Yibo called Lan Yi again, but she didn't answer. The call went to voicemail. He tried a second time... still no response. With a frown, he set his phone aside and walked out of his room, heading toward Zhan's door.
He turned the handle, but the door was still locked. After a moment's pause, he sighed quietly and went back to his own room.
By dawn, Yibo had showered and dressed, but Lan Yi still hadn't returned his calls. He didn't try again, though the missed calls from her in the early morning kept him restless. Eventually, he decided to drive over to the family house.
He knocked on Zhan's door before leaving. "Baby…" he called softly.
No answer. He knew Zhan wouldn't open it, so he didn't wait. Yibo went to the sitting room, picked up his car keys, and headed outside.
Hearing the sound of the engine starting, Zhan sat up from bed. Slowly, he rose and walked toward the door, peeking through the curtain in the sitting room window. Yibo was warming up his car. A moment later, he opened the gate and drove off.
Zhan watched in silence, then looked at the clock...half past seven. Normally, Yibo left for work around eight-thirty when he had the morning shift. He couldn't understand why Yibo was leaving so early.
Something about him driving away without breakfast made Zhan uneasy. He sighed and quietly returned to his room.
When Yibo arrived at Lan Yi's house, he didn't drive into the compound. He parked outside, walked through the gate, and greeted the guards on duty. Only then did he feel a bit calmer.
The sitting room was empty. He climbed the stairs to Lan Yi's part and entered after knocking.
Lan Yi was sitting on the floor, closing a large suitcase with A-Muan strapped to her back. Bing, who had A-Yuan in her arms, was also sealing another suitcase.
"Good morning, Mama," Yibo greeted.
Without looking up, Lan Yi replied, "Morning."
Yibo nodded, returning Bing's greeting, then asked quietly, "Mama, what's all this luggage for?"
Lan Yi exhaled, zipping the bag shut. "Before your father and brother put me in an impossible position again, I've packed up the twins' things. We'll send them to Beijing, to their mother, so she can take care of them...and I can finally rest. Day and night, it's been nothing but worry. They still refuse the new formula, and now they won't even drink water properly. Their fevers haven't gone down either. That's why I called you earlier, to tell you to book a ticket for the six o'clock flight so someone can take them to Beijing."
Yibo stayed silent.
Lan Yi continued, "Their bags are ready. If you can't get flight tickets, then we'll fill the car with fuel and drive them there instead."
Yibo sighed quietly. "Who will take them, Mama?"
Lan Yi shrugged. "I don't know. Go to your father's and discuss it with him. I've done my part...don't drag me into this any further."
Yibo didn't respond.
Lan Yi turned to Bing. "Go inside and bring out the new pack of diapers."
Bing went into the room. Yibo kept watching his mother quietly.
Lan Yi spoke again, "I heard your father's mistress arrived in Guangzhou yesterday. Go to his section. If she's going back to Beijing, you can let her take the babies. Otherwise, have Hai Kuan escort them since he and your father seem the most concerned about reuniting them with their mother."
After a short silence, Yibo stood and left the room.
He went to Qiren's section of the house and greeted him. Qiren was sitting in the living room, finishing a phone call. When he hung up, Yibo greeted again.
"How's your home?" Qiren asked.
"All fine," Yibo replied softly.
Qiren frowned. "You know, as the second elder, you should be the one guiding your mother to make the right choices. But instead, you just sit back and let everything happen. You treat everything she does as right. That's not obedience...that's weakness. Sometimes silence causes more harm than confrontation."
He looked Yibo directly in the eyes.
"In this matter with the babies, you're a doctor...you know better than anyone what separating them from their mother can do. Yet you've said nothing. You don't have to argue with her, but you can talk to her calmly; she understands you better than anyone else in this family. But your silence, Yibo...it's hurting those children. The responsibility will fall on both of you."
Yibo sighed deeply. "Baba, she's already packed their things. She plans to send them to Beijing. I just don't know how to arrange their travel yet."
Qiren frowned. "Travel? She and her helper can't manage to take them there themselves?"
"She said she's not feeling well," Yibo explained quietly. "So she told me to come and speak with you about finding someone to take them."
"Xuxui is around," Qiren said after a moment. "She's returning to Beijing today. She can take the babies with her."
"That would be better," Yibo agreed.
He stood up a few minutes later and left, relieved that the twins would finally be reunited with their mother.
After Yibo left, Qiren called Xuxui to inform her. She had already planned to take a morning flight back to Beijing with her own teenage twins. When she heard the news, she said, "That's actually best. It would be unfair to keep them apart any longer. Once their mother has cared for them enough, they can always return later if needed."
Yibo was sitting in Lan Yi's sitting room after explaining how things went with Qiren.
Without even looking at him, Lan Yi said coldly, "Then take the children to the airport and let her pick them up there."
Yibo just stared at her, at a loss for words.
"But," Lan Yi added, "I would prefer if Zhan goes with them."
Yibo frowned. "And he'll come back alone?"
"No," Lan Yi replied firmly, "you'll go and bring him back. Since he's still a child."
Yibo could tell she was upset, so he stood and quietly left the sitting room.
He had booked the 10:30 a.m. flight for Xuxui and her twin girls, along with Zhan and the babies. By 9 a.m. he was already on his way to pick up Zhan from home.
When Zhan heard the sound of Yibo's car pulling into the compound, he didn't stop what he was doing...still washing dishes in the kitchen. Yibo walked in, leaning on the counter, watching him.
Zhan refused to meet his eyes.
"Baby," Yibo said softly.
Zhan rinsed his hands without responding.
Yibo smiled faintly. "Are you still mad at me?"
Zhan gave him a look....sharp and unreadable. Yibo tried not to laugh and said, "You know what?"
Zhan looked up with those calm, steady eyes.
"Mama finally agreed," Yibo said. "The babies will be taken to Beijing."
Zhan froze. His chest tightened. Returning the twins to Beijing meant Min would still be a part of their lives. That also meant communication between her and either Yibo or his family would never really end.
So why was Yibo even smiling while saying this?
Zhan's entire expression changed. Yibo noticed and gently reached for his hand.
"Doesn't that sound better, Baby?"
Zhan forced a small smile and shook his head. "No, it's fine. It's actually the right thing to do. The little ones deserve that chance… I just hope everything turns out well and they grow up safely."
Yibo relaxed and said with quiet fondness, "You're right, hubby. And you know what? You'll be going with them to Beijing."
Zhan blinked. "Me? Why would I?"
Yibo fell silent, studying his face. But Zhan felt no excitement at all. The thought of going to Beijing....of seeing Min again...only made his stomach twist.
"I don't think I can," Zhan said flatly. "I'm not feeling well anyway."
Yibo lowered his voice. "It wasn't my idea, Baby. Mama gave the order. That's why I came...to pick you up so we can go together."
Zhan's mood sank even deeper, though he said nothing.
"Come on," Yibo urged gently. "Go pack your things. The flight's at ten-thirty."
He took Zhan's hand to lead him out, but Zhan slowly pulled away and murmured, "Actually, if I'm going... Then I will go to Tianjin from Beijing."
Yibo raised a brow. "Tianjin? What for?"
Zhan lifted his head, meeting his eyes. Realizing how abrupt his question sounded, Yibo chuckled. "Oh...going to visit your grannies?"
Zhan nodded. He wanted to say he would also visit his mother, but he couldn't bring himself to use that word. In his world, that title belonged only to Lan Yi.
Yibo smiled faintly. "And your parents too?"
Zhan nodded again.
"All right then. How many days will you stay?"
"Maybe four," Zhan replied.
"Good," Yibo said softly. "Pack up so we don't miss the flight."
As he checked his vibrating phone, he added, "I'll be waiting outside, Baby. Don't take too long."
Yibo left the room. Zhan watched him go, his mind swirling with restless thoughts.
After a few minutes, he couldn't resist....he quietly followed. He stopped just outside the sitting room wall when he realized Yibo was on the phone, speaking in a low tone.
Zhan strained to hear.
"…Whatever you did, Min, you'll have to live with it," Yibo was saying. "Don't call or text me again. If you need anything about the twins, call Mama. She'll inform me, and I'll send whatever's needed through her. That's all."
Zhan felt his eyes sting. He knew deep down that this block Yibo was trying to make wouldn't hold. Sooner or later, something...maybe the twins...would pull them back into contact.
He turned away before the call ended and went back to the bedroom, tears slipping down his face as he packed his things.
Yibo's voice came from behind him. "You're still not done, Baby?"
Zhan didn't answer. Yibo walked closer, noticing the damp shimmer in his eyes. "What happened, Baby?"
Zhan stayed silent.
Yibo swallowed hard, realizing he'd hurt him more than he thought. He didn't push further.
When Zhan zipped up his suitcase and picked up his nackbag, he tried to walk past, but Yibo pulled him gently into his arms.
"Come on, Baby," Yibo whispered. "If you heard that conversation, you won't judge me too quickly. Listen to everything first."
Zhan's voice broke as tears fell. "You could've answered her call in front of me if you had nothing to hide. Why did you have to step aside to talk privately?"
Yibo froze, guilt spreading across his face. Then he held Zhan tighter, closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry, hubby," he whispered. "You're right. I made a mistake. It won't happen again. I promise... today is the last time I'll ever speak to her on phone."
Zhan trembled in his arms, tears still falling, his heart burning with pain. He didn't want anything...not even the twins...to connect Yibo and Min again. But deep down, he knew it might be impossible.
Yibo kept comforting him until the crying subsided.
Later, as they drove away, Yibo reached over, took his hand, and said gently, "I transferred some credit to your phone. If you need anything, just call me, even tho you're now richer than me." He finish with a teasing smile.
Zhan whispered softly, "Thank you."
When they arrived home, they found Xuxui in Lan Yi's sitting room with her adorable twin daughters. Yibo greeted her politely, and she responded with warmth. Zhan also greeted her, and Yibo smiled at the two teenage girls.
Xuxui turned to Lan Yi and said, "Now that they're here, we should get going before we miss our flight."
Lan Yi nodded. "Safe travels," she said kindly, handing small gifts to Linxia and Linyue.
Xuxui thanked her sincerely. Lan Yi followed them downstairs. Xuxui was holding A-Muan in her arms, while A-Yuan was with Linyue.
Earlier, Bing had already loaded the babies' luggage into the trunk of Hai Kuan's car since he would be the one driving them to the airport. Yibo placed Zhan's small box into the same trunk before Zhan settled in the front passenger seat.
Xuxui and her daughters sat in the back. Qiren remained inside, choosing not to come out.
Lan Yi turned to Bing. "Where's the pack of diapers I told you to bring?"
Bing quickly turned around and ran back into the house to fetch it.
Yibo glanced at Zhan, noticing how quiet and withdrawn he looked. There was something heavy in his expression. Without saying a word, Yibo took out his phone and sent him a text:
Will miss you so much, my one and only hubby. Last night was perfect…
Zhan looked down at his phone as the message arrived. Reading it, he turned toward Yibo, who gave him a playful wink.
Zhan couldn't help the small smile that curved his lips. Yibo caught it Zhan looked away quickly, hiding his own grin as he placed the phone back on his thigh. Seeing that rare, gentle smile on Zhan's face eased something inside Yibo.
Bing soon returned with the diapers. Hai Kuan glanced at Linyue through the rearview mirror and asked, "Where's my phone?"
She blinked her wide eyes. "I left it upstairs...with mine."
Hai Kuan just stared at her through the mirror. Linxia, her twin, handed A-Yuan over and quickly got out of the car, running back inside to get the phones.
Xuxui chuckled. "If you hadn't remembered now, you'd have asked for it at the airport...and she'd give you that glare before switching to English to tease you again."
Hai Kuan just smiled. Lan Yi, standing nearby, looked away toward the opposite direction, lost in thought.
In a short while, Linxia returned with both phones, climbed into the back seat, and shut the door. Hai Kuan gave her a pointed look through the mirror; she only smiled back and took A-Yuan from her twin sister.
Once the car left the compound, Lan Yi turned back to Bing. "Let's go inside," she said quietly.
After that, Yibo said his farewells to Lan Yi, mentioning that he would stop by the hospital before returning home.
***
By 11:30 a.m., Xuxui and the others landed safely in Beijing. The family driver, who had been waiting at the airport, loaded their things and drove them straight to Min's family home.
The twins had been calm the entire trip from Guangzhou to Beijing, not even crying once.
Min's mother and her aunt warmly welcomed them when they arrived, especially upon seeing the babies.
Zhan sat quietly in the sitting room, his face unreadable. He didn't greet Min or even meet her gaze. Instead, he focused on his phone. Min, however, couldn't stop glancing at him...her eyes always drawn to him whenever he wasn't looking.
Xuxui spoke to Min's mother politely. "If anything comes up concerning the babies, you can call Yibo's mother, Lan Yi. Or you can reach me directly since I'm based here in Beijing. I'll give you my number before we leave."
Min's mother nodded. "That's fine. Thank you so much. We really appreciate your help."
Xuxui smiled faintly. "You've been informed about the babies' names, right?"
"Yes," Min's mother replied warmly. "We were told their names are Junior Qiren and Hai Kuan. Beautiful names. May they grow up strong and happy."
"Thank you," Xuxui replied simply.
They didn't stay long, since the driver was waiting outside. After saying goodbye to Min and her family, Xuxui, Zhan, and the twins left together.
On the drive, Xuxui glanced at Zhan. "Tomorrow morning, the driver will take you straight to Tianjin."
Zhan just nodded silently.
From the back seat, Linyue leaned forward and said with a smile, "Momy, please, let me go with him to Tianjin. I'll only stay one night at Auntie's place. Hai Kuan Ge said he's traveling there tomorrow before heading back to Beijing, so we can return together."
- - -
Zhan picked up his bag and turned to Linxia.
"Why don't you come with us to Tianjin?" he asked.
Linxia, who was busy scrolling on her phone, gave a small smile.
"Just don't feel like it, Gege."
Linyue, standing in front of the mirror spraying perfume, glanced over and said, "She doesn't like crowded places."
Just then, Xuxui opened the bedroom door and looked at them.
"Are you all still not ready? The driver has been waiting outside for ages."
Zhan moved toward the door. "We're done," he replied.
Linyue picked up her handbag and looked at her twin sister.
"You're not walking us downstairs?"
Linxia put down her phone and slid off the bed, following them out of the room.
It was almost 4 p.m. when Zhan and Linyue arrived in Tianjin.
Zhan glanced at Linyue, who was leaning against the car seat, fast asleep. Her phone kept vibrating beside her.
Zhan looked at the screen...it was a call from his Gege that saved as Bro Hai Kuan.
He gently nudged her. "Linyue."
She blinked awake, and Zhan handed her the phone. "You're getting a call."
Linyue looked at the screen, sighed, and answered lazily before lying back down. Zhan turned his gaze to the window, pretending not to listen.
When the driver stopped in front of Linyue's Aun house, Linyue got out. The driver helped her retrieve a small box from the trunk.
Smiling, Linyue waved. "See you later, Baby Gege!"
Zhan chuckled and waved back as the driver pulled away.
- - -
Granny Ryu and Aunty Jin were both overjoyed to see Zhan.
After Aunty Jin stepped out for a moment, Granny Ryu turned to Zhan.
"Did you come to say goodbye to Aaria and Shan? They already left this morning. Didn't you know their flight was early?"
Zhan lifted his head slightly. "No, I didn't. I came straight from Beijing."
Granny Ryu frowned. "Oh, I thought you knew. Their plane to the U.S. took off early today."
Zhan's chest tightened. He hadn't known....they were going somewhere. He'd only come because he wants to see his mother.
"You really should call us more often, Zhan," Granny Ryu sighed.
He lowered his head, silent.
"I called your mother a few days ago," Granny Ryu continued. "She told me about the new twins. Congratulations."
The door opened and Aunty Jin stepped in. "Momma, your guest is about to leave."
"Alright, I'm coming," Granny Ryu said, then turned back to Zhan. "Take your suitcase to the room."
Zhan hesitated. "Granny, when will they be back?"
She smiled. "Your father's work is overseas now. Sometimes he's gone for months. Ever since the wedding, he's been traveling a lot. This time, he's taking Aaria with him permanently."
The words sank heavy in Zhan's chest. He couldn't bring himself to say anything.
"Have you eaten?" Granny Ryu asked.
He shook his head. "Not yet."
"Go inside," she said kindly. "Food will be brought to you soon."
Zhan picked up his suitcase and entered his room. As he unpacked, his phone began to vibrate again.
He glanced at the screen...two missed calls from Yibo. Just as he was about to call back, Yibo's name appeared again.
Zhan answered softly, "Hey, Gege."
Yibo chuckled. "Who's Gege? I gave that nickname to Hai Kuan ages ago."
Zhan couldn't help but smile faintly.
"How was the trip, dear?" Yibo asked.
"All good," Zhan replied quietly.
"And how's Granny Ryu and everyone at home?"
"They're fine."
"I miss you so much, baby," Yibo said gently.
Zhan lay back on the bed, a small hum escaping his lips. "Mmh."
"Mmh?" Yibo teased. "That's all?"
Zhan laughed softly.
"So you left me and stayed away for three days...guess you don't miss me that much, huh?" Yibo teased again.
" Should I come back tomorrow?," Zhan asked.
"I'll gladly pick you up," Yibo said quickly.
Zhan smiled. "But I still need to visit Aunty Marquis and Granny Yisue tomorrow."
"You can do all that tomorrow," Yibo said. "We'll take the evening train together afterward."
Zhan hesitated. "No, maybe the day after tomorrow, please."
"Alright, dear. Are you visiting your mom tonight?"
Zhan shook his head even though Yibo couldn't see him. "They're not in the country."
Yibo sighed. "When was the last time you spoke with them?"
Zhan didn't answer.
"You really should keep in touch more often, baby," Yibo said. "Family bonds need to be nurtured."
Zhan said nothing, his voice quiet and distant.
"Have you eaten?" Yibo asked.
"Not yet....soon," Zhan murmured.
"Okay. I'll call you later," Yibo said. "I'm heading into the theatre now."
They said goodbye, and Zhan ended the call, his heart heavy. He hadn't seen his mother, and the loneliness settled deep inside him.
Just then, Granny Ryu entered with a tray of food, pulling him gently back to the present.
That evening, Zhan sat in his grandmother's living room. Granny Ryu was chatting happily about an upcoming wedding...Fan, Aunty Jin's daughter, was getting married in two months.
Zhan smiled politely. "That's wonderful news, Granny. I hope everything goes smoothly."
Granny Ryu nodded, beaming. "And guess what? One of your uncles you haven't met yet is also getting married...the same day as Fan's wedding!"
Zhan chuckled softly. "That's nice. Double celebrations then."
Granny Ryu smiled warmly. "Exactly."
After a short pause, Zhan asked, "Granny, is Uncle Shenyi around?"
She shook her head. "No, Shenyi is in Canada. But I'm sure he'll come back for the wedding."
Just then, Zhan's phone began to ring. Seeing Yibo's name flash on the screen, he quickly silenced it and set it aside.
Granny Ryu noticed and smiled knowingly. "Isn't that your husband calling? Go to your room and answer properly."
Zhan blushed a little, stood up, and walked to his room before picking up the call.
After their greetings, Zhan said with a soft laugh, "Gege, I forgot to pack my charger. I left it back in Beijing."
Yibo smiled. "How did you forget? You never forget things. So your phone hasn't been charging?"
"I borrowed my aunt's for now," Zhan said, sounding a little guilty. "But I don't want to keep troubling her."
"Alright," Yibo continued, "Hai Kuan will be going to Tianjin tomorrow. I'll tell him to buy one and bring it to you."
"Alright," Zhan replied gently.
"Thanks, baby," Yibo said warmly.
Zhan smiled faintly. "Have you eaten yet?"
Yibo sighed playfully. "Who's going to cook for me when you're not here?"
"Why didn't you go to Mama house for dinner?" Zhan teased.
"Let's video call," Yibo said suddenly.
Zhan hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Okay."
- - -
The next afternoon, around one o'clock, Zhan stepped out into the compound after receiving a call from Hai Kuan. He spotted Linyue sitting in the passenger seat of Hai Kuan's car.
She greeted him with a small smile before Hai Kuan turning to Zhan and handing him a small box. "Here's the charger Yibo asked me to bring."
"Thanks, Gege," Zhan said. "You're not going back to Beijing today, are you?"
Hai Kuan chuckled. "Do you have a message you want me to deliver there?"
Zhan smiled back. "No, just asking."
"When are you returning to Guangzhou?" Hai Kuan asked.
"Tomorrow," Zhan said. "I'm visiting Aunty Marquis today, then stopping by Granny Fang Yu's place."
"Alright," Hai Kuan nodded.
Zhan added, "Gege, can you drop me off at Aunty Marquis' place before you leave?"
Hai Kuan shook his head. "No, the driver will take you. We'll be heading back to Beijing right after."
"Okay then. Safe journey," Zhan said, waving as Hai Kuan got back into the car and left.
Not long after, Zhan's phone rang again...it was Hai Kuan.
"Did you tell your husband you're going out?" Hai Kuan asked.
Zhan pouted lightly. "Of course, he knows."
"Good. Come on, let's go."
Zhan was surprised...Hai Kuan had always been firm about not escorting him anywhere unnecessary. He figured Linyue must have said something to change his mind.
He smiled, went to inform Granny Ryu that he was heading to his aunt's house, grabbed his bag, and left. Sliding into the back seat, he closed the door as Hai Kuan started the car.
When Zhan arrived at Aunty Marquis' compound, he greeted everyone he met in the courtyard politely. Linyue followed close behind as they walked toward Aunty Marquis' section of the house.
Zhan assumed Hai Kuan would wait in the car, but he surprised him by saying he'd come in for a bit after answering a call.
Inside the living room, Granny Ai was sitting on the carpet, fanning herself lazily even though the ceiling fan was on. She glanced at Zhan and frowned slightly.
"Well, well, where are you coming from this time?" she asked dryly.
Zhan smiled and sat down on the carpet. "Good afternoon, Granny Ai."
Linyue also greeted her politely and sat beside Zhan.
Granny Ai looked at her curiously. "And who is this young lady? She's not from the Rong family...I know all the girls there."
Just then, Aunty Marquis stepped out of her room, smiling warmly as she welcomed them.
"I just spoke with Yibo a while ago," she said. "He told me you're in Tianjin. How's your mother and Bing?"
"They're all fine," Zhan replied.
Aunty Marquis nodded with a smile, returning Linyue's greeting. "Welcome, dear."
A few moments later, a young woman entered the living room carrying a big tray of rice and some side dishes. She set it down and greeted everyone before leaving.
Aunty Marquis turned to her. "Hua, is the food distribution done?"
"Yes, it's all done," the girl replied.
Aunty Marquis smiled at Zhan. "Go ahead and eat something, baby."
Zhan smiled politely. "No, thank you, Aunty. I'm already full. Maybe Linyue will eat."
Linyue quickly shook her head. "I've already eaten too."
Aunty Marquis laughed lightly. "Alright then, at least grab a drink from the fridge. You always act like a guest in this house, Zhan."
Zhan chuckled, stood up, and headed to the kitchen. Linyue followed him quietly.
The moment they left, Granny Ai muttered with a frown, "Honestly, Marquis, your house has the strangest ways. You wait until people are starving before serving food... then it's from an old cooler? Unbelievable.
These village families with money...so much noise, yet so little comfort. A mansion full of people like a refugee camp, and everyone still eats from one big pot. Even the drinks...one has to walk all the way inside just to get them from that huge refrigerator.
I honestly don't know how you live like this, Marquis. You've got your husband's mother with her three co-wives, five sisters-in-law, and nearly thirty young adults and Fourty grandchildren running around. I swear, I couldn't live this life!"
Aunt Marquis was busy scrolling on her phone when Zhan walked into the living room. Granny Ai looked up and said,
"Did you bring the juice, or did they drink it all?"
Zhan replied, "No, they said I should just bring spoons, we'll eat over there on a big bowl together."
Granny Ai burst into laughter. "Ah, so they served it on golden plates, right?" she teased. Zhan smiled faintly and went to the kitchen to fetch two spoons. As he came out, Granny Ai added playfully, "So even the guest you went to get the juice with...did they force her to sit down and eat with them?" She laughed so hard she almost lay down on the couch.
As Zhan was about to leave, Aunt Marquis asked, "Did you come back from your grandparents with her, baby?"
Granny Ai raised her head quickly. "No, this one isn't from the Rong family. I know every one of their kids."
Zhan looked at Aunt Marquis and said, "No, they're going to Beijing with Hai Kuan gege."
Aunt Marquis frowned. "Who is she?"
Zhan replied, "Aunty's daughter."
Aunt Marquis asked again, "Which Aunty?"
Zhan answered, "Aunty Xuxui."
Granny Ai widened her eyes. "Wait...Qiren's new bride, Xuxui?"
Zhan didn't reply.
Granny Ai shook her head and said, "I swear, that girl looks exactly like Xuxui...same face, same dimples. Where did you and Hai Kuan even meet her?"
Zhan said simply, "They're just going back to Beijing together."
Granny Ai frowned. "And what exactly connects him to her that they'll be traveling together? You people are asking for trouble."
Just then, the living room door opened and Hai Kuan walked in. Zhan quietly slipped out. Hai Kuan greeted them politely and took a seat.
Aunt Marquis said, "Oh, so you're back to Tianjin?"
He nodded. "Yes, I arrived this morning."
Granny Ai added, "Zhan just told us you're going to Beijing with that girl from Xuxui's side."
Hai Kuan didn't respond, just unlocked his phone.
Aunt Marquis asked, "Should I serve you food, Hai Kuan?"
He replied, "I've eaten."
Granny Ai smiled. "Well, the girl you're talking about...she's beautiful and polite too."
Hai Kuan's eyes stayed on his phone. A message from Aunt Marquis appeared, and after reading it, he got up quietly and went to the guest room. Granny Ai watched him as he left.
Aunt Marquis went to the kitchen, got a plate and spoon, and brought them out for Granny Ai.
Granny Ai complained, "You didn't even add a drink this time. Maybe there wasn't enough."
Aunt Marquis ignored her and went toward the guest room, locking the door once she entered. She looked at Hai Kuan and said, "Now tell me, where did you pick up that girl you're taking to Beijing?"
Hai Kuan replied, "She came with Zhan from Beijing yesterday."
Aunt Marquis sighed. "You'd better think carefully how you'll explain that before Aunt Ai hears about it."
Hai Kuan frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Aunt Marquis said, "You know how she is. She could easily call Lan Yi Jie and exaggerate things before you even have the chance to explain."
Hai Kuan replied calmly, "It's fine if she does."
Aunt Marquis gave him a sharp look. "Are you serious?"
Hai Kuan smiled slightly. "Honestly, is there anything wrong with us going to Beijing together, Aunty?"
Before she could answer, the door opened...Granny Ai stood there with her hands on her hips.
"This is nonsense," she complained. "You brought me food without even a glass of water...do you want me to choke? And look at you, hiding in here talking while I'm sitting alone in the living room!"
Hai Kuan stood up immediately and went back to the living room. Granny Ai followed and sat down in front of her meal.
She looked at Hai Kuan and said, "If not for necessity, do you think I'd come to her house and be treated like this? She should've cook my own meals since I'm not staying here permanently. The other day, I just went to greet Ryu, Zhan's grandmother, and ran into Mr. Xiao. We spoke politely, and he asked if I had a passport so he could sponsor a little leisure trip for me. Of course, I didn't. But I told him I have a daughter in this city who could accompany me. That's how Marquis ended up helping me arrange it...and that's why I've been here for two days."
Hai Kuan smiled politely. "That's nice, Granny Ai."
She lowered her voice. "But I warned her not to mention it to Lan Yi, and you too...keep quiet until everything is settled, understood?"
Hai Kuan nodded. "Alright."
Granny Ai continued, "And that girl you're traveling with...what's her name?"
Hai Kuan said, "She shares the same name as my mother."
Granny Ai covered her mouth in surprise. "She's such a pretty girl, so well-mannered too. She wouldn't even sit on the couch...too shy! How old is she, by the way?"
Hai Kuan replied, "I think she's around eighteen."
Granny Ai smiled knowingly. "You should consider her, honestly. Her mother is a very good woman... smart, calm, respectful. She knows how to handle life."
Hai Kuan chuckled quietly, scrolling through his phone.
Granny Ai said again, "I'm serious. I'll even talk to Qiren myself. The only issue is your mother.... sometimes she's just too restless and jealous for no reason."
When Aunt Marquis returned to the living room, Granny Ai fell silent and continued eating.
A few minutes later, Zhan came in with Linyue following him.
Granny Ai grinned. "Did you eat, my dears?"
Linyue nodded. "Yes, we did."
Granny Ai smiled warmly. "Would you like some more from mine?"
Linyue laughed softly. "No, thank you, Granny. I'm full."
Hai Kuan stood up, went to the kitchen to say goodbye to Aunt Marquis, then returned. "We'll be going now, Granny Ai."
She asked, "You're leaving for Beijing already?"
He nodded. "Yes."
Granny Ai reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of crisp new bills. She handed ten of them to Linyue with a smile. "What's your name, dear?"
Linyue lowered her head shyly. "Linyue."
Granny Ai said, "Here, Linyue. Use this to buy something small for yourself, alright?"
Linyue hesitated, but Hai Kuan took the money and thanked her on her behalf.
Granny Ai called out, "Marquis, come see them off... Linyue and the others are leaving for Beijing."
Aunt Marquis came out and said, "Already? You're leaving now, Hai Kuan?" She went inside, got a new bottle of perfume and some cash, put them in a small bag, and handed them to Linyue. Again, Hai Kuan accepted it for her.
Zhan picked up his bag and said, "Aunty, they'll drop me off at home before they go."
Aunt Marquis said, "I thought you'd stay until evening. Never mind, my rickshaw driver will take you home later."
Zhan nodded. "Alright."
He walked them out to the car and then returned inside.
Granny Ai lowered her voice and said, "Tell me, Zhan, don't they look perfect together? Honestly, that girl really touched my heart. If he'd just take my advice, he should marry her."
Zhan smiled quietly. Granny Ai shook her head. "I'm serious."
Zhan looked at her and asked, "Granny Ai, is Granny Fang Yu still in Tianjin?"
Granny Ai replied, "Which Granny Fang Yu? She's in Chengdu."
Zhan nodded thoughtfully. "What about Shu?"
Granny Ai sighed. "Shu's with her father's relatives. Just yesterday, Marquis told me they're preparing for her wedding this Saturday. She found some older man in a small village near Yantai...he's been married twice before. They say he'll 'protect her honor,' but that kind of mistake she made… it never really disappears, no matter how much time passes."
Zhan fell quiet, his expression dimming as he looked at Granny Ai.
Later, in Aunt Marquis's room, she glanced at him and asked, "Did you use the things I sent you, baby?"
Zhan lowered his head. "No."
Aunt Marquis frowned. "Why not?"
Zhan said nothing.
After a moment, Aunt Marquis asked, "So when are you going back to Guangzhou?"
Zhan replied, "Tomorrow."
Aunt Marquis nodded. "Then come back here in the morning and tell your grandma...or have the driver bring you."
Zhan said softly, "Okay."
By evening, Aunt Marquis's rickshaw driver dropped Zhan off at his grandparents' house.
***
Zhan was sitting in Aunt Jin's sitting room, scrolling through his phone, when she walked in and noticed the cup in front of him. "You haven't finished it, Zhan? Come on now."
Zhan put his phone down, picked up the cup, and reluctantly forced himself to drink the rest. Aunt Jin had bought some herbal tonics for him before he returned from Aunt Marquis's house, and she had called him to her sitting room to make sure he took them all.
The next morning, a woman who specialized in body treatments came to give Zhan a full care session. He rarely got haircuts because he liked his hair long, but he couldn't bring himself to tell his grandmother that. So he gave in and let them trim it.
Before ten o'clock, they were done with the haircut and the body treatment, and he looked stunning....his reflection in the mirror surprised even him. The haircut suited him perfectly.
He sat again, waiting for the nail care lady to arrive. Around 2 p.m., everything was finished. Zhan looked refreshed, elegant—almost like a new person.
Afterward, he showered, ate his lunch, and got ready. The driver would soon take him back to Aunt Marquis's house.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛