just like a woman."

Xiao Ning couldn't help but turn around to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan, who at that moment, seemed baffled by all he heard, seeming quite confused. But then, all of a sudden, that befuddled person turned their head to look at him, a gaze filled with words wanting to be professed yet withheld out a hesitance meeting his own; unable to help the stun that then overtook him.

Xiao Ning sucked in a breath, his expression now strange. This guy is way too efficient!

It was because he knew Xiao Ning was like a stray dog that was picked up and taken home, one that would be loyal from then on. So even if he was unhappy when he was kicked, he would still turn around and come back, and obediently bring you your slippers.

"Are you..." Lu Yan, seeming to have a hard time saying what he intended, lowered his head slightly, lifting his eyes to look at Xiao Ning for a long time. His Staring at Xiao Ning had begun to make him a bit fearful, so he looked away, mumbling a bit as he asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Xiao Ning suddenly wanted to smile, as he tried to tug the corners of his lips upwards, he felt as though even such a small action was to tiring to pull off. So he stared at Lu Yan, who looked at him with a broad grin, staring at him for so long because his brain had no idea what to think, thus leaving him staring at Lu Yan as if he was in a trance.

Furthermore, he was more concerned over Shan Haiming's family issues than his own. "Did you say Sunday? If so, I do have the time, but how am I going to get there?"