CH 13

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

...this, this made him...

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

He knew they had set up an online chat group to play around, but as long as they did their work with no errors, Xiao Ning didn't care much. "No, you guys can just go. I have something to do.

"...I, there's something I'd like to ask." Xiao Ning hesitated, but when facing Shan Haiming, he found it hard to stick to his overly cautious ways. "This thing with you and me, will it stop here with your brother, or with your family... as in, your parents?"

Chen He smiled at this, jokingly remarking, "Is it a date?"

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

However, when in came to stuff like dressing up, Xiao Ning had always been lacking in terms of experience. In the end all he picked out was a shirt. As long as it's not too bold, it won't be seen as rude, right?

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

Was I really being a jerk then?

"Director Shan, Haiming is driving, I'm Xiao Ning." Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming, whose expression remained unchanged. "We should be there soon, are you guys already there?"

I see, the action starts here.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

To his polite words, Shan Haiming made no remark, only tossing a small bottle on Xiao Ning's lap, saying, "Seatbelt."

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

Xiao Ning sat himself on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling fan spinning above. Hands clutching his chest, his gaze then lowered, and in the haze caused by his transitioning vision it seem as if a visage of a boy from the depth of his memories now stood before him, saying no words, staring at him quietly.

Xiao Ning: "..."

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

After picking out the shirt, Xiao Ning slowly began to sort through the rest of his clothes. He was normally very neat and tidy, so whatever he took out was also returned to its proper place, and the clothes there were also all folded and neatly arranged. So right then as he put them away, it was a rather quick endeavour, and his suitcase was filled in no time at all.

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

After picking out the shirt, Xiao Ning slowly began to sort through the rest of his clothes. He was normally very neat and tidy, so whatever he took out was also returned to its proper place, and the clothes there were also all folded and neatly arranged. So right then as he put them away, it was a rather quick endeavour, and his suitcase was filled in no time at all.

For him, these kinds of fierce and frightening waves were already far beyond the realm of his existence.

Slowly closing his eyes, he releases a steady breath, the words Lu Yan said to him today, replaying in his mind. Apart from the feeling of all encompassing and overwhelming regret, what he felt more than anything, was sorry.

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

But, the strange thing was, he wasn't sure who it was he had felt apologetic to.

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

Hug any cat or dog you like, and when there's someone to hold you, don't get too excited then, alright?= =

This question brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, with him replying, "Nothing. I'm fine."

However, when in came to stuff like dressing up, Xiao Ning had always been lacking in terms of experience. In the end all he picked out was a shirt. As long as it's not too bold, it won't be seen as rude, right?

For him, these kinds of fierce and frightening waves were already far beyond the realm of his existence.

When he thought of it like that, Xiao Ning was now in a half melancholic, half relaxed state. He then quickly pulled out a cardboard box, putting all the things he could find inside. Afterwards, he went online and began looking for a place.

Slowly closing his eyes, he releases a steady breath, the words Lu Yan said to him today, replaying in his mind. Apart from the feeling of all encompassing and overwhelming regret, what he felt more than anything, was sorry.

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

For him, these kinds of fierce and frightening waves were already far beyond the realm of his existence.

After picking out the shirt, Xiao Ning slowly began to sort through the rest of his clothes. He was normally very neat and tidy, so whatever he took out was also returned to its proper place, and the clothes there were also all folded and neatly arranged. So right then as he put them away, it was a rather quick endeavour, and his suitcase was filled in no time at all.

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

iana: I know, it's been a while. That blush though...（￣︶￣）

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

The reply from the opposite end of the line was delayed by a second, but it was almost unnoticeable, "That's fine then. Tell Haiming we'll be waiting in the Liuli room. You guys be careful on your way, alright?"

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

Hug any cat or dog you like, and when there's someone to hold you, don't get too excited then, alright?= =

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

Not Single

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

"Aw... My heart's all broken!"

Thinking of this fact gave rise to a deep feeling of melancholy, as he wondered if it was necessary for him t do it so thoroughly. But when he thought it over once more, he has been living in such an unsure and undefined state, it wouldn't be good for him to stay there for too long. Was he he still going to remain there even after Lu Yan gets married?

Xiao Ning felt a bit overwhelmed by his unexpected favour, "No, I'm not hungry."

When he thought of it like that, Xiao Ning was now in a half melancholic, half relaxed state. He then quickly pulled out a cardboard box, putting all the things he could find inside. Afterwards, he went online and began looking for a place.

His words causing Xiao Ning's face to grow even more flushed, while all he could think of was that man's ability to have no words he could not say. Despite it all, Xiao Ning still pretended to be calm, then asked with a frown, "What are you talking about? Why are we still in the car? The valet standing outside has been there for a long time now."

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

In line with this idea of his, he figured the best thing to do was buy a home.

In response, Xiao Ning smiled, saying, "Not really."

Xiao Ning: "..."

Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming closely, thinking.

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

In line with this idea of his, he figured the best thing to do was buy a home.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

But Shan Haiming then added, "I'll talk to them before you all get introduced."

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

...this, this made him...

"Very good." Xiao Ning then went on to ask, "So where are we going to eat?"

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

"Then don't steal any food, alright? Be good. Later, we'll go get something to eat. I'm hanging up."

It's not the same as someone who was just always silent. Xiao Ning drank two mouthfuls of the juice out of politeness, its sweet and tart flavours felt refreshing in his mouth. "Did you get a hair cut?"

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

After picking out the shirt, Xiao Ning slowly began to sort through the rest of his clothes. He was normally very neat and tidy, so whatever he took out was also returned to its proper place, and the clothes there were also all folded and neatly arranged. So right then as he put them away, it was a rather quick endeavour, and his suitcase was filled in no time at all.

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning looked at his watch, seeing there was only a minute until work was done.

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

However, in the current economic environment buying a house was too difficult, so the next best thing, was for him to find an apartment to rent first.

...this, this made him...

iana: I know, it's been a while. That blush though...（￣︶￣）

I see, the action starts here.

"Alright." Xiao Ning waited for Shan Haihong to end the call. Since he entered Rihua, after such a long time, he never thought he would have to speak to the Vice President directly one day.

Chen He smiled at this, jokingly remarking, "Is it a date?"

◈◇◈

Shan Haiming nodded, one of his hand on the steering wheel while the other held onto the gear stick, as he drove out of the parking space.

He then leaned forward and got out, while Xiao Ning sighed behind him, regretting with all he had, that casual remark he had said earlier as a joke.

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

Not Single

He was wearing dark blue T-shirt with long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the long and strong outlines of his arms as they disappeared under the soft cotton material. It was hard to say whether it was a good fit, but it was extremely fitting for that sunshiny handsome atmosphere of his, which was completely different from Xiao Ning's refined and delicate appearance.

Someone else replied, "Of course he's not single. He's got a good income, good looks, and a good personality. How could a guy who's excellent husband material like that be single?"

Slowly closing his eyes, he releases a steady breath, the words Lu Yan said to him today, replaying in his mind. Apart from the feeling of all encompassing and overwhelming regret, what he felt more than anything, was sorry.

When Monday came, Xiao Ning still hadn't received any messages from Lu Yan. He was well aware Lu Yan had no intention of doing anything, and would just wait for him to go there with his hanging in apology to make up.

Chen He smiled at this, jokingly remarking, "Is it a date?"

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

"Then don't steal any food, alright? Be good. Later, we'll go get something to eat. I'm hanging up."

Normally, Xiao Ning didn't put any distance between him and them, but looking at the time, he turned of the computer while replying, "Yes. I'll be leaving first. You guys should enjoy yourselves."

Xiao Ning was now lost in these thoughts, his brows knitting tight, yet without seeing why, Shan Haiming still detected something amiss and so asked, "What's wrong?"

Who was wrong or who was right, simply didn't matter.

I can't even imagine this! Isn't doing this a bit much? Xiao Ning never watched many idol dramas, and currently, no dog blood plots especially came to mind. But just thinking about himself having to face the Big Boss of Rihua Enterprises, every inch of him screamed there was no way it would be something good.

Hug any cat or dog you like, and when there's someone to hold you, don't get too excited then, alright?= =

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

Not Single

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

But, instead of letting himself constantly thing about those things, Xiao Ning turned his focus towards his work. Beside him was a colleague talking about a business trip he had to Yunnan. This colleague and Xiao Ning had a good relationship, since both worked in the customer service department before. Which was the reason they took the initiative to ask Xiao Ning if there was anything they would like him to bring back.

With this, he couldn't help but suddenly wonder, If this goes on, will I have to meet his parents in the future?

Was I really being a jerk then?

It wasn't as if he was actually going to go meet Shan Haiming's parents, and his heart wasn't that weak. "But, I will still treat this matter quite seriously. So I don't ruin your plan, is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"

Xiao Ning wasn't fond of troubling others, but that person was so king it would be to inhumane to refuse. So, with no other option, he asked them to brig him back some local Yunnan specialities.

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

"What?!" Xiao Ning was so shocked, he jerked forward, only to be pulled right back by the seatbelt against his chest. "You're going to tell your parents?"

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

"Alright." Xiao Ning waited for Shan Haihong to end the call. Since he entered Rihua, after such a long time, he never thought he would have to speak to the Vice President directly one day.

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

It's not the same as someone who was just always silent. Xiao Ning drank two mouthfuls of the juice out of politeness, its sweet and tart flavours felt refreshing in his mouth. "Did you get a hair cut?"

Because he wa inside the car, Shan hHaiming's voice was especially clear, "I'm at your company, waiting downstairs. Come straight down after you punch out. Are you hungry?"

Hug any cat or dog you like, and when there's someone to hold you, don't get too excited then, alright?= =

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

"...I, there's something I'd like to ask." Xiao Ning hesitated, but when facing Shan Haiming, he found it hard to stick to his overly cautious ways. "This thing with you and me, will it stop here with your brother, or with your family... as in, your parents?"

He was wearing dark blue T-shirt with long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the long and strong outlines of his arms as they disappeared under the soft cotton material. It was hard to say whether it was a good fit, but it was extremely fitting for that sunshiny handsome atmosphere of his, which was completely different from Xiao Ning's refined and delicate appearance.

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

Xiao Ning felt a bit overwhelmed by his unexpected favour, "No, I'm not hungry."

However, when in came to stuff like dressing up, Xiao Ning had always been lacking in terms of experience. In the end all he picked out was a shirt. As long as it's not too bold, it won't be seen as rude, right?

Xiao Ning was now lost in these thoughts, his brows knitting tight, yet without seeing why, Shan Haiming still detected something amiss and so asked, "What's wrong?"

In line with this idea of his, he figured the best thing to do was buy a home.

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

◈◇◈

"Then don't steal any food, alright? Be good. Later, we'll go get something to eat. I'm hanging up."

Normally, Xiao Ning didn't put any distance between him and them, but looking at the time, he turned of the computer while replying, "Yes. I'll be leaving first. You guys should enjoy yourselves."

Xiao Ning, by someone younger than himself, was just told 'be good' as if it was nothing. The look on Xiao Ning's face at current was simply unbearable to say the least. But Shan Haiming always ends the call so cleanly, Xiao Ning never gets a chance to say anything about it, and him mentioning those words seemed too deliberate.

Xiao Ning sat himself on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling fan spinning above. Hands clutching his chest, his gaze then lowered, and in the haze caused by his transitioning vision it seem as if a visage of a boy from the depth of his memories now stood before him, saying no words, staring at him quietly.

Shan Haiming nodded, one of his hand on the steering wheel while the other held onto the gear stick, as he drove out of the parking space.

Swiping his thumb over the call button, he then placed he phone beside his ear, just as the person on the other end asked: "Haiming, are you guys on your way?"

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning looked at his watch, seeing there was only a minute until work was done.

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

A new employee, Chen He, propped himself over the partition between their desks, asking, "Xiao-ge, we having a group dinner later, you coming?"

He then leaned forward and got out, while Xiao Ning sighed behind him, regretting with all he had, that casual remark he had said earlier as a joke.

Chen He smiled at this, jokingly remarking, "Is it a date?"

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

Because he wa inside the car, Shan Haiming's voice was especially clear, "I'm at your company, waiting downstairs. Come straight down after you punch out. Are you hungry?"

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

Chen He didn't bother about it much, returning to pack up his own stuff and send a message to their group, "Xiao-ge has a date, so he's not coming."

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

Was I really being a jerk then?

Xiao Ning: "..."

He knew they had set up an online chat group to play around, but as long as they did their work with no errors, Xiao Ning didn't care much. "No, you guys can just go. I have something to do.

To his polite words, Shan Haiming made no remark, only tossing a small bottle on Xiao Ning's lap, saying, "Seatbelt."

Chen He smiled at this, jokingly remarking, "Is it a date?"

Someone else replied, "Of course he's not single. He's got a good income, good looks, and a good personality. How could a guy who's excellent husband material like that be single?"

Normally, Xiao Ning didn't put any distance between him and them, but looking at the time, he turned of the computer while replying, "Yes. I'll be leaving first. You guys should enjoy yourselves."

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

When he thought of it like that, Xiao Ning was now in a half melancholic, half relaxed state. He then quickly pulled out a cardboard box, putting all the things he could find inside. Afterwards, he went online and began looking for a place.

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

He knew they had set up an online chat group to play around, but as long as they did their work with no errors, Xiao Ning didn't care much. "No, you guys can just go. I have something to do.

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

Chen He didn't bother about it much, returning to pack up his own stuff and send a message to their group, "Xiao-ge has a date, so he's not coming."

iana: I know, it's been a while. That blush though...（￣︶￣）

"What? He's not single!"

"What?!" Xiao Ning was so shocked, he jerked forward, only to be pulled right back by the seatbelt against his chest. "You're going to tell your parents?"

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

"Director Shan, Haiming is driving, I'm Xiao Ning." Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming, whose expression remained unchanged. "We should be there soon, are you guys already there?"

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

His words causing Xiao Ning's face to grow even more flushed, while all he could think of was that man's ability to have no words he could not say. Despite it all, Xiao Ning still pretended to be calm, then asked with a frown, "What are you talking about? Why are we still in the car? The valet standing outside has been there for a long time now."

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

"Alright." Xiao Ning waited for Shan Haihong to end the call. Since he entered Rihua, after such a long time, he never thought he would have to speak to the Vice President directly one day.

Someone else replied, "Of course he's not single. He's got a good income, good looks, and a good personality. How could a guy who's excellent husband material like that be single?"

"Then don't steal any food, alright? Be good. Later, we'll go get something to eat. I'm hanging up."

"Aw... My heart's all broken!"

Swiping his thumb over the call button, he then placed he phone beside his ear, just as the person on the other end asked: "Haiming, are you guys on your way?"

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

Was I really being a jerk then?

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

When Monday came, Xiao Ning still hadn't received any messages from Lu Yan. He was well aware Lu Yan had no intention of doing anything, and would just wait for him to go there with his hanging in apology to make up.

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

This question brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, with him replying, "Nothing. I'm fine."

"Then don't steal any food, alright? Be good. Later, we'll go get something to eat. I'm hanging up."

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

"What? He's not single!"

Normally, Xiao Ning didn't put any distance between him and them, but looking at the time, he turned of the computer while replying, "Yes. I'll be leaving first. You guys should enjoy yourselves."

...this, this made him...

But, instead of letting himself constantly thing about those things, Xiao Ning turned his focus towards his work. Beside him was a colleague talking about a business trip he had to Yunnan. This colleague and Xiao Ning had a good relationship, since both worked in the customer service department before. Which was the reason they took the initiative to ask Xiao Ning if there was anything they would like him to bring back.

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

To his polite words, Shan Haiming made no remark, only tossing a small bottle on Xiao Ning's lap, saying, "Seatbelt."

Seeing his face finally relax, the corners of Shan Haiming's lips curled upwards. His smile seemed as though it was ironed by the sun, carrying a warmth and cheerfulness which made his words sound teasing, "Are you scared?"

Thinking of this fact gave rise to a deep feeling of melancholy, as he wondered if it was necessary for him t do it so thoroughly. But when he thought it over once more, he has been living in such an unsure and undefined state, it wouldn't be good for him to stay there for too long. Was he he still going to remain there even after Lu Yan gets married?

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

◈◇◈

But Shan Haiming then added, "I'll talk to them before you all get introduced."

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

It wasn't as if he was actually going to go meet Shan Haiming's parents, and his heart wasn't that weak. "But, I will still treat this matter quite seriously. So I don't ruin your plan, is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"

Shan Haiming nodded, one of his hand on the steering wheel while the other held onto the gear stick, as he drove out of the parking space.

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

He knew they had set up an online chat group to play around, but as long as they did their work with no errors, Xiao Ning didn't care much. "No, you guys can just go. I have something to do.

He was wearing dark blue T-shirt with long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the long and strong outlines of his arms as they disappeared under the soft cotton material. It was hard to say whether it was a good fit, but it was extremely fitting for that sunshiny handsome atmosphere of his, which was completely different from Xiao Ning's refined and delicate appearance.

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

iana: I know, it's been a while. That blush though...（￣︶￣）

"...I, there's something I'd like to ask." Xiao Ning hesitated, but when facing Shan Haiming, he found it hard to stick to his overly cautious ways. "This thing with you and me, will it stop here with your brother, or with your family... as in, your parents?"

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

Xiao Ning felt a bit overwhelmed by his unexpected favour, "No, I'm not hungry."

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

Who was wrong or who was right, simply didn't matter.

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

Shan Haiming nodded, one of his hand on the steering wheel while the other held onto the gear stick, as he drove out of the parking space.

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

But during this moment, Shan Haiming just looked at without any expression, making him feel uneasy, but it also made him reflect on his own professionalism.

It's not the same as someone who was just always silent. Xiao Ning drank two mouthfuls of the juice out of politeness, its sweet and tart flavours felt refreshing in his mouth. "Did you get a hair cut?"

Xiao Ning wasn't fond of troubling others, but that person was so king it would be to inhumane to refuse. So, with no other option, he asked them to brig him back some local Yunnan specialities.

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning looked at his watch, seeing there was only a minute until work was done.

But Shan Haiming then added, "I'll talk to them before you all get introduced."

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming closely, thinking.

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

"Aw... My heart's all broken!"

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

Xiao Ning, by someone younger than himself, was just told 'be good' as if it was nothing. The look on Xiao Ning's face at current was simply unbearable to say the least. But Shan Haiming always ends the call so cleanly, Xiao Ning never gets a chance to say anything about it, and him mentioning those words seemed too deliberate.

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

Someone else replied, "Of course he's not single. He's got a good income, good looks, and a good personality. How could a guy who's excellent husband material like that be single?"

In response, Xiao Ning smiled, saying, "Not really."

"Very good." Xiao Ning then went on to ask, "So where are we going to eat?"

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

Who was wrong or who was right, simply didn't matter.

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

The reply from the opposite end of the line was delayed by a second, but it was almost unnoticeable, "That's fine then. Tell Haiming we'll be waiting in the Liuli room. You guys be careful on your way, alright?"

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

In response, Xiao Ning smiled, saying, "Not really."

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning looked at his watch, seeing there was only a minute until work was done.

Xiao Ning: "..."

After picking out the shirt, Xiao Ning slowly began to sort through the rest of his clothes. He was normally very neat and tidy, so whatever he took out was also returned to its proper place, and the clothes there were also all folded and neatly arranged. So right then as he put them away, it was a rather quick endeavour, and his suitcase was filled in no time at all.

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

"What?!" Xiao Ning was so shocked, he jerked forward, only to be pulled right back by the seatbelt against his chest. "You're going to tell your parents?"

To his polite words, Shan Haiming made no remark, only tossing a small bottle on Xiao Ning's lap, saying, "Seatbelt."

It wasn't as if he was actually going to go meet Shan Haiming's parents, and his heart wasn't that weak. "But, I will still treat this matter quite seriously. So I don't ruin your plan, is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"

It wasn't as if he was actually going to go meet Shan Haiming's parents, and his heart wasn't that weak. "But, I will still treat this matter quite seriously. So I don't ruin your plan, is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"

◈◇◈

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

Normally, Xiao Ning didn't put any distance between him and them, but looking at the time, he turned of the computer while replying, "Yes. I'll be leaving first. You guys should enjoy yourselves."

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

However, in the current economic environment buying a house was too difficult, so the next best thing, was for him to find an apartment to rent first.

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

However, in the current economic environment buying a house was too difficult, so the next best thing, was for him to find an apartment to rent first.

Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming closely, thinking.

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

However, in the current economic environment buying a house was too difficult, so the next best thing, was for him to find an apartment to rent first.

"Very good." Xiao Ning then went on to ask, "So where are we going to eat?"

His words causing Xiao Ning's face to grow even more flushed, while all he could think of was that man's ability to have no words he could not say. Despite it all, Xiao Ning still pretended to be calm, then asked with a frown, "What are you talking about? Why are we still in the car? The valet standing outside has been there for a long time now."

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

◈◇◈

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

I see, the action starts here.

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

Hug any cat or dog you like, and when there's someone to hold you, don't get too excited then, alright?= =

Swiping his thumb over the call button, he then placed he phone beside his ear, just as the person on the other end asked: "Haiming, are you guys on your way?"

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

When he thought of it like that, Xiao Ning was now in a half melancholic, half relaxed state. He then quickly pulled out a cardboard box, putting all the things he could find inside. Afterwards, he went online and began looking for a place.

◈◇◈

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

"Director Shan, Haiming is driving, I'm Xiao Ning." Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming, whose expression remained unchanged. "We should be there soon, are you guys already there?"

In response, Xiao Ning smiled, saying, "Not really."

"What? He's not single!"

Xiao Ning himself knew nothing of the commotion going on in this group, as he hurried clocked out an made his way downstairs. As soon as he made outside, the sight of Shan Haiming's car parked in a space on the street met his eyes.

The reply from the opposite end of the line was delayed by a second, but it was almost unnoticeable, "That's fine then. Tell Haiming we'll be waiting in the Liuli room. You guys be careful on your way, alright?"

This question brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, with him replying, "Nothing. I'm fine."

But, the strange thing was, he wasn't sure who it was he had felt apologetic to.

The reply from the opposite end of the line was delayed by a second, but it was almost unnoticeable, "That's fine then. Tell Haiming we'll be waiting in the Liuli room. You guys be careful on your way, alright?"

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

Xiao Ning: "..."

"Alright." Xiao Ning waited for Shan Haihong to end the call. Since he entered Rihua, after such a long time, he never thought he would have to speak to the Vice President directly one day.

Although he braced himself for the worse case scenario with the face to face meeting, after parting ways and being left alone, he couldn't stop thinking things over and over again; and the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable it got.

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

With this, he couldn't help but suddenly wonder, If this goes on, will I have to meet his parents in the future?

"...I, there's something I'd like to ask." Xiao Ning hesitated, but when facing Shan Haiming, he found it hard to stick to his overly cautious ways. "This thing with you and me, will it stop here with your brother, or with your family... as in, your parents?"

"Aw... My heart's all broken!"

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

But, the strange thing was, he wasn't sure who it was he had felt apologetic to.

"What? He's not single!"

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

Xiao Ning was now lost in these thoughts, his brows knitting tight, yet without seeing why, Shan Haiming still detected something amiss and so asked, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Ning was now lost in these thoughts, his brows knitting tight, yet without seeing why, Shan Haiming still detected something amiss and so asked, "What's wrong?"

...this, this made him...

With only a few steps, he opened the door and got in. "Sorry for making you wait long."

Was I really being a jerk then?

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

This question brought Xiao Ning back to his senses, with him replying, "Nothing. I'm fine."

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

For him, these kinds of fierce and frightening waves were already far beyond the realm of his existence.

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

"Didn't I say earlier, is you have something you want to say, just say it." Shan Haiming then added, "What is this this character of yours? Why don't you listen to me?"

Because he wa inside the car, Shan hHaiming's voice was especially clear, "I'm at your company, waiting downstairs. Come straight down after you punch out. Are you hungry?"

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

Xiao Ning was now lost in these thoughts, his brows knitting tight, yet without seeing why, Shan Haiming still detected something amiss and so asked, "What's wrong?"

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

In response, Xiao Ning smiled, saying, "Not really."

But, instead of letting himself constantly thing about those things, Xiao Ning turned his focus towards his work. Beside him was a colleague talking about a business trip he had to Yunnan. This colleague and Xiao Ning had a good relationship, since both worked in the customer service department before. Which was the reason they took the initiative to ask Xiao Ning if there was anything they would like him to bring back.

"...I, there's something I'd like to ask." Xiao Ning hesitated, but when facing Shan Haiming, he found it hard to stick to his overly cautious ways. "This thing with you and me, will it stop here with your brother, or with your family... as in, your parents?"

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

After understanding what he meant, Shan Haiming without falter only stated in return, "You don't have to worry."

After he was done putting away his clothes, there still a lot of bits and pieces left over, but fortunately he wasn't one to buy any and everything he took a liking to like Lu Yan, besides, there's still half of them housed in another apartment of Lu Yan's.

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

This allowed Xiao Ning to release a sigh of relief. Does this mean there will be no need to meet?

Xiao Ning stared at Shan Haiming closely, thinking.

"A group dinner?" Xiao Ning was surprised, "When was that decided?"

This nickname made Xiao Ning feel a bit embarrassed, but it was him who chose it, though it was still difficult for him to speak after hearing it, so he let out a couple coughs. "No overtime. How long until you arrive? I'll wait for you at the intersection, can you find the way? Want me to send you the address?"

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

After this, a huge rows of heartbroken faces followed.

But Shan Haiming then added, "I'll talk to them before you all get introduced."

Not Single

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

Xiao Ning sat himself on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling fan spinning above. Hands clutching his chest, his gaze then lowered, and in the haze caused by his transitioning vision it seem as if a visage of a boy from the depth of his memories now stood before him, saying no words, staring at him quietly.

Xiao Ning: "..."

In line with this idea of his, he figured the best thing to do was buy a home.

Xiao Ning sat himself on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling fan spinning above. Hands clutching his chest, his gaze then lowered, and in the haze caused by his transitioning vision it seem as if a visage of a boy from the depth of his memories now stood before him, saying no words, staring at him quietly.

He knew they had set up an online chat group to play around, but as long as they did their work with no errors, Xiao Ning didn't care much. "No, you guys can just go. I have something to do.

"What?!" Xiao Ning was so shocked, he jerked forward, only to be pulled right back by the seatbelt against his chest. "You're going to tell your parents?"

Thinking of this fact gave rise to a deep feeling of melancholy, as he wondered if it was necessary for him t do it so thoroughly. But when he thought it over once more, he has been living in such an unsure and undefined state, it wouldn't be good for him to stay there for too long. Was he he still going to remain there even after Lu Yan gets married?

Xiao Ning felt a bit overwhelmed by his unexpected favour, "No, I'm not hungry."

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

"Director Shan, Haiming is driving, I'm Xiao Ning." Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming, whose expression remained unchanged. "We should be there soon, are you guys already there?"

That guy was never a talkative person, but there was always a trace of self confidence in in his brows. So without opening his mouth once, it made others not know how to speak.

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

I can't even imagine this! Isn't doing this a bit much? Xiao Ning never watched many idol dramas, and currently, no dog blood plots especially came to mind. But just thinking about himself having to face the Big Boss of Rihua Enterprises, every inch of him screamed there was no way it would be something good.

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

I see, the action starts here.

"A Chinese restaurant on Ningjiang Road. The food there is really good." Taking advantage of the red light, Shan Haiming turned to look at Xiao Ning, "Are you nervous?"

The car came to a stop in front of the restaurant. Shan Haiming turned to look at him and asked, "What's on your mind? What's got your expression looking so bitter?"

But during this moment, Shan Haiming just looked at without any expression, making him feel uneasy, but it also made him reflect on his own professionalism.

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

Slowly closing his eyes, he releases a steady breath, the words Lu Yan said to him today, replaying in his mind. Apart from the feeling of all encompassing and overwhelming regret, what he felt more than anything, was sorry.

Afterwards, right before the time for him to get off work, Shan Haiming gave him a call. "Hey, boyfriend. Are you working overtime?"

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

Xiao Ning wasn't fond of troubling others, but that person was so king it would be to inhumane to refuse. So, with no other option, he asked them to brig him back some local Yunnan specialities.

On that end, Xia Li was all confused and tangled up, and over on this end, Xiao Ning was all confused and tangled out.

"Very good." Xiao Ning then went on to ask, "So where are we going to eat?"

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

For him, these kinds of fierce and frightening waves were already far beyond the realm of his existence.

"Um... A little while ago..." Chen He brushed over the topic, immediately asking, "Want to go together?"

It wasn't as if he was actually going to go meet Shan Haiming's parents, and his heart wasn't that weak. "But, I will still treat this matter quite seriously. So I don't ruin your plan, is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"

Seeing his face finally relax, the corners of Shan Haiming's lips curled upwards. His smile seemed as though it was ironed by the sun, carrying a warmth and cheerfulness which made his words sound teasing, "Are you scared?"

But during this moment, Shan Haiming just looked at without any expression, making him feel uneasy, but it also made him reflect on his own professionalism.

I see, the action starts here.

Shan Haiming then smiled out of nowhere, saying, "Good Why are getting so scared about? I said you have nothing to worry over, s you should do just that. I'm not going to let you get involved in some rich family drama. I'll deal with my parents first, then I'll let you go meet."

"Didn't I say earlier, is you have something you want to say, just say it." Shan Haiming then added, "What is this this character of yours? Why don't you listen to me?"

In line with this idea of his, he figured the best thing to do was buy a home.

Thinking about how angry Lu Yan was, Xiao Ning wanted to do something. He felt as though his body was engraved with some sort of servility by Lu Yan, it has been the pattern built between them for all these years after all. A pattern where Lu Yan would swagger in front, while Xiao Ning would totter after him from behind.

With this, he couldn't help but suddenly wonder, If this goes on, will I have to meet his parents in the future?

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

These words of his made Xiao Ning feel a bit complicated, but he had no idea why he felt so. There was a man interested in the same seⅹ close to him, but he also knew that man would never come out to his own parents. Yet, here was this man who was only pretending, and not only would he come out to them, he also sincerely promised him he would handle things properly.

The car came to a stop in front of the restaurant. Shan Haiming turned to look at him and asked, "What's on your mind? What's got your expression looking so bitter?"

"What?!" Xiao Ning was so shocked, he jerked forward, only to be pulled right back by the seatbelt against his chest. "You're going to tell your parents?"

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

I can't even imagine this! Isn't doing this a bit much? Xiao Ning never watched many idol dramas, and currently, no dog blood plots especially came to mind. But just thinking about himself having to face the Big Boss of Rihua Enterprises, every inch of him screamed there was no way it would be something good.

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

...this, this made him...

A new employee, Chen He, propped himself over the partition between their desks, asking, "Xiao-ge, we having a group dinner later, you coming?"

Seeing his face finally relax, the corners of Shan Haiming's lips curled upwards. His smile seemed as though it was ironed by the sun, carrying a warmth and cheerfulness which made his words sound teasing, "Are you scared?"

When he thought of it like that, Xiao Ning was now in a half melancholic, half relaxed state. He then quickly pulled out a cardboard box, putting all the things he could find inside. Afterwards, he went online and began looking for a place.

Xiao Ning wasn't fond of troubling others, but that person was so king it would be to inhumane to refuse. So, with no other option, he asked them to brig him back some local Yunnan specialities.

However, in the current economic environment buying a house was too difficult, so the next best thing, was for him to find an apartment to rent first.

However, when in came to stuff like dressing up, Xiao Ning had always been lacking in terms of experience. In the end all he picked out was a shirt. As long as it's not too bold, it won't be seen as rude, right?

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

Hearing this, Xiao Ning pulled the seatbelt and fastened it. He then pieced up the plastic bottle which looked like it was three hundred millilitres in size, it contained orange juice, and the pulp can still be seen inside. "Thank you."

"Director Shan, Haiming is driving, I'm Xiao Ning." Xiao Ning looked at Shan Haiming, whose expression remained unchanged. "We should be there soon, are you guys already there?"

"...don't do that. If there's anything you need my help with, just tell me and I'll do my best to help you. I was just a bit taken by surprise, that's all." After he spoke, Xiao Ning looked away, a slight warmth overtaking his ears. It was not as though his heart was pounding or anything, just that he was a little embarrassed from being taken care of like some little kid in so many aspects. The one who was four years older was him, was it not?

He was wearing dark blue T-shirt with long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the long and strong outlines of his arms as they disappeared under the soft cotton material. It was hard to say whether it was a good fit, but it was extremely fitting for that sunshiny handsome atmosphere of his, which was completely different from Xiao Ning's refined and delicate appearance.

But before his frazzled mind could think clearly, Shan Haiming asked, "Why are you blushing?"

Xiao Ning, by someone younger than himself, was just told 'be good' as if it was nothing. The look on Xiao Ning's face at current was simply unbearable to say the least. But Shan Haiming always ends the call so cleanly, Xiao Ning never gets a chance to say anything about it, and him mentioning those words seemed too deliberate.

A pet cat would be nice too, their fur is soft and really warm to the touch. Plus, when it get cold out, you can just wrap them in a snuggle. A dog is a no though. Given that when Xiao Ning was little he was bitten by one belonging to a relative, leaving him with a bit of trauma.

For Xiao Ning, this was his greatest wish. This house did not need to be too big, a single bedroom apartment would be just good enough. All he wanted was to have one place where there was no one relying on him, or where he was dependent on someone. Just a place, where he didn't need to always keep a suitcase ready in case he needed to pack. Somewhere like that, would be good enough.

A new employee, Chen He, propped himself over the partition between their desks, asking, "Xiao-ge, we having a group dinner later, you coming?"

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

"It's... your fault..." Xiao Ning never thought there would come a day he would be going with someone to meet their family, or that he would be doing so with a same-seⅹ partner.

"What? He's not single!"

His words causing Xiao Ning's face to grow even more flushed, while all he could think of was that man's ability to have no words he could not say. Despite it all, Xiao Ning still pretended to be calm, then asked with a frown, "What are you talking about? Why are we still in the car? The valet standing outside has been there for a long time now."

But, instead of letting himself constantly thing about those things, Xiao Ning turned his focus towards his work. Beside him was a colleague talking about a business trip he had to Yunnan. This colleague and Xiao Ning had a good relationship, since both worked in the customer service department before. Which was the reason they took the initiative to ask Xiao Ning if there was anything they would like him to bring back.

"Didn't I say earlier, is you have something you want to say, just say it." Shan Haiming then added, "What is this this character of yours? Why don't you listen to me?"

To his polite words, Shan Haiming made no remark, only tossing a small bottle on Xiao Ning's lap, saying, "Seatbelt."

"Nope. Just talk less, eat more. Ignore them all you want." Shan Haiming phone then rang, the red light also came on, using his right hand to pluck out the phone placed between the car seats, he then threw it to Xiao Ning, saying, "Answer it."

I can't even imagine this! Isn't doing this a bit much? Xiao Ning never watched many idol dramas, and currently, no dog blood plots especially came to mind. But just thinking about himself having to face the Big Boss of Rihua Enterprises, every inch of him screamed there was no way it would be something good.

"Mhm." Shan Haiming undid his seatbelt, right as he said, "Let's get going then, boyfriend."

Lifting his hand to undo his bow-tie, Xiao Ning sat up, making his way to his bedroom to start picking out his clothes.

Not Single

Chen He didn't bother about it much, returning to pack up his own stuff and send a message to their group, "Xiao-ge has a date, so he's not coming."

He then leaned forward and got out, while Xiao Ning sighed behind him, regretting with all he had, that casual remark he had said earlier as a joke.

But, the strange thing was, he wasn't sure who it was he had felt apologetic to.

I see, the action starts here.

But, the strange thing was, he wasn't sure who it was he had felt apologetic to.

Shan Haiming's hair was shorter than it was when he last saw him, he looked a bit more vibrant too. While he still his focus on the road he asked, "Does it look good?"

"Didn't I say earlier, is you have something you want to say, just say it." Shan Haiming then added, "What is this this character of yours? Why don't you listen to me?"