By the time Yibo reached the balcony and headed toward the gate, Zhan quickly grabbed his wrist and asked, "Hey, where are you going?"
Yibo's face was scrunched up as if he was about to cry. "I'm going home! After everything she said to me? I'm done!"
Zhan just stared at him, reading his expression. When Yibo tried to pull his hand away, Zhan glanced toward the gate, then gently pulled him closer and spoke in a calm, low voice. "Come on, let it go..."
Yibo pouted but remained silent. Zhan sighed, smiling slightly. "Still upset?"
"She insulted me," Yibo muttered, his brows furrowed.
Zhan widened his eyes in mock surprise, still grinning, then playfully tugged Yibo's nose. "Now, now, I didn't hear her insulting you. Are you making things up?"
Yibo struggled to break free, intending to leave, but Zhan refused to let go. "I told you to let it go, didn't I?"
Yibo shot him a glare, his lips trembling with frustration. "Did you even tell her who I am?"
That made Zhan burst into laughter. He couldn't help it—the way Yibo spoke sounded exactly like something Nainai would say. Grinning, he held onto both of Yibo's hands. "Of course I told her, little bro. But if it makes you feel better, I'll tell her again, loud and clear. Now, let's go back inside, and you'll make breakfast for both of us. We can just ignore her, alright?"
Yibo pouted again but didn't argue. Zhan smiled. "And when we get back inside, I want you to tell Nainai you've let it go, so she can stops yelling, okay?"
After a moment, Yibo sighed and mumbled, "Okay."
Zhan studied him for a second, then patted his head. "Good boy." With that, he led Yibo back into the sitting room, still holding his hand.
Inside, Nainai was standing near the staircase, muttering to herself. "That wretched girl! She'll turned Zhan against me just because I stood up for my grandson? Oh, so now I'm the bad one? Unbelievable. And to think she barely even greeted me when she walked in earlier, standing there stiff like some soldier. And then, when I asked her to make breakfast for us, she had the nerve to say her 'shipment' of food hadn't arrived yet? Since when do people store food in containers?"
She huffed, shaking her head. "I let all of that slide, but now she's gone too far by messing with Yibo. Does she not understand that no one messes with my grandson? Is this how it's going to be from now on? I've seen enough! If this is what living with her is going to be like, then I'd rather not be here at all!"
Zhan approached her carefully. "Come on, Nainai, let's not get worked up over this. Yibo already said he's letting it go."
Nainai turned sharply toward Yibo. "Is that true?"
Yibo hesitated, then gave a small nod.
Nainai finally exhaled and sat down, wiping her forehead. "Well, thank goodness! Now she can come down and make breakfast for us. Honestly, Zhan, I don't think you chose well. She's already showing her true colors, and you haven't even gotten far with her yet. But don't worry...I know how to handle difficult women. Just ask Yichen. She gave me trouble once, and I put her right in her place!"
Zhan glanced at Yibo and gestured for him to go to the kitchen. Yibo crossed his arms and pouted. "What, by myself?"
Nainai turned to him sharply. "By yourself for what?"
Zhan smiled and said, "Come on, let's go together."
Without arguing, Yibo headed to the kitchen, and Zhan followed. He crouched next to the pile of potatoes that Nainai had started peeling, picked up a knife, and handed it to Yibo. "Be careful with the knife…"
Yibo didn't say anything, just took the knife and started peeling. Zhan crouched beside him, watching closely. Each time Yibo finished peeling one, he placed it into the bowl of water next to him. Zhan just kept observing.
When Yibo had peeled six potatoes, he said, "That should be enough for me and Nainai."
Zhan widened his eyes. "What about me?"
Yibo turned to him quickly. "You too?"
Zhan nodded.
Yibo sighed, pouting, then continued peeling.
A sudden sharp scream rang out as Yibo dropped the knife. Blood welled up on his finger.
Zhan immediately grabbed his hand. "Oh no..."
Yibo started shaking his hand in a panic. "Ow! It stings, Gege!"
Zhan quickly led him to the kitchen sink, turned on the tap, and held Yibo's hand under the running water. He examined the cut....it wasn't deep. Speaking gently, he said, "Sorry, lil bro…"
When he turned Yibo around to check on him, he saw tears forming in his eyes. Zhan's expression changed in concern. "Does it hurt that bad?"
Yibo sniffled, then suddenly burst into a soft sob. "You were the one who told me to keep going even after I finished peeling enough for me and Nainai!"
Zhan pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry, please don't cry. We should have just used a potato peeler." He lifted Yibo's face and gently wiped away his tears with his fingers.
Still pouting, Yibo muttered, "I'm not peeling anymore. You can slice them yourself."
Zhan chuckled as he finished drying Yibo's face. "Alright, alright. Then you turn on the stove, pour some oil into the pan."
Finally letting go of him, Zhan returned to the potatoes. Yibo picked up a frying pan, opened the new bottle of oil, poured some in, and turned on the stove. He also put on a pot of tea with a tea bag, though he left out the ginger and cloves since he didn't know where they were.
Yibo stood behind Zhan, watching him slice the potatoes. When Zhan was done, he placed the bowl in the sink and turned to Yibo. "So, what now?"
Yibo smiled. "You don't know, Gege?"
Zhan spread his hands in a helpless gesture.
Shaking his head in amusement, Yibo stepped forward, rinsed the potato slices, and patted them dry while Zhan watched. "How do know all this, you never cook at home,"
Yibo chuckled. "I've seen Mu Qin cook, so I know the basics…"
Zhan didn't argue further, simply watching as Yibo fried the potatoes. When they were golden and crispy, Yibo scooped them onto a plate.
Then he turned to Zhan. "Where are the eggs?"
Zhan's eyes widened. "Are you sure? What if you trigger your asthma?"
Yibo pouted. "It's just an ordinary egg! I'll only add some onion...no spices."
Zhan smiled softly. "Alright…"
He fetched the eggs while Yibo quickly chopped some onion. Within minutes, he was frying the eggs, while Zhan stood nearby, watching him closely to make sure he was okay.
Eventually, Zhan stepped closer and stood behind him, lowering his voice. "You're uncomfortable, Yibo."
Yibo didn't say anything, but his breathing was unsteady. "Maybe it was because i hadn't lowered the heat on the stove, even though i often fried eggs at home."
Zhan quickly turned the gas down and shifted Yibo slightly, supporting him with his broad shoulder. Yibo took slow, deep breaths, unconsciously inhaling Zhan's comforting scent.
Zhan carefully flipped the eggs in the frying pan until they were perfectly cooked, then turned off the stove. He transferred everything onto a plate that Yibo had taken out. He also turned off the kettle since the water was now boiling.
Gently lifting Yibo's chin off his chest, Zhan studied his face and asked, "Are you okay?"
Yibo nodded silently.
Zhan smiled slightly. "Go to the sitting room. I'll bring the breakfast in a moment."
Without arguing, Yibo headed for the door. Zhan watched him leave before grabbing another plate and setting aside a portion of potatoes and eggs for Ning Li, covering it. Then, he poured the hot water into a teapot, grabbed two cups and a spoon, and carried everything to the sitting room.
Nainai was fast asleep on the couch, snoring softly. Zhan smiled before shifting his gaze to Yibo, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor. Setting the teapot down, Zhan asked again, "Are you sure you're okay, Yibo?"
Yibo nodded.
Zhan returned to the kitchen to fetch the plates of food. He prepared a strong cup of tea and brought it out along with the rest of the breakfast. Finally, he picked up the extra plate he had set aside and another cup of tea before heading upstairs.
Yibo watched him go but then scoffed and turned away, acting indifferent.
Meanwhile, Ning Li was in her room, talking on the phone with her mother. She was venting about everything that had happened since Nainai had arrived early that morning.
Her mother, clearly irritated, snapped, "I knew I should have stopped you from insisting on marrying him! What do you need Yichen's son for, anyway? I never liked the idea of this marriage, but you just had to go ahead with it. But don't worry... this is nothing. I know exactly how to handle this. Just stay calm. Don't act like I didn't raise you properly. Trust me, Ning Li, just like I live peacefully in your father's house, you'll live the same way in Zhan's."
Ning Li wiped her eyes. "Okay, Mom…"
"Don't show them any weakness," her mother continued. "Not even that rude boy. Ignore him completely. And as for Yichen saying she didn't know that old woman at the dinner… I knew she was lying. But don't worry. Stay strong, my daughter. No one will make your life miserable in your own home. And tell me—has he even spent a night in your room yet?"
Just then, Ning Li heard the door open and quickly whispered, "Mom, I'll call you later."
She ended the call without waiting for a response and turned away, her expression cold.
Zhan entered, set the food down, and sat at the edge of the bed. "Please, Ning Li, be patient. I know this isn't right at all, especially since this is only your second day here. But please understand....this is just how my grandma is. Everyone knows it. You're the only one who hasn't dealt with her before. Even I can't escape her scrutiny unless I do exactly what she expects.
"And as for Yibo, he's not a problem. You two just don't understand each other yet. He's actually really sweet once you get to know him. At home, Grandma never lets anyone mistreat him—not me, not anyone. If someone tries, well… let's just say you don't want to see that side of her.
"But don't worry. They'll only be here for a few more hours. And I promise you, I won't let anyone disrespect or mistreat you....you're my future wife."
Ning Li didn't turn to look at him or say a word.
Zhan sighed. "Here's your breakfast."
Still, she remained silent.
Eventually, he gave up and left the room, heading back downstairs.
Yibo was sitting in the living room with his arms crossed, his expression sour. Zhan couldn't help but stare at him.
He stepped inside, Zhan asked, "Aren't you going to drink the tea?"
It was as if Yibo had been waiting for this moment.
"I'm not hungry," Yibo answered, his voice raised, his eyes brimming with unshed tears
Zhan remained silent, watching Yibo. Then he moved closer and asked, "Why won't you eat? Aren't you the one who prefers this?"
Yibo didn't say anything. Zhan chuckled, sat beside him, and pulled the teapot closer. He poured a cup of tea, set it in front of Yibo along with the plate of Irish potatoes, and waited. Yibo turned away and started to get up, but Zhan held him down on his lap and said, "Let me feed you myself then."
Yibo struggled to free himself, exclaiming, "I told you, I'm not hungry..."
Just then, Nainai's voice interrupted, "What's going on here?"
Zhan quickly let go of Yibo. Nainai's eyes widened as she stared at him. "Zhan, why are you holding onto him like that?"
Zhan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye but said nothing. Nainai turned to Yibo. "What did he do to you?"
Almost on the verge of tears, Yibo replied, "Nainai, I told him I'm full, but he keeps insisting I eat."
Nainai's eyes widened even more. "What do you mean, full? Full from what? You haven't even had breakfast yet, Yibo! What kind of nonsense is this?" She shook her head dramatically. "Well, I don't care. Leave him alone Zhan and make my tea instead. He can starve for all I care. Or better yet, if he won't listen, just grab him, hold him down between your legs, and force-feed him."
Zhan just smiled, finishing up Nainai's tea before setting it in front of her along with some Irish potatoes. As she stepped down from the couch, she asked, "And where's the bread?"
"I'll go buy some now," Zhan replied.
"Good," Nainai huffed. "Have you ever heard of drinking tea without bread?"
As Zhan left the sitting room, Nainai watched him go, shaking her head. "Unbelievable. A woman's influence can really change a man. Just look at him....suddenly so obedient just because he spent one night under the same roof with a woman. Unbelievable."
She sighed dramatically. "Zhan, the same man who never listens to anyone, suddenly doing errands without argument? Looks like Yichen must've cursed him. Normally, he wouldn't have gone unless he had finished irritating me first. And you Yibo, Sen Wen...he should hurry up and get your wedding done already! If it were up to me, you'd have been married ages ago, and I'd have already moved into your house by now. Honestly, when will this nonsense end? Quentin and Zong have never been obedient since they were kids, almost like I didn't raise them myself. Otherwise, what kind of ridiculous exam could possibly be delaying this wedding? Honestly, I don't care anymore."
Yibo ignored Nainai's ramblings and quickly finished his Irish before Zhan returned. Nainai gaped at him. "Are you seriously going to eat all the Irish potatoes by yourself, Yibo? That's meant for both of us."
Yibo, mouth full, couldn't stop himself from laughing. He didn't even respond, just kept eating, shoving down bite after bite until he had finished nearly half the plate.
Nainai watched, mouth open in shock. Yibo quickly grabbed the cup of tea, fanned it to cool it down, then gulped it all in one go before setting the cup down beside Nainai and wiping his mouth.
She crossed her arms and asked, "Are you embarrassed because of Zhan?"
Yibo immediately responded, "Embarrassed? Me? Please! Just don't tell him I ate anything, alright? As far as I'm concerned, I haven't eaten a thing."
Without waiting for her reply, he walked over to the couch, wiped his mouth again, and sat down, turning his focus to the TV.
Nainai shook her head. "Yeah, right. Like someone who just ate half a plate of potatoes would claim he hasn't eaten. Who are you fooling?"
Yibo ignored her, staring at the TV.
Just then, Zhan returned, carrying a bag of bread. He walked in, eyes scanning the room until they landed on the empty cup of tea he had prepared before leaving. Yibo, trying to act natural, kept his face straight and focused on the TV.
Nainai chuckled and said, "Oh, don't make that face. You already devoured everything like someone who hasn't eaten in days. Poor Zhan probably thinks I had some of it too. Just look at what he left me—barely enough to feed a cat, let alone a full-grown woman like me. You eat like a horse, boy."
Yibo turned to her, looking like he was about to cry. Zhan simply smiled, placed the bread down, and said, "Well, since I bought the food and neither Quentin nor Zong paid for it, I don't see why you should be complaining. It's his brother's house, after all."
Without waiting for a response, he went upstairs.
Yibo, now grinning, exchanged looks with Nainai, clearly pleased.
Nainai clicked her tongue, tore off a large chunk of bread, and muttered, "Well, if I hadn't given birth to them, how would they even bathed you? If I had known, I'd have not give birth to them to see How you suppose to come to the world ungrateful children.
Yibo came down, laughing uncontrollably. Meanwhile, Nainai didn't even look at him; she just kept a straight face while eating her bread. After eating to her heart's content, she got up, took the plates and cups to the kitchen, washed everything, and even wiped down the counters. She then started cleaning the sitting room, meticulously dusting the new furniture with a cloth as she muttered, "No one can say dirt won't accumulate in this house. Dirt is disgusting… absolutely disgusting."
Yibo just sat there watching her. Once Nainai finished cleaning, she went to the room she had given to Yong Dan and lay on the bed, dozing off as if it were her own.
▫️🔹🔸
Around 11:30 AM, Zhan came downstairs, dressed in casual clothes that fit him perfectly. He stood near the staircase, staring at Yibo before finally asking, "Where's Nainai?"
Without looking at him, Yibo replied, "I don't know."
Zhan turned and saw Ning Li coming down the stairs slowly, as if the steps themselves were too much of a burden. She wore a blouse and a skirt that suited her perfectly, making her look radiant. She was undeniably beautiful.
However, her expression was cold as she descended. The moment she and Yibo locked eyes, Yibo quickly looked away, his face turning serious. Ning Li did the same, feeling an unexplainable hatred for him deep in her heart.
Zhan walked over to a downstairs room, opened the door, and peered inside. Seeing Nainai sleeping, he shut the door and turned back toward Ning Li. She was looking in another direction, her face still stiff with irritation.
"She's sleeping," Zhan informed her.
As if she had been waiting for those words, Ning Li immediately turned and rushed back upstairs. Zhan glanced at Yibo, then followed her.
Meanwhile, Yibo quietly went into the room where Nainai was sleeping. He opened her bag and took out five hundred before zipping it back up and leaving the room. Without a second glance, he headed straight for the door, mumbling to himself as he stepped out.
The security guard stood up and opened the gate for him. "See you later," the guard said.
"Take care," Yibo replied before walking out.
Once he reached the main road, he flagged down a rickshaw and gave the driver his home address.
Upstairs, Ning Li entered her bedroom, and Zhan followed, closing the door behind him. He turned to her and said, "So, what about lunch?"
She sat on the edge of the bed and took off her scarf, letting her long hair fall over her shoulders. With a slight edge to her voice, she said, "Didn't you just say she's sleeping? And wasn't it your idea to ask her first before cooking? Please, Zhan, let me be. Also, I don't want that boy coming into this house again. I'm sorry, but I can't stand him. I don't know why, but I hate him with all my heart."
Zhan stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, in a firm voice, he said, "Aside from my parents, my siblings, and my grandmother, there is no one in this world I love more than him. Just like Nainai told you earlier. And now you're standing here, looking me in the eye, telling me you dislike my brother? Are you even thinking straight, Ning Li? What exactly is your problem with him? Let me make this clear... there is no way you can stop Yibo from coming here. This isn't your house. Now, get downstairs and make lunch for my grandmother."
Furious, she snapped, "You'd better go out and buy lunch from a restaurant because I'm not cooking. And since when is someone forced to cook on their third day in a house? I won't do it. Go buy food for them or have your precious brother cook it himself."
With that, she got up, stormed to the far side of the bed, and sat down, her arms crossed.
Zhan clenched his fists, trying to control his temper. Under his breath, he muttered, "I'll deal with this nonsense soon." Then, without another word, he stormed out of the room.
Ning Li glared at his retreating back and muttered, "We'll see just how much you love your brother."
When Zhan came downstairs, he noticed Yibo wasn't in the sitting room. He checked the kitchen... nothing. He even peered into Nainai's room, but Yibo wasn't there either.
Nainai, half-asleep, opened her eyes slightly and mumbled, "Is it 1 PM already, Zhan?"
Ignoring the question, he asked, "Where's Yibo?"
She sat up suddenly, startled. "Who is Yibo?"
Zhan didn't answer. Instead, he stepped out of the room and went into the compound, looking around. There was no sign of Yibo. He turned back toward the house, confusion crossing his face, when Nainai suddenly appeared in front of him, eyes wide with alarm.
"Where is he?" she demanded.
"I just came downstairs and didn't see him anywhere," Zhan replied.
Nainai let out a sharp gasp and burst into tears. "Oh no! I'm doomed! His father reluctantly allowed him to accompany me and now he's missing. Where could he have gone, Zhan? Please, you have to find him. I swear, if anything happens to him, Quentin will never forgive me. Not in this life or the next! Please, save me, Zhan. Find him!"
Zhan kept staring at her, but she shoved him aside and ran to the gatekeeper, tears streaming down her face. "Did you see a tall, skinny, pale boy leave through this gate earlier?"
The gatekeeper nodded. "Yes, he left. We even exchanged farewells."
Nainai let out a long wail, clapping her hands in distress. "You idiot, you useless fool! How could you let a child pass this gate when he came out? This is it! He's lost in this vast world! People have no conscience....letting someone's child walk out alone! How am I supposed to find Yibo now? Oh, heavens, have mercy on me!"
She broke down in sobs and dashed out of the gate barefoot.
Zhan went back inside, grabbed his car keys, and hurried out. By the time he reached the gate, Nainai had already run off. He started the car, and the gatekeeper opened the gate for him to drive out.
Meanwhile, Nainai had made it to the main road, stopping more than five people, frantically describing Yibo to them. Each one shook their head, saying they hadn't seen him. She burst into heavy sobs, crying, "Quentin will never forgive me, not in this lifetime!"
Passersby tried to console her as she walked through the street, still weeping.
Zhan parked his car beside her, rolled down the window, and said sternly, "Get in."
She shot him an angry glare. "Get in? And go where? The child is missing! Your house has brought me nothing but bad luck! The moment we arrived, Yibo disappeared!"
Zhan snapped, "Do you think Yibo is a child that you're standing in the middle of the road looking for him?"
She gasped, eyes wide. "To his father, he is still a child! He is all Quentin has! Leave me alone, Zhan! What am I supposed to tell Quentin and Yuting if I get in your car?" Her voice broke, and she wept bitterly.
A small crowd had started to gather around her. Frustrated, Zhan clicked his tongue and drove off, leaving her behind.
He headed straight to their family house. When he parked in front of the gate and stepped into the compound, it was empty. He walked toward Yibo's section of the house, stood on the balcony for a moment, then knocked and pushed the door open.
Inside, Yibo was sitting in the living room, a plate of food in front of him as he ate while watching TV.
The moment their eyes met, Yibo jumped up in panic, nearly stumbling, and sprinted to his room, locking the door behind him.
From the kitchen, Yuting peeked out.
Zhan lowered his head slightly. "Good evening, Aunty."
She smiled. "Good evening. How's everything?"
"All is well," he replied.
She returned to the kitchen, while Zhan sat down in the living room.
Moments later, Yuting emerged. "How's Ning Li?"
Zhan smiled faintly. "She's fine."
"That's good to hear. Should I get you something to eat?"
"No, thank you."
She gathered the plate Yibo had left behind, took it to the dining area, and covered it with another plate.
Just then, Nainai entered, drenched in sweat. "Where is Quentin?"
Yuting looked at her in surprise. "Welcome, mother."
Nainai waved off the greeting impatiently. "I asked where Quentin is! I didn't see Yibo...."
Yuting frowned. "Yibo? He's been home since earlier."
Nainai gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. "He came back?! That wicked child! Do you know how much he terrified me? I was out there making a fool of myself, crying on the streets! He made me abandon my bag with all my money in a stranger's house! And worst of all, I was so stressed, I had to run around looking for a toilet....!"
Overwhelmed, she burst into tears again as she left the living room, mumbling, "Quentin really gave birth to trouble. That boy is nothing but a handful. Not that his father was any better..."
Yuting couldn't help but chuckle at her outburst. She turned toward Yibo's room and called, "Yibo!"
It took two calls before Yibo ended his phone conversation with Sen Wen and slowly emerged, head down.
Yuting sighed. "Why didn't you tell mother before you left?"
Yibo pouted, looking like he was on the verge of tears. "She was sleeping, and I was tired. I just wanted to come home."
Yuting shook her head. "Well, you've done well, haven't you?"
Yibo stole a glance at Zhan, who had been watching him the entire time. The moment their eyes met, he turned and bolted back into his room, locking the door.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
A few days later, Yibo and his classmates began preparing for the remaining school activities. During this time, Yibo and Sen Wen were deeply in relationship, but their relationship was mostly over the phone. Yibo couldn't understand why Sen Wen never came to visit, only calling instead. Even when Sen Wen did come by the house, it was only to greet Nainai, and Yibo would only find out afterward when he called, saying he had stopped by.
On a Saturday, exactly one week before an important quiz and two weeks Zhan's moving in, Zhan arrived at the house with Ning Li. She was dressed in an elegant lace top, with a scarf draped stylishly around her neck, holding a handbag, and wearing high heels. She looked stunning, her scent filling the air, her face perfectly made up. She followed Zhan inside, where Meiling and Xinyi greeted her warmly. Ning Li responded with a soft smile and a gentle voice.
Meiling went upstairs to call Zihan. When Zihan came down, she smiled and said, "Oh my, our future bride is here. Welcome."
Ning Li looked at her and replied, "Thank you…"
Zihan sat down and asked, "How are you?"
"I'm fine. How is everything at home?" Ning Li replied politely.
"Everything is good, thank you," Zihan said.
Zhan, watching the interaction, noticed that Ning Li hadn't greeted Zihan properly, but he kept quiet. Instead, he turned to Zihan and asked, "Where is Papa?"
"He left early this morning," she answered.
Zhan stood up. "Alright, we'll go greet Nainai."
"Alright, see you later," Zihan replied.
As he was leaving, he asked, "Has Seth returned yet?"
"No, not yet," Zihan said.
Zhan walked toward the door, and Ning Li stood up to follow him. Zihan watched them leave, shaking her head before returning to what she was doing.
Once outside, Zhan looked at Ning Li, irritated. "Was that necessary? She is my aunt."
She stopped and looked at him in confusion. "What did I do?"
"Did you even greet her?" he asked.
Annoyed, she said, "You always make a big deal out of everything. I didn't even realize it. You could have corrected me when we walked out instead of scolding me like this."
Zhan didn't respond. He continued walking, and she followed, muttering under her breath. As they approached another part of the house, she asked, "Is this Nainai's place?"
Zhan glanced at her. "My uncle's."
Without waiting for her response, he stepped into the sitting room. Ning Li sighed and followed.
Yuting was sitting in the room and stood up when she saw them, smiling warmly. "Welcome," she greeted.
Zhan sat down and greeted her back. "Thank you," she replied.
With just one glance at Yuting, Ning Li immediately recognized her as Yibo's mother—it was too obvious. Her expression hardened as she turned her attention to the TV.
Yuting noticed that Ning Li didn't greet her and didn't bother looking at her again. Instead, she headed to the kitchen, saying, "Let me get you some water."
Zhan glanced at Ning Li, who had taken out a piece of gum from her bag, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth. In a low voice, he asked, "Did you greet her, Ning Li?"
She ignored him, chewing her gum.
Yuting returned, setting a bottle of water in front of Zhan. Zhan smiled and said, "We just came from home."
"It's just water," Yuting said lightly.
Zhan picked up a bottle and asked, "Where's Shushu?"
"In Shanghai," Yuting replied.
"We'll go greet Nainai now," Zhan said as he stood up.
Yuting nodded. "Alright, thank you for stopping by."
Ning Li got up and followed Zhan. Yuting watched her leave with a curious expression.
As soon as they stepped onto the balcony, Zhan turned to look at her, but before he could say anything, she hurried past him, still chewing her gum with an indifferent expression. He shook his head and walked toward Nainai's quarters, with Ning Li trailing behind, pouting.
Inside, Nainai was sweeping the sitting room when she looked up and saw them. "Who is this?" she asked.
Zhan didn't answer. He removed his shoes and stepped inside. Ning Li took off her shoes as well and forced a smile. "Let me help you, Nainai. Hand me the broom, and I'll finish sweeping for you."
Nainai looked at her and said, "No need. Just go inside. I've already finished."
"Oh, please, let me help, Nainai," Ning Li insisted.
Nainai sighed, set the broom down, and took the bag from her hand. "Alright, thank you. My back was starting to ache anyway. That one inside has been lying in bed, saying he's not feeling well. At least they already knew he was sick before he came here, so I wasn't too worried."
Zhan kept looking at Nainai, then glanced at the bedroom door but said nothing. Meanwhile, Ning Li finished tidying up the sitting room, gathered the trash, and stood up with a smile, turning to Nainai.
"Where should I throw this?" she asked.
Nainai replied, "Take it behind the window. There's a trash bin there—it's clean, I washed it myself. You can even put food in it safely. Just be careful not to mess up the bin while dumping it. I even used disinfectant when washing it."
Ning Li put on her high-heeled shoes and walked outside to dispose of the trash.
Zhan, still watching Nainai closely, suddenly asked, "What happened to him?"
Nainai dusted off the couch as she answered, "You mean Yibo? Well, he's been running a fever since this morning, and now his whole body aches. On top of that, his period started too, making everything worse. He cried his heart out earlier, rolling all over the sitting room in pain. I had no choice but to leave him and sit on the balcony, minding my own business. I told him to go home, but he refused. What was I supposed to do?"
Zhan immediately stood up, but Nainai quickly warned, "No, don't wake him up, please. That kind-hearted Sen Wen came by earlier, brought him some medicine, and even gave him an injection."
Zhan froze for a moment, processing her words. Ning Li returned to the sitting room and sat on the rug, looking up at Nainai.
"Good afternoon, Nainai," she greeted.
Nainai smiled. "Afternoon, my dear. But you should stop applying so much powder on your face. You're naturally beautiful, but all that powder is too much—you're practically glowing."
Ning Li lowered her head, forcing a small, awkward smile.
Zhan was about to enter the bedroom when Nainai called out, "Don't start any trouble, Zhan! I told you not to wake him up. He just had an injection and finally got some rest. What am I supposed to do if you disturb him now?"
Ignoring her, Zhan stepped into the room.
Ning Li, now curious, quickly turned to Nainai. "Who's not feeling well?"
With a pitiful expression, Nainai sighed. "Yibo... He looks like he won't make it through the day. I told Zhan not to wake him, but he won't listen. He's completely shaken."
Ning Li immediately stood up. "Let me talk to him."
With that, she rushed into the room as well.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛