When Yichen enter their sitting room, she glanced toward Zhan, who was sitting at the dining table sipping his coffee. Without hesitation, she said, "Meet me in my room. Now."
His heart sank. He watched her ascend the stairs before setting his coffee down, unable to finish it. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and followed her.
When he entered the room, he found her pacing back and forth.
"I'm here, Mom," he said cautiously.
She turned to face him, her expression stern. "Zhan, I want to know what your problem is. Why were you so determined to punish that reckless boy, Yibo, because he was with someone yesterday?"
Zhan's eyes widened. "I don't understand what you mean, Mom."
She shot him a sharp look. "Of course, you don't. But I just heard it straight from the source. You still haven't distanced yourself from those enemies of mine, have you, Zhan? Tell me, what exactly is your issue with that boy, Yibo?"
Zhan scoffed. "Come on, Mom. Are you really taking Nainai's word for it? She probably just made it up because she saw you. When did I even have time to talk to her about something like that?"
Yichen stared at him for a moment, deep in thought. Maybe he had a point. Maybe mother really was stirring up trouble.
Seeing her hesitate, Zhan pressed on. "She just wanted to put some ideas in your head, that's all. I barely even have time for this kind of nonsense these days."
Yichen let out a deep sigh and changed the subject. "Well, at least she realized that I won't give her a single thing. The gifts I sent her? She had the nerve to ask silly questions. Honestly, I'm glad she finally understands that as long as it's from me, she won't get so much as a thread. Like she said, your father's intelligence must have skipped her entirely."
Zhan smiled but said nothing.
Yichen sat down on the edge of the bed. "Tomorrow, I'll give you something to deliver to Sun Yue. She couldn't make it to the wedding, but she sent a contribution—one hundred thousand. After that, you'll probably run into Ning Li. She's still around, hasn't gone back to school yet. I think it's time we start planning your marriage in the next few months."
Zhan didn't respond. He just kept looking at her.
She gave him a pointed glance. "And don't tell me you've forgotten. You better not leave early tomorrow. You need to make the delivery by noon—it's Sunday, after all."
He ran a hand through his hair and muttered, "Yeah, yeah. If fate allows it." Then, without another word, he turned and left the room.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Yibo peeked into a shopping bag filled with wedding gifts that Nainai had packed for A-Ji, her close friend.
He scoffed. "Seriously? You took everything for that old woman? We haven't even gotten a bite to eat yet."
Nainai frowned. "And why should I care if you've eaten or not? Did I marry off a daughter? Should that be my problem?"
Then, turning to Meiling, she added, "A-Ji contributed thirty thousand as a wedding gift, and you expect me not to send her proper gifts in return? Please! She's more valuable to me than even your mother, Yuting. Let me be clear about that."
Yibo smirked. "Oh? So, why not say she's more important to you than even Fu Qin?."
Meiling asked, "So where's the thirty thousand?"
Nainai shot her a sharp look. "Was I told to give it to you, Meiling? Or did you leave it in my care? Honestly, stop keeping tabs on me in this house. If you don't, I swear, things will not end well for anyone."
Yibo turned to Meiling and said, "Just get the transport fare so we can leave."
Nainai pulled out a single ¥100 bill and placed it in front of them. "Fifty should be enough to take you there and back. That's it."
Yibo set the bag down and sat back. "Seriously? Not even a full hundred will take us there... Let alone fifty?"
Nainai scoffed. "What, is the rickshaw driver a thief now? Or maybe he's high? It's always been fifty to get there and back."
Meiling smile. "That's because you're an old woman."
Annoyed, Nainai snapped, "Oh, for heaven's sake! If you're not going, then leave my things alone and get out of my sitting room! I'll just call Quentin or Zong—one of them can take it to her."
They remained where they were, refusing to move after she mentioned calling their father's or uncles.
Meiling sighed. "Come on, Nainai, do we look like we own the rickshaws that should take us there for fifty? Just add a little more so we can go in peace."
Nainai grumbled and tossed them another fifty. "May your intentions follow you."
Meiling picked up the money, muttering under her breath. "Guess we'll just have to complete the fare ourselves."
Yibo rolled his eyes, grabbed the bag, and stood up. "You can complete it yourself. I'm not adding a cent since I'm not the one eating whatever we're delivering." Then he walked out of the sitting room.
Nainai watched him go and shook her head. "No wonder no one has figured out the illness that keeps troubling you. It's because of your terrible attitude and disrespect. Honestly, may heaven reward my son for all the money he keeps spending on your expensive treatments. I wish he also find a good wife or husband soon for you so that he have some peace of mind. And your future husband suffer just like he have! Nothing but complaints and bad energy from you! And all over transport fare!"
Meiling followed Yibo out, closing the door behind her with a pout.
They stood by the roadside, waiting for a rickshaw to take them to their destination.
Yibo muttered, "Well, knowing the old woman we're visiting, she won't let us leave empty-handed. She might even give us transport money."
Meiling sighed. "Honestly, if she hadn't threatened to call Bobo or Shushu to take it, I wouldn't have bothered going. Every single time she sends someone on an errand, she splits the fare into three parts and gives you just one."
Yibo chuckled. "She just likes scolding us—that's why she said she'd call Fu Qin or Bobo."
Just then, a sleek car drove past, making them fall silent. They recognized it immediately—it was Zhan's.
As he rolled down the window and glanced at Meiling, she quickly put on a pitiful expression. "Zhan ge, Nainai sent us on an errand, but we haven't found a rickshaw yet..."
Zhan nodded. "Well, I hope you find one soon."
He was about to roll the window back up when Meiling hurriedly said, "Wait... Where are you going, please?"
"To Mom's friend's house."
Meiling's face lit up. "Then at least drop us part of the way. Please?"
Zhan narrowed his eyes. "And what does my destination have to do with yours?"
Meiling grinned. "Come on, Zhan-ge, it's the same direction. Just drop us anywhere—we'll find a rickshaw from there."
Zhan sighed before finally saying, "Fine. Get in."
Yibo opened the back seat and got in. Zhan kept shooting him sharp glances through the rearview mirror, his expression cold. From the moment their eyes met, Yibo had noticed Zhan's glare, so he avoided looking at the mirror again.
Meiling, seated in the front, spotted a fancy shopping bag in the car. She picked it up and asked, "Zhan ge, who are you delivering these gifts to?"
"Aunty Sun Yue," Zhan replied.
Meiling chuckled but didn't say anything else.
After they had been driving for a while, Zhan suddenly asked, "You're heading to Grandma A-Ji's house, right?"
Meiling nodded. "Yes, we are. It's not just me—Yibo is here too, incase he's invisible to you."
Zhan shot her a glare, and she quickly covered her mouth with a small laugh.
When they reached the house of Nainai's friend, Meiling beamed. "Zhan ge, thank you! Should we just go with you to your destination too?"
Zhan ran a hand through his hair, silent for a moment before saying, "Just don't take too long inside, or I'll leave without you."
Meiling quickly hopped out of the car, glancing at Yibo, who had already stepped out and was standing with his arms crossed, pouting. They entered the house, and the elderly woman inside, A-Ji, greeted them warmly, offering her blessings before handing them some money for transportation.
"Send my regards to Shuyi. Thank her properly. And may the bride have a peaceful and happy marriage. As for you two, may you find good partners in life," she said with a smile.
They thanked her and said their goodbyes.
As they walked out, Meiling turned to Yibo and asked, "Why did you stop greeting Zhan ge now?"
Yibo shrugged. "Because he doesn't greet Mu Qin either. He only acknowledges her in Fu Qin present."
Meiling widened her eyes. "Really?"
"Yeah."
"But why?"
"Who knows."
Yibo opened the back seat and got in while Meiling took the front seat. Zhan started the car, reversed, and drove off.
After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at Sun Yue's house. Zhan parked near the flowerbeds and turned to Meiling. "I'll make a call before coming in. Take this with you," he said, handing her the gifts bag.
Meiling hesitated. "But Zhan-ge, we don't know anyone in the house."
"Just tell them Aunty Yichen sent you. I'll come in once I finish my call," Zhan said as he stepped out of the car.
Yibo, meanwhile, stood by the car with his arms folded after getting out. Zhan locked the doors and walked toward a small shop nearby.
Meiling turned to Yibo. "Let's go."
Yibo followed her as they entered the house. After informing the security guard that they had a package for Madam, they stepped inside.
Despite their house's grand size, they couldn't help but stare in awe.
"I'm not going in," Meiling murmured. "We should just wait here. It would be awkward to introduce ourselves and have people give us weird looks."
Yibo laughed. "Just say Yichen sent us."
Meiling gasped. "Let's Zhan-ge hear this. Yichen? Really?"
Yibo shrugged, and they walked to a large balcony with plush chairs and a grand rug spread on the floor. They sat down, still admiring the house.
A few minutes later, Zhan walked in. He stopped and gave them both a hard stare. "What did I tell you, Meiling?"
She gave him an innocent look. "Zhan ge, we knocked, but it seemed like no one was in the sitting room."
Zhan continued to glare at her before pressing the doorbell. Within seconds, a housemaid opened the door.
She greeted him, and he responded, "Is Auntie home?"
"Who should I say is asking for her?"
"Dr. Zhan. Tell her Mrs. Xiao sent a package for her."
Yibo spoke in a low voice, "Well, didn't he also say Mrs. Xiao sent him?"
Meiling smiled but didn't say anything.
The housemaid gestured and said, "Alright, come in."
Zhan followed her inside, and Yibo quickly stood up to go after him. Meiling chuckled and joined them in the sitting room.
A young woman, no older than twenty-one, entered from the dining area, glanced at them once, and then walked upstairs without a word. Yibo scoffed, and Zhan glanced at him through the corner of his eye but said nothing. The housemaid returned with drinks and bottled water, placing them on the table.
A little while later, Sun Yue descended the stairs, elegantly dressed. Upon seeing Zhan, she smiled and said, "Oh, so it was you doctor?"
Zhan lowered his gaze slightly. "Good evening, Aunty."
Sun Yue nodded. "Evening. How's Yichen? I hope the event went well."
Zhan responded, "Yes, everything went fine."
She sat down and glanced at Meiling and Yibo, who were sitting nearby. "This one looks like Ruixie's sister who got married and living in USA, right?" she asked, pointing at Meiling.
"Yes, she's her sister," Zhan confirmed.
Sun Yue nodded approvingly. "I can see the resemblance. And what about him?" she asked, referring to Yibo.
Zhan quickly replied, "He's their cousin."
Sun Yue smiled warmly. "Oh, no wonder I don't recognize him."
Meiling stood up and placed the package Zhan had brought on the table beside Sun Yue. "This is from Shengjie. She asked me to deliver it to you."
Sun Yue took it with a pleased expression. "Ah, how thoughtful. Thank you so much. May they have a peaceful and happy marriage."
Just then, the door to the sitting room opened, and another young woman entered. She was dressed in stylish Western clothing and didn't spare a glance at the guests before heading toward the stairs.
"Where's the fire, Ning Li? You look upset," Sun Yue asked.
Hearing her name, Zhan lifted his head and looked at her. She was neither too tall nor too short, exceptionally fair-skinned, and undeniably beautiful. He quickly averted his gaze.
Meanwhile, Yibo and Meiling were watching intently, as if they were watching a movie. Yibo even turned fully to face her.
Ning Li sighed dramatically. "Mom, can you believe they're holding the birthday party at some local venue? After all the effort I put into planning my outfit and everything! Sui Yu is so frustrating—I don't know what's wrong with her. I didn't even bother telling them I'm going."
Zhan kept his focus on his phone, uninterested in the complaint.
Sun Yue shook her head. "They really should have consulted you. Why didn't you suggest changing the venue? You would even pay for it yourself."
Ning Li huffed. "I'm just so annoyed, Mom." She was about to continue upstairs when Sun Yue stopped her.
"Well, at least greet the doctor first."
Ning Li turned and finally looked at the guests properly. Her gaze landed on Zhan, who still wasn't looking at her. She stared at him for a good ten seconds before stepping into the sitting room and sitting on the armrest of her mother's chair. In a softer tone, she said, "Good evening."
Only then did Zhan raise his head, his heart pounding slightly because he knew Yibo's eyes were glued to them. "Good evening. How are you?"
Ning Li gave a small, warm smile. "I'm fine."
She turned to Yibo and Meiling. "And you two?"
Yibo simply replied, "Good," while Meiling politely returned the greeting.
Sun Yue then called out to the housemaid, who quickly came over. "Bring out the pepper chicken you made earlier for them," she instructed.
Zhan immediately said, "We just ate before coming, Aunty. We're okay."
Since he started speaking, Ning Li hadn't taken her eyes off him.
Sun Yue waved a hand dismissively. "This isn't a full meal—it's just a little extra. The kids wanted pepper chicken earlier, so we made a large batch. There's plenty left, and it'll either go to the security guards or be given away."
Zhan gave a small smile. "I appreciate it, but I'm fine."
Yibo, on the other hand, said, "I'll have some."
Zhan turned to him sharply.
Sun Yue clapped her hands. "Great! And you too, Meiling, right?"
Meiling just smiled shyly and lowered her head.
The housemaid soon returned with a tray holding three plates, each piled with garnished chicken, steaming with an enticing aroma.
Ning Li stood up, picked up one of the plates, and placed it in front of Zhan. Their eyes met, and he immediately said, "I told you, I'm okay. I won't eat."
She insisted gently, "Just try a little, please." Then she returned to her seat.
Yibo, sitting on the floor now, eagerly started eating, while Zhan watched him out of the corner of his eye. Meiling picked off a small piece hesitantly, eating with delicate bites.
Sun Yue turned back to Zhan. "So, how's work? Yichen mentioned you've fully relocated to Beijing now."
"Yes," Zhan confirmed.
"That's good. Wishing you success in your career."
"Thank you," he replied, his eyes briefly on his phone. When he looked up, he caught Ning Li watching him again.
Sun Yue stood up. "I'll just step inside for a moment—"
Zhan immediately stood as well. "Actually, we should get going. I have work to attend to."
"So soon?" Sun Yue asked. "At least have something to drink before you go. You barely ate anything."
"I appreciate it, but I'm not feeling up to eating right now."
She sighed. "Alright, but at least let your cousins finish first."
Zhan checked his watch. "I don't want to be late for work, Aunty."
"Alright, alright," she relented. "I'll have them pack some for them to take with."
Yibo eagerly responded, "Sure."
Zhan shot him a glare.
Sun Yue called for the housemaid again and instructed her to pack some for them.
Yibo stood up and stretched. "Where can I wash my hands?"
Ning Li pointed toward the dining area or the kitchen. She went along with Meiling to wash their hands before returning. Sun Yue handed them a gift, which Meiling hesitantly accepted. By then, Zhan had already left the house, and they followed him.
Sun Yue looked at Ning Li and asked, "Aren't you going to see them off?" Ning Li then hurried after them.
By the time she reached outside, Zhan was already getting into his car. Standing beside Meiling, she looked at him and said, "I don't even know your name."
Without glancing at her, he replied, "I'm Xiao Zhan."
She smiled. "That's nice. I'm Ning Li."
He simply nodded.
"So, when will I see you again?" she asked.
"Someday," he answered briefly.
She let out a small chuckle. "Do you mind sharing your number with me, please?"
Zhan hesitated for a second before saying, "Okay."
She handed him her phone, and he entered an old number that he rarely used before giving it back.
"Thank you," she said.
"You're welcome," he replied.
With that, he started the engine and drove off. Ning Li watched his car until it disappeared from view, then hurried back inside, turning to her mother excitedly. "Mom, I think I really like him."
Sun Yue raised an eyebrow. "Really? But when I mentioned him a few days ago, you dismissed it and told me to leave you alone. It was actually his mother who suggested this, not me. I didn't push it because I know you already have plenty of admirers."
Ning Li pouted. "Mom, I didn't know he was like this. I swear, I really like him."
Sun Yue sighed. "Alright then. I'll call his mother later. She's been trying to reach me about this for days, but I've been avoiding her calls."
Ning Li let out a dreamy sigh and sat down. "Wow… He's so handsome. His face is just perfect, and his lips are so sexy. Those cat-like eyes—ugh, they're gorgeous! And he's tall! I bet he has six-pack abs too; he looks like someone who works out. You know I don't like pale men, but he's just the right shade. Mom, he's exactly my type! And the way he acts all aloof and confident—it's so attractive!"
Meanwhile, Yibo had been quietly observing Zhan's expressions during the drive back home. He was waiting for their arrival, Yibo wanted to hurriedly got out of the car without a word. He was in a rush to grab his ATM card and head to the supermarket, as he had promised to buy Sun glasses for Sen Wen the night before.
At the front gate, Zhan parked the car. As soon as Yibo heard the door unlock, he opened it and jumped out, trying to walk away far from Zhan. But before he could, he tripped near the gate and fell hard to the ground.
Zhan turned back and saw him sprawled on the pavement. With a deep frown, he pulled Yibo up, only for the younger boy to burst into loud, dramatic sobs. "Ahhh! Gege! My leg! I think it's broken!"
Zhan, his expression still stern, dragged him back toward the car. He lifted Yibo's chin so they were looking directly into each other's eyes and asked, "Who did you sneak out to meet the night before?"
Yibo stayed silent, still sobbing and calling out for Nainai in a panic.
Zhan's eyes darkened. "Did you hear me?" he demanded.
Still, Yibo refused to answer, his heart pounding with fear.
With an exasperated sigh, Zhan grabbed Yibo's ear and twisted it sharply. "Are you deaf or just plain stupid?"
Yibo broke into fresh sobs and pleaded, "Please, Gege, I'm sorry!"
Zhan's expression remained cold as he demanded, "Who was he?"
Through his tears, Yibo stammered, "I—I don't even know him, Gege."
Zhan felt an overwhelming urge to slap him, his frustration boiling over. He fixed Yibo with a sharp glare, his patience wearing thin. Clenching his jaw, he said in a dangerously low voice, "From today onward, Yibo—I mean from this very moment—if I ever see you standing with another man again, I swear I'll make you regret it. I don't care if you're sick, if you can't breathe, or even if you're bleeding from head to toe. I will follow through on my promise. Just how many guys do you think you can be seen with by the side of a car? How old are you??"
"And how dare you act like we never made an agreement? Did you forget everything we promised each other the day we got married?"
"Or are you having second thoughts, huh? You're the one who made me go along with all of this—even pretending to date Li Na. You insisted we act like brothers for the sake of my mother. You promised me you wouldn't be involved with anyone until you entered college or until we could officially acknowledge our marriage. So what exactly are you doing now?"
Yibo could only cry, trembling under Zhan's intense stare. He hadn't seen him this furious in a long time.
Zhan suddenly snapped, raising his voice. "Are you going to answer me, or do I have to slap some sense into you?"
With a shaky voice, Yibo mumbled, "I'm almost 19…"
Without warning, Zhan flicked him hard on the forehead. Yibo clutched his head, wincing in pain, and cried out, "Nainai!" in a panicked voice.
Zhan's tone remained firm. "If I ever catch you with someone else again, you'll regret it." Then he let go of him and slammed the car door shut.
Yibo quickly ran inside, heading straight to Nainai's quarters. Collapsing onto the couch, he sobbed uncontrollably.
Hearing his cries, Nainai rushed out of her room in alarm. "What happened?! Did you two get into an accident?"
Yibo sat up, still sniffling. "Gege flicked my forehead and pulled my ear! I didn't even do anything wrong, Nainai!"
Nainai sighed and sank onto the couch, resting her chin on her hand. "I've had enough of Zhan in this house. What did he do this time? What did you do?"
Yibo opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, Zhan walked in. Yibo immediately fell silent, only letting out a few choked sobs as tears streamed down his cheeks.
Nainai narrowed her eyes at Zhan and said, "Do you forget that there's karma, Zhan? That there's justice in this world? One day, you might go too far and hurt someone beyond repair. If anything happens to this boy, I swear, I'll disown you as my grandson and take you to court myself!"
Zhan scoffed. "Then let's go right now. You're the one enabling him, letting him meet strange men on the street when he hasn't even started his life yet. If he wants to get married, he should talk to his father so it can be arranged properly—not sneak around with guys behind everyone's back. And do you think Shushu knows about this? Or did Xinyi forget to tell her what I did to her a few days ago?"
Nainai's mouth fell open as she turned to Yibo, who was still sobbing quietly. After a moment, she shook her head and said, "Honestly, Yibo, you're such a liar. You kept this new boyfriend a secret from me? Why? Do you think I'd disapprove? And that boy—he has no manners! He never even thought to come greet your grandmother?"
She folded her arms and added, "Or was it your mother's idea to keep it from me? Hm, Yibo?"
Zhan stared at Nainai in shock, not expecting her to react this way.
She huffed. "Well, I'm staying out of it. But honestly, why would you hide such a good thing from me, Yibo?"
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛