Zhan gave a quiet murmur, lowering his gaze, without saying a word. Instead, he placed another piece of meat on YiBo's plate. YiBo simply looked at him with lowered eyes, and after a moment, softly asked, "You're not saying anything…" Zhan raised his large eyes, looked at him, and, passing the food to him, said, "Start with this." YiBo chuckled quietly, "Are you serious?" Zhan nodded, and YiBo accepted the plate and began to eat. Zhan leaned back in the chair next to where he was sitting, watching the TV in the living room.
Every so often, Zhan stole glances at him out of the corner of his eye, only to see YiBo looking at him as well. After a while, YiBo spoke in a low voice, "When are we leaving tomorrow?" Zhan answered quietly, "Whenever you say." YiBo asked, "In the morning?" Zhan replied, "OK." YiBo didn't eat much; he set the food aside and picked up some water.
Zhan looked at him and, seeing how little he'd eaten, asked, "Didn't you like it?" YiBo whispered, "It's not the same when it's not you…" Zhan gave him a sidelong glare, which made YiBo smile as he drank his water and set the rest aside. "I shouldn't overstay my welcome. I'll leave now; see you in the morning," YiBo said. Zhan replied, "Alright…"
YiBo got up and said, "Tell Mother I left. See you in the morning." Zhan stood up as well, while YiBo continued watching him with a look of mild curiosity. Sensing the gaze, Zhan slightly widened his eyes and quietly asked, "Or don't want me to walk you out?" YiBo's eyes widened. "If you don't walk me out, then I'll just stay in the living room overnight."
Zhan gave a small smile, picked up YiBo's phone from the couch, and followed him to the door. As they left the main living room, YiBo reached for Zhan's hand, and they walked slowly toward the gate, each lost in their own thoughts.
At the gate, Yang sat patiently, still not quite himself after everything that happened, almost as if he were Zhuo or Lu. Zhan gently pulled his hand from YiBo's as they reached Yang. YiBo paused at the gate with Yang, and shortly after, he stepped out of the house, spotting Zhan leaning against his car. Approaching him, he lowered his voice, "Until tomorrow?"
"Okay good night," Zhan replied softly. YiBo, staring into Zhan's eyes, asked, "Should I take you now and bring you back tomorrow morning?" Zhan's eyes widened. "No, I couldn't." YiBo smiled, looking down the quiet street...empty at just before 10 p.m...and then murmured, "Can I kiss you, love?" Zhan lowered his head, giving a soft smile. YiBo kept watching, his eyes half-closed, then noticed Zhan glancing down the street. Seeing no one, Zhan nodded subtly. YiBo pressed their foreheads together, whispering, "With the taste of food still in my mouth," and he kissed him, slowly, lovenly, deeply for nearly a minute. Breathlessly, he whispered, "I love you so much…"
Zhan closed his eyes, and YiBo felt him lean into his embrace, softly murmuring, "Same." YiBo chuckled, "Same what?" Zhan quickly placed his phone on the car, then turned and walked back toward the gate, leaving YiBo laughing softly as he watched him disappear inside and lock the gate.
________________________________________
The next morning, Zhan woke up around nine, had breakfast, and began packing his things from Ren's room. Aunty An watched him with surprise, saying nothing, just quietly watching him pack as though someone waited impatiently at the door. Even Ren silently observed him, and so did Zhang, who sat in the room, all of them just Watching. Zhan feel like someone is watching him, he raised his head and meet six curious eyes staring at him.
Embarrassed, Zhan raised the trolley to cover his face, a slight pout on his lips. Aunty An laughed, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave, as if we're throwing you out?" Zhan stayed silent, avoiding eye contact but clearly embarrassed. Aunty An, chuckling, asked, "What time are you two leaving?" Without looking up, Zhan replied softly, "He didn't say, I just saw the place was messy, so I decided to tidy up." Aunty An laughed, "Sure, the place was 'messy.'"
After giving up on zipping the bag, Zhan finally stood and left the room, heading to Zhang's bathroom to shower. He chose an outfit Aunty Bella had bought in Shanghai that he hadn't worn yet and, once ready, lay down on the bed.
Around eleven, Zhang entered the room and said, "Your husband's here." Zhan glanced up, then sat up properly. Zhang said, "Let me do a light makeup for you." Heading to the mirror, Zhang pulled over a stool and looked at Zhan. "Come here," Zhang said. Zhan walked to the mirror and sat down, where Zhang applied a bit of eyeliner and lip balm that made Zhan's lips look fuller, giving the appearance of wearing makeup though only the basics were applied. He looked so radiant, enhanced by the subtle styling. Smiling, Zhan softly said, "Thank you."
Zhang smiled back, "You look beautiful, dear. I bet he won't even recognize you." Zhan just returned the smile, and Zhang handed him a jacket before they left the room together. As they entered the living room where YiBo waited, YiBo's eyes were fixed on Zhan without blinking; at first, he didn't even recognize him. Despite the minimal makeup, YiBo had never seen him beautiful like this. Zhan sat down and, looking at YiBo, quietly said, "Good morning." YiBo's eyes softened as he replied, "You look beautiful, love. How was your night?"
Playing with his fingers, Zhan replied, "All good." Zhang kept his attention on the TV, while YiBo asked, "Your luggage?" Upon hearing this, Zhang stood, retrieved Zhan's luggage from Ren's room, and brought it to the main living room. Aunty An entered and said, "Say goodbye to everyone before you leave." YiBo nodded, "Of course." Aunty An added, "Send our regards to your mom and the General. We're grateful, may family bonds always remain strong."
YiBo replied, "Certainly." Zhan stood and went to Ren's room, where she sat on the carpet. Kneeling beside her, he said softly, "Mama, we're leaving now." Ren looked at him and said, "Alright, Zhan. May you be protected, and may you and your family live in peace. Treat his parents as your own, and you will find peace in life, understood?" Zhan looked down, staying silent, holding back the tears welling in his eyes. He knew he'd miss them deeply, especially in this challenging time, if not for Aunty An, he wasn't sure what he'd do.
Zhan wiped the tears that had welled up in his eyes, then softly said, "I really miss Paa so much... I wish he were here... with us..." and broke down crying. Ren, with tears starting to fall from her own eyes, replied, "Stand up and go." In a shaky voice, he added, "If Mei and the others return, tell them I left." Ren could only nod at him, as she didn't want to break down as well.
Zhan stood and walked to the door, with Ren watching him while wiping the tears from her eyes. Aunty An looked at Zhan as he left the room, then she got up and walked over to Ren. After a moment, Ren stood at the doorway of her room and quietly said goodbye to YiBo. He couldn't look at her and replied, "Mother, please be patient." She responded with a quiet "okay," then turned and went back to her room. She and Aunty An left for the living room together.
Zhang was seated in the living room, waiting for them to finish. Although Zhan wasn't particularly pleased about it, he and YiBo headed toward Aunty Bing's area together, mostly because Zhang was there, making it difficult for him to refuse when YiBo said they should visit Aunty Bing. Shu was already sitting with Aunty Bing and greeted YiBo with a smile when he arrived. Zhan was fiddling with the edge of his jacket while YiBo exchanged pleasantries with Aunty Bing, who had come out and seated herself by the door of her room.
YiBo said, "We're leaving now, Aunty Bing." In a soft voice, Aunty Bing replied, "Alright, I wish you a safe journey, and travel in peace, protected from any harm." With his head bowed, he said, "Thank you." Zhan didn't look at her as she spoke, and with tears filling her eyes, she simply replied, "Thank you." YiBo stood up, saying, "Please be patient, Aunty Bing." She replied, "Alright, YiBo, go with peace... I wish our paths cross again if it's meant to be." He responded, "The same."
Zhan got up and headed to the door, and YiBo followed him out. Aunty Bing glanced at Shu, saying, "Walk them. outside, won't you?" Shu got up and accompanied them to the living room. YiBo looked over at her and asked, "What did you study in school?" She answered, "Design... I mean Art." He replied, "Alright, and your CV is here, right?" She nodded, "Yes, it's here." He then said, "Let's go say goodbye to Grandma first; bring it to me when we come back." She agreed, "Okay."
They went into Grandma's room and found her alone, busy counting a large pile of cash she had received. She started to hide it, but when she saw it was YiBo and Zhan, she left it in plain sight, giving YiBo a sweet smile and saying, "Hello, YiBo."
He sat on the carpet and asked, "Good morning, Grandma. How are you?" Softly, she replied, "I'm fine, YiBo. How are you?" He responded, "I'm well, Grandma." Zhan knelt by the bed and greeted her as well, while Grandma looked at YiBo, saying, "Both he and Zhang only visit when they feel like it and say they're sorry, even though they know I'm here every day. You'd think I was the one who hurt Zhen."
YiBo widened his eyes slightly, saying, "Oh no, they should have been more considerate." Grandma replied, "Yes, and honestly, what do I have to do with them, anyway? I just gave birth to Zhan's father and he gave birth to them; beyond that, there's no bond between us. So let's keep our distance."
YiBo gave a small smile and replied, "Please be patient, Grandma." Zhan kept his gaze averted, and YiBo said, "We're heading back to Shanghai today; we wanted to say goodbye." Grandma replied, "If only we could have his body and cremated him here, I'd go with you and personally thank your father and mother. Not everyone treats in-laws the way they have. Good people, truly. His friends who came here all gave me hundreds of thousands; I'm gathering the money now to give to an orphanage for the blessings."
YiBo replied, "That's a wonderful thing to do, Grandma." Grandma continued, "That's my plan, which is why I'm counting it all now. I also plan to build a grand temple in his name by the roadside with two plots of land. If I don't do it for him, who will? Only his siblings could take over."
YiBo smiled, saying, "Alright, Grandma, we'll be off so we don't miss our flight." Grandma quickly responded, "Go ahead; may you be protected." He handed her some money, saying, "Here, add this to the orphanage donation." She thanked him, showering him with blessings as she walked them out to the living room, where Shu was waiting with her documents. Handing them over, she said, "Thank you so much." He replied, "I'll give them to my father."
She answered, "May you travel safely." The whole family came out to see them off to the car, except for Ren, Aunty An, and Aunty Bing. Grandma kept saying, "Safe travels, may your journey be blessed..." YiBo opened the car door, replying, "Amen, Grandma." Yang widened his eyes as he noticed someone approaching on a motorbike, and YiBo himself paused, watching the person approach.
Grandma asked, "Who is that, making all that noise in the neighborhood on a motorbike?"
As the person reached them, he parked and burst into tears. Yang also began to cry as if he'd been waiting for this moment. Grandma joined them in tears and cried out, "Ling, let me tell you: Zhen has passed away." Ling found a bench to sit on, crying loudly, and Yang sat beside him, offering comfort. Shu sighed and said, "Please, let's remember him in our prayers." Ling sobbed, "You're right. May his soul rest in peace. I had just returned from Guangzhou, where I was shopping for my siblings, when I heard the news. That man made my life; he even opened a store for me where I built my home in the city."
Grandma replied, "If you're sensible, look after the children he left behind. If not, heaven will frown upon you." Ling tearfully agreed, and Shu waved to Zhan, who returned the gesture before going inside. Lian said softly, "Safe travels, young master." She went back inside, and Zhang gave him a full hug, saying, "I'll miss you, sweet bro." After that, he too returned to the house.
Ling walked over to Zhan and politely greeted him, saying, "How are you, young master?" Zhan lowered his eyes, replying, "I'm managing, thank you." Grandma said, "When you're done here, go greet Ren as well." Then she looked at YiBo, saying, "I'll head inside. Safe travels, YiBo." She turned and went back into the house.
Looking respectfully at YiBo, Ling said, "How are you coping, sir?"
YiBo replied, "We're managing, Ling; thank you." Ling said, "I've often tried calling your number, but I could never get through, sir." YiBo smiled, saying, "I have your number; I'll call from my main line." Ling responded gratefully, "Thank you, sir." YiBo got into the car, as Zhan was already seated, and Ling and Yang waved them off as they drove away.
Zhan glanced over slowly and asked, "What about your car?" YiBo replied, "I usually left it at the airport, but our flight isn't until evening." Zhan was surprised, as he thought they were headed to the airport directly but didn't comment further, and he also remained silent.
After nearly thirty minutes of driving, they arrived at the gate of a hotel where he honked, and the gate was opened for them to enter. Zhan, looking at him, asked, "So you've been staying here all along?"
YiBo gave him a playful wink, saying, "Yes." Zhan didn't say anything as YiBo parked the car and looked at him. "Have you had breakfast?" He nodded, "I have." YiBo replied, "Alright," Zhan asked, "How about you?" YiBo answered, "Yes, I did." He opened the car door and stepped out, and Zhan did the same. He locked the car, and they walked side by side into the hotel. He picked up a room key at the reception and led him to his room.
Zhan placed his back bag on the bedside drawer and asked quietly, "Now tell me, how do you know Ling?"
Laughing without looking at him, YiBo placed his phone on the mirror stand, took off his shirt, and lay on the bed, smiling as he motioned to the spot beside him. "Come here, and I'll tell you how I know Ling." Zhan hesitated, just watching him, so YiBo lowered his voice and said, "Then… let's forget about the question forever."
Zhan looked down, took off his jacket, folded it neatly, placed it aside, and then slowly approached the bed, lying beside YiBo and watching him closely...
YiBo said softly, "Come… closer." Zhan stared at him with wide eyes, unblinking. YiBo shrugged and said, "Oh, alright then." With that, he turned his back and lay down. Zhan smiled, moved closer, and gently rested his head on Yibo's back, whispering, "I'm all ears." YiBo turned to pull him closer, pecked his lips, and gazed at him intently, "What did you want to know?"
Zhan replied, "I want to know your connection to Ling and what brought you to our home." Stroking Zhan long hair gently, he asked, "Only that?" he nodded. He sighed, "Alright, but I've already told you, haven't I? Or do you still not believe me?" Zhan nodded again, signaling that he didn't buy his previous story about his meeting with Ling and how he ended up at his family's home.
YiBo chuckled and continued.
Passed story YiBo Pov
"After I left my family's home, my mother, wanted me to settle in the UK. But I refused; I'm tired of the European lifestyle. I decided to come to Beijing instead. I love Beijing, though I only visited occasionally and never really lived there. I had a friend with whom I started my studies in the U.S. He was from here, and he was among the lucky few who got scholarships to study medicine there."
"Unfortunately, he lost his mom halfway through our studies, and it affected him deeply. He struggled with his grades, and sadly, he was eventually expelled and returned to Beijing. Throughout our time in the U.S., he never knew who my father was, because, to our group, we were all just regular students with opportunities that brought us there. I lived like everyone else, without any airs about my family."
Zhan kept looking at him as he lightly pinched his nose. "Thinking about your nose?" Zhan smiled, "Are you teasing me?" YiBo laughed softly and pressed his nose against his, "Yours is longer than mine!" Zhan shook his head, "No, yours is longer." With his nose still pressed against Zhan's, both breathing each other's warmth, he said softly, "Go on." YiBo opened his eyes, voice low, "Alright…"
He settled him on his chest, continuing to stroke his hair. He continue "Even after Bo Qiang left the U.S., we stayed close. Once he returned to China, he helped out at his father's herbal medicine shop. When I returned to China, I suggested he try for admission in Beijing, but he said he'd lost the drive to study since his mother's passing. So I helped him as much as I could, and he eventually opened his own shop, selling the same remedies his father did, but in a more modernized way."
"When things got tense with my father, I went to Bo Qiang's place in Beijing. At that time, he was renting a small place in a working-class neighborhood. That's where I stayed. Every morning, we'd buy food and eat, and then head to his noisy, crowded shop. Honestly, it nearly broke me mentally, but I couldn't bring myself to stay in a hotel even though I could afford it. I needed to be around people to ground myself, especially since my father's accusations were too much to bear."
Zhan was staring at him intently as he continued. "Ling often came to the market, too. He had a friend who sold secondhand phones near Bo Qiang's shop, so whenever Ling showed up, his loud laughter would announce his arrival. That's how we got to know each other better. Mind you, even then, Bo Qiang had no idea who my father was. I never flaunted my dad or his wealth. I knew Ling for about three months, and we became close. One day, he told me he was thinking of moving back to his village since his employer was opening a new shop there. I asked him about his employer, and that's when he started telling me about your father."
"He told me he'd been working there for almost ten years and said he wouldn't leave if not for growth opportunities. He spoke about how well he was treated, the three meals provided, and the accommodation. He even said sometimes he forgot it wasn't his home…"
YiBo looked at Zhan, who was listening attentively. "At that time, I missed my family so much. I wasn't used to the bustling market life, and I imagined working for this kind family might ease my loneliness. Without hesitation, I asked Ling if he could help me get a driving job there."
Zhan lowered his gaze as his mood shifted. YiBo closed his eyes briefly, opening them slowly, "Ling refused, saying he had already promised a friend, and his employer hadn't asked for anyone else. He was blunt about not helping, but guess what I did…"
Zhan looked at him, and he smiled. "I gave Ling 200,000 yuan just to get that job because I needed a new family badly… At first, he was shocked, but two days later, he returned, saying he'd talked to his employer, who agreed to meet me. That's how it all started. On our way to your house, he told me that we came from the same village and warned me not to change my accent. I just smiled and said, 'Alright.' He didn't mention anyone else in the house but you. He told me that if I wanted extra money, I'd have to follow your every command without question and never interfere with your way of life. All I had to do was obey and accept the money you offered…"
Zhan couldn't meet his eyes. YiBo smiled softly as he looked at him, his voice low, "And you were the second person I met in that house after Yang…"
Zhan said nothing, remembering clearly the first time he saw him sitting on the balcony, waiting for Paa. He had been upset, wondering why he didn't wait at the gate like the other staff. And from there, his mind recalled all the times he treated him dismissively, without any thought of his height or presence until his father arranged their marriage.
YiBo murmured, "And I found the family I was looking for in that great house. Yang was incredibly kind to me from the start. That's why I'll ensure he has a successful life."
YiBo continued, "Paa… he was like a second father. He accepted me without a second thought and even offered me a room if I wanted. He was always generous with my salary and trusted me completely, even trusting me with his ATM card after only four months. And Zhang… Whenever I saw him, he reminded me of Ru. He made me feel welcome and treated me with kindness…"
"Your Mama was like a mother to me. I remember she gave me one of her expensive duvets and other things. And Zhuo! He ignored the fact that I was only a driver, and we'd chat by the gate until midnight sometimes. I often shared a plate with him and Yang. And Lu Jie never passed by without greeting me, despite being an introvert. Lei and Mei made me their new uncle, and even Lian never passed by without acknowledging me…"
Tears started to fall from Zhan's eyes, and YiBo fell silent for a moment, noticing his tears.
Finally, he embraced him gently, whispering, "And you made my stay unforgettable. I enjoyed every bit of your attitude toward me; it made my time there worth remembering. Every time you ignored me, I found a way to catch your attention, even if it sparked a fight. Sometimes I did it just to see you react, but over time, I realized you were being influenced. Lastly… I never imagined fate would lead to our marriage, and I'm grateful for the circumstances that brought us together, my love…"
Zhan kept crying silently, not saying anything. YiBo held him close, feeling his love for him deepen. In a trembling voice, Zhan whispered, "I… I am sorry for everything. I'm sorry I treated you badly, I'm sorry for all I've done to you. Please forgive me." YiBo, whispering in his ear, replied, "I love you for all you did to me."
Zhan just cried, feeling like YiBo couldn't truly mean it in his heart. Maybe he was just trying to calm him down, but he knew he would never forget the things he'd done to him in their home.
YiBo cleared his throat and said, "Forget everything, my love. It's all in the past now. I want to talk to you about Paa." Zhan tensed at the mention of Paa. "What about him?" YiBo took a deep breath, "But first, please promise me you won't be upset with me or your siblings. I mean Zhuo and Lu Jie… Today or tomorrow, they'll also tell Mother and Grandma what I'm about to say."
Zhan just stared at YiBo, curious about what it was. YiBo gathered himself and shared everything. This led to Zhan hitting him with happy sobs before they hugged, YiBo comforting his baby husband.
~~~~~
They landed in Shanghai around 8:30, where Lily's driver was waiting for them at the airport. Zhan wasn't sure if he was happy to be back or not; he was just here, accepting it. When they arrived at General's house, Lily was delighted to see that Zhan had moved on, her tears of relief showing. She didn't know it was all thanks to her son's efforts. They went to greet General, who was home, and he asked about their family. Zhan replied, "They're all doing well." They didn't stay long in his living room before returning to Lily's side, where she had arranged a variety of food for them.
In the living room, Zhan started serving YiBo, as they were the only two there. Ru and Tin had gone to their room. YiBo joined him on the floor as he placed the food in front of him. Shaking his head, Yibo said, "We're eating together. No need to serve separately." Zhan widened his eyes, saying, "I can't…" YiBo replied, "Then put it back; I won't eat either."
Zhan smiled and whispered, "But Mom might walk in." He replied, "Let her come and join us." Zhan laughed softly, not saying anything as he took a pair of chopsticks and started eating slowly. YiBo smiled, picked up his own, and they ended up eating a lot more than they'd expected, maybe because they were sharing from the same plate.
After eating, Zhan went to take the remaining food to the kitchen. Lily came into the living room and looked at YiBo, saying, "Hope the family is doing better now." YiBo replied, "Yes, thank you." Lily said, "Well, that's good to hear. I hope things keep getting better for them." He was expecting Lily to suggest they go to their own home, but she didn't. Instead, she started a new conversation with him, while Zhan headed to Ru's room, having met Lily on his way to the kitchen.
***
The next morning, YiBo went to greet his father in the living room. General asked, "Did they arrange a time to see Mr. Xiao?" YiBo replied, "I spoke to Zhuo and their uncle. After they inform the rest of their immediate family, they'll let me know when they'll meet Father. I only hope he recovers enough for it to go smoothly. I told Zhan everything yesterday."
General nodded approvingly, "That's good. Mr. Xiao needs a peaceful life now; he should rest before returning to that Mansion. He's been through so much; we wouldn't want him to lose his life over family conflicts. And I'm glad you called me in time, even requesting my help. You've really matured… But let me warn you, don't make the same mistake again of injecting someone like that, even with the knowledge of some of his children and older brother. What if something had gone wrong?"
YiBo looked down, guilt crossing his face, and said, "Dad, he insisted I do it. That's why I called his family. Later, Uncle Xiao said that since he was so adamant, we should administer a 24-hour sedative before moving him out of the house and the city, then we'd use another sedative afterward."
General cut him off, "Still, don't repeat it."
YiBo lowered his gaze and said, "Alright, Dad, I won't." General nodded approvingly, "I know you'll manage everything. Don't worry, I trust you." In a low voice, YiBo replied, "I can." General added, "Good, I wish you all the best." YiBo replied, "Thank you, Dad. I hope everything go well." General said, "Okay."
He didn't stay in the living room long before heading to Lily's area to greet her, as he did every morning. He usually greeted his father around eight or nine. He found her in her second living room with Ru and Zhan, who fell silent upon seeing him. Ru smiled and greeted him, "Good morning, big brother." He replied, "Good morning."
Zhan looked at him and greeted him as well, and he replied back before Lily, noticing Zhan's expression, said, "I'm listening." Zhan lowered his head and smiled but was too shy to continue the conversation, stealing a quick glance at YiBo. Lily also smiled, saying, "Go on, get ready…" Zhan got up and went to the door, while Ru chuckled, following him out. YiBo looked at Lily and asked, "What was he telling you?"
Lily replied, "Mind your own business." YiBo rubbed his head and said, "Alright then." Lily didn't say anything more, and he stayed silent too. After a while, she asked, "Did you have breakfast?" YiBo glanced at the food in the living room and shook his head. Lily said, "Ru and Zhan made breakfast; it's still warm."
He sat on the carpet, opening all the warmers and serving himself while chatting lightly with Lily. Once he finished, he stood up to leave, then turned back to ask, "I heard you told them to get ready; where are they going?" Lily just looked at him without answering, so he left the room, heading straight to Ru's room, where he found her alone, choosing her clothes.
Then he headed to Zhan's room, where he was in the bathroom. Ru entered to bring Zhan some of the twins' clothes. YiBo looked at Ru and asked, "Where are you going? I heard Mom telling you all to get ready." She replied, "I don't know, but we're going out with her and the twins." He thought for a moment and said, "Alright, let me trouble you a bit. Could you please make me a cup of coffee and bring it to my room?" She agreed, and with that, she headed to the door and left.
YiBo entered the bathroom and found Zhan wrapped in a towel. Startled, Zhan darted back into the bathroom, his eyes wide with shock as he imagined how he had entered. He knew she'd left Ru in the room, so he was confused. When he saw YiBo lock the door, he softened his tone, pleading, "What is this? If Ru comes in… please leave."
YiBo asked, "Where are you going?" Zhan quickly shook his head, saying, "I don't know. Mom just told me to get ready. Please, just leave before Ru comes back." Moving toward him, Yibo caught him by the towel as he tried to back away, loosening it slightly. Zhan scowled, "I don't want this. It isn't proper, please. Ru could come in any second with the twins' clothes."
YiBo replied, "Oh, really? And what were you telling Mom earlier? And would you rather have Ru see you like this instead of your husband? Is that proper to you?"
Zhan pouted, saying, "Just please go." YiBo responded, "Only if you promise you'll come to my room and tell me what you were talking to Mom about." Zhan nodded quickly, "Yes." Yibo smiled, giving him a light kiss before turning and leaving.
When Zhan heard the door click closed, he took a breath, glancing around to ensure Ru wasn't back yet before stepping out. When Ru returned, Zhan was already dressed.
With a smile, Ru said, "Let me bring the twins now; they can't wait to see you." She left, leaving Zhan to gather his thoughts and get ready for the day.
Later, YiBo went to the living room where he found the twins crawling around and playing on Zhan's lap. Lowering his voice, he teased, "So, you tried to pull a fast one on me?"
Zhan hid hid face against Jian, not answering. Just then, Lily entered, holding her car keys, and YiBo announced, "Mom, I'll be heading out; I'll be back soon." She nodded, "Alright. We're heading out soon as well." He responded, "Take care." He turned to leave, and Zhan watched him go as Lily headed to her room to grab her handbag.
As YiBo neared the door, Zhan quickly caught up to him in the second living room, where he was about to leave. Quietly, he asked, "Where are you going?" YiBo turned to him, saying, "I don't know either." Zhan remained silent, taking in his appearance. He looked especially handsome in his outfit, and his mood shifted. He continued, "I guess I'll catch you later."
Turning quickly, he left, ignoring Yibo's call to "Wait…" and Yibo chuckled, watching him as he exited the house.
YiBo visited Nia, waiting for her in the compound. She came out shortly after, taking a seat next to him with a smile. "Hello, YiBo."
He responded, "Hello, acting like I'm some kind of patient." She laughed, "Alright, how are you doing?" He smiled and replied, "Good. And how is your husband?" Yibo glare at her saying nothing.
She gave him a curious look, pausing. Then, with a smile, she said, "Life has its twists, I suppose. In the end, I realize that maybe we weren't meant to be husband and wife from the beginning."
YiBo looked at her with surprise, asking, "Why are you saying that, Nia?"
Nia explained, "I'm saying this because Zhan is my second cousin." YiBo was taken aback; no one had mentioned this to him. "I don't understand, Nia. What's happening?"
She stood up, saying, "I'll be right back." YiBo looked at her, feeling confused, and called after her, "Wait, please explain this to me, Nia." She assured him she'd return soon.
After a few moments, a housekeeper approached YiBo and informed him that he was invited inside. Following her, he met Nia's mother, Mia, in the living room. They exchanged greetings, and she warmly asked about his family, which he responded to briefly. She mentioned she'd recently been to his family's house, but they hadn't crossed paths. "I know you didn't know, YiBo," she said with a nod.
He stayed silent, waiting to understand the purpose of this visit. Gently, Mia began explaining everything, detailing the connection between her family and Zhan's mother. YiBo was left speechless, trying to absorb everything.
Once she finished, she excused herself, saying she had another visitor to attend to. As she left, YiBo leaned back in thought, trying to process the revelations. Nia soon entered, watching him with a smile. "I hope things make more sense now?"
He shook his head, "I don't get it, Nia… Just because you and Zhan are cousins, that doesn't mean we can't be friends."
She responded, "Yes, but let's take things slowly. I want Zhan to understand me. I'm just happy that things worked out this way in the end, and I hope it's the best for us.... "
Zhanxianyibo♥️💚💛