The Long Road Ahead: C51

Chapter: 51 | Just a Joke

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Just a Joke

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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￣)

_{With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.}
Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled. It seemed as though she had returned to her former self, back when she and the Shan brothers had grown up as childhood friends. This was how she acted with everyone.

With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.

_{The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."}But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

_{Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. {This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?}}But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

_{Shan Haihong let out a laugh fitting the situation, and Ye Zixin, too, pulled her pursed lips into a smile. If someone was looking in from the wayside, they would have thought nothing except that those four gathered around the table were all having a good time.}
Everyone, except for Xiao Ning.

Shan Haihong let out a laugh fitting the situation, and Ye Zixin, too, pulled her pursed lips into a smile. If someone was looking in from the wayside, they would have thought nothing except that those four gathered around the table were all having a good time.

_{Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. {She pushed me into the water?}}Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

_{But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.}"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

_{But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.}But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

_{So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.}
Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.

So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

_{Ye Zixin kept sucking on a straw, making an indecent sound in her empty glass she seemed to find quite amusing because she pulled on the thing non-stop.}Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

Ye Zixin kept sucking on a straw, making an indecent sound in her empty glass she seemed to find quite amusing because she pulled on the thing non-stop.

_{Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."}Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

_{Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.}Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.

Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

_{Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"}
So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"

_{So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.}But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

_{Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.}"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.

Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

_{Everything happened too fast. His non-swimming self, upon entering the water, had gulped down mouthfuls of water from that pool.}
"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.

Everything happened too fast. His non-swimming self, upon entering the water, had gulped down mouthfuls of water from that pool. He had no time to think, and the act of almost drowning mixed with the pressure of the water pushing down on his chest had caused a swell of panic within him to surge. He floundered, flailed, all four limbs twisting as he struggled. In that moment of his ridiculous and desperate acts, he truly believed he was going to drown. But before he suffocated, someone pulled his body, dragging him out of that pool with ease.

_{The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"}But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed. His kick was as smooth as the flow of water, and with this naturally swift action, Shan Haihong was launched into the pool.

The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"

_{"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.}The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.

"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

_{"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.}Everyone, except for Xiao Ning.

"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.

_{What about that is a joke? Does this look like some act for a drama on TV?}
They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.

What about that is a joke? Does this look like some act for a drama on TV?

_{Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.}
Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.

Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.

_{In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance.}There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance. But now, he would be counted as a member of the Shan family, too. There are things Shan Haiming and Wu Yi were both doing, but there was no reason for him to not follow suit. So, just for the sake of maintaining Shan Haiming and Wu Yi's face, he was willing to adapt himself to those things too.

_{Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.}Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"

Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.

_{Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.}Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

_{As Ye Zixin had said, it was impossible for anything truly bad to befall him, so all he had suffered was a bit of fear. Hence, he shook his head, hoping to quickly rub away the fear and dread that had been smeared on his face. "No, I'm fine. It's just a bit of shock and nothing more. I'd like to go get changed, though. Can you come with me?"}
"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

As Ye Zixin had said, it was impossible for anything truly bad to befall him, so all he had suffered was a bit of fear. Hence, he shook his head, hoping to quickly rub away the fear and dread that had been smeared on his face. "No, I'm fine. It's just a bit of shock and nothing more. I'd like to go get changed, though. Can you come with me?"

_{Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.}
Shan Haiming didn't go into the water, so he still wore a cardigan with his trunks. And because of her question, his face relaxed into an amused expression as he replied, "You think so?"

Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.

_{Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?}
"Fine. Let's go there tonight, then." Ye Zixin then turned to Shan Haihong, putting on a cute smiling face. "We can, can't we?"

Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

_{So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.}"You guys are seriously..." Shan Haihong shook his head helplessly. "Luckily, it's still summer. Otherwise, you'd catch a cold. Haiming, take Xiao Ning to go wash up. He should be able to wear your clothes, right? If they can't fit, he can borrow some of mine."

So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

_{Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled.}There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled. It seemed as though she had returned to her former self, back when she and the Shan brothers had grown up as childhood friends. This was how she acted with everyone.

_{"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"}
Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"

_{Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."}Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."

_{Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.}
"So we'll all head there together." Ye Zixin beamed as she added, "Alright, that was decided on happily!"

Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.

_{Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.}Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.

_{A fire now raged within Ye Zixin's gaze, one that left Shan Haihong to pierce Shan Haiming. Her face was now bone white, looking like a glazed tile for some unknown reason.}
But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"

A fire now raged within Ye Zixin's gaze, one that left Shan Haihong to pierce Shan Haiming. Her face was now bone white, looking like a glazed tile for some unknown reason.

_{Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.}Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.

_{"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"}Xiao Ning felt tired.

"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"

_{iana: she deserved a kick and jail (that was attempted murder) but that sister-in-law hit even harder Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ}
With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.

iana: she deserved a kick and jail (that was attempted murder) but that sister-in-law hit even harder Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ

_{Everyone, except for Xiao Ning.}
Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

Everyone, except for Xiao Ning.

_{Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.}"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.

_{The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.}Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."

The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.

_{"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.}
"Sure." Xiao Ning kept his answer short and gave a smile. He had no fondness for going to bars of this type any more, and at this time, he also had no interest in going to ruin a girl's fun. "But I'm not that good of a drinker."

"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.

_{"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"}So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"

_{Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."}Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."

_{Shan Haiming didn't go into the water, so he still wore a cardigan with his trunks. And because of her question, his face relaxed into an amused expression as he replied, "You think so?"}
Shan Haiming then whispered from beside him, "Then just do as you like and drink some juice."

Shan Haiming didn't go into the water, so he still wore a cardigan with his trunks. And because of her question, his face relaxed into an amused expression as he replied, "You think so?"

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. {Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}}Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. {She pushed me into the water?}}So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

_{Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."}
Shan Haihong let out a laugh fitting the situation, and Ye Zixin, too, pulled her pursed lips into a smile. If someone was looking in from the wayside, they would have thought nothing except that those four gathered around the table were all having a good time.

Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."

_{"Fine. Let's go there tonight, then." Ye Zixin then turned to Shan Haihong, putting on a cute smiling face. "We can, can't we?"}
Xiao Ning felt tired.

"Fine. Let's go there tonight, then." Ye Zixin then turned to Shan Haihong, putting on a cute smiling face. "We can, can't we?"

_{Shan Haiming then whispered from beside him, "Then just do as you like and drink some juice."}
In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance. But now, he would be counted as a member of the Shan family, too. There are things Shan Haiming and Wu Yi were both doing, but there was no reason for him to not follow suit. So, just for the sake of maintaining Shan Haiming and Wu Yi's face, he was willing to adapt himself to those things too.

Shan Haiming then whispered from beside him, "Then just do as you like and drink some juice."

_{And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.}The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.

And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.

_{After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"}
What's more, Xiao Ning noticed that the tolerance Shan Haiming had for Ye Zixin was higher than what he had when it came to others. After all, she was his childhood sweetheart in their youth.

After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"

_{"Fine. Let's go there tonight, then." Ye Zixin then turned to Shan Haihong, putting on a cute smiling face. "We can, can't we?"}Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

"Fine. Let's go there tonight, then." Ye Zixin then turned to Shan Haihong, putting on a cute smiling face. "We can, can't we?"

_{Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"}Xiao Ning and Ye Zixin were wide-eyed with shock. As for Shan Haihong, unlike Xiao Ning, he could swim, so he immediately found his way back to the surface, anger and disbelief on his face as he asked, "What the hell are you doing?"

Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"

_{Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"}Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"

_{"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"}
So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"

_{And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.}Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.

And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.

_{Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.}The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.

Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.

_{They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.}
"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.

They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.

_{In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance.}But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance. But now, he would be counted as a member of the Shan family, too. There are things Shan Haiming and Wu Yi were both doing, but there was no reason for him to not follow suit. So, just for the sake of maintaining Shan Haiming and Wu Yi's face, he was willing to adapt himself to those things too.

_{Ye Zixin propped her head by the cheek, turning her face to the side to stare at the departing figure disappearing behind the glass door. She said nothing, only kicking up her feet, never throwing so much as a glance Xiao Ning's way before she stood up, too. She then slowly made her way over to the poolside, stopping at the edge where she now stood and peered into the water.}
Ye Zixin kept sucking on a straw, making an indecent sound in her empty glass she seemed to find quite amusing because she pulled on the thing non-stop.

Ye Zixin propped her head by the cheek, turning her face to the side to stare at the departing figure disappearing behind the glass door. She said nothing, only kicking up her feet, never throwing so much as a glance Xiao Ning's way before she stood up, too. She then slowly made her way over to the poolside, stopping at the edge where she now stood and peered into the water.

_{So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.}As Ye Zixin had said, it was impossible for anything truly bad to befall him, so all he had suffered was a bit of fear. Hence, he shook his head, hoping to quickly rub away the fear and dread that had been smeared on his face. "No, I'm fine. It's just a bit of shock and nothing more. I'd like to go get changed, though. Can you come with me?"

So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

_{The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"}"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"

The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"

_{Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.}
But Shan Haiming reached over to pull the straw from her lips and chided, "Alright. That's enough."

Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.

_{Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.}Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.

_{The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.}
The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.

_N/A
But before he could, Shan Haiming picked up the jug and walked inside before him, doing it in his stead.

N/A

_{So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.}
Ye Zixin propped her head by the cheek, turning her face to the side to stare at the departing figure disappearing behind the glass door. She said nothing, only kicking up her feet, never throwing so much as a glance Xiao Ning's way before she stood up, too. She then slowly made her way over to the poolside, stopping at the edge where she now stood and peered into the water.

So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

_{The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.}So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.

_{But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.}Her method of disregarding him was rather clever. It was the kind that would be noticeable but not to the degree where you would be embarrassed directly to your face. This aspect was also due to Xiao Ning's discerning eyes, but she would never get close to him for the sake of causing embarrassment outright.

But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

_{"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.}Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled. It seemed as though she had returned to her former self, back when she and the Shan brothers had grown up as childhood friends. This was how she acted with everyone.

"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

_{But then, Xiao Ning sneezed.}
Xiao Ning also took no initiative to start a conversation with her, but, oddly enough, it was she who had started talking as she gazed into the water. "What's that?"

But then, Xiao Ning sneezed.

_{Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. {This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?}}"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

_{Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.}The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.

_{Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."}
There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."

_{Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."}After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"

Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."

_{With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.}But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.

_{"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.}Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

_{Xiao Ning also took no initiative to start a conversation with her, but, oddly enough, it was she who had started talking as she gazed into the water. "What's that?"}
But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

Xiao Ning also took no initiative to start a conversation with her, but, oddly enough, it was she who had started talking as she gazed into the water. "What's that?"

_{"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon.}
Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"

"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

_{Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"}But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

Ye Zixin glanced at him through the corner of her eye, not knowing what to think, but then, she surprisingly replied. "I'm not sure. Can you come over to take a look?"

_{Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."}
Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."

_{"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.}There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}
But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.}Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.

_{Just a Joke}Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

Just a Joke

_{Shan Haiming nodded at his question, then released his hand. Xiao Ning was a bit surprised by his actions but thought it was because he would be leading the way.}
Everything happened too fast. His non-swimming self, upon entering the water, had gulped down mouthfuls of water from that pool. He had no time to think, and the act of almost drowning mixed with the pressure of the water pushing down on his chest had caused a swell of panic within him to surge. He floundered, flailed, all four limbs twisting as he struggled. In that moment of his ridiculous and desperate acts, he truly believed he was going to drown. But before he suffocated, someone pulled his body, dragging him out of that pool with ease.

Shan Haiming nodded at his question, then released his hand. Xiao Ning was a bit surprised by his actions but thought it was because he would be leading the way.

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. {Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}}"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled.}Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled. It seemed as though she had returned to her former self, back when she and the Shan brothers had grown up as childhood friends. This was how she acted with everyone.

_{A fire now raged within Ye Zixin's gaze, one that left Shan Haihong to pierce Shan Haiming. Her face was now bone white, looking like a glazed tile for some unknown reason.}Xiao Ning felt tired.

A fire now raged within Ye Zixin's gaze, one that left Shan Haihong to pierce Shan Haiming. Her face was now bone white, looking like a glazed tile for some unknown reason.

_{Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.}
The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"

Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

_{The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."}Shan Haiming didn't go into the water, so he still wore a cardigan with his trunks. And because of her question, his face relaxed into an amused expression as he replied, "You think so?"

The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

_{Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.}
Usually, when Shan Haiming was fine, he would converse in a manner that was calm and composed. But when he was not fine, the way in which he spoke would be contemptuous, demanding, or riddled with taunts. Still very much spoken in a restrained voice, and still exuding gratuitous amounts of haughtiness. So right then, it was Xiao Ning's first time ever hearing this man roar at someone so loudly.

Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.

_{Because Shan Haiming had helped pull Xiao Ning out of the pool, then up, to his feet, his body was also soaked. The water was the only thing moving on his body with its endless dripping, as his features remained rigid this entire time before he twisted his head and asked with a frown, "Are you hurt anywhere?"}
The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.

Because Shan Haiming had helped pull Xiao Ning out of the pool, then up, to his feet, his body was also soaked. The water was the only thing moving on his body with its endless dripping, as his features remained rigid this entire time before he twisted his head and asked with a frown, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

_{And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.}But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.

_{But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."}
"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

_{Those words seemed to have hit the young woman well beyond her ability to take them, so Ye Zixin could only cover her mouth with her hands and stare at Shan Haiming with incredulity. "How... How can you say that to me... I never—"}Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

Those words seemed to have hit the young woman well beyond her ability to take them, so Ye Zixin could only cover her mouth with her hands and stare at Shan Haiming with incredulity. "How... How can you say that to me... I never—"

_{But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"}But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"

But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"

_{"Sure." Xiao Ning kept his answer short and gave a smile. He had no fondness for going to bars of this type any more, and at this time, he also had no interest in going to ruin a girl's fun. "But I'm not that good of a drinker."}
Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"

"Sure." Xiao Ning kept his answer short and gave a smile. He had no fondness for going to bars of this type any more, and at this time, he also had no interest in going to ruin a girl's fun. "But I'm not that good of a drinker."

_{"Sure." Xiao Ning kept his answer short and gave a smile. He had no fondness for going to bars of this type any more, and at this time, he also had no interest in going to ruin a girl's fun. "But I'm not that good of a drinker."}"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

"Sure." Xiao Ning kept his answer short and gave a smile. He had no fondness for going to bars of this type any more, and at this time, he also had no interest in going to ruin a girl's fun. "But I'm not that good of a drinker."

_{Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.}
Xiao Ning now realised it was Ye Zixin who had pushed him. She pushed me into the water?

Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.

_{And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.}
What about that is a joke? Does this look like some act for a drama on TV?

And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.

_N/AShan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"

N/A

_{In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance.}Shan Haiming nodded at his question, then released his hand. Xiao Ning was a bit surprised by his actions but thought it was because he would be leading the way.

In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance. But now, he would be counted as a member of the Shan family, too. There are things Shan Haiming and Wu Yi were both doing, but there was no reason for him to not follow suit. So, just for the sake of maintaining Shan Haiming and Wu Yi's face, he was willing to adapt himself to those things too.

_{Those words seemed to have hit the young woman well beyond her ability to take them, so Ye Zixin could only cover her mouth with her hands and stare at Shan Haiming with incredulity. "How... How can you say that to me... I never—"}
As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

Those words seemed to have hit the young woman well beyond her ability to take them, so Ye Zixin could only cover her mouth with her hands and stare at Shan Haiming with incredulity. "How... How can you say that to me... I never—"

_{Just a Joke}
Ye Zixin then asked, "What are you even talking about? What could I even plan on doing to him when the pool is this small? It's not like he couldn't find his way to the edge eventually. Besides, it's still broad daylight and the house is filled with people, so if there's any emergency, someone was bound to come rushing."

Just a Joke

_{"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"}Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"

_{"You guys are seriously..." Shan Haihong shook his head helplessly. "Luckily, it's still summer. Otherwise, you'd catch a cold. Haiming, take Xiao Ning to go wash up. He should be able to wear your clothes, right? If they can't fit, he can borrow some of mine."}
Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.

"You guys are seriously..." Shan Haihong shook his head helplessly. "Luckily, it's still summer. Otherwise, you'd catch a cold. Haiming, take Xiao Ning to go wash up. He should be able to wear your clothes, right? If they can't fit, he can borrow some of mine."

_{So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.}Xiao Ning and Ye Zixin were wide-eyed with shock. As for Shan Haihong, unlike Xiao Ning, he could swim, so he immediately found his way back to the surface, anger and disbelief on his face as he asked, "What the hell are you doing?"

So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

_{But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.}
"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"

But while he stared, he saw nothing of the sort and instead was greeted by the strong force of something shoving him from behind. His body, which was already leaning, had no way of steadying after his centre of gravity was lost. So just like this, Xiao Ning fell head-first into that shimmering blue pool.

_{"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.}iana: she deserved a kick and jail (that was attempted murder) but that sister-in-law hit even harder Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ

"Do you guys remember the first time you took me to that bar? I have no idea if it's still open now, but the cocktails the owner made were absolutely delicious!" Dressed in a bathing suit, Ye Zixin leaned against the white European-styled metal table, her exposed skin shining brightly under the sunlight.

_{They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.}But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed. His kick was as smooth as the flow of water, and with this naturally swift action, Shan Haihong was launched into the pool.

They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.

_{The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."}Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.

The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

_{Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled.}
Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."

Ye Zixin and Shan Haihong had begun their couple-up phase, so every time Xiao Ning went over to the Shan's with Shan Haiming, he ran into her, too. But unlike before, when she treated the Shan family members indifferently, she now chatted with them and even smiled. It seemed as though she had returned to her former self, back when she and the Shan brothers had grown up as childhood friends. This was how she acted with everyone.

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. {Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}}There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"}
"You guys are seriously..." Shan Haihong shook his head helplessly. "Luckily, it's still summer. Otherwise, you'd catch a cold. Haiming, take Xiao Ning to go wash up. He should be able to wear your clothes, right? If they can't fit, he can borrow some of mine."

Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"

_{Ye Zixin then asked, "What are you even talking about? What could I even plan on doing to him when the pool is this small? It's not like he couldn't find his way to the edge eventually. Besides, it's still broad daylight and the house is filled with people, so if there's any emergency, someone was bound to come rushing."}
Because Shan Haiming had helped pull Xiao Ning out of the pool, then up, to his feet, his body was also soaked. The water was the only thing moving on his body with its endless dripping, as his features remained rigid this entire time before he twisted his head and asked with a frown, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

Ye Zixin then asked, "What are you even talking about? What could I even plan on doing to him when the pool is this small? It's not like he couldn't find his way to the edge eventually. Besides, it's still broad daylight and the house is filled with people, so if there's any emergency, someone was bound to come rushing."

_{Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.}Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

_{"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon.}Shan Haihong let out a laugh fitting the situation, and Ye Zixin, too, pulled her pursed lips into a smile. If someone was looking in from the wayside, they would have thought nothing except that those four gathered around the table were all having a good time.

"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. {Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}}Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.}
As Ye Zixin had said, it was impossible for anything truly bad to befall him, so all he had suffered was a bit of fear. Hence, he shook his head, hoping to quickly rub away the fear and dread that had been smeared on his face. "No, I'm fine. It's just a bit of shock and nothing more. I'd like to go get changed, though. Can you come with me?"

"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.

_{"So we'll all head there together." Ye Zixin beamed as she added, "Alright, that was decided on happily!"}What's more, Xiao Ning noticed that the tolerance Shan Haiming had for Ye Zixin was higher than what he had when it came to others. After all, she was his childhood sweetheart in their youth.

"So we'll all head there together." Ye Zixin beamed as she added, "Alright, that was decided on happily!"

_{Ye Zixin propped her head by the cheek, turning her face to the side to stare at the departing figure disappearing behind the glass door. She said nothing, only kicking up her feet, never throwing so much as a glance Xiao Ning's way before she stood up, too. She then slowly made her way over to the poolside, stopping at the edge where she now stood and peered into the water.}Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.

Ye Zixin propped her head by the cheek, turning her face to the side to stare at the departing figure disappearing behind the glass door. She said nothing, only kicking up her feet, never throwing so much as a glance Xiao Ning's way before she stood up, too. She then slowly made her way over to the poolside, stopping at the edge where she now stood and peered into the water.

_{Xiao Ning felt tired.}"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

Xiao Ning felt tired.

_{Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.}
Shan Haiming nodded at his question, then released his hand. Xiao Ning was a bit surprised by his actions but thought it was because he would be leading the way.

Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

_{Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.}But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed. His kick was as smooth as the flow of water, and with this naturally swift action, Shan Haihong was launched into the pool.

Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

_{So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.}Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.

So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

_{Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."}But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

Xiao Ning was lifted to his feet by Shan Haiming with little effort, and he then replied with a chuckle. "I was just joking around with Miss Ye."

_{But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"}
But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed. His kick was as smooth as the flow of water, and with this naturally swift action, Shan Haihong was launched into the pool.

But after hesitating for a few seconds, Xiao Ning decided it was better for him to be embarrassed instead of the girl, so he walked over and replied in return, "Is there something in there?"

_{Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."}Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.

Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

_{Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.}Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

Xiao Ning couldn't swim, so he hadn't worn a pair of swimming trunks. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a pair of casual linen trousers, and beside the three, he remained quiet and took up the role of the good listener.

_{The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.}Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."

The shock that overtook him was so strong he had even forgotten to cough.

_{Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.}
None of the three ever had an inkling that the wooden-faced Shan Haiming would pull such a move. His kick was fierce, and Shan Haiming had no time to react, so he could only accept the blow. He and Ye Zixin had been standing with their backs to the pool, so upon receiving the kick, he fell backwards into the water.

Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

_{None of the three ever had an inkling that the wooden-faced Shan Haiming would pull such a move. His kick was fierce, and Shan Haiming had no time to react, so he could only accept the blow. He and Ye Zixin had been standing with their backs to the pool, so upon receiving the kick, he fell backwards into the water.}
Xiao Ning and Ye Zixin were wide-eyed with shock. As for Shan Haihong, unlike Xiao Ning, he could swim, so he immediately found his way back to the surface, anger and disbelief on his face as he asked, "What the hell are you doing?"

None of the three ever had an inkling that the wooden-faced Shan Haiming would pull such a move. His kick was fierce, and Shan Haiming had no time to react, so he could only accept the blow. He and Ye Zixin had been standing with their backs to the pool, so upon receiving the kick, he fell backwards into the water.

_{"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon.}Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."

"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

_{After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"}Ye Zixin then asked, "What are you even talking about? What could I even plan on doing to him when the pool is this small? It's not like he couldn't find his way to the edge eventually. Besides, it's still broad daylight and the house is filled with people, so if there's any emergency, someone was bound to come rushing."

After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"

_{But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"}
Shan Haiming stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at him as he stated, "I'm just joking."

But then Shan Haiming asked Xiao Ning, "Would you like to go?"

_{"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.}
After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"

"I was just playing around. It was just a joke," Ye Zixin, from the side, then answered.

_{"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.}Xiao Ning felt an inexplicable sensation—a mix of confusion with a dash of intrigue, topped off with shock at the unexpected favour—as he stood next to her and leaned forward at the edge of the pool to look.

"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.

_{Xiao Ning felt tired.}
A fire now raged within Ye Zixin's gaze, one that left Shan Haihong to pierce Shan Haiming. Her face was now bone white, looking like a glazed tile for some unknown reason.

Xiao Ning felt tired.

_{They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.}What about that is a joke? Does this look like some act for a drama on TV?

They were currently at a villa of the Shan's located in the suburbs, one much larger than the one in the city they owned. So here, in the garden and beside a sparklingly clean pool, the two couples sat under the shade.

_{Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.}
But then, Xiao Ning sneezed.

Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

_{Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."}
Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

Shan Haihong looked at her dotingly as he responded, "Yeah."

_{The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."}None of the three ever had an inkling that the wooden-faced Shan Haiming would pull such a move. His kick was fierce, and Shan Haiming had no time to react, so he could only accept the blow. He and Ye Zixin had been standing with their backs to the pool, so upon receiving the kick, he fell backwards into the water.

The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

_{What's more, Xiao Ning noticed that the tolerance Shan Haiming had for Ye Zixin was higher than what he had when it came to others. After all, she was his childhood sweetheart in their youth.}
Every corner of his face was drenched in water, and every time he wiped his face, it would be drenched again a second later. At this point, he couldn't help but feel as though the words "I'm done. I quit" were written out on his features, big and bold.

What's more, Xiao Ning noticed that the tolerance Shan Haiming had for Ye Zixin was higher than what he had when it came to others. After all, she was his childhood sweetheart in their youth.

_{After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"}But Shan Haiming reached over to pull the straw from her lips and chided, "Alright. That's enough."

After saying this, he turned to Ye Zixin. "Sister-in-law, is this funny too?"

_{But before he could, Shan Haiming picked up the jug and walked inside before him, doing it in his stead.}
Knowing their masters had a falling out, the servants all understandingly withdrew their gazes. While Xiao Ning was almost pulled by Shan Haiming up the stairs. But a short while afterwards, clacking footsteps could be heard chasing behind them.

But before he could, Shan Haiming picked up the jug and walked inside before him, doing it in his stead.

_{Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?}
Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

_{So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.}"You guys are seriously..." Shan Haihong shook his head helplessly. "Luckily, it's still summer. Otherwise, you'd catch a cold. Haiming, take Xiao Ning to go wash up. He should be able to wear your clothes, right? If they can't fit, he can borrow some of mine."

So now, especially so, Ye Zixin was rather fond of reminiscing their past memories. Thus, even if Xiao Ning wanted to join in on the conversation, there was nothing for him to say.

_{Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. {This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?}}As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

_{Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"}Shan Haihong then asked, "That bar is members only, and the decor is of especially good taste. The red wine there is pretty good, so would you like to come with us and check it out, Xiao Ning?"

Shan Haiming no longer shouted, the tone of his voice barrelling towards the depths into one that was now ice-cold. "He cannot swim, yet you pushed him into two metres of water. And to that, all you have to say is that it was all just a joke?"

_{"So we'll all head there together." Ye Zixin beamed as she added, "Alright, that was decided on happily!"}
"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"

"So we'll all head there together." Ye Zixin beamed as she added, "Alright, that was decided on happily!"

_{But Shan Haiming reached over to pull the straw from her lips and chided, "Alright. That's enough."}
The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.

But Shan Haiming reached over to pull the straw from her lips and chided, "Alright. That's enough."

_{As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. {Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.}}"How would you know when you were such a lightweight? You got drunk after only one drink and were even making noise to drink more." Shan Haihong's lips tugged into a smile as spoke, his handsome face now possessing the the kind of tenderness that would only rarely make a woman not swoon. But it appeared Ye Zixin was either unaware or simply used to it, because all she did was prop her chin on her folded hands and lean over to take a sip of her watermelon juice from her straw. It was an act which added a bit of liveliness to her that was not normally seen. "Even so, I can remember the drink quite well. Isn't that right, Haiming?"

As an ordinary person who had never done so much as run a red light, being faced with such a situation had imbued Xiao Ning with a profound sense of it all being surreal. Pushing someone into the water like that... none of it was realistic.

_{Ye Zixin kept sucking on a straw, making an indecent sound in her empty glass she seemed to find quite amusing because she pulled on the thing non-stop.}
But Shan Haiming pulled Xiao Ning up by the arm with one hand, then turned back to say, "Zixin, I have already said what needed to be said, and I have no intention of repeating myself again. I'm sorry that you're like this now, but we're no longer the kids we were before, and I won't be using my past impression of you to expect anything from you either."

Ye Zixin kept sucking on a straw, making an indecent sound in her empty glass she seemed to find quite amusing because she pulled on the thing non-stop.

_{The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"}
Those words seemed to have hit the young woman well beyond her ability to take them, so Ye Zixin could only cover her mouth with her hands and stare at Shan Haiming with incredulity. "How... How can you say that to me... I never—"

The second he touched the ground, Xiao Ning collapsed and coughed the figurative life out of him. His mind was a mess as he was unsure of what had happened. Then he saw the body of someone crouching beside him, looking him over carefully while rubbing his cramped left leg as they shouted to someone else, "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"

_{Shan Haiming then whispered from beside him, "Then just do as you like and drink some juice."}The pitcher of watermelon juice on their table had already bottomed out, and because the four did not want to be disturbed by anyone, there was no one on call to serve them, so all the servants stayed indoors. As a result, while getting on his feet, Xiao Ning offered, "I'll go get us some more."

Shan Haiming then whispered from beside him, "Then just do as you like and drink some juice."

_{But before he could, Shan Haiming picked up the jug and walked inside before him, doing it in his stead.}But then, Xiao Ning sneezed.

But before he could, Shan Haiming picked up the jug and walked inside before him, doing it in his stead.

_{The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.}
Xiao Ning honestly found this reaction of hers rather strange. This was exactly how this guy was. So how could you have known him for so long without knowing something like this?

The sadness and tears in her tone were evident, making her a rather pitiful sight.

_{There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.}Shan Haiming ignored the two and returned to Xiao Ning's side, helping him back to the house.

There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

_{"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"}"I have to take this call." The phone Shan Haihong rested on the table shook. Unlike Shan Haiming, he seriously valued his work. He picked up the shaking phone, then he went some distance away to answer it.

"What's going on?" With how big the commotion around them had gotten, it was impossible for Shan Haihong to not notice. So after hanging up the phone, he strode over to Ye Zixin's side and asked with a chuckle, "Did Xiao Ning dive into the pool?"

_{So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.}Shan Haiming didn't go into the water, so he still wore a cardigan with his trunks. And because of her question, his face relaxed into an amused expression as he replied, "You think so?"

So, based on this, Xiao Ning thought he, too, could regard Ye Zixin as a bit more special than most. After all, she just had the attitude of the baby sister in a family, so it was pointless to get into it with her.

_{In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance.}
And, Xiao Ning could also sense that Shan Haiming was truly incensed; otherwise, he would have never dropped such heavy words on Ye Zixin if he was at all his usual self.

In all honestly, there was nothing about this situation that he liked. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling Shan Haihong and that sister-in-law-to-be of his were people he should keep at a reasonable distance. But now, he would be counted as a member of the Shan family, too. There are things Shan Haiming and Wu Yi were both doing, but there was no reason for him to not follow suit. So, just for the sake of maintaining Shan Haiming and Wu Yi's face, he was willing to adapt himself to those things too.

_{Just a Joke}None of the three ever had an inkling that the wooden-faced Shan Haiming would pull such a move. His kick was fierce, and Shan Haiming had no time to react, so he could only accept the blow. He and Ye Zixin had been standing with their backs to the pool, so upon receiving the kick, he fell backwards into the water.

Just a Joke

_{Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.}"Why? Why are you treating me like this?!" Ye Zixin spoke as if all her composure was done away with—as if she no longer cared at all. "The one I liked all along has been you! So how could you not feel a thing while watching me get married to Haihong?!"

Xiao Ning was soaked from head to toe, but he had surprisingly found a good bit of reason in her words, even though Ye Zixin's main goal was indeed trying to punish him.

_{There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.}
Shooting one final glance at Ye Zixin behind him, Shan Haiming added, "Go by yourselves to that bar tonight, and next time, don't include us on your dates with my brother."

There was no one else around, so it would be too obvious if there was no response. But Xiao Ning couldn't tell if she was trying to shorten the distance between them, or if she was simply speaking to herself. If he were to respond, following the consistent policy Ye Zixin had regarding his treatment, it would surely end up with him being made a fool.

_{But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed.}
Then, after these words were said, he led Xiao Ning the rest of the way up the stairs.

But Shan Haiming had instead made a beeline straight over to Shan Haihong. The distance between them was no more than two to three metres, so he covered it in just a couple of strides before he was in front of the two people, but upon his next step, his right foot lifted higher than needed. His kick was as smooth as the flow of water, and with this naturally swift action, Shan Haihong was launched into the pool.

_{Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.}With those words, that beaming smile spread across Ye Zixin's delighted face stiffened, but she managed a quick recovery. Her recovered smile was much fainter as she turned to look at Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning didn't have to look, already knowing who it was chasing after them, and internally, he couldn't help but sigh.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: she deserved a kick and jail (that was attempted murder) but that sister-in-law hit even harder Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ

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