An Inconspicuous Shooting Star - Chapter 12.2

　　Huo Sheng caught a glimpse of him and then helplessly explained, “Xiao Man has been with me for quite long and is a bit clingy.”

　　Cheng Yan felt a little guilty and he even lowered his voice, “It’s normal for children to be clingy. I was also quite clingy with my mom when I was young. Also… I heard that daughters are more clingy to their fathers.”

　　”I’m not too sure, maybe it’s like that.” Huo Sheng joked, “Since Xiao Man’s my first child so I don’t have any experience.”

　　Cheng Yan looked at the floor and said in an inaudible voice, “Children can feel lonely easily.” He didn’t care if the other party heard him or not as he panicked to explain, “I only know about it from a book. I don’t have any experience either so you can take it as I’m talking nonsense.”

　　Huo Sheng looked at him and pondered for a moment. He said with certainty, “That’s true, I guess it’s probably because of that. That’s why when my daughter was about to be born, I switched my job. It’s much easier here and it fits my life goal.”

　　“So it’s for your family?” Cheng Yan looked at him once again.

　　Huo Sheng smiled at him and nodded, “I guess so. In my eyes, my family is a very important part of my life. It’s even more important than work.”

　　When those words entered Cheng Yan’s ears, a part of him laughed. Then he heard himself say, “I didn’t expect that. Hm… or should I say that I haven’t heard of it before. People are always praising you for your dedication.”

　　“Did nobody praise me for being a good dad?” Huo Sheng was amused.

　　Cheng Yan looked at him. He paused and said, “I think you’re a good dad.”

　　Huo Sheng burst out laughing.

　　The atmosphere has relaxed and Cheng Yan felt relieved.

　　Before they were aware, the hand of the clock had gone halfway through.

　　Huo Sheng looked at the time and then at Cheng Yan. He said, “You look better now.”

　　“Hm? What?” Cheng Yan was puzzled.

　　He slowly turned around, confused. He then saw Huo Sheng lower his head with a grin. Huo Sheng said, “What I meant was, you don’t seem to look afraid of me anymore.”

　　“I…” Cheng Yan was nervous, “I truly wasn’t scared of you. I get a bit nervous with unfamiliar people. It’s my problem and I hope you wouldn’t mind it.”

　　“Then don’t address me formally¹. We’re in the same group. You can think of me as a team member as well, just treat me like a normal colleague. I don’t mind.” Huo Sheng said.

　　“Also,” He rubbed his chin before continuing, “when you call me like that, it makes me feel a bit old.”

　　A small smile couldn’t help but appear on Cheng Yan. He nodded and responded, “Mm, okay.”

　　And then for the next couple of minutes, the silence was back between the two.

　　Just when Huo Sheng thought that he was going to be silent, he heard him slowly speak, as if he had thought about his words many times.

　　“Then may I call you,” Cheng Yan paused, “No, I meant…”

　　He shook his head and rearranged his words again, “Then can I call you ² Brother Sheng, just like Fatty and the others.” At last, he spoke out the thought that was hiding in his heart for a long time.

　　Huo Sheng smiled and rubbed his head as if he was a child. “You can, just call me Brother Sheng.”

　　Cheng Yan looked up and gave him a slight smile. He said in a small voice, “Yeah, Brother Sheng.”

1. Cheng Yan has been addressing Huo Sheng formally. 您 (formal “you”) was used rather than 你 (informal “you”)
2. Cheng Yan is addressing Huo Sheng informally.