By ten o'clock the next morning, Zhan lay in bed with his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. The constant stream of condolences for Rouxue was overwhelming him, so Xixue and Nanny had been receiving visitors on his behalf.
Xixue entered the room quietly and touched him gently, even though she knew he wasn't truly asleep. Zhan slowly opened his heavy eyes and looked at her.
"Come," she said softly. "Someone is here to see you."
Zhan frowned slightly. "Aren't you there? I'm resting..."
Xixue replied, "It's Yunxi's mother. That's why I woke you."
Zhan went silent for a moment, then slowly sat up. Xixue held his hand and helped him off the bed. He followed her out to the living room.
The woman sat there with three grandchildren....and Roulan was with them as well.
As soon as Roulan saw Zhan, he ran to him and hugged him tightly.
"Uncle, are you sick?" he asked,
looking up at him with concern.
Zhan only stared at him, his chest tightening as tears threatened to spill.
Yunxi's mother, who had been watching him with sympathy, spoke gently, "Zhan... I'm so sorry. How are you holding up?"
At first, he couldn't respond. Then, with effort, he managed, "I'm... okay. Thank you."
She nodded softly. "Stay strong."
Zhan said nothing.
Roulan looked at him again, his voice filled with confusion.
"Uncle, Dr. Uncle said Rouxue traveled... but why did he go alone? Why didn't we go together? I miss him. I want to see him... I promise I won't fight him anymore..."
Xixue quickly pulled Roulan close, trying to hide her own tears.
"He'll come back soon, sweetheart," she said gently. "And I'm sure he misses you too."
Roulan shook his head slightly. "Then I want to call him... I miss him."
Yunxi's mother smiled faintly, trying to distract him. "Aren't you tired of playing with your other friends?"
Roulan turned to her. "No, Grandma... but Rouxue is my brother. They would like him too."
She stood up. "Alright, let's go now. You've greeted them."
Roulan hesitated, then turned back to Zhan and whisper in a low tone.
"Mom... is Rouxue coming back soon? I want both of us to play together again..."
Zhan couldn't even lift his head.
"Let's go," Yunxi's mother said gently. "When he comes back, we'll bring him to you."
They left the living room, Roulan waving goodbye.
Xixue walked them to the car and only then noticed Yunxi sitting inside. He stepped out immediately when he saw her and greeted her politely.
"Thank you," she said softly. "Take care."
He nodded before getting back into the car. Once they drove away, Xixue returned inside.
She didn't find Zhan in the living room, so she went back to his room. He was lying down again.
This time, her concern deepened. His silence worried her more than his tears would have.
She sat beside him and said gently, "Zhan... cry. Even a little. It will help you feel better. Keeping everything inside isn't good for you... you know your condition. If it gets worse, it will only hurt you more."
Zhan didn't respond.
After a moment, Xixue sighed softly and left the room.
:
:
Later that day, Mrs. Wang and the others came to visit again. This time, they stayed longer, and Zhan forced himself to come out and receive them.
In the evening, Rahel came with Yulan. Rahel cried openly...she couldn't accept that Rouxue was gone so suddenly. Her heart ached deeply for Zhan.
Vanessa and the others called as well, sending their condolences. They still believed the twins were both Zhan's siblings, unaware of the truth.
That night, after Zhan finished bathing, Rahel handed him his phone...it had been vibrating.
He took it and saw Yunxi calling.
He answered.
"Zhan..." Yunxi's voice came softly.
"Yes..."
"Can you come outside for a moment?"
Zhan paused briefly, then said, "Alright, I'm coming."
He got dressed and went to Xixue's room first.
"I'm going out for a bit," he said quietly.
She nodded. "Don't stay long."
Zhan stepped outside slowly, his movements heavy, as if even the ground beneath him needed care.
Yunxi was leaning against his car, waiting.
Zhan stopped beside him, his head lowered.
"Good evening..." he said quietly.
Yunxi looked at him for a long moment before lowering his gaze.
"I'm sorry, Zhan."
Zhan swallowed hard. "Thank you..."
Yunxi sighed softly. "I didn't know what to say... that's why I didn't call. I know this is painful... losing him like that. But... you have to remember, you didn't know you would have him, yet you did. There's always a reason behind things, even when we don't understand it."
He paused, then continued gently.
"You still have Roulan. He'll need you now more than ever. You have to stay strong....for him. This... is part of your journey, even if it hurts."
Zhan gave a faint, strained smile, wiping the tears in his eyes.
"I'll try," he said quietly. "I won't let it consume me... I've accepted it."
His voice trembled slightly toward the end.
Yunxi closed his eyes briefly. "I'm glad to hear that."
Zhan didn't reply. Instead, his gaze shifted past Yunxi-to another car parked nearby.
Yibo stepped out.
Yunxi glanced at him briefly, then looked away.
Yibo walked over and extended his hand. Yunxi shook it, though reluctantly.
"My condolences," Yibo said quietly.
"Thank you," Yunxi replied.
Yibo's gaze shifted to Zhan. Their eyes met briefly, and Zhan quickly lowered his head, his heart tightening.
Yibo entered the house without another word.
Yunxi adjusted his wristwatch, then asked, "Did he come to see you?"
Zhan shook his head. "No."
Yunxi nodded slowly. "Alright... I should go. Try to rest. Don't overthink."
Zhan nodded.
Yunxi looked at him again and smiled faintly. "Have you eaten?"
Zhan shook his head. "I don't have an appetite."
"If I bring you something, promise me you'll eat."
"There's food at home..."
"I know. Just promise me."
Zhan gave a small, reluctant smile. "Alright... I will."
"Good," Yunxi said. "I'll be back soon."
"Take care."
With that, Yunxi headed to his car, while Zhan slowly turned and went back inside.
Zhan found Yibo seated outside in the compound on a white chair. He glanced at him briefly, then looked away and tried to walk past him into the house.
"Meilin..."
Zhan stopped.
The words Yibo had said the previous morning echoed in his mind. Slowly, he turned back. Yibo was already standing.
"Please... just a few minutes."
Zhan hesitated, staring down at his fingers before finally nodding. "Alright."
Yibo turned and walked toward the chairs. Zhan followed him quietly. They both sat down.
Yibo kept looking at him, but Zhan refused to meet his eyes, his expression guarded.
After a moment, Yibo spoke in a low voice.
"Meilin... not for my sake, but please... I want you to forget what happened between us six years ago..."
Zhan cut him off immediately. "Did I ever say I hadn't forgotten?"
Yibo shook his head gently. "I mean... forgive me. Truly let it go. What happened... it wasn't intentional. It was a setup. I know you might not believe that... but please, let's at least maintain some connection."
Zhan felt something twist painfully inside him. The wound had never really healed.
Yibo continued softly, "Please... even if it's just for the sake of the child we still have... even if I don't deserve it."
Zhan said nothing.
After a long silence, he slowly lifted his head. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away again.
"I've forgotten," he said quietly. "It's in the past."
Yibo nodded. "Thank you... but will you give me the child?"
Zhan's head snapped up immediately.
"I can't give you my son," he said, his voice trembling. "I'm sorry."
Yibo nodded calmly. "No offense... but at least let me be part of his life. Let me visit him sometimes... and maybe, once in a while, he can visit my mother."
Zhan fell silent again.
"You're quiet," Yibo said gently.
Inside, Zhan thought, I know exactly what you're trying to do... but aloud, he simply said, "Alright."
A small smile appeared on Yibo's face. "Thank you. I hope he grows up well."
"Amen..." Zhan murmured softly out of habit, then fell silent again.
Just then, Zhan turned and saw Yunxi entering the compound, holding a shopping bag.
He stood up quickly.
Yunxi walked straight to him and handed him the bag. Zhan accepted it politely.
"Thank you."
Yunxi gave a faint smile. "No need."
Without another word, he turned and headed back toward the gate.
Yibo watched him closely as he left, his gaze unreadable.
Zhan spoke quietly, "I'll go inside now."
Yibo stood up as well. "Wait... what's his name? I mean the boy....I don't even know his birth name."
Zhan hesitated, then answered softly, "His name is Xiao. We call him Roulan. His late twin brother... Yang. We called him Rouxue."
Yibo stared at him without blinking.
Zhan straightened slightly, then added, with a firm look, "Attorney Yang-Yang... that was his name."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, his face set.
A faint smile appeared on Yibo's lips as he watched him leave.
"Alright... wait, Meiqin...I understand," he said softly.
Zhan paused but didn't turn back.
Yibo stepped closer. "Where is he now? I haven't seen him since yesterday."
"At Yunxi's place," Zhan replied.
Yibo nodded slowly. "Alright... good night."
Zhan walked inside and closed the door behind him.
✴✴✴
The next day marked the third day after Rouxue's passing.
Early in the morning, Mrs. Wang arrived with Siya and two of her friends, bringing food and snacks for the house.
Around nine, Yunxi's mother came as well, bringing her grandchildren...and Roulan. She also brought food, including rice, stew, and fried chicken, carefully packed for Zhan.
By eleven, Attorney Yang-Yang had to leave due to a case. He sent Zhan a message, saying he would return later in the evening.
Around noon, Yunxi's mother left with Roulan. By now, the boy had grown familiar with Yunxi's younger sisters children, but he kept asking the same question over and over:
"When is Rouxue coming back?"
She grew tired of answering, but each time she would gently tell him, "Soon."
Even so, it was clear how much he missed his brother.
By almost two o'clock, Mrs. Wang and her group also left. Zhan escorted them to the gate and thanked them quietly. She offered him comforting words before leaving.
By evening, most of Xixue's friends began to leave as well. Rahel returned to Shanghai with Yulan.
The house grew quiet, leaving only Zhan, Xixue, Nanny, and one close friend.
A little after 6 PM, Zhan's phone rang.
He answered slowly...it was Attorney Yang-Yang.
"Meiqin, can you come outside for a moment? I'm here."
"Alright."
Zhan stood up and informed Xixue before heading out.
As he stepped outside, Yang-Yang got out of his car.
He was holding his three-year-old daughter.
Zhan's eyes widened as he looked at the beautiful little girl. He stepped closer and gently took her into his arms.
"Wow... what's her name?" he asked softly.
Yang-Yang leaned against the car, watching them. "She's your namesake. We called her Meiqin too. I brought her to greet her uncle."
Zhan gave a faint smile, though a memory flickered in his mind...the call from the girl's mother on the day Rouxue died. He pushed it aside and gently stroked the child's long hair.
"I'm really happy to meet her," he said quietly.
"Are you?" Yang-Yang asked, studying him.
Zhan glanced at him. "Of course... unless you want to leave her with me."
Yang-Yang let out a soft laugh. "If you step into her father's house, then she's already yours."
Zhan smiled faintly but said nothing.
After a moment, Yang-Yang added, "So... you won't invite me in?"
Zhan blinked. "Did I say that?"
Yang-Yang gave him a knowing look. "Don't forget who you're talking to."
Zhan looked away, still smiling faintly. "An attorney."
Yang-Yang rubbed the back of his neck, then asked gently, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm managing," Zhan replied.
"Roulan hasn't come back home yet?"
Zhan shook his head. "Not yet."
"How's Mommy?"
"She's inside."
Then, as if suddenly remembering, Zhan said, "Oh...sorry, I left you standing. Let's go inside."
Yang-Yang smiled. "No, I'm fine here."
Zhan pouted slightly. "I just forgot, okay? Come in please."
He turned toward the gate, holding little Meiqin, while Yang-Yang watched him for a moment before following.
In the compound, Yang-Yang sat on one of the white chairs. No matter how much Zhan insisted, he refused to go inside to greet Xixue.
"Alright then," Zhan said, "I'll take her inside so she can meet her."
"Okay," Yang-Yang replied. "Just leave her there and come back alone. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my daughter."
Zhan laughed softly and walked off with the child, who kept looking back at her father. Yang-Yang waved at her with a smile.
Inside, Xixue placed the little girl on her lap, smiling warmly. "Such a beautiful child."
Zhan noticed something. "She's quiet... doesn't she talk?"
"It's not that," Xixue replied. "She just doesn't know us yet. She'll talk."
Zhan nodded, then went to the fridge, took out water and soda, placed them on a tray with a glass cup, and said, "I'll be back."
When he returned outside, Yang-Yang's eyes were already on him.
Zhan set the tray down, poured him a drink, but didn't hand it over immediately.
"How's work?" he asked.
Yang-Yang leaned back slightly. "Not great... Meiqin, you still haven't answered my question."
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. "Alright... I'll put it this way. You don't want to answer."
Zhan stayed silent.
After a pause, Yang-Yang spoke again, his voice softer now.
"A lot happened after I left you and the boys. I went back to Chongqing, to my family. But I couldn't find peace... I was always thinking about you and the twins."
Zhan's fingers tightened slightly.
"My mother noticed. She was worried... said maybe something was wrong with me. Eventually, I forced myself to move on... to forget."
He let out a quiet breath.
"I stopped coming to Shanghai. I avoided it completely. I focused on work, traveling between cities... anywhere but there."
Zhan listened, unmoving.
"Then I met Zizi in Holland. We got engaged, the wedding is close... but when I saw you that day, everything changed."
Zhan's heart skipped.
"Because of you, I postponed the wedding. Again and again. Eventually... I canceled it."
He gave a small, humorless smile.
"They returned everything. My father supported my decision."
A pause.
"But after we separated again... I went back to her. I didn't have a choice anymore. We got married within a month."
Zhan lowered his gaze.
"Two years into the marriage, my mother passed away after struggling with a kidney illness. Before she died... I told her everything about you. I didn't hide anything."
His voice softened.
"She was worried... but in the end, she just wished you well."
Another pause.
"And after that... I tried to let go completely. I told myself you were okay. But I never stopped thinking about you. Not even for a day."
Zhan's eyes began to sting.
Yang-Yang continued, more quietly now.
"I won't lie... my marriage isn't a happy one. There's too much conflict. I don't have peace at home. Even on weekends, I'd rather stay at the office."
He looked directly at Zhan.
"I need someone who brings me peace. I need a real partner."
Zhan's chest tightened.
"I'm only holding on because of my daughter. Divorce isn't something I consider. But still..."
His voice dropped.
"I need you, Meiqin. Will you marry me?"
Zhan felt his head grow heavy. His vision blurred as tears slipped down his face.
And for reasons he couldn't explain... another name surfaced in his heart.
Yunxi.
***
Xixue remained quiet for a moment, watching Zhan closely. Then she asked gently, "And why is that?"
Zhan lowered his head slightly, his voice soft. "Mommy... I'll be all alone there. I want him with me."
Xixue sighed. "Life over there won't be easy, Zhan. Your studies need full focus...you know that. Roulan will be a distraction. It won't work."
"But he'll be going to school too," Zhan insisted, his tone pleading. "Please, Mommy."
Xixue fell silent again, folding the clothes in her hands. After a while, she said, half-teasing, half-serious, "So you just want to take him away from me?"
Zhan smiled faintly, a little embarrassed. "No, Mommy... it's not like that."
"Oh, it is," she replied lightly. "You're already far from me, and now you want to take my grandson too."
Zhan's eyes widened. "No, really, that's not what I mean."
Xixue smiled, then gave in. "Alright then. If you want to take him, go ahead. Just stay safe."
Relief flooded Zhan instantly.
She sat on the edge of the bed and continued, "What about Yang-Yang? Did you mentioned it to him before..."
Zhan shrugged lightly. "He knows I'm going back to school. We already talked about it when he came. The money he gave me was for that anyway."
"I know he's aware," Xixue said. "But you know he still need to visit your uncle Jincai."
Zhan frowned slightly but said nothing...he clearly didn't like the idea.
"And Yibo..." she added. "You should inform him you're taking Roulan. Or at least let the boy go say goodbye to his grandmother."
Zhan stayed quiet, eyes fixed on his phone.
⏭ ⏭
At Yunxi's house, his mother had already asked the driver to shop for Roulan, preparing for his trip to the UK.
Yunxi sat in her room, checking the items. "Thank you, Mom."
She looked at him seriously. "Yunxi, we need to talk. You're leaving early tomorrow."
He turned his full attention to her. "I'm listening."
She lowered her voice. "You know your wedding with Tieh is in just a month, right? And I haven't heard anything from you."
Yunxi rubbed the back of his neck. "I know."
"Then why are there no preparations?"
He was silent for a moment before finally saying, "Mom... if it's not wrong, I want to marry the mother of that child too with Tieh."
She stared at him, stunned. "Are you even thinking straight, Yunxi?!"
He frowned, clearly irritated, and switched into her native language, speaking rapidly and emotionally. His mother could only stare at him, unable to interrupt. Whatever he said, it was intense...serious enough to leave the room heavy with tension.
When he finished, he sat back, still frowning, tapping on his phone.
His mother, however, slowly smiled.
"I understand you," she said calmly. "But what's wrong with marrying Zhan after your wedding with Tieh? No one is stopping you. That might even be better."
***
The next morning, Zhan packed the few things he needed for his return to the UK. Xixue also packed Roulan's belongings, though her heart ached. Ever since Rouxue's death, Yunxi had kept Roulan with him most of the time.
Just before eight, Yunxi arrived with Roulan.
Zhan was in the bedroom, arranging some of Roulan's shoes when he suddenly came across Rouxue's.
His mood shifted instantly.
He sat down quietly, staring at them.
After Rouxue's death, Xixue had given away most of his belongings to help Zhan heal. These shoes had simply been forgotten.
A knock came.
"Zhan, they're waiting for you," Nanny said softly.
Zhan stood up slowly, holding Roulan's shoes, and walked out.
The driver from Yunxi's house was already waiting to take them to the airport.
Roulan quickly ran to him and hugged him. "I missed you, Uncle."
Zhan stroked his hair gently. "I missed you too."
Xixue urged softly, "Go on, the driver is waiting."
Zhan hesitated. "When did Roulan arrive?"
"Just now," she replied.
Zhan walked up to her and hugged her tightly. "Till we'll be back, Mommy."
She held herself together, fighting back tears. "Take care of yourself... both of you."
"Thank you, Mommy," he said quietly.
As they reached the door, Zhan suddenly turned back. "Wait... Roulan hasn't said goodbye to Yibo's mother."
Xixue blinked. "Oh, I forgot. Then tell Yunxi to stop by quickly on your way to the airport."
Zhan nodded and stepped outside.
Roulan had already opened the back seat. Zhan glanced at Yunxi, who sat inside wearing sunglasses, focused on his phone.
Roulan got in first, and Zhan followed, waving at Nanny.
Yunxi greeted her politely before the car pulled away, leaving the house behind.
They had already driven some distance before Zhan finally turned to Yunxi and said softly, "Good morning."
"Morning. How was your night?" Yunxi replied.
Zhan lowered his gaze. "It was fine."
Yunxi's phone rang, and he answered it. After he finished, Zhan spoke again.
"Mommy said before we leave, I should take Roulan to Yibo's mother so he can say goodbye. She always asks about him when they talk."
"Alright," Yunxi said, then gave the driver new directions.
About twenty minutes later, they arrived at Yibo's house.
After the car stopped, Yunxi turned to Zhan. "You two go in."
"You're not coming?" Zhan asked.
"No. I'll wait here."
"Okay..."
Zhan stepped out of the car and looked at Roulan. "Come down."
Roulan stretched his arms toward him. "Carry me, Mom."
Zhan frowned slightly. "Get down yourself."
Yunxi chuckled. "Just carry him...or you can't?."
Zhan smiled faintly and picked him up before heading inside.
The door wasn't locked, so he pushed it open and entered. The living room was empty. Just as he was about to set Roulan down, Yibo appeared, walking down the stairs.
He was dressed in black, and the moment their eyes met, Zhan quickly looked away.
He stood still until Yibo reached them. Without a word, Yibo reached out and took Roulan from him. The brief contact of his hand against Zhan's arm sent a sudden jolt through him, and he instinctively stepped back.
Yibo, however, simply watched him for a moment, suppressing thoughts he didn't want to revisit.
Roulan smiled brightly. "Good morning, Uncle."
Yibo returned the smile, gently stroking his hair. "Morning. How are you, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine."
Yibo's gaze shifted back to Zhan. Their eyes met again, and Zhan quickly lowered his head.
"Good morning, Meilin," Yibo said.
Zhan hesitated, then replied awkwardly, "Good morning... we came to see your mother."
"She's upstairs."
"I see... please let her know we're in a hurry."
"Come," Yibo said, already turning toward the stairs.
Zhan followed behind him, his heart beating faster than he liked...mirroring the same unspoken tension Yibo seemed to carry.
Yibo knocked lightly before opening his mother's room.
She was sitting with a friend. The moment Roulan ran to her, her expression softened completely.
"Grandma, good morning!"
Her face lit up as she hugged him. "Oh my, Roulan! Who brought you here?"
"My uncle!"
Yibo stepped aside, revealing Zhan still standing at the door.
"Oh, you came together," she said warmly. "Come in, Zhan."
He walked in quietly and sat down. "Good morning, Aunty."
"How is your family? And Xixue?" she asked kindly.
"They're all well."
Zhan greeted her friend politely, then added, "I'm returning to school, and Roulan will be going with me. Mommy asked me to bring him to say goodbye."
"That's wonderful," she said warmly. "Safe journey. I hope everything goes well for you."
Yibo stood silently, watching him the entire time.
"I'll take him to greet his grandfather," she added, standing up with Roulan.
Once she left, her friend looked at Zhan sympathetically. "Take care of yourself."
"I will. Thank you."
After about ten minutes, she returned. Zhan was already anxious about keeping Yunxi waiting.
"Come, let's greet his grandfather as well," she said.
Zhan followed her, still avoiding eye contact, and greeted Mr. Wang respectfully before they returned downstairs.
Suddenly, her tone shifted. "Let's go see Shao."
Zhan nodded and followed.
The moment he saw her, his chest tightened. She looked frail...nothing like herself.
"Take care... I hope you recover soon," Zhan said gently.
Shao only looked at him silently, unable to respond.
"Let's go," Yibo's mother said quietly.
Back downstairs, she added, "I would have given you some things, but since you're flying, I'll send money to Marry to get them for you there. She'll also shop for Roulan."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Thank you."
She walked him to the entrance. Yibo, who had been sitting with Roulan, stood up as they approached.
"Take care," she said warmly.
"thank you," Zhan replied.
He followed behind Yibo and Roulan toward the door. In the middle of the compound, Yibo paused, waiting for him.
Zhan tried to walk past without looking at him, but Yibo reached out and lightly caught the edge of his sleeve.
"Aren't we saying goodbye to me?" he asked quietly.
Zhan didn't look at him. "I came to greet your mother, not you."
Yibo smiled faintly. "Alright. Safe trip... we'll meet again. I'm also leaving tomorrow."
Zhan ignored him at first, but just before reaching the gate, he asked, "What happened to Shao?"
Yibo paused. "She has HIV."
Zhan's eyes widened in shock.
"Her father's family will come take her later," Yibo added.
Tears filled Zhan's eyes. "And...Aunty Lihua?"
"She's in the hospital. Didn't you hear? She had an accident two weeks ago."
Zhan shook his head, stunned. "How is she now?"
"I don't know. After I brought them there, I haven't gone back."
Zhan fell silent, his heart heavy.
They reached the car.
"I'm sorry we kept you waiting," Zhan said to Yunxi.
"No problem," Yunxi replied with a small smile.
Yunxi had only glanced at Yibo once...and didn't look again.
"Good morning," Yibo said.
"Morning," Yunxi replied briefly.
Roulan waved happily. "Bye, Uncle!"
Zhan got into the car, avoiding Yibo's gaze. But as their eyes met briefly, he lowered his head again.
"Take care," Yibo said.
"...Thank you," Zhan replied softly.
Yibo closed the car door, and the driver pulled away.
After a while, Roulan pulled out some money from his pocket.
"Mom, that grandfa put this in my pocket. I told him no, but he didn't listen."
Zhan stared at the money silently.
"And our Daddy gave me this too," Roulan added, showing another note.
Yunxi kept scrolling on his phone, saying nothing.
Zhan, too, didn't know what to say.
💚💙❤🖤