The Long Road Ahead

Me Too

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

It was not ten o'clock as yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

The doorbell then rung.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

He must be really busy, right?

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it eat?"

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

N/A

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning then saud, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is uncle feeling better?"

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

Me Too

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back, so has he said anything about when he'll be returning?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

It was not ten o'clock as yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

Carefully remving his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell hm to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

Xiao Ning couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back, so has he said anything about when he'll be returning?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

After taking the bouquet of flowers into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

N/A

He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period of time that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

For the past couple days he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend, and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning then saud, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is uncle feeling better?"

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning then saud, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is uncle feeling better?"

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

◈◇◈

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing making him sped the entire day in a funk was actually quite laughable and cute.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

What was the big deal anyhow?

Having completed its assigned task beautifully, Xiaohei was finally set free, so it was currently rubbing and circling Xiao Ning's feet. After he hung up the phone, Xiao Ning bent down, stroked its fur, then picked it up. "Are you hungry?"

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing making him sped the entire day in a funk was actually quite laughable and cute.

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing making him sped the entire day in a funk was actually quite laughable and cute.

She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

"Yes, he is. He's right here, too, so would you like to talk to him? Goodness, what's there embarrassed about, old man." Chen Shuyun mocked her husband then turned back to ask, "Lu Yan still hasn't called us back, so has he said anything about when he'll be returning?" It was natural for her to be more concerned about her own son, so without being prompted, Chen Shuyun asked about Lu Yan.

"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing making him sped the entire day in a funk was actually quite laughable and cute.

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

N/A

When he broke himself away from those lingering affections that had him circling in place and looked at at them again, Xiao Ning felt that such a thing making him sped the entire day in a funk was actually quite laughable and cute.

What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

The doorbell then rung.

◈◇◈

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

It was not ten o'clock as yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

Xiao Ning, as always, listened to her words to the very end with a smile. "Okay, I understand."

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

He must be really busy, right?

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it eat?"

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

He must be really busy, right?

He must be really busy, right?

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

Carefully remving his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."

The doorbell then rung.

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

Xiaohei lightly licked his finger, its little body was quite warm.

When they got into the car, Shan Haiming rubbed his nose again.

Shan Haiming rubbed the bridge of his nose, saying, "Then let's go."

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Me Too

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

For the past couple days he hadn't thought seriously about them at all, and now it seems as though his mind has made its decision. Of course, he still considers Lu Yan a good friend, and would care for Lu Yan as a good friend.

She then brought the phone closer and continued, "Xiao Ning, dear, you've always been more prudent, so please take care of Lu Yan more, alright? Tell him to come back for visit when he gets some free time, and that I'll help him buy a ticket."

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

◈◇◈

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

He must be really busy, right?

Carefully remving his pet from the ravaging demon's claws, Xiao Ning set Xiaohei down before replying, "Yeah, enough for the day and water too."

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning then saud, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is uncle feeling better?"

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell hm to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

"Yeah." Shan Haiming answered both questions in one breath, and his current mood was in a funk. "Yesterday I had to attend a financial roadshow and was dragged to dinner party afterwards last night."

The doorbell then rung.

What was the big deal anyhow?

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

After taking the bouquet of flowers into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

Xiao Ning couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

The apartment looked clean, but no one had lived there for so long that there was still a good bit of dirt in the nooks and crannies. Xiao Ning didn't listen to Wang Hua's advice in hiring a daily worker because it was Saturday, and he had no urgent business to take care of, so he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to cleaning. At noon, he went over to Shan Haiming's and knocked on his door, thinking they could have lunch together, but there was no one at home. Maybe he went out.

As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

Surprised, Xiao Ning asked, "Are you allergic to pollen?"

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it eat?"

The two then drove to the flower shop where Xiao Ning had ordered some flowers. Xiao Ning left the car to go pick up the Casablanca lilies, and beside the flower shop there was a xiaolongbao (small steamed bun) seller, so he bought four buns along with a cup of soy milk.

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

The next day, Xiao Ning got up bright and early, ate some bread for breakfast and tidied himself up all well and proper. He didn't dare pick up Xiaohei afterwards, fearing the little one would leave his clothes wrinkled or littered with cat hair.

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

"What do you mean my son? Is he not your son, then?" Chen Shuyun then held the phone a bit further away, before adding, "Xiao Ning and Lu Yan are living together, aren't they? I'm just asking him to help keep an eye out a bit. You may not be worried about your son, but I am."

As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

"I bought some buns and soy milk. When we get to a red light you should eat a bit to fill your stomach a bit." Xiao Ning knew they were heading to the Shan family home and they wouldn't let Shan Haiming go hungry. But he had no idea how long they were going to take to get there, and when Shan Haiming drank the night before he must've not eaten much, so his stomach would naturally be upset.

As Xiao Ning felt the warmth radiating from the little creature, he thought about when would be an appropriate time to contact Lu Yan, given he would be angry for some time. What's more, he had no idea how long it would take Xia Li to accept him.

As a result, Xiaohei struggled to climb from one layer of the cat tree to the other, then squatted on the highest platform, refusing to come down, and using the highest level of arrogance that only cats possessed to display its dissatisfaction.

Xiao Ning put the flowers in the back set and opened the window, allowing the air from outside to pour in. The temperature from outside air was in no way as good as the car's air-conditioning, but it did make him feel a lot more comfortable.

It took no guesses to figure out the one who had come over was Shan Haiming, so, with Xiaohei in his arms, Xiao Ning went to answer the door. "Is it time to leave?"

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it eat?"

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

Then added, "I definitely knew."

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

What's more, he and Lu Yan had known each other for so long, and Lu Yan, firstly, knew nothing about his feelings; and had not done anything to be worth being sorry to him over. Frankly put, it was nothing but haughtiness stemming from being shown favour.

Shan Haiming did give him face, replying with a smile, "Don't worry, I bought insurance."

Stunned for a minute, Xiao Ning stared at the soy milk in his hands, then after a few beats, he tore open the seal of the plastic pouch and inserted the straw. But upon seeing Shan Haiming still not making any move to remove his hands, he had to use his own to lift the milk to Shan Haiming's lips.

It was not ten o'clock as yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

Shan Haiming then asked him, "What are you looking at?"

Leaning his head slightly, Shan Haiming drank a few mouthfuls of milk before letting go of the straw, his attention still dutifully fixed on the road.

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

Then added, "I definitely knew."

It was not ten o'clock as yet so Xiao Ning also asked, "Have you eaten?"

Unable to help himself, Xiao Ning asked, "Did you not sleep well? Did you drink?"

But Lu Anguo then interrupted, "Why are you saying all that for, huh? You're on the phone with Xiao Ning right now, not your son."

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

And Xiao Ning, himself, had a lot to do today as well. After after taking a portion of the ham and mushrooms to the courier, he called Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty, I just sent you guys a few things today that should arrive in three days or so."

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

What was the big deal anyhow?

He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period of time that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.

He was young, so despite seeming as though he got the wind knocked out of his sails, there was no sign of it on his face.

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

◈◇◈

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

He had paid back the money he owed to the Lu family, but the kindness they gave to him when he was at his most helpless could never be repaid.

He was left tongue-tied for a moment, and the atmosphere in the car because of his lack of response had grown awkward.

After taking the bouquet of flowers into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

He wanted to say something to explain away his words, but when he opened his mouth in an attempt to, nothing came out. Because it was Shan Haiming, in the short period of time that they had known one another, Xiao Ning had already lost his habit of acting perfunctorily towards him.

The securities and investment aspect of roadshows was something Xiao Ning could never wrap his head around, and seeing how tired Shan Haiming was, he really wanted to make him go rest for a while longer. But he was invited over to someone else's house, and as an outsider, how could he arrange for such a thing casually? So all he could do was jokingly say: "Do you think you drive when you're this tired?"

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"

Hearing that they were still in good spirits, Xiao Ning then saud, "It's been far too long then. if you guys can't finish them all, you can just throw them out. This time I'm sending you guys some Yunan ham and some dried mountain delicacies, they'd be perfect for making soup. Anyhow, is uncle feeling better?"

Oddly enough, Xiao Ning's heart gradually calmed, and while looking out the car's window, he replied with a smile, "Haven't you known since earlier?"

Shan Haiming rubbed his nose and shot a resentful glance at the flowers in Xiao Ning's hands. "I'm allergic to anything that smells too strong."

A red light at an intersection ahead made them stop.

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell hm to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

"Oh... I understand, then. But even though he's busy he should remember to take care of his health. Has he been eating on time? Is he able to take the weekend off to rest? The weather where you guys are staying is quite hot now, so tell hm to pay attention to what he eats and not eat any spicy foods since it's easy to get overheated—and tell him to drink lots of water." Chen Shuyun said quite a lot in one breath before adding, "Also, last time, I found a girl for him like this but he didn't like her, I found one like that but he didn't like her either. What sort of girl does he even like then? Is he too busy at work he can't find any time to date? That's not good at all. Does he know how old he is, he needs to start thinking about it seriously."

Finally unable too bear it any longer, Xiao Ning stood up and took it down.

After taking the bouquet of flowers into the car, Shan Haiming sneezed a few times.

Shan Haiming then took the plastic bag and pulled out a bun, taking a bite as he replied, "Mhm."

Shan Haiming held the steering wheel with both hands as he said, "Soy milk."

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

Honestly speaking, a person should just do their jobs dutifully and live conscientiously. They should be considerate of their homes, their savings, their future, their parents, their pets, and even their own worth. So that small unspeakable ambiguity should absolutely be cut out for the things that matter the most.

Then added, "I definitely knew."

Looking at the satisfaction on the side profile of his face, Xiao Ning became a bit lost in a trance.

"Meow?" Xiaohei had no idea why its master had begun laughing, but seeing that person still had not responded to its request for food, in a huff, the little thing turned its tail and scampered away.

The doorbell then rung.

Hearing his words, Shan Haiming lifted his brow and shifted his gaze to Xiao Ning's direction. In that instant, Xiao Ning returned to his senses, and despite the honesty in his words, men and women weren't the same, using such complimentary words was a bit strange. Maybe there are some straight men who wouldn't think Xiao Ning had ulterior motives as a result. But he always remained extremely vigilant, especially towards taboos like these.

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"

With a relieved smile on his face, Xiao Ning turned to look at him.

"You're so handsome." The question was asked so suddenly, Xiao Ning answered without thinking.

But Xiao could only reply: "He has been really busy at work lately so..."

"We're going there to have lunch." Without replying to the question, Shan Haiming reached out to pet Xiaohei as it kicked up a fuss in Xiao Ning's arms. But it seems the impression Shan Haiming had left from when he carried Xiaohei to go tease the dogs was quite deep, as the little cat gave him no face at all, wriggling to dodge him.

Shan Haiming had turned his head to lick the corners of his lips, making it hard to see whether he was smiling, however, his tone did sound lively. "Me too."

Shan Haiming didn't care one bit, however. "Did you prepare enough for it eat?"

"Oh, Xiao Ning, how considerate of you." Chen Shuyun's voice carried a smile. "We still haven't finished the snacks you sent us last time."

"Xiao Ning," Shan Haiming spoke first, asking, "do you actually like men?"