"What kind of job is this, anyway?"
Ning asked as she sat in the middle of Mama's room, cracking the nuts she'd been sent to buy earlier.
"It's household work. We'll help with cleaning, washing, and assisting her with her trading business if needed," Min replied, glancing at Mama, who hadn't asked the question but was watching her closely.
Aunty Rui, sitting nearby and nursing her baby, sighed.
"If it's Fen, I know there won't be any trouble. She's honest in her dealings, and even her family speaks well of her."
Mama shook her head skeptically.
"I'm not concerned about Fen's character; it's Min I'm thinking about. Min, doing chores for others? Really?"
Ning nodded in agreement, her focus still on her nuts.
"Exactly. I was wondering the same thing."
Min clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Mama, how many times do I have to explain this? Both of us are being hired, and she'll pay us individually. Besides, the work isn't much. Before you know it, Zhan will handle everything, and by the end of the month, we'll have a nice pile of money saved up."
Mama finally nodded in understanding.
"Ah, now I see. I know you too well, Min. There's no way you'd agree to such a job unless there was a good reason behind it."
Ning burst into laughter, teasing her.
"Smart girl."
"But does Zhan know about this arrangement?" Aunty Rui asked, her tone indicating unease.
"Oh, defending Zhan, are you? If he stays home, what's he going to contribute? Or..."
Before Mama could finish her sentence, the loud wail of Aunty Rui's third child echoed through the room, cutting off the conversation.
"Goodness, you can't keep your children away from Ma Jing's? I've told you to keep them inside the room, but no, you let them out, and now look what's happened," Mama scolded.
Aunty Rui stood, placing her baby down beside Mama before heading out to investigate. However, the moment she left, the baby started crying again.
"Come and take your baby! This is unbearable," Mama exclaimed, handing the child back to her.
"Honestly, you're impossible. Every day, it's as if you don't understand people," Ning remarked.
"She wouldn't bother you if you went to see her. Zhan visits, and now he gets along fine with her," Aunty Rui retorted before leaving the room.
Outside, under the shaded part of the yard, Aunty Rui spotted Zhan seated with a tray, sorting through rice grains that Ma Jing's daughter, Xiao, had spilled. He was surrounded by children, including Ma Jing's, all helping while Zhan directed them with a smile.
The moment Aunty Rui arrived, Zhan glanced up and grinned teasingly.
"Ah, Aunty Rui, no need for a dramatic entrance."
"I thought they were up to some mischief," she replied, stepping closer.
"Not at all. It's just that the rice grains spilled, and he couldn't find some, so he started crying," Zhan explained, pointing at the child who had been wailing.
"Good grief," Aunty Rui muttered, leaning against the wall. "So, Zhan, you and Min got a job at Fen house?"
"Yes, Aunty Rui. I was going to tell you. We went to her house yesterday. I thought Min would be the only one hired, but then she called me too."
Aunty Rui felt a twinge of unease at the news, but Zhan's cheerful expression made her hold back her concerns.
"No wonder you're so happy today—you've found a job."
Zhan chuckled.
"That, and Yue said Baba seems to be improving. She mentioned that Kai ge called earlier and said he was resting and even drinking congee."
"Really? That's great news. I hope you'll be able to visit him soon," Aunty Rui said warmly.
Zhan smiled.
"I hope so, too. Mama said she and you might go tomorrow. I just hope they let you see him."
Aunty Rui reassured him. "Don't worry. If I go, I'll tell him you send your regards."
"Thank you, Aunty Rui," Zhan said, taking her baby from her arms and expertly tying her to his back with Xiao's scarf.
Zhan hair was soft, black, and slightly long due to infrequent haircuts. It often became the subject of Mama's teasing, who would say that his distinct appearance made him look like he wasn't part of the family.
As he turned around, his eyes met Ma Jing's, who had just stepped out of the room.
"Zhan, with that flashy hair of yours, is this how you help with sorting rice? And you gather all these kids only to make a mess? It seems you'll try every trick to disrupt my business, won't you?"
Zhan was momentarily at a loss for words. Instead, he quickly apologized, then turned and retreated to their room.
:-*:-*:-*:-*
As the day wore on, Zhan and Min headed to Fen's house for their first day of work, leaving Ning behind to watch the children at home.
Like the day before, Fen greeted them warmly and cheerfully after finishing a meeting with some male visitors.
"You're late again, Zhan. If you're going to work, you should arrive earlier, right?"
"Well, our father isn't feeling well, so we had to prepare food before we could leave," Min quickly interjected to explain.
"Oh, I see. You should have said so earlier. I hope he recovers soon," Fen replied sympathetically. Then, turning back to Zhan, she asked, "Zhan, have you completed high school?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes, Min and I graduated together."
"Ah, so you're educated! That's wonderful. You know, in a community like ours, there's always someone looking for a tutor to teach their kids at home. If i find anyone interested, do you think you could handle it alongside the household tasks?"
Instead of answering, Zhan glanced at Min, fully aware of her tendencies. She had a knack for unraveling any plans she hadn't approved, often using the excuse that she was the one who had introduced him to the opportunity in the first place.
Min, caught off guard by Fen's shift in focus, felt a twinge of annoyance but nodded in agreement, wary of revealing her doubts.
"Well, that's a great idea," Fen said with a smile. "These days, you don't need to rely solely on physical labor to make things work. Let me introduce you to Tong. She'll show you all the tasks you'll be handling."
Zhan stood up, silently processing Fen's earlier comments about her maid being unavailable, which was why she needed extra help. But if that was the case, who was Tong?
Tong turned out to be an older woman, and Zhan quickly realized she managed almost all the household chores. She even delegated some tasks to Zhan, which he completed in no time.
Afterward, Fen returned to Min to clarify her terms: no one would visit her house uninvited. If she needed her, she'd call, and she'd let her know where to meet. She handed Min some money for household supplies and self-care, emphasizing the importance of always being presentable. She also mentioned Min should send her photos and number if she needed further clarification or guidance. She even suggested reaching out to her friend, Zo Ling, who was more experienced in these matters. Lastly, she allowed Min to wait for Zhan to finish his tasks so they could leave together.
Min, however, felt increasingly uneasy. Wasn't she the one who had introduced Zhan to Fen? Why was he now getting more attention and better treatment? Fen's tone with her was noticeably different than it was with Zhan, and Min couldn't help but wonder if her original plan of including him had backfired. Perhaps she'd hoped to share in his earnings or maintain control over their shared tasks, but now it seemed Fen was prioritizing him over her.
Meanwhile, Zhan was also lost in thought. But as soon as Tong served a lavish meal filled with rich ingredients and generously spiced meats, he forgot everything else. He couldn't recall the last time he'd eaten anything this luxurious and indulged without a second thought.
After the meal, Fen presented Zhan with a set of five outfits—four tops, four pair of pants, and a jacket, all stylish and high-quality. She explained that the cost would be deducted from his salary over time.
Zhan struggled to express his gratitude in a way Fen would believe was genuine. At the same time, Min was left speechless, staring at the clothes with growing disbelief. In her estimation, the value of the outfits easily exceeded the hundred units of money Fen had given her for other expenses.
As they headed home, Zhan's face radiated joy, while Min's mind churned with conflicting emotions. The only consolation was Fen's parting remark that Min should stay prepared—there was a chance she might be introduced to a wealthy client later that day.
After they returned home, Mama took two outfits from the pile and set them aside for Wen, saying he also didn't have enough clothes. This left Zhan with three outfits, but he wasn't bothered at all. Among the three was a shirt he absolutely loved. When he tried it on, it fit perfectly, and he felt as though he didn't want to take it off. Even after removing it, he kept holding it up and admiring it.
What Zhan didn't know was that these clothes were the beginning of a significant change in his life. A destiny long written in ink was about to turn his world upside down, starting from that very night.
Min received a call from Fen, providing her with the address of the place she needed to go. With Hao and Kai absent from home, Min made her escape, warning Zhan beforehand to tell anyone looking for her that she was resting.
Shortly after Min left, Mama's phone rang. Half-asleep, she fumbled for the phone beside her, glancing at the clock and confirming that Ning hadn't returned from her date yet. Squinting her eyes, she picked up the call.
Kai's trembling voice came through, shaking with emotion.
"Mama… Mama… Baba just passed away. They just took him out…"
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*:
"Da Jian, I've told you to calm down and stop talking about this 'Matter' so directly. If it worked like that, wouldn't many people still be alive today? Or do you think I died back when your father brought in his mistress?"
Qian's voice carried a sharp edge as she spoke into the phone to her second daughter, Da Jian, who was now living in Shanghai with her husband and two kids. Lately, Da Jian had been in a deep emotional crisis due to a conflict with her husband, fearing he might bring a mistress into their home.
Her voice quivered as she replied, "Mom, she's just a young girl—probably even younger than Yun. She's pressuring him to take her to his house, and he told her he might bring her over as soon as possible."
"Did you read their chats?" Qian asked, surprised, paying no attention to the cook in the dining room, who was informing her that dinner had been fully prepared.
"Mom, he knows I read them. I locked myself in the bathroom with his phone because I couldn't take his sudden coldness and distance at home. Mom, it's better that I know than keep wondering why he's always angry and silent."
Qian sighed deeply, pitying her daughter.
"But you didn't handle this well, Da Jian. You can't approach a man this way, not at all! Didn't I tell you last night when we spoke? If he's acting distant, you should mirror him. Don't engage. Stay with your kids, and he'll eventually come to you."
"Mom, I swear I can't do that. My heart just can't take it. You don't see how he behaves. Even the kids are scared to approach him now."
Qian clicked her tongue in frustration at Da Jian's inability to handle things strategically.
"Fine. So, after you read their chats, what did he say to you?"
"He didn't say anything. He just took his phone and left, and he hasn't come back yet."
Qian glanced at the clock.
"It's just nine at night, and you're this worked up? Did he tell you he's not coming back? You know he won't stay at her place overnight, don't you?"
"I know, Mom. I know." Her voice was faint, as though she wasn't even sure what she was saying.
Qian shook her head in disbelief.
"Listen to me. Calm down. All this stress and overthinking won't help. If he returns, or even tomorrow, try to speak to him calmly. After the kids' exams, come to Beijing with him and the children. Maybe you both need some space to sort things out."
"I hope he listens to me," Da Jian said weakly. Her voice carried the weight of despair, but Qian patiently reassured her until she finally calmed down, and they ended the call—just as Peng, Qian never expected to see at that hour, walked into the living room.
"Well, well, look who's here! The master of mischief himself," she teased him as he entered.
Peng grinned, walking toward her.
"Momma, please forgive me. Don't be mad. Let's not let the kids hear this."
"How could they not? They're used to your antics by now. Honestly, Peng, I thought I'd only see you during your end-of-year break from work."
"Momma, forgive me. I was with Zang, not anywhere else, I promise."
"Ah, makes sense. That one doesn't know his left from his right," she said with a chuckle.
Peng only smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Two clueless people together. It's no wonder no one can lead the other home. I swear, all I can do now is pray for you, Peng. May the heavens hear me."
"Amen, Momma. Amen to that. Was that Lady on the phone?" Peng asked, referring to Da Jian.
"Yes, she's been worried these past few days. Her husband might be bringing in a mistress."
"A man, huh! What can I say? He has money. That's his choice."
His loud laugh made Qian glance at him with disdain.
"Oh, so that's what you'll say?"
Peng chuckled, opening a water bottle and taking a sip.
"What else should I say, Momma? It's allowed, isn't it? And besides, she was the one he married first."
"May the heavens guide you, Peng, because you clearly don't care about your sister's feelings or struggles."
Raising both hands in mock surrender, Peng replied, "Momma, I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me. I'll call her and apologize—or maybe I'll call him and beg him to reconsider."
Before Qian could say anything, Yun came running down the stairs, exclaiming, "Hurry and turn it on for me, please! I accidentally changed the channel upstairs."
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed the remote and switched the TV in the living room to her desired channel.
"Can't you see there are people here?" Peng said, irritated at being ignored.
She gasped and turned to him. "Oh, Gege! I didn't see you there. When did you arrive?"
"When you were completely out of it."
Laughing, she greeted him properly. Moments later, Mei came down the stairs, saw Peng, and teased, "Well, look who decided to show up today!"
The banter continued, with Mei poking fun at him while Peng protested, claiming she wasn't giving him the respect he deserved. Eventually, the entire family gathered in the living room to have dinner together.
Qian's mood visibly brightened, overjoyed to have Peng home at an unusual hour. They talked extensively, discussing Yibo's recent illness and his mysterious travels. Qian even revealed that not even Shi Lei knew the reason behind Yibo's sudden departure.
In their conversation, Qian observed glimpses of the old Peng—her son from years ago before life's burdens seemed to pull him away. Little did she know that from that night onward, their lives would change in ways they could never anticipate. Peng, for all his lively conversation, had his thoughts elsewhere—fixated on the image of Zhan, crouched in Fen's courtyard, just as he'd seen earlier that day.
:-*:-*:-*:-*
The sound of a knock on the door pulled Yibo's attention away from the work he was doing on his computer.
"Gideon… G?"
He called out to his colleague through the phone beside him. They had been collaborating on an investigation, digging through files from their department that pertained to their current target, Yang Tao. Gideon had insider access to most of the department's files, but his activities were closely monitored by higher-ups. This made their task risky and required impeccable timing.
Gideon had informed Yibo earlier that their supervisor had traveled that morning, giving them a window of opportunity to search for what they needed. Since dawn, Yibo had been in his hotel room, exhausted but determined. File after file, each password-protected, they worked together—Yibo cracking the codes and Gideon copying the data onto a flash drive.
"I'm here, just two digits left," Gideon's voice crackled through the phone.
Yibo stared at the screen, his gaze flitting over the endless coded strings and his fingers hesitating over the keyboard. He exhaled sharply, rubbing his hands over his face, his heart racing with the weight of their task.
"Yibo? You still there?" Gideon prompted.
"I'm here. On it now," Yibo replied tersely, his frustration evident.
For a moment, he closed his eyes, steadying himself before his hands flew over the keyboard. The screen lit up with a cascade of pages, each filled with sequences of numbers and symbols. He scrolled quickly, bypassing the irrelevant entries, as the clock ticked down on their precarious operation.
Finally, Yibo's eyes landed on a single line, ending with the numbers 24.
"G?" he called out, his voice subdued this time.
"I'm here," came the immediate response.
"Two-four," Yibo said, just as the sound of Gideon's keyboard tapping reached his ears. Two quick keystrokes followed by a sound both had been desperately hoping for.
"Yes!" Gideon exclaimed, his voice bursting with excitement. This was the second-to-last folder they needed to copy. Even if they stopped here, both Yibo and Gideon knew they had gathered enough ammunition to accomplish their mission within the week.
"This is it, man! We did it!" Gideon repeated, the elation clear in his tone.
Yibo pressed his hands against his forehead, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The relief was momentary.
"Just copy everything quickly—we're running out of time," he said firmly, listening to the rapid clicks of Gideon transferring files.
As Yibo stood there, the sound of a knock on the door cut through his focus. He turned toward it, noticing the sunlight streaming through the window, signaling that the evening he thought was hours away had long since passed.
A strange unease settled in his chest.
"I'll be right back," he said into the phone before heading to the door.
Opening it, he found a hotel employee standing there with trays of food. Yibo had ordered everything in advance, ensuring it would be delivered without interruptions.
"Good evening, sir. Here's your dinner," the man said politely, a smile on his face.
Just as Yibo opened his mouth to respond, it happened...
The sharp crack of a gunshot.
Bang!
The sound came from the phone sitting next to Yibo's computer.
Bang! Bang!
The shots rang out in quick succession.
Yibo froze for a moment, his hand slipping from the doorknob. Then, as if propelled by pure instinct, he dashed back into the room and grabbed his phone.
"Gideon?" he called out, his voice trembling, his heart racing faster than his thoughts. "Gideon!"
All he could hear were chaotic noises—muffled shouts and crashing sounds.
Yibo's trembling hand hovered over the phone, about to end the call and rush out of the room to find what happen to Gideon when he heard a voice.
A voice he recognized immediately.
It wasn't Gideon. It was their department's top authority—higher even than the man who assigned their missions.
"Yibo," the voice said, calm and measured, a stark contrast to Yibo's panic.
"Gideon is gone. We have a meeting tonight at 10. Be prepared."
Click.
The call ended with those final words. Words that echoed endlessly in Yibo's mind.
"Gideon is gone. Gone… dead… killed…"
The gunshots replayed in his head, louder and more vivid. Gideon's death wasn't just a loss. It was a message.
There's a quiet tension laced into every corner of this chapter.
A tension that promises the next chapter will unleash chaos, marking the true beginning of Zhan and Yibo's story.
Because now, the stakes are higher. And the real battle of THEIR WORTH... is about to begin.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛