CH 15

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

Xiao Ning had ordered eight dishes and one dessert for each person. Originally, it was already a wasteful extravagance for four only four people, but now that was down to just two. Xiao Ning could only sigh once more, What a disaster...

This thing between them, even though it can be called mutual assistance, but if calculated carefully, they had both paid back the other's kindness, so this left Xiao Ning as the one owing more. He then took it upon himself to ask, "How do you want me to behave in front of your parents?"

Shan Haiming doesn't seem to to have any qualms about the situation at all. He just eats as he likes and doesn't hold back, but his appetite is huge. He eats a lot of the foods he likes, and only drank two mouthfuls of the dessert.

These words were the exact same as the ones he used before, the memory of which entered Xiao Ning's mind quickly. At that time, he was had no choice in refusing Shan Haiming, but now things were completely different. The relationships between a person with another is indeed a fascinating thing.

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

Xiao Ning was more worse off than him, impatiently staring at the bowls with piles upon piles showing no signs of being reduced.

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

Xiao Ning paused. "You don't have to do that."

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

Returning to the bedroom for a blanket, Xiao then returned, carefully spreading it over Shan Haiming, causing the other man to shrink into the covering, but he did not awaken. Only going as far as allowing the covers to hide half of his face, while his faintly crinkled brows lay exposed, causing him to look several years older for no reason.

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

"If you can't eat, just don't eat." Seeing him struggle to eat, Shan Haiming called over the waitress to pay the bill. "Pack it up."

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

There were a lot more dishes on the huge table compared to the last time, and Xiao Ning couldn't carry it all in both hands. Seeing this, Shan Haiming went over and help him carry a couple. "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

Thinking Shan Haiming didn't quite understand what he meant, Xiao Ning explained his uncertainty, "As in, should I deliberately irritate them and get them to not like me, or try to get the to like me?"

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

So don't take it seriously.

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

Sitting on the sofa in a manner unfitting of polite company, Shan Haiming was halfway in a lying position, yawning upon hearing Xiao Ning's words. "Forget that, I'm not going. My place is too far from here. When it's morning give me a wake up call, alright? I'll give you a lift."

Rather than asking, it would be better described as Xiao Ning asking these questions to himself, as he lost himself in his own thoughts for quite a while, only to come around when he lifted his head and realised Shan Haiming was staring at him. Confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

After a few minutes, they arrived.

Xiao Ning remained silent.

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

Shan Haiming hummed in response, adding, "I'll take you home."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that." He then unlatched his seatbelt while saying, "I'll be on my way, and be careful on the road, alright?"

There were a lot more dishes on the huge table compared to the last time, and Xiao Ning couldn't carry it all in both hands. Seeing this, Shan Haiming went over and help him carry a couple. "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

"There a bus stop about twenty minutes away from here, and after four stops, I can switch to a train." Xiao Ning then calculated in his head. "So about an hour and a half."

It's hard tell whether the events of tonight's dinner had any effect on him like this. Xiao Ning followed him to the car, it was almost eight o'clock and the sky outside had long gone dark.

"There a bus stop about twenty minutes away from here, and after four stops, I can switch to a train." Xiao Ning then calculated in his head. "So about an hour and a half."

Xiao Ning sighed.

The street light shone through the car's window, hiding most of Shan Haiming's face in it's shadow. "He would never say anything like that. Ever since we were little, he never said what he actually wants. And if he did want something, he' fight for it in secret."

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

"What are you sorry about?" Shan Haiming was surprisingly all smiles. "Don't tell me you believe my brother and I both like Zixin, and I—for the sake of of brotherhood—silently endure the pain of giving up the one I love, and must push Zixin towards him?"

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

What about Shan Haihong...

This kind of instant sleeping ability can seriously fill a person with envy.

Xiao Ning carefully thought over the man's every word and action. No matter how you looked at it, he was more concerned over Ye Zixin—to the point you could even call extremely over-attentive. Having teamed up with Shan Haiming, it was hard for Xiao Ning's thoughts to not veer in this direction.

With his back to Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning pursed his lips before continuing, "But I think the same thing as you, and 'm planning to find a place to rent that closer to the heart of the city."

Xiao Ning wanted to say he wasn't thinking about anything, but then he remembered this was Shan Haiming. But on the verge of saying what was on his mind, they became: "I have a question for something I'm curious about."

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

Xiao Ning turned to pick up the last container, immediately noticing Shan Haiming's fingers had several scars. "What happened to your hand?"

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

Xiao Ning paused. "You don't have to do that."

Those words of his made Xiao Ning bite his lips. He really did think that. Could that not have been it?

With nothing else to do with Shan Haiming, just like the last time, Xiao Ning took two cups of water back to the living room to watch television with Shan Haiming. The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, the atmosphere relaxed as they chatted casually, randomly, about anything and everything they could, and it was surprisingly not tiresome in the least.

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

It's hard for me to even picture what kind of of a person Shan Haiming's mom is. But, looking at Shan Haiming's appearance, she must be beautiful.

"Aren't you going to get me some toiletries?" Shan Haiming lifted his eyes to look at him. "You haven;t gone as yet?"

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

"Okay then. What do your parent's like?" Showing up to a lover;s family home without bringing any gifts is impolite, so Xiao Ning asked, "Is bringing a fruit basket okay? Or should I bring Aunty a bouquet of flowers?"

This kind of instant sleeping ability can seriously fill a person with envy.

Xiao Ning: "..."

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

"I'm sorry," Xiao Ning said suddenly.

"I'm sorry," Xiao Ning said suddenly.

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

Besides, I still have to meet his parents. So understanding the situation properly would make cooperating easier, right?

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

Before Shan Haiming had finished speaking, the melody of the King of Karaoke sounded in the car. Xiao Ning swiped the screen of his phone, apologising to Shan Haiming with his eyes as he took the call. "Hello?"

After a few minutes, they arrived.

Xiao Ning sighed.

Xiao Ning remained silent.

Xiao Ning put the keys back in his pocket thanks to Shan Haiming's reminder. "This place belongs to a friend, so I'm just staying here for the time being."

There were a lot more dishes on the huge table compared to the last time, and Xiao Ning couldn't carry it all in both hands. Seeing this, Shan Haiming went over and help him carry a couple. "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

Shan Haiming doesn't seem to to have any qualms about the situation at all. He just eats as he likes and doesn't hold back, but his appetite is huge. He eats a lot of the foods he likes, and only drank two mouthfuls of the dessert.

"What's wrong?" Shan Haiming was still holding on to the steering wheel, they had almost arrived. "You've been thinking the whole way, did you figure it out?"

"Aren't you going to get me some toiletries?" Shan Haiming lifted his eyes to look at him. "You haven;t gone as yet?"

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

Xiao Ning wanted to say he wasn't thinking about anything, but then he remembered this was Shan Haiming. But on the verge of saying what was on his mind, they became: "I have a question for something I'm curious about."

Shan Haiming nodded. "I'll take the sofa tonight."

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

"If you can't eat, just don't eat." Seeing him struggle to eat, Shan Haiming called over the waitress to pay the bill. "Pack it up."

Rather than asking, it would be better described as Xiao Ning asking these questions to himself, as he lost himself in his own thoughts for quite a while, only to come around when he lifted his head and realised Shan Haiming was staring at him. Confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Thinking Shan Haiming didn't quite understand what he meant, Xiao Ning explained his uncertainty, "As in, should I deliberately irritate them and get them to not like me, or try to get the to like me?"

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

With his back to Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning pursed his lips before continuing, "But I think the same thing as you, and 'm planning to find a place to rent that closer to the heart of the city."

"When you guys were little, was the one who said they wanted to marry Ye Zixin really your brother?"

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

The street light shone through the car's window, hiding most of Shan Haiming's face in it's shadow. "He would never say anything like that. Ever since we were little, he never said what he actually wants. And if he did want something, he' fight for it in secret."

Returning to the bedroom for a blanket, Xiao then returned, carefully spreading it over Shan Haiming, causing the other man to shrink into the covering, but he did not awaken. Only going as far as allowing the covers to hide half of his face, while his faintly crinkled brows lay exposed, causing him to look several years older for no reason.

"When you guys were little, was the one who said they wanted to marry Ye Zixin really your brother?"

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

"If not, are you planning of acting out of the ordinary?" Shan Haiming chuckled.

"A play?" Xiao Ning of course heard the child-like flaunting in his tone, and so said in flattery, "That's pretty cool. It's way more high class than a regular movie. You two should have a fantastic time."

Xiao Ning remained silent.

Xiao Ning wanted to say he wasn't thinking about anything, but then he remembered this was Shan Haiming. But on the verge of saying what was on his mind, they became: "I have a question for something I'm curious about."

It was not like the first time, and and going back at this hour would take who knows how long. So when he thought about it, Xiao Ning did feel Shan Haiming staying over was better. "I'll go get you some toiletries, then. You can wash up first."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

After a few minutes, they arrived.

Xiao Ning: "..."

"I'm sorry," Xiao Ning said suddenly.

Upon realising it, Xiao Ning felt ashamed. When he got back inside his apartment, it meant he would be alone; and even though Shan Haiming does as he pleases and is a bit intense. Being with him made Xiao Ning feel greatly at ease, and that he didn't need to always think too much.

Shan Haiming nodded. "I'll take the sofa tonight."

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

Upon realising it, Xiao Ning felt ashamed. When he got back inside his apartment, it meant he would be alone; and even though Shan Haiming does as he pleases and is a bit intense. Being with him made Xiao Ning feel greatly at ease, and that he didn't need to always think too much.

Xiao Ning put the keys back in his pocket thanks to Shan Haiming's reminder. "This place belongs to a friend, so I'm just staying here for the time being."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

"What are you sorry about?" Shan Haiming was surprisingly all smiles. "Don't tell me you believe my brother and I both like Zixin, and I—for the sake of of brotherhood—silently endure the pain of giving up the one I love, and must push Zixin towards him?"

"What's wrong?" Shan Haiming was still holding on to the steering wheel, they had almost arrived. "You've been thinking the whole way, did you figure it out?"

Those words of his made Xiao Ning bite his lips. He really did think that. Could that not have been it?

"Don't worry, by the way. I haven't told Lu Yan a thing! My lips are sealed tight." Xia Li sounded happy. "Anyhow, that's great, I hope you guys have a lot of fun. Lu Yan and I are going to see a play. I heard it's really beautiful, I'll tell you about it after I see it."

N/A

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

Xiao Ning carefully thought over the man's every word and action. No matter how you looked at it, he was more concerned over Ye Zixin—to the point you could even call extremely over-attentive. Having teamed up with Shan Haiming, it was hard for Xiao Ning's thoughts to not veer in this direction.

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

Xiao Ning sighed.

"What are you sorry about?" Shan Haiming was surprisingly all smiles. "Don't tell me you believe my brother and I both like Zixin, and I—for the sake of of brotherhood—silently endure the pain of giving up the one I love, and must push Zixin towards him?"

The street light shone through the car's window, hiding most of Shan Haiming's face in it's shadow. "He would never say anything like that. Ever since we were little, he never said what he actually wants. And if he did want something, he' fight for it in secret."

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

This kind of instant sleeping ability can seriously fill a person with envy.

"How can I act like things I did as a child were real? Plus, if I want something, no matter who the other person is, I will never step aside and give up what's mine." Shan Haiming tapped his finger on the steering wheel. "It's of no concern to me if Shan Haihong likes Zixin or not, if him wanting to marry her is true. I don't want to marry. I already stated my peace. I dealt with my part. He should deal with his part too. As for Zixin..."

Getting a recommendation from a friend is more reliable than posting online.

He let out a laugh. "She should handle her business herself."

It was not like the first time, and and going back at this hour would take who knows how long. So when he thought about it, Xiao Ning did feel Shan Haiming staying over was better. "I'll go get you some toiletries, then. You can wash up first."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

So without realising it, he unconsciously dragged out the time chatting with Shan Haiming.

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

"I'm sorry," Xiao Ning said suddenly.

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

"Are you staying here alone?" Shan Haiming carried the bags with Xiao Ning into the kitchen, then took the containers out the bags and handed them to XIao Ning—watching one by one as they were stacked into the refrigerator. "Does your friend stay here too?"

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

Shan Haiming nodded. "I'll take the sofa tonight."

"Renting?" Shan Haiming walked in after him. "Why don't you switch to a place that's closer? You spend three hours a day on travelling alone. Don't forget your keys."

"If not, are you planning of acting out of the ordinary?" Shan Haiming chuckled.

"I'm just not as patient as you, that's all there is to it."

N/A

Shan Haiming nodded. "I'll take the sofa tonight."

N/A

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

These words were the exact same as the ones he used before, the memory of which entered Xiao Ning's mind quickly. At that time, he was had no choice in refusing Shan Haiming, but now things were completely different. The relationships between a person with another is indeed a fascinating thing.

Before Shan Haiming had finished speaking, the melody of the King of Karaoke sounded in the car. Xiao Ning swiped the screen of his phone, apologising to Shan Haiming with his eyes as he took the call. "Hello?"

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

It's hard tell whether the events of tonight's dinner had any effect on him like this. Xiao Ning followed him to the car, it was almost eight o'clock and the sky outside had long gone dark.

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

So don't take it seriously.

Shan Haiming hummed in response, adding, "I'll take you home."

With nothing else to do with Shan Haiming, just like the last time, Xiao Ning took two cups of water back to the living room to watch television with Shan Haiming. The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, the atmosphere relaxed as they chatted casually, randomly, about anything and everything they could, and it was surprisingly not tiresome in the least.

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

"Don't worry, by the way. I haven't told Lu Yan a thing! My lips are sealed tight." Xia Li sounded happy. "Anyhow, that's great, I hope you guys have a lot of fun. Lu Yan and I are going to see a play. I heard it's really beautiful, I'll tell you about it after I see it."

"Renting?" Shan Haiming walked in after him. "Why don't you switch to a place that's closer? You spend three hours a day on travelling alone. Don't forget your keys."

Thinking Shan Haiming didn't quite understand what he meant, Xiao Ning explained his uncertainty, "As in, should I deliberately irritate them and get them to not like me, or try to get the to like me?"

Xiao Ning had ordered eight dishes and one dessert for each person. Originally, it was already a wasteful extravagance for four only four people, but now that was down to just two. Xiao Ning could only sigh once more, What a disaster...

"How can I act like things I did as a child were real? Plus, if I want something, no matter who the other person is, I will never step aside and give up what's mine." Shan Haiming tapped his finger on the steering wheel. "It's of no concern to me if Shan Haihong likes Zixin or not, if him wanting to marry her is true. I don't want to marry. I already stated my peace. I dealt with my part. He should deal with his part too. As for Zixin..."

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

"A play?" Xiao Ning of course heard the child-like flaunting in his tone, and so said in flattery, "That's pretty cool. It's way more high class than a regular movie. You two should have a fantastic time."

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

With nothing else to do with Shan Haiming, just like the last time, Xiao Ning took two cups of water back to the living room to watch television with Shan Haiming. The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, the atmosphere relaxed as they chatted casually, randomly, about anything and everything they could, and it was surprisingly not tiresome in the least.

After hanging up, Xiao Ning huffed out a relieved sigh, while curbing the urge to rub his forehead. He then turned his gaze directly to Shan Haiming, who still kept his eyes trained in him, and thought for a little while. "I'm sorry, but I also have a matter I'll need your help with."

Xiao Ning had ordered eight dishes and one dessert for each person. Originally, it was already a wasteful extravagance for four only four people, but now that was down to just two. Xiao Ning could only sigh once more, What a disaster...

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

It's hard for me to even picture what kind of of a person Shan Haiming's mom is. But, looking at Shan Haiming's appearance, she must be beautiful.

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

Shan Haiming raised his brows. "Does it have something to do with the person who called?"

Xiao Ning put the keys back in his pocket thanks to Shan Haiming's reminder. "This place belongs to a friend, so I'm just staying here for the time being."

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

Shan Haiming raised his brows. "Does it have something to do with the person who called?"

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

Rather than asking, it would be better described as Xiao Ning asking these questions to himself, as he lost himself in his own thoughts for quite a while, only to come around when he lifted his head and realised Shan Haiming was staring at him. Confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

Xiao Ning's eyes brightened. "I will."

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

Besides, I still have to meet his parents. So understanding the situation properly would make cooperating easier, right?

"How can I act like things I did as a child were real? Plus, if I want something, no matter who the other person is, I will never step aside and give up what's mine." Shan Haiming tapped his finger on the steering wheel. "It's of no concern to me if Shan Haihong likes Zixin or not, if him wanting to marry her is true. I don't want to marry. I already stated my peace. I dealt with my part. He should deal with his part too. As for Zixin..."

"Aren't you going to get me some toiletries?" Shan Haiming lifted his eyes to look at him. "You haven;t gone as yet?"

Shan Haiming answered without missing a beat, "Sure can do. Just give me the heads up."

Xiao Ning turned to pick up the last container, immediately noticing Shan Haiming's fingers had several scars. "What happened to your hand?"

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

"What's wrong?" Shan Haiming was still holding on to the steering wheel, they had almost arrived. "You've been thinking the whole way, did you figure it out?"

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

Shan Haiming answered without missing a beat, "Sure can do. Just give me the heads up."

With his back to Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning pursed his lips before continuing, "But I think the same thing as you, and 'm planning to find a place to rent that closer to the heart of the city."

This thing between them, even though it can be called mutual assistance, but if calculated carefully, they had both paid back the other's kindness, so this left Xiao Ning as the one owing more. He then took it upon himself to ask, "How do you want me to behave in front of your parents?"

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

Xiao Ning thought about that complex family situation of Shan Haiming's, leaving him speechless. His thoughts then suddenly turning to his own, which was also a quite a failure.

"A play?" Xiao Ning of course heard the child-like flaunting in his tone, and so said in flattery, "That's pretty cool. It's way more high class than a regular movie. You two should have a fantastic time."

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

"Oh, I'm sorry about that." He then unlatched his seatbelt while saying, "I'll be on my way, and be careful on the road, alright?"

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

"I'm just not as patient as you, that's all there is to it."

Xiao Ning then earnestly asked to confirm his meaning, "You mean, I only need to act like an ordinary boyfriend?"

Overnight Stay

Xiao Ning was more worse off than him, impatiently staring at the bowls with piles upon piles showing no signs of being reduced.

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

"What's wrong?" Shan Haiming was still holding on to the steering wheel, they had almost arrived. "You've been thinking the whole way, did you figure it out?"

Overnight Stay

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

"If not, are you planning of acting out of the ordinary?" Shan Haiming chuckled.

He let out a laugh. "She should handle her business herself."

It was not like the first time, and and going back at this hour would take who knows how long. So when he thought about it, Xiao Ning did feel Shan Haiming staying over was better. "I'll go get you some toiletries, then. You can wash up first."

Xiao Ning remained silent.

Thinking Shan Haiming didn't quite understand what he meant, Xiao Ning explained his uncertainty, "As in, should I deliberately irritate them and get them to not like me, or try to get the to like me?"

"If not, are you planning of acting out of the ordinary?" Shan Haiming chuckled.

Sitting on the sofa in a manner unfitting of polite company, Shan Haiming was halfway in a lying position, yawning upon hearing Xiao Ning's words. "Forget that, I'm not going. My place is too far from here. When it's morning give me a wake up call, alright? I'll give you a lift."

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

Xiao Ning took the container, stacking it into an empty space left in the fridge. "He has a house in the city too, and he usually stays there."

Xiao Ning thought about that complex family situation of Shan Haiming's, leaving him speechless. His thoughts then suddenly turning to his own, which was also a quite a failure.

Everyone really has their own troubles. if there's no trouble here, there'll be troubles there.

"If you can't eat, just don't eat." Seeing him struggle to eat, Shan Haiming called over the waitress to pay the bill. "Pack it up."

What about Shan Haihong...

It's hard for me to even picture what kind of of a person Shan Haiming's mom is. But, looking at Shan Haiming's appearance, she must be beautiful.

N/A

"Okay then. What do your parent's like?" Showing up to a lover;s family home without bringing any gifts is impolite, so Xiao Ning asked, "Is bringing a fruit basket okay? Or should I bring Aunty a bouquet of flowers?"

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

"Renting?" Shan Haiming walked in after him. "Why don't you switch to a place that's closer? You spend three hours a day on travelling alone. Don't forget your keys."

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

"If you can't eat, just don't eat." Seeing him struggle to eat, Shan Haiming called over the waitress to pay the bill. "Pack it up."

Rather than asking, it would be better described as Xiao Ning asking these questions to himself, as he lost himself in his own thoughts for quite a while, only to come around when he lifted his head and realised Shan Haiming was staring at him. Confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Ning thought about that complex family situation of Shan Haiming's, leaving him speechless. His thoughts then suddenly turning to his own, which was also a quite a failure.

Shan Haiming raised his brows. "Does it have something to do with the person who called?"

"Don't worry, by the way. I haven't told Lu Yan a thing! My lips are sealed tight." Xia Li sounded happy. "Anyhow, that's great, I hope you guys have a lot of fun. Lu Yan and I are going to see a play. I heard it's really beautiful, I'll tell you about it after I see it."

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that." He then unlatched his seatbelt while saying, "I'll be on my way, and be careful on the road, alright?"

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

"Are you staying here alone?" Shan Haiming carried the bags with Xiao Ning into the kitchen, then took the containers out the bags and handed them to XIao Ning—watching one by one as they were stacked into the refrigerator. "Does your friend stay here too?"

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

Everyone really has their own troubles. if there's no trouble here, there'll be troubles there.

So don't take it seriously.

With nothing else to do with Shan Haiming, just like the last time, Xiao Ning took two cups of water back to the living room to watch television with Shan Haiming. The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, the atmosphere relaxed as they chatted casually, randomly, about anything and everything they could, and it was surprisingly not tiresome in the least.

"I'm just not as patient as you, that's all there is to it."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

Shan Haiming then asked abruptly, "How long are we going stay in the car talking?"

What about Shan Haihong...

Upon realising it, Xiao Ning felt ashamed. When he got back inside his apartment, it meant he would be alone; and even though Shan Haiming does as he pleases and is a bit intense. Being with him made Xiao Ning feel greatly at ease, and that he didn't need to always think too much.

Shan Haiming answered without missing a beat, "Sure can do. Just give me the heads up."

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

So without realising it, he unconsciously dragged out the time chatting with Shan Haiming.

"When you guys were little, was the one who said they wanted to marry Ye Zixin really your brother?"

"Oh, I'm sorry about that." He then unlatched his seatbelt while saying, "I'll be on my way, and be careful on the road, alright?"

After hanging up, Xiao Ning huffed out a relieved sigh, while curbing the urge to rub his forehead. He then turned his gaze directly to Shan Haiming, who still kept his eyes trained in him, and thought for a little while. "I'm sorry, but I also have a matter I'll need your help with."

Xiao Ning took the container, stacking it into an empty space left in the fridge. "He has a house in the city too, and he usually stays there."

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

Everyone really has their own troubles. if there's no trouble here, there'll be troubles there.

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

These words were the exact same as the ones he used before, the memory of which entered Xiao Ning's mind quickly. At that time, he was had no choice in refusing Shan Haiming, but now things were completely different. The relationships between a person with another is indeed a fascinating thing.

Shan Haiming hummed in response, adding, "I'll take you home."

Xiao Ning was more worse off than him, impatiently staring at the bowls with piles upon piles showing no signs of being reduced.

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

"Okay then. What do your parent's like?" Showing up to a lover;s family home without bringing any gifts is impolite, so Xiao Ning asked, "Is bringing a fruit basket okay? Or should I bring Aunty a bouquet of flowers?"

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

"I'm just not as patient as you, that's all there is to it."

It's hard for me to even picture what kind of of a person Shan Haiming's mom is. But, looking at Shan Haiming's appearance, she must be beautiful.

Xiao Ning put the keys back in his pocket thanks to Shan Haiming's reminder. "This place belongs to a friend, so I'm just staying here for the time being."

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

"How can I act like things I did as a child were real? Plus, if I want something, no matter who the other person is, I will never step aside and give up what's mine." Shan Haiming tapped his finger on the steering wheel. "It's of no concern to me if Shan Haihong likes Zixin or not, if him wanting to marry her is true. I don't want to marry. I already stated my peace. I dealt with my part. He should deal with his part too. As for Zixin..."

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

Besides, I still have to meet his parents. So understanding the situation properly would make cooperating easier, right?

"There a bus stop about twenty minutes away from here, and after four stops, I can switch to a train." Xiao Ning then calculated in his head. "So about an hour and a half."

After a few minutes, they arrived.

Shan Haiming lifted his chin, motioning for him to continue.

"I'm sorry," Xiao Ning said suddenly.

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

"What's wrong?" Shan Haiming was still holding on to the steering wheel, they had almost arrived. "You've been thinking the whole way, did you figure it out?"

Everyone really has their own troubles. if there's no trouble here, there'll be troubles there.

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

These words were the exact same as the ones he used before, the memory of which entered Xiao Ning's mind quickly. At that time, he was had no choice in refusing Shan Haiming, but now things were completely different. The relationships between a person with another is indeed a fascinating thing.

"Don't worry, by the way. I haven't told Lu Yan a thing! My lips are sealed tight." Xia Li sounded happy. "Anyhow, that's great, I hope you guys have a lot of fun. Lu Yan and I are going to see a play. I heard it's really beautiful, I'll tell you about it after I see it."

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

Those words of his made Xiao Ning bite his lips. He really did think that. Could that not have been it?

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

Xia Li might actually want to see Shan Haiming's face before he can believe it. This kid is too worked up.

"Renting?" Shan Haiming walked in after him. "Why don't you switch to a place that's closer? You spend three hours a day on travelling alone. Don't forget your keys."

Shan Haiming was silent for a bit, the only smiled while shaking his head—a smile faintly seeming like one turned to himself in mocking and one which was sad. "Do whatever you think is best. My dad is hard to please, while my mother is easy to please. So whatever you bring will be fine."

"Don't worry, by the way. I haven't told Lu Yan a thing! My lips are sealed tight." Xia Li sounded happy. "Anyhow, that's great, I hope you guys have a lot of fun. Lu Yan and I are going to see a play. I heard it's really beautiful, I'll tell you about it after I see it."

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

"What are you sorry about?" Shan Haiming was surprisingly all smiles. "Don't tell me you believe my brother and I both like Zixin, and I—for the sake of of brotherhood—silently endure the pain of giving up the one I love, and must push Zixin towards him?"

Sitting on the sofa in a manner unfitting of polite company, Shan Haiming was halfway in a lying position, yawning upon hearing Xiao Ning's words. "Forget that, I'm not going. My place is too far from here. When it's morning give me a wake up call, alright? I'll give you a lift."

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

Xiao Ning put the keys back in his pocket thanks to Shan Haiming's reminder. "This place belongs to a friend, so I'm just staying here for the time being."

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

With his back to Shan Haiming, Xiao Ning pursed his lips before continuing, "But I think the same thing as you, and 'm planning to find a place to rent that closer to the heart of the city."

Shan Haiming doesn't seem to to have any qualms about the situation at all. He just eats as he likes and doesn't hold back, but his appetite is huge. He eats a lot of the foods he likes, and only drank two mouthfuls of the dessert.

But after Xiao Ning came back out, he was already asleep on the sofa.

What about Shan Haihong...

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

It's hard tell whether the events of tonight's dinner had any effect on him like this. Xiao Ning followed him to the car, it was almost eight o'clock and the sky outside had long gone dark.

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

"Are you staying here alone?" Shan Haiming carried the bags with Xiao Ning into the kitchen, then took the containers out the bags and handed them to XIao Ning—watching one by one as they were stacked into the refrigerator. "Does your friend stay here too?"

Before Shan Haiming had finished speaking, the melody of the King of Karaoke sounded in the car. Xiao Ning swiped the screen of his phone, apologising to Shan Haiming with his eyes as he took the call. "Hello?"

"Do you have the ability to annoy anyone to the point of dislike?" Shan Haiming appeared as though he wanted to laugh, but only shrugged. "I'll take care of my dad, but my mom... she's pretty easy to get along with. I think she'll like you."

After a few minutes, they arrived.

It's hard for me to even picture what kind of of a person Shan Haiming's mom is. But, looking at Shan Haiming's appearance, she must be beautiful.

So without realising it, he unconsciously dragged out the time chatting with Shan Haiming.

Those words of his made Xiao Ning bite his lips. He really did think that. Could that not have been it?

Thinking Shan Haiming didn't quite understand what he meant, Xiao Ning explained his uncertainty, "As in, should I deliberately irritate them and get them to not like me, or try to get the to like me?"

Xiao Ning took the container, stacking it into an empty space left in the fridge. "He has a house in the city too, and he usually stays there."

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

This time around, Shan Haiming found a spot to park then carried the take-out boxes upstairs with Xiao Ning. "Rihua is all the way at the centre of the city, so how long does it usually take you to get to work?"

"If not, are you planning of acting out of the ordinary?" Shan Haiming chuckled.

Xiao Ning then earnestly asked to confirm his meaning, "You mean, I only need to act like an ordinary boyfriend?"

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

Those words of his made Xiao Ning bite his lips. He really did think that. Could that not have been it?

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

But after Xiao Ning came back out, he was already asleep on the sofa.

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

N/A

These words were the exact same as the ones he used before, the memory of which entered Xiao Ning's mind quickly. At that time, he was had no choice in refusing Shan Haiming, but now things were completely different. The relationships between a person with another is indeed a fascinating thing.

He let out a laugh. "She should handle her business herself."

Xiao Ning turned to pick up the last container, immediately noticing Shan Haiming's fingers had several scars. "What happened to your hand?"

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

This thing between them, even though it can be called mutual assistance, but if calculated carefully, they had both paid back the other's kindness, so this left Xiao Ning as the one owing more. He then took it upon himself to ask, "How do you want me to behave in front of your parents?"

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

"I wasn't careful and I got hurt." Not caring about it, Shan Haiming still handed him the container and took away his hand. "Ask Wang Hua to help you look for a place, he knows a lot of people."

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

Besides, I still have to meet his parents. So understanding the situation properly would make cooperating easier, right?

"There a bus stop about twenty minutes away from here, and after four stops, I can switch to a train." Xiao Ning then calculated in his head. "So about an hour and a half."

"Renting?" Shan Haiming walked in after him. "Why don't you switch to a place that's closer? You spend three hours a day on travelling alone. Don't forget your keys."

Xiao Ning's eyes brightened. "I will."

The street light shone through the car's window, hiding most of Shan Haiming's face in it's shadow. "He would never say anything like that. Ever since we were little, he never said what he actually wants. And if he did want something, he' fight for it in secret."

Getting a recommendation from a friend is more reliable than posting online.

"Who said anything about me leaving?" Shan Haiming tilted his head, what he thought about right then was unknown as he followed it by bursting in a youthful laugh. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

With nothing else to do with Shan Haiming, just like the last time, Xiao Ning took two cups of water back to the living room to watch television with Shan Haiming. The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, the atmosphere relaxed as they chatted casually, randomly, about anything and everything they could, and it was surprisingly not tiresome in the least.

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

"If you can't eat, just don't eat." Seeing him struggle to eat, Shan Haiming called over the waitress to pay the bill. "Pack it up."

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

When Xiao Ning glanced at the time below the television screen, it was unexpected already eleven o'clock. "Shan... Haiming, it's getting late, and it's easy to get into an accident driving late at night."

"Okay then. What do your parent's like?" Showing up to a lover;s family home without bringing any gifts is impolite, so Xiao Ning asked, "Is bringing a fruit basket okay? Or should I bring Aunty a bouquet of flowers?"

Sitting on the sofa in a manner unfitting of polite company, Shan Haiming was halfway in a lying position, yawning upon hearing Xiao Ning's words. "Forget that, I'm not going. My place is too far from here. When it's morning give me a wake up call, alright? I'll give you a lift."

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

It was not like the first time, and and going back at this hour would take who knows how long. So when he thought about it, Xiao Ning did feel Shan Haiming staying over was better. "I'll go get you some toiletries, then. You can wash up first."

Xiao Ning turned to pick up the last container, immediately noticing Shan Haiming's fingers had several scars. "What happened to your hand?"

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

Xiao Ning then earnestly asked to confirm his meaning, "You mean, I only need to act like an ordinary boyfriend?"

It was not like the first time, and and going back at this hour would take who knows how long. So when he thought about it, Xiao Ning did feel Shan Haiming staying over was better. "I'll go get you some toiletries, then. You can wash up first."

The question he asked in response wasn't said out loud, but it was completely obvious on his face.

Xiao Ning's eyes brightened. "I will."

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

Shan Haiming nodded. "I'll take the sofa tonight."

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

In the beginning, Xiao Ning had no interest in looking at the Shan family's affairs in depth, but now, Xiao Ning couldn't help but be concerned.

Xiao Ning paused. "You don't have to do that."

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

"Hi, how are things going?" Xia Li asked from the other end of the line.

"Aren't you going to get me some toiletries?" Shan Haiming lifted his eyes to look at him. "You haven;t gone as yet?"

Shan Haiming then asked abruptly, "How long are we going stay in the car talking?"

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

Rather than asking, it would be better described as Xiao Ning asking these questions to himself, as he lost himself in his own thoughts for quite a while, only to come around when he lifted his head and realised Shan Haiming was staring at him. Confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Ning remained silent.

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

"You..." Xiao Ning held his words for a long time before he choked out, "...are far too harsh with others."

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

"There a bus stop about twenty minutes away from here, and after four stops, I can switch to a train." Xiao Ning then calculated in his head. "So about an hour and a half."

For the time being, Xiao Ning didn't want to argue with him, so Xiao Ning took the disposable toiletries and unused underwear over to Shan Haiming. Then after Shan Haiming left the bath, Xiao Ning again insisted. After all, there was no good reason to allow a guest to sleep on the sofa.

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

Shan Haiming answered without missing a beat, "Sure can do. Just give me the heads up."

"No." Xiao Ning also thanked him. "The only thing I had planned for today was going to dinner with you."

But after Xiao Ning came back out, he was already asleep on the sofa.

Xiao Ning then earnestly asked to confirm his meaning, "You mean, I only need to act like an ordinary boyfriend?"

Xiao Ning took the container, stacking it into an empty space left in the fridge. "He has a house in the city too, and he usually stays there."

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

Was Shan Haiming deliberately using me to evade a marriage with the Ye family? Did he not like Ye Zixin?

"When you guys were little, was the one who said they wanted to marry Ye Zixin really your brother?"

Xiao Ning was more worse off than him, impatiently staring at the bowls with piles upon piles showing no signs of being reduced.

Shan Haiming asks questions as he pleases, seeming to not consider that other people don't have secrets. Xiao Ning's movement stopped. "Someone has lent me their house to stay in, so isn't leaving room for them the polite thing to do?"

Xiao Ning: "..."

There were a lot more dishes on the huge table compared to the last time, and Xiao Ning couldn't carry it all in both hands. Seeing this, Shan Haiming went over and help him carry a couple. "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

Xiao Ning's eyes brightened. "I will."

"...kind of." Xiao Ning then smiled bitterly as he added, "I'll try my best to avoid it, but if need be, I hope you can act as my boyfriend for a while."

After a few minutes, they arrived.

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

This kind of instant sleeping ability can seriously fill a person with envy.

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

It's hard tell whether the events of tonight's dinner had any effect on him like this. Xiao Ning followed him to the car, it was almost eight o'clock and the sky outside had long gone dark.

"Things are..." Xiao Ning replied, his gaze falling of Shan Haiming without thinking, and as a result it met with his. Pretending to coulgh a couple times he continued, "good."

Xiao Ning was uncomfortable but he couldn't shake that guy back up... I was more than aware of just how stubborn this guy can be from the onset, so I should of just agreed a moment ago. I should at least spread a blanket over him so he can be a bit more comfortable.

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

What's more, Shan Haihong's reaction to Shan Haiming and my partnership was him not saying a thing in opposition, and being completely happy to see it. Is the Shan family open-minded to such a degree? Or was Shan Haiming living such a rotten life that so long as anyone could bind him, even if that person is a man, they'll be satisfied?

"No." Xiao Ning pulled the door open and entered.

Returning to the bedroom for a blanket, Xiao then returned, carefully spreading it over Shan Haiming, causing the other man to shrink into the covering, but he did not awaken. Only going as far as allowing the covers to hide half of his face, while his faintly crinkled brows lay exposed, causing him to look several years older for no reason.

Xiao Ning was more worse off than him, impatiently staring at the bowls with piles upon piles showing no signs of being reduced.

Xiao Ning thought about that complex family situation of Shan Haiming's, leaving him speechless. His thoughts then suddenly turning to his own, which was also a quite a failure.

So without realising it, he unconsciously dragged out the time chatting with Shan Haiming.

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

Shan Haiming answered without missing a beat, "Sure can do. Just give me the heads up."

Sitting on the sofa in a manner unfitting of polite company, Shan Haiming was halfway in a lying position, yawning upon hearing Xiao Ning's words. "Forget that, I'm not going. My place is too far from here. When it's morning give me a wake up call, alright? I'll give you a lift."

Letting out a cough as he smiled, Xiao Ning replied, "I'll take you to the parking lot, then."

Making Shan Haiming ask in return, "Just don't do anything unnecessary."

"Then, why did you sleep on the sofa last time?"

Everyone really has their own troubles. if there's no trouble here, there'll be troubles there.

Xiao Ning's eyes brightened. "I will."

Shan Haiming ignored him, though. Sitting on the sofa sleepily with eyes half closed. "So naggy. Just hurry and go wash up."

Shan Haiming stared at the plastic back in Xiao Ning's hands sway unsteadily as he unlocked the door. "Is this your place?"

Is it possible to even say whom is better off than whom?

"A play?" Xiao Ning of course heard the child-like flaunting in his tone, and so said in flattery, "That's pretty cool. It's way more high class than a regular movie. You two should have a fantastic time."

What about Shan Haihong...

Anyhow... it's not like he has anything else to worry about...