Sen Wen laughed and said, "Come on, Grandma, that's not a big deal."
She clicked her tongue and said, "Let's just go."
When they reached the door, she gestured toward it and said, "Well, there you go…"
Still smiling, Sen Wen ran a hand through his hair and said, "This place is the best of all, Grandma. It's peaceful and quiet."
Nainai clicked her tongue again and opened the door. "May blessings be upon those who built it for me. At least it's better than nothing."
He followed her inside the sitting room, which carried the calming scent of inscent bunner. She opened the fridge and took out two bottles of Pepsi and a bottle of water, setting them in front of him.
"Thank you so much, grandma," he said gratefully.
She sat down, grinning widely. "Wonderful. Now, what's the name of my grandson?, and please call me Nainai like everyone"
He lowered his gaze slightly and replied, "My name is Senwen Yo Lee."
Nainai's eyes widened, and she let out an exclamation so loud that Sen Wen quickly lifted his head to look at her.
"That's the name of my best friend's son! A good man—decent, responsible, and respectful. He never liked upsetting me. So, if you have that name, you must be just like him. That means you're already a part of this family. Whether Yibo likes it or not, as long as I'm alive, you are his future husband. I don't care. You've won me over completely. I can see you're a sensible and well-mannered young man."
Sen Wen could only smile.
"But what if Yibo doesn't agree?" he asked carefully.
Nainai's eyes flashed. "That's his business. I don't care. Everyone with your name is known for being a good husband. Look at his father—he took care of his mother despite not having many children. Do you think I'd let you slip through my fingers? Absolutely not! That would be like throwing a treasure into the ocean."
Sen Wen chuckled and said, "I appreciate it, Nainai. That means a lot."
"Don't thank me yet," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "If you say you want to bring your family over today, the doors are wide open. But tell me, are really ready for the marriage? Even though his cousin just got married last week, if his parents say they can't afford a wedding, I'll personally buy him a suit, shoes, and a tie. That's the only things needed for the wedding right?"
Sen Wen burst out laughing.
"This isn't a joke," Nainai continued, shaking her head. "If I have to, I'll even sell one of my lands to pay for Yibo's wedding. These expensive things nowadays won't made me broke, you know."
Sen Wen bowed slightly and said, "If I'm given permission to bring my family over soon, I'd be very happy."
"That's no problem," Nainai said. "We'll wait for Zong to return since his father, Quentin, is in Shanghai."
"That makes me very happy, Nainai," Sen Wen said with a nod.
"Oh, come on. What's with the thanks? And your parents—do they live in this city?"
He lowered his gaze again and said, "Yes, they do."
"Is your father a politician?"
Smiling, he shook his head. "No, he's a businessman. His name is Mr. Wen Yo Lee."
Nainai gasped. "Wen Yo Lee? The same Wen Yo Lee I know from this city?"
Still looking down, he replied, "Yes, him."
She stared at him for a long moment before exclaiming, "Unbelievable! So, you're the son of a great man! Who doesn't know Wen Yo Lee? He's known across this city and beyond. Isn't his house in elites area?"
Sen Wen smiled and said, "Yes."
Nainai placed a hand on her chin and observed him closely. "Well, you do resemble him—except you have a sharper nose. But I heard he has two wives. Is your mother the first wife?"
"Yes," Sen Wen replied.
"Ah, that's good. Thank heavens!" Nainai sighed in relief. "This is a great blessing… Just wait for Zong to return. Honestly, before this month ends, I'll make sure you officially visit with your family. There's no way we're letting this slip away."
Sen Wen remained silent, and Nainai continued, "My goodness… I really hope this all works out quickly. A wedding is a blessing."
Softly, he said, "I hope so too, Nainai."
"In that case, it will happen," she declared firmly. "We'll make it happen."
Then she stood up. "Let me get you some of the meat I set aside for Zhan."
Quickly, he said, "Oh, no, Nainai. I was about to leave."
"So soon? At least take some with you," she insisted. Without waiting for his response, she went into the kitchen. In no time, she returned with a takeaway container filled with roasted meat.
His eyes widened. "Nainai, this is too much!"
"Nonsense. Just take it," she said, pressing the container into his hands. "I originally set it aside for Zhan and Yibo, but I guess it wasn't meant for them."
He laughed and accepted it. "Thank you, Nainai. May you live long."
"Hmph. And they ate all my dumplings too! Only Meiling and Xinyi ever do this kind of things. Yibo never accepts anything unless it's given directly to him. That boy has been difficult since he was a baby. He trusts no one. I used to be afraid of even bringing him here because the moment he started wailing, the whole neighborhood would gather around, asking what was wrong.
But the only person he never cried around was Zhan. If Zhan held him, no one else could take him away—not even his mother, Yuting. That's why he named him Gege before he could even talk properly.
If Zhan didn't feed him, Yibo would rather go hungry than accept food from anyone else. I remember Quentin used to buy him huge lollipop, but he wouldn't share them with anyone—not even a lick—except for Zhan. Even then, he'd just press it against Zhan's lips and cling to him. And if Yibo wants to sleep in Zhan's arms or laps without his pacifier...then he will sucked Zhan's bottom lip until he fall asleep, otherwise he'll keep wailing.
Zhan even used to carry him on his back, even when Yibo wet himself! He'd just change his clothes without complaining. Honestly, Yibo gave Zhan a hard time when they were kids. That's why, if Zhan was home, I could leave them alone without worry.
But if he wasn't? I wouldn't dare! Yibo never trusted me enough to let his parents bring him here alone. If I forced him, they'd start suspecting me of something. And who wants that kind of trouble? Not me, that's for sure."
Sen Wen just smiled as he looked at Nainai. She clicked her tongue and said, "Well, you see, Yibo has grown up so much. It feels like just yesterday he was a child. But I won't keep you any longer since you seem to be in a hurry. So, when will you visit again?"
Sen Wen replied, "I'll make sure to come by often to check on you, Nainai."
She nodded, pleased. "That's wonderful, my dear. May you always be blessed and protected from envious eyes."
He stood up, heading toward the door with a smile. "I'll be back soon, Nainai."
She got up as well, beaming. "Alright then, may you always be blessed. Give my regards to your mother, alright?"
"I will," he said before stepping out of the sitting room, still smiling. Nainai sat back down, looking at the unopened bottle of Pepsi and water she had brought for him, smiling to herself.
While Nainai had taken Sen Wen inside, Yibo had rushed to his own wing, breaking down in tears in front of his mother, Yuting.
Alarmed, Yuting stood up and asked, "What's wrong?"
Through his tears, he said, "It's Nainai! She saw us outside and immediately took him inside. Now, I have no idea what she's telling him. Oh no, I'm doomed, Mu Qin! I know she's going to tell him everything today."
Yuting's mouth fell open slightly as she imagined all the things Nainai might say. After a moment, she sighed. "Well, in that case, you should go over there. If she sees you, she might hold her tongue."
Yibo shook his head frantically. "Mu Qin, I can't! She already started telling him stories right at the gate!"
Yuting frowned in deep thought before finally saying, "Let's just hope for the best. I don't even know what to say anymore." With that, she walked out of the room, leaving Yibo sitting there, feeling completely defeated. His biggest fear was that Nainai would tell Sen Wen how much he hated getting his hair done.
As soon as Sen Wen stepped out of the house, he pulled out his phone and dialed Yibo's number with a small smile.
Yibo, who had been lying in bed, sat up abruptly when he saw who was calling. His heart pounded as he stared at the screen before finally answering in a trembling voice.
Sen Wen chuckled slightly and said, "Aren't you going to come out so we can at least say goodbye properly?"
Gathering his courage, Yibo asked hesitantly, "What... what did my grandma tell you?"
Sen Wen laughed softly. "Oh, everything. She told me everything."
Yibo's eyes widened in horror. Without another word, he ended the call and threw the phone aside, feeling a wave of frustration and embarrassment wash over him. No matter how many times Sen Wen tried calling again, he refused to pick up. Eventually, he buried his face in his pillow and let out another quiet sob.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
A few hours later, there was a knock on the door. Yuting walked over to open it and found Zong standing there with Zhan. She stepped aside to let them in.
"Good evening, Zong," she greeted.
Zong entered the sitting room, with Zhan following closely behind. He sat down and said, "Good evening, Yuting. How is he doing?"
She sat down as well and replied, "He's feeling better. He's in his room resting."
Zhan, who had remained standing, finally spoke. "Can I check on him?"
Just as Yuting was about to stop him, she hesitated, stealing a glance at Zong. Not wanting to seem overprotective in front of him, she held back her protest and simply glared at Zhan from the corner of her eye. She didn't like the idea of him going to Yibo's room at all.
Zhan didn't wait for permission. He turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
Yibo was sitting in front of the mirror, wearing only a towel, rubbing lotion on his arms. He assumed it was Yuting who had entered, so he didn't even bother looking up. But after a long silence, he caught sight of a reflection in the mirror—Zhan, standing there and watching him.
Their eyes met briefly before Yibo quickly looked away, clutching his towel tightly.
"Gege..." he whispered, his voice unsure.
Zhan crossed his arms and stared at him before finally saying in a calm voice, "Papa is waiting for you in the sitting room."
Without another word, he turned and left, not waiting for a response. Yibo pouted slightly, watching him go.
Back in the sitting room, Zhan approached Zong and said, "He's coming, Papa."
Zong nodded. "Alright."
Yibo quickly got dressed and walked out to join them. He greeted Zong politely, who smiled at him and asked, "How are you feeling, Yibo?"
"Bobo, I'm feeling much better now," Yibo responded with a small smile.
Zong nodded in satisfaction. "That's good to hear. May you continue to heal quickly."
"Amen," Yibo replied softly.
Zong gestured toward a plate on the table. "Here, have some watermelon. It's good for you."
Yibo hesitated before mumbling, "Bobo, I actually want chicken..."
Zong chuckled. "Then Zhan will go buy some for you right now."
Zhan glanced at him sideways, giving him a sharp look, while Yibo smiled and said, "Well, thank you, Bobo."
With that, Zong bid Yuting farewell, and Zhan did the same before they left.
As they walked, Zong said, "After we stop by A-Yi's place, you should go buy what he wants. There's still time."
Lowering his voice, Zhan asked, "Papa, do we really have to go together?"
"Of course," Zong replied. "I don't even know why she called me so urgently. It might not even be worth it."
Zhan chuckled. "You'll see—it's probably nothing important."
Zong smiled. "Still, we have to listen. Best to avoid any trouble."
As they entered the sitting room, Nainai stirred from her nap on the carpet and sat up. "So, you're here already, Zong. And who's this lanky one following you?"
Zong chuckled as he sat down. "We stopped by to check on Yibo, so we came here together."
Nainai scoffed. "Hmph. Look at him, standing there like a stiff branch. So serious."
Zhan just kept sending her discreet glares. Lowering her voice, Nainai said, "Are you listening, Zong?"
"I'm listening," he replied.
"See that chair Zhan is sitting in?" she asked.
Zong nodded. "I see it."
"Well, that's where Wen Yo Lee sat," she declared.
Surprised, Zong asked, "Wen Yo Lee?"
"Yes, but not Wen Yo Lee—his son!" she said excitedly.
Zong raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how do you know him?"
She quickly waved her hand. "No, no, he doesn't know me. We met on the street today, and we just… understood each other perfectly."
Both Zong and Zhan stared at her, stunned. Zhan was about to stand up and leave when she added, "Turns out he's Yibo's boyfriend! But that foolish boy never mentioned it to me—not even once! I saw them standing together beside that flashy car of Sen Wen's. And let me tell you, Yibo was so embarrassed when he saw me. But I didn't even acknowledge him! I just walked past him and brought Sen Wen inside the house."
She leaned in and whispered, "Zong, do you realize? Sen Wen is the son of Wen Yo Lee, the owner of thousands of gas stations across the country!"
Zhan, who had paused mid-step, spun around to look at her again.
Zong nodded thoughtfully. "That's impressive."
Nainai continued, "You know what this means, right? If this marriage happens, once Yibo is taken abroad, they'll completely cleanse his blood—remove all the bad genes causing him trouble. Then they'll replace all his bones, so he'll never suffer from any illness again! You know those foreign doctors can do anything if you have money. And Sen Wen has money—more money than he could ever spend!"
She sighed dramatically. "After he left, I even got down on my knees to give thanks for this blessing!"
"I even bowed my head to the ground for a long time," Nainai said dramatically.
Zong chuckled as he watched his mother, while Zhan simply stared at her, unimpressed.
Seeing their reactions, Nainai pouted and pleaded, "Zong, please take this seriously! This isn't something to laugh about. That boy is completely serious—he says he'll be sending his elders over soon to discuss marriage. You know how wealthy families are; they don't like delays. If we let this opportunity slip away, I'll never forgive myself!"
Zhan turned to look at her again, this time with more scrutiny.
Zong, still amused, said, "Marriage? So soon? Yibo hasn't even finished high school yet."
Nainai's expression darkened, and she raised her voice. "Forget high school! Who cares about school when such a golden opportunity has come our way? If he wants to finish, he can do it in Sen Wen's house! Didn't you see how tall and refined that young man is? He's nothing like this rough boy sitting beside you, Zhan. And those glasses? They scream intelligence! Mark my words—once they're married, he won't even let Yibo take stressful exams. You need to pay attention to what I'm saying, Zong!"
She let out a deep sigh. "I've always been worried about the kind of husband Yibo will end up with, considering how he was born with all these health issues. An ordinary man won't be able to handle his medical needs. Only someone extremely wealthy can ensure his well-being. If Quentin had as many children as you do, Zong, Yibo wouldn't have stood a chance. I know for a fact Quentin wouldn't have had the money to cover Yibo's medical bills. And that, my dear, is why having fewer children is a blessing!"
She leaned forward, her voice full of conviction. "And now, look at this—a young, handsome, rich boy has come forward, wanting to marry him. What more could we ask for?"
Zhan couldn't stop staring at her, not even blinking. Zong let out a deep sigh, while Nainai asked, "So, what about the matter of sending his family over?"
Zong hesitated for a moment before replying, "Maybe we should wait until Quentin returns, don't you think?"
Nainai's face twisted with frustration. "Quentin? Oh, please! Why does Quentin have to be here? Aren't you practically like a father to him? Quentin goes to Shanghai and disappears for months as if he's never coming back. I don't care how you do it—call him, tell him everything. If he needs to come back, he should come back! If we wait for him, who knows how long it'll take?"
Zong nodded along, searching for the right words to respond. After a moment, he said, "Or… maybe you could call him yourself, A Yi?"
She scowled. "Why should I call him? If you won't call him, then forget it. I'll just get myself ready and go straight to your uncle's. I'll give my respects, hand over the engagement money, and that's that. You aren't the only ones with a say in Yibo's life."
In a low voice, Zhan muttered, "Why are you skipping over the older people's in this house and focusing on him?"
Nainai shot him a sharp glare. "Oh, you mean you and Seth? The two of you who spend your time wandering the streets? What do I care about your lives? Married or not, it makes no difference. You don't have anyone pushing for you, and I certainly won't waste my time doing it. Your parents are here—they're watching and saying nothing—so why should I?"
Zong stood up, lowering his gaze. "Alright, I'll go call Quentin now."
"Good," Nainai said with a satisfied nod. "When you call him, make sure to tell him everything, just as I said. Let him know the boy's name is Sen Wen. He's the namesake of my friend's son. Oh, Zong, you should've seen him—handsome, with a sharp nose like a sculpted pen, and those eyes… captivating!"
Zong gave her a polite "Goodnight" and headed for the door, with Zhan following him.
Nainai tracked Zhan's movements with narrowed eyes. "Tsk, your jealousy is written all over your face, Zhan. Just because your little brother found a suitor, you can't hide the bitterness. Well, too bad for you. Yibo's wedding is as good as done."
Zhan ignored her and shut the door behind him.
Outside, Zong immediately dialed his brother. The moment Quentin picked up, Zong didn't even bother with greetings. "We've got a big situation here, Quentin Gege."
"What is it now?" Quentin asked, already sounding wary.
"A Yi wants Yibo married. And she's serious about it."
"Married?" Quentin nearly shouted. "Are you kidding me, Zong? Married? To whom?"
"To some guy named Sen Wen," Zong replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "Apparently, she met him today and decided he's perfect."
Zong said, "I heard her ranting on about the son of Wen Yo Lee. I don't even know if Yibo knows him. I tried telling her he's too young—he hasn't even finished high school—but once mother makes up her mind, there's no changing it. She didn't even give me a chance to speak. She really means it. Do you think you could call her now?"
Quentin sighed heavily. "Why is she like this, Zong? Why does she keep doing this?"
"Listen Gege," Zong said, running a hand through his hair. "Tomorrow's Friday. If you can rearrange a few things and come over, maybe we can figure something out. I didn't want to push her too hard tonight. You know how she gets when she's upset. So, I just said goodnight and walked out."
"You know once she decides something, it's almost impossible to change her mind, Zong," Quentin said, worry creeping into his voice.
"Don't worry. Just get here tomorrow, and we'll handle it," Zong replied.
"Alright, I'll do my best," Quentin said. They exchanged goodbyes and hung up.
Zong turned to Zhan, who was walking beside him with his head down, completely lost in thought. Zong placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "You okay, son?"
Zhan looked up, startled, then forced a small smile. "Yeah, Papa. I'm just still surprised by Grandma's plan. I mean, Yibo is just a kid, and she's already talking about marriage."
Zong exhaled deeply. "Exactly. He's barely old enough for high school, and on top of that, he's not even in good health. But once your grandmother sets her mind on something, she won't stop. For her, the fact that the boy's from a wealthy family is all that matters. We've been dealing with her stubbornness since we were kids, trying to reason with her. And now, with old age, it's only gotten worse. I just don't understand how she even knows this Wen Yo Lee boy. I wonder if Yibo even knows him."
Zhan stayed silent, absentmindedly pressing his fingers together.
"Do you know this Wen Yo Lee boy she mentioned?" Zong asked.
Zhan shook his head. After a few seconds, he added, "But I think Seth might know. He's always mingling with guys like that."
Zong gave a faint smile. "I'll call and ask him later."
As they reached their section of the house, Zong reminded him, "Don't forget to pick up the grilled chicken Yibo asked for."
"Okay," Zhan mumbled. He grabbed his car keys and headed out.
When Zhan returned with the chicken, he went straight to Yibo's part of the house. He knocked softly, then turned the handle and found the door unlocked.
Stepping inside the sitting room, his eyes met Yuting's. He lowered his gaze and said, "Papa asked me to bring this for Yibo."
Yuting called out for Yibo, who was in his bedroom. Just as she stepped forward to take the bag from Zhan, Yibo appeared in the doorway wearing his pajamas. Yuting froze, giving him a strange look. Yibo's eyes widened, and without a word, he turned and rushed back into his room, slamming the door behind him.
Yuting took the bag of the chicken without acknowledging Zhan's "Goodnight." He turned around, left the sitting room, and quietly locked the door behind him.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
The next morning, Yibo and Yuting were both surprised by Quentin's unexpected arrival. After he went into the bedroom, Yuting followed him. She found him sitting on the edge of the bed and asked, "Sir, you came without any notice. I hope everything's okay?"
"Yeah, I came for something urgent. I'll head back by Sunday," he replied.
"Alright," she said softly. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Should I bring you some breakfast?"
"No," Quentin said, his expression turning serious. "I need to ask you something. Does Yibo have someone who's interested in him?"
Yuting froze, shocked by the question. After a brief pause, she asked cautiously, "Is everything alright, Honey?"
"I'm the one asking the question," Quentin said, his tone firm.
Yuting hesitated, knowing she had no choice but to protect her son. "Not at all. He doesn't go anywhere except school and his lessons. Is there a problem?"
"Okay," Quentin muttered. He stood up and headed for the bathroom without saying another word.
Yuting left the room, her mind racing. She sat still in the sitting room for a moment, then suddenly remembered what Yibo had told her yesterday—about what Nainai had done. So she called out to her son and went to his room.
"You see what I've been trying to avoid, don't you?" she said, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. "I'm sure Mother called your father and told him about that boy she saw you with yesterday. That's definitely why he's here now."
Yibo's eyes widened with fear. "Did Fu Qin actually say something to you about it?"
"No, but I know how your grandmother works. I've told you before not to get me involved in your messes. Now figure out what you're going to tell your father. Don't drag me into this."
With that, Yuting turned and left. Yibo sat frozen, his heart racing, tears welling up in his eyes. After a few moments, he wiped his face, stood up, and stormed out of his room. He went straight to Nainai's part of the house.
Zhan had just entered the sitting room when he saw Nainai stirring her tea. He greeted her politely from where he stood by the door, but she didn't bother to respond.
"Zhan," she said with a dramatic sigh, "I was so invested in what I said yesterday that I even dreamed about it last night. Imagine it—Yibo living a life of pure luxury. A mansion bigger than this one. I dreamed I visited him for two weeks, and every day was paradise. Every morning, they'd bring me fresh chicken, juicy steaks, and plates of rich, spicy fish. Milk so thick it stuck to the glass! And Sen Wen—oh, that boy would leave money on the table every morning so I could recharge my phone. I woke up glowing, my skin smooth and radiant. I'm telling you, Zhan, it was heaven."
Zhan just stood silently by the door, unsure how to respond.
She tore off a piece of bread, stuffed it into her mouth, and added, "Now I just need to see how Zong handles Quentin. We'll see if they come to their senses."
Suddenly, the door burst open. Yibo stepped inside, his eyes glistening with tears, not even bothering to remove his shoes. He glared at his grandmother and said, "Nainai, what did you tell my dad?"
Nainai gave a mocking sniff. "Who's your dad, again?"
"You know who I mean," Yibo said, his voice trembling. "Did you tell him that the guy you saw me with yesterday is my boyfriend?"
Nainai clicked her tongue and waved her hand dismissively. "What if I did? I've said what I needed to say. I won't take it back. Zhan, you should've seen how embarrassed Yibo was when he saw me yesterday. His face went pale! I didn't even bother talking to him. I just turned around and walked away with Sen Wen. And now look at him—standing here like a lost duckling."
Zhan turned and left the sitting room without saying a word.
Yibo collapsed to his knees, sobbing. "If Fu Qin scolds me or hits me because of this, I swear I'll never forgive you, Nainai. That boy isn't my boyfriend. He's just a friend of Jun Bin ge. I don't even know him!"
Nainai took another bite of bread and sipped her tea, utterly unfazed. Yibo's sobs slowed until he was just sitting there, defeated. Then he stood up and headed toward the door.
"Go on, run off," Nainai called after him. "But don't forget—your father will come after you soon enough. I know these things."
Yibo ignored her and left, his mind spinning in panic.
Yibo was about to turn the corner toward his section of the house when Zhan appeared in front of him. Panic flooded Yibo's face, and he turned to run, but Zhan swiftly grabbed his wrist.
"Please, Gege, I swear, Nainai's lying about me!" Yibo pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.
Zhan raised two fingers to his lips in a silent gesture for Yibo to stop talking. His sharp, unwavering gaze pinned Yibo in place. Then he pointed to the stone ledge nearby and said, "Sit."
Without hesitation, Yibo sat down, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He looked like he might break down any second.
Zhan crossed his arms and asked, "What did I tell you about standing outside with random guys?"
The tears finally escaped, rolling down Yibo's cheeks. "Please, Gege, I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Why don't you ever listen to me?" Zhan's voice was low but filled with restrained frustration.
"I do listen, Gege. I swear I do," Yibo said between shaky breaths.
"Then what's going on between you and that guy?"
"Nothing," Yibo said quickly, shaking his head. "He's just a friend of Jun Bin ge."
"Then why was he there talking to you?"
Yibo dropped his gaze to the ground, unable to find the right words. His silence made Zhan's jaw tighten with growing impatience.
"Answer me now," Zhan said coldly, "before I give you a slap you won't forget."
Author
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