The Long Road Ahead: C53

Chapter: 52 | To meet or not to meet

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To meet or not to meet

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

_{Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright.}
Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright. I just haven't been in touch with my aunt for a while. I met her last time I went to C-City and had forgotten to pass on my contact information."

_{Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."}Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.

Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

_{The scars on his body had long been gone. Thinking back, he realised the wounds he was given weren't even that deep. It was just that he was too young back then, and the fear of being bitten by that barking Shih Tzu was imprinted into his memories.}
So, like this, a dog and a cat were dropped on Xiao Ning's lap.

The scars on his body had long been gone. Thinking back, he realised the wounds he was given weren't even that deep. It was just that he was too young back then, and the fear of being bitten by that barking Shih Tzu was imprinted into his memories.

_{"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"}It really isn't a big deal.

"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"}It really wasn't a big deal at all.

Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"

_{Yet Lu Yan still found himself chuckling. The more he laughed, the more his tone faded, until he ultimately exhaled a despondent sigh.}
While living with the big dog, although Xiao Ning no longer had as great of a guarded reaction towards Tangtang as he did on their first meeting, he was still a bit nervous around it. If Shan Haiming was there, he was fine, but if he was left alone in the house with Tangtang, he would feel as though the apartment had shrunk and would never think of going near it.

Yet Lu Yan still found himself chuckling. The more he laughed, the more his tone faded, until he ultimately exhaled a despondent sigh. "Forget about it. There's no point in me saying anything, is there? Anyhow, because of that good-natured personality of yours, you might lose out to that mother of yours. So, no matter what happens, just remember to think everything over super carefully and don't be so soft-hearted, you hear? And if you are planning to meet her, tell me, alright?"

_{It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.}It really isn't a big deal.

It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.

_{Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.}Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.

Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.

_{"I'll hang up first, then," Xiao Ning added simply.}
But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

"I'll hang up first, then," Xiao Ning added simply.

_{Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.}As soon as he said this, it became easier to continue, so Chen Shuyun explained, "She said she couldn't get in contact with you. I was given quite a fright when she just showed up at the door out of the blue to say that, given she never came to find you before. I didn't give her your number, however. I thought I should ask you about it first."

Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.

_N/A"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

N/A

_{"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."}
Even a non-dog lover like Xiao Ning had to admit this dog was a cutie, and this wasn't just his opinion alone. Every time he took Tangtang out for a walk, Tangtang was especially popular among young women and kids. From all around, they would take pictures, and there were a lot of people who asked, "Can I pet it?"

"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."

_{Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times.}The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.

Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

_{Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"}But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that. When Lishen got imprisoned, your mom, being the proud woman she is, just couldn't bear something like that. But she surely did find it hard to part with you."

Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"

_{Xiao Ning honestly had no patience when it came to dealing with her, so after maintaining his patience to exchange a few pleasantries, he asked her flat-out, "Why are you trying to get in touch with me?"}
At first, Xiao Ning was hesitant, and every time he took Tangtang on a walk, he was fearful. How could he risk letting others casually pet a dog? But as more time passed, the longing in those girls' and little kids' eyes was far too deadly a weapon. Moreover, Tangtang was a dog that adored being close to others, yet he remained obedient at his side. So Xiao Ning couldn't help but approve of it being petted, and as expected, nothing untoward had happened.

Xiao Ning honestly had no patience when it came to dealing with her, so after maintaining his patience to exchange a few pleasantries, he asked her flat-out, "Why are you trying to get in touch with me?"

_{To meet or not to meet}"What are you even saying?" Xiao Ning let out a bitter laugh. "It's just that my... my mother told her to look for me. That's why she's doing this, so it's not a big deal, alright?"

To meet or not to meet

_{Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.}The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.

Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

_{Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's.}
It really isn't a big deal.

Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

_{Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "{Xiao} Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"}iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!

Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

_{Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.}
Xiao Ning looked on from the sidelines as the dog and its admirers played around and had fun. Then, when he noticed it was almost time to head back, he would call out, and the happy dog would immediately return to his side.

Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.

_{"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.}The strange feeling gave Lu Yan a start, causing his mouth to open and close without an uttered word. But he moved too quickly, and accidentality bit into his tender flesh, resulting in a hiss.

"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

_{"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"}
Panting with its tongue hanging out and tail wagging up a storm, Tangtang bounced towards a crouched Xiao Ning, who slowly reached out to greet it. Resting his hand on Tangtang's head, the eager dog immediately lifted its head to search out more of his palm, seeming very content.

"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

_{Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."}Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

_{While living with the big dog, although Xiao Ning no longer had as great of a guarded reaction towards Tangtang as he did on their first meeting, he was still a bit nervous around it. If Shan Haiming was there, he was fine, but if he was left alone in the house with Tangtang, he would feel as though the apartment had shrunk and would never think of going near it.}
"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.

While living with the big dog, although Xiao Ning no longer had as great of a guarded reaction towards Tangtang as he did on their first meeting, he was still a bit nervous around it. If Shan Haiming was there, he was fine, but if he was left alone in the house with Tangtang, he would feel as though the apartment had shrunk and would never think of going near it.

_{Even a non-dog lover like Xiao Ning had to admit this dog was a cutie, and this wasn't just his opinion alone. Every time he took Tangtang out for a walk, Tangtang was especially popular among young women and kids. From all around, they would take pictures, and there were a lot of people who asked, "Can I pet it?"}
The scars on his body had long been gone. Thinking back, he realised the wounds he was given weren't even that deep. It was just that he was too young back then, and the fear of being bitten by that barking Shih Tzu was imprinted into his memories.

Even a non-dog lover like Xiao Ning had to admit this dog was a cutie, and this wasn't just his opinion alone. Every time he took Tangtang out for a walk, Tangtang was especially popular among young women and kids. From all around, they would take pictures, and there were a lot of people who asked, "Can I pet it?"

_{But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that.}Xiao Ning looked on from the sidelines as the dog and its admirers played around and had fun. Then, when he noticed it was almost time to head back, he would call out, and the happy dog would immediately return to his side.

But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that. When Lishen got imprisoned, your mom, being the proud woman she is, just couldn't bear something like that. But she surely did find it hard to part with you."

_{Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.}
It really wasn't a big deal at all.

Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.

_{Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."}His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

_{Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze.}What is that woman up to now?

Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze. When Shan Haiming returned, he was met with a cup of water that lost all of its heat and an absent-minded Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, making him wonder what made the other man so lost in thought.

_{Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.}
Xiao Ning let out a soft sigh, his heart feeling a lot lighter. It was as though he was now carrying around an exam paper on which he scored full marks as a kid, while he led Tangtang back home.

Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.

_{But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that.}
When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that. When Lishen got imprisoned, your mom, being the proud woman she is, just couldn't bear something like that. But she surely did find it hard to part with you."

_{Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's.}Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

_{Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."}Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

_{Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."}The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.

Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

_{So, like this, a dog and a cat were dropped on Xiao Ning's lap.}
Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.

So, like this, a dog and a cat were dropped on Xiao Ning's lap.

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}Xiao Ning looked on from the sidelines as the dog and its admirers played around and had fun. Then, when he noticed it was almost time to head back, he would call out, and the happy dog would immediately return to his side.

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{Lu Yan realised after he spoke that he crossed a line, but that personality of his didn't allow him to correct himself, so it was impossible for him to apologise for the words he blurted out. So all he did next was say, "Fine, alright. I'll just come see you tomorrow, and we can discuss it all carefully then."}
Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

Lu Yan realised after he spoke that he crossed a line, but that personality of his didn't allow him to correct himself, so it was impossible for him to apologise for the words he blurted out. So all he did next was say, "Fine, alright. I'll just come see you tomorrow, and we can discuss it all carefully then."

_{His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"}"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

_{"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."}
Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."

_{Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."}When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

_{Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"}
"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"

Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

_{"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"}It really isn't a big deal.

"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{"Xiao Ning!" Xiao Suling chuckled at the end of the line with zeal, as if the sour note on which they had last parted didn't exist. "Have you been doing well as of late?"}
Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"

"Xiao Ning!" Xiao Suling chuckled at the end of the line with zeal, as if the sour note on which they had last parted didn't exist. "Have you been doing well as of late?"

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{{What is that woman up to now?}}The strange feeling gave Lu Yan a start, causing his mouth to open and close without an uttered word. But he moved too quickly, and accidentality bit into his tender flesh, resulting in a hiss.

What is that woman up to now?

_{But now, for the first time, Lu Yan heard resilience in his words, as though he would not be refused.}Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.

But now, for the first time, Lu Yan heard resilience in his words, as though he would not be refused.

_{"What are you even saying?" Xiao Ning let out a bitter laugh. "It's just that my... my mother told her to look for me. That's why she's doing this, so it's not a big deal, alright?"}
As soon as he said this, it became easier to continue, so Chen Shuyun explained, "She said she couldn't get in contact with you. I was given quite a fright when she just showed up at the door out of the blue to say that, given she never came to find you before. I didn't give her your number, however. I thought I should ask you about it first."

"What are you even saying?" Xiao Ning let out a bitter laugh. "It's just that my... my mother told her to look for me. That's why she's doing this, so it's not a big deal, alright?"

_{"Bullshіt." Never being one to hide his bad temper, Lu Yan then raged, "She kicked you out of the house back then, and now she's all gung-ho about looking for you out of the blue? Tell me, tell me right now, what the actual hell is going on?"}
What is that woman up to now?

"Bullshіt." Never being one to hide his bad temper, Lu Yan then raged, "She kicked you out of the house back then, and now she's all gung-ho about looking for you out of the blue? Tell me, tell me right now, what the actual hell is going on?"

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}
Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"}Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

_{Panting with its tongue hanging out and tail wagging up a storm, Tangtang bounced towards a crouched Xiao Ning, who slowly reached out to greet it. Resting his hand on Tangtang's head, the eager dog immediately lifted its head to search out more of his palm, seeming very content.}
Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

Panting with its tongue hanging out and tail wagging up a storm, Tangtang bounced towards a crouched Xiao Ning, who slowly reached out to greet it. Resting his hand on Tangtang's head, the eager dog immediately lifted its head to search out more of his palm, seeming very content.

_{Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"}Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"

_{Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.}Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.

_{Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.}Yet Lu Yan still found himself chuckling. The more he laughed, the more his tone faded, until he ultimately exhaled a despondent sigh. "Forget about it. There's no point in me saying anything, is there? Anyhow, because of that good-natured personality of yours, you might lose out to that mother of yours. So, no matter what happens, just remember to think everything over super carefully and don't be so soft-hearted, you hear? And if you are planning to meet her, tell me, alright?"

Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

_{Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"}
Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright. I just haven't been in touch with my aunt for a while. I met her last time I went to C-City and had forgotten to pass on my contact information."

Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

_{Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.}"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.

_{Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.}What is that woman up to now?

Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.

_{"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"}Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

_{But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down.}
It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.

But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

_{Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's.}"I'll hang up first, then," Xiao Ning added simply.

Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

_{Panting with its tongue hanging out and tail wagging up a storm, Tangtang bounced towards a crouched Xiao Ning, who slowly reached out to greet it. Resting his hand on Tangtang's head, the eager dog immediately lifted its head to search out more of his palm, seeming very content.}Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

Panting with its tongue hanging out and tail wagging up a storm, Tangtang bounced towards a crouched Xiao Ning, who slowly reached out to greet it. Resting his hand on Tangtang's head, the eager dog immediately lifted its head to search out more of his palm, seeming very content.

_{At first, Xiao Ning was hesitant, and every time he took Tangtang on a walk, he was fearful. How could he risk letting others casually pet a dog? But as more time passed, the longing in those girls' and little kids' eyes was far too deadly a weapon.}
Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

At first, Xiao Ning was hesitant, and every time he took Tangtang on a walk, he was fearful. How could he risk letting others casually pet a dog? But as more time passed, the longing in those girls' and little kids' eyes was far too deadly a weapon. Moreover, Tangtang was a dog that adored being close to others, yet he remained obedient at his side. So Xiao Ning couldn't help but approve of it being petted, and as expected, nothing untoward had happened.

_{There was only silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds—silence, that broke with Lu Yan's swearing. "Have those women lost their damn minds? They haven't shown much as a goddamn shadow after decades, and now they—that woman—just pops the hell up trying to meet you? Don't go. Don't meet her!"}While living with the big dog, although Xiao Ning no longer had as great of a guarded reaction towards Tangtang as he did on their first meeting, he was still a bit nervous around it. If Shan Haiming was there, he was fine, but if he was left alone in the house with Tangtang, he would feel as though the apartment had shrunk and would never think of going near it.

There was only silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds—silence, that broke with Lu Yan's swearing. "Have those women lost their damn minds? They haven't shown much as a goddamn shadow after decades, and now they—that woman—just pops the hell up trying to meet you? Don't go. Don't meet her!"

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}"Xiao Ning!" Xiao Suling chuckled at the end of the line with zeal, as if the sour note on which they had last parted didn't exist. "Have you been doing well as of late?"

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down.}His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

_{When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.}
"Xiao Ning!" Xiao Suling chuckled at the end of the line with zeal, as if the sour note on which they had last parted didn't exist. "Have you been doing well as of late?"

When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

_{This problem is getting bigger... Xiao Ning tried to dodge the question, answering, "Everything's alright—"}
Xiao Ning honestly had no patience when it came to dealing with her, so after maintaining his patience to exchange a few pleasantries, he asked her flat-out, "Why are you trying to get in touch with me?"

This problem is getting bigger... Xiao Ning tried to dodge the question, answering, "Everything's alright—"

_{Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"}Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.

Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

_N/A
"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."

N/A

_{Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"}Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"

_{Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright.}Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright. I just haven't been in touch with my aunt for a while. I met her last time I went to C-City and had forgotten to pass on my contact information."

_{"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.}The scars on his body had long been gone. Thinking back, he realised the wounds he was given weren't even that deep. It was just that he was too young back then, and the fear of being bitten by that barking Shih Tzu was imprinted into his memories.

"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.

_{His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"}
Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{"Why didn't you answer my call just now?" Lu Yan asked in his usual fiery tone. "Anyhow, is there something wrong with that aunt of yours' head? Why the hell is she trying to find you?"}"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

"Why didn't you answer my call just now?" Lu Yan asked in his usual fiery tone. "Anyhow, is there something wrong with that aunt of yours' head? Why the hell is she trying to find you?"

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}
But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that. When Lishen got imprisoned, your mom, being the proud woman she is, just couldn't bear something like that. But she surely did find it hard to part with you."

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"}Right then, he saw there was a missed call from Chen Shuyun.

"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Xiao Ning let out a soft sigh, his heart feeling a lot lighter. It was as though he was now carrying around an exam paper on which he scored full marks as a kid, while he led Tangtang back home.}
Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.

Xiao Ning let out a soft sigh, his heart feeling a lot lighter. It was as though he was now carrying around an exam paper on which he scored full marks as a kid, while he led Tangtang back home.

_{"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.}"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"

"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.

_{Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze.}
Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"

Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze. When Shan Haiming returned, he was met with a cup of water that lost all of its heat and an absent-minded Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, making him wonder what made the other man so lost in thought.

_{Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.}Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

_{"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.}
"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

_{But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down.}N/A

But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

_{Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"}Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.

Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

_{Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"}
Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}"What are you even saying?" Xiao Ning let out a bitter laugh. "It's just that my... my mother told her to look for me. That's why she's doing this, so it's not a big deal, alright?"

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_{Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"}
Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.

Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"

_{Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.}Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.

_{Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.}
"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

_{Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.}
The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.

Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.

_{Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"}Xiao Ning's heart thumped. "Yeah-yes. Did something happen?"

Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"

_{"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.}"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.

_{When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.}Some shuffling now came from the other end of the line, followed by Xiao Suling reciting a number digit by digit.

When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

_{Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?}
Xiao Ning answered as if he were given a start. "Hey, Lu Yan?"

Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

_{"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."}"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."

_{Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.}At first, Xiao Ning was hesitant, and every time he took Tangtang on a walk, he was fearful. How could he risk letting others casually pet a dog? But as more time passed, the longing in those girls' and little kids' eyes was far too deadly a weapon. Moreover, Tangtang was a dog that adored being close to others, yet he remained obedient at his side. So Xiao Ning couldn't help but approve of it being petted, and as expected, nothing untoward had happened.

Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.

_{"Why didn't you answer my call just now?" Lu Yan asked in his usual fiery tone. "Anyhow, is there something wrong with that aunt of yours' head? Why the hell is she trying to find you?"}
"Why didn't you answer my call just now?" Lu Yan asked in his usual fiery tone. "Anyhow, is there something wrong with that aunt of yours' head? Why the hell is she trying to find you?"

"Why didn't you answer my call just now?" Lu Yan asked in his usual fiery tone. "Anyhow, is there something wrong with that aunt of yours' head? Why the hell is she trying to find you?"

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}It really isn't a big deal.

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_N/A"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."

N/A

_{Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times.}
Because he was closer to Xiao Ning, Lu Yan would naturally know more about the situation than his mother. What's more, impressions left during his most formative years were firmly either black or white, and the one Xiaoling left on him was rather poor.

Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

_{Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."}Xiao Suling had never had a kind word to say about Chen Ying, and her change in attitude at the moment was so much of a one-eighty that it was not hard for Xiao Ning to guess the reason. He lacked imagination and was very old-fashioned in his way of thinking, so according to Xiao Suling's character, the only motivation for her act was some kind of monetary benefit.

Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.}Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.

_{Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."}
This problem is getting bigger... Xiao Ning tried to dodge the question, answering, "Everything's alright—"

Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

_{"Wait, hold on." Lu Yan had finally returned to his senses, while the pain in his mouth made him unable to stop a bitter smile from tugging at his lips. "Xiao Ning, sometimes it seriously feels like I don't even know the real you."}
"Bullshіt." Never being one to hide his bad temper, Lu Yan then raged, "She kicked you out of the house back then, and now she's all gung-ho about looking for you out of the blue? Tell me, tell me right now, what the actual hell is going on?"

"Wait, hold on." Lu Yan had finally returned to his senses, while the pain in his mouth made him unable to stop a bitter smile from tugging at his lips. "Xiao Ning, sometimes it seriously feels like I don't even know the real you."

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.}
Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.

The second she hung up, Xiao Ning's phone again buzzed with a ring. Glancing at the number, he saw it was Lu Yan's name, which flashed on his screen. But just as he was staring at it, the call had cut off. But then it rang again, this time without being cut short.

_{But now, for the first time, Lu Yan heard resilience in his words, as though he would not be refused.}
"Don't even try to come up with some nonsense." Lu Yan's fierceness swelled as he asked, "Do you think I'll be that easy to deal with? Just spill it, Xiao Ning. What happened? Are you looking down on me now just because you're hooking up with that trust-fund baby, Shan Haiming?"

But now, for the first time, Lu Yan heard resilience in his words, as though he would not be refused.

_{It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.}Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.

It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}
"What are you even saying?" Xiao Ning let out a bitter laugh. "It's just that my... my mother told her to look for me. That's why she's doing this, so it's not a big deal, alright?"

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{Xiao Ning looked on from the sidelines as the dog and its admirers played around and had fun. Then, when he noticed it was almost time to head back, he would call out, and the happy dog would immediately return to his side.}
There was only silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds—silence, that broke with Lu Yan's swearing. "Have those women lost their damn minds? They haven't shown much as a goddamn shadow after decades, and now they—that woman—just pops the hell up trying to meet you? Don't go. Don't meet her!"

Xiao Ning looked on from the sidelines as the dog and its admirers played around and had fun. Then, when he noticed it was almost time to head back, he would call out, and the happy dog would immediately return to his side.

_{His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"}What is that woman up to now?

His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}
Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_{Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. {Did something happen to Lu Yan?}}iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!

Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

_{Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.}Xiao Ning honestly had no patience when it came to dealing with her, so after maintaining his patience to exchange a few pleasantries, he asked her flat-out, "Why are you trying to get in touch with me?"

Xiao Ning listened quietly as she spoke, without writing down a single number.

_{But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down.}"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

_{"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.}
"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"

"Such a good boy," Xiao Ning whispered.

_{"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.}Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

"Did you take it down? I'll read it out again." Xiao Suling then went on to advise Xiao Ning once more with a long paragraph's worth of speech. Xiao Ning still listened along, honestly not understanding what a word of it meant. Then, after a long half-hour, Xiao Suling finally brought their call to an end.

_{There was only silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds—silence, that broke with Lu Yan's swearing. "Have those women lost their damn minds? They haven't shown much as a goddamn shadow after decades, and now they—that woman—just pops the hell up trying to meet you? Don't go. Don't meet her!"}
His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

There was only silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds—silence, that broke with Lu Yan's swearing. "Have those women lost their damn minds? They haven't shown much as a goddamn shadow after decades, and now they—that woman—just pops the hell up trying to meet you? Don't go. Don't meet her!"

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."}"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"

Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

_{It really isn't a big deal.}
Lu Yan realised after he spoke that he crossed a line, but that personality of his didn't allow him to correct himself, so it was impossible for him to apologise for the words he blurted out. So all he did next was say, "Fine, alright. I'll just come see you tomorrow, and we can discuss it all carefully then."

It really isn't a big deal.

_{It really wasn't a big deal at all.}
"Really, there's no need for you to go through all that trouble. It really isn't that big of a deal." Xiao Ning then added, "You don't have to worry, really."

It really wasn't a big deal at all.

_{Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze.}Xiao Ning let out a soft sigh, his heart feeling a lot lighter. It was as though he was now carrying around an exam paper on which he scored full marks as a kid, while he led Tangtang back home.

Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze. When Shan Haiming returned, he was met with a cup of water that lost all of its heat and an absent-minded Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, making him wonder what made the other man so lost in thought.

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}It really wasn't a big deal at all.

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."}
Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

Xiao Ning couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped him at her words or the frank words that left him. "If I have a child, I will never abandon them. No matter what happened."

_{Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."}This was a topic they had never once discussed. Xiao Ning's existence in Lu Yan's life had always been comparable to the air. It was almost like an engraving. Like something, even if they had parted, would never be too far away. But maybe because he seemed to be all around him, it had made it hard for Lu Yan to see him clearly. So when he turns his head to look, he sees far too much, and in that vastness, everything becomes a blur.

Xiao Ning felt annoyed at his paternal aunt's actions, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Auntie, for causing you all trouble. You can just give her my number. It's alright. I'll call and talk to her myself."

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}To meet or not to meet

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"}
But now, for the first time, Lu Yan heard resilience in his words, as though he would not be refused.

Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

_{{This problem is getting bigger...} Xiao Ning tried to dodge the question, answering, "Everything's alright—"}To meet or not to meet

This problem is getting bigger... Xiao Ning tried to dodge the question, answering, "Everything's alright—"

_{Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. {Did something happen to Lu Yan?}}Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

Xiao Ning was confused by this, wondering why she would call him. Did something happen to Lu Yan?

_{To meet or not to meet}
The strange feeling gave Lu Yan a start, causing his mouth to open and close without an uttered word. But he moved too quickly, and accidentality bit into his tender flesh, resulting in a hiss.

To meet or not to meet

_{Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.}
"I'll hang up first, then," Xiao Ning added simply.

Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}But the adaptability of a human was strong. So after one or two times, or maybe three or four, the fear in their heart would wear down. Plus, Tangtang was indeed a very smart and obedient dog. It could be taught to do anything asked of it. It didn't poop anywhere it shouldn't. It never chewed on things randomly. It brought its leash and dropped it in front of its owners when it was time for a walk, too. It was as good of a boy as it could be. What's more, when it came to hurting others, Tangtang was an absolute dear, because even when Xiaohei smacked it in the face, it never so much as barked.

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_{It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.}Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze. When Shan Haiming returned, he was met with a cup of water that lost all of its heat and an absent-minded Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, making him wonder what made the other man so lost in thought.

It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.

_{"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"}
"Wait, hold on." Lu Yan had finally returned to his senses, while the pain in his mouth made him unable to stop a bitter smile from tugging at his lips. "Xiao Ning, sometimes it seriously feels like I don't even know the real you."

"Oh, Xiao Ning..." Chen Shuyun hesitated, seeming to not know how to explain. "The thing is, um... is there a relative of yours—an aunt, I mean, who's named Xiao Suling?"

_{Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."}
His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

_{"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."}Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}Even a non-dog lover like Xiao Ning had to admit this dog was a cutie, and this wasn't just his opinion alone. Every time he took Tangtang out for a walk, Tangtang was especially popular among young women and kids. From all around, they would take pictures, and there were a lot of people who asked, "Can I pet it?"

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_{What is that woman up to now?}
This was a topic they had never once discussed. Xiao Ning's existence in Lu Yan's life had always been comparable to the air. It was almost like an engraving. Like something, even if they had parted, would never be too far away. But maybe because he seemed to be all around him, it had made it hard for Lu Yan to see him clearly. So when he turns his head to look, he sees far too much, and in that vastness, everything becomes a blur.

What is that woman up to now?

_{Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"}
Yet Lu Yan still found himself chuckling. The more he laughed, the more his tone faded, until he ultimately exhaled a despondent sigh. "Forget about it. There's no point in me saying anything, is there? Anyhow, because of that good-natured personality of yours, you might lose out to that mother of yours. So, no matter what happens, just remember to think everything over super carefully and don't be so soft-hearted, you hear? And if you are planning to meet her, tell me, alright?"

Thinking of the Chen Ying Shan Haiming had described, he went on to ask, "Why is she looking for me?"

_{Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."}"Why else would she be trying to find you?" Xiao Suling scolded. "What other reason could someone have for looking for their son? Anyhow, I'll give you her number first so you can call her, alright? Jot it down."

Xiao Ning remained silent again, taking a long time before he answered. "Thank you, Lu Yan. I'll consider this situation carefully given what you said."

_{Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."}Neither the calm way in which he spoke nor the words he said were surprising. At least they weren't to Lu Yan, who had heard Xiao Ning say them over a million times. Xiao Ning was always a conscientious person who never wanted to trouble others. At first, Lu Yan thought he could hear modesty and agreeability within them, but later, after hearing them more and more, he noticed they were indecisive and overcautious, as if he had no idea what he should do when rejecting someone's assistance. They were words spoken that could be modified at any moment to not push too hard either way."

Xiao Ning held the unfamiliar number in his hands before dialling. "Aunt, I heard you were trying to find me."

_{iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!}Xiao Ning let out a soft sigh, his heart feeling a lot lighter. It was as though he was now carrying around an exam paper on which he scored full marks as a kid, while he led Tangtang back home.

iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!

_{This was a topic they had never once discussed. Xiao Ning's existence in Lu Yan's life had always been comparable to the air.}
"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

This was a topic they had never once discussed. Xiao Ning's existence in Lu Yan's life had always been comparable to the air. It was almost like an engraving. Like something, even if they had parted, would never be too far away. But maybe because he seemed to be all around him, it had made it hard for Lu Yan to see him clearly. So when he turns his head to look, he sees far too much, and in that vastness, everything becomes a blur.

_{Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"}When he went out to take Tangtang on a walk, he wore sportswear, so all he brought along with him were his keys. He left his phone on top of the shoe cabinet, so the moment he walked in, he would check it by habit.

Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

_{Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's.}Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}Despite what he had said, with such a family-friendly dog like that golden retriever, it was only natural for it to be by a human's side. Shan Haiming's work hours were not as set as Xiao Ning's. So there were times when he had to socialise with business partners, especially when the suburban resort project he was working on was in the awarding phase, which made Shan Haiming have to go out more frequently.

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{The strange feeling gave Lu Yan a start, causing his mouth to open and close without an uttered word. But he moved too quickly, and accidentality bit into his tender flesh, resulting in a hiss.}
Lu Yan said nothing further, hanging up the phone.

The strange feeling gave Lu Yan a start, causing his mouth to open and close without an uttered word. But he moved too quickly, and accidentality bit into his tender flesh, resulting in a hiss.

_{His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.}"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.

His words fell directly into Xiao Ning's heart, causing waves of numbness to envelop him, akin to the feel of ice-cold water on the skin during a winter's chill. But, in no time at all, they faded as they sank, leaving not so much as a trace.

_{It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.}Even though the matter regarding Xiao Ning's sexuality had led to them becoming a lot more distant, Chen Shuyun's concern over Xiao Ning at this moment was sincere. Xiao Ning then smiled gratefully from the other end of the line, replying, "Everything's alright. I just haven't been in touch with my aunt for a while. I met her last time I went to C-City and had forgotten to pass on my contact information."

It was unknown whether Chen Shuyun believed this or not, but she probably figured it would be bad to interfere in someone else's family matters, so she gave the woman's number to Xiao Ning.

_{But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that.}So, like this, a dog and a cat were dropped on Xiao Ning's lap.

But despite the lack of mocking in his tone as he said this, the bluntness of his words was enough to make Xiao Suling choke. "Xiao Ning, just listen to what I, your aunt, have to say, alright? Your mother still gave birth to you and fed you at the end of the day, so think about that. When Lishen got imprisoned, your mom, being the proud woman she is, just couldn't bear something like that. But she surely did find it hard to part with you."

_{iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!}
Xiao Ning stood in place for a good while afterwards, then made his way to the kitchen to check on his soup. He then poured himself a glass of hot water and went to sit on the living room sofa, where he remained in a daze. When Shan Haiming returned, he was met with a cup of water that lost all of its heat and an absent-minded Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, making him wonder what made the other man so lost in thought.

iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!

_{Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "{Xiao} Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"}The scars on his body had long been gone. Thinking back, he realised the wounds he was given weren't even that deep. It was just that he was too young back then, and the fear of being bitten by that barking Shih Tzu was imprinted into his memories.

Chen Shuyun hesitated for a while on the other end before speaking up to ask, "Xiao Ning, did something happen? Is everything alright?"

_{"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."}His words came abruptly, so Xiao Ning couldn't understand what he meant at first, but after thinking about it, he understood. Then, for a while, he thought seriously before asking, "What should I be like, then?"

"Haa. What else could it be? It's about Chen—I mean, your mother. She called me up again. I think she's in a real hurry to find you. Honestly, as a parent myself, if I lost touch with my Bo'Chao, my heart would run ragged with worry." Xiao Suling then added with sobs, "Well, you'll understand where I'm coming from when you have kids of your own."

_{"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"}
Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"

"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"

_{Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.}
"I'm going to meet Chen Ying," Xiao Ning replied simply.

Xiao Ning kept mum, racking his brain to think of a way to get out of answering Lu Yan.

_{"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."}"What's there to consider?" Lu Yan roared out, however. "Why do you need to consider anything? I'm warning you, Xiao Ning, don't even think about meeting that woman. She never wanted her own son, so what use do you still have with a mother like that?"

"Alright. I hear you." With this, Xiao Ning felt his mood lighten a lot. "And thank you. I mean it."

_{Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"}Taking off Tangtang's leash, he let the happy dog run over to Xiaohei's spot so it could chase its own abuse. He then picked up his phone and thought to himself for a moment before making up his mind to call Chen Shuyun. "Hi, Aunty. I'm sorry I missed your call. I just got back from taking my dog for a walk. Anyhow, did something happen? Is there something wrong?"

Thus, he asked, "Did something happen?"

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: Props to Lu Yan for saying what needed to be said about Xiao Ning's so-called family. He gets a sticker!

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