A Few Weeks Later…
Hai Kuan stood by his car, watching as they came out of the airport with a porter pushing their luggage trolley. When they reached him, Hai Kuan opened the car's trunk so the porter could load the boxes. Then he went around to greet Lan Yi with a warm smile.
Lan Yi returned the smile. "We arrived safely."
Linyue and Linxia greeted him together, and he asked, "How was the flight?"
"It was fine," they both replied.
His eyes shifted to Zhan. Gently, Zhan said, "Good afternoon, Gege."
"Welcome back, baby," Hai Kuan said with a teasing smile. "You all smell like the US already."
Zhan chuckled softly but said nothing. Since stepping out of the airport, his mood had shifted slightly....he had expected to see Yibo too, but he wasn't there.
Hai Kuan opened the back door for Lan Yi, who got in, followed by Linxia and Linyue. Zhan took the front seat beside him.
The drive home was quiet except for the low hum of music from the car speakers. Occasionally, Hai Kuan glanced at Linyue, who rested her head on Lan Yi's shoulder with her eyes downcast, while Linxia leaned tiredly against the window.
When they arrived, Hai Kuan parked, got out, and the others followed. The security came running to help carry their boxes to the house entrance. Zhan reached for one of them, but Hai Kuan stopped him gently.
"Don't worry, baby. Go inside; I'll bring them in."
Lan Yi headed straight for the entrance with Linxia and Linyue. Bing, who had already cooked and was waiting for their arrival, welcomed them cheerfully and helped the guards take the luggage upstairs to Lan Yi's sitting room.
Linxia stood in the sitting room, holding her handbag and unpacking Linyue's belongings onto the couch. Zhan simply watched with a faint smile, shaking his head slightly. Linyue let out a small sigh and bent down to open her suitcase too, pulling out a few of Linxia's things and placing them neatly on the carpet. Zhan didn't comment; he was too tired of playing peacemaker between them.
Lan Yi entered the room from Qiren's side of the house...he was home too. Looking at them, she said, "Go greet your father. He's in his sitting room."
Zhan stood, and the twins followed behind him. Lan Yi watched them go, her heart aching a little. She was doing everything she could to make sure those children never felt the absence of a mother's love.
- - -
By 8 p.m., Zhan was in Lan Yi's sitting room, eating dinner. Linxia and Linyue sat beside Lan Yi, who was sorting through gifts from the boxes before her.
During the weeks they had spent in the US, Zhan had noticed that Lan Yi's warmth and attention had helped the twins relax a little. Their sadness from their mother's passed, leaving China had eased.... though sometimes, especially Linyue, would still cry quietly.
The door opened, and Yibo entered. Lan Yi continued her task without looking up. Zhan's eyes flicked toward Yibo once, then away.
Yibo walked further in, his gaze locked on Zhan. He greeted Lan Yi politely, and she replied. Linxia and Linyue greeted him as well, and he smiled. "How was the trip?"
"It went well," they said in unison.
Yibo turned to Zhan. Without looking at him, Zhan said quietly, "Good evening."
"Evening," Yibo replied softly. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Zhan answered curtly.
After a while, Lan Yi looked at Zhan. "If you're going home tonight, your gift is here, baby."
Zhan shook his head slightly. "I'll go tomorrow, Mama."
Yibo glanced up at him. Lan Yi didn't meet his eyes; she simply kept sorting the items. After a pause, she asked, "Did he said that himself?"
Yibo was still watching Zhan. "Yes," Zhan confirmed quietly.
Lan Yi said nothing more. Hai Kuan entered the room, and Lan Yi asked, "Have you eaten?"
"Yes," he replied, taking a seat and glancing at the twins.
Zhan stood and left the room, carrying his empty plate. Barely three minutes later, Yibo rose too, eyes down, and followed him out.
He went downstairs to the kitchen, where Zhan was making tea. Quietly, Yibo walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Do you know how much I missed you, hubby?" he murmured against his ear.
Startled, Zhan quickly turned off the stove. "Gege, what if someone walks in? Please, let go."
Yibo gently turned him around, looking straight into his eyes. "I missed you so much, love. Can't you see I've even lost weight?"
Zhan smiled faintly and rested his head on Yibo's chest, eyes closed. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. "I missed you more, my husband."
Yibo tilted his head, smiling. "Really?"
Zhan frowned playfully. "Then why didn't you come to pick us up at the airport?"
Yibo laughed. "I was at the hospital, baby man. I'm sorry, okay?"
Zhan rolled his eyes and said, "Fine, I give up."
Yibo smiled. "Shall we go home then?"
"I already told Mama we'd stay until tomorrow," Zhan replied.
"So what's the harm if you change your mind, baby?" Without waiting for an answer, Yibo grabbed his hand. Zhan's eyes widened as Yibo led him out of the kitchen and upstairs. Zhan pulled his hand away when he realized Yibo was heading toward Lan Yi's room. Yibo turned to look at him and said teasingly, "Oh? You're not even going to say goodbye to her?"
Zhan pouted slightly. "Please, just let it be until tomorrow, Gege. I already told her."
Yibo didn't bother to argue. He went straight into Lan Yi's sitting room, said his good night, and came back out. Zhan tried to convince him again, but Yibo ignored it and simply took his hand as they left the room.
Even before they stepped outside, Zhan's face was already flushed with embarrassment. Yibo opened the front passenger door for him, and Zhan climbed in with a sulky expression. Yibo closed the door, walked around, and got into the driver's seat.
----
Around ten o'clock that night, Lan Yi sat quietly in the sitting room with Qiren, who was watching TV.
"So, they'll be leaving for Xiamen tomorrow?" she asked softly.
Qiren nodded, eyes still on the screen. "Yes, that's the plan."
Lan Yi fell silent for a moment, then spoke again in a low voice. "Do you think they'll really let us keep them?"
Qiren slowly shook his head. "I doubt it. When you were still in the US, their uncle called me more than three times. I told him you'd be back soon, and he said the children would be taken to them the next day."
Lan Yi hadn't realized tears were forming in her eyes. Her heart ached for the orphans; she longed to keep them close, to give them the care their late mother would have wanted. She wanted them to cry only when remembering her... not because they lacked love. But there wasn't much they could do; the decision rested with the children's extended family.
Qiren said nothing more, eyes still on the TV.
Lan Yi wiped her tears and forced a brave smile. "And their studies? They told me they just finished their high school exams not long ago."
Qiren nodded. "I asked about that. He said not to worry....they'll handle it once the children arrive in Xiamen."
Lan Yi looked at him quietly for a moment. "It feels like they're trying to keep them away from us."
Qiren gave a faint smile. "Maybe so. They probably think we'll insist on keeping them otherwise."
Lan Yi said nothing. Tears continued to fall down her cheeks. After a while, she whispered, "I just don't want them to feel neglected. You know me well enough...you know what I'm capable of and what I'm not. If I were allowed to take care of those twins, I'd raise them exactly as their late mother would have wanted."
Qiren looked at her and smiled gently. "You don't have to say that...I already trust you. You raised Zhan, after all. Anyone under your care would be safe."
Lan Yi wiped her eyes again and said quietly, "Do you know something, dear?"
He turned to her. "Tell me."
"In the past, when their mother's alive, I said Hai Kuan would never marry her daughter. But after talking with you that day when you called Aunt Ai from Tianjin, I realized I was wrong. I never told you... or Hai Kuan... but I'd already changed my mind. I even told Marquis I had nothing against Xuxui; she never did anything to me. My real problem was with you... I felt like I had no place in your life anymore, that you made decisions without caring how I felt. That's why I reacted the way I did in the sitting room that day. But later, after we talked and understood each other again, especially when the twins' mother passed away, I felt so much regret for not saying what was in my heart before it was too late. Now that Xuxui is gone, I just want to do what's right."
Qiren exhaled slowly. "We'll do our best. When we get to Xiamen, I'll speak directly with their uncle. I want to hand the children over myself. Hai Kuan will arrange the flight."
Lan Yi nodded quietly. "Let's hope everything goes well."
The next day, Lan Yi spent the whole afternoon restless and low-spirited after Qiren and Hai Kuan left to take the twins to Xiamen. She couldn't explain why she felt so uneasy. Maybe it was the silence of the house....if Granny Ai had been around, there would've at least been laughter.
Around four in the evening, she called Yibo.
"Are you home, Yibo?" she asked softly.
"No, I'm at work," he replied.
"Oh, I thought you were home. I was going to ask you to bring Zhan over."
"Is everything alright, Mama?" Yibo asked with concern.
"Everything's fine," she replied. "I just wanted him to help me with dinner."
"I'll call him and tell him to get the car and come over," Yibo offered.
"No, don't bother," Lan Yi said. "I'll ask Bing to help. Maybe later."
Then she hung up.
That night, Lan Yi was still sitting in the living room when Zhan arrived with Yibo following behind. She watched them quietly as Zhan placed a food warmer on the table and Yibo set down another one with the soup. Zhan came over with a bright smile and said, "Good evening, Mama."
Lan Yi sighed deeply, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Good evening, baby. So, Yibo made you cook?"
Zhan chuckled. "I made your favorite."
Yibo sat down and greeted her respectfully.
"How's work?" Lan Yi asked.
"Going well," he replied with a small smile.
Zhan stood up and went downstairs to get a plate and a spoon. Yibo watched Lan Yi closely and asked softly, "Mama, is something bothering you?"
Lan Yi lowered her gaze as tears welled up in her eyes. With a shaky voice, she said, "Yibo, you wouldn't understand how deeply Xuxui's death affected me. I feel such guilt, though I don't even know why. My mind just won't rest."
Yibo moved closer and sat beside her, speaking gently. "Mama, what she needs from us now is to honor her memory by being kind to the children she left behind. That's the best way to bring her peace. We just need to do right by them."
Tears slid down Lan Yi's cheeks. "You're right," she whispered. "But I'm so disturbed. I never gave her a real chance while she was alive. That's what I regret."
She wiped her face, then added quietly, "I think I'll go stay with Mother for about a week. I need to rest."
Yibo looked up at her, concerned. "Mama, maybe not now. You just got back from a trip yesterday. Give it a few days first."
Lan Yi didn't respond.
Yibo hesitated before suggesting, "Or maybe Zhan could stay here for a couple of days, to keep you company."
She shook her head. "No, that's not necessary. Bing is here."
Yibo studied her face.
Lan Yi sighed. "Actually, Aunt Ai is coming soon. It's not just the trip that's making me feel this way...it's the children. I keep thinking about Linyue and Linxia. I just hope their father's relatives won't let them feel abandoned. They're too young to go through that kind of pain."
At that moment, Zhan came into the sitting room with a tray of food. He began serving Lan Yi the dinner he'd prepared.
"Thank you, son," she said warmly.
Zhan smiled and sat beside Yibo, glancing quietly at Lan Yi.
The door opened, and Hai Kuan walked in. Lan Yi looked up immediately. "You're back, Hai Kuan?"
He walked over and greeted her politely before sitting down.
"How did you leave Linyue and Linxia?" she asked.
Hai Kuan lowered his eyes. He was still heartbroken from hearing the twins cry as they were taken away to their uncle's house. Without looking at her, he said, "They're fine."
"Has your father come in yet?" Lan Yi asked.
"Yes, he has," Hai Kuan replied.
Lan Yi stood up and turned to Zhan. "Baby, cover the food. I'll be right back." She then left the sitting room.
Zhan turned to Hai Kuan. "Should I serve you dinner, Gege?"
"I'll take a shower first, Baby," Hai Kuan said as he stood up and left.
Lan Yi entered Qiren's sitting room. After greeting him, he told her about the conversation he had with Xuxui's ex-husband's relatives. Lan Yi was speechless.
After a while, she asked, "So… when do they think the children will be ready for marriage?"
Qiren gave a faint, bitter smile. "Marriage? No, they're not even talking about that. From what I could tell, they just want us to stay out of the children's lives entirely. They kept bringing up things that should be shared or divided. Even the school plans I mentioned...they brushed it off. Honestly, it seems like they're more interested in the inheritance Xuxui left behind. They even asked for her bank cards."
Lan Yi's mouth fell open in shock. "What about her own relatives?"
"She had none," Qiren said quietly. "All her siblings passed away years ago, and her parents too. Only distant relatives remain."
Lan Yi sat frozen in silence.
Finally, Qiren said, "The children are theirs now. There's nothing more we can do. We can only wish them well."
With that, he stood up and went into his bedroom.
Later, Lan Yi sat in her sitting room with Bing, who was chatting to keep her company. Hai Kuan entered, and Bing stood up to leave.
He sat down, glanced at his mother, and said quietly, "Mama, my girlfriend wants to come greet you tomorrow."
Lan Yi looked at him curiously. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Meisha," he said.
Lan Yi stared at him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, that's fine."
"Thank you," Hai Kuan replied, standing up.
"Wait," Lan Yi said.
He stopped and turned toward her.
"What about Linyue?" she asked softly.
Hai Kuan smiled faintly. "That's over, Mama. You already made it clear you didn't approve, so I let it go."
Lan Yi shook her head. "No, Hai Kuan, you shouldn't just let it go now...."
He sat back down. "Please, Mama, I've moved on. Linyue and Linxia are like siblings to me now."
Lan Yi didn't know what to say. After a moment, Hai Kuan stood again. "I'll go have dinner."
She watched him leave, her chest heavy with worry. Then she followed him to his room. Standing at the doorway, she said, "I'll be going out tomorrow, Hai Kuan. Maybe you can bring her another time."
Hai Kuan looked at her and nodded. "Alright, Mama."
----
Around two in the morning, Yibo woke up and realized Zhan wasn't beside him. At first, he assumed Zhan was in the bathroom, but after a few minutes, he got out of bed and went to check.
When he opened Zhan's door, he found him sitting on the rug, his knees pulled up to his chest, head buried between them. The moment Zhan heard the door open, he quickly wiped his eyes.
Yibo walked over, confused and worried. He knelt in front of him. "Baby?"
Zhan avoided eye contact. "I was just meditating," he said softly.
Yibo frowned, his tone full of concern. "Why are you crying, Baby? Did I do something wrong?"
Zhan lifted his head, and fresh tears filled his eyes. Panic flashed across Yibo's face. He gently pulled Zhan up and guided him to sit on the edge of the bed. Sitting beside him, Yibo said quietly, "Please tell me what's wrong, hubby?"
Zhan hid his face in Yibo's shoulder and began to sob. Yibo's heart clenched as he held him tightly, murmuring soft words to comfort him. Eventually, Zhan's crying eased, and he stayed wrapped in Yibo's arms.
After a long silence, Yibo whispered, "Tell me what's bothering you, Baby."
Zhan closed his eyes, fighting back another wave of tears.
"I'll write it down tomorrow," he said, his voice trembling.
"Why not tell me now, love?" Yibo asked gently.
Zhan shook his head. "Tomorrow."
Yibo sighed softly, lifted him up, and led him back to their room. Zhan fell asleep in his arms, his face buried against Yibo's chest. Yibo stroked his back, breathing in the faint scent of his hair, and soon drifted off too.
By dawn, Yibo returned from his morning run and found Zhan's side of the bed empty. On the bed lay a folded note. He picked it up and unfolded it slowly, reading the words carefully.
When he finished, he sat down on the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. After a few minutes, he folded the note again and set it aside.
Then, quietly, he left his room and went to Zhan's.
Opening the door, he found Zhan sitting on the sofa, staring at nothing.
Yibo walked over and knelt in front of him.
Zhan didn't look up, even as Yibo's eyes searched his face.
Yibo gently lifted Zhan's chin and made him sit on the edge of the bed. Sitting close beside him, he studied Zhan's face. Zhan avoided his gaze, staring at his hands instead.
Softly, Yibo said, "Baby."
That finally made Zhan look up. Yibo took his hand, his voice calm and soothing. "So this is what's been weighing on your mind? You've forgotten that everything happens in its own time. We're not in a hurry, Baby. And believe me, things will fall into place when they should. We've barely begun our lives together as husbands. Come on, baby man…"
He pulled Zhan closer, rubbing his thumb gently over his hand. "Please, I don't ever want to see you crying about this again. Seriously, hubby."
Zhan didn't reply. Yibo smiled faintly, lifting his chin again. "You know, I wanted us to spend at least two years just showing you how deeply i love you...without any barriers between us."
Zhan gave him a curious look, and Yibo winked playfully. "My dream honeymoon? Maldives, Bora Bora, Santorini, maybe even Iceland to watch the northern lights dance across the sky. And you....you're already talking about babies before we even get there." He grinned. "Tell the babies to wait until I've taken my beautiful prince around the world first."
Zhan's eyes softened as he listened quietly.
Then Yibo added teasingly, "But wait....if I were to get you pregnant now, how would you face those people you called our marriage an abomination? Have you forgotten how you scream holding Baba's tightly that day when he came to dropped us in our house?"
Zhan quickly buried his face against Yibo's chest, embarrassed.
Yibo laughed. "And honestly, I'd be just as shy....imagine me getting my little brother pregnant while the heavens are watching."
Zhan pressed his face deeper into his chest, giggling, and Yibo mimicked his voice playfully: "Gege, the heavens are watching us!"
Zhan jumped up in mock embarrassment, but before he could escape, Yibo grabbed him with a laugh, pulling him close and slipping off Zhan's shirt, his eyes glinting with desire....
***
That evening, Lan Yi sat in her sitting room when Yibo walked in. She had called him earlier while he was still at work. He sat down on the sofa and greeted her. "Good evening, Mama."
"How are you, son?" she asked gently.
"I just got off work," Yibo replied.
Lan Yi lowered her voice. "I wanted to talk to you about Hai Kuan. That's why I asked you to come."
Yibo watched her closely, hoping Hai Kuan hadn't done anything wrong. Lan Yi exhaled softly and explained everything that had happened the previous day.... how she had confronted Hai Kuan when he mentioned bringing another girl to meet her.
"I don't know," she sighed. "Maybe you could talk to him. Tell him to drop that idea about the girl he wants to bring over. Linyue is an orphan now. Even when her mother was alive, he wanted to marry her. I was the one who refused. It's not like he's marrying her out of love now.... it's just pity."
Yibo let out a slow breath. "I'll talk to him, Mama."
"That's why, when he said he wanted to bring his new girlfriend to greet me, I told him I wouldn't be home today," Lan Yi added.
Yibo nodded. "Don't worry. I'll handle it."
He left her house around six in the evening, after she handed him a food warmer for Zhan.
Since Yibo had reassured Zhan that night, he had completely stopped worrying about their inability to have children. Yibo's calm confidence and the way he handled things had lifted the weight off his heart.
Their love grew stronger and freer, Yibo's gentle affection melting away the last traces of Zhan's shyness. They were inseparable now....open, playful, deeply bonded. Zhan knew the love he felt for Yibo wasn't brotherly....it was something much deeper. He had long realized that his love for Yibo had shifted from protective affection to the devoted love of a soulmate.
He couldn't explain how much he adored his calm, patient husband. Whenever Yibo left for work, Zhan missed him almost immediately. He couldn't imagine life without him. Yibo knew him inside and out... his moods, his likes and dislikes, what made him smile, and what hurt him.
Yibo was always careful never to let arguments linger. Even when Zhan was at fault, Yibo would apologize just to keep the peace. It softened Zhan's heart every time. He often found himself wondering if men like Yibo even existed anymore. It was rare to see him angry.
Most times, when Yibo was doing something, Zhan would just stand there watching him, completely captivated by the love he felt. He often thought that every disappointment he'd faced in life had turned out to be a hidden blessing...because it led him here, to this love.
They rarely visited Lan Yi now....sometimes going weeks without stopping by.
Around a quarter to three, Zhan finished cooking in the kitchen and stepped into the sitting room.
He found Yibo lying on the three-seater sofa, eyes closed, asleep. Zhan walked quietly to him, leaned down, and gazed at his face.
All he could think of was that one afternoon when Yibo had fallen asleep at their mother's house and Granny Ai, had teasingly claimed he kissed Yibo in his sleep.
Smiling at the memory, Zhan closed his eyes and pressed a soft kiss to Yibo's lips.
Yibo's eyes flew open, and their gazes met. Zhan shut his eyes again and deepened the kiss, passionate and tender. After a minute, he pulled back to leave, but Yibo caught his wrist and pulled him down into his arms, sitting up with him.
Zhan laughed softly, resting his head against Yibo's chest.
"I've finished cooking," he whispered. "It's getting late. Please, let me go get ready."
Yibo lowered his voice and said softly, "But you started it first, baby."
Zhan chuckled. "Alright, I'm sorry. Let's stop now and continue later, okay?"
Yibo released him and stood up, smiling as he watched him walk away toward his room. About twenty minutes later, Zhan came out of the sitting room holding his bag. Yibo couldn't help but stare...he looked effortlessly beautiful, even without makeup. His outfit fit him perfectly, highlighting his graceful build. His beauty was simply breathtaking.
Zhan walked toward him, smiling, turning playfully as Yibo's eyes followed his every move. Finally, Zhan struck a little pose and asked with a teasing glint, "How do I look, honey?"
Yibo shook his head. "You're wearing a long jacket. No one should see you like this, baby."
Zhan pouted. "But we're just going to Mama's house, honey. I'm not even getting out of the car, and besides....you'll park inside the compound anyway."
Yibo folded his arms, pretending to sulk. Zhan smiled at his stubborn act, and Yibo finally sighed. "Alright, you're right. I'll park inside, just like you said."
Zhan leaned in and gave him a light peck on the lips. "Let me grab the food...it's getting late," he said, heading to the kitchen.
Yibo followed him there, helping carry the food warmers out to the car. It had been a while since they'd visited Lan Yi; they usually just spoke over the phone. Granny Ai had come to stay with her since yesterday, so Zhan decided to cook for both of them.
Zhan kept chatting animatedly as Yibo drove, his voice calm and cheerful. When they arrived, Yibo parked in the space reserved for parking. Zhan opened the door and stepped out, a soft smile lighting up his face. He'd missed his mother deeply.
Leaving Yibo to get the food warmers from the trunk, Zhan hurried into the house. The moment he entered the sitting room, he ran straight into Lan Yi's arms, hugging her tightly.
Granny Ai, who had been watching from her chair, gasped as she saw him.
Zhan pulled away and smiled warmly. "Granny Ai, it's so good to see you. How have you been?"
Granny Ai nodded, wide-eyed. "Oh my goodness, Zhan! You've filled out so nicely...look at you! Yibo must be spending all his money on you, eh? Ahh, he's really not playing around!"
Zhan shyly looked away. Lan Yi just watched him with quiet joy. She was genuinely surprised at how healthy and radiant Zhan looked. Seeing him like this filled her heart with relief....he was nothing like the pale, withdrawn man she'd seen months ago.
Lan Yi smiled. "Where's Yibo?"
"He's coming," Zhan said softly.
Lan Yi chuckled. "Let your Granny be jealous for a while," she teased.
A moment later, Yibo entered carrying the food warmers. Granny Ai looked at him and said, "Of course....he left you to carry all the food while he brings in the beauty. He's truly your husband now, that's for sure."
Zhan made a playful face and marched straight into Lan Yi's room, closing the door behind him in mock annoyance.
Yibo set the food down and greeted Granny Ai. She smiled widely. "So it's not only Zhan who's glowing.... you're looking handsome yourself. You must be doing something right!"
Yibo laughed. "Granny, have you moved back to Yantai or something?"
Her cheerful expression vanished. "What's Yantai?"
Lan Yi burst out laughing. Granny Ai gave her a side-eye. "You're asking as if my mother's side or my father's are there? Or are you just teasing me for sport? Really, some people should learn to say something nice or say nothing at all!"
Yibo bowed his head, laughing quietly as Granny Ai clicked her tongue and turned her attention back to the TV.
He then turned to greet Lan Yi properly. She smiled. "How's work?"
"It's going well," Yibo replied.
Granny Ai stood up suddenly. "Where are you going, Granny?" Yibo asked.
"To get some plates, of course. You brought food, didn't you?"
"I can get them for you," Lan Yi offered.
"No need," Granny Ai said briskly as she left the sitting room.
Yibo smiled. "I thought she was upset and leaving."
Lan Yi laughed. "Aunt Ai? Angry? She wouldn't leave before checking what's inside the food containers!"
Yibo laughed too, shaking his head.
Just then, Granny Ai returned to the sitting room in a rush, holding her knees and shaking her head with wide eyes. In a trembling voice, she exclaimed, "Oh no! Oh, this can't be happening!"
Granny Ai burst into tears.
"What's wrong?" Yibo asked worry.
"I just saw Xuxui's orphaned children on the staircase! I swear, I didn't even recognize them until they got close…"
Before she could finish speaking, Linyue entered the sitting room, with Linxia following quietly behind her. Lan Yi's head spun when she saw how thin the teenagers had become. They walked slowly across the room and sat down quietly on the carpet, their eyes fixed on Lan Yi as they greeted her politely.
Tears welled up in Lan Yi's eyes. She took a deep breath and moved closer to them. "Where did you come from, Linxia?"
Linxia lowered her head. Linyue answered softly, "From Xiamen."
Granny Ai stood up, squinting to look at them properly, and then burst into louder sobs. "What kind of people are your father's relatives? May they never find peace for what they've done! Where are your things?"
Both children stayed silent. Lan Yi couldn't stay standing any longer; she sank onto the couch near them. Linyue wiped the tears gathering in her eyes and whispered, "Our things are still in Xiamen."
"So they don't even know you came here?" Granny Ai asked.
Linyue shook her head. Linxia wiped away her own tears. Granny Ai sat down again, holding her head in her hands. "What a cruel world. Just look at these children... once lively and glowing, now they look like beggars! It's barely been six months since their mother passed. How could anyone treat them like this? Some people have no conscience at all…"
Granny Ai wept bitterly, shaking her head. Lan Yi remained quiet, struggling to control her emotions. Even Yibo couldn't speak; seeing the twins in that condition broke his heart.
"I swear, I'll deal with anyone who tries to take you back to that place," Granny Ai said fiercely. "From the moment I heard the name Xiamen, my spirit rejected it. That family house is nothing but a web of trouble. Rong's home in Tianjin...he was known for taking in orphans since he had only one son in his life, Zhan's father. The place was always full of his relatives' children. I just knew they'd treat these ones unfairly."
Lan Yi finally stood up, forcing calm into her voice. "Come on, Linyue, Linxia," she said gently. She led them to Zhan's old bedroom, asked them to take a bath, then left quietly.
When she entered the room next door, Lan Yi broke down in tears, letting everything out before composing herself again. She sent Bing upstairs with food and tea for the twins.
Meanwhile, Granny Ai kept ranting to Yibo until Lan Yi returned to the sitting room. "That Qiren," Granny Ai snapped, "he has a heavy hand, and if he's not careful, he'll pay for it. He lived peacefully with their mother before she passed; how could he now neglect her children and let them suffer like this?" She started crying again. "You all know I hate injustice. I just can't stand it."
Lan Yi sat down, forcing herself to speak calmly. "They took the twins' phones away the moment they arrived in Xiamen, claiming they were too young to own one. Later, we learned they weren't even kept in the same house where Qiren and Hai Kuan dropped them. They were moved somewhere else entirely. How could we possibly know where they are or how they're living? Hai Kuan went twice to look for them at their uncle's place, but each time he was told the twins had been moved to Zi'an. With no phone, no address....how could he find them? I've been worried sick about them every single day. Just two nights ago, I spoke to Qiren again, but he said he'd done all he could, that their father's relatives refused to let anyone contact them."
Granny Ai sighed heavily. "Well, if they try to take the twins back again, Hai Kuan should take them to court. Their best chance now is to grow up safely, maybe marry into good families, and continue their studies. Hai Kuan could marry one of them, the other to a wealthy, decent man. There's that doctor from Mr. Xiao's family....the neat, quiet one. I hear his name's Shenyi. He's as clean as a whistle, almost unnervingly so. He visits often, and Ryu keeps complaining that he refuses to get married while all his younger brothers already have. Not even a girlfriend, imagine! He's tall, calm, and serious...just like Yibo. The twins are beautiful, too; maybe fate will turn things around for them."
Lan Yi got up quietly, her whole body heavy with emotion, and walked to her room. She found Zhan lying on the bed scrolling through his phone.
Softly, she said, "Linyue and Linxia are here, baby."
Zhan sat up quickly. "Wait, they're here now?"
Lan Yi nodded, opening her wardrobe. She still had some of Zhan's old clothes from when he was a teenager. She picked out two sets of shirts and pants to hand them over to the twins. Zhan got off the bed and followed her out of the room.
As they stepped into the sitting room, Granny Ai's phone rang. She pulled it from her small bag, answered with a cheerful "Hello," and suddenly gasped, smiling widely. "Oh, thank goodness! Wonderful news…"
Yibo just stared at her, waiting for her to explain.
Granny Ai beamed. "It was Ryu! Guess what....Zhan's mother has given birth to twin girls abroad!"
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛