Yunxi scanned the people seated around the eatery as he walked in slowly. Since he couldn't immediately tell who the attorney was, he took out his phone and dialed the number.
At the far end of the eatery, a man sitting with his back partly turned picked up his phone. Yunxi noticed the movement and recognized him instantly.
"Alright, I see you," Yunxi said into the phone before hanging up. He turned to Zhan.
"Let's go."
Zhan followed quietly behind him until they reached the table. Yunxi greeted the man with a handshake, then pulled out a chair beside him. Glancing at Zhan, he said softly,
"Come over."
Zhan stepped forward and sat down, while Yunxi took his seat, facing the attorney, who was still focused on silencing his phone.
For the first time, Zhan lifted his head to look at the man.
And everything inside him froze.
His eyes locked onto the attorney's face, unblinking, his heart pounding violently in his chest.
At that same moment, the man finally looked up.
"Alright… Welcome both of y..."
The rest of his words died instantly.
He stared at Zhan, just as stunned.
Tears filled Zhan's eyes without warning. Abruptly, he stood up and rushed away from the table.
"Meiqin!" the man called out instinctively as he jumped to his feet and followed him.
Yunxi watched them both with sharp, observant eyes, slowly rubbing his jaw.
A few seconds later, Yang-Yang suddenly stopped in his tracks, as if something had just clicked in his mind. He turned back slowly to look at Yunxi, who was still watching him.
Quickly, he walked back, shaking his head.
"I...I'm really sorry… I don't know if he's your partner… please, forgive me, I..."
He trailed off, clearly confused.
Yunxi said nothing. Instead, he stood up calmly and walked toward the exit.
Outside, near the car, he found Zhan standing there, tears streaming down his face.
Yunxi stopped in front of him, his gaze steady.
"Who is he?"
Zhan wiped his tears slowly.
"Yang-Yang…"
Yunxi was silent for a few seconds, idly adjusting his wristwatch. Then he looked up again.
"So… what now?"
Before Zhan could respond, Yang-Yang stepped out of the eatery and approached them cautiously. Zhan fell silent, fresh tears slipping down his face as he watched him come closer.
When he finally reached them, Yang-Yang looked equally unsettled. He glanced at Yunxi and said quietly,
"I'm sorry, Dr. Luo… if he's your partner, please excuse me. Just give me two minutes to speak with him… please."
His voice carried both urgency and uncertainty.
Yunxi gave a faint, restrained smile but said nothing.
Zhan suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Yang-Yang, his voice trembling.
"Why don't you want me in your life anymore?" he said, struggling to hold himself together. "I won't be a burden to you again… I promise. But at least… don't erase me completely. Why did you look at me like you've never known me? Did I deserve that?"
His voice broke as tears streamed down his face.
"I know I'll never forget you, Yang-ge. You were… a light in my life. I can never repay what you did for me… but please… let me at least show my gratitude. I've missed you for so many years. I thought I would never see you again… and now that I have, you turned away from me…"
He couldn't continue. His words dissolved into quiet sobs.
Yang-Yang's eyes reddened instantly. He turned abruptly toward Yunxi, his voice low but tense.
"Please… tell me… is he married?"
Yunxi slowly shook his head.
Yang-Yang closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again, his gaze steady but heavy.
"I'm sorry… I have to do this."
With that, he stepped forward and knelt in front of Zhan, he hug him firmly, as if afraid he might disappear again.
"I've missed you so much, Meiqin… I've really missed you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you could ever imagine. I missed you… and our twins. I didn't leave you by choice...I had no option. Every single day, you've been on my mind… but what could I do? My mother..."
He stopped, unable to continue and release Zhan. His eyes reddened.
Zhan was already crying quietly, staring at him.
Then suddenly, Yang-Yang asked,
"Where are my boys?"
Zhan froze.
His tears slowed as he looked at him, something shifting in his expression.
The silence that followed made Yang-Yang's heart sink.
Yunxi, who had been watching with his arms folded, finally spoke calmly,
"That's exactly why we came here, Attorney."
Yang-Yang stood up immediately, his expression changing. He turned to Yunxi.
"What happened to them?"
Zhan stood as well, wiping his tears, his voice trembling.
"Yibo…"
He couldn't finish.
Yang-Yang's eyes darkened instantly. He turned to him slowly, his voice low and dangerous.
"What did Yibo do?"
Yunxi answered flatly,
"He took them away from him."
For a moment, Yang-Yang just stared, stunned—mouth slightly open.
Then everything about him changed.
He looked at Zhan, his jaw tightening.
"I will make him regret this."
Yunxi only shrugged slightly, saying nothing.
Yang-Yang turned back to Zhan.
"Are they still at that house we went to?"
Zhan shook his head faintly.
"I don't know…"
Yang-Yang looked at Yunxi.
"We have to go there now."
"Alright," Yunxi replied simply.
Yang-Yang was about to ask Zhan to come with him in his car, but he stopped himself.
Before he could decide, Yunxi spoke,
"Or you can go with the attorney. I'll follow behind."
Zhan went quiet, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. After a moment, he glanced at Yang-Yang, only to find him already watching him. He quickly looked away.
"I'll just take a taxi," he said softly.
"You both can go… I think I can still recognize the house."
Yunxi glanced at him from the side but didn't argue. He turned and walked toward his car.
Yang-Yang sighed lightly, then said gently,
"No…Zhan, you came with him. Go with him too."
Zhan looked at him, hesitant.
"There's a lot we need to talk about," he added quietly. "But let's deal with Yibo first."
Zhan nodded slowly.
"Go on," Yang-Yang said. "Before he drives off."
Zhan turned and walked toward Yunxi's car.
Just as he reached it, Yunxi stopped him.
"No… it's fine. Go with him. We'll meet there."
He reversed his car and drove off without waiting.
Zhan stood there for a moment, watching until his car disappeared. Then he slowly turned back to Yang-Yang.
He was already watching him.
Without a word, he opened the front passenger door for him. Zhan got in quietly, keeping his head down so Yang-Yang wouldn't see his tears.
He closed the door, then walked around and got into the driver's seat.
As soon as he started the engine and pulled out, Zhan wiped his eyes quickly.
Through the rearview mirror, Yang-Yang watched Yunxi's car fall in behind them before turning his focus back to the road.
Every now and then, he glanced at Zhan, who seemed lost in deep thought.
After a while, he spoke softly,
"Meiqin…"
Zhan looked at him immediately.
"Who is Dr. Luo to you?"
Zhan hesitated, staring at him, unable to answer.
"You're quiet," he said.
Zhan looked away again, remaining silent.
After a pause, he asked quietly,
"Is he your partner?"
Zhan stole a glance at him...but still said nothing.
"Please… talk to me," he said gently.
Zhan took a slow breath, his voice low.
"Just like you once tried to make sure I never felt alone… he's doing the same for me. He's playing that role in my life now."
Yang-Yang glanced at him briefly, then closed his eyes for a second before opening them again.
"That didn't answer my question."
Zhan turned to face him.
"When you were helping me back then… were you my partner?"
Yang-Yang went silent for a few seconds.
Then quietly, he said,
"Maybe not then… but I want to be now."
Zhan turned sharply to look at him.
Without looking back at him, he nodded.
"Yeah… I do."
After that, they drove all the way to Yibo's house without a single word between them.
Zhan was so lost in thought that he didn't even realize they had arrived.
Yang-Yang stepped out first, walked around, and opened his door. Only then did Zhan snap back to reality. He lowered his head and quietly stepped out.
Yang-Yang shut the door and glanced toward Yunxi's car just as he pulled in and got out.
"I hope we meet him at home," Yang-Yang said.
Yunxi shrugged lightly. "Let's see."
Yang-Yang turned to Zhan, who stood beside the car, staring at the house with a distant look. Without waiting, he headed for the gate. Yunxi followed behind him.
The gatekeeper started to ask questions, but Yang-Yang didn't stop. He walked straight in, then turned back slightly with a faint smirk.
"Six years isn't that long. You didn't forget me that quickly, did you, Mr.?"
Yunxi entered as well, giving the stunned guard a polite smile.
Zhan followed more slowly. When the guard looked at him closely, surprise filled his face.
"…Zhan?"
Zhan forced a small smile and greeted him before continuing inside, trailing behind the others.
As they approached the entrance, his heartbeat grew heavier. He slowed down unconsciously.
Yang-Yang rang the doorbell and stepped aside.
After a moment, the door opened.
Baby stood there, staring at him for a few seconds before greeting him politely.
He smiled back. "Can we come in?"
She stepped aside, still unsure of what to say. Sensing her confusion, he walked in anyway. Yunxi followed.
Zhan, however, stayed back, pressing himself lightly against the wall. The moment he realized it was Baby who opened the door, tears filled his eyes. He couldn't bring himself to step inside.
In the living room, Lihua stared at Yang-Yang, as if trying to remember where she had seen him before.
He recognized her immediately.
"Hello," he said calmly.
She stood up, frowning. "Where are you from? Who are you looking for?"
"We're uninverted guests," he replied, studying her. "Though I'm surprised you don't recognize me, ma'am."
Her expression hardened. "Do I have any reason to? This is a family home. Say who you're here for. You don't just walk into people's houses like this."
He stepped closer, looking straight into her eyes, then took out his ID.
"Attorney Yang-Yang. Maybe this will help you remember."
Her face changed instantly. She glanced around the room, as if checking who else was present, then swallowed.
"Who are you here for?" she asked again, her voice tighter now.
He didn't answer...only smiled.
At that moment, they heard footsteps on the stairs.
Mrs. Wang came down, looking surprised.
"Welcome," she said.
Yang-Yang nodded politely.
"Are you looking for someone?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied.
He turned toward the door, noticing Zhan still hadn't entered. He walked back out.
"Come in, Zhan."
Zhan shook his head slightly, his voice trembling. "I can't… what if they're not here?"
"Trust me," Yang-Yang said gently. "Just come with me."
He walked back inside, and after a moment, Zhan followed...hesitant, uneasy.
The moment Baby saw him clearly, her eyes widened.
"Zhan!"
She rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Zhan couldn't even respond. Tears spilled down his face instantly. Baby began crying too as she held him.
Lihua's expression twisted in shock.
"What is he doing here? Why did he come..."
"He came to take his children," Yang-Yang cut in, without even looking at her.
Her eyes widened. "Children? Did he marry into this house to come and take children?"
Zhan slowly lifted his head, eyes wet, and looked toward Mrs. Wang...who was already staring at him.
Lowering his gaze again, he walked forward slowly, as if counting each step.
When he reached her, he stood silently, tears falling.
Mrs. Wang's eyes filled as well. She pulled him into a gentle embrace.
"…Zhan," she whispered.
From upstairs, Yibo stood watching everything.
Zhan's voice trembled.
"Aunty… please ask him to give me my children. I've forgiven him… I swear. Just… please intervene."
Mrs. Wang couldn't speak. Tears streamed down her face.
Lihua stood frozen, her eyes darting around the room.
Slowly, Yibo began descending the stairs.
Zhan looked up at him...and the hatred in his eyes was unmistakable.
Yang-Yang stepped forward until he stood right in front of him.
"Yibo?"
"Sure," Yibo replied coolly. "Any problem?"
Yang-Yang nodded once.
"Bring out his children."
Yibo folded his arms, studying him with interest.
"So he has two bodyguards now?"
Yunxi, seated calmly, simply smiled faintly...acting as though Yibo didn't exist at all.
Yang-Yang's eyes darkened.
"You're stupid," he said flatly. "I mean...very stupid."
Yibo let out a small, careless smile.
"If anyone should be called that, it's you people following him around," he said coolly. "Look… you have no right to interfere in what's between me and him. This is a family matter...so stay out of it."
Before anyone realized it, Zhan had stepped forward. His eyes burned with anger.
"This man standing here has more right than you ever will," he snapped. "When I say right, I mean it. He has a hundred times more right over those children than you do. He's practically their father...and he always will be."
His voice broke as tears spilled over.
"I hate you, Yibo… I hate you."
He collapsed into tears.
Mrs. Wang could only cry silently, unable to find words.
Yibo's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm.
"I never said you shouldn't hate me, Zhan. You have every right to. But I'm not giving you those children."
He paused, then added quietly:
"You've been through enough. Leave them with me now. Let me take responsibility. Go on with your life… with your 'bodyguards.' You said he's almost their father...not their father. I am their biological father."
Yang-Yang stepped forward, his patience finally snapping. He tapped Yibo sharply on the chest.
"Do you even know who you're talking to?" he said, voice low but heated. "Do you know why I've been this calm with you? It's because of your mother. She deserves respect."
His tone hardened.
"So listen carefully...bring out his children now and hand them over. Otherwise…"
Yibo smirked.
"Do your worst… Attorney."
For a second, Yang-Yang just stared at him in disbelief.
Zhan dropped to his knees again, overwhelmed, crying uncontrollably.
At that point, Yunxi stood up. His calm expression was gone.
"I can see now—you're completely ignorant," he said coldly. "You have no right over those children. And you're even proud of something you forced on someone? Is that how senseless you are?"
Yibo gave a short laugh.
"Watch your mouth. You're in my house," he replied. "And you don't get to lecture me. I said I'm not giving them up."
Yang-Yang stepped closer again, his voice now sharp and controlled.
"Good. Then be ready for a court order tomorrow. I hope you won't deny what you did to 14 years old boy when you're standing in court. You disappear, then come back claiming children you didn't even know existed…"
He shook his head.
"You're a wicked man, Yibo."
Yibo shrugged.
"Take me to court… if you can, I'm waiting...."
With that, he turned and walked upstairs, leaving them behind.
Yang-Yang let out a short, humorless smile.
"Alright. We'll meet there."
He turned toward the door, glancing at Yunxi.
"Shall we?"
"Wait."
Mrs. Wang's voice stopped them.
They turned back.
She walked toward them slowly, wiping her tears.
"I don't even know what to say," she admitted softly. "But please… it won't get to court. I promise you that. He has no right over those children...I will make sure he returns them."
Her voice trembled.
"Please… just give me a little time. I want to talk to you."
Yang-Yang didn't respond immediately. But from the moment he stepped into the house, he had already seen the kind of woman she was...and the respect she deserved.
He lowered his head slightly and returned to his seat.
"Alright, ma'am. I'm listening."
Mrs. Wang sat down as well, still wiping her tears. She glanced around the room.
Lihua was nowhere to be seen.
Only Baby stood by the wall, quietly crying.
Mrs. Wang spoke gently.
"How do you know Zhan?"
Yunxi glanced briefly at Yang-Yang, who was already looking at him, then returned his attention to his phone.
Yang-Yang stroked his hair lightly.
"We're his family," he said simply.
She nodded slowly, then continued:
"I'm not defending Yibo because he's my son… please don't misunderstand me. But what happened… it was a mistake. It wasn't planned."
Her voice softened with pain.
"I gave birth to him...I know his nature. Even Zhan can tell you… something like this isn't normal for him."
Yang-Yang leaned forward slightly.
"But after everything happened...when Zhan was already pregnant...we back here?"
Mrs. Wang looked at him in confusion.
"Back here?"
"Yes," he replied. "This house."
Her body went cold instantly.
"…Who did you meet when you came here?" she asked.
Yang-Yang answered without hesitation:
"The woman we saw in the living room just now. She humiliated us… and sent us away."
Mrs. Wang went silent.
"Do you mean Lihua sent you away?" she asked slowly. "Even after you told her everything?"
Yang-Yang nodded.
"I even thought she was his mother, the way she reacted."
"And you didn't see Yibo?"
He shook his head.
"She told us he had traveled abroad."
Mrs. Wang broke down completely.
"So this is what happened…" she whispered. "Lihua… you've destroyed my family."
Her voice trembled with pain.
"She knew everything… and still kept it from me. If I had known, nothing would have stopped me from finding Zhan."
Tears streamed down her face.
"Yibo's biggest mistake was letting Zhan leave. From that day, he has never had peace… and he never told me the truth. He only asked me to pray for him. He hasn't even agreed to marry till today…"
But Zhan wasn't listening anymore.
None of it mattered to him.
Yang-Yang briefly explained to her what Zhan had gone through after leaving.
Mrs. Wang cried even more, her whole body trembling with guilt and sorrow.
She stood up and walked toward Zhan, then slowly knelt in front of him.
"Zhan…" she said, her voice breaking. "I'm begging you… please forgive Yibo. For my sake."
Tears fell freely from her eyes.
"It was fate that brought things to this point. Please… don't carry this pain in your heart anymore."
Zhan's heart was already wounded, and through his tears he said softly, "Aunty, I've already forgiven him… but please, he should return my children to me."
Mrs. Wang stood up and replied gently, "He will, Zhan. Where is your home now?"
Zhan gave her the address. She nodded. "Alright. Be patient and go ahead. I promise we'll bring the children to you."
Zhan didn't respond. He only stared at her, his heart pounding, unable to shake the feeling that she was only saying this to make him leave...that they might not actually return the children.
Yang-Yang stood up and said, "Alright… Ma, we'll be expecting you."
Mrs. Wang turned to Yunxi with a tired expression. "Please be patient with him. Try not to hate Yibo. What happened wasn't entirely intentional… I know it's hard to understand, but please… try to consider him."
Yunxi gave a calm smile as he stood. "It's alright, Ma."
"Thank you," she said softly.
He headed toward the door, and Yang-Yang followed behind him. Zhan trailed after them, wiping his tears. He couldn't bring himself to look at Baby, who was standing by the doorway.
In a quiet, trembling voice, Baby said, "Meilin… please forgive my brother. Please forgive him…"
Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.
Zhan forced a faint smile. "I've forgiven him."
Then he walked out.
:
:
Upstairs, Mrs. Wang went straight to Lihua's room. She found her sitting beside Shao, examining strange rashes spreading across her body.
Her expression hardened.
"Lihua," she said coldly, "if I've ever wronged you in this house, then let it be repaid. And if you've wronged me, then I'll bear it. But now, pack your things and your daughter's things and leave my house immediately."
Lihua stood abruptly, stunned. "You're sending me out? Because of those men and their lies?"
Mrs. Wang's voice rose sharply. "Leave my house, i don't want to drag you to jail ...you're still my sister, but please just leave."
Lihua let out a dry laugh. "You'll regret this sister."
Without another word, she went to the wardrobe and began pulling out her belongings angrily.
Mrs. Wang turned and walked out.
She entered Yibo's room.
He was sitting at the edge of the bed, head in his hands. Both boys were asleep beside him.
She looked at him, her disappointment clear. "You… you've done something unforgivable, Yibo."
He looked up, eyes filled with pain. "Mum… why won't Zhan even consider me? Did I deserve this? I never meant to hurt him like that… and now those men keep interfering..."
She cut him off sharply. "Enough. Anyone with a conscience would want to help him after what he went through. Do you even understand the damage you caused? You took everything from him."
Yibo lowered his head, silent.
"We're going to his house now," she said.
He looked up weakly. "Mum… I can't live without Meilin. My life has been empty since he left. Please… talk to him for me. Ask him to marry me. I don't think I can ever marry anyone else."
She frowned. "Now?"
He stood suddenly. "If he refuses… then I'll take the children and leave. He'll never see them again."
Her expression turned cold. "So now you're threatening him with his own children? Do you think that will make him agree? Even legally, those children aren't yours. He raised them. Don't push this any further."
Yibo gave a faint, unreadable smile but said nothing.
Fear crept into Mrs. Wang's chest. She worried he might actually take the twins and vanish.
"Get up," she said quietly. "Let's go. For my sake… he might listen."
⏭ ⏭
It was nearly nightfall when they arrived at Zhan's house.
Yibo was driving. Baby sat in the front seat, while Mrs. Wang sat in the back holding Rouxue, whose body was still burning with fever despite medication.
Roulan leaned against her comfortably.
"Will we visit you again, Grandma?" Roulan asked softly.
She smiled and stroked his hair. "Of course, sweetheart."
They stopped in front of the house.
"I think this is it," Mrs. Wang said.
"Yes, this is our house," Roulan confirmed.
"Baby, go knock on the gate."
Baby stepped out and did so.
Soon, the nanny opened the gate. Roulan ran straight into her arms. She welcomed them warmly and led them inside, already recognizing Yibo as the boys' father from a single glance.
She went to call Xixue.
Xixue came out shortly after.
Rouxue was still in Yibo's arms. Roulan ran to her and hugged her tightly.
"I missed you, Mommy!"
She smiled gently and held him close.
Greetings were exchanged. Mrs. Wang felt a quiet shock at how warmly they were received.
Yibo couldn't even lift his head to look at Xixue.
Zhan, however, remained in his room. When he heard the children's voices, his heart tightened painfully, but he refused to step out. He didn't want to see Yibo.
"Where is Zhan?" Mrs. Wang asked.
"Call him," Xixue said to the nanny.
Zhan forced himself to stand and followed her, his head lowered. Even as he entered the room, he didn't look up.
Yibo stared at him without blinking.
Roulan ran to him and sat beside him happily. "We're back! I like the house so much!"
Zhan didn't respond. But something about those words hurt him deeply.
He glanced briefly at Yibo...their eyes met...and he shot him a cold glare before looking away.
Then he stood, took Roulan's hand, and led him back to the room.
Inside, Zhan sat on the bed and pulled Roulan close.
"Did that stranger say anything to you?"
Roulan hesitated. "He's not a stranger… this is the fourth time we've met him."
Zhan's heart skipped. "Where?"
"At the accident… he helped us."
Zhan's expression tightened. "And?"
"At the airport… he was traveling too."
Zhan closed his eyes briefly. "And?"
"Yesterday… at the market. Rouxue ran into the road and got hit because he was mad of him."
Zhan grabbed him, shaken. "So he caused that accident?!"
Roulan shook his head. "No… he helped us."
Zhan's anger flared. "Stay away from him! Do you hear me? He's dangerous!"
Roulan stared at him, confused. "But… he said he's our father…not that attorney you tells us."
Zhan froze.
"He's lying," he said sharply. "Your father is an Attorney. That man has nothing to do with us."
His voice trembled as he added, "Go and bring Rouxue here now."
Roulan ran out.
"Uncle, our Uncle asked me to called Rouxue now."
Everyone look at Roulan.
Yibo lowered his gaze. "Please… let me take him to the hospital. He's still sick."
Zhan stormed out. "Give me my child. I know how to take care of him."
Before things escalated further, Xixue stepped in sharply, silencing Zhan.
"Leave here...now."
Zhan broke down in tears and walked away.
Xixue looked at Yibo quietly. "You can take him. But bring him back tomorrow."
Yibo nodded softly. "Thank you."
It was almost 9 PM before Mrs. Wang and the Yibo finally left.
Xixue walked them to the car, her expression heavy with unspoken thoughts.
The night felt long… and nothing was truly settled yet.
💚💙❤🖤