The Long Road Ahead

No

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

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an “oh”.

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting the one he usually wore, saying, “I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon.”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

Though, those frowning brows of his was a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment.
Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say in that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?

His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan.
“Lu Yan, is this your friend?”

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

“You're still here?” Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body already washed and his clothes also changed.
Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, “Is something wrong?”

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

“Yeah.
Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning.
And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li.” Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away.
“Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

No

Shan Haiming replied simply, “Nope.”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said “You are just too good”, as he embraced him with a smile.
“There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for.
You like Japanese cuisine, right?”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said “You are just too good”, as he embraced him with a smile.
“There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for.
You like Japanese cuisine, right?”

The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further.
All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending.
But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight.
Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree.
This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

“Which part of this matter is a joke?” Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, “It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions.
Are you not single or something? Is that it?”

“Not even a friend?” Xiao Ning asked curiously.

“You're still here?” Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body already washed and his clothes also changed.
Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, “Is something wrong?”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, “It doesn't matter whether I'm single of not.
I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such thing.”

——”Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?”

What a peculiar guy.

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, “It doesn't matter whether I'm single of not.
I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such thing.”

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit fro his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, “If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?”

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

Shan Haiming replied simply, “Nope.”

Right a he walked in, however, he received a shock.

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting the one he usually wore, saying, “I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon.”

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

What a peculiar guy.

When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, “Mr.
Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing.”

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast.
During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

So like this it wasn't until he had heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

So like this it wasn't until he had heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

“Not even a friend?” Xiao Ning asked curiously.

Shan Haiming replied simply, “Nope.”

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc.
Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]anasi[translator]: Ah, yes…
the age old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart.
The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this.
I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.

His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan.
“Lu Yan, is this your friend?”

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Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

Though, those frowning brows of his was a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment.
Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say in that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

“Which part of this matter is a joke?” Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, “It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions.
Are you not single or something? Is that it?”

“Too inconvenient.” Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, “Enough already.
Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time.”

Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said “You are just too good”, as he embraced him with a smile.
“There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for.
You like Japanese cuisine, right?”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

“You're still here?” Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body already washed and his clothes also changed.
Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, “Is something wrong?”

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought.
Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper.
“Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance.”

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

What a peculiar guy.

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush.
He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, “You remembered that?”

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further.
“Just forget it, then.
I should get going.”

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

No

When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, “Mr.
Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing.”

Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

“You're still here?” Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body already washed and his clothes also changed.
Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, “Is something wrong?”

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

So like this it wasn't until he had heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

What a peculiar guy.

With Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, “Bye.”

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

——”Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?”

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit fro his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, “If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?”

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast.
During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, “Mr.
Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing.”

The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an “oh”.

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush.
He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, “You remembered that?”

Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, “Lu Yan? It's time to get up.”

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending.
But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight.
Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree.
This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.

Right a he walked in, however, he received a shock.

But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast.
During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

As inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lain.
Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting the one he usually wore, saying, “I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon.”

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

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Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending.
But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight.
Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree.
This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit fro his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, “If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?”

With Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, “Bye.”

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further.
All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

What a peculiar guy.

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

What a peculiar guy.

Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc.
Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]anasi[translator]: Ah, yes…
the age old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart.
The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this.
I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: “What niece! I'll let her regard yo as a godfather.
Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later.
Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?”

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast.
During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending.
But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight.
Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree.
This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.

Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: “What niece! I'll let her regard yo as a godfather.
Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later.
Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?”

Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

“Yeah.
Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning.
And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li.” Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away.
“Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?”

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

Though, those frowning brows of his was a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment.
Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say in that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?

“Too inconvenient.” Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, “Enough already.
Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time.”

So like this it wasn't until he had heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that Xiao Ning had finally gotten his senses regained.

As inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lain.
Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.

His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan.
“Lu Yan, is this your friend?”

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

“You're still here?” Lu Yan was the one to come out, his body already washed and his clothes also changed.
Yawning as he took a seat next to Xiao Ning, before he then went on to say, “Is something wrong?”

Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, “Lu Yan? It's time to get up.”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting the one he usually wore, saying, “I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon.”

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

“Which part of this matter is a joke?” Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, “It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions.
Are you not single or something? Is that it?”

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further.
All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

What a peculiar guy.

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, “It doesn't matter whether I'm single of not.
I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such thing.”

Right a he walked in, however, he received a shock.

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

“Oh, okay…” Xiao Ning then also stood up out of courtesy, walking him to the doorway.
“Take care, Mr.
Shan.”

His gaze soon fell on Xiao Ning, curiosity clear in his eyes before he made his way over to Lu Yan.
“Lu Yan, is this your friend?”

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

“Yeah.
Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning.
And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li.” Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away.
“Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?”

“Bye, and have fun.” Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door.
After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.

“Which part of this matter is a joke?” Shan Haiming then tossed a biscuit in his mouth, folding both arms across his chest before leaning backwards and continuing, “It won't be any trouble for you, and all you need to do is show your face at a few special occasions.
Are you not single or something? Is that it?”

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

Though, those frowning brows of his was a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment.
Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say in that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

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Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

As inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lain.
Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further.
All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

“Too inconvenient.” Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, “Enough already.
Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time.”

With Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, “Bye.”

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

Shan Haiming's particularly indulgent tone made it hard for others to decipher whether his prior words were a question or a statement.
Xiao Ning almost spat out his spoon spoon of congee.
His eyes now widened, his gaze turning to the person facing him, just in time to see them scooped their last spoon of congee into their mouth.
Once that person sensed his line of sight on him, while biting down on their spoon, they lifted their head to look at him.

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

Letting out a laugh at his words, Xiao Ning simply replied, “That's true.”

Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.

Shan Haiming replied simply, “Nope.”

Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said “You are just too good”, as he embraced him with a smile.
“There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for.
You like Japanese cuisine, right?”

Right a he walked in, however, he received a shock.

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

No

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

What a peculiar guy.

Because Xiao Ning was there, Xia Li was uncomfortable with Lu Yan's overtly intimate behaviour so his face was covered in a light flush.
He did not push away Lu Yan, however, only smiling shyly as he asked, “You remembered that?”

Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further.
“Just forget it, then.
I should get going.”

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought.
Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper.
“Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance.”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

Uh…
there's no way I could say that to him…

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

With Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, “Bye.”

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit fro his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, “If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?”

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

“Not even a friend?” Xiao Ning asked curiously.

“Bye, and have fun.” Xiao Ning, replied, as he sat on the sofa, looking at their retreating backs as they disappeared behind the door.
After a while passed, the lids of his eyes fell, his hands moving to rub his forehead while the sudden feeling of a dreadful emptiness filled that now dreadfully small room, the space crowding him and making it hard for him to breathe.

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

What a peculiar guy.

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?

The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an “oh”.

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc.
Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]anasi[translator]: Ah, yes…
the age old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart.
The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this.
I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

Thankful that Shan Haiming did not repeat his previous question again, Xiao Ning intended to call him a taxi in a little while, but Shan Haiming then said, “Let's talk terms.
In the future when I need you to come out again, disregarding any favours on your part, I'll pay you by the hour.”

Lu Yan then sent Xia Li a wink, giving him an expression that said “You are just too good”, as he embraced him with a smile.
“There's a private kitchen that serves Japanese nearby, and the amaebi (sweet shrimp) they serve there is to die for.
You like Japanese cuisine, right?”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

Right a he walked in, however, he received a shock.

——”Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?”

In all the years which passed and gone, the line of people beside Lu Yan was one which had been unending.
But Xiao Ning had always managed to skilfully avoid them, a task even more doable by Lu Yan's neglect when a new love entered his frame of sight.
Even though it was known they were all adults, and things that would be done wouldn't be done to any lesser degree.
This day was the first time Xiao Ning ever truly realized that the Lu Yan he had known for so long was sleeping with other people.

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, “It doesn't matter whether I'm single of not.
I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such thing.”

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

Shan Haiming dangled a biscuit fro his lips, his head tilting as he went on to ask, “If it's not that you aren't single, then you're either incompetent or just unwilling?”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”

To these thoughts of his, Xiao Ning simply let out a laugh.
He then got up and headed for the dining table, breaking open a pair of chopsticks, before beginning to eat the spicy wontons he had brought while sending a message to Wang Hua.

But he never expected Wang Hua to reply immediately.

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

As inside the bedroom, on a very large bed, two people were lain.
Their clothes were strewn all over the rug, the blanket was haphazardly pulled over their bodies; the wrinkles and crumples of the fabric making their closely entwined hands and feet clear to see.

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

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Xiao Ning didn't bother about Wang Hua's dishonest behaviour from the night before at the moment, to the contrary, he was feeling rather happy.

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

No

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

“Too inconvenient.” Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, “Enough already.
Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time.”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

Xiao Ning was afraid his response would be too harsh, so after enduring for a short while, he replied gently, “It doesn't matter whether I'm single of not.
I simply believe I'm in no way qualified to do such thing.”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

Wang Hua to this message of his, then sent a rather lengthy reply: “What niece! I'll let her regard yo as a godfather.
Anyhow, your sister-in-law will be discharged on Tuesday, so you can come to the hospital first to see her, then over to our place later.
Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, but was last night a success?”

“Of course.” Lu Yan then pecked his lips, light and quick, before leading him out while turning to the silent Xiao Ning to say, “We'll be leaving first, then.”

No

——”Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?”

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

After an internal sigh, Xiao Ning then asked, “Mr.
Shan, you haven't been at your home all night, so don't you need to contact your family?”

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

Xiao Ning grinned, replying, “There were no slip ups.
So it should have been resolved well enough.”

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

The two stared at each other silently for a few seconds, until Shan Haiming swallowed his congee with a gulp, his brows then crinkling as he let out an “oh”.

“Too inconvenient.” Shan Haiming unhappily interrupted him, “Enough already.
Where exactly am I supposed to find someone who's suitable that's pleasing to my eyes? I don't have that much time.”

Hearing this, and not having anything more to ask, nor wanting to hear anything further of that other person's matter, Xiao Ning added, “That's great then.
I had bought two sets of take out, so both of you can have them.”

A short breath left Xiao Ning's lips, his expression quickly reverting the one he usually wore, saying, “I thought your little boyfriend was going to arrive this afternoon.”

——”Is everything all right? Did sister-in-law give birth to a boy or a girl?”

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

You said yourself that you don't have much time, yet you still want to find someone pleasing to your eye? Are you trying you to find an actor or a blind date?

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought.
Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper.
“Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance.”

I really can't see him as a person who's running a company, and I have no idea what he even does? It has to be mostly funded by his family if it allows him to play around like that, right? I have no idea what Wang-ge was thinking when he followed him.

Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc.
Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]anasi[translator]: Ah, yes…
the age old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart.
The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this.
I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.

But before Lu Yan could respond, Xiao Ning spoke up and said, “No.
You two can just go on ahead.
I still have some stuff I need to take care of, I'm good.”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

As soon as that man's name was mentioned, the thoughts in Xiao Ning's mind all faded away, much to his surprise.
His recollection of what had happened making him wonder whether or not he should tell Wang Hua about Shan Haming's 'talk of terms'.
In all honesty, he really did think himself as unsuitable or the task, an opinion formed solely based on his looks alone.
Now, that is not to say his looks were bad, it was just that weren't anything that could be considered breathtaking.
Furthermore, in terms of temperament and conversational skills, his couldn't be described as anything out of the ordinary, not like that Xia Li from just now…

Though, those frowning brows of his was a rather pleasing sight, holding the glimmers of a youth who had yet to be made sullen by the world's true torment.
Xiao Ning had no idea what he should say in that moment, also wondering: Why was this person's way of thinking so strange?

One of the two was Lu Yan, who when startled by Xiao Ning's movements, impatiently rubbed his forehead and said in a grim tone, “What are you doing?”

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

With Xia Li also gave a quick look back, saying, “Bye.”

“Yeah.
Xia Li, this is Xiao Ning.
And Xiao Ning, this is Xia Li.” Lu Yan then stood up before making his way over to the younger man, an immensely gentle smile adorning his face as he reached out to sweep back the hair covering his boyfriend's forehead, even giving the other's cheek a pinch before taking his hand away.
“Are you ready? Then let's go, yeah?”

Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought.
Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper.
“Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance.”

His heart involuntarily stiffened.

Author has something to say:[]Xiao Ning: “Why can't you find anyone?”[]Shan Haiming: “Because I'm just so damn handsome that I have no friends.”[]Xiao Ning: “…”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

But Shan Haiming's refusal was blunt, “There's none to find.”

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

A subtle scent also lingered within the air of that room.
That, coupled with the sight of such an image before him, was simply too much for the unprepared Xiao Ning, whose his mind drew a blank to the point where it almost ached.
In response he hastily issued an instinctive apology before quickly moving to shut the door.

This feeling was familiar, very much like the one he had felt when Lu Ya had first told him he was dating a man.
But, at that time, Xiao Ning had only felt the beats of his heart thump differently than usual, where the words he should never say were almost spoken aloud.

Spending a good while to comprehend the meaning of that sudden and cryptic statement of Shan Haiming's, with a twitch in his lip, Xiao Ning then replied, “Mr.
Shan, one mustn't joke about such things.”

“I'm good.
How long has it even been since you bought them? They're not even fresh any more, so you can have them if you want.” Lu Yan's reply was laced with indifference, his now craning head revealing the remnants of a kiss, “Anyhow, I was planning on taking him out to eat something nice.
So how could I let him eat take out on his first day here?”

“Oh yeah, I thought so too.” Lu Yan replied, scratching his face.
“I didn't expect that he'd show up last night.
He even brought his luggage with him to come find me.
I think he wanted to give me a surprise.”

But Xiao Ning's thoughts didn't stay on Shan Haiming for too long, as after he tidied up for a bit, he headed out to buy Lu Yan's breakfast.
During all this time, Lu Yan still hadn't replied to the message Xiao Ning had sent him last night, so Xiao Ning had bought two of Lu Yan's favourite meals for him to eat, and after a short detour, he made it to Lu Yan's place before eleven.

The other person next to him was an unfamiliar younger man, one whose arms had embraced Lu Yan by his neck, and was still currently doing so, even leaning into it even further.
All in an attempt to cover his eyes as he kept sleeping.

When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, “Mr.
Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing.”

…Can you call that a success…
What success?

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

When it came down to it, Xiao Ning was not accustomed to speaking in such a brusque manner as him, thus he could only say, “Mr.
Shan, why don't you go find someone else? There surely must be someone else who's willing.”

After which, Shan Haiming left directly, not even turning his head back.
Only lifting his hand in a casual wave, as the figure of his back disappeared in the corner of the elevator.
After his leaving, Xiao Ning remained there, standing in place, a good while seeming to pass before he finally managed to regain his senses.

While the two were talking, the other person in question had now come out from the bedroom.
He wore a red plaid shirt, coupled with a pair of jeans; his skin was fair with pretty and delicate features that shone through.
Moisture from his bath still lingered upon him, giving his appearance the look of someone pristine, no different than one of student yet to have graduated university.

Tiny note:[]sister-in-law, niece, etc.
Xiao Ning and Wang Hua aren't related in any way, they're just close friends and the terms are just a reflection of that.[]anasi[translator]: Ah, yes…
the age old method of stuffing one's gut to fill one's heart.
The journey isn't over yet my Little Ning.[]Updates for this will be slow and weekly at most for this.
I still haven't found my rhythm as yet.

This sort of delayed impact, hit him like a smashing tide, struck him so strongly, Xiao Ning honestly had no idea what he should do.
It affected to the point where he even forgot to follow his habit of leaving early, an act done to avoid suspicion as he had in the time past.

Dusting the cracker residue from his hands, Shan Haimin stood up, looking not one bit angry as he proceeded to say, “I don't want the clothes I came here in, so you can just throw them out.”

Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from smiling, because of a certain thought.
Secretly, he was a teensy bit interested in the extra income, but such an undergoing was just too much for him to conceptualise, and the reason he thought the task was also quite improper.
“Then I'm afraid I'm truly unable to provide you with any assistance.”

…what if I did say them back then? What would've happened?

Upon checking the time, and thinking it wouldn't be all that good for him if he slept for too long, Xiao Ning went over to knock on the door, and hearing no response from inside, was left with no choice but to open the door and enter, saying, “Lu Yan? It's time to get up.”

After that, Lu Yan and that first man of his had stayed together for two more months.
So what did that experience end up telling Xiao Ning? Oh, okay…
so it turns out that being with a man is nothing special either.

“Oh, that's good then.
I just knew you were the one I could rely on the most to handle something like this.
I'll be able to relax a lot more now when I contact Director Shan.”

Also unknowing of what that “Oh” had meant.

Those words left Xiao Ning in a daze. It seems as though Shan Hai Ming didn't consider the group from last night as his friends.
But those guys clearly thought of themselves as close with Shan Haiming, their own words even suggesting they had known him for a long time, but apparently had no idea how to get along with him. This, to Xiao Ning, seemed more than a little strange.
“What about the people at your company? If not, then why not someone who specializes in…”

Shan Haiming stared at him for a while after hearing what he said, simply swallowing the biscuit dancing on his lips, and going against Xiao Ning's expectations by not nagging him any further.
“Just forget it, then.
I should get going.”

No

“Not even a friend?” Xiao Ning asked curiously.

“Congrats.
When it's a good time, I'll come by to see sister-in-law and my niece.”

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

Didn't you realise this long ago? So why are you still taking this to heart right now?

Xiao Ning then thought about this, and also thought of those two elders of the family Lu, surprisingly feeling a burst of happiness after doing so.
He then continued to eat his wontons simply, the spiciness prompting him to scoop another spoonful of curried rice, suppressing the burning peppery taste in his mouth.
He ignored the protest of his long filled stomach, taking bite after bite of that bland rice, eating the tasteless grains until not one bite was left.

Shan Haiming replied simply, “Nope.”

Xia Li sent a smile Xiao Ning's way, asking the man next to him, “Is Xiao Ning coming with us too?”

The cup of tea he placed on the table last night had remained in place, and after putting the food on the table, Xiao Ning stared towards Lu Yan's bedroom. The door was still closed, so he probably hasn't gotten out of bed as yet.

——”Everything is fine, and we got ourselves a little girl.
I'm truly grateful to you right now little brother.
Your Wang-ge will treat you to a meal next time we meet up!”

To which Shan Haiming expressionlessly replied, “I don't have any friends here, and neither is there anyone around that's suitable.
Last night I asked for Wang Hua's help, and as a result, he found you.
It was also quite fortunate since you're more fitting match than him.”