The Long Road Ahead: C22 - CN Translations
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The Long Road Ahead: C22

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Make it up to you


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


Feeling a little worried by the sound which came from Lu Yan's end of the call, Xiao Ning stared blankly at the phone in his hand.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."


Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."


"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.


To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

N/A

The grocery store clerk: "..."


As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

N/A

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.


Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"


Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"


"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.


Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.


At least it wasn't past twelve, right?

To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."


The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so good!


"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"


"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

Xiao Ning: "..."

But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.


"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

N/A


It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

It tastes so good!

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.


Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.


What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

An abandoned cat?

The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.


Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

Feeling a little worried by the sound which came from Lu Yan's end of the call, Xiao Ning stared blankly at the phone in his hand.

It tastes so good!

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.


"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.


Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.


He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

An abandoned cat?

He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

◈◇◈

Xiao Ning: "..."

He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.

Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.


He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.


After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."


"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."


Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

◈◇◈

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?


"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.


Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."


Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

An abandoned cat?


However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.


Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.


Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."


It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.


But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

An abandoned cat?

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.


◈◇◈


Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."


They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.


Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.

On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.


Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.


While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.


The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

Xiao Ning himself couldn't say for certain all that was involved in his emotional breakdown the night before, but he could say it was not all grievances. He was still a grown man, after all, one who made those choices himself. So what was there for him to feel wrong about?


When he noticed Xiao Ning had chewed it and swallowed, Shan Haiming fed Xiao Ning another piece before eating a second one himself. "Let's pad our stomach first. Want another?"

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.


The grocery store clerk: "..."

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."

To which Shan Haiming said, "You have five."

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.


Xiao Ning: "..."

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."


Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."


Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.


"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.


Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.


That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

The grocery store clerk: "..."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.


But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

Xiao Ning then seriously pondered, Should I learn to cook too? We live right across from one another, so if he cooks most of the time I could lend him a hand too.

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."


Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."


Shan Haiming contemptuously swept his gaze over that cake and Xiao Ning then turned to swipe his card. "It tastes seriously bad."

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"


It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Make it up to you

Without care, Xiao Ning simply laughed as he added, "I asked for it."

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"


After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

The grocery clerk then said to them warmly, "This is our new product, we're currently having an event, and it's very popular."

◈◇◈

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."


◈◇◈


Shan Haiming's kitchen still looked rather new, but there were pots and pans, as well as oil, salt, vinegar and soy sauce, along with traces of use.

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."


"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.


Standing in the kitchen, Shan Haiming naturally divided the labour between the two.

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"


Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.

But Shan Haiming intervened, saying, "I'll pay for the groceries."

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.


He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"


Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.

"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.


When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

Xiao Ning: "..."


Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

"I'll only be responsible for the fish, you can handle the rest."

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

◈◇◈

"Supermarket," Shan Haiming replied simply.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.


By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."


After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

It took Xiao Ning a beat while to understand what Shan Haiming was referring to, and he could only reply with uncertainty: "Maybe."


But unlike last time, this time around, the squirrel-tailed fish was very delicious. It was almost as good as the ones in restaurants. The taste caused Xiao Ning to hold his chopsticks in surprise.

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

It caused Xiao Ning to ask him, "Is something wrong?"

"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"


It tastes so good!

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

Xiao Ning: "..."

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

After he hung up, Xiao Ning remembered the message Shan Haiming had sent him last night. "So your mom likes lilies, right?"

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."


The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Yep. They're at the house all year round. But no matter how much there are, she'll still keep some in vases." Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel as he continued, "In fact, she likes all types of flowers."

Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.


A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

At least it wasn't past twelve, right?


So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

"Ah, no." Xiao Ning put his phone away. "Just wait a minute so I can go change my clothes."

"As long as nothing touches it I don't feel a thing." Xiao Ning pulled his gaze away and put no further thought towards the matter.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."


Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

It tastes so good!

On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.


Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

◈◇◈

After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.


He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

He was shocked by himself not shocked one bit by this sort of development, with him then rolling up his sleeves to get started without complaint.

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

Xiao Ning then took out the box of cake and said helplessly, "Then I'll pay for this."

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.


After they ate, Xiao Ning cleaned up the table and the kitchen, packing all the waste into a plastic bag since it wasn't good to leave such things in the kitchen for too long with how hot the weather had become.

Xiao Ning combed through the information he had just received in his head, as he replied, "I don't know how things will go with your parents, and this sort of matter will be shocking to them after all. But if I can make them see your boyfriend is not a bad person, then they'll have an easier time accepting your decision."


On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"


Seeing what he was carrying, Shan Haiming knew what he was going to do and sent a casual nod his way to show he understood.

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

What's more, Xiao Ning was not angry because Xia Li had hit him either. Nonetheless, he was seen as a threat by a kitten trying to protect its food, and its actions were no more than a scratch.

As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"


The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

An abandoned cat?

After giving him the money for the cake, Xiao Ning helped him divide the groceries into plastic bags then push then pushed them into the parking lot.

◈◇◈

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"


Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

He assumed the one who sent it was Qian Sheng, who was out on a long-distance assignment, but requested his leave early in the morning so if he went to the office at this hour it would only lead to trouble. "I'm sorry, but can you ask the front desk to sign for it, I'll pick it up after work."

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"It's not bad..." Xiao Ning replied forcefully.

Shan Haiming was already standing in front of the elevator when he came out, and seeing the elevator had risen to the fifth floor, it was clear he had also pushed the button in advance.


A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

Shan Haiming directly pushed the cart over to order a freshly killed fish. After taking the fish, they just went around to other places, picking where at random.

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

A dirty little white cat was digging through some garbage that was carelessly scattered outside the bin.

However, despite him saying this, Xiao Ning still had no intention of only putting in a minimum amount of effort with regard to Shan Haiming's matter and asked a few more questions. But having grown impatient with his questioning, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you acting like you're actually going there to win my parent's favour?"

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."


An abandoned cat?

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

Standing beside him, Shan Haiming stared at him while asking, "Another call?"

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

Shan Haiming parked the car and turned to look at Xiao Ning, whose face was brimming with earnestness, and as he stared, the look in his eyes grew somewhat strange.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...


It was really strange for there to be stray cats in that gated community, so Xiao Ning couldn't help from standing there to watch for a while. The cat dug around for a long time but it hadn't dung out anything to eat. It couldn't jump up to reach the high garbage bin, so it could only circle the base of the bins.

He received another phone call, but this time it was from a delivery service informing him a package from Yunnan Province had arrived and was currently at his office.


After circling twice, it seemed to have noticed Xiao Ning was not too far away. It also appeared to not be afraid of people, so it squatted into a little white ball where it had stood before crying out some meows.

◈◇◈

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

The elevator took them all the way down to the underground parking lot. Xiao Ning went to sit in the front passenger seat of his own volition, then, as he sat, he looked at his face in the rear-view mirror.

Can you please be a little more aware of your tall, rich, and handsome status?

Xiao Ning chuckled in reply, adding, "Yeah. I think so too."

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.


Its cries were so light, just light enough to be heard, and for its delicate sound to make one's heart grow soft.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

The pleasantly surprised Xiao Ning then looked towards Shan Haiming. "You're incredible. It's only your second time making it yet it's so much better."

Xiao Ning's heart was moved, the strange feeling it carried passing quickly as he held his bowl. "The fish was cooked beautifully, the sweet and sour sauce was just right, the skin was fried crisp, yet the meat inside was still quite tender."


Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]

Xiao Ning made his way over, standing beside him. "So where are we going?"

An abandoned cat?

A barely noticeable sliver of pride flashed in Shan Haiming's eyes, his lips curving upwards, as he said lazily, "I told you I was going to."

By then, Xiao Ning was able to confirm that the dish Shan Haiming was preparing was the same squirrel-tailed fish.

Xiao Ning: "..."

But Shan Haiming gave him no answer, only letting out a chuckle before saying, "Let's go."


But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

Shan Haiming asked nothing further, only giving him a look that read: you really have no taste, before continuing to push the cart forward.

The garbage bins were located in the courtyard, Xia Ning had seen them when he came and went many times, so it didn't take long for him to find his way. The greenery and cleaning there was very well done, but after lunch, there was so shortage of garbage in the bins. What's more, the weather that day just happened to be very good, and very warm. So the moment he got close, he could smell that smell.

Xiao Ning was a bit shocked.


If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

At least it wasn't past twelve, right?

Xiao Ning got the feeling he probably couldn't buy anything Shan Yisong would like.

Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

As a result, Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming with widened eyes and saw that he was not saying it in jest, and immediately hurried to his apartment next door. Luckily, he had taken his clothes and other things over, so after washing up, he put on a thin shirt and pants, then hurried out the door in the time he was given.

He didn't need to say that given how Xiao Ning would naturally clean his plate, eating everything and leaving only a pile of fish bones behind.


Xiao Ning, with a bit of hesitance, made up his mind and approached the kitten very carefully. But the kitten didn't run off, staying right where it was as it stared towards him. And upon getting closer, Xiao Ning could see the little creature's eyes were bright, sparkling blue.

That guy really did just go there to buy groceries, so without going to other areas at all, the two then pushed the singular cart filled with the necessary ingredients to the cashier, and Xiao Ning pulled out his wallet.

You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

Having seen enough, Xiao Ning turned and walked away.

And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

While on their way they passed a sampling table for cake, and Xiao Ning saw Shan Haiming had stopped and tried a piece. But he didn't taste it on his own, but also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xiao Ning's mouth.


"Would you like me to take you back with me?" Xiao Ning stooped down but made no effort to rush into holding it. "Do you want to come home with me?"

After the dishes were placed on the table, it really made a person feel a sense of déjà vu. Again, the squirrel-tailed fish and curried chicken were the two main dishes, and beside them, were sautéed seasonal veggies that were unfortunately a little overdone as the green in them wasn't as vibrant.

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."

Xiao Ning tossed the garbage into the bin and then turned to walk away, but as he did, he noticed a small puff of white moving from the corner of his eye. His steps halted unconsciously and he turned to look in that direction.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."

Seeing him frowning as he thought deeply, Shan Haiming added, "There's no need for you to think about it too much. You already know what kind of situation this is."


The kitten meowed and kept its gaze on Xiao Ning.

◈◇◈

Since we're heading to the supermarket, does it mean we aren't going out to eat? Xiao Ning then looked at the time, They couldn't be counted as being too late as it was barely eleven o'clock.

Seeing this food critic persona of Xiao Ning's, Shan Haiming couldn't help himself from letting out a laugh. "Enough chit-chat, just eat up, every single bite."

But after taking just a few steps, he turned and walked back.

If it gets scared and runs off, it's fine, nothing to worry about.

"Does it still hurt?" Seeing his movements, Shan Haiming asked.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"


"I'm going to take that as your acceptance." Xiao Ning sighed. Well, he was planning to get a cat anyhow. "Don't be afraid..."

When it came to cooking, Xiao Ning's approach was methodical, and Shan Haiming's speed in preparing the fish was comparatively faster, with him not having to look at the recipe and being quite familiar with the process.

Xiao Ning then heard the sound of frying, and the fish was in the frying pan.

"I already told you last time," Shan Haiming said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about him. He doesn't like anything."


He slowly reached out his hands, so as to avoid the kitten running away.

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"

It tastes so bad, yet you still had two pieces?...

Feeling the grocery clerk's undisguised stare, the thin-skinned Xiao Ning picked up a box of cake, his action leading Shan Haiming to ask, "You like this?"


And, thankfully, the cat did not move from its position, not running away at all. After Xiao Ning got hold of the cat in his hands, he let out a relieved sigh.

On his way to take the trash out, he gave word to Shan Haiming, who was now watching the television. "I'm heading downstairs."

Xiao Ning: "..."

So this was what he meant when he said he'd make it up to me before, and not the time he invited me for dinner after.


You're so light! And I have no idea if it's because of your age, or because you haven't eaten properly. You're just a ball of fur.

"Then learn to be smarter next time." Shan Haiming then added, "And don't forget to be quick."

Xiao Ning got the feeling that Shan Haiming definitely has a complex about cooking.

"Has the matter been settled?" Shan Haiming turned the steering wheel, he asked.

They really had gone to the supermarket to buy groceries.

Xiao Ning nodded upon hearing this, making a note of it before asking, "Then what about your dad?"


As he held the cat in his arms Xiao Ning got a whiff of the garbage scent all over the cat's body. So smiling at the little one in his hold, he said, "The first thing we're going to do once we get back is give you a bath."

Simple dishes did not worry Xiao Ning, and they had chosen to purchase meals that were easy to make. But Xiao Ning did indeed feel as though he should improve his cooking skills if Shan Haiming really had an interest in cooking and wanted him to join in every time.


Author's Note:

Get cat: ☑ _(:зゝ∠)_]]]



Notes:

N/A


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