By the time the assembly ended, Zhan couldn't recall a single thing from it. He only snapped back to reality when he heard his name being called to close the gathering...just like most days, he was the one chosen.
He had been gifted with a melodious voice, capable of reciting any words beautifully. However, he despised being called upon. The moment his name was announced, he felt exposed, scrutinized, and humiliated. But there was nothing he could do about it. With hesitant steps, he made his way to the front of the assembly hall, standing before a sea of students and teachers. His voice, though rich and soothing, trembled slightly with nerves as he fulfilled the task expected of him.
As always, every pair of eyes was fixed on him, each person drawing their own conclusions about him. Some admired his striking features and captivating voice, but the contrast between that and his worn-out school uniform stood out like a glaring contradiction. He was the only student in the entire school with a uniform that had clearly seen better days. If not for his natural cleanliness and careful upkeep, his clothes would have long looked unfit to wear. He was painfully aware that, without his efforts, his uniform would resemble those worn by street beggars.
Just as he finished his part, a luxury car pulled up at the school gates...Nalan had arrived late. It was a rare occurrence for her; she was never one to be tardy. The assembly wrapped up quickly, and students were dismissed to their classrooms as usual.
As Zhan approached his classroom, he unexpectedly came face-to-face with Nalan, who was retrieving her school bag from a young girl around her age. This girl, despite being a student herself, acted more like a personal attendant, always carrying Nalan's belongings and handling small tasks for her. She was responsible for bringing Nalan's bag to class, delivering her meals during breaks, and running errands whenever needed. It was clear that she wasn't just an ordinary student.....her presence at the school seemed to serve a single purpose: attending to Nalan.
Nalan shot Zhan a sharp glance. He saw it, but he deliberately averted his gaze as if she weren't even there. She didn't exist in his world, and he saw no reason to concern himself with the affairs of people like her.
Like every other day, he threw himself into his studies. It was the only thing that mattered to him, the one thing that could lead him to a better future. Even though he had no certainty about what lay ahead, he knew education was his best chance at escaping his current reality. Still, a nagging doubt lingered...would his efforts be enough, or would life once again knock him down, forcing him to his knees under the weight of circumstances beyond his control?
The midday break arrived, and the school bell rang, signaling the students to take some time to relax. While most eagerly rushed out, Zhan remained in his seat, focused on copying the last few notes from the board. Normally, he was quick at writing, but his fingers ached from the excessive washing he had done the night before at Ying Bao's house. He had scrubbed piles of her clothes, hoping that, when it came time to collect his wages, Ms. Bao would be kind enough to add a little extra. He needed it desperately...most of his earnings went straight to repaying his debt to Fenghua, as he couldn't bear the thought of his younger siblings suffering from hunger.
Ten minutes later, he finally finished and closed his notebook. By then, the classroom had filled with the aroma of different meals and snacks as students indulged in their lunches. Zhan carefully placed his books into his bag and pulled out another to read during the break.
At that moment, Nalan and her friends sat atop a luxurious rug, laid out for their meal...a habit of hers. Everything they used, from utensils to snacks, was of the highest quality, all brought from home. Just as Zhan passed near them, he heard Nalan scoff loudly.
"I didn't realize I had made such a mistake choosing this school," she said in a haughty tone, her voice dripping with disdain. "I thought it was one of the best schools from the list Palace Maid Sisi gave me, but now I'm starting to think otherwise."
"What happened?" one of her friends asked, momentarily pausing her game on a tablet.
Nalan sighed dramatically before responding. "I see people here who don't belong in our class of life. It's degrading."
Zhan reached their spot just as she finished speaking. All of them looked up at him, then burst into laughter, clearly understanding the meaning behind Nalan's words.
"Don't mind it," another girl chimed in. "You know how some people get into places like this....maybe he's here on special charity, like how that maid follows you around everywhere. You get what I mean."
Zhan swallowed hard, forcing himself to push down the bitterness rising in his chest. Words like these weren't new to him, and they were exactly why he avoided crossing paths with Nalan. Without a second glance, he picked up his pace and left the classroom, determined to shake off the sting of their conversation and forget what he had just heard.
🟢🦁🔴🐰🟡🐢
At exactly two in the afternoon, school was dismissed according to the usual schedule. As always, Zhan was among the first students to leave the classroom. However, today felt different....he was delayed due to the notes the teacher had been copying for them during the last period, which he hadn't finished. Once the teacher wrapped up, he quickly gathered his books and left the class.
Zhan's mind was already elsewhere...on his younger siblings and the house where he worked. He hoped that today, Ms. Bao would give him his wages.
As usual, the schoolyard was packed with cars waiting to pick up students. Zhan calmly walked through the crowd, making his way toward the street. His posture was composed and dignified. However, he had barely taken a few steps when the roar of a speeding car from behind startled him. Before he could react, the car zoomed past him, kicking up dust that clouded his face. He quickly lifted his head, following the vehicle with his gaze. It was one of the royal family's cars, and he caught a glimpse of Nalan's face through the window. The moment their eyes met, she promptly rolled up the glass.
Zhan simply shook his head. What was her problem? What did he ever do to her? With these thoughts and simmering frustration, he continued his journey home, the scorching sun, dust, and hunger...common struggles for students returning from school...bearing down on him.
Everyone at home knew Zhan's daily return schedule, so it was no surprise that they were already waiting for him. The moment he arrived, his younger siblings rushed forward, competing to greet him. He watched them with a smile, his heart swelling with joy, especially knowing that today, he had something to give them to eat. Nothing pained him more than coming home to their eager welcome without anything to offer them.
Zhan ruffled each sibling's hair as he returned their cheerful greetings. Que was the last to step forward. He looked at her affectionately.
"Fairy," he called...one of the nicknames he used for her. "It looks like we're celebrating today, huh? You seem to be doing much better."
Que nodded, smiling. "I've recovered, Gege! I even fetched water for Aunt Fenghua."
Zhan studied her carefully. He never stopped them from helping with household chores because, after all, Fenghua was their stepmother. However, he often found it difficult to understand her cold-heartedness. He was sure there was food inside, probably part of what she sold, but she would never share it with them. If she did, it was either because their father had bought groceries that day or because one of her customers had taken pity on them and bought something specifically for them.
"How was your day, Que?" he asked as they entered the house. She had been looking at him intently, and he had noticed.
She gave a small smile. "Nothing, Gege." With that, she joined the others as they all went inside.
As expected, Fenghua was busy with her pots of food, attending to customers and collecting money. She was even humming a cheerful tune—clearly, life was treating her well. She didn't bother acknowledging Zhan's arrival, nor did he care. He simply led his siblings into their room. By now, he was used to it.
Zhan knew his siblings were hungry. Without wasting time, he grabbed the porridge flour, rinsed it, poured hot water over it, and left it to soak while he changed out of his school clothes. He always removed them immediately upon returning home, ensuring they stayed in good condition since he had no other alternative if they wore out.
As he changed, he noticed Que still watching him. This time, her gaze held something deeper. Once he was fully dressed in his old but well-maintained clothes, he walked over and took her small hands in his.
"Are you sure you're okay, Que? You're staring at me like I'm a stranger today."
She smiled, but there was something in her eyes...something unspoken. Finally, she looked up at him and said, "I'm fine, Gege. I was just thinking... I wish I could go to school like you. I want to learn how to read and write like you do. I want to become a doctor, wear those white coats, and give people injections."
Her voice held such conviction that Zhan knew she meant every word. The sincerity in her eyes tugged at his heart.
Zhan forced a smile and said, "Que, I'm studying for you all. The only reason I work so hard is so that you can have an education too. My studies belong to you. I promise that one day, all of you will get the chance to learn as much as you want. Each of you will become whatever you dream of being. Just pray for me to find a good job, alright?"
Their faces immediately lit up with joy, showing how much they longed for an education. But for now, they had no choice but to wait. Seeing their happiness, Zhan felt a sense of purpose as he prepared their porridge, distributing it among them before sitting down to eat together. He kept the conversation lively, sharing stories about his dreams for their future, hoping to encourage them. Their enthusiasm grew, each sibling eagerly expressing their aspirations. He listened patiently, responding to every question with warmth and reassurance, silently hoping that one day, he could make their dreams come true.
Despite the simplicity of their meal, they ate with the excitement of children who had been given a feast. Everyone finished their porridge and drank water, satisfied despite their modest portions. After tidying up, Zhan bid them farewell and left for work, reminding them to stay home and avoid wandering around. He wouldn't be back until nightfall.
As soon as he stepped out of the house, he noticed that the street was unusually crowded. He dreaded days like these when the young men in the neighborhood gathered to gossip, usually about who was dating whom or what was happening behind closed doors in people's homes.
Just as he expected, the moment he approached, the conversation shifted to him. The first to speak was Wu, a young man known for his sharp tongue.
"Wow, what a beauty! In this whole neighborhood...no, scratch that, in this whole town...I've never seen a boy as breathtaking as him."
Another voice chimed in. "Too bad he was born to the wrong father. No luck, no support, just pure poverty... Honestly, I've never seen a man waste his blessings like that. He was given beautiful children, both sons and daughters, and yet, he abandoned them. Just look at that boy....he's a treasure! If only his father realized what he had."
Someone else added with a chuckle, "If I were rich, I'd have taken him for myself by now. With a little care, he'd turn into a real prize."
The group burst into laughter until one of them suddenly hushed the others. "Hey, keep it down! He's almost here. Don't make it obvious, just act normal."
Nearby, Nanjue was leaning against a shop, sipping a bottle of water. He had overheard every word, but he didn't glance their way. He wasn't interested in idle gossip. Yet, something made him curious... who exactly were they talking about?
As he finished his drink and tossed the bottle into a trash bin, he finally lifted his gaze in the direction they had been staring.
He didn't know how or why, but his eyes followed Zhan as he walked past, just like the others had. It wasn't in his nature to stare, yet he found himself doing just that. He blinked slowly, only realizing he had lost sight of Zhan after he had already disappeared down the street.
The voices of the gossiping young men reached his ears again, continuing where they left off. Nanjue suddenly felt an unfamiliar irritation rise in his chest. He didn't want to hear another word about Zhan from them.
Without a second thought, he turned and made his way to his small four-door Kia. He got in, took a deep breath, and dialed a number.
The call lasted a few minutes before he hung up. Even then, he didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he sat there, lost in thought.
Eventually, duty called, forcing him to start the engine and leave the neighborhood.
But something told him he would be coming back again.
🔸▫️🔹▪️
As usual, work had piled up at Ying Bao's house. Since she rarely had time to keep things in order herself, the house often needed tidying up, especially on days when she left early for work or had special assignments to handle.
Zhan didn't mind; he had gotten used to it. He threw himself into the chores, making sure everything was spotless. Once the house was back in order, he started cooking, preparing a light meal based on the instructions Ying Bao had left for him. She rarely asked him to cook since she usually brought back fresh meals from her workplace. On lucky days, if there were leftovers, he would get a share.
After finishing in the kitchen, he stepped into the courtyard, silently hoping that Ying Bao would return home early so he could attend his evening lessons. His prayer was answered...before long, she arrived.
Zhan quickly stood up and greeted her with respect.
"Welcome back," he said politely.
"Thank you," she replied with a warm smile.
"Oh, my back," she sighed dramatically, lowering the heavy bundle balanced on her head and setting it down beside Zhan. She looked exhausted.
"Please bring me some water, Zhan, and serve my meal. We barely had time to eat at work today....the tasks were endless."
Zhan nodded and quietly fetched the water and food, then sat down nearby, waiting for her to dismiss him so he could leave.
As she ate, she chatted about her day....mostly about her workplace and the hectic schedule. Ying Bao was quite talkative, while Zhan was the opposite. Still, she didn't mind. Even if he only responded with a nod or a small smile, she was content to keep talking. Once she finished her meal and washed her hands, Zhan stood up, slipping on his shoes.
"Ms. Bao, I'll be heading home now," he said.
"So soon?" she frowned. "Sit down for a moment. Today is a good day...our salaries came in. I'm sure you have things you need to take care of... Ah, this life, it's not easy," she sighed, shaking her head.
Zhan didn't argue. He quietly sat back down, feeling relieved. The thought of receiving his pay lightened his mood.
Ying Bao slung her handbag over her shoulder and unzipped it, pulling out crisp new bills with a bright grin. "Today was a jackpot! Not only did we get our salaries, but we also got bonuses. But you know what they told us? That we should donate part of our bonuses to the needy in our community!" She scoffed, shaking her head. "As if we're not struggling ourselves. Honestly, the only 'needy' I know is right here in my bag!" she joked.
Zhan merely smiled faintly. He wasn't particularly amused. To him, this felt dishonest. If the money was given with a purpose, diverting it for personal use seemed wrong. Besides, he had seen firsthand how Ying Bao and the others benefited from working at that house. They regularly received fresh food, extra cash even outside of payday, and good-quality clothing. But, as always, human nature was unpredictable....perhaps they felt their needs were still greater than what they had.
She counted out his wages and handed them to him.
"Here, take this...your salary for the month, minus the laundry fees."
Zhan accepted the money with both hands, as if receiving a gift, and thanked her sincerely. But before he could put it away, she counted out more bills and handed them over.
"This is for your laundry."
He hadn't expected such an additional amount, and the extra money made him genuinely happy.
"Thank you," he said gratefully.
"I should be the one thanking you, Zhan," Ying Bao replied. "It's rare to find someone as trustworthy as you. All this time, I've never had to search for a missing spoon, let alone anything valuable. That kind of honesty isn't common..."
She picked out another stack of bills and gave him five thousand more. "Here's something from the charity fund. I did my part by giving away at least a little."
Zhan held the money in his hands and counted....nearly fifteen thousand in total. It had been a long time since he last held such a significant amount.
Just as he stood up to leave, she stopped him again.
"Sit back down, young man, and enjoy the rewards of honesty," she said, pulling over the large bundle she had brought with her.
"Today, we've received our share too. We should be grateful for this generosity. These are high-quality clothes from the wealthy household....they're practically royal garments. We're finally getting to wear what they wear and experience their luxury. Their kindness is truly something."
She eagerly started unwrapping the bundle.
As she loosened the ties, a rich, elegant fragrance filled the room. The clothes were neatly packed, and the way they were wrapped made it impossible to tell just how many were inside until they were fully unfolded.
NB
I know it's slow bun, but aren't I like that? 😄 I promise this is a wonderful story and different, I will take my time to write and you too enjoy your reading. I know you're eager to see our Prince Yibo, don't worry he will be announce soon...there's so much to tell about our cute bunny, and the story is based on him.
The first title of the story is "The Journey Of Zhan's Life" I change it to Marriage Of Convenience. But still it's Yizhan and there's Yizhan sweet, sad, unforgettable moments in it.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛