Yibo didn't respond and headed straight for the stairs. Yichen called out, "Just leftover pain." Yibo pouted as he reached the stairs and continued upstairs, but then suddenly burst into tears. Right in the corridor, he ran into Zhan, who was coming out of his room. Zhan watched him quietly as Yibo hurried into Zihan's room and locked the door behind him.
Zihan, standing over him, immediately asked anxiously, "What happened? What's wrong?" Yibo, who had collapsed onto the floor, sobbed uncontrollably and refused to say a word.
Frustrated, Zihan said, "I don't have time for your nonsense right now. Will you open your mouth and tell me what happened? What did you do to Yuting?" Yibo remained silent, unwilling to speak.
Zhan peaked downstairs from the above and when he saw his mother he quickly dash to Zihan room too, Zhan stepped closer, staring at Yibo. Zihan glare at him then ask Yibo again "Are you really not going to say anything when I'm asking you a question?"
With his head buried in his knees and his voice trembling, Yibo finally whispered, "Wasn't it Shengjie who insulted me? I didn't do anything to her, yet she still called me 'leftover pain.'"
Zihan scoffed. "So you came here to disturb my peace because of that? So what if she called you leftover pain? One day, her own genes will experience that pain too. After all, what if she's done having kids, her children will have their own struggles to begin."
Zhan turned away and headed for the door, throwing Zihan an irritated glance as he left. She turn to Yibo, "Honestly, this childish behavior of yours is too much. Is this the first time she's said something like that to you?"
Yibo said nothing, wiping his tears silently. Zihan sighed, "Well, whatever Yuting did, I hope it was worth this drama." Yibo slowly raised his head and mumbled, "Bobo is calling me."
Zihan nodded. "Get up, let's go. He's in his sitting room."
Yibo stood up and followed her out. Yichen watched them with a curious look. Zihan made her way to Zong's sitting room, muttering, "No one can come between you and your uncle. They'll just have to accept it."
She opened the door for him. "Go in," she said, and after Yibo entered, she closed the door and went back upstairs.
Zong was seated, watching the news, while Zhan was also in the room. Yibo greeted Zong politely as he sat on the floor. Zong glanced at him and said, "All good, son? You're just coming in now?"
Yibo simply nodded. "Alright then," Zong replied, not pressing further. Yibo stole a glance at Zhan and found him already staring back, his face stern. Yibo pouted and started fidgeting with his fingers. After a few minutes, Zong asked, "Yibo, you know that boy, Sen Wen, right?"
Yibo remained silent, unable to look at Zong. "I'm waiting for your answer," Zong said firmly. Yibo nodded slightly and muttered, "Uh-huh."
"Don't hide anything from me," Zong continued. "I'm your uncle. Tell me, what's going on between you two?"
Yibo turned his head away, refusing to answer. Zong chuckled softly. "So, you're not going to tell me, huh?"
When Yibo still didn't respond, Zong said, "Fine, since you're too shy to tell me, you'll have to tell Zhan what's going on between you two." Yibo's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Zong, who stood up and said, "I'll be back soon. Let me make a call outside. While I'm gone, tell Zhan everything. He'll tell me when I return." With that, Zong left the room and locked the door behind him.
Yichen, who had been watching him from afar, continued to observe as he left for the main sitting room. She then turned her gaze toward the door of Zong's sitting room, wondering what was going on.
Yibo couldn't sit still after Zong left. The silence became too much, and he stole a glance at Zhan, only to find him staring intensely. Panicking, Yibo tried to stand up, but Zhan's deep voice stopped him. "Sit back down."
With a pleading look, Yibo whispered, "I... I just wanted to get some water. I'll come right back."
Zhan moved closer to him, sitting directly in front of him. His husky voice was calm but firm as he asked, "What exactly did I tell you to say to Papa?"
Pouting like a child on the verge of tears, Yibo replied softly, "But... but you tell me yesterday. I was going to tell him..."
He trailed off as Zhan furrowed his brows. "I will slap you if you don't tell me exactly what you're planning to say to him."
Yibo said, "But didn't you tell me to say I didn't know him...?"
Zhan kept staring at him, his face stern. Slowly, Yibo stood up to leave the sitting room, but Zhan grabbed him, pulling him into his laps. Yibo's eyes widened. "Gege!" he whispered in surprise.
Zhan cupped Yibo's face with both hands, leaning in to kiss him-just as the sitting room door opened. Zhan quickly pulled away, releasing Yibo.
Zihan stood at the door, watching them intently. Zhan, clearly flustered, jumped to his feet, while Yibo slid down onto the couch, looking as though he might cry.
"What is going on here?" Zihan asked.
Zhan quickly replied, "Nothing! I was just talking to him, and he tripped and fell on me."
Zihan scoffed, clearly unconvinced, but after giving them a lingering glance, she turned to leave. Just then, Zong walked in, and Zihan stepped aside to let him enter before exiting herself.
Zong sat down, his gaze fixed on Zhan. "What did he say about Sen Wen?" he asked.
Zhan sat on the couch, rubbing the back of his head nervously. "He said there's nothing between them... that he barely knows him. Sen Wen is just someone who calls him sometimes," Zhan answered quietly.
Yibo turned to Zhan sharply, shocked.
"Is that true, Yibo?" Zong asked.
Almost in tears, Yibo replied, "Bobo, I never said that! Sen Wen is my friend. He helps me with my studies over the phone sometimes, and I actually understand better when he does."
Zhan avoided Zong's gaze, feeling guilty. Zong stared at him for a moment before giving a faint, humorless smile. "Alright then, Yibo. You can leave."
Yibo stood up, glancing briefly at Zhan, who still refused to meet his eyes, and left the room. He ignored Yichen's intense gaze as he passed by and headed to their wing.
Later, Yibo took Nainai's dinner to her. She was reciting mantras in the sitting room when he arrived. He placed the food down and turned to leave, but Nainai cleared her throat, signaling him to stay. Yibo pretended not to hear and hurried out.
On his way back, he ran into Seth, who was carrying a bag of fruits for Nainai. Yibo greeted him politely, but his response was cold and distant. Yibo stood still, watching Seth walk away until he disappeared from sight. Pouting slightly, Yibo continued on his way.
Later that night, as Yibo was preparing for bed, his phone rang. It was Sen Wen. He turned off the lights, got into bed, and pulled the duvet over his head before answering quietly, "Hello?"
"Were you already sleeping?" Sen Wen asked.
Yibo shook his head. "No."
"How are you?" Sen Wen asked with a smile.
"I'm fine. How's work?" Yibo replied softly.
"All good," Sen Wen said. After a pause, Yibo whispered, "So... why didn't you tell me you and Jun Bing Ge were coming over earlier?"
Sen Wen chuckled. "He told me not to tell you."
Yibo pouted, "What if you had found me without a shirt on?"
"Well, then I would've gotten a good look at what I like," Sen Wen teased.
Yibo's eyes widened. "Huh?"
"Yes," Sen Wen replied smoothly. Yibo smiled shyly but said nothing more.
Sen Wen asked, "How's your mother?"
Yibo replied, "She's fine."
"Good to hear. Did you visit Nainai today?" Sen Wen asked.
"Yes, I took her some food," Yibo answered.
"I'd love to find time to come over and chat with you and Nainai," Sen Wen said warmly.
Yibo's eyes widened. "Nainai doesn't really like to chat much. She's not fond of talking," he replied.
Sen Wen chuckled. "Really?"
Yibo, almost pouting, nodded. "Yeah."
"Alright then," Sen Wen said softly. "So when can we hang out, just the two of us? I have so much to tell you, Yibo."
Yibo smiled. "Well, my dad hasn't traveled yet."
"Then how about we meet at Wei Po's place?" Sen Wen suggested.
There was silence for a moment. "Yibo, are you still there?" Sen Wen asked quietly.
Finally, Yibo responded, "I'll tell Mu Qin that I'll be going out tomorrow. There are only three days left until sister Xia's wedding, so if I go, I might stay until after the wedding."
"Sounds good. Call me when you're ready tomorrow," Sen Wen replied.
Yibo's eyes widened. "But I still need my mother's permission. You know she doesn't like me going out alone."
Sen Wen sighed softly, "Let's hope she agrees."
"Hmm," Yibo whispered.
Suddenly, hearing what sounded like a window opening, Yibo quickly pulled off the duvet. He saw something white fall to the floor. Getting out of bed, he rushed to the window and pulled back the curtain, still holding the phone to his ear.
It was Zhan, standing near the window, staring at him intensely. Yibo's eyes widened in surprise. Zhan gave him a look Yibo couldn't quite read, then turned and walked away.
Yibo closed the window, knelt down, and picked up the paper, staring at it in confusion.
"Are you there?" Sen Wen's voice echoed in his ear.
"Yeah, I'm here," Yibo replied softly.
"Are you feeling sleepy already?" Sen Wen asked.
Yibo smiled faintly. "Mm-hmm," he replied, though his mind was on the paper in his hand, itching to open it and see what it said.
"Alright then. Sleep like a baby, dear," Sen Wen said gently.
"Thanks. Good night," Yibo whispered before ending the call. He turned on his phone's flashlight, unfolded the paper, and squinted to read the handwriting. Pouting, he crumpled the paper and tossed it aside. Curling up in bed, he muttered under his breath, "Just leave me alone already..."
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Zihan stood up, looking at Seth, who was sitting at the edge of her bed. He refused to meet her gaze.
"What are you saying, Seth?" she asked.
Still, he remained silent.
Zihan stared at him intently, not blinking, before pulling up a stool and sitting down. "Look at me and speak properly," she demanded.
Only then did Seth lift his head to meet her eyes.
"Are you serious about what you're saying? Or should I ask if you're even in your right mind?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
In a quiet voice, he replied, "I am, Mum."
Zihan leaned back, resting her chin on her palm as she studied him in shock. Then she shook her head in concern. "You know this is impossible. It's not something that can happen easily. Seth, why are you letting your heart deceive you into wanting something you know is almost unattainable? Even if you think you have a chance, why haven't you stopped to consider the consequences? Wait-what about Che'er?"
Seth shook his head and, in a low voice, replied, "You all assume I have feelings for Che'er. She's just a friend. I never had any intention of marrying her..."
Zihan's eyes widened in shock as she stared at him. After a moment, she exhaled sharply and said, "I don't even know what to say to you right now, Seth. Honestly, I'm speechless. But if you'll take my advice, let this go. It's something that isn't-and will never be-possible. Just forget it, please, son."
Seth looked at her in confusion. "Why, Mum?"
Zihan sighed. "Look, Yibo is like my son. His mother is one of my closest friends-actually, my childhood friend, Yuting. Because of her, I even met your father, and we got married. But... I would rather keep my bond with Yuting as the friendship we've always shared. Marrying into the same family, creating an in-law relationship between us... I don't want that. It would change things."
She hesitated before adding, "And aside from that, there's Nainai's connection with Yibo... Don't misunderstand me, son. I know Nainai is your grandmother too, but trust me, she won't allow you to marry Yibo no matter what...this situation will only bring complications. Let me handle one headache at a time..."
Seth shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, Mum, but I don't think everything you're saying is enough reason for you to stop me from marrying Yibo."
Zihan's eyes widened in surprise. "Did I say I would stop you from marrying Yibo, Seth? If fate has decided that he's meant to be your husband, who am I to interfere? Don't misunderstand me. But if you love him, why have you never once shown any sign of it?"
Seth sighed. "Because he's still young. Even now, Yibo doesn't fully understand life, nor does he truly know himself yet. I was waiting for him to start college, mature a little, and then I planned to express my intentions toward him."
Zihan shook her head. "Well, may things turn out for the best. I think you should talk to your uncles about this, but honestly, I doubt..."
Seth lowered his head and softly said, "Please don't say that, Mum. Just support me and pray for me."
With a resigned sigh, she replied, "Alright, I won't say it again. May fate choose what's best for you, Seth."
"Thank you, Mum," he said before getting up and heading toward the door. Zihan watched him leave, then sighed deeply, whispering to herself in disbelief.
Zong stared at Seth in shock, his mouth slightly open. Seth, on the other hand, avoided his gaze. After a few moments, Zong finally spoke.
"Seth?"
Only then did Seth hesitantly lift his head to look at his uncle.
"You mean... you're in love with Yibo?" Zong asked.
Lowering his gaze again, Seth nodded slightly. "Yes, Uncle."
Zong exhaled sharply. Silence filled the room for nearly two minutes before he finally reached for his phone and dialed Zhan's number. The call rang until it disconnected with no answer. He placed the phone down, realizing that Zhan was likely at work.
Zong then turned back to Seth. "I'm happy to hear this, son. But at the same time, I'm a bit concerned because I made a promise to someone earlier. Still, don't worry. Everything will fall into place. You can go now."
Seth stood up and walked toward the door. Zong watched him leave, smiling to himself.
Barely ten minutes had passed since Seth left when Yichen entered the sitting room, already dressed to go out. Zong was still lost in thought over Seth's revelation. Deep down, he felt he would be the happiest about this union-the marriage of his nephew to his only brother's son.
He was already considering how to approach the matter. First, he would call his brother to inform him, and then they would both speak to their mother. He knew Quentin would be thrilled about this arrangement as well. After all, Quentin's greatest worry had always been which family his only child would marry into.
Quentin adored Yibo more than anyone could imagine. He would do anything for him.
Yichen walked fully into the sitting room and said, "Dear, you know Zhan just sent me some money. I'm going to start preparing his wedding gifts. I'll head to the market today."
Zong looked at her in surprise. "What? Wedding gifts? But he never mentioned anything about that to me."
Yichen raised an eyebrow. "Well, of course, we're not done preparing everything yet. He didn't want to tell you because he was afraid you'd feel obligated to contribute something, and he didn't want to burden you. I know you've just finished handling Yu's event, and I didn't want Zhan to add any pressure on you either. That's why I told him not to mention anything until I had everything ready. If that upsets you, I'm sorry. But trust me, it wasn't his fault. He wanted to tell you, but I stopped him."
Zong sighed and said, "The I wish everything turn out well..."
Yichen quickly responded, "Thanks. I noticed yesterday that something seemed to be troubling you. I kept wondering what could have happened. If it's about mother, please be patient. She's our elder, after all. We just have to hope everything ends peacefully with her. By now, you should be used to her ways..."
Zong nodded. "You're right."
Seeing that her words had softened his mood, Yichen sat down and lowered her voice. "So, what does she want this time, dear?"
Zong shook his head. "No, it's not about her. Quentin and I already handled that situation. It's Seth-he just told me something that completely threw me off. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle it."
Yichen looked at him in surprise. "What is it? Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine. He just told me that he wants to marry Yibo, his cousin."
Yichen shot up from her seat, her mouth falling open in shock. "Marriage? Dear, are you serious?"
"Yes, he just left the sitting room now."
Yichen gasped. "This is unbelievable... Marriage?"
She turned and walked toward the door, shaking her head. "May fate guide us toward the best outcome. But Yibo is his cousin... Yibo is one of us."
With that, she left the room and went straight upstairs. Not finding Seth in his room, she headed to Zihan's room, where she found him sitting with her.
Crossing her arms, Yichen said, "Seth, you've completely lost your mind. And not just a little-this is a serious case, one that might not even have a cure. Out of everyone in the world, you decided to go to your uncle and tell him you want to marry Yibo? Seth, what has gotten into you? And what about Che'er? Weren't you trying to be with her?"
Seth met her gaze and said calmly, "Shengjie, I never said I wanted to marry Che'er."
Yichen threw her hands up. "Oh, heaven help us! So, you want to bring us nothing but doomed, Seth? You left the rich girl behind and now want someone weak and sickly? Are you out of your mind? Do you want to introduce illness into our bloodline?"
She glared at him and continued, "That boy is barely holding on to life! Well, since your mother has clearly been enchanted into silence, I refuse to be! I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth behind this madness. No one will succeed in controlling you the way they did with your uncle!"
With that, she stormed out of the room in fury, as if she were about to explode.
Zihan, who had been silently watching, finally muttered, "This is beyond comprehension..."
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Quentin couldn't stop himself from laughing when Zong visited his wing to share Seth's intentions about Yibo.
"Incredible," Quentin chuckled. "This makes me so happy! But don't forget the promise you made earlier, Barrister. What do we do about that?"
Zong nodded. "Of course, I haven't forgotten. And we're not saying no to Sen Wen either. But before any decisions are made, we need to visit AYi and hear her thoughts on the matter first."
Quentin nodded. "That's true."
Together, they headed to Nainai's quarters. As soon as she stepped out of her room, she complained, "I've been working since morning without a single break! Go check my bathroom and see even if the food spilled all over the floor can be eat. My back feels like it's about to break! I just need to rest."
They all chuckled and took their seats.
Quentin said, "You really should rest more, AYi. But you refuse to hire any help, even an elderly assistant."
Nainai scoffed. "Why would I want a maid? They all have an unpleasant odor, and they eat up all my food. No, thank you! I'd rather crawl on my hands and knees to do my work myself. Your children have all turned useless! Otherwise, Mengxi, Meiling, or Xinyi could have at least come over to do some cleaning once in a while. But no, we must be at the end of times for things to have reached this state!"
Zong sighed. "But AYi, you're the one who said you didn't want them coming over."
"Yes, I said that," Nainai snapped. "Because they don't do things the way I like! If they can't do it right, I'd rather spare them the trouble. I've already forgiven them-let them stay where they are."
Everyone fell silent, choosing not to argue with her.
When she picked up her broom, Zong cleared his throat. "AYi, earlier today, Seth came to me with something important. We thought we should inform you before making any decisions."
She immediately set the broom down and hurried to sit on the couch. "What happened now?"
Zong smiled faintly. "He says he wants to marry his cousin, Yibo."
Nainai's eyes widened in shock. She slowly stepped down from the couch, sat on the rug, and burst into uncontrollable cry, wringing her hands.
"Oh, heavens help me! What have I just heard? This is too much for me, this is a sin!"
Both Zong and Quentin stared at her, stunned.
Still wiping her tears, Nainai suddenly stopped crying and huffed, "Well, I'd be surprised if Yibo hasn't been breastfed by Zihan at some point. In fact, I'm sure he has! If you two want to go ahead with this nonsense, do as you please! But what kind of talk is this? It's completely unacceptable!"
Quentin shook his head and said, "That never happened, AYi. Or have you forgotten that we weren't living in the same house back then?"
Nainai stood up angrily. "I've seen it all today, truly! Do you think you know more about my own affairs than I do, Quentin? How many times did your wife leave for her so-called studies, and you brought Yibo to Zihan? Everyone knows how much of a crybaby Yibo was as a baby! He wouldn't take anything except mother's milk. That's exactly why I never wanted him brought here. And now you're telling me he never nursed from Zihan? Do you expect me to sit here and let you lie to my face just because I'm old?"
Then, she suddenly started crying, sat down, and held her head in her hands. "This is it... The end of the world has arrived..."
Zong sighed deeply. "Alright, let's call Zihan and ask her."
Nainai continued sobbing and ignored them. Zong took out his phone and called Zihan. As soon as she answered, he said, "Come to AYi's quarters right now. It's urgent."
When she asked what had happened, he didn't reply-just ended the call. Zihan sat there frozen, dreading what was to come. This was exactly the kind of situation she had always feared. Still, she had no choice but to head over to Nainai's place.
Meanwhile, Quentin and Zong watched Nainai, who was crying uncontrollably. Quentin tried to console her, but she snapped, "Shut your mouth! I'm done with this! Do I have a choice in this matter?"
That silenced everyone instantly.
When Zihan finally entered the sitting room, only Zong and Quentin answer her. Nainai, on the other hand, shot her a sharp side-eye glare.
Zihan sat and said, "Good morning, AYi."
Nainai scoffed. "Oh, now your eyes has seen daylight, and you remember to greet me? I've been waiting since dawn, expecting you and Yuting to come and pay your respects. But no! You both waited until the sun was high in the sky. I don't want to hear any excuses. People should learn to have some conscience!"
Zihan remained silent, only greeting Quentin and Zong, who acknowledged her.
Zong got straight to the point. "Zihan, did you ever breastfeed Yibo?"
Zihan looked at him in disbelief. "Yibo?"
"Yes," Zong confirmed.
She frowned. "How is that even possible? No, I never did!"
Nainai immediately got up, narrowed her eyes, and said, "Listen to me! Whether you did or didn't, they are still siblings in my eyes! As long as I'm alive, Seth will never marry Yibo. It's absolutely forbidden! A sinful act."
She then scoffed and added, "Besides, what about Yo Lee's son? He was promised to Yibo first! But because you people are dishonest and full of schemes, you're trying to push him away. Well, I'm not like you-I keep my word! I already promised my grandson to him, and that's final!"
Her voice rose with anger. "And now Seth suddenly realizes he's in love with Yibo? Only after seeing Sen Wen? Out of pure jealousy and spite, because he couldn't stand the thought of my grandson being happy? What kind of nonsense is this?"
She waved a hand dismissively. "And where is that so-called girlfriend of his? If he had one, why is he suddenly fixated on my grandson? I don't care! He needs to take his eyes off Yibo. I've already chosen a husband for him!"
Then, she burst into tears again, clutching her head. "Oh, heavens help me! Why is it that no one in this family has any conscience? No one fears consequences! This house is no place for someone like me who actually has morals. Maybe I should just pack up and leave for Shanghai! At least strangers are better than one's own family sometimes!"
Quentin abruptly stood up and walked out. Zihan hesitated for a moment before quickly following him.
Zong sighed and spoke gently. "Alright, let's drop the matter. It won't be brought up again, AYi."
Still wiping her tears with a tissue, Nainai muttered, "I don't care. Since this is the path Seth has chosen, he shouldn't set foot in my part again. I'd choose Zhan over him now. At least Zhan has a kind heart. And let me warn you all-if anyone ever brings up this ridiculous topic again, I will hold them accountable!"
Zong stood up. "I'll be going now."
She didn't even acknowledge him as he walked out and locked the door behind him.
Zong was sitting in the sitting room with Quentin and Zihan, while Seth sat with his head down. After a long silence, Zong finally spoke, "Be patient, Seth. Maybe this is what's best for you."
Seth lifted his head and looked at him, replying, "Thank you uncle."
Quentin, however, remained silent, unable to say anything. Zihan got up and left the room.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
At around 10:30 in the morning, Yibo emerged from his room, freshly showered and dressed neatly. He greeted Quentin, who was sitting in the room, still tense from what had happened earlier that morning. Quentin never expected Nainai to react the way she did, and it left him deeply unsettled. Even if Seth had nothing, she shouldn't have treated him that way-after all, he was her grandson too. And Seth was perfect in every way.
Quentin couldn't even bring himself to tell Yuting about it yet. He glanced at Yibo and responded to his greeting before Yibo headed toward the kitchen to find Yuting.
Yuting glanced at him and said, "Put on a nose mask and go clean the balcony. It's too dusty. I'll be heading to my mother's house now after finishing cooking."
Yibo pouted, "But Mu Qin, I was planning to go there too. I'm all dressed up."
Yuting frowned. "What do you need to go for? The wedding is in three days!"
Yibo's face fell, and he whined, "Please, Mu Qin, let me go. Sister Xia is my friend, even if she's older than me. Please let me."
Yuting shook her head. "No, unless Quentin allows it. Now, go do what I told you to."
Reluctantly, Yibo turned and left the kitchen, heading to his room to grab a thick nose mask. As he was about to leave, Quentin called out, "Where are you going?"
"To sweep the balcony," he replied.
Quentin frowned. "You're sweeping? Where's your mother?"
Hearing them, Yuting peeked from the kitchen. "I'm right here!"
Quentin turned to her. "Why are you making him clean?"
Yuting sighed. "I told him to wear a nose mask, didn't I? Dear, do you think I'll follow him around to clean his house when he gets married? Or should he let his house stay filthy just because he has asthma?"
Quentin didn't respond, while Yibo rolled his eyes and left.
Quentin turned back to Yuting. "When he gets married, he won't have to do housework. I'll get him a capable housemaids."
Yuting smirked. "Really? And what if his husband doesn't want a housemaid?"
Quentin stood up abruptly. "Then the wedding is off. I know what I'm saying." And with that, he walked off to his room.
Yuting shook her head and went back to cooking.
Yibo swept the tiled balcony, occasionally stopping to catch his breath whenever he felt short of air. Just as he was about to take another break, he glanced up and saw Zhan. It was obvious he had just come from the hospital.
Yibo straightened up and leaned against a pillar, breathing deeply.
Zhan stood still, observing him. Yibo looked exhausted.
With a serious expression, Zhan asked, "Who told you to do this?"
Without looking at him, Yibo replied, "Mu Qin."
Zhan was quiet for a moment, then walked past him toward Nainai's section of the house.
Zhan entered Nainai's sitting room and found her sitting with a stern expression. Stopping at the doorway, he asked, "Why did you call me?"
Nainai scoffed. "Why shouldn't I call you, Zhan. I sat here, waiting, but when no one cared to notice, I had to go and get the security guard to find your number and call you. You're the only one I trust, the only one who helps me close chapters. Unlike the children I've been burdened with-they've been nothing but disappointments. I won't even try to deny it. Quentin and Zong are not worth relying on."
Zhan just stared at her. Then, stepping inside, he sat down and asked, "What happened now?"
Her eyes welled up with tears as she said, "Can you believe Seth came out and said he wants to marry Yibo?"
Zhan stood up abruptly, his eyes wide.
Nainai continued, "Instead of shutting him down immediately, they all indulged him, laughing like it was some kind of right thing to do. Even after I made it clear that I already have a husband chosen for Yibo! Do you see where their loyalty lies? They sat right there, smiling at me, as if I were a fool." She pointed at the chairs where Zong and Quentin had been sitting.
Zhan took a deep breath and asked, "And what did you say to them?"
Fuming, she replied, "What do you think? I tore into them! I made it very clear that no matter what, Yibo belongs to Sen Wen. I'm a woman of my word, and I won't be betrayed. Do you hear the audacity of Seth? A mere employee with barely enough to survive, saying he wants to marry my grandson! What, does he want Yibo to suffer? To struggle? Does his salary even enough to take care of Yibo and his issues? No!
I ended the conversation right then and there. I don't want to hear another word about it, or I'll curse whoever brings it up again. Yibo is Sen Wen's, and that's final. That's why I called you, crying on the phone, because I knew you'd understand. Tell me, don't you agree?"
Zhan exhaled slowly, taking a hiding relief breath then nodded. "Yes. Sen Wen is already in the picture."
Nainai smiled triumphantly. "Exactly. You're the only grandchild of mine with sense. I knew you'd never have such ridiculous thoughts about marrying Yibo yourself. Can you imagine? I would disown you! Seth has lost his mind. He should never set foot here again, or I'll leave and go live with Hanba instead."
Zhan didn't respond. His heart was still racing, but he didn't know why.
Nainai continued, "Zong and Quentin have become complete fools. They've betrayed me, but may they realize their mistake and repent before it's too late. I have no part in their nonsense."
Zhan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes as she rambled on.
She sighed dramatically. "You don't understand, Zhan. This is so upsetting. I was so furious earlier that I nearly screamed out loud. I just broke down in tears after they left. How could they do this? How could they bring such disgrace into my home?, Do they want an earthquake in this house because of heaven's wraths towards us.?
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛