YiBo was standing on the balcony upstairs, watching as the cars entered the large compound. A soldier opened Lily's car door, and she stepped out. Zhan also got out, and they headed toward the entrance. Ru and Tin, who were sitting in the living room, welcomed them before everyone proceeded upstairs to Lily's section. Once they were in the living room, Zhan sat down on the couch, and Lily asked Min to prepare a bath for him in her bathroom.
When Min returned from the bedroom, Lily looked at Zhan and said, "Go take a bath, then lie down and rest. You're not hungry, are you?" Zhan shook his head, "No, I'm fine." He got up and entered Lily's bedroom. She watched him go, and when he came out of the bath, he noticed that his suitcase had been brought into the room. He put on a light shirt and lay down on the bed.
Ru brought out the souvenirs Lily got from the UK, stored in a large suitcase. YiBo entered the living room, where most of the items were things she had bought for Zhan, although she also got things she knew Ru and Tin would like. YiBo sat on the couch, watching Lily. "Welcome home, Mom," he said.
She looked at him and replied, "Thank you."
"How was the journey?" he asked.
She answered, "It went well."
After a pause, she asked, "Did your dad tell you that he's made you CEO?"
YiBo replied, "Yes, he did."
Lily said, "Well, I wish you all the best."
YiBo responded, "Thank you, but I'd rather work as a doctor. Dad insisted that I have to manage the company now that Leo is no longer here."
Lily said, "Yeah, you should consider his concerns. You're his only son, and Ru and Tin are still studying, though Tin is close to graduating. I know he'll give her a position as well, but right now the company is too much for him to handle alone. I should be helping too since I'm not doing anything at home. This is why, from the start, he wanted you to study business, but you insisted on becoming a doctor. You can still help people in different ways, but you need to work in the company.... make peace with that."
YiBo continued sitting, watching Ru exclaim over each item she pulled from the suitcase. Suddenly, he stood up and went to Lily's bedroom. Upon entering, he locked the door behind him. Zhan looked up, still awake. YiBo walked over, sat down beside him, and gently asked, "How are you feeling, dear?"
Zhan lowered his gaze, "I'm okay."
YiBo lifted Zhan to sit up and studied him closely, as if trying to find the issue just by looking at him. He asked softly, "Are you sure?"
Zhan looked back at him without saying a word, and YiBo could see how thin he had gotten, even though he seemed to be glowing. YiBo lowered his voice, sounding worried, "I want you to go back to being the old Zhan. I don't like seeing you like this…"
He saw Zhan give a small smile and turn his face away. YiBo held his hand and said, "Please…" YiBo studied his face again and, in a low voice, asked, "Are you uncomfortable being here with my family? Or is there something else bothering you?"
Zhan shook his head.
"Then why are you always so quiet, so withdrawn?" YiBo asked.
Zhan looked up and said, "I'm still healing. I haven't fully recovered, but I'm grateful to be strong enough to get through this. I didn't get the proper support I needed as a child, and it's shaped me into who I am today. And the recent shock about who my aunt truly was… well, it's still difficult to process. Bad influences in my life, failed relationships… and, worst of all, Paa hasn't forgiven me yet. There are so many people I still need to ask forgiveness from."
YiBo felt a wave of sympathy for him. Gently, he said, "Let go of the past and focus on the future, Zhan. I assure you, the future looks so bright for you. This is a new beginning. Leave everything else behind and start anew."
He saw tears gather in Zhan's eyes, but Zhan quickly brushed them away. YiBo continued watching him intently. Zhan said softly, "But my challenges aren't over yet." YiBo took his hand and asked, "You think so? What challenge do you see in front of you right now?"
Zhan replied, "Time will tell… maybe I'll never find happiness."
YiBo shook his head, "Don't say that."
Zhan nodded slowly, "Okay, but I'd like to ask for a favor."
YiBo leaned closer, "I'm listening."
Zhan said, "I'd like to go see Mama…"
YiBo paused, looking at him with surprise. Finally, he said, "But we just returned from Beijing, and you're still recovering. I don't think you should be stressing yourself right now."
Zhan insisted, "I'm feeling better. Please, let me go."
YiBo sighed, "No, Zhan, let's wait until you're stronger. I'll take you to stay there for a few days."
Zhan pleaded, "I'm telling you, I feel fine. Even if it's just for two days, I just want to see her, please."
YiBo finally nodded, "Alright, I'll talk to Mom."
"Thank you," Zhan said softly. YiBo smiled at him, watching him thoughtfully. He considered bringing up Nia, but seeing Zhan so calm and full of insight, he didn't want to change the mood. Instead, he asked, "Are you hungry?"
Zhan shook his head, "No."
"Okay." YiBo lay down next to him and said, "I think I'll rest a bit too."
Then, YiBo closed his eyes while Zhan lay beside him. After a few moments, he said, "Okay, dear." YiBo adjusted the duvet around him, feeling the room's chill, then got up, left, and locked the door behind him. He didn't look at Lily, who was still sitting in the living room, and walked straight out.
***
After a few hours, YiBo came downstairs and found Lily sitting in the living room watching a program with Min. Since Mia had come to greet them upon their arrival and settled into the living room, she hadn't gone back upstairs, a place she rarely occupied due to Aunty Yu's presence.
YiBo joined them in the living room, and Min got up, leaving them alone. Lily said, "Your food is on the kitchen dining table." He replied, "Okay." Lily didn't say anything further and continued watching her program. Noticing he hadn't left after some time, she looked at him and asked, "Is there something on your mind that you keep looking at me like that?"
He replied, "Well, you haven't told me how the visit to the doctor went." Lily said, "Since you weren't the one who sent me, why would I tell you how it went?" He just smiled and didn't say anything. She added, "Everything's fine, just chronic peptic ulcer. They prescribed some medications which we've already picked up, and I'll monitor the other measures closely."
YiBo remained silent, watching her. After a moment, he quietly said, "But Mom, he told me he wants to visit his mother for just three days." Lily looked at him and asked, "When did you discuss this with him?" He said, "You can ask him. I initially said no, but seeing how concerned he was, I promised I'd speak with you about it."
Lily remained silent, appearing to consider this, then said, "It would be better if he waits for another two weeks to regain more strength." YiBo nodded, "Please talk to him, Mom; that's exactly what I told him as well." Lily replied, "I will speak to him." YiBo then got up and went to the kitchen.
Around 4 o'clock, Min brought three different dishes along with pork soup into Lily's bedroom. Zhan, who was sitting on the carpet, watched her until she left the room. After she left, Lily came in and said, "See what you can eat from here, just take a little." Zhan replied, "Alright," getting up to inspect the food she had brought. Lily reminded him, "Eat a little at a time so you don't feel sick, alright?"
Zhan responded, "Okay." After that, Lily left the room. Zhan ate just a few spoons before leaning back against the bed, the food still mostly untouched in front of him. Lily returned and, noticing he hadn't eaten much, sat beside him on the bed and asked, "Is there something you need?" Zhan lowered his head, saying, "I feel full."
Lily kept watching him, sensing he seemed down as usual. She asked, "So, you told Ai Bo you wanted to visit your mom?" Zhan looked at her and replied, "Yes." Lily suggested, "Then wait a week; we just got back from a long trip." Zhan didn't respond, but tears welled up in his eyes. She added, "Alright." Not saying anything more, Lily stood up and left the room. Zhan then buried his head in his knees, silently letting the tears fall.
After leaving the room, Lily went to YiBo's room, finding he was still home. Once she entered, she said, "You'll take him tomorrow so he can spend the days he wants with his mom. But take Ru or Tin along with you."
YiBo looked at her, a bit surprised, as she continued, "Book a morning flight for tomorrow." With that, she turned and left the room, leaving him amused, shaking his head with a smile.
The following morning, before dawn, Lily went into Ru's room and said, "Dear, pack a couple of things. You'll be heading to Beijing with your brother; he'll be staying with his husband for a few days." Ru replied, "Oh, but I have a presentation at school today, Mom. But it's okay; I think I can come up with an excuse."
Lily shook her head, "No, go to your presentation; you won't want to miss it. Tin will go with them." Ru pouted, saying, "Mom, please, I know how to manage. Besides, Tin usually doesn't go anywhere anyway." Lily said firmly, "I told you to go to school and attend your presentation." Ru finally nodded, "Alright."
Lily left and went to Tin's room, only to find her experiencing stomach cramps just as Ru had told her. Realizing neither of them could accompany them, she went back to YiBo and said, "Don't book the flight yet; wait until tomorrow if we're able to make it. Ru mentioned she has a presentation, and Tin isn't feeling well." YiBo replied, "I booked the flight last night; it's at 11, and I already got the tickets." Lily asked, "How many tickets?" He replied, "As you instructed." Lily sighed, "Well, Ru isn't going after all."
He replied, "Yes, it's economy class, so we'll be comfortable in the three-seat arrangement." Lily couldn't argue any further and left the room, but soon returned and said, "I spoke with General; the twins will go with you. They'll help lift his spirits." She glared at YiBo and added, "But don't let them overwhelm him. If you notice he needs time alone or rest, make sure he gets it."
YiBo scratched his head with a slight smile and said, "But Mom, why don't you like us being alone together? Since he got sick, you've been acting like this. And now it's getting worse. What will the twins even help with if not just adding more stress to him?"
Lily gave him a hard look, "Your antics contributed to his condition in the first place. I know you can't seem to… keep your hands off him." She reached over, seeing his wide-eyed look, and smacked his head as he dodged with an embarrassed smile. She continued, "You're always riled up around him! Now," she added seriously, "Ai Bo, I'm warning you… let him have proper rest and regain his strength. Too much of everything is bad, alright? Why are you like this, anyway? Just because you love him so much, you can't resist the urge to… to… to touch… Ahh, why am I even having this conversation with you?"
She turned away, muttering, "Anyway, I told you to take the twins along."
Zhan was thrilled when Lily told him to pack five outfits and everything he would need. At 10:30, Lily drove them to the airport. She got out of the car, and Zhan joined her, holding the twins' hands as they clung tightly to him, not wanting to let go. Lily said, "Alright, may you have a safe journey." Zhan replied, "Thank you Mom."
Lily looked at YiBo, who was carrying Zhan's trolley, and asked, "When are you coming back? Today?" YiBo smiled, "If there's a return flight to Shanghai, I'll come back today; if not, tomorrow." Lily said, "Okay then." She handed him a note, which he took with a puzzled look, as he wasn't sure what it was for. Lily said her farewells to Zhan and the twins, playing with them as they clung to Zhan, reluctant to part, and then returned to the car.
YiBo held the note in his hand while pulling Zhan's trolley. It wasn't until they were seated in the departure lounge, waiting for their flight, that he opened the note. Written in Lily's handwriting were the measures the U.S. doctor had suggested, including "No physical intimacy for the time being." He couldn't help but laugh, rubbing his forehead.
Zhan, who was sitting with the twins, looked over at him curiously, not knowing what was so funny. YiBo, smiling, handed the note to him. Zhan read it comfortably but glanced at YiBo from the corner of his eye when he reached the last part. He handed the note back, averting his gaze.
YiBo chuckled as he folded the note and tucked it into his pocket. Soon, they boarded the flight, which took off toward Beijing.
At one o'clock sharp, Zhan reached his family's front door. He didn't bother listening to YiBo's suggestion to come back later that evening; he was simply too eager. With a nod to YiBo, he stepped into the house with the twins clinging to him. They greeted Yang, who stood up quickly, expecting YiBo, while Zhan headed toward the entrance.
He was surprised to see Paa's car at home on a Tuesday. Entering the living room and finding no one there, he went to Ren's side of the house. He didn't find her in her bedroom either. The twins looked around wide-eyed, exploring the new place. YiBo had insisted on keeping their stroller, promising to bring it later.
Feeling warm despite the air conditioning, Zhan removed his jacket. Lying on Ren's bed with the twins asleep beside him, he relaxed until Ren entered the room, stopping in surprise to see him. Zhan sat up with a smile, but before he could speak, Ren asked, "Everything okay?"
Softly, Zhan replied, "I missed you, so his Mother said to come visit." Ren let out a quiet sigh and moved further into the room. Zhan watched her closely, noticing her swollen eyes and her unusually subdued demeanor. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the sleeping twins, and asked, "Are these adorable kids his?"
Zhan's heart sank as he answered, "Yes...they're our kids, YiBo's and mine. Mama, are you okay?"
Tears started falling from Ren's eyes, as though she'd been holding them back. Alarmed, Zhan moved closer, asking, "Mama, what happened? Please, tell me what's going on." Ren shook her head, replying, "Nothing, dear. Should I get you some food?" But Zhan, overcome with emotion, burst into tears and pleaded, "Mama, please, tell me. Is everything alright?"
Brushing away her tears, Ren finally said, "Go see your father and ask how he's feeling. Then come back. He's been sick." Zhan's heart sank, and he felt a wave of dizziness. "Mama, what's wrong with him?" he asked. Ren replied, "He's improving now. Go see him in his room." Zhan, feeling unsteady, stood up and asked, "Mama, please watch the kids for me," before leaving her room for Paa's side of the house. The living room was empty, so he went to Paa's bedroom door, his heart still pounding.
He knocked, and Zhuo called for him to come in. Zhan entered, finding Zhuo seated by Paa's bedside, with Paa's elder brother and another Paa's uncle nearby. As soon as he entered, they all looked at him, but Zhan's gaze was fixed on Paa, lying in bed.
Kneeling at Paa's bedside, Zhan's heart raced. He managed to ask in a trembling voice, "Paa, what's wrong with you?" Paa gave him a reassuring nod and, in a faint voice, replied, "I'll be fine, Zhan. How are you?" Without realizing it, Zhan broke into tears, lowering his head to the bed.
Paa's elder brother said gently, "Come here, Son." Zhan moved over to him, tears streaming down his face. Paa's elder brother softly asked, "When did you arrive?" Struggling to keep his voice steady, Zhan replied, "Just now." "Where's your spouse?" he asked. Zhan answered, "He'll come by later." With a comforting tone, Paa's elder brother said, "Good. He's recovering well. Go and rest now." Zhan glanced at Paa, who had closed his eyes, and then Zhuo, who added softly, "Go and rest."
Zhan left the room and returned to Ren's side of the house, crying heavily. Ren didn't stop him, allowing him to express his emotions. When he finally calmed down, he asked her, "Mama, what happened to Paa?"
After a pause, Ren replied, "He's recovering, dear." Zhan asked, "But what happened to him?" She remained silent for a moment before saying, "He had a stroke, but he's getting better now." Zhan's eyes widened in shock. "A stroke?" he asked.
Ren replied, "Yes, but he's started speaking again. He only started speaking a few hours ago, and he's doing much better now. In two days, they'll take him to India for further treatment." Overwhelmed, Zhan couldn't find the words, simply crying beside Ren. She wiped her own tears and said, "No need for tears; he needs your prayers. He'll be fine."
Zhan felt himself growing light-headed and feverish, but he couldn't stop crying. Ren gently scolded, "Why the tears? If you won't pray for him, what's the point of all this crying?" She left the room and returned to the kitchen, where she prepared a light meal and some herbal tea. Returning to her room, she found Zhan under the covers, his quiet sobs still audible. Ren went to her dresser, retrieved a key from beside a perfume bottle, and left for Zhang's room.
Zhang was seated at the far end of the room as usual. Ren placed the tray of rice and tea on the bed and said, "Come, eat something, Zhang." He looked up, his eyes red from tears, and Ren added, "Even if you don't eat the rice, at least drink the tea."
Slowly, Zhang approached and took the tea cup, sipping bit by bit as she suggested. But after just a few sips, he felt sick and quickly retreated to the bathroom. Ren followed and stayed by his side. Once he had finished, she coaxed him to have a little more tea and then helped him take a warm shower. They spent almost thirty-five minutes in his room, and after he lay down to rest, Ren locked the door behind her.
Returning to her own room, Ren found Zhan still lying in bed, his face hidden beneath the duvet. She removed the cover, looking at him. Zhan opened his eyes slowly, and she said, "Come down and eat."
He shook his head. "I'm not hungry," he mumbled. Ren's tone became stern. "Enough of this nonsense. I brought you food. Come down and eat." Reluctantly, Zhan sat up and slid his legs over the side of the bed, but one look at the rice and side dishes filled him with nausea. Covering his nose, he jumped up and hurried to the bathroom.
Ren watched him, surprised by his reaction. After he returned from the bathroom, she asked, "Are you okay?" He had barely managed to keep down the tea that YiBo's mother had coaxed him into drinking back in Shanghai. Weak, Zhan lay back down on the bed, feeling feverish. Ren watched him, pulling the duvet up over him gently, and said, "Rest up, dear."
Zhan replied softly, "Mama, please call Aunty An. Ask her to bring Mei and Fei so the twins have playmates, or maybe she can take them to her place for now."
~~~~~
After a few hours, Ren watched over Zhan, who had been asleep for a while. Zhan slowly opened his eyes, and Ren said, "Try to get up; your kids have been waiting for you." Sitting up slowly, he asked in a soft voice, "Mama, how's Dad doing?" Ren replied, "He's better; don't worry too much about it. You're not well yourself." She waited until Zhan went into the bathroom before leaving the room.
When Zhan came out, he wanted to go see his father, but he still felt weak. Ren came back in and saw him struggling, saying, "Go and see him in the living room." She then left the room. With some effort, Zhan got up and headed to the living room. YiBo was there with the twins on his lap, watching cartoons on the TV.
YiBo noticed Zhan as soon as he entered, seeing that he looked visibly exhausted and troubled. Zhan sat on the couch without saying anything, and YiBo moved closer to sit beside him, holding his hand. In a gentle voice, he said, "Father is going to be fine; just calm down, alright?" That seemed to break Zhan, who started crying heavily. Concerned, YiBo said, "No, please, I'm assuring you he'll be fine. Trust me. Plus, the kids are watching us."
Zhan nodded, unable to speak, and YiBo hugged him. The twins also came over, hugging him tightly, their little faces close to tears as well. YiBo continued comforting Zhan until he calmed down. Then his phone rang, and seeing it was Zhuo calling, YiBo answered, saying, "I'm coming back now," before leaving the living room. Zhan watched him go, with tears still falling. Suddenly, he felt small hands wiping away his tears and smiled through his tears as Jian said softly, "Sorry, bun," and Tian echoed, "Sorry, bun." Zhan couldn't help but laugh a bit, pulling them close and feeling a bit lighter, wondering why Auntie An hadn't come to visit.
YiBo left for the main living room and then went to Zhan father's room, checking the new medications Zhuo had bought. Grandma entered with a large cooler in hand. They looked up as she put the cooler down, then she suddenly burst into tears, saying, "I almost got hit by a car on my way here. No one even knew I was leaving the house. I walked all the way here."
Zhuo said, "You left not too long ago, Grandma. You didn't need to come back until tomorrow; he's improving." She replied, "How could I have waited until tomorrow, Zhuo? I barely touched the food they gave me; I just packed it up and came straight here, hoping he can eat some."
YiBo quietly greeted her, "Good evening, Grandma." She replied, "Evening." She then went to sit beside Dad, who had been watching her with a faint smile.
YiBo stood up and left the room, going back to the main living room. But he still found it hard to believe what Zhuo had told him about Zhang. Ren came in holding a bowl of congee, and seeing YiBo, said, "Your food is in Zhuo's room." He replied, "Thanks," before asking, "Mother, I want to see Zhang."
She paused, looking at him for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll be right back." She headed to his room and, after unlocking the door, entered Zhang's room. She found him lying on the bed, eyes red from crying, his pillow soaked with tears. She put down the bowl and sat on the edge of the bed, saying, "YiBo wants to talk to you, Zhang."
Zhang looked at her, seeming not to recognize who she was talking about. She clarified, "Your brother's husband." Tears welled up in his eyes, and Ren left the room. She went back to the main living room and told YiBo, "Come on, YiBo." He got up and followed her to Zhang's door, where she left him. YiBo knocked gently and entered. Zhang was still sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at the ground. YiBo approached, folding his arms as he looked at Zhang.
Zhang couldn't meet his gaze. Seeing this, YiBo felt his heart fill with pity and, in a quiet voice, said, "Zhang." Zhang looked up at him with his swollen eyes, then broke into sobs. YiBo shook his head, saying, "Don't cry; just tell me who's responsible."
Zhang continued crying bitterly, unable to respond, and YiBo repeated, "Who's responsible, Zhang?" Zhang buried his head in the bed, crying loudly. YiBo looked away, pained for him, letting Zhang cry until he calmed down enough to say, "It was Dao Chén." YiBo asked, "Who is he? And where did you meet him?"
With a shaky voice, Zhang said, "His father is a minister." YiBo paused, then asked, "Minister of what?" Zhang shook his head, "I don't know." YiBo asked, "Where did you two meet?" Zhang replied, "He was visiting a friend at my school who's studying for a master's degree."
YiBo asked, "And what happened then?" Zhang continued with difficulty, "He kept asking me for my number, saying he just wanted to be friends, so I gave it to him. I didn't want to talk to him, though. When I came home for break, he kept calling, but I ignored him. Mom noticed, so she made me start answering his calls even though I didn't want to. Eventually, she wanted to meet him, and when he came to Beijing, he went to meet her at Auntie Tu's place."
"After that, she kept insisting I stay in touch with him." Zhang was sobbing now, "That's why I kept talking to him. Every weekend, he'd come to see me at school." YiBo asked, "From where?" Zhang replied, "Shanghai."
YiBo asked, "And then what happened?" Zhang said, "He kept asking to take me shopping." He wiped his tears, and YiBo urged him to continue. Zhang said, "He picked me up in his car, we went shopping, and afterward, he offered me a drink in his car. I said I was okay, but he looked so disappointed, so I took it. After drinking it and eating the shawarma he bought me, I don't know what happened. I felt strange, like I wasn't myself. He told me he'd get me something else, and then... I remember taking me to a house like or not... Again I remember four of them... touching me and filming."
At that, he broke down, crying uncontrollably. YiBo was silent, simply watching him, unable to find the words.
Zhang wiped the tears from his eyes and said, "After that incident, he kept threatening me, saying he had my video. If I said no to him, he'd leak it. I didn't know what to do or who to tell... I was so confused."
YiBo asked, "Why didn't you tell me?" Zhang couldn't respond; he only looked away as tears streamed down his face. He continued, "So, I never said no to him, no matter what he asked, because I was scared of his threats."
YiBo asked, "And he kept using you?" Zhang nodded. YiBo then asked, "Did you tell him about the disease?" Zhang nodded again. "He blocked me right after I told him," Zhang replied.
YiBo asked, "Do you have his picture?" Zhang shook his head, "I deleted everything, even his number. But I still have his IG handle; his photos are there." YiBo took out his phone and said, "Tell me his handle." Zhang told him, and YiBo searched the name on Instagram. When he found the profile, he stared at the pictures in disbelief and said, "This is Dao Chén?"
Zhang stayed silent, looking down as tears rolled down his face. YiBo, unable to close his mouth from shock, quickly asked, "I know him. He's Leo's friend. Is this the guy you're talking about?" Zhang broke down into sobs, burying his face in the bed.
YiBo shook his head sadly, saying, "He lied to you. He's not the son of a minister like he told you. His whole circle has no real job—just pretending and tricking people. They're professional liars... Leo is his close friend." Looking back at Zhang, YiBo asked, "So what happened? Why did he end up leaking the video?" Zhang shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe because I refused to see him for days. Next thing I knew, the vedio was online..."
YiBo interrupted him, "But it was You in the video, not Zhan, right? Then why, when everyone started accusing Zhan, didn't you tell the truth? You stayed silent, letting him take the blame for something he didn't do. Was that fair?"
Zhang shook his head as he cried, "I know I wasn't fair, but I was so afraid. When I saw that everyone thought it was Zhan, I left it that way. Later, though, when things got worse, I wanted to tell the truth. But I was scared of what Mom might say. Now, with the disease, I've told them the truth."
YiBo asked, "Is that why Paa collapsed?" Zhang replied, "No, when we got back from the hospital, Mom told him I'm his child just like Zhan. Years back, when they were drunk, they were together. She remembered, but Paa didn't and because of Aunty Ren she keep quiet. She didn't tell anyone until now... but I don't believe her."
YiBo looked at him intently, "What do you mean, you don't believe her? You don't believe Paa is your father?"
Through sniffles, Zhang answered, "Of course, I believe he's my father. I even did a DNA test once, out of suspicion about Mom. I compared it with the five of us. Only mine and Mom's came out negative. The rest... Paa, Aunty Ren, me, and Zhan.... all matched."
YiBo's eyes widened, "I don't understand. Please explain."
Zhang wiped his tears and motioned for YiBo to come closer. He leaned in and whispered, "Because I'm Zhan's twin brother…"
It took YiBo a few seconds to process, even though Zhuo had already told him everything. YiBo asked, "So, that's why Paa collapsed?" Zhang nodded. YiBo gave a bitter smile and said, "As for Dao Chén, I assure you, he'll never ruin anyone's life again…" With that, he turned and left the room, Zhang's teary gaze following him.
YiBo went back to Zhuo's room and sat there, thinking about how to handle the situation. His heart burned with anger; he was determined to ensure Dao Chén never got away with what he'd done to Zhang. He also felt terrible for not listening to Zhang when he called that day, as he was with Nia. If only he had taken a moment to step aside and listen, things might have been easier.
Lost in thought, Zhuo entered the room, placed his phone by the mirror, and looked at YiBo, saying, "Go ahead and eat." YiBo looked at him and asked, "Did you ever give Zhang a listening ear?" Zhuo shook his head and went into the bathroom, showing he didn't want to discuss it.
YiBo left the room and headed outside to see Yang by the gate. Since he'd arrived that afternoon, Yang had filled him in on the situation. Shocked, YiBo had to sit on a bench to process everything. When he entered the house, Zhuo hadn't hidden anything from him either.
When Yang spotted YiBo approaching, he lowered his voice in concern, "How is Paa's health now? When I checked earlier, his lips were sealed shut." YiBo replied, "He's better." Yang added, "He's a good man. I wish him a full recovery."
YiBo left the gate and headed into town.
***
At around 8:45, he knocked on Lily's living room door. She invited him in. Zhan lay on the couch, with the congee Ren had brought left untouched due to his frequent vomiting. Ren asked, "You two ate, right?" YiBo replied, "Yes, my mom wants to talk to you." He handed her his phone, and after a brief greeting, Ren and his mom exchanged well wishes.
As the night went on, YiBo returned to Paa's room with Zhuo, Lu Jie, and some relatives. Zhan's grandmother insisted on staying the night, as did his older brother, who was preparing to leave. Slowly, Paa opened his eyes and softly called out, "Dage," signaling his brother. Zhan's Uncle sat back down. Since YiBo had administered Paa's medicine that afternoon, he was able to speak.
YiBo rose to leave, but Paa gestured for him to stay. Grandma beamed with joy, seeing that her son could speak again, and looked at YiBo. She said, "Stay seated. You're family now…we're all one."
YiBo returned to his seat, and Paa looked at Zhuo and said, "Call everyone, including Zhan." Zhuo got up and started with Ren's side of the house, informing her and then moving on. Since she had been anxious to check on her husband but hadn't managed due to Grandma and his elder brother's presence, she finally gathered herself and came along. Zhan, weakened but eager to see Paa, also arrived with his Mama's help.
With everyone gathered, Paa continued to gaze upward. Occasionally, Grandma sighed, tapping her foot in anticipation. Hie elder brother gently said, "We're all here, Didi. We're listening."
Paa looked at everyone in the living room, then, in a quiet voice, he began telling them about the phone call he overheard from Aunty Bing while she was in the bathroom. He recounted everything his ears had heard that day. Aunty Bing couldn't stop crying, tears streaming down her face. Grandma burst into tears, stood up, shaking, and looked at him. "Are you sure you heard right, Zhen? Are you really talking about this Bing, or someone else?"
Slowly, Paa replied, "She's right here. Ask her if it didn't happen, Mother. Ask her…"
Aunty Bing broke down, sobbing loudly. "Whatever I did, you're the cause of it all! You drove me to every dark corner of my life! You favored Zhan over Zhang, made him the only son in your eyes. For you, Zhan was the only real child; the others never mattered. You barely even cared about Zhang, even though they're brothers! You disregarded my own child, while Zhan got everything! You treated him like he was your only son."
Her voice broke as she continued, "You paid for Zhan's expensive schools, from primary to high school, while you put mine in puplic schools and left him there. Before you would meet one of my son's needs, you'd fulfill ten for Zhan's. So yes, I showed him the same devotion to show I could love him the way you seemed to want. It's you, Zhen.... you're the reason I did all those things with Zhan: leaving him at hotels, clubs, parties, with bad friends… you led me there and left me to it."
Grandma looked at her, mouth agape, just as Ren did, both staring at Aunty Bing in shock and fear. Aunty Bing wept, shaking her head, saying, "Now, because of your own selfishness, every horrible thing I did to Zhan has come back to haunt my son. You've ruined me and my child, Zhen. You've ruined us…"
Her words trailed off as she cried deeply, almost as if her spirit were shattering. Overcome with fury, Grandma approached her, cursing, "I curse you, Bing! The universe will be the judge between us! It seems you're not only shameless but also disturbed in your mind. Or perhaps you forgot that your own son exposed your secret in this very living room. Was it not here he presented evidence that you weren't his mother, and you couldn't deny it? At first, you tried to slander Zhen, saying he got you pregnant while he was drunk. But when we pressed you, you admitted that you swapped babies with your sister's child after yours was stillborn, all because of your lack of integrity!"
"So, you were even involved in the scandalous video circulating about Zhan?" She broke down into intense sobs, falling back into her seat. Zhan could only watch Aunty Bing, his eyes filled with tears. As for Paa, he was speechless. Finally, YiBo rose and left the room. Grandma shook her head, saying, "You had to get up now, didn't you, after realizing the woman corrupted your husband's life from the start."
She broke into tears, adding, "it was by my own hand Zhan was taken from his mother and given to Bing. And all along, she intended to harm him, and we didn't know."
Paa's elder brother wiped away the sweat on his brow as Paa slowly closed his eyes, tears pooling, and whispered, "I have failed as a father.... "
Pweeeh... If English is not your language, it's really hard to write with it, so please manage with my poor one😅 the concern is just to understand what you are reading that's all, the rest doesn't matter right?. 😉
Today I will reveal my identity to my lovely dear friends readers. I the Author, i am black African female and also a Muslims, Hausa/fulani by tribe. I hope you will still like and love my stories?.
My languages are:, Hausa, fulde, Arabic. I learn English at school from Primary to University. 😂😂😂
Zhanxianyibo💚♥️💛