Yichen remained silent, watching Mochen and waiting for her response, though her heart was pounding. Ning Li and Xulin were also watching, eager to hear what Mochen would say. After nearly two minutes of silence, Mochen let out a deep sigh and finally said, "Alright, I will look into the matter. Thank you for your advice."
Yichen replied, "Of course. Who else but someone who truly cares about you would bring such a matter to your attention? The world today is corrupt...people no longer want to speak the truth, even when it's right in front of them. Honestly, everyone knows what I've just told you, but they all choose to stay silent and look the other way. But in our family, we don't do that....we stand by the truth."
Xulin added, "Exactly! We could say the same thing in front of that boy's mother without fear. What Yichen told you is nothing but the truth. That woman has no good character....she's manipulative and deceitful. Right now, she believes she has won because no one dares to speak against her. She's managed to silence everyone…"
Mochen cut in, "I told you I would think about it, didn't I?"
Yichen sighed. "I just hope you make a decision you won't regret later. And may you witness for yourself everything we have told you. Honestly, you might even consider hiring a spy to come into your house and see what's really going on. She has taken full control of the household…"
With that, she stood up with a smile and said, "Thank you for your time, Ma'am. May the universe guide us to the right path."
Gesturing toward Ning Li, she added, "This is Mr. Dongjun's daughter… and she's soon to be my daughter-in-law. My eldest son will marry her. They've been together for almost three months now."
Mochen glanced at Ning Li and said, "That's nice. Wishing you both a peaceful and happy life together."
Ning Li stood up and responded with gratitude, while Xulin also got to her feet. They exchanged goodbyes with Mochen before heading for the door. As they reached it, Sen Wen entered the sitting room, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of Yichen and Ning Li. Yichen lowered her gaze and walked out, followed closely by Xulin.
Sen Wen turned to Mochen, stepping further inside before sitting down, his face still showing surprise. "Mum, what was she doing here?"
Mochen simply said, "It's not something you need to know, Sen Wen."
He stood up, clearly unsettled. "Why would you say that, Mum? Please, just tell me what she came here for."
Mochen stood as well. "I said it's not necessary for you to know, Sen Wen. I'm busy upstairs, please excuse me." With that, she left, while he remained standing, watching her leave. Slowly, he sat back down, leaning his head against the chair and closing his eyes, his heart pounding.
🔹▪️🔸▫️
Two days later, Sen Wen walked into his mother's section of the house and found her sitting in the sitting room with her sisters and a few friends, arranging the remaining engagement gifts that were to be sent to Yibo's house.
Seeing him, Mochen asked, "What about the perfumes you said you would get?"
Still standing, he answered, "Oh, they're with Aunty."
She gave him a sharp look. "With Aunty? And what are they doing there?"
He remained silent. One of Mochen's friends chuckled and said, "So your Aunty is the one who found you a husband, and now you're giving her money to buy the perfumes? Honestly, Sen Wen, you really don't take care of yourself properly. Who knows, maybe you've even gotten that boy involved with her, haven't you? Since she already knows your fiance…"
Sen Wen said nothing and simply turned to leave. Mochen glared at him as he walked out. One of her sisters sighed and said, "I never liked that she met the boy back when he was in the hospital. She shouldn't have known anything about this marriage in the first place."
🔹▫️🔸▪️
Yibo was sitting at the dining table around eleven on a Sunday morning, answering past exam questions since their exams would start the next day. Suddenly, the door to the sitting room opened, and Nainai walked in.
Yibo watched her as she entered, shaking her head and muttering under her breath, "Not even an incense burner in this sitting room today. Cleanliness is truly a gift for the fortunate ones. Well, we thank the heavens for that..."
Yibo replied, "Then why don't you light one if you want it so badly?"
Nainai turned to look at him sharply but said nothing as she sat down on the couch. Yibo put down his pen, stood up, and walked into the sitting room. "Where are you off to so early?" he asked.
"I'm going to Zhan's house, of course," Nainai said. "I have no one but him in this world. He came by yesterday looking unwell—so thin, with sunken eyes, like an old man. He's all skin and bones, just standing there like a clothes hanger! And Zhan almost never gets sick, but ever since he married that woman, it's been one thing after another. I'm telling you, something isn't right. Maybe she's a witch who's cast a spell on him! Since the day they moved in together, his health has been declining. One day he's fine, the next he's bedridden! Well, I'm going over there, and if Ning Li really is a witch, I'll be able to tell the moment I lay eyes on her. Witches have their ways, but I've dealt with their kind before. I even fought one once! If she's a witch, I'll know."
Yibo stared at her in disbelief. "A witch? Seriously, Nainai?"
"Oh, yes! And if she's not a witch, then what is she?" Nainai shot back. "Last night, Zhan told me he doesn't even know what's wrong with him. I swear I'm onto something here! Whatever's happening to him, I won't stand by and watch. Zhan is more important to me than anything.... more than a hundred million dollars! If you're coming with me, get ready. And bring paper and a pen. I have questions for that woman...everything about her family background, her ancestors. We need to get to the bottom of this!"
Yibo sat down, laughing uncontrollably. Nainai frowned and glared at him. "You have no sense of respect, do you? What's so funny? Your cousin is suffering, and all you do is laugh! Well, if that's the case, I'll go straight to Zong and tell him to stop your in-laws from coming today, your marriage is not better than my Zhan, or I will called off your engagement till further notice. At least he'll take this seriously."
Yibo looked at her with amusement. "And what does my wedding have to do with this? Why should my engagement be called off because Zhan-ge is unwell?"
Nainai's mouth fell open in shock. She stood up abruptly and called out for Yuting, who quickly emerged from the hallway.
"What's wrong, mother?" Yuting asked, concerned.
Pointing at Yibo, Nainai huffed, "Yuting, you've raised an ungrateful child! In our entire family, there has never been someone this heartless. Yibo doesn't care about his cousin's suffering... just because he's too focused on getting married! Have you ever even told him about all the hardships Zhan endured since he was a child? Did you ever sit him down and make him understand? If you had, there's no way he'd be prioritizing a wedding over his own cousin's well-being! I swear, if I don't stop this engagement today, my name isn't Shuyi! No amount of money can compare to my grandson's life!"
She shook her head. "I barely slept last night. It wasn't until dawn that I finally got some rest. Now I've hurried over so I can take him to Zhan's house and see what's really going on there. If his Ning Li is a witch, I need to see it with my own eyes!"
Yibo pouted and said, "I'm not going anywhere. I have an exam tomorrow. Or am I a doctor that I need to go with you?"
Nainai immediately burst into tears and headed for the door. "Oh, so Yibo has become the biggest problem in the world! Quentin fathered a selfish child. May the heavens save us from ungrateful people, wherever they are! I'll go find Zong instead... at least he has some sense." With that, she stormed out of the sitting room.
Yibo pursed his lips and turned back toward the dining table, but Yuting's firm voice stopped him. "Go get ready and go with her."
He spun around, his face twisted in protest, almost on the verge of tears. "Mu Qin, I'm studying! I really don't want to go to Gege's house."
Yuting frowned. "Are you arguing with me now?"
At that moment, tears welled up in her eyes. Without another word, Yibo sighed, turned, and headed to his room. He got dressed, sprayed himself with cologne, and grabbed his phone and a small bag before stepping back into the sitting room. Yuting watched him closely, surprised by his reluctance. She never imagined that Yibo would hesitate to visit Zhan when he was unwell.
Softly, Yibo said, "Mu Qin, we'll be back later."
"Be safe," Yuting replied. "And say a prayer before you leave."
Yibo nodded and headed for the door.
He made his way to Meiling's part of the house and gently opened the sitting room door. Before he even stepped inside, he could already hear Nainai's voice coming from Zong's sitting room.
"Yibo has completely changed! He's lost all his manners. But what truly scares me is how everyone has hidden the struggles Zhan went through for him. That boy never trusted anyone except his mother and Zhan. He clung to him so much that even Quentin was afraid of separating them. And now, all of a sudden, Yibo has turned into a selfish, heartless person? Call Quentin right now.... I need to know if they're the ones teaching him to treat Zhan this way! He laughed in my face when I told him Zhan was sick and that I was going to visit him. I've had enough of Yibo in this house!"
Zong remained silent, his head lowered as he listened.
Nainai scoffed and continued, "I don't care anymore. As for Zhan, we need to take this seriously. If anything happens to him, I'll be the one who suffers the most. If this marriage is the problem, then we should call it off immediately! I won't stand by and do nothing."
Finally, Zong looked at her and said, "It's just a fever. He's already feeling better now."
Nainai clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Of course, you'd say that, Zong, because it's not your body! Do you know how he was shivering last night? I had to wrap him in a heavy blanket just to keep him warm. And now you're telling me he's fine? You people need to be more mindful! This is not a joke. I'm going over there now to see for myself. And if his wife is some kind of witch, I'll know."
Shocked, Zong frowned. "What? AYi, how can you say something like that? Accusing someone of witchcraft is a serious claim."
Nainai, now furious, snapped, "And I stand by it! If she's not a witch, I'll say so when I come back. But I fear no one but the heavens, so don't expect me to keep quiet about this."
Just then, Yibo entered the sitting room, his gaze lowered as he greeted Zong respectfully.
Zong responded, asking Yibo how he was feeling since he had been suffering from leg pain the day before.
Before Yibo could answer, Nainai scoffed and said, "Why are you asking about his health? Didn't they tell you he's perfectly fine? The real patient is lying down over there, yet you're worried about this one who's up and moving." She shook her head and stood up. "So, are you going to call them and inform them that your eldest son is unwell, and they should postpone bringing the wedding payment until next week, or not?"
Yibo turned to look at her in shock, but Zong sighed and said, "Come on, AYi, this has nothing to do with Zhan's illness. What do they have to do with this? And besides, Zhan is still young. Please, just let this matter go. It's not even appropriate to bring it up now. We've already made arrangements with the family, and you're introducing something entirely different."
Nainai huffed. "Well, whatever happens to my grandson, let it be known that I will not stand for it!" With that, she stormed out of the sitting room in anger.
Yibo turned to Zong and said, "Bobo, we'll be back later."
Zong simply nodded, and Yibo hurried after Nainai.
The entire way to the main road, Nainai kept ranting that if anything happened to Zhan, it would affect everyone. Yibo simply pouted, standing beside her silently. When a rickshaw pulled up, Nainai stopped it and got inside.
The rickshaw driver asked where to go, she snapped, "For heaven's sake, stop asking me where I'm going! Hop on, and let's go! Do you think I'm a child who needs permission to leave the house? My grandson is unwell—his life is in the hands of fate! And I strongly suspect his wife is behind this. Yet here you are, still questioning where I'm going!"
The rickshaw driver remained silent. Yibo sighed, frowned, and climbed in.
The entire ride to Zhan's house, Nainai kept muttering to herself. Neither Yibo nor the driver responded to her complaints. When they arrived, before she could dig into her purse for a fifty, Yibo handed the driver a five hundred instead, not wanting to drag the conversation any further.
The driver took out two hundred and offered it back, but Nainai gasped dramatically and exclaimed, "How much did you take, young man?"
Yibo groaned. "Nainai, it wasn't your money. Let him go already."
The rickshaw driver quickly drove off while Nainai continued shouting after him, calling him a thief.
Not wanting to be dragged into her scene, Yibo entered the house, leaving her standing at the gate. He stopped at the balcony, crossing his arms as he waited for her.
A few moments later, she entered the compound, still muttering, "Quentin's money will do him no good in this world. At best, he escaped suffering and hardship since we never gave him a penny."
She didn't even look at Yibo as she turned the doorknob and walked into the sitting room.
Yibo pouted again and followed her inside.
Yichen peeked out from the kitchen, where she was frying eggs and potatoes.
Nainai held her chin, looking at her closely, then asked, "Who is that?"
Yichen greeted her curtly before returning to the kitchen.
Just then, Ning Li came down the stairs, dressed in a long gown, holding a tray with a cup. Seeing Nainai's expression.... her averted gaze, pursed lips, and disapproving frown...she sighed and said, "Welcome."
Nainai wasted no time. "Where is Zhan?"
Ning Li replied, "He's upstairs. They've put him on an IV drip."
Nainai clutched her chest dramatically. "This is serious! It's already come to this? Well, I swear, I won't let anything happen to my grandson!"
She turned to Yibo. "Come on, let's go see him."
Yibo stepped forward, but Ning Li quickly interjected, "Nainai, he's in his room..."
Nainai turned to her sharply. "His room? And what? Did I say I was going anywhere else? Or did you think I was heading to your room instead, Ning Li?"
Ning Li hesitated before saying, "No, I just heard you say you were going up. But since you're his grandmother, of course, you can go to his room."
Nainai adjusted her stance, then narrowed her eyes. "And what about Yibo?"
Ning Li's expression hardened slightly. "This isn't his place to enter my husband's room. He has no right to. That room is a private space for me and Zhan."
Nainai let out a loud gasp, then dropped onto the couch, holding her head in frustration. "I've seen it all... Ning Li, do you even hear yourself? What kind of secret do you and Zhan share that the rest of us don't know? Do you even realize who you're trying to stop from entering his room?"
Yichen stepped out of the kitchen, her expression unreadable. "Come on, mother, let's be realistic here. That room belongs to both her and her husband to be. Why should someone else just walk in like that? Are we in some kind of chaotic town with no rules? It's completely inappropriate for another person to enter a married couple's room without reason."
Nainai stood up abruptly, her mouth open in shock as she stared at Yichen. "Yichen, who exactly is this Yibo in Zhan's house? Who is he?? Oh, you must have lost your mind! Let me tell you, Yibo is a thousand times better than Ning Li in Zhan's life. And who even is this Ning Li, for heaven's sake? And since when did you become so righteous, preaching to me about who should and shouldn't enter his brother's room?"
She scoffed. "Did he say he was going in there to sleep? Or did he tell you he's as thoughtless as you? I've had enough! No shame, no decency....you waltz into your in-laws' house and head straight for the kitchen while she's upstairs with her husband enjoying herself? Yichen, seriously? In all my life, I have never seen such a thing! But that's not even the real issue here." She waved her hand dismissively. "What truly concerns me is my grandson's health. This sickness of his is no ordinary illness. Ever since he knew this woman, his health has been deteriorating.... one day he's fine, the next he's sick, then fine again, then sick again. Why? And by the way, where exactly is this woman from? I need to know before I decide my next move."
Yichen gave her a sharp look, clearly holding back from responding. Meanwhile, Ning Li simply rolled her eyes and walked past them into the kitchen, chewing gum loudly.
Nainai shook her head. "Go ahead and act tough, girl, but not with my grandson. You can try all you want, but mark my words, your days in this house are numbered." With that, she grabbed Yibo's hand and stormed upstairs, fuming.
Yichen watched them go, her chest tightening with frustration. She knew better than to argue with Nainai, no matter how unreasonable she was being.
Nainai pushed open the upstairs sitting room door and stepped inside. When she noticed that Yibo hadn't followed, she yanked him forward with an impatient glare and dragged him toward Zhan's room.
Zhan was lying in bed with his eyes closed. Nainai glanced at the now-empty IV drip bag hanging beside him and gasped. "Look at this nonsense! They put him on an IV and then just left him like this!"
At the sound of her voice, Zhan opened his eyes.
Nainai immediately burst into tears and rushed to his bedside. "Oh, my poor Zhan. Don't worry, my dear. As long as I'm alive, nothing will happen to you. The truth is finally coming out... I see everything now!"
But Zhan wasn't focused on her. His eyes were locked on Yibo, who stood stiffly by the door, refusing to step inside or even meet his gaze. Instead, Yibo was fidgeting with his fingers, avoiding eye contact.
Nainai sat down on the bed, wiping away a few stray tears. "Zhan, how long after Ning Li arrived did you start feeling unwell?"
Zhan didn't answer. He just kept staring at Yibo.
Annoyed, Nainai turned to Yibo. "And you....you have no manners at all. Shouldn't you at least come over and greet him?"
Only then did Yibo finally look at Zhan. Their eyes met for a brief second before Yibo quickly looked away. He stepped inside hesitantly and knelt beside the bed. "Gege… how are you feeling?"
Zhan remained silent.
Nainai scoffed. "Hmph! I practically had to drag him up here, Zhan. Can you believe it? Yibo has no heart! He even had the nerve to tell me that we shouldn't postpone his wedding gifts until next week just because you're sick!"
Zhan, however, wasn't listening. He was still staring at Yibo.
Just then, the door swung open, and Ning Li walked in, carrying a covered food plate. She didn't acknowledge anyone else in the room as she set the tray down and sat beside Zhan, speaking in a gentle, coaxing voice.
"Baby, please eat something, even just a little, so you can take your medicine. You need to rest properly after this," she urged.
Yibo narrowed his eyes at her, throwing her a sideways glare. Meanwhile, Nainai folded her arms, her face twisted in displeasure, muttering silent prayers under her breath as she discreetly "blessed" every corner of the room.
Zhan sat up, pushing his blanket aside as he looked at Ning Li. "Don't worry. I'll eat later... I just had some tea."
She pouted. "Should I make you some pepper soup? It might bring back your appetite."
Zhan hesitated before nodding. "Okay."
She stood up with a satisfied smile, swaying her hips dramatically as she walked toward the door.
Yibo scoffed and looked away, his face unreadable.
As soon as Ning Li left, Nainai got up, grabbed the food, opened the window, and threw it all downstairs. Then, turning to Zhan, she lowered her voice and said, "She's a witch, Zhan…"
Zhan stared at her in shock, his mouth slightly open. Nainai pouted and continued, "Just wait, I'll cook you something fresh. I'm not joking, I've figured it out... she's a witch. But don't say anything to her yet. We need to catch her red-handed. Later, A-Ji told me she would come over…"
Zhan couldn't help but smile, though he said nothing. Nainai marched out of the room, her face stern, heading to the kitchen to cook.
Seeing this, Yibo quickly stood up and walked toward the door.
"Yibo," Zhan called out.
Yibo froze but didn't turn around. When Zhan remained silent, Yibo slowly turned back to face him. Their eyes met, and Yibo saw something in Zhan's expression that made his heart tighten. He looked like he was on the verge of tears as he whispered, "Yes?"
When Zhan didn't respond, Yibo hesitated before stepping closer to the bed, kneeling slightly. "I'm here," he said softly.
Zhan dropped his gaze and asked, "How are your exam preparations going?"
"They're fine," Yibo answered quietly. "How are you feeling?"
Zhan looked at him. "So you knew I was sick?"
Yibo shook his head. "No, Nainai told me earlier. I swear, I had no idea."
Zhan remained silent, making Yibo shift uncomfortably. "I'll go help Nainai in the kitchen," he finally said.
"Promise me you won't leave the house," Zhan said.
Yibo smiled faintly, hiding his face slightly. That was exactly what he had wanted to do. Before he could say anything, Zhan reached for his hand. Yibo's eyes widened, and Zhan said softly, "Don't go yet, Yibo."
Yibo pouted. "But your mom is here, and Ning Li keeps glaring at me. I should just leave."
"Then stay here in my room," Zhan suggested.
Yibo's eyes widened. "But Nainai just left. If Ning Li comes in, she might start yelling at me."
"You just want to leave," Zhan said knowingly.
Yibo smiled, shaking his head. "Fine, I won't go. But what's wrong with you, Gege? You've lost so much weight."
Zhan leaned back against the bed and sighed. "I don't know."
Yibo tilted his head. "Is it about our last conversation? I mean… about the…"
Zhan went quiet, staring at the air conditioner. Then he mumbled, "The wedding gifts are arriving today, right?"
Yibo laughed, covering his face. "Honestly, I don't even know."
Zhan glanced at him and saw the smile on Yibo's face. "So, you're happy," he murmured.
Yibo pursed his lips, refusing to answer.
Zhan swung his legs off the bed and walked to his wardrobe, pulling out a fresh shirt to wear over his singlet and shorts. Just then, the door swung open, and Ning Li stepped in. She eyed Yibo before looking at Zhan with an unreadable expression. Then, in an icy tone, she said, "Mister, get out of my husband's room. Looks like your whoring around isn't just outside... you've even brought it home."
Yibo shot her a glare. "Whoring? If anyone here is a whore, it's you...."
Before he could finish, Ning Li slapped him hard across the face.
"How dare you call me that in my own house...."
Before she could finish, Zhan landed a slap on her so hard that she staggered back, seeing stars.
She turned in shock, holding her cheek. "Zhan…!"
But Zhan only slapped her again, this time grabbing her by the wrist, his chest rising and falling with anger. "Do you even know who you just slapped, Ning Li?"
Her eyes widened in fear as she looked at him. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she sobbed. "So you hit me over this lowlife? Over this useless...."
Before she could finish, Zhan shoved her with all his strength, making her stumble and fall to the floor. His voice was eerily calm as he said, "You're the lowlife here, not him."
Ning Li scrambled to her feet and ran out of the room, crying.
Yibo was shaken, staring at Zhan in disbelief. "Gege, why did you slap her? I could've defended myself. You didn't have to do that. She's a woman, and besides… your Mom is here."
Zhan grabbed Yibo's shoulders and raised his voice. "Do you know how I felt when she slapped you, Yibo? Do you even understand the rage I felt? How dare she put her filthy hands on your face?"
Yibo stared at Zhan without blinking, his wide eyes locked onto him. Zhan lowered his voice, exhaling slowly as he said, "I swear, if she had slapped me instead, I wouldn't have even looked at her. But why would she slap you, Yibo?"
Yibo didn't respond, just kept watching him, noticing how Zhan's eyes had darkened with anger. Then, without warning, Zhan pulled him into a tight embrace, closing his eyes.
Slowly, Yibo rested his head against Zhan's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and inhaling his warm, intoxicating scent.
Zhan held him close, walking gently with Yibo still in his arms until they reached the door. Then, without letting go, he reached out and locked it.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛