The Long Road Ahead - Chapter 25

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming’s seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn’t help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

“You’re here too?” Shan Haiming got out his car without taking out the keys. “I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late.”

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

What opinions could I have?

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

“Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I’ll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf.” But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, “He doesn’t like spicy foods. So you don’t need to worry about that.”

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. “Yes, I’m back. Is everyone inside?”

Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, “All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups.”

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters was between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

What opinions could I have?

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters was between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

“Haiming.” The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

The Visit

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

His thoughts drifting to Shan Haihong.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

Wu Yi then told her, “Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it.”

Xiao Ning lips’s parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming’s fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

“Is that so?” Wu Yi then asked, “Then what sort of food do you like?”

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, “Not bad?”

Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, “Relax, Zixin. I’ve seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there.”

“Haiming.” The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression still mostly as normal as it had been before. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan.”

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn’t appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned were both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

“No… I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve a the issue and you won’t be wronged,” Xiao Ning explained, then added, “So isn’t it not bad, then? Setting things right once ad for all?”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming’s seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn’t help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

“Yeah, setting things right once and for all.” For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming’s face tugged into a smile. “Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone.”

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

N/A

Today, her hair was styled in a beautiful and intricate manner, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

“Let’s have the flower cakes for dessert,” Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person of the lot so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, “and use the dried goods in a soup.”

That statement of his reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming’s original intention of asking him to act as his boyfriend, which has helped him as a result. Others must’ve not expected such a turn of events, but… for Shan Haiming, his own feelings is his highest priority. If it wasn’t, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn’t have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would’ve been better to keep it hidden, because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, “Not bad?”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

His thoughts drifting to Shan Haihong.

Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.

So that from the last chapter couldn’t be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least be to the extent where both side speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the “it’s fine as long as the heart understands” card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally… Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: “Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?”[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?”[]Bestie: “Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?”[]Me: *re-reads* “Five… is that not right?”[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. “Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!”[]*counts seriously* Me: “=w=||||| It uh… looks like four.”

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remaining trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.

Xiao Ning then thought back that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

“Aren’t you still arranging the flowers?” Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing on the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

So that from the last chapter couldn’t be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least be to the extent where both side speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the “it’s fine as long as the heart understands” card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally… Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: “Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?”[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?”[]Bestie: “Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?”[]Me: *re-reads* “Five… is that not right?”[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. “Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!”[]*counts seriously* Me: “=w=||||| It uh… looks like four.”

So that from the last chapter couldn’t be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least be to the extent where both side speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the “it’s fine as long as the heart understands” card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally… Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: “Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?”[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?”[]Bestie: “Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?”[]Me: *re-reads* “Five… is that not right?”[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. “Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!”[]*counts seriously* Me: “=w=||||| It uh… looks like four.”

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

◈◇◈

“You’re here too?” Shan Haiming got out his car without taking out the keys. “I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late.”

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. “Sure, how many?”

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming’s seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn’t help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

After glancing to Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

That statement of his reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming’s original intention of asking him to act as his boyfriend, which has helped him as a result. Others must’ve not expected such a turn of events, but… for Shan Haiming, his own feelings is his highest priority. If it wasn’t, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn’t have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would’ve been better to keep it hidden, because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

Xiao Ning had gotten out the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, “Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother’s assistant.”

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. “Yes, I’m back. Is everyone inside?”

“Nice to meet you.” Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

“Aren’t you still arranging the flowers?” Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing on the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

“Is this Xiao Ning?” Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so iao Ning explained, “A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities.”

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

Today, her hair was styled in a beautiful and intricate manner, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, “Not bad?”

“Haiming.” The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

Xiao Ning had gotten out the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, “Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother’s assistant.”

Xiao Ning then thought back that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

“Take a good bit, I’ll be using them to pad beneath.” As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, “Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don’t get in the way.”

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

That statement of his reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming’s original intention of asking him to act as his boyfriend, which has helped him as a result. Others must’ve not expected such a turn of events, but… for Shan Haiming, his own feelings is his highest priority. If it wasn’t, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn’t have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would’ve been better to keep it hidden, because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression still mostly as normal as it had been before. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan.”

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. “Yes, I’m back. Is everyone inside?”

Xiao Ning then thought back that word Shan Haihong spoke: Aunt.

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning’s arms, the woman’s eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, “Oh my, lilies are Madame’s favourite.”

“Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them.” The tone of Wu Yi’s voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, “Aunty…”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

That statement of his reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming’s original intention of asking him to act as his boyfriend, which has helped him as a result. Others must’ve not expected such a turn of events, but… for Shan Haiming, his own feelings is his highest priority. If it wasn’t, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn’t have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would’ve been better to keep it hidden, because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

“Aren’t you still arranging the flowers?” Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, “Relax, Zixin. I’ve seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there.”

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.

What opinions could I have?

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

“Is that so?” Wu Yi then asked, “Then what sort of food do you like?”

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning’s arms, the woman’s eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, “Oh my, lilies are Madame’s favourite.”

Xiao Ning had gotten out the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, “Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother’s assistant.”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

“Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I’ll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf.” But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, “He doesn’t like spicy foods. So you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. “Sure, how many?”

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn’t appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned were both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning’s arms, the woman’s eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, “Oh my, lilies are Madame’s favourite.”

But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

So that from the last chapter couldn’t be counted as a confession, ah, how could it! To Young Master Shan, a confession should be at the very least be to the extent where both side speak of their love out loud. And for something like that, he has no intention of playing the “it’s fine as long as the heart understands” card. Hahahahaha[]Oh, and while I got you, regarding that scene where Xiao Ning walked in and saw four people on the sofa. There was actually an error I made there originally… Until my bestie knocked me with the original text and asked:[]Bestie: “Did your math teacher seriously kick the bucket before you learned anything?”[]Me: 0 0 Why are you asking that?”[]Bestie: “Count them. How many people are sitting on the sofa?”[]Me: *re-reads* “Five… is that not right?”[]Bestie, who could no longer stand it, draws out each character with red lines. “Hey, look at this properly and tell me how many! How many does that look like to you?!”[]*counts seriously* Me: “=w=||||| It uh… looks like four.”

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

Today, her hair was styled in a beautiful and intricate manner, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing on the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters was between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, “All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups.”

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

Today, her hair was styled in a beautiful and intricate manner, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

◈◇◈

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

“Haiming.” The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

“Is that so?” Wu Yi then asked, “Then what sort of food do you like?”

Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. “Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

“Yeah, setting things right once and for all.” For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming’s face tugged into a smile. “Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone.”

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if was due her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had thought, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What’s more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming’s good looks were on account of her.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

“Take a good bit, I’ll be using them to pad beneath.” As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, “Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don’t get in the way.”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

“Take a good bit, I’ll be using them to pad beneath.” As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, “Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don’t get in the way.”

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

As for the remaining two who sat on the sofa, one was reading a newspaper, while the other held the remote and watched television.

And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remaining trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression still mostly as normal as it had been before. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan.”

The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

“Did you bring these for me?” Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one’s true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. “I hope you like them.”

N/A

What opinions could I have?

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if was due her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had thought, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What’s more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming’s good looks were on account of her.

“Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I’ll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf.” But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, “He doesn’t like spicy foods. So you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Let’s have the flower cakes for dessert,” Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person of the lot so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, “and use the dried goods in a soup.”

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

The man who helped take out the gifts from the back seat seemed to be familiar with Shan Haiming, his tone friendly as he continued, “I have leave in a minute, there are still some matters I need to assist Manager Shan with.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

If it was said the feeling Xiao Ning felt towards Wu Yi was simply some awkwardness, then what he felt towards Shan Yisong could only be described as constriction. He still managed to restrain himself, however, his expression still mostly as normal as it had been before. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Shan.”

“Did you bring these for me?” Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one’s true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. “I hope you like them.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

N/A

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing on the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

Wu Yi then told her, “Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it.”

“Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them.” The tone of Wu Yi’s voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, “Aunty…”

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong’s face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn’t help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong’s face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn’t help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong’s face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn’t help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

Shan Haiming sent him a wink, expressing to him that everything was all right.

“No… I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve a the issue and you won’t be wronged,” Xiao Ning explained, then added, “So isn’t it not bad, then? Setting things right once ad for all?”

“No… I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve a the issue and you won’t be wronged,” Xiao Ning explained, then added, “So isn’t it not bad, then? Setting things right once ad for all?”

That’s not possible, right? It’s his brother after all, but…

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. “Sit.”

“Is that so?” Wu Yi then asked, “Then what sort of food do you like?”

The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

Today, her hair was styled in a beautiful and intricate manner, while she wore a beige dress under a high-waisted jacket that showed off her slim waist.

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

“Is this Xiao Ning?” Shan Haihong asked while looking at the things Shan Haiming had set on the table, so iao Ning explained, “A friend of mine just came back from a trip to Yunnan, and I had asked him to bring back some local specialities.”

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

“Let’s have the flower cakes for dessert,” Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person of the lot so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, “and use the dried goods in a soup.”

Xiao Ning paused for a moment.

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn’t appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned were both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

The Visit

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

“Haiming.” The woman holding the remote was the first to move, her face beaming with a smile as she stood. The man in the main seat set his newspaper down and measured the new arrival with his eyes.

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, “Not bad?”

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if was due her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had thought, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What’s more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming’s good looks were on account of her.

Ye Zixin wore a reserved smile as she answered, “All the soups you make are delicious, Aunty, and I love all kinds of soups.”

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

After glancing to Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

“Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them.” The tone of Wu Yi’s voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, “Aunty…”

Wu Yi then told her, “Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it.”

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn’t appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned were both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

Shan Haihong then chimed in with a laugh, “Relax, Zixin. I’ve seen inside the refrigerator, and there are no bitter gourds in there.”

“Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them.” The tone of Wu Yi’s voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, “Aunty…”

Zheng Yan had ordinary looks, but he was pleasing on the eyes. His cropped hairstyle made him appear very energetic, making Xiao Ning feel he was a bit like Wang Hua, him seeming like the kind of person that would be easy to get along with upon a first meeting. But because of what Xiao Ning thought of Shan Haihong, Xiao Ning had no intention of getting close to any person related to Shan Haihong.

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters was between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

“Let’s have the flower cakes for dessert,” Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person of the lot so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, “and use the dried goods in a soup.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

There was nothing close to a smile on Shan Yisong’s face, and the slight downward curve of his lips expressed he was quite displeased at the current situation. Xiao Ning couldn’t help turning to look at Shan Haiming.

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. “Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?”

Right then, Wu Yi turned to him wearing a soft smile. “Xiao Ning, can you pass me some on an old newspaper?”

That statement of his reminded Xiao Ning of Shan Haiming’s original intention of asking him to act as his boyfriend, which has helped him as a result. Others must’ve not expected such a turn of events, but… for Shan Haiming, his own feelings is his highest priority. If it wasn’t, and he cared about his position as the second young master Shan, he wouldn’t have admitted it all in such a careless manner. At least with regards to that century old company Rihua, given the homoseⅹυαlity label would not give him a chance to stand at its helm. It would’ve been better to keep it hidden, because once everything is revealed it may lead to him being criticized severely once he entered a senior management position.

“Alright, let’s.” Wu Yi then instructed Yan Xi, who had just brought her the vase and scissors, “Take these and wash them so they can be used a the soup for us this evening. Zixin, you love mushroom soups, don’t you?”

◈◇◈

Xiao Ning lips’s parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming’s fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

Xiao Ning had gotten out the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, “Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother’s assistant.”

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. “Sure, how many?”

The composition of the Shan family seemed to grow in complexity to Xiao Ning.

“Did you bring these for me?” Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one’s true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. “I hope you like them.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

“Take a good bit, I’ll be using them to pad beneath.” As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, “Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don’t get in the way.”

Madame Shan, Wu Yi, had long hair that was not kept in an updo but left to flow over her shoulders. On her face, there were no visible signs of any wrinkles, and it was unknown if was due her taking good care of her body. She was exactly as Xiao Ning had thought, a very beautiful woman who still had her charms. It was hard to imagine what her beauty was in her prime. What’s more, there was no doubt whatsoever that the bounty of Shan Haiming’s good looks were on account of her.

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. “Sit.”

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

After glancing to Xiao Ning, Shan Haiming changed his position to the other side of his mother, who skilfully picked up the flowers.

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

His final remark was directed towards Xiao Ning. As Shan Haiming turned to walk up the stairs, before he neared the door it opened and a modest-looking middle-aged woman stood there. “Xiao Ming, you’re back?”

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning’s arms, the woman’s eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, “Oh my, lilies are Madame’s favourite.”

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

“Did you bring these for me?” Even the sound of her voice was pleasant to the ears as well, like warm water—gentle and calming—and bearing no trace of an attempt to conceal one’s true intentions. Feeling a bit uneasy, Xiao Ning handed the flowers over to her shyly. “I hope you like them.”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

“So, Xiao Ning, where are you from?” Wu Yi picked up a lily, cutting it and placing it into the vase as she continued, “Your accent isn’t a local one, right?”

“No… I meant that since you really do like men, doing this would resolve a the issue and you won’t be wronged,” Xiao Ning explained, then added, “So isn’t it not bad, then? Setting things right once ad for all?”

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

“Yeah, setting things right once and for all.” For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming’s face tugged into a smile. “Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone.”

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

While helping her spread a sheet of the newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, “Yes, I’m originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation.”

While helping her spread a sheet of the newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, “Yes, I’m originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation.”

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

N/A

“Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I’ll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf.” But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, “He doesn’t like spicy foods. So you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Let’s have the flower cakes for dessert,” Shan Haiming figured he was the most indifferent person of the lot so with his butt planted beside Xiao Ning, he casually remarked, “and use the dried goods in a soup.”

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

What opinions could I have?

“Is that so?” Wu Yi then asked, “Then what sort of food do you like?”

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming’s seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn’t help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

Xiao Ning followed after Shan Haiming to reply, “He’s right, you don’t need to worry about me. I can eat anything.”

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

On the side of the sofa where Xiao Ning sat, there was a newspaper rack where there were many newspapers and magazines. “Sure, how many?”

“Thank you, I love them.” With a smile she then called, “Xiao Yin, can you bring me a vase? The one I bought yesterday, the glass one with the rounded mouth.”

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

Then following a considerable moment of silence, Shan Yisong nodded. “Sit.”

The Visit

While helping her spread a sheet of the newspaper under the flowers, Xiao Ning replied, “Yes, I’m originally from C-City. But I came here to A-City to attend university and stayed after my graduation.”

The two in question were obviously Shan Yisong and Madame Shan. Shan Yisong had the appearance of a standard successful person: neatly styled hair lacking of any dyes and mixed with stands of grey, a face where no ferocity could be found on its outer features, but was instead completely focused within his eyes. Their domineering gaze was enough to make a person let the thought of him being a man in his sixties slip from their minds.

The present scene was so harmonious Xiao Ning had no clue what unforeseen event had made it possible. Was the matter regarding Ye Zixin already solved? At least this time around her enthusiasm towards Shan Haihong could be seen.

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

Truth be told, Xiao Ning could never put his finger on what Shan Haimng was thinking most of the time, so his own mind was left at a blank for while, until he finally replied with an uncertain lift of his brow, “Not bad?”

The housekeeper rushed over to them again.

After the two changed their shoes, she led them past the large display cabinet that partitioned the view, into the living room where four people sat on a large sofa. Shan Haihong was the first to be noticed by Xiao Ning. He didn’t appear one bit relaxed in that house. The clothes he wore along with the expression he donned were both gave an impression of meticulous arrangement. One that cast both him and Xiao Ning in the same light of also being there as a guest.

Wu Yi then told her, “Can you go buy some fish? Goodness, how on earth did it slip my mind? Anyhow, please ask Miss Guo to make squirrel-tailed fish with it.”

“Oh. C-City is a wonderful place. It must mean you are fond of spicy foods, right? I’ll ask them to prepare something with spice on your behalf.” But just as Wu Yi thought of calling someone, she was cut off by Shan Haiming saying, “He doesn’t like spicy foods. So you don’t need to worry about that.”

But what Xiao Ning did not expect, in the slightest, was for the person sitting beside Shan Haihong to be Ye Zixin.

Xiao Ning lips’s parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming’s fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

Shan Haiming led Xiao Ning inside. “Yes, I’m back. Is everyone inside?”

Zheng Yan greeted him kindly then sat in the car and asked with familiarity, “Haiming, can I borrow your car for a bit? I’ll bring it back to you this evening.”

“Yeah, setting things right once and for all.” For some unknown reason, Shan Haiming’s face tugged into a smile. “Then I guess I should be very grateful to a certain someone.”

Shan Haiming sputtered out a laugh, seeing to repeat the words to himself, “Not bad?”

Resting the flowers down, she then said in tone with hints of teasing, “Don’t worry, dear. Miss Guo’s is much better than Haiming’s. But Haiming’s must’ve gotten better, hasn’t it? He had practised for so many days, after all.”

The Visit

Xiao Ning had gotten out the car as well. While turning back to take the flowers from the back seat, he heard Shan Haiming introduce the other person, “Xiao Ning, this is Zheng Yan, my brother’s assistant.”

“Yes, they’re all here. Is this Mr. Xiao?” The woman took out two pairs of house slippers for the two, making Xiao Ning feel a bit awkward. It seems this person is not Shan Haiming’s mother. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Xiao Ning, and thank you.”

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

They finally stopped in front of a stand-alone villa where someone was waiting and who opened the door for Shan Haiming. The man welcomed him with a beaming smile, “You came?”

Seeing the flowers in Xiao Ning’s arms, the woman’s eyes curled into a smile as she gushed, “Oh my, lilies are Madame’s favourite.”

But, the problem was that when compared to Shan Yisong, she was much younger.

“Aren’t you still arranging the flowers?” Shan Haiming revealed a rarely seen gesture of silencing as he looked at his mother.

It was not that Xiao Ning never thought about Shan Haiming’s seⅹυαlity, but thought at the very least he could possibly be bi. But with it now being said openly, coupled with them being on their way to pretend they are a pair of lovebirds of the same orientation, Xiao Ning couldn’t help feeling a bit shy at the situation.

“Yeah.” With both hands filled with the stuff from his car, Shan Haiming dodged Xiao Ning’s attempts at helping as he continued, “The key is inside, and can you toss the trash for me, thanks. Let’s go.”

“You’re here too?” Shan Haiming got out his car without taking out the keys. “I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late.”

What opinions could I have?

To Xiao Ning, she gave a frosty look. Seeing this mood of hers made a complicated feeling swell within Xiao Ning. But in the end, such matters was between her and Shan Haiming and he was nothing more than a prop. He was also aware that any kind gesture he made to Ye Zixin would gain an opposite undesired reaction in return. So the best method to deal with her was to just do nothing and ignore the issue altogether.

Xiao Ning lips’s parted slightly, his gaze swiftly turning to Shan Haiming’s fingers, where those little cuts that were there before had now since been completely healed. He suddenly felt himself overcome with a sense of trepidation he could not endure.

It took Shan Haiming two more bites to finish off the meat buns, with him then using the few more seconds they had at the red light to wipe his hands. “Do you have any opinions?”

And as all this took place, Shan Haihong and Ye Zixin both casually chatted the day away. They seemed as if they were lost in their own world, paying no mind to Xiao Ning and the mother-son pair. And as for Shan Haihong, from the start, no words of gravitas had left his lips. His gaze remaining trained on the newspaper he again read while indifferent to his surroundings.

“Nice to meet you.” Holding the flowers in his arms, Xiao Ning gave a cursory nod.

The Shan family lives in a well-known wealthy area in A-City’s second ring, and when they drove into the area with the villas, Xiao Ning couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Never had he ever thought there would be a day he would set foot in the oldest sky-high priced property in A-City.

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”

“You’re here too?” Shan Haiming got out his car without taking out the keys. “I came back for lunch. I was worried about getting stuck in traffic if we came too late.”

“Why are you lying? Let me add some bitter gourd to any of them and see if you still love them.” The tone of Wu Yi’s voice made it clear she was fond of Ye Zixin, who in response frowned pitifully, “Aunty…”

“Take a good bit, I’ll be using them to pad beneath.” As Wu Yi said this, she nudged her son with her elbow and whispered, “Go sit on the other side and let Xiao Ning sit next to me. Don’t get in the way.”

“Oh.” All of a sudden, Wu Yi looked as if she made a realisation, her smile growing all the more profound as she looked at Xiao Ning and asked, “Do you like eating fish? Xiao Yin.”