Chapter 139

unedited

What was the taste of the coffee he drank?

A bit bitter, then a bit sweet.

As Qi Jing followed this mans movement and leaned his head back, this blurry thought was still there in his head. Then, a hand held his chin gently, raising it up as well before he felt the man bend over and the ticklish sensation of dry lips on his own. The taste left behind by the coffee blended together with the taste of this kiss, but the sweetness finally overcame the bitterness, and a rich and milky taste spread the moment their tongues touched.

A couple of small gasps could be heard around, but most of them sounded devoid of any ill will. Sure enough, an international-scale metropoly like Beijing was pretty open-minded.

Ngh

Qi Jing instinctively raised his hand, tracing up the mans collar with a rustle and around his neck, fingers sinking into his short hair to slowly push it down to let the man explore the kiss even deeper, to take the thirst in his lips away.

Shen Yans fingers slowly stroked his jaw and Addams apple, as if he was caressing a well-behaved cat. The cats would always close their eyes comfortably when he did so, raising their heads to enjoy the treatand right now, the man beneath him reacted just as one. He couldnt bear to let go.

Nevertheless, a position like this wasnt the best choice for long kisses.

The two of them kissed for a while, then finally parted while breathing heavily, looking at each other from above and from below.

I bore with it the whole day. Shen Yan muttered. All the way from the morning, he kept wanting, kept bearing, until now, when he couldnt bear it anymore

Qi Jing was gasping for air, but when he heard it, he was stunned for a moment, then broke into a bright smile.

And here I thought you were the Mr Endurance. He said, keeping this position while looking up, index finger tracing lightly from the corner of Shen Yans lips, his eyes filled with smiles.

And Shen Yan remained gazing at him intently, asking in return, Would you rather I were one?

Qi Jing narrowed his eyes while making a pensive expression, Kiss me one more time and I will tell you.

And so, this question never saw an answer, as the answerer got busy for quite a while, then forgot about it after he finished busying himself, leaving no one to concern themselves about it.

The cup of latte on the table waited quietly on the side, warmth spilling all around, with a heart shape made with the milk foam.

When Qi Jing ordered the coffee, he didnt expect it to be so suitable for the moment.

But was it coffee that suited the moment, or did their moment now suit the coffee not that it mattered now.

At this time, the other clients in the shop all peered stealthily to look at them and whispered to each other, probably discussing their relations.h.i.+pa very easy to understand relations.h.i.+p.

People are watching us. Although Qi Jing clearly said that, he was still smiling at ease, openly pulling Shen Yan over to sit across from him. Even when he sat down, they still held hands under the candle-light, not at all bothered by all kinds of gazes from other people.

They can do as they please. Shen Yan seemed quite calm about it. There was still a bit of snow on his shoulders and sleeves, and both of his hands were coldhe was certainly very cold on his way here. Qi Jing quietly rubbed his hand to warm it, only then asking, both with a smile and a sigh, Why did you come so early?

He was so sure he would have to wait for a while, yet he didnt expect that this man would come over so quickly, so timelyas if he knew how lonely he felt.

And his reply confirmed his thoughts, I didnt want you to be alone.

Qi Jings hands stopped and he raised his eyes to look at him silently, the candle light colouring the corners of his eyes with a faint but vibrant gold that leaped along with its flame.

Then What did you tell the Teachers?

I didnt say much. I ate a bit of food with them, then said that my stomach hurts today and I cant eat too much, so I took my leave to rest in the hotel. Teacher Longbow offered to send me off by his car, but he got stopped by his wife and Teacher Pu. Qi Jing laughed hearing thisTu Xiaotu clearly knew what was going on, but he didnt expect Pu Yuzhi to also know.

Then what about Noodles?

He said that he would stay with the Teachers for a few more drinks and told me to come meet with you first.

If that isnt them giving us some alone time.

Qi Jing lowered his head with a smile, well aware of their plans.

If thats the case, then sit with me for a while before Five comes for us. His voice was lower than usual, agitating a heart more than the fingers tracing the inside of the other partys palm. Shen Yan smiled quietly, letting him have his way with his hand as well as his heart. Qi Jing shared his sandwich and coffee with him, the two of them taking one bite at a time by the window, making the food taste especially delicious.

Come, open your mouth. It was such a childish thing to do, yet Shen Yang calmly opened his mouth, accepting a small piece of the sandwich from Qi Jings fingers and eating it with no regard for the people around. Qi Jing also didnt care how many times other couples did this, making it an overused cliche even in TV dramashe was happy being cliche, not that other people should care about it.

Coffee as well.

Qi Jing first let Shen Yan have a sip, then pulled the cup back, turning it over, wanting to drink exactly from the same place Shen Yan has just drank from. With this back and forth, the two of them drank the whole heart on the milk foam clear.

The smell of ground coffee beans, so unique to the coffee shops, wafted over along with the quiet sounds of piano music. Then there was also the sweetness of caramel on the pastries in the air, and sometimes, when the door to the shop opened, cold air would also bring in the faint smell of the firwood. They sat by the window, listening to the clinking of ceramic cups around them, the rattling of ice stirred with metal teaspoons, each kind of the sound bringing in a unique feeling with it, putting people in a pleasant mood.

After finis.h.i.+ng eating, Qi Jing started humming along to the music lazily, b.u.mping his knees below the table against the other mans knees time and time again, even more or less deliberately raising his leg to rub against this mans ankle with the shoe.

Shen Yan smiled helplessly, inclining his body forward a bit and taking a hold of both his hands.

Qi Jing, I have something I want to consider with you.

Hm?

Its something Teacher Pu proposed to me today, Shen Yans smile grew slightly bitter as he said slowly, I wanted to refuse at first, but she suggested I consult it with you first before I give her my answer.

Hearing that it was a proposition from Pu Yuzhi, Qi Jing immediately became curious, What kind of proposition from her did you get?

So Shen Yan told him everything she told him in great detail.

Shen Yan, do you want it? After hearing him out, Qi Jing was unexpectedly calm. Even his smile didnt change a single bit, First dont think of anything elsek2014;Im asking you, do you want it?

Shen Yan quietly nodded his headk2014;barely visible, but it was indeed a nod.

Qi Jing asked another question, And you want it because you yourself want to study bachelors, study voice acting, and not because you think that your academic history isnt on par with mine, right?

Theyve never discussed this topic. It was only Ning Xiaoxiao who mentioned it once before and Qi Jing never said a word about that later on. Hearing him pointing it out himself now, Shen Yan smiled faintly, To be completely honest, this is also a part of it, but its not the entire reason. In fact, Ive always regretted one thingback then, I also intended to study bachelors in veterinary medicine, and in the end, it wasnt that I had no chance of getting in, but But certain things happened in my life at that time, so my mental state during the last two months of the last grade was very bad. I almost completely didnt attend the school and I also barely managed to pa.s.s the final exams. And as you might expect, in the end my score wasnt enough to get into the undergraduate course, so I could only go to a professional school.

Qi Jing was stunnedhe has never heard about that before.

Shen Yan continued talking.

Grandpa has advised me to retake the last year before, but at that time I chose not to. But that was still fine, for the specialisations like veterinary medicine, a professional school gives more on-hand experience, so its a pretty fair choice for those who want to start working quickly. He paused for a moment, then continued, And as for voice acting Ive never thought that I could pursue my studies in a university, so when Teacher Pu gave me this proposal, I really felt tempted. But then I thought of you having to shoulder all those burdens, so

As he spoke, he lifted his head and suddenly, he realised that Qi Jing was smiling as he watched him. This smile was so easy, with no trace of pressure or fear of the possible economic burden.

Do it, His tone was just as happy as his smile, and he said frankly, Its such a rare opportunity, and you would be even studying under Teacher Pu. It would be such a pity if you missed out on it

But

I know what youre worried about, Qi Jing waved to cut his remaining words short, chuckling as he spread Shen Yans fingers to count on them with him, Im not from a different planet, I also thought about this the moment you told me of it. And think about itthe apartment, we can look for something cheaper. Car? We can make do without it, as long as we can commute with a metro or public transportation, thats enough. And most of the lectures for the junior college students are either during the evenings or at weekendsits not like you wont be able to work, so as long as well both do our best earning money, then theres nothing to worry about. And if the tuition really will be too high, we can also apply for a loan~

Shen Yan watched silently as his fingers got spread by this man one by one and in the end, he lowered his head with a smile, Dont you think it feels like Like were discussing life after marriage during a date?

Qi Jing got caught by a surprise, but he really couldnt think of a better way to describe it, laughing out loud.

After laughing, he supported himself on the table with both hands and gave that mans face a big kiss, then instead of going back, he touched their foreheads and teased him a bit, Then, lets forget about the daily necessities for now Maybe lets do something more suitable for the couples now. Hm?

When they were paying for the bill before leaving, the shop clerk pa.s.sed them a leaflet for the Valentine event with a smile, which Qi Jing accepted gladly.

Before going out, he sent Tan Zixian a message, informing him that theyre going for a walk around the neighbourhood, asking him to let them know when

Sleek horses run fast

was there. Before that, they went for a stroll with Shen Yan.

The snow had already stopped falling and so the sky turned pitch black. The bare trees on the roadsides would be usually hard to see in this night scenery, but people adorned their branches with the strings of christmas lights the colour of gold, so now they looked like they were covered in starry frosting. Standing on the side of this almost otherworldly sight, the dim light made it feel as if one got spirited away.

For them, in this strange city, among those strange people, it really was like a different world.

Without any hiding, they walked hand in hand under those starry trees, steady and pleased while taking one unhurried step at a time.

Sometimes Qi Jing would get playful, grabbing both of Shen Yans hands and walking backwards before him, making Shen Yan step only on the footprints he had just made. The two of them would take a step and then stop, moving clumsily like two wobbling old men. At those times, he laughed happily while Shen Yan watched him with a smile until he saw that Qi Jing was about to walk into some roadside lampthen he would take a step forward to hold him, before turning him the other way, letting him from his embrace.

Qi Jing at those times would lift both ends of his scarf to hide them both for a long kiss.

Ah, this When they walked by a flowerbed, Qi Jings eyes sparkled and he pointed at the retaining wall around it, I want to walk on this!

Saying this, he pulled Shen Yan over and stepped onto it himself.

The wall was raised about forty centimetres from the ground, with snow all over it. Afraid that he could slip, Sheng Yan quickly supported him from below. Qi Jing looked down to see him, the look in his smiling eye seemingly very pleased, You know, I A long time ago, I used to wish. Wish that I could walk on a small wall, and that my boyfriend He would hold my hand from below, as we walk like this till the end of it.

And at the end, I would pounce into his embrace, rolling with him around on the ground.

But this Qi Jing was too embarra.s.sed to say out loud.

Listening to this unreasonable wish of his, Shen Yan didnt mock it in any way, only chuckling and answering in a low voice, Okay then.

Saying this, he sure enough led Qi Jing for a step by step walk on the narrow wall, kicking the piles of snow and making the powdery snowflakes fly all around, falling like a white mist onto their coats, causing Qi Jings smile to grow brighter with each and every moment.

When they got to the end of the wall, they turned around for another walk back, but at that time, Tan Zixian sent a message.

Where are you? That guy said that hell be there soon, so lets meet in front of Starbucks.

Ah, Fives almost there, so lets go back.

Mn.

Qi Jing was about to jump from the wall himself, but he suddenly stopped. He looked at Shen Yan and winked, an idea sprouting in his head. Even if he couldnt pounce on him, he could still go for it another way?

So the corners of his lips curled up in a smile as he said in a low voice, Take me down.

Hearing this at first, Shen Yan got caught by a surprise, but then he chuckled quietly, a soft and pale puff of vapour escaping from his lips.

He didnt say anything, only reaching his arms out to hold Qi Jings waist and lifting him slowly, before putting him steadily back onto the ground in front of himself.

This action only took a mere couple of seconds, but Qi Jing felt like his heart was like a jar full to the brim with honey. He broke into the widest of smiles when back on his two feetletting go of Shen Yans shoulder, he pulled him into a big hug, giving him a kiss as reward And this reward took longer than any of the ones before.

It was the first time he kissed this man openly in a busy street, yet it felt so peaceful. So peaceful that it brought him such a bliss

Lets go. He said, burying his head in the other mans embrace.

He did say this, but still continued enjoying this moment of warmth to the fullest with eyes closed, not in the least inclined to let go.

Shen Yan laughed silently.

Call me A-Yan one time and I will go with you. Each word murmured in a low voice by this man into his ear fell right onto the soft spot of his heart, quickening its pace.

So sly Every time they would get intimate, Shen Yan would suddenly become just so sly.

Youd better not think that youll always have it your way. He lowered his voice, putting up a resistance for a bit.

But when this guy quietly sucked the lobe of his flushed ear, nipping it slowly from the top to the bottom, he really couldnt put any resistance anymore, in the end giving in to him this one time.

A-Yan. The m.u.f.fled voice coming from Shen Yans collar was hoa.r.s.e, warmed by the scarfits sound almost scalding in this chilly night.

Shen Yan laughed, pleased, finally laying a tender kiss on that hot and red earlobe, hugging him quietly for a while longer before reluctantly letting go, then walking back to meet

Noodles

and

Five

.

Tan Zixian was actually there before them, he was already waiting by the Starbucks entrance for a while before he sent them the message.

He knew that those two would definitely take their time on their way back, so he simply walked unhurriedly to the Starbucks, opening the work emails to read while standing alone under its wall when he arriveduntil a car stopped nearby and the window on his side opened.

They havent come back yet, Tan Zixian walked over calmly, stopping by the car to tell the person inside, You need to wait a while longer.

Hearing that they werent there yet, Qiu Tianyang breathed a sigh of relief.

Tan Zixian shot a glance at him looking like a man who just got a reprieve spared from the gallows, the corners of his lips tugged up slightly before he lowered his head to continue reading his emails. At that time, Qiu Tianyang came back to his senses and said hurriedly, You get in the car first, dont freeze like this outside.

Tan Zixian shook his head, Itll be all the same no matter if I come along or not, and as an outsider, Id better not go. Either way I didnt have anything to do, so I went for a stroll to get some fresh airwhen they get back here, I will just take a cab back by myself.

Upon seeing the speechless Qiu Tianyang, Tan Zixian added indifferently, You should close the windows; its cold outside.

Zixian, Qiu Tianyang called him all of a sudden, Please.

For someone with a voice like this to use this tone, it was simply a crime. But sure enough, he found himself unable to remain a stone-hearted judge forever

After a few seconds of silent contemplation, Tan Zixian walked over to the car and took the shotgun seat, closing both the door and the window without a word. Despite Tan Zixians continuous you begged me, so Im taking pity on you this one time expression, Qiu Tianyang still smiled with relief, his right hand leaving the steering wheel to take hold of Tan Zixians left hand. It wasnt actually all that cold, but he felt a bit calmer rubbing it.

Tan Zixian quietly let him rub the back of his hand, then his palm, each minding their own business as they quietly gazed at the city outside.

The car was dark, and the lights were off.

But no matter how dark was the night, the light still shone through the window in the brightly-lit corner of the city, casting the reflections like shattered glows on his gla.s.ses. Previously, he also used to sit alone in the dark apartment while a tide of merry people washed outside under the light, gazing silently into the far away distancethe only difference was, right now, he had someone by his side to hold his hand, so this place didnt feel as cold and cheerless anymore.

Are you having a fever again? That guys hand was so warm, so bothersome. To a person used to cold like him it really was just so bothersome.

Aside from prompting the other man to let go, he had also meant this as a snarky comment, poking fun at how Qiu Tianyang ran a fever last time when he sat at the entrance to his house for the entire night.

If I get a fever, will you take care of me? Qiu Tianyangs voice resonated deeply, almost as if played from a speaker in this enclosed s.p.a.ce, sounding a bit like the vibrations of a woofer. As expected from the former great G.o.deven his reflexes with reacting to ridicule were splendid.

Enough with this nonsense. Maybe Tan Zixians tone made Qiu Tianyang think that he was about to pull his hand back, so he quickly squeezed it harder. But contrary to his expectation, Tan Zixian didnt pull his hand at all, holding his firmer instead, so that he wouldnt be able to break free even if he tried.

Tan Zixian frowned, at last turning his head to look at him.

Only to see Qiu Tianyang stared at him fixedly under the dim light. There was really nothing to nitpick about those eyes that were both so spirited and a treat to look ateven though he had already been looking at them for more than a year now and got used to the sight, but when they stared at him so intently like this, he still forgot to breathe for a moment.

Its almost Christmas, so what present would you wish for? Those eyes did this to him, and so did this voice.

Tan Zixian once again looked away. Theres nothing I really want.

Or at least, he had no interest in anything materialwhat money could buy, he had already bought it all. For him, Christmas and New Year werent all that exciting, he could do without them.

I talked to our boss when I got back to the company and took two days off for Christmas Eve and Christmas, so think about how you would want to spend it yourself. Since the other man didnt speak, Qiu Tianyang took the initiative to sell himself, leaning over slightly and putting this mans hand on his own cheek. The cold fingers touched the warm skin, causing a brief numbing sensation, Hm?

You already did all the preparations, so why ask me what I want.

You already know the answers, so why ask me.

The more Tan Zixian thought about it, the more he found this man foulso he looked at him coldly, then suddenly leaned his body over, b.u.mping against his nose by an accident misled by the faint light, exhaling with a with a hahhis breath landed on Qiu Tianyangs temple, making it a bit ticklish.

So sincerethen I guess that you also freed tonight for me as well?

Tonight

I actually meant it to be all for you after the talk is over.

Before he could even finish, a notification sound came from Tan Zixians phone. It was a message from Qi Jing, so they had probably already arrived.

The two of them froze for a moment. Tan Zixian snapped out of it first, retreating slightly and putting some distance between them. He went back to his seat, picked up his phone, and took a quick look, pretending that nothing had happened. Theyre here, he said.

Qiu Tianyang gave a bitter smile and lowered the window again. He saw Qi Jing and Shen Yan walking in their direction. He stuck his head outside the window and called, Return Date, over here.

Yet he didnt dare to greet the other person.

Qi Jing saw Qiu Tianyang from far away and waved his hand. He also squeezed Shen Yans hand a bit harder, the gesture speaking louder than any words.

Shen Yan took a deep breath and continued walking without slowing his pace beside Qi Jing.

When they got into the car, Qi Jing sat behind Tan Zixian, while Shen Yan sat behind Qiu Tianyangthe angle made it easy to watch him in the rearview mirror. Qiu Tianyang adjusted the seat, a bit wary, making more s.p.a.ce for the pa.s.senger behind him. But when he started the engine and turned on the indicator to drive out into the street, he still had to take a look at the rearview as the driver.

With one glance, he met Shen Yans pitch-black eyes looking quietly at him. There was no turbulence in this gaze, but for him, it was like the dark sea at night, leaving him unable to tell whether there were any dangerous currents beneath the surface. His heart shook in fear, and so he looked away hurriedly.

Tan Zixian took a casual glance at the uneasy man behind the wheel and then began chatting with Qi Jing about some topics from the dinner with the teachers, as if nothing had happened. Qi Jing himself also naturally joined the conversation.

With them striking a conversation throughout the ride, the atmosphere in the car wasnt as stiff anymore.

Qiu Tianyang chose a place that was actually pretty close to the hotel where they were staying, partly to make it easy to send them back to rest in case their conversation went on late into the night.

It was an important Western-style business restaurant, with separate rooms and a bar inside, looking quite high-cla.s.sthe prices were also appropriately much higher than in your usual food places. Qiu Tianyang had already reserved one room beforehand, choosing the one far away from the business hall, so that the music from the outside couldnt be heard inside, the soundproofing of it excellent.

After leading them there, the server left them four menus, letting them choose their dishes.

Because all four of them had already eaten before and werent really that hungry, they just ordered a few appetisers, and after bringing it in, the waiter asked again for their beverages. Because they had the recording to do the next day and Qiu Tianyang was their driver, they couldnt drink that much. So Qiu Tianyang only chose a wine with low alcohol content, then looked embarra.s.sedly at Shen Yan, only managing to force a weak smile and ask him for his opinion after a while, Is this one okay?

Shen Yan didnt even look at him, only shaking his head slightly, Im not drinking.

The atmosphere momentarily turned awkward.

At that time, Qi Jing cut in with a smile, Hes not drinking because he doesnt drink much in generaldoesnt matter, I will drink for him too.

Qiu Tianyang quickly gave him a smile, grateful for coming to his rescue, Return Date, you can also order something else as well if you want, you dont have to just drink this one.

At this time, Tan Zixian suddenly said, The drinks on the menu are all bottled alcohol, you can easily buy it outside too, theres nothing special about it. Tonight, I wanted to try this places barmans original c.o.c.ktailsI heard that theyre pretty good. Return Date, would you like to come with me to the bar for a gla.s.s then come back?

A hintthis was a hint to create them a chance to have a one-on-one talk.

Qi Jing understood it well.

It does sound good, Qi Jing raised his head to smile at Qiu Tianyang and Shen Yan, taking the lead in standing up in response to Tan Zixians invitation, Then well have the waiter lead us there for a moment, you guys can talk first.

Saying this, he looked deeply at Shen Yan.

Shen Yan returned his gaze, nodding his head silentlyshowing that he could handle it on his own, that Qi Jing didnt need to worry about him.

Seeing this, Qi Jing instinctively sighed with relief. Meanwhile, when Qiu Tianyang heard that they were both going to leave, he looked at them with surprise, seemingly not yet prepared for it mentally as he watched the two of them leave this conversation with a bewildered expression, at a loss of what to do. But there was no other choiceif he missed this opportunity, he might never get another one.

Qi Jing didnt say anything, following after the waiter and Tan Zixian outside of the room, quietly closing the door after them.

Clack

, and the door lock clicked shut.

Snip

, and the wavering thoughts in Qiu Tianyangs heart had also been cut away as the door locked. Once they got cut short, he couldnt think clear anymore, his mind going completely blank.

Although he knew from the beginning that Qi Jing and Tan Zixian would probably try to give them some alone time at some point, he didnt expect it to be so soon. He didnt even have the minimal help of the alcohol to give him courage to speakit was straight up pus.h.i.+ng him to the edge of the cliff.

Right now, Shen Yan was sitting on the seat beside him, not moving at alleven his calm breath seemed to be like a gale rising and falling on the cliff, one that could push him off it at any moment of inattention.

Honestly It was too long ago when they had a one-on-one talk, leaving him so unsure of what to do.

Only this single word hung in the s.p.a.cious and empty room, sounding even more unsure. So his voice broke for a long moment before continuing with much difficulty, I will pour you some water.

As he said this, he reached his hand out to pour the water into the gla.s.s before Shen Yan.

Maybe it was because his hands were shaking a bit, but the stream water he poured from the bottle swayed shakily, about to fall outside the gla.s.s, so he quickly tried to hold it with his other hand. But he didnt expect that he wouldnt succeed, knocking the gla.s.s over instead and spilling the half-filled content on the table, even splas.h.i.+ng some of it onto Shen Yans knees.

Qiu Tianyangs face paled and he quickly searched for a tissue to wipe it, Im so sorry, Im so sorry

Shen Yan quietly watched him wipe the table, trying quite a few times to put the gla.s.s upright before he finally succeededseeing that this sorry look of his wasnt faked at all, Shen Yan sighed out of a sudden.

Hearing him sigh, Qiu Tianyang suddenly stopped what he was doing.

Why was he sighing?

Did he hate it, was he getting impatient, or

At that time, he heard Shen Yan say in a low voice, You dont have to be so nervous, I didnt come here to start a fight.

Qiu Tianyang froze, his smile also like that of a sorry dog splashed with water.

Is that so

The two of them sat for a moment face to face, not saying anything.

Shen Yan didnt talk.

He also didnt talk.

Right now, he could only quietly wipe the table, letting this awkward moment pa.s.s before talking. And just as Qiu Tianyang planned to do so, he suddenly heard Shen Yan saying lukewarmly, How is dad doing?

A/N:

In this chapter, were having a wholesale of white sugar, granulated sugar, honey, etc.

(//////////) Also, Ive been wanting to write a kiss from behind, so to be able to do that now, Im simply rolling around from happiness.

Today is

Lesser Cold

, and Ive always treated it as Kittys Papas birthday, because sometimes Lesser Cold is called Geese Fly Home, which just as as Geese Fly North, means that the yang energy begins to fluctuate again and the wild geese fly back north.

And speaking of yang energy and whatsoever It calls for the boyfriend charm, boyfriend charm! Thats why I went ahead and wrote such a long chapter full of sweetness (hides face), and so Kittys Papas boyfriend charm overflowed.

~()/~ Happy birthday Kittys Papa!! Im giving you 2Yan as the present, so youd better nibble his ear well~

P.S.: Of course, Five in this chapter he shows a lot of boyfriend charm as well, mn. Lets ignore him acting so scared in the later part

T/N:

Lucilla: Seeing how some of you were a bit confused about Shen Yans work situation, I did some more research on how it looks in China. First, what I translated here as professional training here is a specialised programme in veterinary medicine that usually lasts for three years. Its way more rudimentary compared to the five-year undergraduate program and is designed to prepare students for basic animal healthcare and breeding. Honestly, its not that bad of a choice for those who want to work as a veterinarian, but someone without a bachelors degree might have a harder time getting a profitable job offer. \_()_/

I would say that people having problems with Shen Yans education are more likely influenced by the mentality of having a degree being a much desired status symbol rather than his actual ability to earn enough money to support himself and his family.

P.s.: Im really sorry for the late update, this chapter length was an overkill for me, so I didnt finish it in time