Yibo broke into quiet sobs, his voice trembling as he whispered, "There's nothing going on, Gege. Please, just believe me."
Zhan turned his face away for a few seconds, his jaw tightening. Yibo kept stealing nervous glances at him, his heart racing with fear. When Zhan finally looked back, he knelt down in front of Yibo, his tone calm but laced with disappointment.
"Why are you doing this to us?" Zhan asked softly. "No... to me, in particular. Have you forgotten all the promises we made to each other? The vows we exchanged? Did I do something to hurt you without realizing it? Tell me if I did, please."
Yibo pouted and refused to meet his gaze. He kept his lips pressed together, stubbornly silent.
"Do you even take our marriage seriously?" Zhan continued, his voice cracking slightly. "I just... I really don't get you sometimes. Do you even like me in that way? Because you never say it. Do you regret marrying me? Or is it just immaturity clouding your judgment? Please, Yibo, look me in the eyes and tell me if you like me or not."
Yibo pouted again, his expression guarded. After a long pause, he mumbled, "There's nothing wrong, Gege. You know I like you more than any of my cousins. Of course, you're my Gege."
Zhan held his gaze, searching for any sign of honesty. "What about our marriage, Yibo? Do you even think about it?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Gege," Yibo muttered, glancing away.
Zhan heard him loud and clear but pretended otherwise. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. After a moment of silence, he said, "Papa and Shushu will call you to ask about that guy. What are you going to tell them?"
Yibo lowered his eyes, his voice barely audible. "I'll tell them he's just Jun Bin ge's friend."
Zhan's brows drew together in disapproval. "No. Look at me."
Yibo hesitated but finally lifted his eyes to meet Zhan's piercing stare. His chest tightened as his heart pounded against his ribs.
"You'll tell them there's nothing going on between you and that guy. Understand me?" Zhan said firmly.
Yibo gave a small, shaky nod.
"Good. Or don't you want to go to college like Yu? Do you want to throw away your education and never make it to university?"
"No, Gege. I want to go," Yibo said quickly, voice muffled as he hid his face in his hands.
"Exactly. So, if he says he likes you, tell them you don't feel the same way. End of story."
Yibo let out a nervous giggle, but it vanished the second Zhan shot him a hard look.
Before Zhan could say more, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Both turned their heads to see Zong and Quentin approaching Nainai's part of the house.
Zhan straightened immediately, tension coursing through his body. Both older men stared at them in silence, their expressions unreadable.
Zhan lowered his head respectfully as he greeted Quentin. Quentin responded with a warm smile.
"How's work, Zhan?" Quentin asked.
"All good, Shushu," Zhan replied.
Zong spoke up, his tone firm. "I tried calling your phone earlier. You didn't pick up."
"I left it in my room while I went to greet Nainai," Zhan explained.
Zong gave a small nod of understanding.
Yibo greeted Zong quietly, keeping his head bowed. Zong responded with a nod, then walked away with Quentin without giving Yibo another glance.
Yibo stood up, eyes darting toward Zhan, who fixed him with a hard look. "Did you hear what I said earlier?"
Yibo gave a slow, nervous nod. Without another word, Zhan turned and walked away, leaving Yibo standing there, heart pounding in his chest.
Zhan was just about to reach thier part of the house when a car pulled into the driveway. The driver parked neatly and quickly got out to open the trunk. Yichen stepped out of the car and, with barely a glance around, headed inside. The driver unloaded several elegant, expensive-looking boxes from the trunk and carried them in after her.
Zhan stood still, watching them.
Inside the sitting room, Nainai sat with Zong and Quentin. She smiled faintly when they entered. "I'm glad you took this matter seriously and came back here, Quentin," she said. "I hope you're pleased with the good news."
"Good morning, A-Yi," Quentin greeted her politely.
"Good morning. How was your trip?"
"Smooth, thank you," he replied.
"Good," Nainai said with satisfaction.
Quentin cleared his throat. "The barrister explained everything to me yesterday..."
"Wonderful!" Nainai interrupted, her smile widening.
"But," Quentin added softly, "I think we need to slow down. Yibo is still very young... and not in the best health."
Nainai's expression darkened instantly. She turned to Zong, pointing a finger at him. "So, this was your idea, wasn't it, Zong? You filled Quentin's head with doubts before coming here, didn't you?"
Quentin shifted uncomfortably. "No, no, A-Yi, please let me finish..."
"There's nothing left to say!" she snapped, standing abruptly. "You and Zong are trying to sabotage this marriage. You want to stop me from securing Yibo's future. Tell me, which parent wouldn't want to see their child safe and settled in a good home? Or do you think I'm making a foolish decision? Do you think I'm senile? I raised you both, remember? Or did you two give birth to me instead?"
The room fell silent except for her heavy breathing.
"And what exactly are you worried about, Quentin?" she went on, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are you afraid he'll move into the new house with me? The house is Yibo's, after all. He'll live there with his spouse, just like we planned. I'll visit occasionally—what's wrong with that? What's the alternative? Keep him here until he withers away, watching you and Zong relax in the sitting room like some lost child? I swear, I've had enough of this nonsense."
Quentin wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "Please, calm down, A-Yi. We'll sit down with the boy and discuss everything properly."
"Now you're talking sense," she said, finally sitting again. "But I don't know where he is right now. You'll have to get his number and call him yourselves."
Zong exchanged a wary look with Quentin.
"And when you call him?," Nainai asked sharply, "what exactly will you say?"
Zong shifted uncomfortably. Quentin cleared his throat and answered, "We'll tell him to send his representatives to formally meet with us."
Nainai smiled, her mood instantly brightening. "Good. May you both be blessed and find success in your endeavors."
Zong stood up, Quentin following suit. "We'll come back later to finalize everything," Quentin said.
"Fine," Nainai agreed. "But don't try to stall this process. The boy already said he's in a hurry to get married."
Neither man responded as they left the sitting room, tension hanging heavy in the air.
Zong glanced at Quentin and said, "Don't speak to Yibo yet. I want to confirm who this guy is with Seth. Zhan said he might know something about him."
Quentin let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. But when you find out who he is, I'll deal with Yibo. How old does Yibo even think he is to start paying attention to boys? Can you imagine?"
"I said don't mention anything to him yet. I know what I'm doing," Zong replied firmly.
Quentin didn't respond. His mood had soured completely. When they reached his part of the house, he went inside without another word, while Zong headed to his own quarters.
Zong went straight to Zhan's bedroom, opening the door without knocking. Inside, Zhan sat with Yichen, his head bowed, listening to her quietly. Yichen stopped mid-sentence when she saw Zong.
"Meet me in the sitting room," Zong said.
"Okay, Papa," Zhan answered softly.
As Zong closed the door, Yichen asked, "What's going on? He's been in a strange mood since yesterday. Did that old woman stir up trouble again?"
Zhan gave a half-hearted smile. "Yeah."
Yichen's eyes widened. "What does she want this time?"
Zhan hesitated before answering, "She wants Yibo to get married."
"Married?!" Yichen sat up straighter. "To who? Does she have some boy lined up for him already?"
"I don't know, Mom," Zhan said, running a hand through his hair.
Yichen narrowed her eyes. "You don't know? With how close you are to Nainai? Or are you just not telling me?"
"No, Mom. She didn't say anything to me," Zhan said quickly.
Yichen's expression darkened. She stared at him for a moment before scoffing. "Of course. I should've seen this coming. So, are you going to transfer the money today or you will transfer to Nian Li directly?"
"I'll send it to you later, Mom," Zhan said with a sigh.
"Good. I'll be waiting." She stood up and left the room, purse in hand.
Zhan stayed where he was, massaging his temples. After a minute, he dragged himself off the bed and went to the sitting room.
Zong was already there, pacing. When he saw Zhan, he said, "I just got off the phone with Seth. He doesn't know who the guy is either. So here's what I want you to do: get me the guy's number from Yibo. But make sure Yibo doesn't realize what you're doing. Be discreet."
Zhan hesitated.
"Just get his number, without Yibo knowing," Zong repeated.
"Okay, Papa," Zhan agreed.
"I want it by the end of the day," Zong said.
"I'll get it," Zhan said before turning to leave.
On his way out, he spotted Yichen heading for the door with her purse. She didn't even look at him as she walked past. Zhan watched her go for a moment, then headed upstairs.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Meanwhile, Yibo sat in the kitchen, watching Yuting as she packed up some food.
"If I don't get back by six, take this to her, okay?" Yuting said.
Yibo pouted. "Why can't I come with you, Mu Qin? Please?"
"I already told you. The house is going to be crowded today, and you'll be uncomfortable," Yuting said, snapping the lid on a container.
"Okay, Mu Qin," Yibo said reluctantly.
Yuting left the kitchen. Yibo scrambled to his feet and followed her. When she reached the sitting room, she turned to Quentin. "Honey, I'm heading out to pick up Huali's wedding gifts."
"Alright. I need to go into town anyway. I'll drop you off," Quentin said.
Yibo's face lit up. "Fu Qin, can I come too?"
Quentin shot him a cold glare. "You're so stupid," he snapped.
Yibo's face fell, and he lowered his head in shame before turning away and heading to his room.
Yuting scowled. "What's with you today? You've been like this since morning. Are you going to tell me what's going on or not?"
"Just get me the car keys," Quentin said curtly.
Yuting shook her head and went to get the keys. On her way back, she peeked into Yibo's room and found him sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Why don't you go watch TV for a bit?" she suggested gently.
Yibo didn't respond.
Yuting sighed and closed the door behind her.
They arrived at the parking space almost at the same time as Zhan. Zhan kept his head down as he greeted Quentin.
"How's work?" Quentin asked.
"All good, thank you Shushu," Zhan replied politely.
Quentin nodded. "I'm heading into town for a bit."
Yuting, sitting in the front seat with a frown, closed the car door. Zhan didn't dare look at her.
"Alright, see you when you're back," Zhan said, stepping away with a faint smile. He'd been thinking all morning about how to meet Yibo and get Sen Wen's number from him. He sat on a white couch outside and waited until Quentin drove away. Five minutes later, he stood and headed to Yibo's part of the house.
He carefully turned the door handle and peeked into the sitting room. It was empty. He stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and walked to Yibo's bedroom. He stood by the door for a moment before gently pushing it open. The room was empty, but the sound of running water came from the bathroom. Zhan shook his head slightly and moved to the mirror, where Yibo's phone lay. He picked it up, intending to silence it, but saw it was already on silent. Shrugging, he slipped the phone into his pocket and leaned against the wall near the bathroom door.
A few moments later, the bathroom door opened. Yibo stepped out—and before he could react, Zhan grabbed him from behind.
Yibo screamed in panic, struggling until he caught a whiff of Zhan's familiar scent. His breathing remained shaky as the fear lingered, his chest rising and falling with each frantic breath. Zhan held him close without a word.
As Yibo's breathing slowly returned to normal, Zhan's hands drifted across Yibo's chest, feeling the soft fabric of his shirt. Yibo stiffened as his entire body began to react. His breath, which had just calmed down, grew erratic once more. His eyes fluttered shut, and he whispered shakily, "Gege..."
Zhan's own eyes were half-closed as he inhaled the fresh scent of Yibo's damp hair. Lowering his lips to Yibo's ear, he whispered, "It's time we upgrade our relationship to another level. Your mind's already confused, and your body… it's just waiting to be touched."
Zhan turned Yibo around so they were facing each other. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned in and brushed a light kiss across Yibo's lips.
Yibo jerked back, eyes wide, covering his mouth with both hands. "My virgin lips!" he gasped dramatically, tapping his fingers against his cheeks in shock.
Zhan chuckled, stepping closer. "Your virgin lips? Are you kidding me? After all those years of sucking on my bottom lip, you still call them virgin?"
Yibo opened his mouth to protest, but Zhan was quicker. He closed the space between them and captured Yibo's lips in a deep, unrelenting kiss.
Yibo's eyes widened as Zhan's lips moved over his, soft and possessive. He stood frozen, his heart racing, his thoughts scattering as Zhan nibbled and sucked on his lips with practiced ease. He didn't kiss back, didn't push him away—he simply stood there, still as a statue, letting the kiss happen.
Zhan released Yibo with a satisfied smile, especially when he saw how swollen Yibo's lips were. "Papa will call you later. You heard what I said earlier, right?"
Yibo refused to respond.
Zhan's expression darkened. "I'm talking to you."
"I heard you," Yibo muttered.
Zhan let go of him and headed for the door. Yibo scrunched his nose and mumbled under his breath, "After all, he's just a friend, and he's…"
Zhan spun around sharply, eyes narrowing, but Yibo quickly darted into the bathroom and locked the door.
With a sigh, Zhan walked back to the bed and pulled out Yibo's phone. He opened his call log and saw nothing but Quentin's number and one unfamiliar number that wasn't saved. He stared at it for a moment, then dialed it. The call disconnected immediately, and within seconds, the number called back. Zhan answered but didn't speak.
"Hello, baby," came Sen Wen's voice from the other end.
Zhan pulled the phone away from his ear, hung up, and copied the number. He blocked it, erased it from the call log, and put the phone back in his pocket.
Meanwhile, Yibo, still in the bathroom, waited until he was sure Zhan had left. Then he came out, grabbed a handful of chocolates, and dumped them onto the bed. He turned on the TV, lay down, and ate the chocolates while running a finger across his lips. They still tingled from Zhan's kiss. He stayed like that for about thirty minutes before suddenly remembering that Sen Wen had called earlier.
Panicking, Yibo shot up and rushed to the mirror, where he'd left his phone. His heart dropped when he didn't see it. His eyes widened as one thought crossed his mind: Zhan-ge.
He frantically searched the room, hoping the phone had fallen somewhere, but it was gone. Close to tears, Yibo ran out of the room and headed straight for Zhan's part of the house.
The sitting room was empty, and the silence told him that Meiling and the others hadn't returned yet. He crept upstairs and stood in the hallway, his eyes fixed on Zhan's bedroom door. He tiptoed closer, carefully turned the handle, and pushed the door open.
The room was empty, filled only with Zhan's familiar cologne. Yibo hurried inside, searching the nightstand and the bed. Zhan's phone lay on the edge of the bed—but his own phone was nowhere in sight.
Yibo grabbed Zhan's phone, shoved it into his pocket, and bolted out of the room. He sprinted back to his part of the house, locked the sitting room door, and collapsed onto the couch. Breathing heavily, he opened Zhan's phone. No lock. He went straight to the gallery and scrolled through the WhatsApp images. Most were pictures of Li Na. With a frustrated sigh, Yibo dropped the phone on the table, turned on the TV, and lay down to watch.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Zhan checked his watch and said, "Yimei, I need to get to work."
"Alright, stay safe," Zihan replied, stirring a pot of soup.
Zhan left the kitchen, went upstairs to his room, and grabbed his car keys. He sprayed more cologne on himself and then reached for his phone—but it was gone.
He stared at the empty spot for several seconds before realization hit him like a brick. His jaw tightened. "Yibo," he muttered. When did he come in here?
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car entering the driveway. He peeked out the window just as Quentin parked. Zhan swore under his breath. He took a deep breath and went downstairs. Quentin was stepping out of the car with a shopping bag when Zhan rushed over.
"Here, let me help, Shushu," Zhan said, taking the bag.
"Thanks, Zhan," Quentin said with a nod. "Has Barrister come back yet?"
"No, not yet," Zhan answered as they entered Quentin's apartment.
As Quentin answered a phone call, Yibo heard the front door open and bolted upright on the couch. His eyes went wide when he saw Zhan walk in behind Quentin. He grabbed Zhan's phone and tried to run, but Zhan caught his wrist.
Yibo bit down on Zhan's hand with all the strength he had.
"Ah—!" Zhan hissed, releasing him.
Yibo scrambled toward his room door and stood just as Quentin ended his call.
Quentin frowned. "What's wrong with you, Yibo?"
Tears filled Yibo's eyes as he clutched the stolen phone. "It's Gege," he said, voice shaking.
Zhan stared at the floor, wishing the floor to open and swallow him, while Quentin gave him a long, suspicious look.
"Alright," Zhan said embarrassed. "I need to get to work."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the apartment.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Yibo took the dinner to Nainai after carefully hiding Zhan's phone. Despite the constant calls from Li Na, Yibo didn't answer. His heart had been racing since he stepped out of the compound. He rushed to Nainai's sitting room, where he found Seth sitting on the couch. His eyes widened as he placed the food on the table.
"Seth ge, when did you get back?" he asked.
"Just a while ago," Seth replied with a small smile.
Nainai, who was seated nearby, added, "You didn't see him when he came in earlier, he was so pale and restless. Honestly, you and Zhan are lucky you didn't go along with that idea. That city isn't a place for people like you."
Yibo sit beside Seth, grinning. "So, what did you bring me, Seth ge?"
Seth rubbed the back of his neck, saying nothing.
Nainai clicked her tongue. "Forget this boy for a moment; I was talking to you. You heard me, didn't you, Seth?"
Seth exhaled and nodded slightly. "Yes, I did."
"So? What do you think? Isn't it a good idea?" she asked eagerly.
Seth hesitated, then said softly, "I think you should let it go, Nainai."
She gasped, her eyes wide. "Let it go? Are you serious? You and Zhan are unbelievable. Are you both really this selfish? Honestly, you two have become impossible! No shame, no sense of loyalty!"
Seth remained silent while Yibo looked between them, confused.
Nainai crossed her arms and shook her head. "You'll regret this one day. I'm telling you, if I don't take matters into my own hands, we'll end up having to raise this child ourselves."
Yibo's confusion grew. "Wait, what are you talking about?"
Nainai glared at Seth. "And you, don't think I don't know what you're up to. You're just as bad as Zhan! Why are you both so against this idea? Do you think you'll handle the responsibility if things go wrong?, if Yibo didn't marry him, are you and Zhan going to marry him?"
Seth gave a small, amused smile and said "What if that's our idea in the first place, you never know..." Nainai just stare at him, he stood up. "Good luck convincing him, Nainai."
Yibo, suddenly suspicious, got to his feet and turned toward the door. The faint scent of Zhan's cologne lingered in the air. His heart skipped. He hurried toward Nainai's bedroom, muttering, "Don't tell him I'm here."
Just as Yibo disappeared, Zhan entered the sitting room. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on Nainai.
"Yibo's not here if that's who you're looking for," she said, sitting back with a shrug.
Zhan didn't respond. He turned toward the bedroom door and walked straight in.
"Don't touch anything in there!" Nainai called after him. "I just cleaned it!"
Yibo, hearing Zhan's footsteps, panicked and locked the bathroom door. Zhan tried the handle, found it locked, and returned to the sitting room with an irritated expression.
"Tell him to give me my phone back before I make him cry," Zhan said coldly.
Nainai raised her hands. "Why are you dragging me into this? You lost your phone because you're careless, not because I planned it. And stop scaring the boy! He just likes teasing you, that's all."
Zhan exhaled heavily and left without another word.
After ten minutes, Yibo finally unlocked the bathroom door.
"You see what happens when you mess with him?" Nainai scolded. "Now stop teasing him before he loses his temper."
Yibo huffed and walked back to the couch, muttering, "He started it."
Later, Yibo left the room. Nainai muttered, "If only he had caught you and given you a proper beating, just so I could see what you'd tell him then. You're nothing but a troublesome boy, just like that him when he was young. May we be spared from more of your kind. Although, the time is near for your marriage anyway."
Yibo quietly opened the door to Nainai's sitting room and slipped out. He preferred taking a longer route rather than the usual one. He ran straight to their sitting room, locked the door, and smiled to himself.
Around nine o'clock, Yuting entered Yibo's room. Yibo, who was sitting in front of the mirror after just getting out of the shower, turned and said, "I thought you were already asleep."
"I'm heading to bed now," Yuting replied. As she glanced at the phone on the bedside table, she asked, "Whose phone is this?"
"It's Gege's," Yibo answered, shifting uncomfortably.
Yuting gave him a sharp look. "And what is his phone doing here?"
Yibo's voice wavered as if he might cry. "Well…Mu Qin he took my phone and refused to give it back."
Yuting narrowed her eyes. "Listen carefully, Yibo. If you don't start controlling yourself and distancing yourself from Zhan, I'll have to step in. When did you and Zhan get so close that you'd even take his phone?"
Yibo remained silent.
Yuting's face hardened. "Let me make this clear: from today onward, I'm cutting off this silly bond between you and Zhan. If I catch you disobeying me, you'll regret it. Do you hear me?"
Yibo gave a slight nod.
"Such nonsense," Yuting muttered. "Calling him Gege. There's no Gege here. If I ever catch you looking his way again, you won't like what happens." She applied his medicinal lotion, adjusted the air conditioner, and said, "Turn the fan down. Goodnight." Then she left, locking the door behind her.
Yibo changed into his pajamas and sat at the mirror to apply lotion to his legs when he heard the window creak open. He turn up and looked toward the window. His eyes met Zhan's. Yibo turned his head away.
"Give me my phone," Zhan demanded.
Yibo shrugged. "Give me mine first."
"Are you playing games with me?" Zhan's tone was low and threatening.
Yibo said nothing, propping his foot on the stool and continuing with his lotion. When Zhan didn't respond, Yibo glanced over and saw him standing there with narrowed eyes.
Yibo scowled. "What if a mosquito bites me and I get sick? You left the window wide open, you know. And if I do get sick, it's on you."
"Don't make me come in there," Zhan said coldly. "Give me my phone. I need it."
Yibo chuckled softly and picked up a bottle of perfume, spraying it into his body.
"Oh, you think I can't get in?" Zhan challenged.
"I never said that, you can get in of you like" Yibo replied.
Yibo stood up, crossed the room, and sprawled across his bed, pulling the duvet over himself.
Zhan shook his head, and closed the window before leaving.
As Zhan passed through the sitting room, he ran into Quentin. He greeted him politely, and when Quentin asked how he was doing, he responded, "I'm doing well, thank you Shushu."
"Is Barrister around?" Quentin ask him, "yes he's in his sitting room", Zhan replied.
After Quentin walked in to his brother, Zhan hesitated for a moment, then headed toward Yibo's apartment. He stood at the door for over ten seconds, then quietly turned the handle and stepped inside. The sitting room was empty except for the soft hum of the television.
He entered Yibo's bedroom and saw him curled up, sleeping peacefully. Zhan's gaze wandered around the room before landing on the phone on the bedside table. He picked it up and examined it.
Yibo's body was huddled to one side of the bed, fast asleep. Zhan pulled the duvet away, adjusted it over him more securely, and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, then his cheek, and then lingered by his lips.
After turning off the fan, Zhan turn to head for the door. But he froze. Yuting stood there, arms crossed, watching him.
Zhan stood still, lowering his gaze to the floor. His heart raced as he stammered, "I... I just came to get my phone."
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛