The Long Road Ahead

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

"Yes." Xiao Ning walked over to her. "Do you need my help with something?"

Bullseye.

After saying this, she let out another laugh. "Do you understand, now?"

Xiao Ning wore a smile as he replied, "I'm fine. It was just an interrogation to find out how deeply I loved Haiming."

"You don't need to be so nervous." Wu Yi tilted her head and swept her hair over her shoulder in a motion beaming with grace. "Haiming is a very determined child, and I could never bear intervening once he made up his mind."

"Oh, alright. Just be understanding of dad for a while." Shan Haihong seemed to have wanted to continue their chat like that, standing on the stairs. "Haiming is very fond of you. He Shuzhou and his other friends have been crying about Haiming taking his love life more seriously than his friendship, you know."

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

"What's wrong?" Noticing his strange mood, Wu Yi asked.

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Even though these words of Wu Yi's made Xiao Ning develop a yearning, Shan Haiming was a person with such an outstanding and special background that he could never be reduced to being a real couple with someone like himself. So as long as Xiao Ning could help him by doing this favour, it was enough.

Xiao Ning let out a sigh, he felt incredibly unnerved when facing that man. But Shan Haiming had to deal with him for so many years, so how troubled must he be?

That was the second time he was asked such a thing for the day. Xiao Ning was a bit more relaxed, so he explained the situation with his parent's to Wu Yi simply, which lead the older woman to remain quiet for a moment after he was done speaking. "You're a good boy, and you will surely have a good life in the future with Haiming. If you guys want kids, we can adopt or even find a surrogate. Yisong and I will listen to what you and Haiming want, okay?"

Towards Shan Haihong, for a reason he couldn't understand or explain, Xiao Ning felt repulsed. When it came to the name he had mentioned, it took Xiao Ning a few seconds to to remember who the guy was.

Ye Zixin's forward facing gaze shifted to Xiao Ning. He couldn;t say what sort of expression was on her face, but he did not like it one bit. Once in the kitchen he asked, "Aunty?"

Wu Yi let out a chuckle. "I'm embarrassed to say this, but this is the only dish I can let people see. Everything else I make turns out deadly. Making soup costs time but it's very simple."

Towards Shan Haihong, for a reason he couldn't understand or explain, Xiao Ning felt repulsed. When it came to the name he had mentioned, it took Xiao Ning a few seconds to to remember who the guy was.

This time Shan Haihong had nothing to say.

Xiao Ning had no interest in the slightest of spending his time mixed up with him, so after giving a courteous smile in return he began to leave, however he did not expect Shan Haihong to stop him. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. You're a team leader in the customer service department, right?"

Doesn't it mean that for his sake Shan Haiming doesn't matter? Shan Haiming's actions having clearly maintained he peace within the family made Xiao Ning feel a little... uneasy, perhaps?

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

Wu Yi got up, pouring two cups of water for herself and Xiao Ning. "Haiming didn't come home much before, so I barely got many chances to make him a bowl of soup."

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

"What's wrong?" Noticing his strange mood, Wu Yi asked.

Wu Yi got up, pouring two cups of water for herself and Xiao Ning. "Haiming didn't come home much before, so I barely got many chances to make him a bowl of soup."

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

"Yes." Xiao Ning walked over to her. "Do you need my help with something?"

Those aren't good friends.

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

"I think that soups are not the same as other dishes. They don't require any skill, just basic knowledge will do." Wu Yi leaned on the countertop. "But to be made properly, it does require attention and care."

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

Wu Yi let out a chuckle. "I'm embarrassed to say this, but this is the only dish I can let people see. Everything else I make turns out deadly. Making soup costs time but it's very simple."

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

After saying this, she smiled as if she was genuinely amused.

"Of course, I understand. So for the sake of allowing the elders of the family to rest at ease, it would be best for me to be honest, no?" Still sporting a smile, Xiao Ning shook his head. "I'll be on my way now."

Xiao Ning had no interest in the slightest of spending his time mixed up with him, so after giving a courteous smile in return he began to leave, however he did not expect Shan Haihong to stop him. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. You're a team leader in the customer service department, right?"

Couldn't bear it?

Wu Yi got up, pouring two cups of water for herself and Xiao Ning. "Haiming didn't come home much before, so I barely got many chances to make him a bowl of soup."

His father was incredibly upset, and so was I." Wu Yi recollected as she spoke, "Maybe it's because Haiming and I have too much and aren't lacking that towards such a sensitive child I couldn't help but feel soft-hearted. Haiming was probably influenced by me in this."

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

N/A

"He really treasures Haiming, so please don't take it to heart," Shan Haihong responded.

After saying this, she smiled as if she was genuinely amused.

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

She then continued, "Despite what others think, I want nothing but for everyone in our family to happily live together. Yisong loves Haimng and he loves Haihong too, though he also feels a lot of guilt towards Haihong, but Haihong is just too suspicious."

"Is your conversation (with my husband) over?" Wu Yi placed a lid on a ceramic pot and lit the stove, then wiped her hand with a towel.

Wu Yi now chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I won't breathe a word of this to Haiming. Anyhow, do your parents know about you?"

"Of course, I understand. So for the sake of allowing the elders of the family to rest at ease, it would be best for me to be honest, no?" Still sporting a smile, Xiao Ning shook his head. "I'll be on my way now."

"Oh, alright. Just be understanding of dad for a while." Shan Haihong seemed to have wanted to continue their chat like that, standing on the stairs. "Haiming is very fond of you. He Shuzhou and his other friends have been crying about Haiming taking his love life more seriously than his friendship, you know."

This time Shan Haihong had nothing to say.

Seeing Shan Haimng on the ground floor, Xiao Ning's mood brightened a bit. Sadly, Shan Haiming was not alone in the living room, there was also Ye Zixin.

Xiao Ning wore a smile as he replied, "I'm fine. It was just an interrogation to find out how deeply I loved Haiming."

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

Xiao Ning let out a sigh, he felt incredibly unnerved when facing that man. But Shan Haiming had to deal with him for so many years, so how troubled must he be?

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

After saying this, she let out another laugh. "Do you understand, now?"

Seeing Shan Haimng on the ground floor, Xiao Ning's mood brightened a bit. Sadly, Shan Haiming was not alone in the living room, there was also Ye Zixin.

"Oh..." Wearing a triumphant look of satisfaction at her discovery, without any of the airs of an elder, Wu Yi further queried, "Did you find out with a little boy you liked first?"

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

To this cheer-filled and enthusiastic intention of hers, Xiao Ning could only accept it in silence.

Those aren't good friends.

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

Soup Talk

"Um, nothing." Xiao Ning concealed his past embarrassment. "I was just wondering how your house didn't turn into a zoo with all the animals he picked up."

"Oh..." Wearing a triumphant look of satisfaction at her discovery, without any of the airs of an elder, Wu Yi further queried, "Did you find out with a little boy you liked first?"

But upon seeing him, Shan Haiming waved and solved his issue first. "Go to the kitchen."

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

Suddenly, the night Shan Haiming had taken him back to his house appeared in Xiao Ning's mind, and his expression grew quite odd.

"If you guys aren't interested in kids yet, you can always raise a pet." Wu Yi carefully observed how her soup was going for a while, then adjusted the flame. "Oh right, did Haiming ever tell you how much he loves cats and dogs?"

"What?" Xiao Ning paused, then made his way to the kitchen with apprehension. "Why the kitchen?"

"Haihong should've been quite popular, too. But it was hard for me to help him organise his stuff as a kid." When Wu Yi said this, she didn't seem uncomfortable at all, she then continued. "I just never saw anything that suggested Haiming not liking girls from the start, you know. When did you realise you liked the same seⅹ?"

Ye Zixin's forward facing gaze shifted to Xiao Ning. He couldn;t say what sort of expression was on her face, but he did not like it one bit. Once in the kitchen he asked, "Aunty?"

Xiao Ning wore a smile as he replied, "I'm fine. It was just an interrogation to find out how deeply I loved Haiming."

"Is your conversation (with my husband) over?" Wu Yi placed a lid on a ceramic pot and lit the stove, then wiped her hand with a towel.

"Then again, if Haiming really had feelings for Zixin, I would be troubled." Wu Yi stroked her cheek worriedly. "Haihong has liked Zixin ever since he was a child, but Zixin seemed to have had eyes for Haiming. Haihong should be able to put his mind at ease now, I suppose. Kids can really give a person a headache with their issues, huh?"

"Yes." Xiao Ning walked over to her. "Do you need my help with something?"

Towards Shan Haihong, for a reason he couldn't understand or explain, Xiao Ning felt repulsed. When it came to the name he had mentioned, it took Xiao Ning a few seconds to to remember who the guy was.

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

Xiao Ning let out a sigh, he felt incredibly unnerved when facing that man. But Shan Haiming had to deal with him for so many years, so how troubled must he be?

"Then again, if Haiming really had feelings for Zixin, I would be troubled." Wu Yi stroked her cheek worriedly. "Haihong has liked Zixin ever since he was a child, but Zixin seemed to have had eyes for Haiming. Haihong should be able to put his mind at ease now, I suppose. Kids can really give a person a headache with their issues, huh?"

"Haihong should've been quite popular, too. But it was hard for me to help him organise his stuff as a kid." When Wu Yi said this, she didn't seem uncomfortable at all, she then continued. "I just never saw anything that suggested Haiming not liking girls from the start, you know. When did you realise you liked the same seⅹ?"

"Oh, alright. Just be understanding of dad for a while." Shan Haihong seemed to have wanted to continue their chat like that, standing on the stairs. "Haiming is very fond of you. He Shuzhou and his other friends have been crying about Haiming taking his love life more seriously than his friendship, you know."

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

Folding her arms around her chest, she then looked at Xiao Ning. "Looking back on it now, it was pretty normal for a five year old kid to think like that, and even a really precocious kid like Haihong would be no different. Yisong and his ex-wife were never on good terms, and Haihong was very much aware of it. Then when his mother passed away, Yisong had just gotten married to me so he felt like..."

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

Xiao Ning had no interest in the slightest of spending his time mixed up with him, so after giving a courteous smile in return he began to leave, however he did not expect Shan Haihong to stop him. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. You're a team leader in the customer service department, right?"

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

Doesn't it mean that for his sake Shan Haiming doesn't matter? Shan Haiming's actions having clearly maintained he peace within the family made Xiao Ning feel a little... uneasy, perhaps?

Soup Talk

"Is your conversation (with my husband) over?" Wu Yi placed a lid on a ceramic pot and lit the stove, then wiped her hand with a towel.

This time Shan Haihong had nothing to say.

Normally, he doesn't cook. He doesn't even remember how to use a pressure cooker. What's more, he never had the time to make soup, and it was even more unlikely Lu Yan would.

It may be simplistic and requires care, but things like those are the rarest in this world.

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Doesn't it mean that for his sake Shan Haiming doesn't matter? Shan Haiming's actions having clearly maintained he peace within the family made Xiao Ning feel a little... uneasy, perhaps?

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

"Oh..." Wearing a triumphant look of satisfaction at her discovery, without any of the airs of an elder, Wu Yi further queried, "Did you find out with a little boy you liked first?"

"I think that soups are not the same as other dishes. They don't require any skill, just basic knowledge will do." Wu Yi leaned on the countertop. "But to be made properly, it does require attention and care."

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

That was the second time he was asked such a thing for the day. Xiao Ning was a bit more relaxed, so he explained the situation with his parent's to Wu Yi simply, which lead the older woman to remain quiet for a moment after he was done speaking. "You're a good boy, and you will surely have a good life in the future with Haiming. If you guys want kids, we can adopt or even find a surrogate. Yisong and I will listen to what you and Haiming want, okay?"

She then continued, "Despite what others think, I want nothing but for everyone in our family to happily live together. Yisong loves Haimng and he loves Haihong too, though he also feels a lot of guilt towards Haihong, but Haihong is just too suspicious."

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

This time Shan Haihong had nothing to say.

"Haihong should've been quite popular, too. But it was hard for me to help him organise his stuff as a kid." When Wu Yi said this, she didn't seem uncomfortable at all, she then continued. "I just never saw anything that suggested Haiming not liking girls from the start, you know. When did you realise you liked the same seⅹ?"

"Yes." Xiao Ning walked over to her. "Do you need my help with something?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

"You don't need to be so nervous." Wu Yi tilted her head and swept her hair over her shoulder in a motion beaming with grace. "Haiming is a very determined child, and I could never bear intervening once he made up his mind."

Wu Yi now chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I won't breathe a word of this to Haiming. Anyhow, do your parents know about you?"

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

Soup Talk

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

Wu Yi let out a chuckle. "I'm embarrassed to say this, but this is the only dish I can let people see. Everything else I make turns out deadly. Making soup costs time but it's very simple."

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

It may be simplistic and requires care, but things like those are the rarest in this world.

Xiao Ning felt helpless when he heard those words. He and Shan Haimng weren't really together, and even if they put on a realistic show, they were still deceiving everyone and it was all not true.

Wu Yi got up, pouring two cups of water for herself and Xiao Ning. "Haiming didn't come home much before, so I barely got many chances to make him a bowl of soup."

But her laughter gradually came to a stop, while nostalgia and sadness then filled her tone. "But after that, Shan Haiming never brought home another cat or dog again."

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

Seeing Shan Haimng on the ground floor, Xiao Ning's mood brightened a bit. Sadly, Shan Haiming was not alone in the living room, there was also Ye Zixin.

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

After she said this, Xiao Ning came to understand. Shan Yisong had finished chatting with him and now it was Wu Yi's turn.

Suddenly, the night Shan Haiming had taken him back to his house appeared in Xiao Ning's mind, and his expression grew quite odd.

After she said this, Xiao Ning came to understand. Shan Yisong had finished chatting with him and now it was Wu Yi's turn.

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

Xiao Ning, with an immense degree of focus, held on to the cup in his hands.

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

Bullseye.

She then continued, "Despite what others think, I want nothing but for everyone in our family to happily live together. Yisong loves Haimng and he loves Haihong too, though he also feels a lot of guilt towards Haihong, but Haihong is just too suspicious."

"You don't need to be so nervous." Wu Yi tilted her head and swept her hair over her shoulder in a motion beaming with grace. "Haiming is a very determined child, and I could never bear intervening once he made up his mind."

She then continued, "Despite what others think, I want nothing but for everyone in our family to happily live together. Yisong loves Haimng and he loves Haihong too, though he also feels a lot of guilt towards Haihong, but Haihong is just too suspicious."

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

Bullseye.

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

Couldn't bear it?

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

"Oh... well, that's..." Wu Yi shrugged. "Because Haihong didn't like it, he would secretly throw away the pets sometimes, thinking none of us would notice."

"Of course, I understand. So for the sake of allowing the elders of the family to rest at ease, it would be best for me to be honest, no?" Still sporting a smile, Xiao Ning shook his head. "I'll be on my way now."

This time Shan Haihong had nothing to say.

Suddenly, the night Shan Haiming had taken him back to his house appeared in Xiao Ning's mind, and his expression grew quite odd.

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

Such phrasing can really make a person feel sentimental.

As Xiao Ning listened to her, he got a strange feeling. Why does this procedure sound so familiar?

Xiao Ning let out a sigh, he felt incredibly unnerved when facing that man. But Shan Haiming had to deal with him for so many years, so how troubled must he be?

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

Bullseye.

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

"Yisong may have his doubts about you, but I believe in Haiming. He knows what he wants, and always has." Wu Yi then lowered her gaze, resting down her cup. "You probably noticed our family's situation, yes? It's a bit... complicated. But there's nothing about it to hide actually; Haihong is the child of Yisong and his previous wife, and he was only five years old when I entered this family, and not too long after I had Haiming."

"Oh... well, that's..." Wu Yi shrugged. "Because Haihong didn't like it, he would secretly throw away the pets sometimes, thinking none of us would notice."

Folding her arms around her chest, she then looked at Xiao Ning. "Looking back on it now, it was pretty normal for a five year old kid to think like that, and even a really precocious kid like Haihong would be no different. Yisong and his ex-wife were never on good terms, and Haihong was very much aware of it. Then when his mother passed away, Yisong had just gotten married to me so he felt like..."

"Of course, I understand. So for the sake of allowing the elders of the family to rest at ease, it would be best for me to be honest, no?" Still sporting a smile, Xiao Ning shook his head. "I'll be on my way now."

Xiao Ning: "..."

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

But upon seeing him, Shan Haiming waved and solved his issue first. "Go to the kitchen."

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

Bullseye.

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

Wu Yi, who had been carefully observing the frowning Xiao Ning deep thought, smiled the spoke, "You don't need to worry about Haiming too much. He's smart, and he would never allow himself to suffer any losses. He really would never do anything to hurt himself, and he can live a more fulfilling life than others."

"Oh... well, that's..." Wu Yi shrugged. "Because Haihong didn't like it, he would secretly throw away the pets sometimes, thinking none of us would notice."

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

To this cheer-filled and enthusiastic intention of hers, Xiao Ning could only accept it in silence.

Seeing Shan Haimng on the ground floor, Xiao Ning's mood brightened a bit. Sadly, Shan Haiming was not alone in the living room, there was also Ye Zixin.

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

There's no way to be sure whether this was a child's scheming or not, it had happened such a long time ago. Plus, there was no point in chasing after a child.

After saying this, she let out another laugh. "Do you understand, now?"

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

To this cheer-filled and enthusiastic intention of hers, Xiao Ning could only accept it in silence.

N/A

His father was incredibly upset, and so was I." Wu Yi recollected as she spoke, "Maybe it's because Haiming and I have too much and aren't lacking that towards such a sensitive child I couldn't help but feel soft-hearted. Haiming was probably influenced by me in this."

But upon seeing him, Shan Haiming waved and solved his issue first. "Go to the kitchen."

She then continued, "Despite what others think, I want nothing but for everyone in our family to happily live together. Yisong loves Haimng and he loves Haihong too, though he also feels a lot of guilt towards Haihong, but Haihong is just too suspicious."

N/A

After saying this, she let out another laugh. "Do you understand, now?"

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

With a sigh, Xiao Ning replied, "I understand."

His father was incredibly upset, and so was I." Wu Yi recollected as she spoke, "Maybe it's because Haiming and I have too much and aren't lacking that towards such a sensitive child I couldn't help but feel soft-hearted. Haiming was probably influenced by me in this."

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

"What?" Xiao Ning paused, then made his way to the kitchen with apprehension. "Why the kitchen?"

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

Xiao Ning let out a sigh, he felt incredibly unnerved when facing that man. But Shan Haiming had to deal with him for so many years, so how troubled must he be?

Doesn't it mean that for his sake Shan Haiming doesn't matter? Shan Haiming's actions having clearly maintained he peace within the family made Xiao Ning feel a little... uneasy, perhaps?

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

Wu Yi, who had been carefully observing the frowning Xiao Ning deep thought, smiled the spoke, "You don't need to worry about Haiming too much. He's smart, and he would never allow himself to suffer any losses. He really would never do anything to hurt himself, and he can live a more fulfilling life than others."

N/A

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

Xiao Ning wore a smile as he replied, "I'm fine. It was just an interrogation to find out how deeply I loved Haiming."

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

"If you guys aren't interested in kids yet, you can always raise a pet." Wu Yi carefully observed how her soup was going for a while, then adjusted the flame. "Oh right, did Haiming ever tell you how much he loves cats and dogs?"

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

"He really treasures Haiming, so please don't take it to heart," Shan Haihong responded.

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

To this cheer-filled and enthusiastic intention of hers, Xiao Ning could only accept it in silence.

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

Reaching out to gently pat Xiao Ning's hand, Wu Yi comforted, "Regardless of whether the person likes is a man or woman, as long as he likes them, I will support him. With both Haiming and I here, his father will also come to accept you in due time."

Soup Talk

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

To this cheer-filled and enthusiastic intention of hers, Xiao Ning could only accept it in silence.

"He really treasures Haiming, so please don't take it to heart," Shan Haihong responded.

With a sigh, Xiao Ning replied, "I understand."

"Yes." Xiao Ning walked over to her. "Do you need my help with something?"

"Um, nothing." Xiao Ning concealed his past embarrassment. "I was just wondering how your house didn't turn into a zoo with all the animals he picked up."

"I think that soups are not the same as other dishes. They don't require any skill, just basic knowledge will do." Wu Yi leaned on the countertop. "But to be made properly, it does require attention and care."

"You don't need to be so nervous." Wu Yi tilted her head and swept her hair over her shoulder in a motion beaming with grace. "Haiming is a very determined child, and I could never bear intervening once he made up his mind."

"I think that soups are not the same as other dishes. They don't require any skill, just basic knowledge will do." Wu Yi leaned on the countertop. "But to be made properly, it does require attention and care."

"Then again, if Haiming really had feelings for Zixin, I would be troubled." Wu Yi stroked her cheek worriedly. "Haihong has liked Zixin ever since he was a child, but Zixin seemed to have had eyes for Haiming. Haihong should be able to put his mind at ease now, I suppose. Kids can really give a person a headache with their issues, huh?"

"Is your conversation (with my husband) over?" Wu Yi placed a lid on a ceramic pot and lit the stove, then wiped her hand with a towel.

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

Suddenly, the night Shan Haiming had taken him back to his house appeared in Xiao Ning's mind, and his expression grew quite odd.

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

N/A

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

Xiao Ning nodded to show her he understood.

"Yisong may have his doubts about you, but I believe in Haiming. He knows what he wants, and always has." Wu Yi then lowered her gaze, resting down her cup. "You probably noticed our family's situation, yes? It's a bit... complicated. But there's nothing about it to hide actually; Haihong is the child of Yisong and his previous wife, and he was only five years old when I entered this family, and not too long after I had Haiming."

"I think that soups are not the same as other dishes. They don't require any skill, just basic knowledge will do." Wu Yi leaned on the countertop. "But to be made properly, it does require attention and care."

Towards Shan Haihong, for a reason he couldn't understand or explain, Xiao Ning felt repulsed. When it came to the name he had mentioned, it took Xiao Ning a few seconds to to remember who the guy was.

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

Such phrasing can really make a person feel sentimental.

"Oh... well, that's..." Wu Yi shrugged. "Because Haihong didn't like it, he would secretly throw away the pets sometimes, thinking none of us would notice."

It may be simplistic and requires care, but things like those are the rarest in this world.

"Haihong should've been quite popular, too. But it was hard for me to help him organise his stuff as a kid." When Wu Yi said this, she didn't seem uncomfortable at all, she then continued. "I just never saw anything that suggested Haiming not liking girls from the start, you know. When did you realise you liked the same seⅹ?"

"Yisong may have his doubts about you, but I believe in Haiming. He knows what he wants, and always has." Wu Yi then lowered her gaze, resting down her cup. "You probably noticed our family's situation, yes? It's a bit... complicated. But there's nothing about it to hide actually; Haihong is the child of Yisong and his previous wife, and he was only five years old when I entered this family, and not too long after I had Haiming."

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

Such phrasing can really make a person feel sentimental.

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

There's no way to be sure whether this was a child's scheming or not, it had happened such a long time ago. Plus, there was no point in chasing after a child.

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

Set aside Xiao Ning's first impression and assumptions about her, because this statement of hers had now truly left Xiao Ning with a favourable opinion of her. So he complimented, "Your family are all blessed to enjoy delicious foods, then."

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

Xiao Ning, with an immense degree of focus, held on to the cup in his hands.

Xiao Ning, with an immense degree of focus, held on to the cup in his hands.

"Oh..." Wearing a triumphant look of satisfaction at her discovery, without any of the airs of an elder, Wu Yi further queried, "Did you find out with a little boy you liked first?"

Even though these words of Wu Yi's made Xiao Ning develop a yearning, Shan Haiming was a person with such an outstanding and special background that he could never be reduced to being a real couple with someone like himself. So as long as Xiao Ning could help him by doing this favour, it was enough.

Wu Yi got up, pouring two cups of water for herself and Xiao Ning. "Haiming didn't come home much before, so I barely got many chances to make him a bowl of soup."

Xiao Ning, with an immense degree of focus, held on to the cup in his hands.

Xiao Ning: "..."

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

Bullseye.

Doesn't it mean that for his sake Shan Haiming doesn't matter? Shan Haiming's actions having clearly maintained he peace within the family made Xiao Ning feel a little... uneasy, perhaps?

"Is your conversation (with my husband) over?" Wu Yi placed a lid on a ceramic pot and lit the stove, then wiped her hand with a towel.

It may be simplistic and requires care, but things like those are the rarest in this world.

Even though these words of Wu Yi's made Xiao Ning develop a yearning, Shan Haiming was a person with such an outstanding and special background that he could never be reduced to being a real couple with someone like himself. So as long as Xiao Ning could help him by doing this favour, it was enough.

With a sigh, Xiao Ning replied, "I understand."

Wu Yi now chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I won't breathe a word of this to Haiming. Anyhow, do your parents know about you?"

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa without saying a word, nor looking at one another. But the imposing air around them suggested a stand-off. Xiao Ning had no idea what the reason for the tension in their atmosphere was, and he honestly did not want to go over.

That was the second time he was asked such a thing for the day. Xiao Ning was a bit more relaxed, so he explained the situation with his parent's to Wu Yi simply, which lead the older woman to remain quiet for a moment after he was done speaking. "You're a good boy, and you will surely have a good life in the future with Haiming. If you guys want kids, we can adopt or even find a surrogate. Yisong and I will listen to what you and Haiming want, okay?"

Xiao Ning had no interest in the slightest of spending his time mixed up with him, so after giving a courteous smile in return he began to leave, however he did not expect Shan Haihong to stop him. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. You're a team leader in the customer service department, right?"

"Then again, if Haiming really had feelings for Zixin, I would be troubled." Wu Yi stroked her cheek worriedly. "Haihong has liked Zixin ever since he was a child, but Zixin seemed to have had eyes for Haiming. Haihong should be able to put his mind at ease now, I suppose. Kids can really give a person a headache with their issues, huh?"

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

Xiao Ning felt helpless when he heard those words. He and Shan Haimng weren't really together, and even if they put on a realistic show, they were still deceiving everyone and it was all not true.

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

Even though these words of Wu Yi's made Xiao Ning develop a yearning, Shan Haiming was a person with such an outstanding and special background that he could never be reduced to being a real couple with someone like himself. So as long as Xiao Ning could help him by doing this favour, it was enough.

Wu Yi, who had been carefully observing the frowning Xiao Ning deep thought, smiled the spoke, "You don't need to worry about Haiming too much. He's smart, and he would never allow himself to suffer any losses. He really would never do anything to hurt himself, and he can live a more fulfilling life than others."

Wu Yi let out a chuckle. "I'm embarrassed to say this, but this is the only dish I can let people see. Everything else I make turns out deadly. Making soup costs time but it's very simple."

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

Wu Yi now chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I won't breathe a word of this to Haiming. Anyhow, do your parents know about you?"

"Yisong may have his doubts about you, but I believe in Haiming. He knows what he wants, and always has." Wu Yi then lowered her gaze, resting down her cup. "You probably noticed our family's situation, yes? It's a bit... complicated. But there's nothing about it to hide actually; Haihong is the child of Yisong and his previous wife, and he was only five years old when I entered this family, and not too long after I had Haiming."

"If you guys aren't interested in kids yet, you can always raise a pet." Wu Yi carefully observed how her soup was going for a while, then adjusted the flame. "Oh right, did Haiming ever tell you how much he loves cats and dogs?"

Wu Yi now chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I won't breathe a word of this to Haiming. Anyhow, do your parents know about you?"

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

Politely, Xiao Ning replied, "I usually can't get a word in when it comes to Haiming's business."

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

When Xiao Ning made his way down the stairs he ran into Shan Haihong walking up them, the two unexpectedly meeting face to face. Shan Haihong was the first to speak, "Are you done chatting with dad? Are you alright?"

Shan Haiming never mentioned it, but Xiao Ning seemed to have noticed. "I actually have a cat."

Shan Haihong laughed. "He has always been like this, always doing things his own way regardless of what others say to the extreme. You have a good disposition, so please accommodate him a little, okay?"

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

"What's wrong?" Noticing his strange mood, Wu Yi asked.

As Xiao Ning listened to her, he got a strange feeling. Why does this procedure sound so familiar?

"Um, nothing." Xiao Ning concealed his past embarrassment. "I was just wondering how your house didn't turn into a zoo with all the animals he picked up."

Normally, he doesn't cook. He doesn't even remember how to use a pressure cooker. What's more, he never had the time to make soup, and it was even more unlikely Lu Yan would.

"Of course, I understand. So for the sake of allowing the elders of the family to rest at ease, it would be best for me to be honest, no?" Still sporting a smile, Xiao Ning shook his head. "I'll be on my way now."

Suddenly, the night Shan Haiming had taken him back to his house appeared in Xiao Ning's mind, and his expression grew quite odd.

"What?" Xiao Ning paused, then made his way to the kitchen with apprehension. "Why the kitchen?"

Wu Yi, who had been carefully observing the frowning Xiao Ning deep thought, smiled the spoke, "You don't need to worry about Haiming too much. He's smart, and he would never allow himself to suffer any losses. He really would never do anything to hurt himself, and he can live a more fulfilling life than others."

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

"What's wrong?" Noticing his strange mood, Wu Yi asked.

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

After saying this, she let out another laugh. "Do you understand, now?"

Why do I feel distressed? Xia Ning was stunned. "I..."

Xiao Ning again smiled as he replied, "Thank you, but that is unnecessary at the moment. Uncle Shan has already has suspicions I might have approached Haiming for my own purposes."

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

"Um, nothing." Xiao Ning concealed his past embarrassment. "I was just wondering how your house didn't turn into a zoo with all the animals he picked up."

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

"What's wrong?" Noticing his strange mood, Wu Yi asked.

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

Those aren't good friends.

"Oh... well, that's..." Wu Yi shrugged. "Because Haihong didn't like it, he would secretly throw away the pets sometimes, thinking none of us would notice."

Despite this bit of understanding he had towards the situation alleviating his doubts somewhat, he still felt glum. Do these parents need Shan Haiming to take this step for the sake of the family? Forget about him finding someone ad coming out the closet, what did he have to do before? Ever since he ad gotten to know Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning could never believe him to have been the rich playboy type of person.

But her laughter gradually came to a stop, while nostalgia and sadness then filled her tone. "But after that, Shan Haiming never brought home another cat or dog again."

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

Ye Zixin's forward facing gaze shifted to Xiao Ning. He couldn;t say what sort of expression was on her face, but he did not like it one bit. Once in the kitchen he asked, "Aunty?"

Wu Yi turned to look at him, smiling. "Do you know how to make soup?"

"Um, nothing." Xiao Ning concealed his past embarrassment. "I was just wondering how your house didn't turn into a zoo with all the animals he picked up."

"Huh?" This was the first time anyone had discussed his seⅹuality with him this directly, so for a moment, Xiao Ning choked up. "I... I don't know..."

After saying this, she smiled as if she was genuinely amused.

After saying this, she sighed. "I think that spending a few hours to make someone a soup is one of the sweetest things someone can do. This is why all soups in this house are made by me at home."

"Haiming was great friends with those guys before, and they used to run around like crazy all over the place. But then all of a sudden he started ignoring them, and amongst them, is reputation must not be that good. Bai Li can still be counted on to lend Haiming a hand in that regard." Shan Haihong then joked, "If you're worried about them meeting up, you can just tag along with them each time, hm?"

Soup Talk

Xiao Ning felt helpless when he heard those words. He and Shan Haimng weren't really together, and even if they put on a realistic show, they were still deceiving everyone and it was all not true.

"Haihong should've been quite popular, too. But it was hard for me to help him organise his stuff as a kid." When Wu Yi said this, she didn't seem uncomfortable at all, she then continued. "I just never saw anything that suggested Haiming not liking girls from the start, you know. When did you realise you liked the same seⅹ?"

Xiao Ning wore a smile as he replied, "I'm fine. It was just an interrogation to find out how deeply I loved Haiming."

N/A

Xiao Ning: "...you weren't angry?"

Xiao Ning, with an immense degree of focus, held on to the cup in his hands.

"I rarely cook soup," Xiao Ning replied.

Thinking about Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning, who never had anyone take interest in him as a child, blurted out with a chuckle, "I'm so jealous."

"Yes, I am." Xiao Ning stopped and looked upwards behind him. Shan Haihong stood above him. "I think such a position underutilises your abilities. I'll send word later for them to make an adjustment to your position."

There's no way to be sure whether this was a child's scheming or not, it had happened such a long time ago. Plus, there was no point in chasing after a child.

"What's there to be angry about? Haihong's little face when he lied was really amusing, it's a pity you couldn't see it." Wu Yi's laughter continued as she added, "But after Haiming found out, he pretended he didn't know to tease his brother. And, because of his teasing, Haihong was a ball of nerves."

With a sigh, Xiao Ning replied, "I understand."

Despite calling it a headache, Wu Yi's expression was to contrary hinted with a bit of glee. "You don't need to be jealous about it, though. Let me let you in on a little something, Haiming was a popular kid. Back in his school days, he used to have his backpack stuffed full with love letters."

Those aren't good friends.

Wu Yi let out a laugh. "I must admit, that I was pretty young at that time myself, and I had no idea how to get along with a child filled with suspicion and doubt towards me, so some unpleasant situations had occurred. Until the night I gave birth, that kid ran off and almost got himself lost, he even went missing for two days straight."

With a light chuckle in response, Wu Yi then added, "When he was little, he would always pick up stay cats and dogs then bring them home, but he had no idea how to take care of them. Miss Guo helped out in teaching him the basic procedure. First give them a bath to get them all clean; feed them some warm milk so they can fill their tummies; brush their fur to soothe them; and lastly, they must absolutely be hugged as they slept in his bed at night."

But her laughter gradually came to a stop, while nostalgia and sadness then filled her tone. "But after that, Shan Haiming never brought home another cat or dog again."

Those aren't good friends.

"He really treasures Haiming, so please don't take it to heart," Shan Haihong responded.

"If you guys aren't interested in kids yet, you can always raise a pet." Wu Yi carefully observed how her soup was going for a while, then adjusted the flame. "Oh right, did Haiming ever tell you how much he loves cats and dogs?"

It may be simplistic and requires care, but things like those are the rarest in this world.

But her laughter gradually came to a stop, while nostalgia and sadness then filled her tone. "But after that, Shan Haiming never brought home another cat or dog again."

Couldn't bear it?

Wu Yi, who had been carefully observing the frowning Xiao Ning deep thought, smiled the spoke, "You don't need to worry about Haiming too much. He's smart, and he would never allow himself to suffer any losses. He really would never do anything to hurt himself, and he can live a more fulfilling life than others."