Zhan didn't say a word. Yibo simply said, "Let's go." Slowly, Zhan began to follow behind him. When they reached the chalet, Zhan said quietly,
"But I won't go inside. I'll wait outside, Gege."
He stopped at the stairs of the chalet. Yibo didn't force him. He just opened the door and went in. Min was sitting on the couch, wiping away tears while ending a phone call. The moment she saw Yibo, she froze, but he didn't even glance at her. Leaving the door open, he walked straight into the bedroom.
Min smelled the trace of his cologne filling the sitting room, and her body tensed. Something told her someone else was nearby. Sure enough, when she looked toward the door, she saw Zhan. He quickly averted his gaze and turned back before their eyes could truly meet. She returned to her seat, pretending as if she hadn't seen him.
Moments later, Yibo came out holding some cash. He handed it to Zhan.
"Thank you, Gege," Zhan said softly as he accepted it.
Yibo didn't respond, only watched him quietly. Zhan hurried off the stairs and back to the main house, clutching the bag of fruits. He first stopped at Hai Kuan's room, knocked, and stand, once the door opened. He gave him the money. Hai Kuan accepted it, set it aside, and then Zhan left without a word. Hai Kuan followed him with his eyes, smiling faintly.
The next morning, Zhan entered Shu's room. She was sitting on the floor. He sat down near her.
"How are you feeling?" he asked gently.
Shu nodded weakly.
"Should I bring you porridge or tea?" he asked.
"Either one is fine," Shu replied.
Zhan stood up and left. He decided to stop by Lan Yi's place first to greet her. When he entered, he saw Granny Ai lying on the carpet, snoring loudly. Zhan walked past her and knocked on Lan Yi's door. She responded, and he entered.
Inside, Yibo was sitting beside Lan Yi while she sat cross-legged on the rug. Zhan knelt respectfully next to Lan Yi.
"Good morning, Mama," he greeted.
"Good morning," she replied warmly.
Zhan glanced at Yibo and said, "Morning, Gege."
"Morning," Yibo answered simply.
Zhan rose and said softly, "I'll come back later, Mama," then turned to leave. Lan Yi watched him as he walked out. After the door closed, she looked at Yibo and whispered,
"We'll continue later, Yibo."
Yibo didn't meet her eyes, just muttered, "Alright," before getting up and leaving too.
The next day, Friday evening, Zhan was with Shu in her room when Granny Ai entered. Folding her arms, she began to lecture,
"I've had enough of this. Zhan, won't you ever listen to me? You keep attaching yourself to this girl, she looks like a beggar clinging to scraps. I told you before... stay away from her, but you refuse. Why keep forcing yourself into something that doesn't concern you? Everyone knows Shu never wanted you from the beginning. Because of her, your engagement was broken with that stupid man. Don't you see how much this has cost you?
Look at other expectant women....glowing, beautiful...but Shu? She looks like a ragged beggar. Don't you fear catching some illness from hovering around her all the time? Well, it's none of my business. Qiren is calling you. He's in Lan Yi's sitting room. Go."
With that, Granny Ai covered her nose dramatically and left.
Zhan turned to see Shu's eyes brimming with tears. He couldn't bring himself to say anything, but inside, he burned with anger at the way Granny Ai treated her. He hated it deeply. Rising, he left Shu's room and went to Lan Yi's side.
Qiren was sitting in her sitting room, while Lan Yi busied herself with chores. Zhan greeted his father respectfully.
Qiren nodded and said, "Later, Hai Kuan will take you to Xuxui's house for the weekend. Her housemaid isn't around."
At that, Lan Yi paused and turned to look at him. Zhan glanced between them but said nothing.
"Take your clothes with you," Qiren added.
Lan Yi stared at him, then said firmly, "Qiren, just admit it. You want to send him back to your other wife's house. There's no need to hide behind excuses...speak plainly."
Zhan lowered his head, tears stinging his eyes.
Qiren turned to him and said coldly, "Get up and do as I said."
Zhan stood, bowed his head, and left with tears slipping down his cheeks. Only after he was gone did Lan Yi break down in sobs and retreat to her room.
Qiren followed. He found her sitting on the bed, weeping bitterly.
"Listen," he began, sitting beside her. "There's no way I'll ever let you and Zhan be separated. He'll only be at her house for two days, then he'll come back."
Lan Yi interrupted through her tears, her voice breaking.
"No, Qiren! I will never agree to that. No one else raised Zhan but me. No one suffered for him, no one endured the sacrifices I did. Don't make me regret marrying you. In all our years together...almost thirty years...I never once regretted it until now. After all I've given up for this family, is this what I deserve? For you to let some woman who never lifted a finger come and take what I built? I never thought you would treat me this way, Qiren. Never."
Her chest heaved as she wept harder. Then, unable to continue, she stood and left the room.
Qiren remained seated for a long moment, before rising to follow her again into the sitting room.
Zhan was still in his room after crying when Qiren knocked on the door and stepped inside. Zhan quickly rose from where he had been sitting, staring at him with red eyes.
"Pack your things," Qiren said firmly before turning and leaving.
Zhan's body went weak. Slowly, he left his room and went to Lan Yi's. Inside her bedroom, he found her seated on the carpet. He walked to her side and sat down, at a loss for words.
Lan Yi gathered her strength and said softly, "Do as your father told you, Zhan."
Tears filled his eyes again as he broke down. "Mama, I don't want to go to that house."
"You'll come back on Sunday," Lan Yi tried to soothe him. "And if they don't bring you back, I'll send Yibo to fetch you. Be a good boy and take just a few things."
Zhan kept crying, shaking his head, but she gently urged, "Go on, my dear."
Wiping his tears with the back of his hand, Zhan rose and fetched two sets of clothes, packing them into a small bag. When he returned, he found Qiren waiting in Lan Yi's sitting room. Zhan froze, then quickly turned away, heading downstairs instead.
About fifteen minutes later, Qiren came down as well. "Go say goodbye to your mother. We need to leave... I don't want to miss my flight."
With a heavy heart, Zhan climbed back upstairs. In Lan Yi's sitting room, he found her still seated where he had left her. He sat on the floor in front of her, voice trembling.
"Mama, I'm so sorry…" He broke into sobs again.
Lan Yi placed her hand on his head gently. "Don't blame yourself, son. It's not your fault. Yibo will come and get you on Sunday. I promise."
Zhan nodded through his tears. She urged, "Go now. He'll drop you off before going to the airport."
Reluctantly, Zhan stood and walked toward the door, still wiping his eyes. Lan Yi watched him until he left, holding back her own tears.
On his way out, Zhan stopped by Shu's room. She was lying down, pale and tired. He knelt in front of her.
"I'm leaving for Miller Road," he said quietly.
Shu immediately sat up when she saw the small bag in his hand. "When will you come back?" she asked, her voice trembling as tears welled up.
"Sunday," Zhan whispered. "It won't be long."
Shu only nodded, but tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched him walk out. His chest tightened with sorrow.
- - - -
When they arrived at Xuxui's house, Qiren parked outside. They both went in. Xuxui's face lit up with delight at the sight of Zhan. Noticing how he lingered awkwardly at the doorway, she beckoned with a smile.
"Come inside, don't just stand there."
Only then did Zhan step further in and sit down, still clutching his bag. Qiren gave Xuxui a polite greeting before taking his leave. She escorted him to the compound, offering him blessings of safe travels.
Meanwhile, Zhan sat stiffly on the couch, clutching his bag tightly. After Qiren's car left, Xuxui returned and said warmly, "Come, let me show you your room."
Zhan followed her upstairs. She opened a door and gestured inside. "This is your room."
He looked around. The furniture was expensive, polished, and finely decorated... more like a bridal suite than a simple guest room. His head bowed as he stepped inside.
Later that night, after 8 o'clock, Zhan was in the room with his phone. He had been about to return Dr. Jing's calls when Xuxui walked in, so he quickly put the phone aside. She sat on the edge of the bed, smiling.
"Did you have enough to eat?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes, I'm full."
"Good," she said. "And how is Lan Yi? Did you leave her well?"
"She's fine. She sends her regards," Zhan replied politely.
"And I return them," Xuxui said with a smile. Then, glancing at his phone, she asked, "Were you chatting with someone?"
He shook his head. "No."
She chuckled softly. "So… tell me, who is our in-law now?"
Zhan's eyes widened slightly. He quickly lowered his head without answering.
"Don't be shy," she coaxed gently. "You can talk to me. I am also like a mother to you."
He forced a faint smile and said, "There's no one."
"Are you sure?" she pressed.
Zhan nodded again, avoiding her eyes.
For a while she was silent, then she lowered her voice. "Do you know who I've been thinking about for you, Zhan?"
Surprised, he looked up at her.
"Your brother," she whispered.
Zhan froze, blinking at her. His mind spun, not immediately realizing she meant his brothers....after all, he never thought of them that way.
"You know him," Xuxui went on softly. "He knows you. You understand each other more than anyone. You could even write a book about his personality. You two would make the perfect couple. Besides, he's calm, steady...a true gentleman."
Zhan lowered his head, extremely uncomfortable with the topic.
Xuxui added, "After what happened with your broken engagement, I believe this is the only way forward for us."
Her phone suddenly rang. She stood. "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
Zhan silently watched her leave the room, his heart pounding at her words.
Around ten o'clock, Zhan lay restless on the bed, tossing from side to side. Xuxui's words from earlier still echoed in his mind. He tried to figure out which "brother" she had meant, but he refused to let himself imagine she was talking about any of his real brothers. He was certain it couldn't be them.
His phone vibrated. He picked it up slowly and saw Dr. Jing's name flashing on the screen. At first, he thought of ignoring it, but then he answered.
"Where have you been? You haven't been picking up my calls," Dr. Jing said after their brief greeting.
"I haven't been feeling well," Zhan admitted quietly.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Just feels like a fever."
"Oh… I see. Anyway, we'll be in Beijing tomorrow for a program. If it's okay, we can stop by to check on you before heading back to Guangzhou."
Zhan hesitated. "Who's coming with you?"
"Dr. Balogun and Dr Han. We're attending a program together."
"Alright then," Zhan said after a pause.
Dr. Jing continued, "By the way, the CEO traveled last week, but she'll be back in a few days for a workshop."
"Oh, okay," Zhan replied softly.
"Till tomorrow, then. I'll call you before we come over."
"Alright. Please give my regards to the twins."
"They'll be happy to hear it," Dr. Jing said before ending the call.
Zhan sat up, his mind heavy with thoughts. He considered how he might go back to Lan Yi's house the next day so that, if Dr. Jing and his colleagues visited, they'd meet him there. He knew this place wasn't truly his home.
He dialed Yibo's number next. It rang only once before Yibo picked up.
"Gege," Zhan said softly.
"Baby," Yibo answered, his voice warm. "Good evening. So you still have my number saved, hm?"
Zhan smiled faintly, as if Yibo could see him. "Yes… Gege, please, I want to come back home tomorrow."
"Tomorrow or the day after, it's the same, Baby. Just be patient. Or is something wrong?"
"I'm not comfortable here," Zhan confessed, lowering his voice.
Yibo fell silent for a moment. Then he said gently, "Bear with it. Wait until the day after tomorrow, otherwise Baba will be upset."
"Are you still there?" Yibo whispered after a pause.
"I'm here," Zhan replied. "Good boy."
Zhan murmured, "I'm going to sleep now."
"Alright. Sleep well. Did you eat?"
"Yes."
"Good. Then rest. Talk tomorrow."
Zhan ended the call, set his phone aside, and closed his eyes thinking why are they treating him like a small kid.
***
The next evening, Zhan was in the kitchen preparing rice and vegetable soup, as Xuxui had instructed. It had been a long time since he'd cooked. He finished everything around five o'clock.
When he stepped into the sitting room, he was startled to find Hai Kuan there, scrolling through his phone.
"Gege! When did you arrive?" Zhan asked in surprise.
"Just now," Hai Kuan answered without looking up.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine."
"And Mama?"
"She's fine."
"Should I bring you food? I just finished cooking."
"I already ate at home," Hai Kuan replied simply.
"Oh, okay."
Zhan came closer and sat beside him, studying his face. Hai Kuan finally glanced up and smiled slightly. "You look cute, Gege."
Hai Kuan blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes"
"You too."
Zhan's eyes widened. "Me, what?"
"The same thing you told me," Hai Kuan said calmly.
Zhan burst out laughing. "No way. You're way more handsome than me. That's why even Ma-Liyana is so taken with you."
Hai Kuan just kept looking at him, then reached out and gently held Zhan's hand. "No. Even compared to Ma- Liyana, you're still the one I find more beautiful."
Zhan froze, struck silent by his words. A second later, Hai Kuan released his hand and returned to his phone.
Softly, almost afraid to ask, Zhan murmured, "Gege, if you're leaving… can I come with you?"
"Baba said you should wait until tomorrow," Hai Kuan replied without looking up.
At that moment, Xuxui came downstairs. Seeing Hai Kuan, her face brightened. "When did you get here, barrister?"
"Just now," he answered.
Zhan quickly stood up. Xuxui looked at him. "You've already finished cooking?"
"Yes," Zhan said with a small smile.
"Well done, and thank you."
He gave her a polite nod and slipped away upstairs. Hai Kuan's eyes quietly followed him until he disappeared. Then Xuxui sat beside Hai Kuan. "How is everyone at home?"
"They're all well," he answered calmly.
When Zhan entered his room, he noticed three missed calls from Dr. Jing about an hour ago. His eyes widened.... he had completely forgotten that Dr. Jing said they would be arriving today. Quickly, he dialed back.
As soon as the line connected, Dr. Jing asked, "Were you asleep?"
"No, I was downstairs. How are you?" Zhan replied.
"I'm fine. How are you feeling?"
"Much better," Zhan said.
"If not for the flight delay, we'd already be in Guangzhou. Now our flight's moved to 8 p.m. So tell me, where exactly is your neighborhood?"
Zhan hesitated. "I'll call you back in a few minutes."
"Alright then," Dr. Jing said, and ended the call.
Zhan went downstairs, heading to the sitting room where Hai Kuan was seated. Xuxui had gone into the kitchen. Sitting on the couch beside him, Zhan said quietly, "Gege, Dr. Jing and his team are in Beijing for a program. They want to stop by. Is that okay?"
"It's fine," Hai Kuan answered calmly. "I already spoke to him earlier. He said he didn't have time to come by since their flight was at 3 p.m."
Zhan frowned. "He told me the flight was delayed till night. I just saw his missed calls."
"Then send him the address," Hai Kuan said.
"I don't really know it… please, you write it for me," Zhan replied, handing over his phone.
Hai Kuan took the phone, typed in the house address, and sent it. Not long after, Dr. Jing called back. Zhan answered.
"Alright, expect us in thirty minutes," Dr. Jing said.
"Okay, see you soon."
After ending the call, Zhan put the phone aside, still looking at Hai Kuan. Hai Kuan told him, "Go and tell the lady of the house that guests are coming."
Zhan said nothing. Just then, Xuxui came into the sitting room carrying food on a tray.
"I already ate at home," Hai Kuan said when she set it down.
"Even a little won't hurt," she encouraged.
Zhan stood up, about to head upstairs, but Xuxui said to him, "I noticed you haven't been eating much either. Wait...have dinner with Barrister."
Zhan glanced at Hai Kuan, who also looked back at him. Xuxui placed the food on the table and smiled. "Come on, Zhan, sit down and eat."
Forcing a small smile, Zhan sat back down. After Xuxui left for upstairs, he began eating quietly. A few minutes later, Hai Kuan took a spoon, and joined him.
"Is it good?" Zhan asked.
"Who cooked it?" Hai Kuan countered.
Zhan lowered his head. "Me."
"Then let me finish before I tell you," Hai Kuan said with a straight face.
Zhan chuckled softly and kept eating. Zhan ate only a little before setting the spoon aside and heading upstairs. He first stopped by Xuxui's room to inform her of Dr. Jing's visit, then went to his own room to shower and change.
Standing by his window afterward, Zhan gazed out at the neighborhood. The streets, the houses... it all felt strangely familiar, as if he had been there before. Suddenly, a name flashed in his mind: Dr. Kexing. Zhan's chest tightened. Could this be the same area where he once met Dr. Kexing?
His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. Dr. Jing again. Zhan picked up.
"We're right at the house number," Dr. Jing said.
"Alright," Zhan answered softly.
Ending the call, he went downstairs to open the door. Strangely, Hai Kuan was no longer in the sitting room, which surprised him. Going back upstairs, he informed Xuxui that the guests had arrived.
"No need for you to go out," she said. "I'll have the guard open the gate."
"Is Gege already left?" Zhan asked.
"Yes. He had to travel to Chengdu," Xuxui explained. "He's gone."
Zhan froze for a moment. "He didn't tell me he was leaving."
"I thought you two had said your goodbyes," she replied casually.
Zhan said nothing more. Xuxui called the guard to open the gate, and Zhan quietly slipped out of the room.
A few minutes later, he was downstairs again, opening the door. Dr. Jing entered with a warm smile.
"Good to see you, father of twins," Zhan greeted playfully.
Dr. Jing laughed, following him inside to the sitting room. After exchanging greetings, Zhan served him water and a glass of juice.
"How are you now?" Dr. Jing asked.
"Much better. But I thought you said you'd come with Dr. Han?"
"Oh, they've already gone on ahead to Tianjin. From there, they'll take the train. They left earlier today. I wanted to travel with them too, but it wasn't possible."
Zhan said softly, "Oh, that's too bad."
Just then, Xuxui came into the sitting room with a warm smile. She greeted Dr. Jing and then went back upstairs.
Dr. Jing turned to Zhan. "That's your mom?"
Zhan only smiled in response.
"I spoke with your brother, Barrister Hai Kuan, about your work," Dr. Jing continued. "He said he would get back to me after discussing with your father. That was earlier today, so I don't yet know their decision... I'm still waiting for his call."
Zhan stayed quiet, just watching him.
Dr. Jing added gently, "Whatever your father says, that will be the outcome. I only hope they let you take this opportunity. In the future, you'll be grateful for it. No matter how wealthy your family is, it's always important to have your own source of income."
Zhan forced a small smile, though deep down he felt unsettled. He was, after all, just an abandoned orphan who didn't even have any inheritance from the people he had once thought of as parents. The thought struck him sharply, leaving him momentarily lost.
Dr. Jing stood. "I should head to the airport now before I miss my flight…"
Quietly, Zhan said, "But you haven't had anything to drink."
Dr. Jing waved it off. "I'm fine. I already ate."
"Alright then." Zhan nodded.
"Say goodbye to your mom for me," Dr. Jing added.
"I will," Zhan replied.
They walked together to the front gate. Dr. Jing chuckled, "So you're not going to see me all the way out?"
Zhan smiled faintly. "I'll walk you."
They stepped outside the compound, and Dr. Jing suddenly said, "Come, I'll introduce you to someone. You know him."
"Oh? Alright," Zhan answered, curious.
They approached a car. Dr. Jing opened the passenger seat door, and Zhan froze.
Sitting inside was the MD. He barely spared Zhan a glance before returning his eyes to the phone in his hand, face set in an expression of cold indifference.
Dr. Jing gave Zhan a subtle look, signaling him to greet. Zhan obeyed with a curt, "Good day."
The MD didn't bother replying. Without waiting, Zhan turned and walked back toward the house.
The MD lift his eyes looking at Zhan, while walking, Zhan muttered to Dr. Jing, "Safe trip, Doctor. Greet the twins for me."
Dr. Jing, suppressing a laugh at the whole scene, got into the driver's seat.
The MD scowled. "That insolent boy is the one you're insisting I should consider? Does he even look sick to you? If I were petty, I'd say you've wasted my time and should be held responsible. What's the point of dragging me here?"
Dr. Jing couldn't stop a chuckle. Both Zhan's boldness and the MD's irritation amused him.
The MD fumed, "I won't forgive you for this. You forced me here, and the boy comes out only to disrespect me? Are you secretly holding a grudge against me, Jing?"
Still chuckling, Dr. Jing replied, "Boss, I didn't force you. You were the one who chose to come to Beijing instead of going straight to Xi'an for the program you clearly didn't want to attend. If you blame anyone, blame yourself. And to be fair, he did greet you."
The MD snapped, "If I had slapped him right there, he'd learn what 'good day' means. Does he think I'm his mate? Do I look like someone who mingles with children? That boy can't be more than sixteen if we go by his real date of birth."
Dr. Jing started the engine and pulled away.
The MD adjusted in his seat, still fuming. "Nonsense. Just because he grew up on Miller Road, he thinks everyone is his equal?"
Dr. Jing smirked. "At least he wasn't some street boy from the ghetto. You could've been more offended if that were the case."
The MD huffed. "When we return to Guangzhou, I'll erase his records. He should come for an interview."
Dr. Jing just kept driving, amused. Then, after a moment, he teased, "Boss, you usually don't even involve yourself with senior doctors, you're too busy for that. Yet here you are, going on and on about this boy. Don't tell me you actually like him?"
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛