The Long Road Ahead: C54
First Contact
This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
Shan Haiming changed out of his shoes, then walked over and sat on the coffee table to face him. "When?"
However, Chen Ying's appearance was like an ink stain outside the edge of this circle. Xiao Ning had thought it would not affect anything in his life, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case.
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
Xiao Ning placed the soup in front of Shan Haiming and said with resignation, "Tangtang just came back in from our walk. It's still covered in dust."
Chen Ying thought for a while, then said, "I just returned to the country, and I'm not that familiar with A-City either. So, Ningning, can I come over and pick you up after work? Is that alright?"
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
Since he found an appropriate reason, Chen Ying couldn't insist. "Then is there a train station nearby? I'll look for a place that's near an entrance."
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
"Aunt said you were trying to find me. What is it?" Xiao Ning used a remarkably steady tone as he asked.
But why is she trying to find me now?
But why is she trying to find me now?
Odds are, Chen Ying herself will come over to find me soon.
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
But why exactly is she doing all this?
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
But Shan Haiming only lifted a brow as he listened before provocatively picking up his spoon while looking Xiao Ning in the eyes.
Again, there was silence from the other end of the line, lasting for much longer this time around before Chen Ying finally said, "When you have the time, I'd like us to meet one another and have a good chat. Is that alright?"
However, Chen Ying's appearance was like an ink stain outside the edge of this circle. Xiao Ning had thought it would not affect anything in his life, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case.
"Yes, I remember." Shan Haiming, seeing to dislike his nagging, then added, "I also remember the ratios of the red and white bags of Xiaohei's food are one-to-two. See, I know it."
From the bottom of his heart, Xiao Ning felt there was no point in pressing the matter. So, just as he had told Shan Haiming earlier, he would not go seeking out the woman, nor would he avoid it when the time came either.
"You didn't eat anything?" Xiao Ning had no qualms about him spoiling the mood, frowning out of worry as he spoke. "The soup's almost done. I'll go bring you some." After saying this, he went off to the kitchen. Now from there, he added, "Go wash up."
The next day, as they sat and ate breakfast, Shan Haiming suddenly said, "Do you want my mom to arrange it?"
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
Why should it be a big deal?
Although, by the time he came to such a conclusion, he had already tossed and rolled around with Xiao Ning until it was the middle of the night. Fortunately, as long as Xiao Ning had work the following day, Shan Haiming would wear a condom, which made clean-up faster and easier.
Odds are, Chen Ying herself will come over to find me soon.
"Yeah. I'm going to meet her tonight," Xiao Ning replied.
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
However, Chen Ying's appearance was like an ink stain outside the edge of this circle. Xiao Ning had thought it would not affect anything in his life, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case.
But Shan Haiming only lifted a brow as he listened before provocatively picking up his spoon while looking Xiao Ning in the eyes.
Shan Haiming said nothing in return, only reaching out to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek. Xiao Ning then silently looked on as Shan Haiming leaned over and covered his lips with a kiss, conjuring an affectionate and charming atmosphere between the two.
"This weekend..." Chen Ying then replied, "I have a very important engagement this weekend, so if it's convenient for you, how about tonight?"
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
After swallowing his toast, Xiao Ning replied to Shan Haiming. "It's alright. I can do it myself."
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
Afterwards, Shan Haiming finally spoke. "I'm starving."
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
Afterwards, Shan Haiming finally spoke. "I'm starving."
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
◈◇◈
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
There was no need to go looking into who was right or wrong. Lishen had already passed away in prison, and Chen Ying seemed to be living a good life. Both received their own endings.
N/A
"You didn't eat anything?" Xiao Ning had no qualms about him spoiling the mood, frowning out of worry as he spoke. "The soup's almost done. I'll go bring you some." After saying this, he went off to the kitchen. Now from there, he added, "Go wash up."
The next day, as they sat and ate breakfast, Shan Haiming suddenly said, "Do you want my mom to arrange it?"
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
And with this, a soft smile found its way onto Xiao Ning's lips. "I know."
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
Although, by the time he came to such a conclusion, he had already tossed and rolled around with Xiao Ning until it was the middle of the night. Fortunately, as long as Xiao Ning had work the following day, Shan Haiming would wear a condom, which made clean-up faster and easier.
Xiao Ning's interest in bedroom activities wasn't that strong, but he didn't have a habit of refusing Shan Haiming's requests either. So even while tired and sleepy, he still gave his earnest support and cooperation.
Why should it be a big deal?
Any contact he had with Chen Ying was before he was ten. If he had to describe how the time they spent together had been, he couldn't say it was a joyous and happy experience either. It was because she and Lishen were always arguing, and Xiao Ning couldn't remember all the specifics. But he thinks it was because Chen Ying hated the fact that Lishen wasn't progressing in his work and wasn't ambitious. Of course, such things were according to Xiao Suling, however. She had even said that Chen Ying was unfaithful in her marriage and had always wanted to improve her social standing through connections. She also lamented that if it weren't for Lishen marrying such a wife who gave him nothing but worries, he wouldn't have gotten the idea in his head to commit a robbery and make such a mess in all of their lives.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
Shan Haiming said nothing in return, only reaching out to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek. Xiao Ning then silently looked on as Shan Haiming leaned over and covered his lips with a kiss, conjuring an affectionate and charming atmosphere between the two.
He called, but even though the golden retriever stood in place, it did not go over to him and remained by Shan Haiming's side. It was obvious the dog knew who the head of their family was. Anyhow, with a couple of pats on Tangang's head, Shan Haiming told it, "Go find Xiaohei."
Any contact he had with Chen Ying was before he was ten. If he had to describe how the time they spent together had been, he couldn't say it was a joyous and happy experience either. It was because she and Lishen were always arguing, and Xiao Ning couldn't remember all the specifics. But he thinks it was because Chen Ying hated the fact that Lishen wasn't progressing in his work and wasn't ambitious. Of course, such things were according to Xiao Suling, however. She had even said that Chen Ying was unfaithful in her marriage and had always wanted to improve her social standing through connections. She also lamented that if it weren't for Lishen marrying such a wife who gave him nothing but worries, he wouldn't have gotten the idea in his head to commit a robbery and make such a mess in all of their lives.
From the bottom of his heart, Xiao Ning felt there was no point in pressing the matter. So, just as he had told Shan Haiming earlier, he would not go seeking out the woman, nor would he avoid it when the time came either.
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
After the business of the cat and dog was settled, just as he was planning to end the call, Shan Haiming said simply, "If anything happens, call me."
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
This wasn't a big deal. Xiao Ning didn't socialise much after all, so odds are he was free. All he had to do was give Shan Haiming a call. "Alright. Where would you like to meet? I'll come over after work."
Xiao Ning placed the soup in front of Shan Haiming and said with resignation, "Tangtang just came back in from our walk. It's still covered in dust."
After the business of the cat and dog was settled, just as he was planning to end the call, Shan Haiming said simply, "If anything happens, call me."
But Shan Haiming only lifted a brow as he listened before provocatively picking up his spoon while looking Xiao Ning in the eyes.
Although he only said it offhandedly, the meaningful look in his eyes was far too strong as he stared at Xiao Ning. "..."
But why is she trying to find me now?
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
Xiao Ning seriously had no way of dealing with this fellow. "Anyhow, why didn't you eat today? I can go boil you some noodles, but we're out of green onions."
But Xiao Ning only grabbed another serving of soup and tossed a glance at Xiao Ning's way. "As long as it's followed by working up a sweat later, it'll be digested just fine."
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
However, Chen Ying's appearance was like an ink stain outside the edge of this circle. Xiao Ning had thought it would not affect anything in his life, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
"It got too late, and I was too lazy to go grab something. I wanted to come straight home and have soup." Shan Haiming then downed all the contents of his bowl in a couple of bites and was planning to head to the kitchen with his bowl, but Xiao Ning stopped him, saying, "Don't move, I'll get it."
"Sure. How about this weekend?" Xiao Ning replied without hesitation.
He didn't take Shan Haiming's bowl, however. Instead, he brought out the entire pot. He then watched Shan Haiming down, serving after serving of that soup, until half the pot was gone without showing any signs of being full. Xiao Ning felt a sense of accomplishment at his enthusiasm, but he also thought eating so much at such a late hour was not a healthy way to nourish the body. "It's late, so you shouldn't eat too much."
His words made Xiao Ning feel at ease. "That's right. It could lose its fur otherwise."
"Yes, I remember." Shan Haiming, seeing to dislike his nagging, then added, "I also remember the ratios of the red and white bags of Xiaohei's food are one-to-two. See, I know it."
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
His fingers lifted to pinch the bridge of his nose for a moment, then he sent a message to Shan Haiming.
But Xiao Ning only grabbed another serving of soup and tossed a glance at Xiao Ning's way. "As long as it's followed by working up a sweat later, it'll be digested just fine."
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
But why is she trying to find me now?
Since he found an appropriate reason, Chen Ying couldn't insist. "Then is there a train station nearby? I'll look for a place that's near an entrance."
Although he only said it offhandedly, the meaningful look in his eyes was far too strong as he stared at Xiao Ning. "..."
From the bottom of his heart, Xiao Ning felt there was no point in pressing the matter. So, just as he had told Shan Haiming earlier, he would not go seeking out the woman, nor would he avoid it when the time came either.
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
Xiao Ning's interest in bedroom activities wasn't that strong, but he didn't have a habit of refusing Shan Haiming's requests either. So even while tired and sleepy, he still gave his earnest support and cooperation.
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
But Shan Haiming only lifted a brow as he listened before provocatively picking up his spoon while looking Xiao Ning in the eyes.
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
iana: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in advance~
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
"Sure. How about this weekend?" Xiao Ning replied without hesitation.
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
Although, by the time he came to such a conclusion, he had already tossed and rolled around with Xiao Ning until it was the middle of the night. Fortunately, as long as Xiao Ning had work the following day, Shan Haiming would wear a condom, which made clean-up faster and easier.
◈◇◈
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
"You didn't eat anything?" Xiao Ning had no qualms about him spoiling the mood, frowning out of worry as he spoke. "The soup's almost done. I'll go bring you some." After saying this, he went off to the kitchen. Now from there, he added, "Go wash up."
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
The next day, as they sat and ate breakfast, Shan Haiming suddenly said, "Do you want my mom to arrange it?"
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
After the business of the cat and dog was settled, just as he was planning to end the call, Shan Haiming said simply, "If anything happens, call me."
N/A
This wasn't a big deal. Xiao Ning didn't socialise much after all, so odds are he was free. All he had to do was give Shan Haiming a call. "Alright. Where would you like to meet? I'll come over after work."
"Oh, alright. Then please ask Wang Hua if he could take Tangtang on a walk as well. Tangtang has to be walked after dinner for a bit." Xiao Ning said with urging.
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
"Yeah. I'm going to meet her tonight," Xiao Ning replied.
However, Chen Ying's appearance was like an ink stain outside the edge of this circle. Xiao Ning had thought it would not affect anything in his life, but it seemed that wouldn't be the case.
Xiao Ning seriously had no way of dealing with this fellow. "Anyhow, why didn't you eat today? I can go boil you some noodles, but we're out of green onions."
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
Xiao Ning refused instinctively. "There's no need for that. It's not easy to get parking at my company, and it's especially busy after work. There's a lot of traffic jams, so it's very inconvenient."
After swallowing his toast, Xiao Ning replied to Shan Haiming. "It's alright. I can do it myself."
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
N/A
◈◇◈
That afternoon, during Xiao Ning's lunch break, he received a call from an unknown number. It could've been from a telemarketer or something work-related. But Xiao Ning got the feeling it was actually a call from Chen Ying.
He called, but even though the golden retriever stood in place, it did not go over to him and remained by Shan Haiming's side. It was obvious the dog knew who the head of their family was. Anyhow, with a couple of pats on Tangang's head, Shan Haiming told it, "Go find Xiaohei."
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
He didn't take Shan Haiming's bowl, however. Instead, he brought out the entire pot. He then watched Shan Haiming down, serving after serving of that soup, until half the pot was gone without showing any signs of being full. Xiao Ning felt a sense of accomplishment at his enthusiasm, but he also thought eating so much at such a late hour was not a healthy way to nourish the body. "It's late, so you shouldn't eat too much."
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
But why is she trying to find me now?
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
Odds are, Chen Ying herself will come over to find me soon.
After swallowing his toast, Xiao Ning replied to Shan Haiming. "It's alright. I can do it myself."
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
"You didn't eat anything?" Xiao Ning had no qualms about him spoiling the mood, frowning out of worry as he spoke. "The soup's almost done. I'll go bring you some." After saying this, he went off to the kitchen. Now from there, he added, "Go wash up."
From the bottom of his heart, Xiao Ning felt there was no point in pressing the matter. So, just as he had told Shan Haiming earlier, he would not go seeking out the woman, nor would he avoid it when the time came either.
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
Xiao Ning seriously had no way of dealing with this fellow. "Anyhow, why didn't you eat today? I can go boil you some noodles, but we're out of green onions."
Xiao Ning seriously had no way of dealing with this fellow. "Anyhow, why didn't you eat today? I can go boil you some noodles, but we're out of green onions."
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
"Aunt said you were trying to find me. What is it?" Xiao Ning used a remarkably steady tone as he asked.
[I'll be back late tonight. Don't forget to feed Tangtang and Xiaohei.]
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
Since he found an appropriate reason, Chen Ying couldn't insist. "Then is there a train station nearby? I'll look for a place that's near an entrance."
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
His wording was not impolite, and it made it clear he was indifferent to the situation. What's more, even though he hadn't done so deliberately, he showed no sign of surprise. After all, this scenario had been foreshadowed for so long.
"Oh, alright. Then please ask Wang Hua if he could take Tangtang on a walk as well. Tangtang has to be walked after dinner for a bit." Xiao Ning said with urging.
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
Again, there was silence from the other end of the line, lasting for much longer this time around before Chen Ying finally said, "When you have the time, I'd like us to meet one another and have a good chat. Is that alright?"
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
But Xiao Ning only grabbed another serving of soup and tossed a glance at Xiao Ning's way. "As long as it's followed by working up a sweat later, it'll be digested just fine."
But why is she trying to find me now?
iana: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in advance~
"Sure. How about this weekend?" Xiao Ning replied without hesitation.
That afternoon, during Xiao Ning's lunch break, he received a call from an unknown number. It could've been from a telemarketer or something work-related. But Xiao Ning got the feeling it was actually a call from Chen Ying.
"This weekend..." Chen Ying then replied, "I have a very important engagement this weekend, so if it's convenient for you, how about tonight?"
Again, there was silence from the other end of the line, lasting for much longer this time around before Chen Ying finally said, "When you have the time, I'd like us to meet one another and have a good chat. Is that alright?"
Shan Haiming said nothing in return, only reaching out to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek. Xiao Ning then silently looked on as Shan Haiming leaned over and covered his lips with a kiss, conjuring an affectionate and charming atmosphere between the two.
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
And with this, a soft smile found its way onto Xiao Ning's lips. "I know."
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
His wording was not impolite, and it made it clear he was indifferent to the situation. What's more, even though he hadn't done so deliberately, he showed no sign of surprise. After all, this scenario had been foreshadowed for so long.
Chen Ying thought for a while, then said, "I just returned to the country, and I'm not that familiar with A-City either. So, Ningning, can I come over and pick you up after work? Is that alright?"
This wasn't a big deal. Xiao Ning didn't socialise much after all, so odds are he was free. All he had to do was give Shan Haiming a call. "Alright. Where would you like to meet? I'll come over after work."
Shan Haiming said nothing in return, only reaching out to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek. Xiao Ning then silently looked on as Shan Haiming leaned over and covered his lips with a kiss, conjuring an affectionate and charming atmosphere between the two.
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
When he walked out carrying the bowl full of soup, the scene before him made his brows knit. "Hey, don't play with Tangtang before you eat. Tangtang, come."
Chen Ying thought for a while, then said, "I just returned to the country, and I'm not that familiar with A-City either. So, Ningning, can I come over and pick you up after work? Is that alright?"
Why should it be a big deal?
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
And with this, a soft smile found its way onto Xiao Ning's lips. "I know."
Any contact he had with Chen Ying was before he was ten. If he had to describe how the time they spent together had been, he couldn't say it was a joyous and happy experience either. It was because she and Lishen were always arguing, and Xiao Ning couldn't remember all the specifics. But he thinks it was because Chen Ying hated the fact that Lishen wasn't progressing in his work and wasn't ambitious. Of course, such things were according to Xiao Suling, however. She had even said that Chen Ying was unfaithful in her marriage and had always wanted to improve her social standing through connections. She also lamented that if it weren't for Lishen marrying such a wife who gave him nothing but worries, he wouldn't have gotten the idea in his head to commit a robbery and make such a mess in all of their lives.
"Yes, I remember." Shan Haiming, seeing to dislike his nagging, then added, "I also remember the ratios of the red and white bags of Xiaohei's food are one-to-two. See, I know it."
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
Xiao Ning refused instinctively. "There's no need for that. It's not easy to get parking at my company, and it's especially busy after work. There's a lot of traffic jams, so it's very inconvenient."
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
This wasn't a big deal. Xiao Ning didn't socialise much after all, so odds are he was free. All he had to do was give Shan Haiming a call. "Alright. Where would you like to meet? I'll come over after work."
"Sure. How about this weekend?" Xiao Ning replied without hesitation.
From the bottom of his heart, Xiao Ning felt there was no point in pressing the matter. So, just as he had told Shan Haiming earlier, he would not go seeking out the woman, nor would he avoid it when the time came either.
Any contact he had with Chen Ying was before he was ten. If he had to describe how the time they spent together had been, he couldn't say it was a joyous and happy experience either. It was because she and Lishen were always arguing, and Xiao Ning couldn't remember all the specifics. But he thinks it was because Chen Ying hated the fact that Lishen wasn't progressing in his work and wasn't ambitious. Of course, such things were according to Xiao Suling, however. She had even said that Chen Ying was unfaithful in her marriage and had always wanted to improve her social standing through connections. She also lamented that if it weren't for Lishen marrying such a wife who gave him nothing but worries, he wouldn't have gotten the idea in his head to commit a robbery and make such a mess in all of their lives.
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
That afternoon, during Xiao Ning's lunch break, he received a call from an unknown number. It could've been from a telemarketer or something work-related. But Xiao Ning got the feeling it was actually a call from Chen Ying.
Since he found an appropriate reason, Chen Ying couldn't insist. "Then is there a train station nearby? I'll look for a place that's near an entrance."
His fingers lifted to pinch the bridge of his nose for a moment, then he sent a message to Shan Haiming.
Why should it be a big deal?
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
He didn't take Shan Haiming's bowl, however. Instead, he brought out the entire pot. He then watched Shan Haiming down, serving after serving of that soup, until half the pot was gone without showing any signs of being full. Xiao Ning felt a sense of accomplishment at his enthusiasm, but he also thought eating so much at such a late hour was not a healthy way to nourish the body. "It's late, so you shouldn't eat too much."
There was no need to go looking into who was right or wrong. Lishen had already passed away in prison, and Chen Ying seemed to be living a good life. Both received their own endings.
"Aunt said you were trying to find me. What is it?" Xiao Ning used a remarkably steady tone as he asked.
"Okay. I won't disturb you while you're on your break any longer. See you later this evening," Chen Ying said warmly.
Afterwards, Shan Haiming finally spoke. "I'm starving."
Odds are, Chen Ying herself will come over to find me soon.
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
Xiao Ning ended the call and zoned out for a moment, an empty feeling filling his heart. Nothing in him had stirred at all, and he wasn't sure if such a thing was good or bad.
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
"This weekend..." Chen Ying then replied, "I have a very important engagement this weekend, so if it's convenient for you, how about tonight?"
"Whenever the time comes." Xiao Ning then thought for a moment before adding, "It appears she's seriously trying to find me. The fact that my aunt has been stressing that it wasn't good for me to keep dragging this out helps prove it."
N/A
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
Any contact he had with Chen Ying was before he was ten. If he had to describe how the time they spent together had been, he couldn't say it was a joyous and happy experience either. It was because she and Lishen were always arguing, and Xiao Ning couldn't remember all the specifics. But he thinks it was because Chen Ying hated the fact that Lishen wasn't progressing in his work and wasn't ambitious. Of course, such things were according to Xiao Suling, however. She had even said that Chen Ying was unfaithful in her marriage and had always wanted to improve her social standing through connections. She also lamented that if it weren't for Lishen marrying such a wife who gave him nothing but worries, he wouldn't have gotten the idea in his head to commit a robbery and make such a mess in all of their lives.
Xiao Ning's interest in bedroom activities wasn't that strong, but he didn't have a habit of refusing Shan Haiming's requests either. So even while tired and sleepy, he still gave his earnest support and cooperation.
There was no need to go looking into who was right or wrong. Lishen had already passed away in prison, and Chen Ying seemed to be living a good life. Both received their own endings.
But why is she trying to find me now?
But why is she trying to find me now?
Xiao Ning had just taken a bite of toast. He knew Shan Haiming was trying to say the Shans would support him, but was there anything going to happen that would require them to back him? Was there going to be a battle?
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
"You didn't eat anything?" Xiao Ning had no qualms about him spoiling the mood, frowning out of worry as he spoke. "The soup's almost done. I'll go bring you some." After saying this, he went off to the kitchen. Now from there, he added, "Go wash up."
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
"Yeah. I'm going to meet her tonight," Xiao Ning replied.
Afterwards, Shan Haiming finally spoke. "I'm starving."
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
Xiao Ning seriously had no way of dealing with this fellow. "Anyhow, why didn't you eat today? I can go boil you some noodles, but we're out of green onions."
His fingers lifted to pinch the bridge of his nose for a moment, then he sent a message to Shan Haiming.
Xiao Ning had not consciously taken the matter of Chen Ying to heart, but it did disturb him to see all those things he had no care for constantly appearing around him and causing him to grow quite annoyed. What's more, since Xiao Suling knew his contact information, it meant Chen Ying would know it now, too.
Xiao Ning's interest in bedroom activities wasn't that strong, but he didn't have a habit of refusing Shan Haiming's requests either. So even while tired and sleepy, he still gave his earnest support and cooperation.
There was no need to go looking into who was right or wrong. Lishen had already passed away in prison, and Chen Ying seemed to be living a good life. Both received their own endings.
"There is." Xiao Ning agreed, then added, "You can just message me the address, then. That'll do."
Shan Haiming said nothing in return, only reaching out to pinch Xiao Ning's cheek. Xiao Ning then silently looked on as Shan Haiming leaned over and covered his lips with a kiss, conjuring an affectionate and charming atmosphere between the two.
"Hello, this is Xiao Ning speaking. May I ask who is calling?" Xiao Ning's voice was so calm as he spoke that it had even surprised him.
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
[I'll be back late tonight. Don't forget to feed Tangtang and Xiaohei.]
Shan Haiming changed out of his shoes, then walked over and sat on the coffee table to face him. "When?"
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
But why exactly is she doing all this?
"Yeah. I'm going to meet her tonight," Xiao Ning replied.
His wording was not impolite, and it made it clear he was indifferent to the situation. What's more, even though he hadn't done so deliberately, he showed no sign of surprise. After all, this scenario had been foreshadowed for so long.
He didn't take Shan Haiming's bowl, however. Instead, he brought out the entire pot. He then watched Shan Haiming down, serving after serving of that soup, until half the pot was gone without showing any signs of being full. Xiao Ning felt a sense of accomplishment at his enthusiasm, but he also thought eating so much at such a late hour was not a healthy way to nourish the body. "It's late, so you shouldn't eat too much."
And with that, Shan Haiming gave him an understanding nod, never bringing up the issue again.
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
Xiao Ning ended the call and zoned out for a moment, an empty feeling filling his heart. Nothing in him had stirred at all, and he wasn't sure if such a thing was good or bad.
But why exactly is she doing all this?
Then, after a few seconds of silence, Xiao Ning heard the unfamiliar voice of a woman from the other end of the line. "Ningning, it's mama."
Xiao Ning's 'soup of the day' was beef bone and mung bean soup. During the summer months, A-City was hot—very hot. Wu Yi also mentioned that Shan Haiming's constitution ran hot as well. So Xiao Ning quite liked the idea of making him some cooling soup.
Xiao Ning honestly couldn't follow the woman's line of reasoning. He was almost thirty years old, both in terms of mind and body, and he had long been weaned. He was no longer the child, hoping for his mother's return. He had not been that little boy for ages. He was doing well in the world now. He was slowly making progress in his career. He could support himself. He had a couple of really good friends, and he even had a person who loved and cared about him too. So, in the future, when he reached that age of marked accomplishment—of being able to stand firm on his own two feet to face the next stage of life—everything was set. It was all perfect now, like a circle. And he was quite satisfied with that.
"Oh, alright. Then please ask Wang Hua if he could take Tangtang on a walk as well. Tangtang has to be walked after dinner for a bit." Xiao Ning said with urging.
"Aunt said you were trying to find me. What is it?" Xiao Ning used a remarkably steady tone as he asked.
"Yes, I remember." Shan Haiming, seeing to dislike his nagging, then added, "I also remember the ratios of the red and white bags of Xiaohei's food are one-to-two. See, I know it."
Shan Haiming then said briefly, "I'm busy tonight too, so I'll ask Wang Hua to go over and feed them."
His words made Xiao Ning feel at ease. "That's right. It could lose its fur otherwise."
"It got too late, and I was too lazy to go grab something. I wanted to come straight home and have soup." Shan Haiming then downed all the contents of his bowl in a couple of bites and was planning to head to the kitchen with his bowl, but Xiao Ning stopped him, saying, "Don't move, I'll get it."
But before his break was over, Shan Haiming called and asked him lazily, "Did your mother get a hold of you?"
He didn't take Shan Haiming's bowl, however. Instead, he brought out the entire pot. He then watched Shan Haiming down, serving after serving of that soup, until half the pot was gone without showing any signs of being full. Xiao Ning felt a sense of accomplishment at his enthusiasm, but he also thought eating so much at such a late hour was not a healthy way to nourish the body. "It's late, so you shouldn't eat too much."
After the business of the cat and dog was settled, just as he was planning to end the call, Shan Haiming said simply, "If anything happens, call me."
First Contact
That afternoon, during Xiao Ning's lunch break, he received a call from an unknown number. It could've been from a telemarketer or something work-related. But Xiao Ning got the feeling it was actually a call from Chen Ying.
But Shan Haiming then let out a sigh and said, "Seeing how easy it is to bully you makes me not able to bear bullying you any longer."
He had no thoughts of putting on a show of strength before Chen Ying, nor did he harbour any childish thoughts of revenge. Besides, he regarded this matter as being solely between him and Cheng Ying. So he had no intention of others, especially those close to him, getting themselves involved in such an unnecessary thing.
This thought of his that bordered on a grumble was no different than a soft gust of wind over a tranquil lake, leaving the slightest of ripples that quickly faded away. Letting out a long sigh, Xiao Ning felt his head ache.
And with this, a soft smile found its way onto Xiao Ning's lips. "I know."
There was no need to go looking into who was right or wrong. Lishen had already passed away in prison, and Chen Ying seemed to be living a good life. Both received their own endings.
After swallowing his toast, Xiao Ning replied to Shan Haiming. "It's alright. I can do it myself."
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
"Yes, I remember." Shan Haiming, seeing to dislike his nagging, then added, "I also remember the ratios of the red and white bags of Xiaohei's food are one-to-two. See, I know it."
After Shan Haiming was done washing his hands, he rubbed his tummy before taking a seat at the dining room table. Tangtang happily ran over to welcome him home, circling his chair excitedly. Shan Haiming, too, greeted the giddy dog, leaning over from his chair to play with it.
First Contact
Like this, Tangtang ran off, wagging its tail to and fro.
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