The Long Road Ahead: C41

Chapter: 41 | Meet

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Meet

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

_{"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."}
On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.

"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

_{Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.}iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

_{"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.}
It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.

"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.

_{His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.}A strange sense of unease blossomed within Xiao Ning at the sight, his gaze then turning towards Shan Haiming. But the other man showed no interest in the things behind him, nor did his steps pause in the long stream of people.

His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

_{The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!}
"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."

The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!

_{His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.}
Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"

His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

_{As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.}
"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.

As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

_{Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.}
Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"

Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

_{Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"}Meet

Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"

_{{Except for me.}}"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

Except for me.

_{Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."}"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."

Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."

_{On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.}
"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"

On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.

_{It felt as though Lu Yan's eyes were still on him from behind, which made Xiao Ning's steps grow increasingly more hesitant.}
"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.

It felt as though Lu Yan's eyes were still on him from behind, which made Xiao Ning's steps grow increasingly more hesitant.

_{Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.}Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.

Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.

_{His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."}Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

_{A strange sense of unease blossomed within Xiao Ning at the sight, his gaze then turning towards Shan Haiming. But the other man showed no interest in the things behind him, nor did his steps pause in the long stream of people.}
Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.

A strange sense of unease blossomed within Xiao Ning at the sight, his gaze then turning towards Shan Haiming. But the other man showed no interest in the things behind him, nor did his steps pause in the long stream of people.

_{From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.}Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.

_{"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.}Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.

_{"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.}
Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.

_{His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.}
Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

_{Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"}
When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"

_{After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.}
"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.

_{Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"}"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"

_{The only one who could put an end to the matter was not Lu Yan, nor Shan Haiming, but Xiao Ning. Shan Haiming then spoke up from beside him, "What would you like to drink? Is this something you even need to fret over?"}"Get him a glass of juice," Shan Haiming replied with a yawn.

The only one who could put an end to the matter was not Lu Yan, nor Shan Haiming, but Xiao Ning. Shan Haiming then spoke up from beside him, "What would you like to drink? Is this something you even need to fret over?"

_{Before, Xiao Ning would only be like this with him.}
"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.

Before, Xiao Ning would only be like this with him.

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.}These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

_{But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "{Xiao} Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."}"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "Xiao Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."

_{iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.}
"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."

iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

_{It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.}"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.

_{Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.}
Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"

Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.

_{As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.}Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

_{The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.}iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

_{Shan Haiming halted at these words, sweeping his gaze towards Lu Yan with a look bordering on a sigh. It was a look that had his unwillingness to converse with this person out of laze written all over it, with him then cocking his head towards Xiao Ning and saying simply, "Get rid of (him) yourself."}
Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.

Shan Haiming halted at these words, sweeping his gaze towards Lu Yan with a look bordering on a sigh. It was a look that had his unwillingness to converse with this person out of laze written all over it, with him then cocking his head towards Xiao Ning and saying simply, "Get rid of (him) yourself."

_{Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"}
A strange sense of unease blossomed within Xiao Ning at the sight, his gaze then turning towards Shan Haiming. But the other man showed no interest in the things behind him, nor did his steps pause in the long stream of people.

Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"

_{Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice.}Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"

Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

_{It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.}
"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.

_{Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"}Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."

Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"

_{"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"}"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"

_{"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."}"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"

"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

_{"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."}
"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

_{As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.}Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

_{And Lu Yan who kept paying attention from the side was left without words too.}
"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.

And Lu Yan who kept paying attention from the side was left without words too.

_{These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?}
"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

_{Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.}When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.

_{Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice.}As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

_{But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "Xiao Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."}
It was a coincidence. Lu Yan's company was a well-known leader in the industry with an outstanding reputation, so it wasn't unreasonable to expect Shan Haiming to find his company to work with.

But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "Xiao Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."

_{Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.}After the plane finally took off, Shan Haiming, who had actually fallen asleep by then, was awakened by turbulence. Then, while his head was still in a haze, he pressed a kiss on Xiao Ning, who was right beside him, then called the flight attendant to say, "I'd like a glass of water, thank you."

Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

_{But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.}Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.

But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

_{Not even the word was something his mind was willing to conjure.}
Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."

Not even the word was something his mind was willing to conjure.

_{It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.}After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.

It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.

_{Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.}It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.

Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.

_{"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."}
Xiao Ning also felt a bit awkward as well. "Yeah, this is my—"

"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."

_{"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."}Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

_{It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.}Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.

_{{These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?}}After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.

These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

_{Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"}
"I'm his boyfriend. I wasn't aware you and Xiao Ning knew one another. If I did, I would've let you guys get a couple more percentage points of the profits." His tone was warm nor cold as he said this, and all he did afterwards, was extend an arm to rest on the small of Xiao Ning's back before lightly nudging him as a signal for him to walk forward, while towards Lu Yan he hadn't given so much as a glance.

Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

_{Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."}Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."

_{His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.}"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

_{After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.}
Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.

After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.

_{Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"}
Lu Yan then strode forward and grabbed Xiao Ning by the arm. "President Shan, Xiao Ning will be coming with me."

Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"

_{But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "{Xiao} Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."}"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."

But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "Xiao Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."

_{Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.}Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"

Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

_{"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."}Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"

"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."

_{Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice.}
Shan Haiming halted at these words, sweeping his gaze towards Lu Yan with a look bordering on a sigh. It was a look that had his unwillingness to converse with this person out of laze written all over it, with him then cocking his head towards Xiao Ning and saying simply, "Get rid of (him) yourself."

Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

_N/A"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.

N/A

_{{In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?}}"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

_{Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.}Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.

Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

_{The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.}
Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."

The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.

_{"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.}Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"

"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.

_{When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.}
After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.

When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.

_N/AAfter they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.

N/A

_{But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.}
Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

_{Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.}"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.

_{Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."}Shan Haiming halted at these words, sweeping his gaze towards Lu Yan with a look bordering on a sigh. It was a look that had his unwillingness to converse with this person out of laze written all over it, with him then cocking his head towards Xiao Ning and saying simply, "Get rid of (him) yourself."

Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."

_{As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.}As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.

_{"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."}
In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

_{Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.}After saying this, he gently wriggled his hand free, much to Lu Yan's surprise. And since Lu Yan hadn't used that much strength to hold him, a light tug was all Xiao Ning needed to break himself free. The moment he did, Shan Haiming was already there to take his other hand to lead him away, paying no mind at all to the sea of curious eyes that were now turning their way.

Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.

_{"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.}The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.

"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

_{When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.}"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.

When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.

_{"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.}
It felt as though Lu Yan's eyes were still on him from behind, which made Xiao Ning's steps grow increasingly more hesitant.

"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.

_{Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.}A strange sense of unease blossomed within Xiao Ning at the sight, his gaze then turning towards Shan Haiming. But the other man showed no interest in the things behind him, nor did his steps pause in the long stream of people.

Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

_{Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.}Except for me.

Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

_{The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.}But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

_{Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.}
His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.

_{Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice.}His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

_{As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.}Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

_{Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.}
"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."

Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

_{Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."}"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.

Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."

_{Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.}
Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."

Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.

_{"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."}"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

_{Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.}The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

_{Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"}Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"

_{Except for me.}
"Then be prepared to become someone who prioritizes their lover over their friends," Shan Haiming replied indifferently.

Except for me.

_{Xiao Ning also felt a bit awkward as well. "Yeah, this is my—"}Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.

Xiao Ning also felt a bit awkward as well. "Yeah, this is my—"

_{The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.}
Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?

The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

_{Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.}iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

_{As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.}
With this thought, Xiao Ning let out a sigh. "Where are we going? We have to pick up our boarding passes first."

As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.

_{On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.}Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.

_{"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"}
"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.

"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"

_{"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."}
After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.

"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."

_{{Except for me.}}Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

Except for me.

_{"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."}Except for me.

"Xiao Ning." Wang Hua rolled down the window. "Hop on, I'll be driving you guys to the airport."

_{In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?}
The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

_{Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.}Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

_N/A
Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.

N/A

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.}Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.

The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

_Meet
His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

Meet

_{From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.}
Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.

From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.

_{"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."}And Lu Yan who kept paying attention from the side was left without words too.

"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."

_{{These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?}}The service given in first-class was especially considerate. Xiao Ning was not used to it, and Shan Haiming had gone straight to sleep as soon as he got on the plane, so Xiao Ning was left to deal with the flight attendant's greeting all on his own.

These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

_{"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.}
From beside Lu Yan, the flight attendant gently urged, "Hello, sir, do you know where your seat is located?

"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

_{The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! {The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!}}Lu Yan then strode forward and grabbed Xiao Ning by the arm. "President Shan, Xiao Ning will be coming with me."

The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!

_{{Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?}}Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?

_{{These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?}}His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

_{Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"}
"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"

_{Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.}His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

_{"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."}The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.

"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

_{It was a coincidence. Lu Yan's company was a well-known leader in the industry with an outstanding reputation, so it wasn't unreasonable to expect Shan Haiming to find his company to work with.}"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

It was a coincidence. Lu Yan's company was a well-known leader in the industry with an outstanding reputation, so it wasn't unreasonable to expect Shan Haiming to find his company to work with.

_{Lu Yan then strode forward and grabbed Xiao Ning by the arm. "President Shan, Xiao Ning will be coming with me."}
Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

Lu Yan then strode forward and grabbed Xiao Ning by the arm. "President Shan, Xiao Ning will be coming with me."

_{From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.}"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.

_{Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?}
These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

_{It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.}
But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.

_{Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?}
From his shoulder, Shan Haiming moved his head.

Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?

_{But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.}Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

_{While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...}
It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.

While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...

_{"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.}Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.

_{His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.}Not even the word was something his mind was willing to conjure.

His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

_{"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."}
Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."

_{"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."}But it was nonetheless Lu Yan's decision to make so he kept his lips zipped as it wasn't his place to intervene. The first-class cabin had only two rows of seats on both sides, so LuYan had to sit in the opposing aisle since he and Shan Haiming had occupied both seats.

"Keep walking forward." Shan Haiming walked a bit further ahead, his pace also quickening, making it now seem as though Xiao Ning was completely being led. "Don't look back."

_{"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."}These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

_{Wang-{ge}." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"}Noticing Shan Haiming was already quite far ahead, Xiao Ning hurried to catch up. "You're by the entrance?"

Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"

_{"I'm his boyfriend. I wasn't aware you and Xiao Ning knew one another.}
As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

"I'm his boyfriend. I wasn't aware you and Xiao Ning knew one another. If I did, I would've let you guys get a couple more percentage points of the profits." His tone was warm nor cold as he said this, and all he did afterwards, was extend an arm to rest on the small of Xiao Ning's back before lightly nudging him as a signal for him to walk forward, while towards Lu Yan he hadn't given so much as a glance.

_{While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...}"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...

_{Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.}Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

Xiao Ning then looked down at his watch and sent Lu Yan a message saying he would contact him again when they arrived at the airport.

_{Even Xia Li had borne Lu Yan's grudges. {First, it was that kid who had no damn sense, then it was the Shan bastard popping out of nowhere to screw everything up.}}Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

Even Xia Li had borne Lu Yan's grudges. First, it was that kid who had no damn sense, then it was the Shan bastard popping out of nowhere to screw everything up.

_{Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."}
After the plane finally took off, Shan Haiming, who had actually fallen asleep by then, was awakened by turbulence. Then, while his head was still in a haze, he pressed a kiss on Xiao Ning, who was right beside him, then called the flight attendant to say, "I'd like a glass of water, thank you."

Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."

_{The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! {The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!}}After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.

The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!

_{"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.}Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.

"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.

_{Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.}
The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.

Lu Yan gave no smile in return for his, however, instead, it shifted from Xiao Ning to the closed-eyed head of Shan Haiming that was resting on Xiao Ning's shoulder. He stared for a while, then again looked at Xiao Ning, but in the end, he still said nothing.

_{Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.}Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.

_{After the plane finally took off, Shan Haiming, who had actually fallen asleep by then, was awakened by turbulence. Then, while his head was still in a haze, he pressed a kiss on Xiao Ning, who was right beside him, then called the flight attendant to say, "I'd like a glass of water, thank you."}
And Lu Yan who kept paying attention from the side was left without words too.

After the plane finally took off, Shan Haiming, who had actually fallen asleep by then, was awakened by turbulence. Then, while his head was still in a haze, he pressed a kiss on Xiao Ning, who was right beside him, then called the flight attendant to say, "I'd like a glass of water, thank you."

_{While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...}It was a coincidence. Lu Yan's company was a well-known leader in the industry with an outstanding reputation, so it wasn't unreasonable to expect Shan Haiming to find his company to work with.

While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...

_{Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.}
Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

Xiao Ning wanted to say why bother, as it was only a two-hour flight.

_{After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.}Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.

After they got their tickets, Shan Haiming leisurely took Xiaoning to get some dinner, then they took a stroll before boarding the plane.

_{{In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?}}On the 30th of April, despite the employees being physically at the company, all their hearts were somewhere else.

In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

_{Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.}"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

_{From beside Lu Yan, the flight attendant gently urged, "Hello, sir, do you know where your seat is located?}
"Get him a glass of juice," Shan Haiming replied with a yawn.

From beside Lu Yan, the flight attendant gently urged, "Hello, sir, do you know where your seat is located?

_{When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.}As for Lu Yan, he pressed his lips into line from beside them, turning away and did not look their way again.

When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.

_{"Get him a glass of juice," Shan Haiming replied with a yawn.}
But Lu Yan interjected from beside them with a frown, "Xiao Ning doesn't like to drink that sort of thing, just get him a cup of hot water."

"Get him a glass of juice," Shan Haiming replied with a yawn.

_{"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.}The caught off guard Xiao Ning was speechless.

"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

_{"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."}Even Xia Li had borne Lu Yan's grudges. First, it was that kid who had no damn sense, then it was the Shan bastard popping out of nowhere to screw everything up.

"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."

_{Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.}
Because of this, the attendant had to stop in her tracks, and then, with much embarrassment, ask the opinion of the man in question himself. "Sir, may I ask what you would like to drink?"

Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

_{With this thought, Xiao Ning let out a sigh. "Where are we going? We have to pick up our boarding passes first."}
Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

With this thought, Xiao Ning let out a sigh. "Where are we going? We have to pick up our boarding passes first."

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}
The only one who could put an end to the matter was not Lu Yan, nor Shan Haiming, but Xiao Ning. Shan Haiming then spoke up from beside him, "What would you like to drink? Is this something you even need to fret over?"

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.}Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

_{{Except for me.}}Xiao Ning had already made a list of things he would bring back for this guy's family earlier, and he went on to reply, "I was planning to come see you guys when I came back. Are you all planning to go anywhere special over the holidays?"

Except for me.

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.}
His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

Before the plane took off, there was a person who walked past Xiao Ning whose halted figure made Xiao Ning look up.

_{His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.}"That niece of yours is currently a real riot. When are you planning to drop by to visit her, anyhow?" Wang Hua chuckled as he spoke, while his attitude showed no change at all.

His neck twisted slightly, seeming to want to look back, but the hand grasping his own had also tightened.

_{Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"}In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

_{Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.}From beside Lu Yan, the flight attendant gently urged, "Hello, sir, do you know where your seat is located?

Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

_{"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.}
While Lu Yan, in that instant, had no words as heart ached. Never had he expected Xiao Ning to have been so properly tamed by Shan Haiming. For the life of him, he couldn't understand how those two had met, nor how they could've become... become...

"To check-in." Shan Haiming led him to the VIP lounge at the airport, then found someone to go check their luggage and also upgraded both of their tickets to first class.

_{{Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?}}"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

Isn't that how it already seems in Lu Yan's eyes?

_{Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.}His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

Xiao Ning had never used such a procedure before so he just remained silent.

_{Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."}
Not even the word was something his mind was willing to conjure.

Xiao Ning bit his lips, remaining silent for a while before saying with a bitter smile, "He's still my friend."

_{"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."}His mood was mixed as he locked eyes with Lu Yan, resulting him out of awkwardness, putting on a smile.

"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

_{"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.}Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."

"President Shan?" Lu Yan was a bit dismayed.

_{Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.}
Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

Shan Haiming did not comment on this decision of Xiao Ning's and Wang Hua kept driving straight to the airport. On the way there, Shan Haiming made a call and reported the two's identification numbers, handling their boarding passes directly.

_{{These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?}}Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

These two are both such a rich and impulsive bunch, huh?

_{As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.}Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.

_{Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.}
As he stared at Shan Haiming's performance-like attitude, Lu Yan couldn't help but spit out one curse after another. Xiao Ning was a gentle person, but he was bad at getting close to others, and his safety zone was very narrow. Forget about taking the initiative to get close to people, even if he was approached by others, he would unconsciously retreat.

Because of Shan Haiming's words, Xiao Ning had said those things without thinking too much about them. But while he was walking away, the image of Lu Yan's wounded expression flashed before his eyes. It was so helpless, so shattered, that his image was all the more pronounced, and as a result, the impact it had on Xiao Ning was far too great.

_{Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.}iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

Xiao Ning felt as though the air was filled with pins and needles that caused a prickling type of pain. And even though he walked along with Shan Haiming, his uncertain gaze still found its way back to Lu Yan.

_{iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.}Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

_{"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.}
Except for me.

"Well, Mr. Shan, Xiao Ning, I'll be taking my leave now. You two have fun, alright?" Wang Hua waved them both before he drove away. Then while standing on the steps, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone again.

_{Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.}Xiao Ning's mood wasn't too far off from the flight attendant's, because in such a strangely awkward atmosphere, he had no interest in causing someone to lose face. And it wasn't like he could just ask the flight attendant to bring him both the juice and the water... could he?

Xiao Ning also had no idea what to say at that moment, and regardless of him sleeping or not, he did not want to disturb Shan Haiming.

_{Wang-{ge}." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"}His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

Wang-ge." After Xiao Ning got into the back seat with ShanHaiming, he looked at him and Shan Haiming sent him a nod, indicating Wang Hua knew. "Are my sister-in-law and my niece doing alright?"

_{"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."}When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

_{"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.}
Lu Yan kept staring at Shan Haiming whispering in Xiao Ning's ear, sleeping on Xiao Ning's shoulder... It took him a lifetime's worth of restraint to keep still without doing anything.

"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.

_{"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."}Anyhow, Lu Yan's face was currently contorted into something rather strange as his gaze switched from Xiao Ning to Shan Haiming and back a couple of times. "You... Xiao Ning, is this..."

"I want to upgrade to first-class, so please help me do so."

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}"Okay." Xiao Ning pulled his suitcase while he made a call and followed Shan Haiming inside. "Hi, Lu Yan? Are you here yet? We're going to check in first then go eat, so have you eaten? We're..."

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_Meet"There's no need." Shan Haiming then towards Lu Yan, his gaze indifferent as he gave a light nod. "Manager Lu."

Meet

_{Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.}
Before, Xiao Ning would only be like this with him.

Lifting his head, he then saw Lu Yan striding over his way all imposing and fierce.

_{{In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?}}It was clear he hadn't fallen asleep, nor did he care about revealing his relationship with Xiao Ning to any stranger or any acquaintance. His head lay on Xiao Ning's very comfortably, seeming as though he had no plans to open his eyes or say a word.

In all the years we've known each other, have I ever seen Lu Yan make that kind of face?

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}"Aren't we queuing up?" Xiao Ning asked from behind him.

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.}"You two know each other?" Xiao Ning asked in shock. As a result, Shan Haiming went on to explain. "The marketing for my company's Yao Jia Hua Ting property has been entrusted to his company."

When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.

_{Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."}
The anger boiling within him was threatening to drive him mad! The one who was supposed to be with Xiao Ning was me! How did things turn into something so unrecognisable in less than the blink of an eye!

Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."

_{"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"}Wearing a smile, the flight attendant then asked, "Um... alright, sir. Please wait a moment. Would the other gentleman like anything as well?"

"We weren't planning to since Yating is still too young to go anywhere." Wang Hua then asked, "Are you guys going to eat at the airport, or are you going to find another place to eat at on the way?"

_{When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.}Xiao Ning also felt a bit awkward as well. "Yeah, this is my—"

When they arrived at the airport, they did have a lot of stuff, but it was more than enough for them to carry themselves as two grown men. So at this point, Shan Haiming had let Wang Hua go.

_{The only one who could put an end to the matter was not Lu Yan, nor Shan Haiming, but Xiao Ning. Shan Haiming then spoke up from beside him, "What would you like to drink? Is this something you even need to fret over?"}
Even Xia Li had borne Lu Yan's grudges. First, it was that kid who had no damn sense, then it was the Shan bastard popping out of nowhere to screw everything up.

The only one who could put an end to the matter was not Lu Yan, nor Shan Haiming, but Xiao Ning. Shan Haiming then spoke up from beside him, "What would you like to drink? Is this something you even need to fret over?"

_{His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."}
When the flight attendant came to ask Lu Yan what he would like, he just coldly replied he he was fine. Then the window was given his attention, as he did his best to avoid viewing the intimate displays in the seats across from him.

His voice sounded the same as it did when his hand was pressed against Xiao Ning's back at the airport, allowing Xiao Ning to easily say to the flight attendant, "I'd like the juice, thank you."

_{Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice.}Xiao Ning was at a loss, wearing a helpless smile as he turned towards Lu Yan and said, "I already bought you your return ticket which is for the evening of May the third. I still have some things to go check-in with Shan Haiming, so you can go ahead first. I'll see you on the flight later."

Soft-hearted and obedient, that was Xiao Ning's personality. So having come across a person like Shan Haiming, whose attitude was impressively domineering, it was only natural Xiao Ning's type would end up devoured, and Lu Yan felt he couldn't just sit by and watch as his friend abandon himself and fall prey to such vice. So resolved to come up with a method to convince Xiao Ning to return to the right path.

_{It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.}And Lu Yan who kept paying attention from the side was left without words too.

It was not easy to slog through the day, and when he was out of the building and waiting at the entrance, Xiao Ning only had to stay there a few minutes before an SUV stopped in front of him.

_{"Then be prepared to become someone who prioritizes their lover over their friends," Shan Haiming replied indifferently.}
Nonetheless, the handrest of his seat was gripped tight, as those indescribable impulses were wrestled into submission, barely restraining the urge to completely lose it right then.

"Then be prepared to become someone who prioritizes their lover over their friends," Shan Haiming replied indifferently.

_{"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.}"We only have a couple of hours, so it's better we just eat at the airport, yeah?" It was going to take them an hour to get to the airport, so even though the food at the airport was expensive and not delicious at all, they had no choice but to eat there to keep their stomachs from being empty.

"We should go eat first." Shan Haiming picked up his luggage.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: The italicised Xiao is the one at means Little that's used in 'nicknames', and Shan Haiming actually called him that. No more floundering in the middle, my Little Ning~ It's time to move forward.

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