CH 21

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￣)

The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."

Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That had gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"

All his strides over the past couple decades were not for naught, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

Overnight Stay

It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.

Xiao Ning's mind wandered.

But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.

Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.

Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"

As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.

And warm.

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

"Xiao Ning?"

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"

Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, and so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"

N/A

Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."

As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.

There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.

It was question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, and so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"

Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.

But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.

Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he was acting out the motions in his sleep.

But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning currently didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.

But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.

After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."

Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"

It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.

While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.

It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superior a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that all the work schedule would remain as planned.

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning currently didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

Overnight Stay

The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.

"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.

◈◇◈

"Xiao Ning?"

His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."

The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.

As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"

There wasn't any time for pretty polite words at that moment, so after stammering for a while, Xiao Ning simply added, "Seriously, thank you."

His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.

Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?

But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.

"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seems as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."

"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to be coaxing you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."

"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seems as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning currently didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That had gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

Xiao Ning's mind wandered.

Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.

The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

It's just the sound of the phone breaking, not a car accident. So don't overthink too much, everybody...

It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superior a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that all the work schedule would remain as planned.

As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"

Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, and so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"

It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.

Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.

With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."

"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"

Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"

The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.

But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.

"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come pick you up for lunch?"

Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he was acting out the motions in his sleep.

The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.

"Mhm." At first, Shan Haiming didn't care all that much. But after rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the immense levels of anxiety and sincerity mixed on Xiao Ning's face, a face that seems as though it was eager to immediately do something to pay him back in earnest. It made Shan Haiming unable to help himself from chuckling as he reached over to lightly pat Xiao Ning's cheek, an act which was consoling and intimate. "Request the day off tomorrow."

The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning currently didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.

"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.

His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.

Overnight Stay

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.

But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.

N/A

The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.

There wasn't any time for pretty polite words at that moment, so after stammering for a while, Xiao Ning simply added, "Seriously, thank you."

Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.

N/A

And warm.

"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"

"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to be coaxing you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."

"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."

◈◇◈

Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.

"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."

"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.

Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."

So our current positioning must be as a result of that.

He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.

As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.

"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.

At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.

The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.

Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he was acting out the motions in his sleep.

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

"Xiao Ning?"

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.

"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."

After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."

All his strides over the past couple decades were not for naught, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"

◈◇◈

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.

"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"

It was question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"

"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come pick you up for lunch?"

And warm.

All his strides over the past couple decades were not for naught, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he was acting out the motions in his sleep.

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.

After he said this, the line went silent.

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose, and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent, and later had the thought he should say something.

The television was left on a paid movie channel when it was turned on, one showing movies for twenty-four hours non-stop, and just then the movie currently playing was Expendables Three.

But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."

With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."

"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"

"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.

Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.

Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose, and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent, and later had the thought he should say something.

Xiao Ning's mind wandered.

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to be coaxing you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.

The stream of warmth flowed down his throat, slipping into his ice-cold stomach, truly giving him the feeling as if he was born anew.

At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.

The moment Xiao Ning entered the living room he was greeted by a warm fragrance, following the trail of the scent his eyes fell onto the coffee table in front of the monochrome coloured sofa where a cup of steaming hot milk rested.

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"

He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.

Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, and so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"

Overnight Stay

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

With a sigh, Lu Yan again spoke. "We'll all have dinner together tonight. I'll have Xia Li give you an apology."

His earlier tears left his eyes burning so much he allowed himself to recline on the couch with the intention of only closing his eyes for a short while.

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."

"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved, because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid that had nothing to do with him.

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.

After he said this, the line went silent.

As he held the phone, he stared at the bright sky through the window, it was a day where the sun shone so beautifully, so brightly, it seemed as though the entire night had completely evaporated under its rays; as though everything in its presence was all just a dream.

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

Putting down his phone, Xiao Ning currently didn't know whether he should leave or stay and talk, and deep down he really didn't want to go back to his apartment where he would be alone. But after everything that happened, finding exactly what was the best thing to say right then was a skill Xiao Ning had no grasp of at all.

Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?

It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superior a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that all the work schedule would remain as planned.

"No thanks." Xiao Ning then said with a laugh, "I'm afraid Xia Li would hit me again."

"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to be coaxing you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."

"Yeah, okay." Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds prior, and ultimately accepted his proposition. But he didn't agree on account of him not wanting to go to work after staying up all night, neither was it due to him needing time to heal his depressed state. He agreed simply because he didn't want to brush aside any kindness from Shan Haiming at all.

After he said this, the line went silent.

"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"

After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"

"Xiao Ning?"

"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.

Normally, Lu Yan was able to hide his egoism, but whenever he felt himself offended he would say things that completely disregarded the feelings of others, especially if the one brushing him off was Xiao Ning, causing him to say words which were even more careless. "Wasn't it just a slap? His arms are so skinny too so how strong could it have been? Did you actually get wounded somewhere? If you did, do you want me to compensate for your hospital bill?"

Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?

His eyes now closed slightly, and a sigh left him.

Shan Haiming sat on the three-seater sofa, and upon seeing Xiao Ning walk out, he lazily waved him over. That had gesture of his gave Xiao Ning a somewhat inexplicable feeling, one that caused him to feel a tinge of discomfort as he walked over to then sit the distance of one person away from Shan Haiming. "I'm—"

Ignoring him as before, Shan Haiming started to treat Xiao Ning's wound himself, and Xiao Ning could only helplessly allow him to apply the medicine. It was possible Shan Haiming didn't have much experience in performing such tasks, as his movements were rather careless. A few times, he managed to poke at Xiao Ning's wound. But seeing how happy Shan Haiming was to help, Xiao Ning kept his lips sealed and bore the pain, obediently allowing Shan Haiming to carry on with his prodding.

"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."

As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"

But Xiao Ning didn't know what he wanted to hear, so he simply waited for Lu Yan to speak first.

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."

"For my sake, you shouldn't fight with Xia Li." Lu Yan then added in a low voice, "Seriously, recently I keep feeling as though I don't even know you. If I ask you to do something, you say you're busy. Who are you doing all this for? One Xia Li is enough for me to worry about, so I don't have the time to be coaxing you too. Why can't you just get along with Xia Li? I have no idea why you still have this problem."

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

After he said this, the line went silent.

"How can I?" Xiao Ning let out a laugh. " I just think Xia Li feels a bit uneasy around me, so it would be better if I stay out of his sights a bit."

Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?

"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"

It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superior a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that all the work schedule would remain as planned.

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved, because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid that had nothing to do with him.

"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."

Xing Ning soon recovered his senses.

◈◇◈

As he listened quietly, Xiao Ning felt a bit strange. Why do I feel neither sad nor pained? All there seemed to be was a kind of low spirits which followed waking from a long sleep, and afterwards, there was the understanding everything was actually not that serious. Thus, Xiao Ning could still smile as he asked, "It's not that dramatic. Anyhow, isn't this good for your sake?"

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

Xiao Ning suddenly thought that he never wanted to get along with Xia Li in the first place, regardless of whether Lu Yan was involved, because Xia Li could never be a friend he could be comfortable around. He truly bore no hate towards Xia Li, it was just Xia Li was nothing more than a kid to him, and he had no interest in fussing himself with kids. Furthermore, he had no urge to bend over backwards in every respect to show consideration to a kid that had nothing to do with him.

"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come pick you up for lunch?"

"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."

After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."

Xiao Ning just remembered there was still a person sleeping behind him, and so whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry for annoying you with my phone call. You can head back to your bedroom if you want to sleep some more, alright?"

Xiao Ning never intended to say that line on purpose, and had meant it as more of a joke. He didn't expect Lu Yan to go silent, and later had the thought he should say something.

"Nah, forget it. It's already this hour in the morning." After yawning, Shan Haiming also noticed the current time couldn't really be referred to as early morning. He then tilted his head to look at Xiao Ning, frowning as he asked, "Is your call about you requesting the day off?"

As he asked those two questions, his tone had already become interrogative.

It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.

"What nonsense are you saying?" Lu Yan now seemed a little upset. "Xiao Ning, how can you do this? Why are you being so petty?"

"No, it's my friend," Xiao Ning replied.

After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.

"He's alright. He cried until he wore himself out so he's still sleeping now." Lu Yan, using a playful tone then asked "Are you at work right now? How about I come pick you up for lunch?"

But as soon as they closed, he fell fast asleep.

Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."

"It's early in the morning..." Huddled up directly behind Xiao Ning as he slept, Shan Haiming grumbled, propping himself up while using his other hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "...so noisy."

It's just the sound of the phone breaking, not a car accident. So don't overthink too much, everybody...

The sound of a continuous ring was what made Xiao Ning wake up. Blinking in confusion, he wondered why he felt so uncomfortable. Upon moving his arm he found himself being weighed down by something.

"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"

Xiao Ning thought there must certainly be some understanding on his part.

It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.

It was almost six in the morning at this time and Xiao Ning wasn't the least bit sleepy. He guessed that even if he went to bed at this hour he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, yet he gave his thanks, picked up the cup of milk which was prepared for him and drank it one mouthful at a time.

Xiao Ning's hazy vision finally cleared. He was lying down on the sofa, with one leg resting on the ground. Behind him, there was something heavy, half pressing against him with an arm stretched over him.

With his chin propped up by his hand, Shan Haiming stared at him as though the act of him drinking that milk was something quite interesting. When he noticed this look of Shan Haiming's, Xiao Ning clasped the glass in both hands, feeling increasingly more embarrassed, then after some consideration he went on to say, "I really troubled you a lot tonight."

He remained silent for so long, Xiao Ning took the phone from his ear to check it, confirming there was still an ongoing call before re again returning it to his ear and asking, "Lu Yan?"

Why do I need to get along with Xia Li?

Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

Shan Haiming asked nothing further and got up from the sofa. "After you're done with your call go get ready, we'll head out in a little while."

Pausing, Xiao Ning had no idea how he should say it, but Lu Yan stole the words bouncing around in his head, asking, "What are you talking about? Are you cutting ties with me?"

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

Maybe it was because of the boring plot, maybe it was a gift brought on from the glass of milk, or maybe something else had comforted his heart. Because as Xiao Ning continued to watch that film, the sleepiness he thought would never emerge during that time unexpectedly befell him. He blinked in an attempt to keep himself awake, however, the effects did not last for more than a minute, as his drowsiness grew more pronounced.

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

So our current positioning must be as a result of that.

Regardless of my own intentions, in Xia Li's eyes, I must seem like someone who could use all the years I've known Lu Yan to break apart their relationship, right?

"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."

It was now Xiao Ning's turn to remain silent, finding it difficult to answer the question.

Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

But just as that one word left him, seeming to predict his response, Shan Haiming raised his finger to his lips in a silencing motion, causing Xiao Ning to swallow back the proceeding "sorry" as he now stared at Shan Haiming blankly.

It was currently the most persuasive time for him to request a day's leave, so Xiao Ning took out his phone and sent his superior a message and that he would fill in the leave request form later. As for the work he had arranged for the day, he also sent a message to Chen He that mainly stated he would not be coming to the office and that all the work schedule would remain as planned.

He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.

Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

Now, Xiao Ning felt his head beginning to hurt.

"Yeah." Xiao Ning then asked, "Oh, is Xia Li feeling better?"

"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.

Urged on by the intermittent ringing, Xiao Ning quickly sat up, resulting a faint grumble erupting from behind him. He didn't turn around, only hurriedly reaching for the phone resting on the coffee table before putting the phone to his ear and saying hello as if he was acting out the motions in his sleep.

"Was it your boyfriend?" Lu Yan questioned again.

While absorbed in this thought, he found himself already watching the movie without thinking as a result. The well seasoned main leads on the screen carried out their mission together, and perhaps to the die-hard fans there was a special feeling from such a film, but plot-wise, there was nothing particularly worth noting.

"Just now, who was that?" Lu Yan asked.

At that moment, Xiao Ning felt as though his mind could not stop itself from being unfocused.

It was question asked despite the answer being known, leaving Xiao Ning with no choice but to reply, "Yes."

"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.

"Okay." As Xiao Ning replied, he watched Shan Haiming enter his bedroom, then resumed his conversation on the phone, his voice gentle and kind. "Hello, Lu Yan? Anyhow, it's not that I don't want to get along with Xia Li, it's just that Xia Li is very insecure right now and it's very easy for my presence to agitate him. So after some time passes, we'll discuss it again, alright?"

Did we fall asleep on the sofa last night?

After saying this, Lu Yan said nothing.

All his strides over the past couple decades were not for naught, as his tone was no different than usual when he responded. "Lu Yan? What is it?"

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."

After sticking on a small plaster, Shan Haiming examined his achievement, but it was unclear whether he was satisfied or not. He then instructed Xiao Ning, "After you drink your milk, go get some sleep."

"Where are you?" Lu Yan then said calmly, also showing restraint, "I'll come to see you."

So our current positioning must be as a result of that.

He suddenly thought about the people who would be changing to short sleeves fearing the heat.

◈◇◈

Because of this, Xiao Ning shifted towards him and said, "I can take care of it myself."

After a while, Lu Yan spoke, but his tone was strange. "Well, he's young and hasn't matured as yet. So if something happens you should bar with him a little, yeah? You are much older than him after all, so don't take things to heart."

Lu Yan's reaction did not seem all that right, puzzling Xiao Ning enough for him to feel a bit unnerved. Right then, already changed into a new set of clothes, Shan Haiming walked out, asking, "Still chatting? Aren't you hungry?"

"Were you together with him for the entire night?" Lu Yan's voice was steady, strangely steady.

There was simply not enough room on the sofa, even more so for two grown men no matter how slim they may be. The two of them crammed together was too much for the limited space, and if not for the arm wrapped around him, as the one who slept on the outside, Xiao Ning could've rolled onto the floor.

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

So our current positioning must be as a result of that.

And warm.

Right then, a pleasant electronic noise sounded, catching Xiao Ning by surprise. He had no idea what Shan Haiming was doing turning on the television at such a time.

"Oh... Last night when we got back I noticed that you left. Did you head back home?" Lu Yan asked.

"I'm almost done." Xiao Ning told him this in reply, out of concern he had made Shan Haiming wait for too long. So he then hurried told Lu Yan, "You should look after Xia Li first, so how about we talk this over again in a few days? Anyway, I have a small matter to take care of, so I'll be hanging up first."

Xiao Ning's mind wandered.

However, before he had ended the call, Xiao Ning faintly heard a loud piercing noise coming from the other end of the line.

It's just the sound of the phone breaking, not a car accident. So don't overthink too much, everybody...

Seeming to think this scrunched up appearance of Xiao Ning's was a bit amusing, with a near unnoticeable curve in his eyes, Shan Haiming patted the empty space of the sofa seat directly before him, beckoning Xiao Ning to sit closer. But without waiting for Xiao Ning's response, he turned to the side to pick up the first-aid kit.

"It wasn't that serious." Xiao Ning said these words without any negative feelings at all, only intending to remind Lu Yan. "I understand his feelings as well, so I think it would be better is things were the same as they were before. You find a lover and I will just disappear. But this time it could be true love for you so..."