The Long Road Ahead: C04
No
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
What a peculiar guy.
Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc. Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]iana[translator]: Ah, yes... the age-old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart. The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this. I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
"Bye, and have fun." Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door. After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
...Can you call that a success... What success?
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an "oh".
Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc. Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]iana[translator]: Ah, yes... the age-old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart. The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this. I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends. But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange. "What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in..."
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, "I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out."
Also unknowing of what that "Oh" had meant.
Also unknowing of what that "Oh" had meant.
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
However, those frowning brows of his were a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment. Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say at that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?
Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
His heart involuntarily stiffened.
Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
No
After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back. Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator. After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
——"Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl. I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother. Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!"
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc. Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]iana[translator]: Ah, yes... the age-old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart. The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this. I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
No
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, "Let's talk terms. In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour."
"Congrats. When it's a good time, I'll come by to see my sister-in-law and my niece."
Right as he walked in, however, he received a shock.
Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further. "Just forget it, then. I should get going."
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
"Oh, that's good then. I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this. I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan."
Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning replied, "Mr. Shan, one mustn't joke about such things."
"Bye, and have fun." Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door. After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
——"Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?"
"You're still here?" Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body was already washed and his clothes also changed. Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, "Is something wrong?"
"Which part of this matter is a joke?" Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, "It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions. Are you not single or something? Is that it?"
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
...what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
No
Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, "It doesn't matter whether I'm single or not. I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such a thing."
But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast. During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, "No. You two can just go on ahead. I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good."
...what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit from his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, "If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?"
Uh... there's no way I could say that to him...
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
The author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: "Why can't you find anyone?"[]Shan Haiming: "Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends."[]Xiao Ning: "..."
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
"Oh, that's good then. I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this. I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan."
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
——"Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl. I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother. Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!"
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
Also unknowing of what that "Oh" had meant.
While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom. He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through. Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of a student yet to have graduated from university.
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
What a peculiar guy.
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, "I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out."
...Can you call that a success... What success?
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, "I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable. Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you. It was also quite fortunate since you're a more fitting match than him."
Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends. But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange. "What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in..."
You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying to find an actor or a blind date?
But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
Right as he walked in, however, he received a shock.
However, those frowning brows of his were a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment. Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say at that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?
Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, "It doesn't matter whether I'm single or not. I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such a thing."
"Bye, and have fun." Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door. After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
"You're still here?" Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body was already washed and his clothes also changed. Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, "Is something wrong?"
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying to find an actor or a blind date?
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
"Oh yeah, I thought so too." Lu Yan replied, scratching his face. "I didn't expect that he'd show up last night. He even brought his luggage with him to come find me. I think he wanted to give me a surprise."
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
——"Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl. I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother. Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!"
Uh... there's no way I could say that to him...
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, "I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable. Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you. It was also quite fortunate since you're a more fitting match than him."
Xiao Ning grinned, replying, "There were no slip-ups. So it should have been resolved well enough."
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
...what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further. "Just forget it, then. I should get going."
Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit from his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, "If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?"
A subtle scent also lingered in the air of that room. That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xia Ning, whose mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached. In response, he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, "I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out."
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, "Let's talk terms. In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour."
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back. Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator. After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
After that, Lu Yan, and that first man of his, had stayed together for two more months. So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
Right as he walked in, however, he received a shock.
What a peculiar guy.
But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back. Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator. After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast. During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
A subtle scent also lingered in the air of that room. That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xia Ning, whose mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached. In response, he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.
After that, Lu Yan, and that first man of his, had stayed together for two more months. So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, "No. You two can just go on ahead. I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good."
A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting to the one he usually wore, saying, "I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon."
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
"Which part of this matter is a joke?" Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, "It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions. Are you not single or something? Is that it?"
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
——"Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?"
His heart involuntarily stiffened.
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
"Of course." Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, "We'll be leaving first, then."
But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
However, those frowning brows of his were a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment. Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say at that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, "I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out."
Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, "Let's talk terms. In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour."
Right as he walked in, however, he received a shock.
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, "I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable. Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you. It was also quite fortunate since you're a more fitting match than him."
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan. "Lu Yan, is this your friend?"
A subtle scent also lingered in the air of that room. That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xia Ning, whose mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached. In response, he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, "It doesn't matter whether I'm single or not. I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such a thing."
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
"Oh, that's good then. I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this. I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan."
A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting to the one he usually wore, saying, "I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon."
In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending. But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight. Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree. This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying to find an actor or a blind date?
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further. "Just forget it, then. I should get going."
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom. He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through. Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of a student yet to have graduated from university.
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
So like this, it wasn't until he heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
"You're still here?" Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body was already washed and his clothes also changed. Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, "Is something wrong?"
Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, "It doesn't matter whether I'm single or not. I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such a thing."
A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting to the one he usually wore, saying, "I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon."
Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends. But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange. "What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in..."
——"Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl. I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother. Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!"
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
"Oh yeah, I thought so too." Lu Yan replied, scratching his face. "I didn't expect that he'd show up last night. He even brought his luggage with him to come find me. I think he wanted to give me a surprise."
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further. "Just forget it, then. I should get going."
No
His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan. "Lu Yan, is this your friend?"
One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, "What are you doing?"
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit from his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, "If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?"
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
"You're still here?" Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body was already washed and his clothes also changed. Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, "Is something wrong?"
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom. He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through. Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of a student yet to have graduated from university.
But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, "No. You two can just go on ahead. I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good."
His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan. "Lu Yan, is this your friend?"
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, "Let's talk terms. In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour."
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
"Oh, that's good then. I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this. I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan."
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
"Yeah. Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning. And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li." Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away. "Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?"
However, those frowning brows of his were a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment. Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say at that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does. It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, "It doesn't matter whether I'm single or not. I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such a thing."
Uh... there's no way I could say that to him...
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, "No. You two can just go on ahead. I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good."
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
Xiao Ning grinned, replying, "There were no slip-ups. So it should have been resolved well enough."
What a peculiar guy.
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
"Of course." Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, "We'll be leaving first, then."
The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an "oh".
But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, "Lu Yan? It's time to get up."
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
...Can you call that a success... What success?
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning replied, "Mr. Shan, one mustn't joke about such things."
"Of course." Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, "We'll be leaving first, then."
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
Xiao Ning grinned, replying, "There were no slip-ups. So it should have been resolved well enough."
"Bye, and have fun." Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door. After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.
A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting to the one he usually wore, saying, "I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon."
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
Shan Haiming replied simply, "Nope."
This sort of delayed impact hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, that Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do. It affected him to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, "Mr. Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?"
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?
After that, Lu Yan, and that first man of his, had stayed together for two more months. So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, "I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable. Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you. It was also quite fortunate since you're a more fitting match than him."
Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, "Let's talk terms. In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour."
To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh. He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
——"Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?"
The author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: "Why can't you find anyone?"[]Shan Haiming: "Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends."[]Xiao Ning: "..."
...what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?
Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush. He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, "You remembered that?"
But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.
...Can you call that a success... What success?
"Yeah. Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning. And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li." Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away. "Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?"
The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further. All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.
——"Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl. I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother. Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!"
To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh. He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.
——"Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?"
"Oh, okay..." Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway. "Take care, Mr. Shan."
Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
"Congrats. When it's a good time, I'll come by to see my sister-in-law and my niece."
No
Inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lying. Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
"Bye, and have fun." Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door. After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.
"Which part of this matter is a joke?" Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, "It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions. Are you not single or something? Is that it?"
Also unknowing of what that "Oh" had meant.
However, those frowning brows of his were a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment. Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say at that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?
Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: "What niece! I'll let her regard you as a godfather. Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later. Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?"
Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said "You are just too good", as he embraced him with a smile. "There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for. You like Japanese cuisine, right?"
"You're still here?" Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body was already washed and his clothes also changed. Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, "Is something wrong?"
Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends. But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange. "What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in..."
...Can you call that a success... What success?
The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an "oh".
"I'm good. How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want." Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, "Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice. So how could I let him eat takeout on his first day here?"
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, "That's great then. I had bought two sets of takeout, so both of you can have them."
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
"Congrats. When it's a good time, I'll come by to see my sister-in-law and my niece."
Also unknowing of what that "Oh" had meant.
Xiao Ning grinned, replying, "There were no slip-ups. So it should have been resolved well enough."
A subtle scent also lingered in the air of that room. That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xia Ning, whose mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached. In response, he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.
After that, Lu Yan, and that first man of his, had stayed together for two more months. So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.
"Not even a friend?" Xiao Ning asked curiously.
Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, "Bye."
In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending. But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight. Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree. This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.
"Oh, that's good then. I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this. I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan."
In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending. But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight. Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree. This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, "I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out."
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, "No. You two can just go on ahead. I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good."
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending. But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight. Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree. This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.
"Of course." Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, "We'll be leaving first, then."
His heart involuntarily stiffened.
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan. "Lu Yan, is this your friend?"
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
"Too inconvenient." Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, "Enough already. Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time."
Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement. Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoonful of congee. His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scoop their last spoon of congee into their mouth. Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.
Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man. But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.
But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, "There's none to find."
Uh... there's no way I could say that to him...
When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, "Mr Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing."
Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further. "Just forget it, then. I should get going."
Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought. Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper. "Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance."
...what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?
His heart involuntarily stiffened.
After that, Lu Yan, and that first man of his, had stayed together for two more months. So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.
To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, "I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable. Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you. It was also quite fortunate since you're a more fitting match than him."
After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back. Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator. After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.
Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, "That's true."
Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so. He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth. He ignored the protest of his long-filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.
"Yeah. Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning. And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li." Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away. "Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?"
The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed yet.
After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back. Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator. After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.
As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise. His recollection of what had happened made him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'. In all honesty, he really did think of himself as unsuitable for the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone. Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking. Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now...
Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, "Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?"
Author's Note:
Xiao Ning: "Why can't you find anyone?"
Shan Haiming: "Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends."
Xiao Ning: "..."
Notes:
sister-in-law, niece, etc. Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.
iana[translator]: Ah, yes... the age-old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart. The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.
Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this. I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.}
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