The Long Road Ahead

Found Out

The meals were already placed on the table, yet Xia Li hadn't hadn't moved his chopsticks, neither did he play on his phone. All he did was sit there wearing a blank expression on his face.

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

"It was you who who left him alone in the restaurant without thinking, then you still went on to yell at him. He's younger than you, and since you love him, you should concede to him more." Xiao Ning was a person with a regular sleep pattern, and since he had turned twenty-five, staying up at late hours had become more of a challenge. They had been looking since before it was eight in that night, and it was currently almost four in the morning, so his nerves had constantly tensed up and now his temples were throbbing with pain. He couldn't stop rubbing them, and he couldn't speak in nothing but a hushed tone.

Did this guy eat dynamite? Why is he so mad? Only thinking of calming Lu Yan down, Xiao Ning replied carefully, "You were the one who once said that time doesn't matter for things like this.

Closing his eyes, Lu Yan did his best to calm himself down. Upon opening his eyes, he seemed to have sobered up, again going on to ask, "When did you bend?"

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

Xia Li said nothing about it, not smiled, only stiffly saying, "Let's eat."

The meals were already placed on the table, yet Xia Li hadn't hadn't moved his chopsticks, neither did he play on his phone. All he did was sit there wearing a blank expression on his face.

"He turned off his phone." Xiao Ning drew his brows into a knit, turning to look up at Lu Yan, who had yet to have returned to his senses, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What are you still thinking about, we need to leave now, we have to hurry up and find your boyfriend. Who can relax when a kid is running about who knows where?"

His tone did not sound good, the young master's temper seemed on the verge of breaking loose. But, fortunately, he recalled he and Xiao Ning had made up not too long ago, so he stiffly allowed a smile to bloom on his face instead. "Hey, hey, hey. You're not being nice at all, are you? Like, who the heck are you, huh? Acting so secretive and what not. You know every single one of my friends, so why are you keeping this buddy of yours tucked and hidden away so tightly, hm?"

Is this anger?

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

Xiao Ning shot Lu Yan a look, meaning for him to see his sin and quickly coax him.

Xiao Ning lifted his gaze, a smile lining his eyes as he looked at Xia Li. In response, Xia Li held his mouth, coughing twice, before a slight blush tinged his entire face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was just so shocked, you know? Coming out to one's family is just..."

Xiao Ning shot Lu Yan a look, meaning for him to see his sin and quickly coax him.

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

。

But... only for the time being.

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

This matter had impacted him greatly, it was something Xiao Ning could imagine. After all, Lu Yan was angry with him before for not being transparent, so according to Lu Yan's logic, this matter was akin to high-treason.

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

"Look, look, look! He's the one that wanted to run off! Whatever happens to him will serve him right, we're heading back right now!"

Lu Yan's mind was a mess, too much of a mess to care about Xia Li. He thought about a lot of things with not much sense or order. Things he thought he understood as clear as day before, but were now all suddenly incomprehensible. His thoughts felt as though they was weightless, floating, having no lace where they could land. In a state of panic, he cast his gaze towards Xiao Ning, asking, "Why didn't you tell me?"

This matter had impacted him greatly, it was something Xiao Ning could imagine. After all, Lu Yan was angry with him before for not being transparent, so according to Lu Yan's logic, this matter was akin to high-treason.

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

The hotpot before him now bubbled, and Xiao Ning's heart resembling one of those balls of meat boiling inside it, tumbling and rolling around with no end in sight. He then reached for one of the shrimp balls, dipping it in a sauce before replying, "I'm meeting his parents."

。

Xiao Nin lowered his head ate his food, acting as it he saw nothing, and trying his best to shirk his presence.

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

But the flames of Lu Yan's rage was far too heated, so much so the had most likely burned his personable instincts to a crisp, making him not concerned about nothing—making him spit out a "shut up" to cut Xia Li's words short, evoking a cold smile that made Xiao Ning confused. "You quite the capable one aren't you, Xiao Ning? Coming out? Meeting the parents? I've been living with you n the same house for so long, yet I never had the slightest clue at all."

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

"Xiao'Ning, this weekend I have another appointment." However, Lu Yan directed the topic towards him. "So hang out with him again then."

Xia Li didn't have any identification on him, nor did he carry a lot of money. He didn't have any family or friends in A-City either, so the odds of him having some sort of mishap was high.

But... only for the time being.

"Someone's house?" The subject of the conversation Xiao Ning had with that other person not long ago did not sound like one for a simple get-together. Lu Yan began forming a vague idea of what it could be, but it was simply too unimaginable. He did not want to think of it, however, with the unexpected situations occurring he felt he had ask for further clarification. "Why are you going over to some person's house?"

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Xia Li lifted a cup, wishing from the bottom of his heart, "Congratulations."

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

The both smiled at each other with no gaps between them. At the same time, Xiao Ning was relieved, and used the cover of taking a drink to spy at Lu Yan from the corner of his eyes. Lu Yan looked as though he was knocked on the head by a hammer flying from the sky, his face completely frozen stiff.

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

Xiao Ning swallowed the food in his mouth, releasing a hard internal sigh, replying slowly, "I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient."

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

Xia Li said nothing about it, not smiled, only stiffly saying, "Let's eat."

"...even though I had always seen you date other people of the same sex, and not caring about something like that, when it came to me, I... I still found myself scared to say anything to you." Xiao Ning felt he really wasn't cut out for telling lies. Once you tell one single lie, just to keep it all intact, you have to tell more and more lies. He was tired. "I wanted to figure it out myself first before telling you."

"Xiao'Ning, this weekend I have another appointment." However, Lu Yan directed the topic towards him. "So hang out with him again then."

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Never expecting him to refuse, Lu Yan asking in return without thinking, "Inconvenient? Why is it inconvenient?"

Seeing the person across from him was finally willing speaking properly, Xiao Ning finally relaxed himself somewhat. "That's not important."

鸿门宴: hóng mén yàn: (lit.) Feast at Hongmen. (Fig.) banquet set up with the aim of murdering a guest. Like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones. It refers to a famous episode in 206 BC when future Han emperor Liú Bāng (刘邦) escaped attempted murder by his rival Xiàng Yǔ (项羽).[]iana: ಠಿ_ಠ I'm not even going to say nothing, because it'll just be cussing.

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

His tone did not sound good, the young master's temper seemed on the verge of breaking loose. But, fortunately, he recalled he and Xiao Ning had made up not too long ago, so he stiffly allowed a smile to bloom on his face instead. "Hey, hey, hey. You're not being nice at all, are you? Like, who the heck are you, huh? Acting so secretive and what not. You know every single one of my friends, so why are you keeping this buddy of yours tucked and hidden away so tightly, hm?"

Found Out

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

"He turned off his phone." Xiao Ning drew his brows into a knit, turning to look up at Lu Yan, who had yet to have returned to his senses, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What are you still thinking about, we need to leave now, we have to hurry up and find your boyfriend. Who can relax when a kid is running about who knows where?"

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

This was his first time he had ever seen Lu Yan's face so unsightly. It was so unsightly he completely confused. Why does he look so incredibly mad?

Thus, he shook his head the replied wearily, "Later, let's keep looking first."

Nevertheless, Xiao Ning still explained in a gentle tone, "I need to go to someone's house. So it is inconvenient, okay?"

Xia Li said nothing about it, not smiled, only stiffly saying, "Let's eat."

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

"Someone's house?" The subject of the conversation Xiao Ning had with that other person not long ago did not sound like one for a simple get-together. Lu Yan began forming a vague idea of what it could be, but it was simply too unimaginable. He did not want to think of it, however, with the unexpected situations occurring he felt he had ask for further clarification. "Why are you going over to some person's house?"

Xia Li said nothing about it, not smiled, only stiffly saying, "Let's eat."

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

"Someone's house?" The subject of the conversation Xiao Ning had with that other person not long ago did not sound like one for a simple get-together. Lu Yan began forming a vague idea of what it could be, but it was simply too unimaginable. He did not want to think of it, however, with the unexpected situations occurring he felt he had ask for further clarification. "Why are you going over to some person's house?"

But... only for the time being.

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

。

"...even though I had always seen you date other people of the same sex, and not caring about something like that, when it came to me, I... I still found myself scared to say anything to you." Xiao Ning felt he really wasn't cut out for telling lies. Once you tell one single lie, just to keep it all intact, you have to tell more and more lies. He was tired. "I wanted to figure it out myself first before telling you."

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

Xia Li never looked at Lu Yan, however, only grinning happily as he poured more tea for Xiao Ning and himself. "This is good thing. So when are you going to bring him over so we can meet? Maybe we can even go on a double date. I've always wanted to try one so bad."

In the end... this could no longer be avoided.

The hotpot before him now bubbled, and Xiao Ning's heart resembling one of those balls of meat boiling inside it, tumbling and rolling around with no end in sight. He then reached for one of the shrimp balls, dipping it in a sauce before replying, "I'm meeting his parents."

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not."

Xia Li never looked at Lu Yan, however, only grinning happily as he poured more tea for Xiao Ning and himself. "This is good thing. So when are you going to bring him over so we can meet? Maybe we can even go on a double date. I've always wanted to try one so bad."

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

The hotpot before him now bubbled, and Xiao Ning's heart resembling one of those balls of meat boiling inside it, tumbling and rolling around with no end in sight. He then reached for one of the shrimp balls, dipping it in a sauce before replying, "I'm meeting his parents."

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

"...even though I had always seen you date other people of the same sex, and not caring about something like that, when it came to me, I... I still found myself scared to say anything to you." Xiao Ning felt he really wasn't cut out for telling lies. Once you tell one single lie, just to keep it all intact, you have to tell more and more lies. He was tired. "I wanted to figure it out myself first before telling you."

This matter had impacted him greatly, it was something Xiao Ning could imagine. After all, Lu Yan was angry with him before for not being transparent, so according to Lu Yan's logic, this matter was akin to high-treason.

"Woah!" Xia Li cried out, shocked to the extreme. He no longer cared for nursing his irritation, as his eyes were now pulled wide like a cat's. "You're meeting his parents! He's taking you to meet his parents?! Oh my god! He came out?!

Lu Yan's mount began moving, his words spoken slowly, but his tone was low and deep. "This has to be a joke."

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

Xiao Ning lifted his gaze, a smile lining his eyes as he looked at Xia Li. In response, Xia Li held his mouth, coughing twice, before a slight blush tinged his entire face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was just so shocked, you know? Coming out to one's family is just..."

"He turned off his phone." Xiao Ning drew his brows into a knit, turning to look up at Lu Yan, who had yet to have returned to his senses, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What are you still thinking about, we need to leave now, we have to hurry up and find your boyfriend. Who can relax when a kid is running about who knows where?"

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not."

Found Out

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

"Xiao'Ning, this weekend I have another appointment." However, Lu Yan directed the topic towards him. "So hang out with him again then."

His tone did not sound good, the young master's temper seemed on the verge of breaking loose. But, fortunately, he recalled he and Xiao Ning had made up not too long ago, so he stiffly allowed a smile to bloom on his face instead. "Hey, hey, hey. You're not being nice at all, are you? Like, who the heck are you, huh? Acting so secretive and what not. You know every single one of my friends, so why are you keeping this buddy of yours tucked and hidden away so tightly, hm?"

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

This matter had impacted him greatly, it was something Xiao Ning could imagine. After all, Lu Yan was angry with him before for not being transparent, so according to Lu Yan's logic, this matter was akin to high-treason.

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

。

Lu Yan was used to being a night owl, so he was still quite energetic. But seeing Xiao Ning look so ill, he said, "How about you head back to my place first with me and get some sleep? You still have to work tomorrow."

Although coming out did not mean a couple would be able to be together either, bonds of marriage between different sexes can also end in divorce. But being able to make such a step was not easy, and he, himself, had no intention of doing so for the time being.

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

But... only for the time being.

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

Xia Li lifted a cup, wishing from the bottom of his heart, "Congratulations."

The entire table was now silent.

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

The entire table was now silent.

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

N/A

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

Xia Li didn't have any identification on him, nor did he carry a lot of money. He didn't have any family or friends in A-City either, so the odds of him having some sort of mishap was high.

"It was you who who left him alone in the restaurant without thinking, then you still went on to yell at him. He's younger than you, and since you love him, you should concede to him more." Xiao Ning was a person with a regular sleep pattern, and since he had turned twenty-five, staying up at late hours had become more of a challenge. They had been looking since before it was eight in that night, and it was currently almost four in the morning, so his nerves had constantly tensed up and now his temples were throbbing with pain. He couldn't stop rubbing them, and he couldn't speak in nothing but a hushed tone.

Lu wasn't scatter-brained enough to neglect taking responsibility in this situation. In any case, Xia Li was still special to him, so he drove Xiao Ning around A-City like a headless chicken looking every and which way. But it wasn't until three in the morning before Xia Li was spotted.

The both smiled at each other with no gaps between them. At the same time, Xiao Ning was relieved, and used the cover of taking a drink to spy at Lu Yan from the corner of his eyes. Lu Yan looked as though he was knocked on the head by a hammer flying from the sky, his face completely frozen stiff.

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

。

Did this guy eat dynamite? Why is he so mad? Only thinking of calming Lu Yan down, Xiao Ning replied carefully, "You were the one who once said that time doesn't matter for things like this.

Xia Li didn't have any identification on him, nor did he carry a lot of money. He didn't have any family or friends in A-City either, so the odds of him having some sort of mishap was high.

He was a little scared of what Lu Yan would think of him. "Anyhow, something like this isn't one others can influence me into in any way, it's all natural. You should be able to understand that as well. So please hurry and call Xia Li, alright?"

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

This matter had impacted him greatly, it was something Xiao Ning could imagine. After all, Lu Yan was angry with him before for not being transparent, so according to Lu Yan's logic, this matter was akin to high-treason.

Thus, he shook his head the replied wearily, "Later, let's keep looking first."

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

Xia Li never looked at Lu Yan, however, only grinning happily as he poured more tea for Xiao Ning and himself. "This is good thing. So when are you going to bring him over so we can meet? Maybe we can even go on a double date. I've always wanted to try one so bad."

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

鸿门宴: hóng mén yàn: (lit.) Feast at Hongmen. (Fig.) banquet set up with the aim of murdering a guest. Like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones. It refers to a famous episode in 206 BC when future Han emperor Liú Bāng (刘邦) escaped attempted murder by his rival Xiàng Yǔ (项羽).[]iana: ಠಿ_ಠ I'm not even going to say nothing, because it'll just be cussing.

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not.[1]"

He was a little scared of what Lu Yan would think of him. "Anyhow, something like this isn't one others can influence me into in any way, it's all natural. You should be able to understand that as well. So please hurry and call Xia Li, alright?"

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

。

Xia Li said nothing about it, not smiled, only stiffly saying, "Let's eat."

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

"Is it really that serious? It's not like he's a three year old child. How can someone get abducted in just one night?" Because of the matter with Xiao Ning, Lu Yan was on a piss-poor mood. Never in his life had he been so tolerant of another person's capricious behaviour. He had been busying about until such a late hour yet no sign of the person could be seen, so once more his anger rose. "He has no sense at all."

His tone did not sound good, the young master's temper seemed on the verge of breaking loose. But, fortunately, he recalled he and Xiao Ning had made up not too long ago, so he stiffly allowed a smile to bloom on his face instead. "Hey, hey, hey. You're not being nice at all, are you? Like, who the heck are you, huh? Acting so secretive and what not. You know every single one of my friends, so why are you keeping this buddy of yours tucked and hidden away so tightly, hm?"

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

Seeing the person across from him was finally willing speaking properly, Xiao Ning finally relaxed himself somewhat. "That's not important."

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

The entire table was now silent.

"Stop spouting nonsense!" Lu Yan's fists clenched tightly on top of the table, unable to slam them onto to table once more.

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

He waited for a while, only peering at Lu Yan's face, a face seeming astounded to where he appeared to be driven out of his wits. Making him wonder: What about this is worth you being startled to such a degree?

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

Xiao Ning felt a great deal of guilt towards Xia Li, so regardless of how much Lu Yan and Xia Li's behaviour was out of his control, the person at the centre of this matter was still him at the end of the day.

Xiao Ning swallowed the food in his mouth, releasing a hard internal sigh, replying slowly, "I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient."

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

This was his first time he had ever seen Lu Yan's face so unsightly. It was so unsightly he completely confused. Why does he look so incredibly mad?

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

All the words he had prepared earlier as excuses, in that very instant, had become forgotten.

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

"Me and Xia Li?" Lu Yan clearly did not get the point that Xiao Ning wanted him to get, causing his anger to grow the more Xiao Ning spoke. "How long were you to together then? How long was it for you to be coming out and going to meet his parents?"

But... only for the time being.

"He turned off his phone." Xiao Ning drew his brows into a knit, turning to look up at Lu Yan, who had yet to have returned to his senses, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What are you still thinking about, we need to leave now, we have to hurry up and find your boyfriend. Who can relax when a kid is running about who knows where?"

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

But the flames of Lu Yan's rage was far too heated, so much so the had most likely burned his personable instincts to a crisp, making him not concerned about nothing—making him spit out a "shut up" to cut Xia Li's words short, evoking a cold smile that made Xiao Ning confused. "You quite the capable one aren't you, Xiao Ning? Coming out? Meeting the parents? I've been living with you n the same house for so long, yet I never had the slightest clue at all."

Xiao Ning was speechless. He was the one who prepared that entire excuse, and here Lu Yan was putting it together on his own, proving there was some commonality in imagination with regard to such matters. "A part of it is, but it was mostly because of the distance from my job."

Xia Li never looked at Lu Yan, however, only grinning happily as he poured more tea for Xiao Ning and himself. "This is good thing. So when are you going to bring him over so we can meet? Maybe we can even go on a double date. I've always wanted to try one so bad."

Thus, he shook his head the replied wearily, "Later, let's keep looking first."

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Lu Yan's mount began moving, his words spoken slowly, but his tone was low and deep. "This has to be a joke."

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Thus, he shook his head the replied wearily, "Later, let's keep looking first."

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

The meals were already placed on the table, yet Xia Li hadn't hadn't moved his chopsticks, neither did he play on his phone. All he did was sit there wearing a blank expression on his face.

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

But the flames of Lu Yan's rage was far too heated, so much so the had most likely burned his personable instincts to a crisp, making him not concerned about nothing—making him spit out a "shut up" to cut Xia Li's words short, evoking a cold smile that made Xiao Ning confused. "You quite the capable one aren't you, Xiao Ning? Coming out? Meeting the parents? I've been living with you n the same house for so long, yet I never had the slightest clue at all."

Xiao Ning shot Lu Yan a look, meaning for him to see his sin and quickly coax him.

The both smiled at each other with no gaps between them. At the same time, Xiao Ning was relieved, and used the cover of taking a drink to spy at Lu Yan from the corner of his eyes. Lu Yan looked as though he was knocked on the head by a hammer flying from the sky, his face completely frozen stiff.

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

"Sit back down!" Lu Yan roared to a shocked Xiao Ning, the entire restaurant brought to an instant silence by his growl. Sensing many prying gazes were being sent their way, Xiao Ning awkwardly looked to his left and right, and had no choice but to sit down, before he whispered, "Lu Yan, you need to calm down, why is this such a big deal anyhow? What are you even so mad about?"

After saying this, he rose from his seat and rushed out of the restaurant.

"Me and Xia Li?" Lu Yan clearly did not get the point that Xiao Ning wanted him to get, causing his anger to grow the more Xiao Ning spoke. "How long were you to together then? How long was it for you to be coming out and going to meet his parents?"

Xia Li lifted a cup, wishing from the bottom of his heart, "Congratulations."

The hotpot before him now bubbled, and Xiao Ning's heart resembling one of those balls of meat boiling inside it, tumbling and rolling around with no end in sight. He then reached for one of the shrimp balls, dipping it in a sauce before replying, "I'm meeting his parents."

He was a little scared of what Lu Yan would think of him. "Anyhow, something like this isn't one others can influence me into in any way, it's all natural. You should be able to understand that as well. So please hurry and call Xia Li, alright?"

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

Xiao Ning shot Lu Yan a look, meaning for him to see his sin and quickly coax him.

"Xia Li!" Xiao Ning was taken aback. He never expected the situation to take such a sudden turn for the worse. He predicted that Lu Yan wouldn't be all that happy, because the young master Lu Yan is had always been irritated whenever he got close to anyone else. But the scale of his reaction being this large went far beyond his expectations. "Lu Yan, you need to hurry up and go after Xia Li!"

"...even though I had always seen you date other people of the same sex, and not caring about something like that, when it came to me, I... I still found myself scared to say anything to you." Xiao Ning felt he really wasn't cut out for telling lies. Once you tell one single lie, just to keep it all intact, you have to tell more and more lies. He was tired. "I wanted to figure it out myself first before telling you."

The bubbling hotpot began to simmer, it's pale steam no longer rising high but instead scattered into nothingness.

Is this anger?

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not."

"Stop spouting nonsense!" Lu Yan's fists clenched tightly on top of the table, unable to slam them onto to table once more.

Within Lu Yan's eyes, the signs of a storm was brewing. "What are you going on about? You need to explain yourself to me clearly right now."

"Woah!" Xia Li cried out, shocked to the extreme. He no longer cared for nursing his irritation, as his eyes were now pulled wide like a cat's. "You're meeting his parents! He's taking you to meet his parents?! Oh my god! He came out?!

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

He was a little scared of what Lu Yan would think of him. "Anyhow, something like this isn't one others can influence me into in any way, it's all natural. You should be able to understand that as well. So please hurry and call Xia Li, alright?"

"What I'm going on about? Xiao Ning stood up. "We need to go find Xia Li and bring him back first. He's in a place he doesn't know and he just ran out of here, what are you going to do if he gets lost!"

Did this guy eat dynamite? Why is he so mad? Only thinking of calming Lu Yan down, Xiao Ning replied carefully, "You were the one who once said that time doesn't matter for things like this.

"Sit back down!" Lu Yan roared to a shocked Xiao Ning, the entire restaurant brought to an instant silence by his growl. Sensing many prying gazes were being sent their way, Xiao Ning awkwardly looked to his left and right, and had no choice but to sit down, before he whispered, "Lu Yan, you need to calm down, why is this such a big deal anyhow? What are you even so mad about?"

"Xia Li!" Xiao Ning was taken aback. He never expected the situation to take such a sudden turn for the worse. He predicted that Lu Yan wouldn't be all that happy, because the young master Lu Yan is had always been irritated whenever he got close to anyone else. But the scale of his reaction being this large went far beyond his expectations. "Lu Yan, you need to hurry up and go after Xia Li!"

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

Lu Yan's mount began moving, his words spoken slowly, but his tone was low and deep. "This has to be a joke."

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

Lu wasn't scatter-brained enough to neglect taking responsibility in this situation. In any case, Xia Li was still special to him, so he drove Xiao Ning around A-City like a headless chicken looking every and which way. But it wasn't until three in the morning before Xia Li was spotted.

This time, even if Xiao Ning didn't want to, he had to get into whatever this matter was, so he urged, "I was wrong for keeping this from you, but you need to understand that this matter also has a significant impact on me as well. You're also dating Xia Li right now, so how could it be good for me to go disturbing you guys?"

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

"Look, look, look! He's the one that wanted to run off! Whatever happens to him will serve him right, we're heading back right now!"

This time, even if Xiao Ning didn't want to, he had to get into whatever this matter was, so he urged, "I was wrong for keeping this from you, but you need to understand that this matter also has a significant impact on me as well. You're also dating Xia Li right now, so how could it be good for me to go disturbing you guys?"

He waited for a while, only peering at Lu Yan's face, a face seeming astounded to where he appeared to be driven out of his wits. Making him wonder: What about this is worth you being startled to such a degree?

Xia Li lifted a cup, wishing from the bottom of his heart, "Congratulations."

"Me and Xia Li?" Lu Yan clearly did not get the point that Xiao Ning wanted him to get, causing his anger to grow the more Xiao Ning spoke. "How long were you to together then? How long was it for you to be coming out and going to meet his parents?"

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

In the end... this could no longer be avoided.

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

In the end... this could no longer be avoided.

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

Although coming out did not mean a couple would be able to be together either, bonds of marriage between different sexes can also end in divorce. But being able to make such a step was not easy, and he, himself, had no intention of doing so for the time being.

。

Did this guy eat dynamite? Why is he so mad? Only thinking of calming Lu Yan down, Xiao Ning replied carefully, "You were the one who once said that time doesn't matter for things like this.

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not."

"Stop spouting nonsense!" Lu Yan's fists clenched tightly on top of the table, unable to slam them onto to table once more.

Nevertheless, Xiao Ning still explained in a gentle tone, "I need to go to someone's house. So it is inconvenient, okay?"

Seeing the person across from him was finally willing speaking properly, Xiao Ning finally relaxed himself somewhat. "That's not important."

This time, even if Xiao Ning didn't want to, he had to get into whatever this matter was, so he urged, "I was wrong for keeping this from you, but you need to understand that this matter also has a significant impact on me as well. You're also dating Xia Li right now, so how could it be good for me to go disturbing you guys?"

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

。

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

Lu Yan was used to being a night owl, so he was still quite energetic. But seeing Xiao Ning look so ill, he said, "How about you head back to my place first with me and get some sleep? You still have to work tomorrow."

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

。

But monstrous billows of anger covered Lu Yan's heart in a searing pain. It felt strange—too strange. He felt betrayed, hurt, disappointed...—he felt it to the point of wanting to flip over the table!

Xiao Ning swallowed the food in his mouth, releasing a hard internal sigh, replying slowly, "I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient."

It has to be because Xiao Ning never told me something this big. When have I ever kept a partner a secret from him? Is our brotherhood just something used for show?

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

Closing his eyes, Lu Yan did his best to calm himself down. Upon opening his eyes, he seemed to have sobered up, again going on to ask, "When did you bend?"

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

Lu Yan's mount began moving, his words spoken slowly, but his tone was low and deep. "This has to be a joke."

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

The entire table was now silent.

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

Seeing the person across from him was finally willing speaking properly, Xiao Ning finally relaxed himself somewhat. "That's not important."

Looking on at Lu Yan from the sidelines, he unconsciously grew anxious, unwilling to think of how he seemed more like man interrogating his own boyfriend he suspected of cheating, Xia Li's grip on his chopsticks tightened, before he finally couldn't help but spit out, "Could you be heading to your boyfriend's place, maybe?"

Is this anger?

The entire table was now silent.

Found Out

Xiao Ning shot Lu Yan a look, meaning for him to see his sin and quickly coax him.

He was a little scared of what Lu Yan would think of him. "Anyhow, something like this isn't one others can influence me into in any way, it's all natural. You should be able to understand that as well. So please hurry and call Xia Li, alright?"

Lu Yan's mind was a mess, too much of a mess to care about Xia Li. He thought about a lot of things with not much sense or order. Things he thought he understood as clear as day before, but were now all suddenly incomprehensible. His thoughts felt as though they was weightless, floating, having no lace where they could land. In a state of panic, he cast his gaze towards Xiao Ning, asking, "Why didn't you tell me?"

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

Lu Yan's mind was a mess, too much of a mess to care about Xia Li. He thought about a lot of things with not much sense or order. Things he thought he understood as clear as day before, but were now all suddenly incomprehensible. His thoughts felt as though they was weightless, floating, having no lace where they could land. In a state of panic, he cast his gaze towards Xiao Ning, asking, "Why didn't you tell me?"

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

Found Out

Ignoring the odd sentiment in his words, Lu Yan motioned to Xiao Ning with his chin. "Say that to him. Hurry up and ask you Xiao-ge to take you around."

"Me and Xia Li?" Lu Yan clearly did not get the point that Xiao Ning wanted him to get, causing his anger to grow the more Xiao Ning spoke. "How long were you to together then? How long was it for you to be coming out and going to meet his parents?"

Lu Yan's mind was a mess, too much of a mess to care about Xia Li. He thought about a lot of things with not much sense or order. Things he thought he understood as clear as day before, but were now all suddenly incomprehensible. His thoughts felt as though they was weightless, floating, having no lace where they could land. In a state of panic, he cast his gaze towards Xiao Ning, asking, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Is it really that serious? It's not like he's a three year old child. How can someone get abducted in just one night?" Because of the matter with Xiao Ning, Lu Yan was on a piss-poor mood. Never in his life had he been so tolerant of another person's capricious behaviour. He had been busying about until such a late hour yet no sign of the person could be seen, so once more his anger rose. "He has no sense at all."

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

"...even though I had always seen you date other people of the same sex, and not caring about something like that, when it came to me, I... I still found myself scared to say anything to you." Xiao Ning felt he really wasn't cut out for telling lies. Once you tell one single lie, just to keep it all intact, you have to tell more and more lies. He was tired. "I wanted to figure it out myself first before telling you."

Xiao Nin lowered his head ate his food, acting as it he saw nothing, and trying his best to shirk his presence.

"Sorry, I got a call just now, an old classmate. Lu Yan knew them too, so we all talked together for a bit." Xiao Ning looked at Lu Yan, whose attitude towards him wasn't exactly kind, nonetheless he said nothing to refute Xiao Ning's words.

"Me and Xia Li?" Lu Yan clearly did not get the point that Xiao Ning wanted him to get, causing his anger to grow the more Xiao Ning spoke. "How long were you to together then? How long was it for you to be coming out and going to meet his parents?"

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

The both smiled at each other with no gaps between them. At the same time, Xiao Ning was relieved, and used the cover of taking a drink to spy at Lu Yan from the corner of his eyes. Lu Yan looked as though he was knocked on the head by a hammer flying from the sky, his face completely frozen stiff.

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

"Someone's house?" The subject of the conversation Xiao Ning had with that other person not long ago did not sound like one for a simple get-together. Lu Yan began forming a vague idea of what it could be, but it was simply too unimaginable. He did not want to think of it, however, with the unexpected situations occurring he felt he had ask for further clarification. "Why are you going over to some person's house?"

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

Thanking him, Xiao Ning then scratched his nose and replied, "Let's do it next time. I still have to go over to his family's house, and I have no idea if it's going to be a Red Wedding or not."

"It was you who who left him alone in the restaurant without thinking, then you still went on to yell at him. He's younger than you, and since you love him, you should concede to him more." Xiao Ning was a person with a regular sleep pattern, and since he had turned twenty-five, staying up at late hours had become more of a challenge. They had been looking since before it was eight in that night, and it was currently almost four in the morning, so his nerves had constantly tensed up and now his temples were throbbing with pain. He couldn't stop rubbing them, and he couldn't speak in nothing but a hushed tone.

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

Within Lu Yan's eyes, the signs of a storm was brewing. "What are you going on about? You need to explain yourself to me clearly right now."

Xiao Ning was speechless. He was the one who prepared that entire excuse, and here Lu Yan was putting it together on his own, proving there was some commonality in imagination with regard to such matters. "A part of it is, but it was mostly because of the distance from my job."

Although coming out did not mean a couple would be able to be together either, bonds of marriage between different sexes can also end in divorce. But being able to make such a step was not easy, and he, himself, had no intention of doing so for the time being.

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

"Is it really that serious? It's not like he's a three year old child. How can someone get abducted in just one night?" Because of the matter with Xiao Ning, Lu Yan was on a piss-poor mood. Never in his life had he been so tolerant of another person's capricious behaviour. He had been busying about until such a late hour yet no sign of the person could be seen, so once more his anger rose. "He has no sense at all."

He waited for a while, only peering at Lu Yan's face, a face seeming astounded to where he appeared to be driven out of his wits. Making him wonder: What about this is worth you being startled to such a degree?

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

In the end... this could no longer be avoided.

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

First, Xiao Ning sent Xiao Ning a smile, then when he turned his head to do the same to Lu Yan his smile could not hold up.

"He turned off his phone." Xiao Ning drew his brows into a knit, turning to look up at Lu Yan, who had yet to have returned to his senses, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What are you still thinking about, we need to leave now, we have to hurry up and find your boyfriend. Who can relax when a kid is running about who knows where?"

"What I'm going on about? Xiao Ning stood up. "We need to go find Xia Li and bring him back first. He's in a place he doesn't know and he just ran out of here, what are you going to do if he gets lost!"

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

His tone had unconsciously carried a bit of flattery, tugging a smile out of Xia Li, a sincere one this time, as if he was watching a good show.

Not one bit of Xia Li's expression looked any better, as he cast a ridiculing look towards Xiao Ning from the corner of his eye then flicked his head away. "You two should talk. I'm leaving first."

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Xiao Ning lifted his gaze, a smile lining his eyes as he looked at Xia Li. In response, Xia Li held his mouth, coughing twice, before a slight blush tinged his entire face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was just so shocked, you know? Coming out to one's family is just..."

Xiao Ning lifted his gaze, a smile lining his eyes as he looked at Xia Li. In response, Xia Li held his mouth, coughing twice, before a slight blush tinged his entire face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was just so shocked, you know? Coming out to one's family is just..."

Xia Li didn't have any identification on him, nor did he carry a lot of money. He didn't have any family or friends in A-City either, so the odds of him having some sort of mishap was high.

This time, even if Xiao Ning didn't want to, he had to get into whatever this matter was, so he urged, "I was wrong for keeping this from you, but you need to understand that this matter also has a significant impact on me as well. You're also dating Xia Li right now, so how could it be good for me to go disturbing you guys?"

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

Found Out

Lu Yan's mount began moving, his words spoken slowly, but his tone was low and deep. "This has to be a joke."

"Why is it such a big deal?" Lu Yan let out a few sneering laughs. "You really don't see me as a friend, Xiao Ning."

Lu wasn't scatter-brained enough to neglect taking responsibility in this situation. In any case, Xia Li was still special to him, so he drove Xiao Ning around A-City like a headless chicken looking every and which way. But it wasn't until three in the morning before Xia Li was spotted.

"Xiao'Ning, this weekend I have another appointment." However, Lu Yan directed the topic towards him. "So hang out with him again then."

Xiao Ning swallowed the food in his mouth, releasing a hard internal sigh, replying slowly, "I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient."

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

With a smile Xia Li asked, "What's wrong with you?"

"Someone's house?" The subject of the conversation Xiao Ning had with that other person not long ago did not sound like one for a simple get-together. Lu Yan began forming a vague idea of what it could be, but it was simply too unimaginable. He did not want to think of it, however, with the unexpected situations occurring he felt he had ask for further clarification. "Why are you going over to some person's house?"

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

Forget about Xiao Ning who knew him well enough, even Xia Li could hear the rage contained in his words, the sound of it alone enough to cause goosebumps to rise. Lu Yan's entire body gave off a imposing aura, the kind that stabbed a person right through. From his seat right beside him, Xia Li could not bear it, so after letting out a dry laugh, he planned on saying a few teasing words to ease the atmosphere. "Lu Yan—"

"Is it really that serious? It's not like he's a three year old child. How can someone get abducted in just one night?" Because of the matter with Xiao Ning, Lu Yan was on a piss-poor mood. Never in his life had he been so tolerant of another person's capricious behaviour. He had been busying about until such a late hour yet no sign of the person could be seen, so once more his anger rose. "He has no sense at all."

Xiao Ning was speechless. He was the one who prepared that entire excuse, and here Lu Yan was putting it together on his own, proving there was some commonality in imagination with regard to such matters. "A part of it is, but it was mostly because of the distance from my job."

Xia Li never looked at Lu Yan, however, only grinning happily as he poured more tea for Xiao Ning and himself. "This is good thing. So when are you going to bring him over so we can meet? Maybe we can even go on a double date. I've always wanted to try one so bad."

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

Was Xiao Ning really speaking nonsense, though? There was still a sliver of reason in his mind. Aren't the one who cares the least about these things? What does time and falling for someone have to do with each other?

Nevertheless, Xiao Ning still explained in a gentle tone, "I need to go to someone's house. So it is inconvenient, okay?"

Xiao Ning was so worried he on the verge of getting upset. "If we don't spot him let's head to the police station to report him missing."

"It was you who who left him alone in the restaurant without thinking, then you still went on to yell at him. He's younger than you, and since you love him, you should concede to him more." Xiao Ning was a person with a regular sleep pattern, and since he had turned twenty-five, staying up at late hours had become more of a challenge. They had been looking since before it was eight in that night, and it was currently almost four in the morning, so his nerves had constantly tensed up and now his temples were throbbing with pain. He couldn't stop rubbing them, and he couldn't speak in nothing but a hushed tone.

Within Lu Yan's eyes, the signs of a storm was brewing. "What are you going on about? You need to explain yourself to me clearly right now."

Lu Yan was used to being a night owl, so he was still quite energetic. But seeing Xiao Ning look so ill, he said, "How about you head back to my place first with me and get some sleep? You still have to work tomorrow."

Closing his eyes, Lu Yan did his best to calm himself down. Upon opening his eyes, he seemed to have sobered up, again going on to ask, "When did you bend?"

A slam sounded, the just poured tea swaying in its cup wildly.

But... only for the time being.

Xiao Ning was speechless. He was the one who prepared that entire excuse, and here Lu Yan was putting it together on his own, proving there was some commonality in imagination with regard to such matters. "A part of it is, but it was mostly because of the distance from my job."

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

Xiao Ning felt a great deal of guilt towards Xia Li, so regardless of how much Lu Yan and Xia Li's behaviour was out of his control, the person at the centre of this matter was still him at the end of the day.

The both smiled at each other with no gaps between them. At the same time, Xiao Ning was relieved, and used the cover of taking a drink to spy at Lu Yan from the corner of his eyes. Lu Yan looked as though he was knocked on the head by a hammer flying from the sky, his face completely frozen stiff.

The entire table was now silent.

This was his first time he had ever seen Lu Yan's face so unsightly. It was so unsightly he completely confused. Why does he look so incredibly mad?

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning pulled out his phone to call Xia Li, but unsurprisingly, his phone was turned off.

Thus, he shook his head the replied wearily, "Later, let's keep looking first."

鸿门宴: hóng mén yàn: (lit.) Feast at Hongmen. (Fig.) banquet set up with the aim of murdering a guest. Like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones. It refers to a famous episode in 206 BC when future Han emperor Liú Bāng (刘邦) escaped attempted murder by his rival Xiàng Yǔ (项羽).[]iana: ಠಿ_ಠ I'm not even going to say nothing, because it'll just be cussing.

"Look, look, look! He's the one that wanted to run off! Whatever happens to him will serve him right, we're heading back right now!"

After the shocking anger that blew over him like a violent surge of wind passed, Lu Yan felt his entire chest tremble, shaking as though he had exerted his strength. And now, little by little, that hole was being filled with water that was ice-cold. "Your... boyfriend?"

Lu Yan always had a way of sweet-talking people—even if he didn't say a word, as long as he keeps smiling at the other person, eventually that person would have their anger quelled just by his smile alone. Sure enough, not long after, Xia Li began chatting and smiling at him again.

The meals were already placed on the table, yet Xia Li hadn't hadn't moved his chopsticks, neither did he play on his phone. All he did was sit there wearing a blank expression on his face.

Until the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment building, because the headlights of the cars were so bright and dazzling, Xiao Ning had laid his forehead on the glass of the window borrowing it's cold. His gaze was aimed at the pillar of the entrance, where there a person crouched there hugging their knees. "Stop the car!"

This was his first time he had ever seen Lu Yan's face so unsightly. It was so unsightly he completely confused. Why does he look so incredibly mad?

To which, Xiao Ning smiled, and said in return, "Thank you."

Found Out

Lu Yan stopped the car out of instinct, and without waiting for it to come to a full stop, Xiao Ning opened to door and ran over. "Xia Li!"

Xiao Ning felt a great deal of guilt towards Xia Li, so regardless of how much Lu Yan and Xia Li's behaviour was out of his control, the person at the centre of this matter was still him at the end of the day.

When that person heard Xiao Ning calling, he lifted his head, and who could it be if not Xia Li? When he saw Xiao Ning rushing over to him, and before Xiao Ning could squat down or pull him up, Xia Li suddenly stood up, raised his hand and sent a fist towards Xiao Ning.

Never expecting him to refuse, Lu Yan asking in return without thinking, "Inconvenient? Why is it inconvenient?"

He was then hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, "Is he the reason for you moving out?"

The way he looked at Xiao Ning was completely different now. Apart from his shock, there was now a great deal of admiration and envy. Someone who made their sexuality public to their family and inner circle is someone not who was honestly in the same class as him at all.