The Long Road Ahead: C60

Work

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

_{Xiao Ning flipped through the menu and then selected a few seafood dishes in addition to the Coq au Vin, but no dessert. (red wine-braised chicken)}
As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.

Xiao Ning flipped through the menu and then selected a few seafood dishes in addition to the Coq au Vin, but no dessert. (red wine-braised chicken)

_{Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"}After work, Xiao Ning saw a white Audi parked at the nearby intersection the moment he walked outside, having no idea how long it had been parked there. He walked over to the car, pulled open the door, and sat down in the front passenger seat, meeting a waiting Chen Ying, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, who then flashed him a soft smile. "Let's go get some dinner first. So what would you like to eat, Ningning?"

Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

_{With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.}This statement of Xiao Ning's was not as easy to say as it sounded. But after he said it, he felt as if something was cut free in his heart that made him feel more at ease, yet at the same time there was also sadness.

With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.

_{Xiao Ning flipped through the menu and then selected a few seafood dishes in addition to the Coq au Vin, but no dessert. (red wine-braised chicken)}Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

Xiao Ning flipped through the menu and then selected a few seafood dishes in addition to the Coq au Vin, but no dessert. (red wine-braised chicken)

"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"

Chen Ying ordered the two a glass of red wine each and put an end to their ordering. After the waiter left, Xiao Ning spoke up first. "I know what you want to talk about. When I was a kid, I did hate you a little. But that stuff happened a long time ago, too. Yet, even so, I can't say whether I've forgiven you or not."

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."}But right then, their entrée had arrived and interrupted their conversation. Chen Ying lowered her head and tidied up her appearance before turning to Xiao Ning, smiling. "We got a bit off track, and it's gotten a bit late, so you must be hungry right now, yes?"

Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."

_{"I'm up for trying something new." Xiao Ning smiled softly as he closed the menu. Since Shan Haiming loved eating both fish and chicken-based dishes, if he tried them out first and they turned out to be good, he could take that man there to try them out as well afterwards.}Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."

"I'm up for trying something new." Xiao Ning smiled softly as he closed the menu. Since Shan Haiming loved eating both fish and chicken-based dishes, if he tried them out first and they turned out to be good, he could take that man there to try them out as well afterwards.

_{The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.}
With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.

The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.

_{Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."}Chen Ying stared at him in a daze for a while, tears streaming down her face. But since they were in public, her hands clutched her lips to prevent any sound from escaping.

Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."

_{"Because I have confidence in my son, and there's nothing you have to worry about since I'll be staying in A-City." Chen Ying stated, then added with a smile, "Xinhong has been under my watch all along, and I've participated in its management as well. So if there's anything you don't understand, you can just come ask me."}
It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.

"Because I have confidence in my son, and there's nothing you have to worry about since I'll be staying in A-City." Chen Ying stated, then added with a smile, "Xinhong has been under my watch all along, and I've participated in its management as well. So if there's anything you don't understand, you can just come ask me."

_{For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.}Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."

For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

◈◇◈

_{Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds. Honestly speaking, there wasn't much left for him to mention apart from his relationship with Shan Haiming. Do I need to tell her about that now?}
Before Wu Yi called Chen Ying to invite her out, Cheng Ying had made plans to go out with Chen Ying. Since she now spoke with Xiao Ning every day on the phone and their conversations felt more natural, she had begun trying to gradually increase their time together. "Ningning, I heard that the snacks in A-City are pretty famous, but I still haven't gotten a chance to try any of them, though.

Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds. Honestly speaking, there wasn't much left for him to mention apart from his relationship with Shan Haiming. Do I need to tell her about that now?

_{{You don't even know me.}}Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

You don't even know me.

_{"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."}It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.

"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."}
"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}Xiao Ning only acted like a listener, now allowing Chen Ying the chance to speak.

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{In a tone that was calm and natural, Xiao Ning spoke these words. But this calmness in his tone was almost too much, making it hard for Chen Ying to determine if there was again sarcasm entwined within those words. "Ningning, are you sure you want to bring this up tonight?"}"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."

In a tone that was calm and natural, Xiao Ning spoke these words. But this calmness in his tone was almost too much, making it hard for Chen Ying to determine if there was again sarcasm entwined within those words. "Ningning, are you sure you want to bring this up tonight?"

_{This statement of Xiao Ning's was not as easy to say as it sounded. But after he said it, he felt as if something was cut free in his heart that made him feel more at ease, yet at the same time there was also sadness.}"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

This statement of Xiao Ning's was not as easy to say as it sounded. But after he said it, he felt as if something was cut free in his heart that made him feel more at ease, yet at the same time there was also sadness.

_N/A
Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."

N/A

_{After they were done eating, Chen Ying asked, "What kind of work do you do at Rihua? Are you happy with your job?"}
"Yes, that's great. How about this evening? I had a dinner party, but I can just push it back. How about I pick you up after work?"

After they were done eating, Chen Ying asked, "What kind of work do you do at Rihua? Are you happy with your job?"

_{"It's fine. It doesn't matter any more." Xiao Ning let out a breath, his expression still composed. He even managed a soft smile, though it did still carry hints of sadness. "As a matter of fact, if I never went through those things, then I wouldn't be the person I am now, and I'm..."}
Considering they were going to eat together this time around, Xiao Ning figured making Chen Ying follow him while he went by taxi wouldn't be a good thing to do, so he replied, "That sounds good. But it's not easy to park near my company, so I'll wait for you at the front entrance. What type of car will you be driving?"

"It's fine. It doesn't matter any more." Xiao Ning let out a breath, his expression still composed. He even managed a soft smile, though it did still carry hints of sadness. "As a matter of fact, if I never went through those things, then I wouldn't be the person I am now, and I'm..."

_{Before Wu Yi called Chen Ying to invite her out, Cheng Ying had made plans to go out with Chen Ying. Since she now spoke with Xiao Ning every day on the phone and their conversations felt more natural, she had begun trying to gradually increase their time together. "Ningning, I heard that the snacks in A-City are pretty famous, but I still haven't gotten a chance to try any of them, though.}
"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.

Before Wu Yi called Chen Ying to invite her out, Cheng Ying had made plans to go out with Chen Ying. Since she now spoke with Xiao Ning every day on the phone and their conversations felt more natural, she had begun trying to gradually increase their time together. "Ningning, I heard that the snacks in A-City are pretty famous, but I still haven't gotten a chance to try any of them, though.

_{"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.}Chen Ying ordered the two a glass of red wine each and put an end to their ordering. After the waiter left, Xiao Ning spoke up first. "I know what you want to talk about. When I was a kid, I did hate you a little. But that stuff happened a long time ago, too. Yet, even so, I can't say whether I've forgiven you or not."

"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."}For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."

_{His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"}
After work, Xiao Ning saw a white Audi parked at the nearby intersection the moment he walked outside, having no idea how long it had been parked there. He walked over to the car, pulled open the door, and sat down in the front passenger seat, meeting a waiting Chen Ying, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, who then flashed him a soft smile. "Let's go get some dinner first. So what would you like to eat, Ningning?"

His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"

_{The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.}"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.

_{"But back then, even if I did take you with me, there was no way I could give you a better life. I gave birth to you, and I wanted to give you all the best things you deserved, but something like that was impossible in that family of ours.}Even though she said it was getting late, she still didn't move to touch her plate, only staring at Xiao Ning as he ate. As for Xiao Ning, being looked at while eating left him feeling a bit uneasy, but he understood the feelings behind Chen Ying doing so, so he didn't say a word.

"But back then, even if I did take you with me, there was no way I could give you a better life. I gave birth to you, and I wanted to give you all the best things you deserved, but something like that was impossible in that family of ours. There was no way." Sadness now laced Chen Ying's tone as she continued, "After your father was imprisoned, everyone just kept pointing their fingers at us. It was as if they used our situation to compare it to their own so they could feel better about their lives. You know, they always tell you you should raise your child to look after you when you're old. But why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small at the time? You shouldn't have to be burdened with such a responsibility either. Why couldn't I be the one to provide you with a much better life?"

_{Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"}"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

_{iana: I can see how she managed to snag Mr. Zhao from his wife. Everything sounds all pretty and sad until you realise all the actions don't add up. That laugh Xiao Ning laughed is the laugh of a man who got the answer to the question that's been bugging him.}
Before, Xiao Ning never paid much attention to this old nickname of his, but now that he has noticed it, he feels a bit embarrassed upon hearing it. However, when he saw how happy it made Chen Ying and how different that beaming smile she wore was from the time before, he decided not to say anything about it. "Anything's fine."

iana: I can see how she managed to snag Mr. Zhao from his wife. Everything sounds all pretty and sad until you realise all the actions don't add up. That laugh Xiao Ning laughed is the laugh of a man who got the answer to the question that's been bugging him.

_{"I'm very satisfied with the job I have now," Xiao Ning replied politely. "But thank you for asking."}"It's fine. It doesn't matter any more." Xiao Ning let out a breath, his expression still composed. He even managed a soft smile, though it did still carry hints of sadness. "As a matter of fact, if I never went through those things, then I wouldn't be the person I am now, and I'm..."

"I'm very satisfied with the job I have now," Xiao Ning replied politely. "But thank you for asking."

_{Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"}With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.

Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

_{Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"}
"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"

_{This statement of Xiao Ning's was not as easy to say as it sounded. But after he said it, he felt as if something was cut free in his heart that made him feel more at ease, yet at the same time there was also sadness.}
Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{Considering they were going to eat together this time around, Xiao Ning figured making Chen Ying follow him while he went by taxi wouldn't be a good thing to do, so he replied, "That sounds good. But it's not easy to park near my company, so I'll wait for you at the front entrance. What type of car will you be driving?"}Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."

Considering they were going to eat together this time around, Xiao Ning figured making Chen Ying follow him while he went by taxi wouldn't be a good thing to do, so he replied, "That sounds good. But it's not easy to park near my company, so I'll wait for you at the front entrance. What type of car will you be driving?"

Xiao Ning let out a soft chuckle, seeming as though he was relieved, which allowed his tone and gaze to become especially gentle. "Yes. We've both been stuck on this matter to the point where it makes us uncomfortable and awkward around one another, so it's better to just get everything out."

_{Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."}
Xiao Ning didn't have much of a reaction. Last time he hadn't heard much of what Chen Ying said because he had been wrapped in his own thoughts, and now hearing Chen Ying speak so enthusiastically, he smiled faintly and said, "Really, you still remember that?"

It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.

_{In a word, it was idyllic.}With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."

In a word, it was idyllic.

_{{Can we talk about something other than bedroom stuff?}}iana: I can see how she managed to snag Mr. Zhao from his wife. Everything sounds all pretty and sad until you realise all the actions don't add up. That laugh Xiao Ning laughed is the laugh of a man who got the answer to the question that's been bugging him.

Can we talk about something other than bedroom stuff?

_{Xiao Ning: "..."}
Xiao Ning didn't continue the topic, only looking straight ahead as he said, "You can just choose the place. I'm not a picky eater."

Xiao Ning: "..."

_{"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."}
This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."

"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."

_{Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."}
Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."

_{Xiao Ning said nothing in response to her words, though his handsome brows did furrow unconsciously. Upon seeing his irritation, Chen Ying immediately dropped the topic and said not a word about something similar for the rest of the night.}Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

Xiao Ning said nothing in response to her words, though his handsome brows did furrow unconsciously. Upon seeing his irritation, Chen Ying immediately dropped the topic and said not a word about something similar for the rest of the night.

_{Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.}
The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.

Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"}Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"

Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

_{Xiao Ning only acted like a listener, now allowing Chen Ying the chance to speak.}
The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.

Xiao Ning only acted like a listener, now allowing Chen Ying the chance to speak.

_{The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.}◈◇◈

The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.

_{Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service {division.} The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."}But right then, their entrée had arrived and interrupted their conversation. Chen Ying lowered her head and tidied up her appearance before turning to Xiao Ning, smiling. "We got a bit off track, and it's gotten a bit late, so you must be hungry right now, yes?"

Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."

_{Chen Ying stared at him in a daze for a while, tears streaming down her face. But since they were in public, her hands clutched her lips to prevent any sound from escaping.}
In a word, it was idyllic.

Chen Ying stared at him in a daze for a while, tears streaming down her face. But since they were in public, her hands clutched her lips to prevent any sound from escaping.

_{"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.}Even though she said it was getting late, she still didn't move to touch her plate, only staring at Xiao Ning as he ate. As for Xiao Ning, being looked at while eating left him feeling a bit uneasy, but he understood the feelings behind Chen Ying doing so, so he didn't say a word.

"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"}For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

_{Chen Ying ordered the two a glass of red wine each and put an end to their ordering. After the waiter left, Xiao Ning spoke up first. "I know what you want to talk about. When I was a kid, I did hate you a little. But that stuff happened a long time ago, too. Yet, even so, I can't say whether I've forgiven you or not."}The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.

_{Xiao Ning didn't continue the topic, only looking straight ahead as he said, "You can just choose the place. I'm not a picky eater."}
Xiao Ning flipped through the menu and then selected a few seafood dishes in addition to the Coq au Vin, but no dessert. (red wine-braised chicken)

Xiao Ning didn't continue the topic, only looking straight ahead as he said, "You can just choose the place. I'm not a picky eater."

_{Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.}
Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"

Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.

_{With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."}
"I'm up for trying something new." Xiao Ning smiled softly as he closed the menu. Since Shan Haiming loved eating both fish and chicken-based dishes, if he tried them out first and they turned out to be good, he could take that man there to try them out as well afterwards.

With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."

_{Xiao Ning only acted like a listener, now allowing Chen Ying the chance to speak.}Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

Xiao Ning only acted like a listener, now allowing Chen Ying the chance to speak.

_{Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."}Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."

_{"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"}
Chen Ying ordered the two a glass of red wine each and put an end to their ordering. After the waiter left, Xiao Ning spoke up first. "I know what you want to talk about. When I was a kid, I did hate you a little. But that stuff happened a long time ago, too. Yet, even so, I can't say whether I've forgiven you or not."

"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

_{Chen Ying, too, chuckled alongside him, then took a sip of her wine. "Of course, this isn't me trying to force you. I'm only saying that it's a great opportunity for you. You're going to turn twenty-seven this year, Ningning. Now is the perfect time for you to handle your affairs properly."}Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."

Chen Ying, too, chuckled alongside him, then took a sip of her wine. "Of course, this isn't me trying to force you. I'm only saying that it's a great opportunity for you. You're going to turn twenty-seven this year, Ningning. Now is the perfect time for you to handle your affairs properly."

_{Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"}
In a tone that was calm and natural, Xiao Ning spoke these words. But this calmness in his tone was almost too much, making it hard for Chen Ying to determine if there was again sarcasm entwined within those words. "Ningning, are you sure you want to bring this up tonight?"

Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

_{Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.}For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.

_{The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.}"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.

_{{You don't even know me.}}"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"

You don't even know me.

_{Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"}
Xiao Ning let out a soft chuckle, seeming as though he was relieved, which allowed his tone and gaze to become especially gentle. "Yes. We've both been stuck on this matter to the point where it makes us uncomfortable and awkward around one another, so it's better to just get everything out."

Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

_{Considering they were going to eat together this time around, Xiao Ning figured making Chen Ying follow him while he went by taxi wouldn't be a good thing to do, so he replied, "That sounds good. But it's not easy to park near my company, so I'll wait for you at the front entrance. What type of car will you be driving?"}
"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"

_{"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."}After they were done eating, Chen Ying asked, "What kind of work do you do at Rihua? Are you happy with your job?"

"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."

_{After work, Xiao Ning saw a white Audi parked at the nearby intersection the moment he walked outside, having no idea how long it had been parked there. He walked over to the car, pulled open the door, and sat down in the front passenger seat, meeting a waiting Chen Ying, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, who then flashed him a soft smile.}Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"

After work, Xiao Ning saw a white Audi parked at the nearby intersection the moment he walked outside, having no idea how long it had been parked there. He walked over to the car, pulled open the door, and sat down in the front passenger seat, meeting a waiting Chen Ying, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, who then flashed him a soft smile. "Let's go get some dinner first. So what would you like to eat, Ningning?"

Even though she said it was getting late, she still didn't move to touch her plate, only staring at Xiao Ning as he ate. As for Xiao Ning, being looked at while eating left him feeling a bit uneasy, but he understood the feelings behind Chen Ying doing so, so he didn't say a word.

_{Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"}Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{Xiao Ning said nothing in response to her words, though his handsome brows did furrow unconsciously. Upon seeing his irritation, Chen Ying immediately dropped the topic and said not a word about something similar for the rest of the night.}
"But back then, even if I did take you with me, there was no way I could give you a better life. I gave birth to you, and I wanted to give you all the best things you deserved, but something like that was impossible in that family of ours. There was no way." Sadness now laced Chen Ying's tone as she continued, "After your father was imprisoned, everyone just kept pointing their fingers at us. It was as if they used our situation to compare it to their own so they could feel better about their lives. You know, they always tell you you should raise your child to look after you when you're old. But why should I have to put all my hopes for a better life on you, who were still so small at the time? You shouldn't have to be burdened with such a responsibility either. Why couldn't I be the one to provide you with a much better life?"

_{Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."}Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.}"Because I have confidence in my son, and there's nothing you have to worry about since I'll be staying in A-City." Chen Ying stated, then added with a smile, "Xinhong has been under my watch all along, and I've participated in its management as well. So if there's anything you don't understand, you can just come ask me."

"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.

_{As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.}
Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."

As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.

_{"I'm up for trying something new." Xiao Ning smiled softly as he closed the menu. Since Shan Haiming loved eating both fish and chicken-based dishes, if he tried them out first and they turned out to be good, he could take that man there to try them out as well afterwards.}
This statement of Xiao Ning's was not as easy to say as it sounded. But after he said it, he felt as if something was cut free in his heart that made him feel more at ease, yet at the same time there was also sadness.

_{For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.}Xiao Ning let out a soft chuckle, seeming as though he was relieved, which allowed his tone and gaze to become especially gentle. "Yes. We've both been stuck on this matter to the point where it makes us uncomfortable and awkward around one another, so it's better to just get everything out."

For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

_{Before, Xiao Ning never paid much attention to this old nickname of his, but now that he has noticed it, he feels a bit embarrassed upon hearing it. However, when he saw how happy it made Chen Ying and how different that beaming smile she wore was from the time before, he decided not to say anything about it. "Anything's fine."}
Chen Ying stared at him in a daze for a while, tears streaming down her face. But since they were in public, her hands clutched her lips to prevent any sound from escaping.

Before, Xiao Ning never paid much attention to this old nickname of his, but now that he has noticed it, he feels a bit embarrassed upon hearing it. However, when he saw how happy it made Chen Ying and how different that beaming smile she wore was from the time before, he decided not to say anything about it. "Anything's fine."

_{Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds. Honestly speaking, there wasn't much left for him to mention apart from his relationship with Shan Haiming. {Do I need to tell her about that now?}}Xiao Ning didn't have much of a reaction. Last time he hadn't heard much of what Chen Ying said because he had been wrapped in his own thoughts, and now hearing Chen Ying speak so enthusiastically, he smiled faintly and said, "Really, you still remember that?"

Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds. Honestly speaking, there wasn't much left for him to mention apart from his relationship with Shan Haiming. Do I need to tell her about that now?

_{Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"}Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

_{This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."}Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"

This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."

_{For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.}
Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.

For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

_{"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.}"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"

"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."}After work, Xiao Ning saw a white Audi parked at the nearby intersection the moment he walked outside, having no idea how long it had been parked there. He walked over to the car, pulled open the door, and sat down in the front passenger seat, meeting a waiting Chen Ying, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, who then flashed him a soft smile. "Let's go get some dinner first. So what would you like to eat, Ningning?"

_{As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.}Xiao Ning let out a soft chuckle, seeming as though he was relieved, which allowed his tone and gaze to become especially gentle. "Yes. We've both been stuck on this matter to the point where it makes us uncomfortable and awkward around one another, so it's better to just get everything out."

_{"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.}
With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."

"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."}In a tone that was calm and natural, Xiao Ning spoke these words. But this calmness in his tone was almost too much, making it hard for Chen Ying to determine if there was again sarcasm entwined within those words. "Ningning, are you sure you want to bring this up tonight?"

_{Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."}
"I'm so sorry..." Chen Ying dotted her eyes with the tissue as she kept muttering, "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry."

Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."

_{Can we talk about something other than bedroom stuff?}
"It's fine. It doesn't matter any more." Xiao Ning let out a breath, his expression still composed. He even managed a soft smile, though it did still carry hints of sadness. "As a matter of fact, if I never went through those things, then I wouldn't be the person I am now, and I'm..."

Can we talk about something other than bedroom stuff?

_{"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"}Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{You don't even know me.}
Xiao Ning's gaze lowered, a full smile now forming on his lips. "I'm very happy with the life I have now. So there's no need for us to dwell on all these things. It's all in the past. The last time we met, I got a bit too emotional, so for that, I'm sorry, too."

You don't even know me.

_{Chen Ying, who had been observing him the entire time, suddenly suggested, "There's a private restaurant at the heart of downtown that specialises in seafood. How about we go there together next time and give them a try?"}Realising she had inadvertently brought up the past again, Chen Ying awkwardly stopped speaking. Normally, she wouldn't have acted so complacent, but because Xiao Ning's feelings towards her had softened to some extent, she had gotten caught up in her excitement.

_{With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.}"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"}As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.

_{Chen Ying, too, chuckled alongside him, then took a sip of her wine. "Of course, this isn't me trying to force you. I'm only saying that it's a great opportunity for you. You're going to turn twenty-seven this year, Ningning. Now is the perfect time for you to handle your affairs properly."}
Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"

_{As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.}It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.

_{"I'm very satisfied with the job I have now," Xiao Ning replied politely. "But thank you for asking."}
Xiao Ning hesitated for a few seconds. Honestly speaking, there wasn't much left for him to mention apart from his relationship with Shan Haiming. Do I need to tell her about that now?

"I'm very satisfied with the job I have now," Xiao Ning replied politely. "But thank you for asking."

_{Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"}Given his words, Chen Ying had good reason to keep pestering him, so she decided to drive to a high-end Western restaurant. "I ate here before, and the food's quite good. You can try their cod and foie gras."

Hearing there was no intention of him getting agitated, Chen Ying cautiously replied, "How could I ever forget?"

_{On Chen Ying's face, there was a hint of disappointment at his reply. But she restrained it in a flash and left only enough of the emotion for a person to not be annoyed by her, as she added, "Alright, Ningning.}Xiao Ning had already decided earlier that he would meet up with Chen Ying once more. Plus, the time that had passed did allow his emotions to settle and be kept under control, so he was no longer as agitated. "I'm free for the next few days, so whenever you have the time, we can go together if that's alright."

On Chen Ying's face, there was a hint of disappointment at his reply. But she restrained it in a flash and left only enough of the emotion for a person to not be annoyed by her, as she added, "Alright, Ningning. But just let me tell you this first, alright? And if you're interested, you can look into it yourself. Xinhong may have just established itself in A-City and is not as large as Rihua, but since you have such a good understanding of the market in A-City, if you come join us, getting a position as a regional manager is doable as a starting point. Then, if everything goes well, after a year, you could even become the executive director of this branch. In my opinion, it'll be very good for your career, and it'll also provide you with enough room to grow."

_◈◇◈
But right then, their entrée had arrived and interrupted their conversation. Chen Ying lowered her head and tidied up her appearance before turning to Xiao Ning, smiling. "We got a bit off track, and it's gotten a bit late, so you must be hungry right now, yes?"

◈◇◈

_{This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."}
Even though she said it was getting late, she still didn't move to touch her plate, only staring at Xiao Ning as he ate. As for Xiao Ning, being looked at while eating left him feeling a bit uneasy, but he understood the feelings behind Chen Ying doing so, so he didn't say a word.

This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."

_{His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"}Chen Ying ordered the two a glass of red wine each and put an end to their ordering. After the waiter left, Xiao Ning spoke up first. "I know what you want to talk about. When I was a kid, I did hate you a little. But that stuff happened a long time ago, too. Yet, even so, I can't say whether I've forgiven you or not."

_{His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"}"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"

_WorkXiao Ning: "..."

Work

_{Xiao Ning's gaze lowered, a full smile now forming on his lips. "I'm very happy with the life I have now. So there's no need for us to dwell on all these things. It's all in the past. The last time we met, I got a bit too emotional, so for that, I'm sorry, too."}
After they were done eating, Chen Ying asked, "What kind of work do you do at Rihua? Are you happy with your job?"

Xiao Ning's gaze lowered, a full smile now forming on his lips. "I'm very happy with the life I have now. So there's no need for us to dwell on all these things. It's all in the past. The last time we met, I got a bit too emotional, so for that, I'm sorry, too."

_{On Chen Ying's face, there was a hint of disappointment at his reply. But she restrained it in a flash and left only enough of the emotion for a person to not be annoyed by her, as she added, "Alright, Ningning.}
Xiao Ning thought for a moment, then replied, "It's alright. I'm the team leader for a customer service division. The salary there is decent, and I get along quite well with my colleagues."

_{Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"}Xiao Ning didn't continue the topic, only looking straight ahead as he said, "You can just choose the place. I'm not a picky eater."

Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"

_{In a tone that was calm and natural, Xiao Ning spoke these words. But this calmness in his tone was almost too much, making it hard for Chen Ying to determine if there was again sarcasm entwined within those words. "Ningning, are you sure you want to bring this up tonight?"}
His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"

_{With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."}As for the matter of purchasing a house, Xiao Ning still didn't have enough saved for a down payment, nor was he in any hurry to buy one at the moment, so the two came to an agreement, regardless of whether the house he decided on was his current place. Xiao Ning couldn't stop himself from chuckling and saying that he was taking too big of an advantage, but Shan Haiming told him it was quite all right because he could make up the deficit in "other" places.

With his relaxed gaze, his expression now looked softer as he spoke. "I should also thank you. After all, you did give birth to me."

_{"How can anything be fine? I remember you loving fish more than anything before, even though it was too easy for bones to get stuck." Chen Ying then added cheerily, "You liked sweets a lot too. Even though the chocolate back then wasn't that good, you still loved it so much—"}His reply was honest, though it was done in a rather dry tone. But Chen Ying was nonetheless quite pleased with how they were currently getting along and paid no mind to it. "Ningning, have you ever thought about switching jobs?"

_{It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.}Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."

_{Chen Ying, however, shook her head. Then, with a face of smudged makeup, she put on a happy expression and stared at Xiao Ning. It was an expression as heartbreaking as one given by a young girl. "No, don't apologise. I deserved that, and you said nothing wrong. Did I... did I disturb the life you have now?"}
"I'm very satisfied with the job I have now," Xiao Ning replied politely. "But thank you for asking."

_{Even though she said it was getting late, she still didn't move to touch her plate, only staring at Xiao Ning as he ate. As for Xiao Ning, being looked at while eating left him feeling a bit uneasy, but he understood the feelings behind Chen Ying doing so, so he didn't say a word.}Xiao Ning remained silent for a moment as it appeared that Chen Ying's words had made those old memories residing in his heart churn. At that moment, it felt as though each of them was pulling him in all sorts of varied directions, until he finally managed to say, "Things must've been very difficult for you back then. But you seem to be doing much better now, so for that, I can rest easy."

_{This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."}Chen Ying stared at him in a daze for a while, tears streaming down her face. But since they were in public, her hands clutched her lips to prevent any sound from escaping.

This sentence had delivered another poke at Chen Ying, who then mumbled, "That's right... Ningning has never caused others any trouble."

_{Xiao Ning let out a soft chuckle, seeming as though he was relieved, which allowed his tone and gaze to become especially gentle. "Yes. We've both been stuck on this matter to the point where it makes us uncomfortable and awkward around one another, so it's better to just get everything out."}
On Chen Ying's face, there was a hint of disappointment at his reply. But she restrained it in a flash and left only enough of the emotion for a person to not be annoyed by her, as she added, "Alright, Ningning. But just let me tell you this first, alright? And if you're interested, you can look into it yourself. Xinhong may have just established itself in A-City and is not as large as Rihua, but since you have such a good understanding of the market in A-City, if you come join us, getting a position as a regional manager is doable as a starting point. Then, if everything goes well, after a year, you could even become the executive director of this branch. In my opinion, it'll be very good for your career, and it'll also provide you with enough room to grow."

_{"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.}
Xiao Ning was left taken aback by the words he just heard from her, causing him to ask outright, "Why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Oh, it's a white Audi," Chen Ying replied rather happily, quickly confirming the time and address.

Can we talk about something other than bedroom stuff?

_{"I'm up for trying something new." Xiao Ning smiled softly as he closed the menu. Since Shan Haiming loved eating both fish and chicken-based dishes, if he tried them out first and they turned out to be good, he could take that man there to try them out as well afterwards.}For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

_{In a word, it was idyllic.}
"Because I have confidence in my son, and there's nothing you have to worry about since I'll be staying in A-City." Chen Ying stated, then added with a smile, "Xinhong has been under my watch all along, and I've participated in its management as well. So if there's anything you don't understand, you can just come ask me."

In a word, it was idyllic.

_{The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.}"Oh..." Chen Ying followed along with him and let out a chuckle before her expression calmed and she began showing faint traces of melancholy. "I know you didn't want to accept me given that I only came back to find you now of all times. My skin must seem quite thick to you, doesn't it?"

The restaurant was packed, and the out-of-his-element Xiao Ning simply followed along as he and Chen Ying were led to a table for two that was empty.

_{The owner of that place was surely someone with unusually high status because the decor was as impressive as expected and the music was provided by a live band. As for the staff, they must've been meticulously selected—given they were all good-looking, had excellent posture, and were even almost all the same height.}
For some reason, after hearing all this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but find it all quite amusing. Making him laugh momentarily.

_Work
Chen Ying, too, chuckled alongside him, then took a sip of her wine. "Of course, this isn't me trying to force you. I'm only saying that it's a great opportunity for you. You're going to turn twenty-seven this year, Ningning. Now is the perfect time for you to handle your affairs properly."

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_{But right then, their entrée had arrived and interrupted their conversation. Chen Ying lowered her head and tidied up her appearance before turning to Xiao Ning, smiling. "We got a bit off track, and it's gotten a bit late, so you must be hungry right now, yes?"}With Shan Haiming's personality, once he got his meaning across, he wouldn't go into much extra detail and spent the rest of their conversation occasionally asking about how things were going with Chen Ying, and Xiao Ning would tell him they were going well.

But right then, their entrée had arrived and interrupted their conversation. Chen Ying lowered her head and tidied up her appearance before turning to Xiao Ning, smiling. "We got a bit off track, and it's gotten a bit late, so you must be hungry right now, yes?"

_{"But back then, even if I did take you with me, there was no way I could give you a better life. I gave birth to you, and I wanted to give you all the best things you deserved, but something like that was impossible in that family of ours.}
Xiao Ning said nothing in response to her words, though his handsome brows did furrow unconsciously. Upon seeing his irritation, Chen Ying immediately dropped the topic and said not a word about something similar for the rest of the night.

_{"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.}It really was going well. These days for Xiao Ning were happy ones, and his feelings towards Chen Ying grew more and more at peace. It was to the point that the heavy heart Chen Ying still carried weighed on his mind enough to make him feel like he should find a chance for them to talk. There was no longer a reason for them to keep dwelling on those memories and grievances of the past.

"So, if you have the time, can you take me to try some of the authentic local specialities?" She added, in a casual tone.

_{Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.}Xiao Ning's gaze lowered, a full smile now forming on his lips. "I'm very happy with the life I have now. So there's no need for us to dwell on all these things. It's all in the past. The last time we met, I got a bit too emotional, so for that, I'm sorry, too."

Xiao Ning handed her a tissue and then waited for her to regain her composure.

Author's Note:

N/A

The Long Road Ahead: C60

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