A Few Months Later...
Yibo finished closing Zhan's suitcase and turned just as Zhan walked into the room.
"Hey, honey," Zhan said softly. "I hope you didn't forget anything?"
Yibo smiled. "Yes, your royal highness, everything's set."
Zhan chuckled and walked closer, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "Thanks, my man."
He picked up his backpack while Yibo just stood watching him, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"If you get hungry," Zhan said, "there's food in the deep freezer. Just warm it up in the microwave....I cooked a few of your favorites."
"Thanks, pumpkin," Yibo murmured.
Yibo lifted the box and headed for the door, Zhan following him. After turning off the lights and making sure all the electrical appliances were off, Zhan locked up the house. He walked to the car parked outside, where Yibo was already waiting.
Zhan handed him the house keys, giving him a fond look. "Come on, my man, why do you look so moody? It's just three days. I'll be back by Sunday."
Yibo sighed softly. "Three days will feel like three years without you."
Zhan laughed quietly and moved a little closer. "Alright then, I'll cut it short. Just two days....I'll be back Saturday. Better?"
Yibo exhaled, then glanced through the mirror to make sure the security guard wasn't looking their way before pulling Zhan gently toward him. He gave him a quick French kiss, started the car, and drove off.
All through the ride to their father's house, they talked....mostly Zhan chatting animatedly about a movie he'd watched the night before while Yibo listened, smiling from time to time.
When they arrived, Yibo parked outside the gate.
"Are you coming in?" Zhan asked.
Yibo rested his head back against the seat. "Just go check if she's ready, then come out. Don't miss your train."
"Okay, dear."
Zhan opened the door and went inside the compound. Yibo watched him go, feeling a heavy ache in his chest. He hated when Zhan was away from him. Just the thought of the short trip to Tianjin made him restless. Zhan had become a part of him....he couldn't even imagine life without him now.
About fifteen minutes later, Zhan came out with Lan Yi, followed by Bing, who carried a small travel case and placed it in the trunk. Zhan opened the back door for Lan Yi before taking the front seat himself.
Yibo greeted Lan Yi politely, though he avoided meeting her eyes.
"How's work?" she asked kindly.
"All fine," he replied quietly.
He hadn't visited in nearly a week, though they'd spoken on the phone a few times. He started the car, and they headed toward the train station.
Once they arrived, Yibo turned to Zhan. "Before the train leaves, make sure to call the Barrister and let him know you're on the way."
"Alright," Zhan nodded.
When Lan Yi stepped out of the car, Zhan smiled at Yibo, giving him a romantic touch on his little junior that made him freeze for a second. Laughing softly, Zhan wink and got out followed Lan Yi toward the station.
- - -
By six in the evening, Zhan and Lan Yi arrived safely in Tianjin. Hai Kuan was already at the station waiting for them. As soon as the train arrived, he helped load their boxes into the trunk and drove them into town.
"Should I take you to Aunt Marquis's house first, Mama?" Hai Kuan asked.
"Yes," Lan Yi replied. "Zhan will go later to his grandparents' place."
"Alright," Hai Kuan said.
After they greeted Aunt Marquis and spent a few minutes chatting, Zhan and Hai Kuan left again. In the car, Zhan noticed his phone ringing...it was Linyue. Hai Kuan glanced at him and picked up briefly.
"Are you just seeing my call? I'll call you back, I'm driving," Hai Kuan said before hanging up.
Zhan stayed silent.
When they arrived at his grandparents' mansion, Hai Kuan parked by the gate.
"Is Linyue still in Tianjin?" Zhan asked.
"Yeah, she came to take some exams," Hai Kuan replied.
"Oh, I see. Hope it goes well," Zhan said.
"Thanks," Hai Kuan nodded. "When's the wedding ending so you can return to Guangzhou?"
"Tomorrow's the ceremony and reception," Zhan replied. "We'll probably head back on Saturday."
"Got it."
Zhan smiled, got out of the car, and thanked him. Hai Kuan helped carry his box to the gate before Zhan entered the house, waving a goodbye.
Since Zhan entered his grandmother's section of the mansion, he hadn't stepped out once....the house was crowded with guests who had come for the wedding. Aunty Jin, after her separation from her husband nearly ten years ago, had been completely abandoned by him. All responsibilities...hers and her three children's....had fallen on Mr. Xiao Rong.
Still, the wedding was arranged to take place in Beijing, as Mr. Xiao Rong insisted the ceremony should happen there in her father's house since that was where the bride price had been sent. When the wedding preparations were nearly done, the bride's father's relatives demanded an additional six weeks' delay, just to show off their influence...and, of course, everyone complied. The main celebration, however, was to be held at Mr. Xiao Rong's mansion.
That was why the house was packed with relatives and well-wishers....even the extended family of Zhan's father had gathered.
By 6 p.m., Granny Ryu asked one of the housemaids to take dinner to Zhan's section. Despite the heavy crowd, she never forgot about her grandson. Zhan was lounging on the sofa in the sitting room, scrolling through his phone, when Granny Ryu walked in and said,
"Have you eaten, Zhan?"
He sat up and looked at her, smiling lightly. "Yes, Grandma, I have."
Granny Ryu chuckled and said, "There's someone here just like you....hates crowds, prefers quiet. She's not feeling well either, but at least you'll have someone to talk to."
Zhan gave a faint smile that barely lifted his lips. A young woman followed Granny Ryu inside and sat on the single sofa. Granny Ryu said cheerfully, "You two can keep each other company."
The girl smiled politely. "Hello."
"Hi," Zhan replied softly.
She looked pale and fragile, clearly still recovering from illness. Granny Ryu glanced at her with concern. "Would you like something to eat, or should I ask them to bring tea?"
The girl, Teng, shook her head gently. "Kexing will bring me something later."
"Alright then," Granny Ryu said, nodding. "Just rest here." Then she left.
Zhan continued scrolling on his phone while Teng watched him for a moment and then asked quietly, "How have you been?"
He smiled faintly. "I'm doing fine."
Teng leaned back and closed her eyes, resting on the couch. Zhan went back to chatting with Yibo on Weibo.
Two hours later, the door opened, and Dr. Kexing entered. Zhan didn't even look up....he was busy typing. Since he wasn't facing the door, Dr. Kexing didn't notice him at first. He walked straight to the sofa where Teng was resting, bent slightly, and said,
"Princess, are you comfortable? Should we go home?"
"I'm fine," Teng murmured.
"Sure?"
She nodded.
He opened the bag he was carrying, showing her guava and eggplant. Teng wrinkled her nose. "Please tell me you kept it cold. I'll throw up if it's warm."
Kexing smiled. "Don't worry, it's chilled. Let me get you a plate."
He turned toward the kitchen....and that's when he noticed Zhan, who was still half-absorbed in his phone. "Zhan?" he said in surprise.
Zhan looked up briefly. "Good evening."
"How are you? And how's Yibo?"
"Doing well," Zhan said politely.
Just then, his phone rang. He picked it up and excused himself, walking into his grandmother's room to take the call.
***
The next morning, around eleven, Lan Yi arrived with Aunty Marquis and Yisue. Granny Ai greeted them warmly and led them to a quieter section of the house, away from the noise. She brought them dishes from the wedding kitchen herself.
Lan Yi and Aunty Marquis were still stunned by the scale of the preparations.
As soon as Granny Ai left, Yisue sighed and said, "Goodness gracious. What kind of family is this? That woman... Ai....is acting like she owns the place. When did she even become part of this family without us knowing?"
Lan Yi and Aunty Marquis exchanged looks but said nothing.
A moment later, Granny Ryu walked in with a big smile. "Welcome, my dears! Ai told me you'd arrived."
Lan Yi smiled politely. "Thank you. How are things going?"
"Everything's moving smoothly," Granny Ryu said warmly.
Aunty Marquis and Yisue both nodded and wished her well. She replied cheerfully, "Let me have someone bring you rice cakes and soup; it seems Ai hasn't served you yet." She left the sitting room.
Moments later, Granny Ai came in carrying a large food cooler filled with chicken. As she set it down, she sighed and began complaining loudly,
"I swear, whoever wasted money paying for Zhan's trip here must be regretting it. What a waste! Can you imagine? With how expensive transport is these days? That boy doesn't even act like he's seen the world....you'd think he just arrived from some remote village! The mansion is full of people.... relatives, friends, fine young men and women all dressed up....and where is he? Hiding in his room like an old man.
Even the clothes he's wearing....my goodness....they're so plain. Some people most said the wedding clothes Yibo bought him must be fake or rented!"
She huffed, adjusting her headscarf. "It's embarrassing, honestly. I can't deal with the shame anymore. Even his grandmother was complaining about it! Maybe it's because he grew up in a modest neighborhood that he acts so awkward in social situations. But really, he's making us all look bad.
If he keeps acting like this, Yibo might start noticing other people out there. I'm telling you, I'm tired. Maybe it's better if he just goes back once you've seen him. I can't take this embarrassment anymore!"
With that, she left the room.
A few minutes later, Zhan entered the section where Lan Yi and the others were sitting. Granny Ai had given him directions.
Lan Yi and Aunty Marquis both looked up at him....he stood quietly at the door, looking calm but distant.
Yisue folded her arms and muttered under her breath, "Trouble always starts with Ai. I swear, even the devil must admire her talent for gossip. What exactly is wrong with the clothes Zhan's wearing?"
Lan Yi's eyes lingered on Zhan's outfit....the custom-made suit alone had cost 1.6 million yuan. Even his wristwatch was designer, though it wasn't part of his wedding set. Yibo had bought it for him barely two months earlier. The ring he wore on his right hand was equally expensive....distinct from his wedding ring.
Zhan smiled as he approached and greeted them politely before sitting down.
Aunty Marquis tilted her head with a grin. "When did you take Bath and put that clothes on, Baby?"
Zhan chuckled. "Since seven this morning, right after I showered."
Yisue scoffed and muttered under her breath, "Didn't I tell you Ai is a born troublemaker? She can't stop gossiping. Now look....she's probably saying this boy's showing off. Just wait, she'll find a way to turn this into another scandal."
Zhan only smiled faintly, pretending not to notice. He hadn't seen Granny Ai since dawn....she had made a point to avoid him all day.
Lan Yi sighed and said gently, "You should go downstairs, Baby. I don't like you isolating yourself in that room. Go, join your relatives."
Aunty Marquis added teasingly, "Honestly, you're acting like you're the bride here! Go mingle, talk to people....stop hiding away."
Zhan smiled again, rose from his seat, and walked out of the living room.
As soon as he left, Yisue clicked her tongue. "I swear, I thought he'd show up looking radiant...from pregnancy at this rate."
By evening, Lan Yi and the others left the house. Around half past five, the bride....Dr. Kexing's cousin....arrived for the reception, which was being held that night before she and her new husband would travel to Guangzhou the next day. Fan and her husband would remain in Tianjin.
Granny Ryu tried everything to convince Zhan to attend the reception, but he refused, claiming he had a headache. By now, she understood him perfectly....Zhan simply wasn't the social type. So she let him be and went to greet the remaining guests.
Later that night, as the crowd thinned and only a few people remained, Zhan carried his dinner plate downstairs to return it. Two housemaids were cleaning the main living room. Nearby, a pair of toddler were sprawled across the couch, laughing as they played. Zhan stopped for a moment, watching them with quiet amusement....they were adorable and familiar, round-faced, and full of energy.
He smiled and asked one of the maids, "Whose babies are these?"
"Their mother's in the kitchen," she replied. "She's fixing them something to eat. I think she came along with the bride from Beijing."
Just then, Min stepped out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of cereal. She looked up briefly....her eyes met Zhan's for a moment....before he turned and quietly headed upstairs.
Around eleven that night, Zhan was on a call with Yibo.
"So there's no evening train?" Zhan asked softly.
"Not until Sunday," Yibo replied. "Don't worry, Baby man. I'll get to Tianjin by noon and come pick you up myself."
Zhan hesitated, then said quietly, "You don't have to go through all that trouble. Just wait until Sunday, and we'll take the train together."
Yibo's voice dropped tenderly. "No, I've missed you too much already. It's no trouble. I'll be there before noon."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Alright. Safe travels then, love you."
- - -
The next day, around two in the afternoon, Lan Yi, Aunty Marquis, and Yibo arrived at Mr. Xiao's mansion.
Yibo had gotten to Tianjin around noon and gone straight to Aunty Marquis's place first. He hadn't planned on visiting Mr. Xiao's home at all, but Lan Yi insisted. "It's only right you come in and greet them," she said.
He didn't argue. Together, they all entered the mansion.
Upstairs, Zhan was in his grandmother's living room. He already knew Yibo had arrived.... Yibo had called him on the way. The house was still buzzing with guests, so Aunty Jin guided them discreetly toward the second living room, where it was quieter.
Lan Yi sat on the couch, watching the twin boys who had been laid on the carpet, both crying in distress. Beside her, Aunty Marquis and Yibo were also watching them with concern.
Aunty Jin frowned slightly. "Where did their mother disappear to, leaving them here like this? I think she's one of the guests who came with the bride from Beijing. Let me find her."
Before she could move, Aunty Marquis stepped closer, picked up one of the twins, and began gently rocking him. Seeing the other still crying loudly, Yibo rose and lifted him into his arms, settling onto the two-seater sofa.
Just then, Min entered the living room carrying a bowl of cereal, followed by a young woman holding a bottle of water. The moment Min saw them, she lowered her gaze respectfully, greeting them softly. Both Lan Yi and Aunty Marquis returned her greeting politely.
Aunty Marquis smiled. "Did you come for the wedding too?"
Min shook her head. "No, we brought my sister cousin yesterday. Her husband's family lives here."
"I see," said Aunty Marquis. "So there are two weddings happening. That's lovely."
She handed baby A-Muan to Min, who took him carefully and then turned to the girl behind her. "Feng, please take A-Yuan."
As Feng gently took the baby from Yibo, the little boy giggled brightly....as if recognizing his father. Yibo couldn't look away; something in his expression softened as he watched them.
Min and Feng soon left the room with the children.
"They've grown so much," Aunty Marquis said with a fond smile.
Lan Yi nodded. "I recognized them the moment I saw them… but I decided to stay quiet."
Even Yibo, from that very first glance, had known....they were his sons.
A few minutes later, Granny Ryu entered the living room. After greetings were exchanged, Lan Yi said politely, "We should be heading back to Guangzhou."
"Oh, leaving today?" she replied. "At least come upstairs to greet my sister before you go."
Lan Yi and the others followed her upstairs, leaving Yibo behind.
He stayed seated in the living room, lost in thought. Ten minutes later, Min reappeared, holding one of the twins while carrying the other on her back. She gently placed both boys on the couch near Yibo before sitting down on the couch opposite him.
Yibo watched the children silently, their innocent faces stirring something deep within him.
Min's voice was calm but laced with emotion. "You've never once come to see your children, Yibo. You're denying them their father's love while they're still so young. You blocked every way I could reach you....every call, every message. If you hadn't, I would have sent you photos of them… at least you'd have witnessed how they've grown."
Just then, the living room door opened....and Zhan walked in.
Their eyes met. Min froze.
Zhan broke the gaze, walking straight to Yibo. He quietly lifted the two children, placing them gently aside, then sat down close beside Yibo, almost leaning into him.
His voice dropped to a soft, affectionate murmur. "Tired from the trip, Honey?"
Yibo leaned forward until their foreheads touched. Closing his eyes briefly, he whispered, "I missed you so much, my love."
Zhan brushed a light kiss across his lips, meeting his gaze tenderly.
Min bowed her head, unable to look up, her hands trembling slightly.
In a near whisper, Zhan said, "Mama asked me to tell you we should go now."
Still holding Yibo's hand, he rose and led him gently toward the door...leaving Min sitting alone in the quiet living room, the twins beside her.
Zhan waited until Yibo got into his car before turning back toward the house, saying he had forgotten to bring his suitcase. Yibo watched him go without a word, leaning back against the seat.
Fifteen minutes passed, and he was still there alone, lost in thought. He couldn't get the image of his beautiful twin boys out of his mind. Min's words echoed sharply in his head. It wasn't that he didn't want to love them....he simply hadn't been given the chance. He sighed quietly and glanced at the clock on his phone.
Soon, Zhan came downstairs with Lan Yi and Aunty Marquis. One of the housemaids took Zhan's suitcase and carried it outside. Inside the sitting room, Min sat holding A-Muan, while her aunt's maid, Feng, carried A-Yuan.
Lan Yi walked over to the girl holding one of the twins....she hadn't had the chance to carry them earlier...and gently took the child into her arms. The twins looked so much like Yibo that no one could mistake them for anyone else's. Their faces glowed with health and care.
Zhan stood by the door, tapping on his phone, not once glancing in their direction.
Aunty Marquis took A-Muan from Min and began to play with him, earning a stream of happy giggles. Smiling, she asked Min, "So, you'll be heading back to Beijing after this? I heard they're preparing to take the bride to Guangzhou soon."
Min lowered her gaze. "Yes, we'll be going home."
"Safe travels then," Aunty Marquis said warmly.
Min looked at Lan Yi, her tone soft. "Mother, if it's all right with you, I'd like to take the children to Guangzhou for a few days. Just to let them spend some time with their father's side."
Without looking at her, Lan Yi replied calmly, "That's something we'll need to discuss with their father."
Min nodded. "All right, I understand."
Aunty Marquis set A-Muan down on the couch, took out her phone, and said with a cheerful laugh, "We don't even have a photo of them yet! Lan Yi Jie, come closer....let's take one together."
Lan Yi placed A-Yuan beside his brother, and Aunty Marquis began snapping pictures. The twins were all smiles, their laughter bright and full of life.
Lan Yi couldn't stop watching them.
"They're such happy children," Aunty Marquis said, chuckling. "It's like they already know us."
She turned to Lan Yi. "Come on, sit with them for one photo."
Meanwhile, Zhan slipped quietly out of the room.
Outside, Yibo noticed him emerging from the house, walking at an unhurried pace toward the car. When he reached it, he opened the front seat and got in.
"Where's Mama and the rest?" Yibo asked.
"Coming," Zhan replied shortly, not looking at him.
Yibo studied his face for a moment before asking softly, "Is something wrong, baby?"
Zhan lifted his head and met his eyes. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem… different. Your mood."
"My mood?" he repeated lightly. "There's nothing wrong. I'm just tired. And we still have a long drive ahead before we reach Guangzhou."
Yibo smiled, catching his hand. "That's funny, coming from someone who sleeps through every trip."
Zhan gave a small, forced smile. "Guess I'll try to stay awake this time."
Zhan chuckled and looked down at his phone, pretending to scroll through it to avoid the conversation.
A few moments later Yibo asked, "Where did you leave Mama and the others? I thought you were coming out together."
"They're saying goodbye to the hosts," Zhan answered quietly.
"Ah, okay. Is Granny Ai inside too?"
Zhan shook his head. "Haven't seen her today. Not sure if she's around."
Yibo fell silent again, sensing something off in Zhan's tone.....the clipped replies, the distance. He wondered if he'd done something wrong, if perhaps Zhan had seen something that hurt him. He thought of Min again, and the twins...the way she'd looked at him earlier.
Finally, Yibo reached over, gently taking Zhan's hand. "Baby, did I upset you?" he asked softly.
Zhan didn't reply at first. Then, with a faint sigh, he said, "Please, let's not talk right now."
"Okay," Yibo murmured. "I just don't want you to be upset. We'll be home soon anyway. You'll rest once we get there."
Zhan nodded, still looking out the window.
Just then, Lan Yi, Aunty Marquis, Granny Ryu, and Aunty Jin came out of the house together to see them off. Min followed, holding A-Muan in her arms, her gaze lingering quietly on Yibo....while his eyes, unbidden, drifted toward his son.
Zhan waved briefly to his Grandma and Aunty Jin before turning his face away. Once Lan Yi and the others were in the car, Yibo started the engine, and they drove out of the compound.
Aunty Marquis smiled as she looked through the window. "My, how fast children grow. They've gotten so smart! How old are they now?"
Lan Yi replied, "They'll be turning six months soon, I believe."
Aunty Marquis nodded warmly. "Such a blessing. I hope they continue to grow strong and healthy."
Lan Yi smiled. "Amen to that."
Yibo focused on his driving while Zhan sat quietly beside him, scrolling through his phone. After dropping Aunty Marquis at her house, they headed toward Guangzhou.
Lan Yi turned to Yibo and asked, "Yibo, has work taken Hai Kuan back to Beijing now?"
Yibo smiled slightly. "Yes, Mama. He's a barrister....of course his job takes him everywhere."
Lan Yi frowned lightly. "Hmm. I thought most of his work was around Tianjin or Guangzhou. But now he says he's in Beijing again. Just two days after dropping us off, he was already on his way there."
Although her words made Yibo want to laugh, he kept a straight face and said calmly, "We spoke this morning....it's definitely work that took him there."
Lan Yi didn't comment further.
Yibo glanced occasionally at Zhan, who had his head leaned against the seat, eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. The entire journey, Zhan stayed silent. Normally, on long trips like this, Zhan would have dozed off halfway, but today, he couldn't. His heart felt oddly heavy, unsettled, and though he couldn't explain why, something inside him didn't feel right.
At a quarter to four, they finally entered Guangzhou. Yibo first drove Lan Yi home. He stepped out to get her suitcase from the trunk, while Zhan opened her door and followed.
Lan Yi studied Zhan carefully and asked, "Are you feeling unwell, baby?"
Zhan gave a faint smile. "Just really tired, Mama."
Lan Yi chuckled. "You? Tired? You barely left the room during the wedding! You act like you ran the whole event yourself."
Zhan smiled softly but said nothing.
"All right," Lan Yi said, waving a hand. "Once you get home, make sure you rest."
When Yibo tried to carry her suitcase inside, Lan Yi stopped him. "No, no, just leave it. You two should go....get some rest. Take care."
The security guard at the gate came forward and took the suitcase from Yibo. Zhan said goodbye to Lan Yi and got back into the car. Yibo waited until his mother had entered the compound before circling back to the driver's side.
As soon as he sat down, he turned to Zhan. "Please, tell me what's bothering you, hubby."
Zhan sighed in frustration. "How many times do I have to say it? I'm just tired."
Yibo nodded. "All right, all right. Once we get home, you can shower and rest, okay?"
Zhan didn't respond....didn't even glance at him.
On the way, Yibo stopped by a small eatery to buy him some food before continuing home.
By the time they arrived, Yibo somehow managed to lift Zhan's spirits. The tension slowly faded, replaced by quiet laughter and light conversation. Still, deep down, Zhan felt a faint ache that wouldn't leave....a thought that had buried itself deep in his heart.
He had never been troubled by the fact that he hadn't been able to have children yet....not until now.
But he hid it well, not allowing a trace of that sadness to show on his face.
- - -
Two nights later, Zhan was in the kitchen late in the evening, preparing a bowl of fruit salad for Yibo. When he finished, he carried it into the sitting room....but Yibo wasn't there.
He set the bowl on the center table and went to their bedroom. Empty. Then to Yibo's own room. Still empty.
Puzzled, Zhan returned to the sitting room and glanced out through the wide window.
There....out on the balcony....he spotted Yibo, standing with his phone to his ear. He was talking to someone, but the windows were closed tight, and Zhan couldn't hear a word.
Zhan stood frozen for more than two minutes, staring at Yibo without blinking. Slowly, he turned away from the window and walked toward his room. He was already dressed for bed, so he switched off the light, slipped under the duvet, and closed his eyes.
Barely five minutes passed before he heard Yibo open the door. He switched the light back on and asked softly, "Did you lie down, baby?"
Zhan turned to look at him and said quietly, "I told you earlier, I was already sleepy."
Yibo walked closer, sat beside him, and gently pulled the duvet down. "Aren't you going to eat the fruit salad?" he asked.
Zhan replied flatly, "I already ate enough."
Yibo gave a small sigh. "Why don't you sleep in our room?"
Zhan smiled faintly. "I don't want to stain the white bedsheet."
Yibo widened his eyes in disbelief. "But the flow has already slowed down, hubby. And even if it stains, I'll wash it myself."
Zhan shrugged. "I just want to sleep here tonight, please."
Lowering his voice, Yibo said softly, "Okay… sleep well, hubby." He kissed Zhan's forehead, pulled the duvet up around him, turned off the light, and quietly left the room.
That night, Zhan couldn't sleep. Even after two in the morning, he lay awake, feeling restless and uneasy. Finally, he swung his legs off the bed, stood up slowly, and turned on the light. When he stepped into the hallway, the corridor light was on, but the living room was dark. Still, he could make out Yibo's figure lying on the two-seater couch, asleep.
Moving quietly, Zhan walked over and saw Yibo's phone resting beside him. He picked it up and went back to his room, leaving the door slightly open. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he checked the last call log....it was an unfamiliar number. Then he opened the text messages and found one sent around 4 p.m.:
"Good evening, Yibo. I just arrived in Guangzhou with the twins for a job interview at a company. It's raining heavily, and my bag was stolen at the station...it had my phone, ATM card, and money. I'm at the motor park, taking shelter with the twins. I'm using a borrowed phone to text you since you didn't pick up when I called. I was planning to book a hotel for three nights, but now I'm stranded. Please, I'm waiting for your reply, Yibo. If you can, help me get the key to the apartment you rented for me during my pregnancy since the rent hasn't expired. I'll stay there quietly until I finish what brought me here....no one needs to know I'm in town."
Zhan finished reading the message and checked the call log. The moment Min sent the text, Yibo had called her....then they talked for five minutes. And since then...they had spoken three more times.
Zhan slowly placed the phone beside him. So that's why Yibo had gone out earlier in the rain, and when Zhan asked where he was headed, he'd said it was an urgent home service call...an "emergency."
Zhan wiped away the tears that slipped down his cheeks. Just then, the phone lit up...Min was calling again. He stared at the screen for a while, then answered but said nothing.
From the other end, Min's anxious voice came through:
"Yibo, they still haven't stopped, and I did everything you told me to. We can't get a taxi, and the twins need to go to the hospital. Please, what should I do?"
Zhan ended the call silently, stood up, went back to the living room, and placed the phone back where it was. Then he returned to his room, lay down, and buried his face in a pillow as the sobs came quietly....his chest aching with every breath.
By around four in the morning, Yibo entered the room. Zhan was already asleep, or at least pretending to be. Yibo leaned close and said softly, "Baby, I'm going to check on my patient. I'll be back before seven."
Zhan forced a small smile. "Okay."
Then he turned his back to him and closed his eyes. Yibo tucked the blanket around him, turned off the light, and left.
Meanwhile, in the living room of Qiren's house, Lan Yi sat beside her husband while he spoke, though her gaze was fixed on Hai Kuan, who sat quietly on the carpet. Even as she listened to Qiren, her eyes never left Hai Kuan.
When Qiren finished talking, she smiled faintly and said calmly, "Hai Kuan."
He lifted his head to look at her.
"Then you have to choose," she said, her tone firm. "It's either me or that Xuxui's girl."
With that, she stood up and walked out of the living room.
Qiren looked after her in stunned silence. After a long moment, Hai Kuan raised his head and said quietly, "Baba, I'll let it go. Maybe this is for the best."
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛