That night, Zhan couldn't sleep. Two things weighed heavily on his mind, both of which brought him to tears whenever he thought of them. The first was Hai Kuan's words, suggesting that he should marry Yibo...his Gege Yibo?....and the second was what Shen Yi had told the CEO, that Dr. Kexing had given up on marrying him. Eventually, Zhan left his mother's side and slipped quietly into the bathroom.
The next morning, Zhan woke up early and went downstairs to prepare breakfast for his mother. Even the household staff hadn't come out yet since it was still too early. On his way past the dining area, he stopped in surprise when he saw that Shen Yi hadn't touched the food from last night before leaving. The plate and cutlery Shen Yi had fetched for himself were still neatly set aside. Zhan's chest tightened. After standing there for a while, he quietly gathered them and carried them into the kitchen.
By around nine o'clock, Zhan entered his room where his travel box had been kept. Locking the door behind him, he sat on the edge of the bed. Only then did he realize how deeply yesterday's troubles had settled in his heart. He had been unable to eat breakfast, his chest felt heavy, and peace seemed far out of reach. Wiping away the tears gathering in his eyes, he wondered when in his life he would ever stop crying. It was always one heartbreak after another. When would life return to what it used to be?
Slowly, Zhan stood and walked toward the mirror to pick up his phone, which he hadn't touched since last night. Ever since his life had become so turbulent, he barely used his phone anymore.... sometimes even forgetting he had one, unlike before when it never left his hand.
Looking down at the screen, he saw five missed calls from Lan Yi. He quickly dialed her number. As soon as it began to ring, she answered.
"Were you sleeping?" Lan Yi asked gently.
Zhan shook his head, speaking softly. "No, my phone was in the room. How are you, Mama?"
"I'm fine. And the family?"
"They're all doing well."
"That's good. I hope you're taking care of yourself?"
Zhan gave a small smile. "Yes, Mama." He wanted to ask about Yibo, but the words stuck in his throat. Lowering his gaze, he stayed quiet.
"You didn't get to say goodbye to Yibo before you left," Lan Yi remarked.
Zhan slowly lifted his head. "He wasn't around, Mama, when I was leaving."
"Even if he wasn't there, you should have called to let him know you were going, sweetheart."
Zhan stayed silent for a while before softly answering, "I'll call him, Mama."
"Did you quarrel with your brother?" she asked carefully.
Zhan forced a smile. "No, Mama."
"I knew it...you two never fight."
He only smiled faintly. Their conversation didn't last much longer before Lan Yi ended the call. Zhan stared at the phone even after the line went dead. After a while, he gathered courage and dialed Yibo's number. But almost immediately, he cut it off, not realizing the call had already connected. Moments later, Yibo called him back.
Zhan frowned slightly. He hesitated until the call was about to end, then finally picked up, bringing the phone to his ear without speaking.
"How are you?" Yibo asked calmly.
"I'm fine," Zhan replied.
"How's home?"
"Everyone's well."
"That's good."
Zhan kept quiet. When neither spoke further, he finally said, "I'll talk to you later."
"Alright," Yibo said. "My regards to everyone."
Zhan didn't reply and ended the call. About five minutes later, he tried dialing Dr. Kexing's number. But it didn't go through...the line was either set to Do Not Disturb or marked busy. His chest sank. He stared at the phone helplessly before setting it down at the sound of knocking on his door.
Rising, Zhan opened it to find one of the CEO's staff standing respectfully. She informed him that the CEO wanted to see him downstairs. Zhan followed her down and found the CEO seated in the living room with Shen Yi and Dr. Jing.
Zhan stared at Dr. Jing in shock, hardly believing he was seeing him there. Opening his eyes wide, he said quietly, "Dr. Jing… good morning."
Smiling warmly at him, Dr. Jing replied, "Good morning, Zhan. Congratulations, Zhan…"
Immediately, Zhan's eyes filled with tears. He looked at Dr. Jing, unable to find words. Slowly, he sank into a chair, wiping his eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "Thank you, Doctor. How are the twins?"
"They're doing well," Dr. Jing answered kindly.
The CEO stood and looked toward Zhan. "Take breakfast for them to the dining table," she instructed.
Since this was Dr. Jing's first time in the CEO's house, he glanced at her in surprise, especially since he had already eaten. But he said nothing. Shen Yi didn't even lift his head from his phone, while the CEO left the living room to go upstairs.
Turning back to Dr. Jing, Zhan asked quietly, "And how is Zhe?"
"She's doing well," Dr. Jing replied with a gentle smile. "Congratulations again, Zhan. I'm truly happy for you, with the way things have turned out."
Lowering his gaze, Zhan answered softly, "I will forever be indebted to you, Doctor. I'll always appreciate you in my life. I'll never forget the care and protection you've given me."
Dr. Jing smiled faintly, Zhan rose and walked slowly toward the kitchen. Zhan, couldn't help recalling all the efforts Dr. Jing had made for him, from his first days in Guangzhou until the end of his time there.
Dr. Jing glanced back at MD, who was still scrolling on his phone, then gave a small smile without speaking further. After a few minutes, MD stood and walked toward the kitchen. Dr. Jing followed him with his eyes as the door opened.
Inside, Zhan heard the door creak and turned. Seeing Shen Yi enter, he continued with what he was doing. Without even glancing at him, Shen Yi said calmly, "Don't bother yourself with my food. I'm not interested."
Zhan gave him a look when he saw him washing a cup and preparing coffee for himself. "Do you think you're cleaner than everyone else?" Zhan muttered.
MD turned to him, his expression calm. "Yes."
Zhan scoffed and went back to his work. Shen Yi finished rinsing his mug, made his coffee, and left the kitchen without another word. Zhan watched him leave before returning to what he was doing. A few minutes later, he carried Dr. Jing's breakfast to the dining table, where Shen Yi was already seated.
Setting it down with a small smile, Zhan said, "Doctor, here's your breakfast. I hope you're doing well?"
Dr. Jing blinked, not quite sure what Zhan meant by the question. MD put down his cup of coffee and looked at Zhan, but Zhan didn't meet his eyes. Instead, his attention shifted to the MD phone vibrating on the table. The screen displayed Dr. Kexing name.
Zhan picked it up. Dr. Jing blinked in surprise, watching silently as Zhan walked out of the living room and answered the call before it could end. He left the room entirely. MD followed him with his eyes as the voice on the other end spoke.
"Good morning, Bro," came Dr. Kexing's voice.
Gathering his courage, Zhan asked quietly, "Why did you break your promise, Kexing?"
There was silence on the other end. It startled him....Zhan had never called him by name before. Retreating to his room, he locked the door, collapsed onto the bed, and burst into tears. "I never expected this from you. Is that why you avoided meeting me the other day? So I wouldn't have the chance to confront you?"
Dr. Kexing's voice was calm. "Zhan… we should stop deceiving ourselves."
Zhan's voice shook. "How, exactly?"
"Your foster parents have better plans for you. That's why you kept quiet in the living room that day. And you know it."
Confused, Zhan asked, "What do you mean I kept quiet? What was I supposed to say there? You didn't speak either."
"It doesn't matter," Dr. Kexing replied. "In life, you don't always get what you want."
Zhan tried to steady his voice. "So what are you saying now?"
"Listen, Zhan. I'm not taking another risk. The probability of being with you is less than five percent. Do you want me to wait until my heart collapses and I die before you believe I love you? Do you think if I didn't care, I'd still be chasing after you despite everything that happened?"
Zhan's lips trembled. "But the bride price is being taken to Chendu right now...for you. And for me? Who has ever brought bride price for me? Tell me."
There was silence. After a long pause, Dr. Kexing answered quietly, "Teng is like my cousin sister. I only agreed to marry her because you weren't available...not because of courtship or love. I need peace of mind, Zhan. I don't want to suffer heart failure at this young age."
Listening, Zhan gave a faint, bitter smile as tears slid down his cheeks. "Is that so?"
"Yes. And where did you get my brother's phone? Are you two together?"
Summoning his courage, Zhan said coldly, "That's not a question you need to ask."
Dr. Kexing gave a short laugh. Then, after a pause, he said, "Let me be blunt with you Zhan. Your foster parents want you to marry one of their sons. They will never allow an outsider to marry you. If not me, then your brother's. They only care about themselves. They'll force you to marry one of them just to justify the guardianship they gave you? By all means, they're trying to separate you from your father's family again. Isn't it enough that fate already took you from your real parents? Why should they be so selfish?"
"Today is Monday. Tomorrow is Tuesday. Then Wednesday, then Thursday...we'll see what happens on that day. And on that day, you'll realize the truth of what I've just told you."
Zhan couldn't speak. His heart pounded as he listened to every word, shocked by what he was hearing. Then the line went dead. He stared at the phone screen, frozen. The contact photo of Wu filled the screen.
A knock came at his door. Hastily wiping his tears, Zhan stood. But deep down, he dreaded the Thursday Dr. Kexing had spoken of. He didn't know what awaited him on that day. He only wished he could be left alone...free from talk of marriage, free from being used as a pawn.
Zhan opened the door to his room and saw the CEO's housemaid standing there. With courtesy, the woman said, "Sir, the MD asked me to collect his phone from you."
Zhan lowered his gaze, turned back inside, picked up the phone, returned it to her, then closed the door and went back in. Moving slowly, he lay down on the edge of the bed, his mind restless with Dr. Kexing's words that kept circling in his head. With a bitter smile, he wiped away the tear that had rolled down his face.
Meanwhile, Shen Yi was seated in the CEO's compound after escorting Dr. Jing out. He dialed Dr. Kexing's number on his phone, since he hadn't had the chance to call him earlier when the maid had brought him the device. As soon as the line rang, Dr. Kexing picked up.
Calmly, Shen Yi said, "How are you doing?"
Dr. Kexing replied, "I'm fine, good afternoon."
Shen Yi said, "You already know what I want to tell you…"
Dr. Kexing fell silent for a moment before replying, "I'm listening."
Shen Yi said, "I want you to put aside what you've been insisting on for now. Let's just wait and see what happens on Thursday."
Dr. Kexing sighed. "Why do you all want me to keep deceiving myself, piling more worries onto my heart? Please."
Shen Yi frowned. "That's your problem, you never listen. Is Thursday really that far away? Can't you just be patient till then?"
But Dr. Kexing cut him off. "Look, brother, my heart is tired. My emotions have been tossed around recklessly. I just hope this decision is what's best for me. That's why I said I won't be there on Thursday...it's not in my favor."
Shen Yi countered, "It sounds like you've already given up on him with just words. If not, then why throw everything away so easily? Think about it...how many years are you together with him? You're acting like a coward in love."
Dr. Kexing's voice turned heavy. "I only hope you don't get carried away by love the way I did. I hope you never fall victim, because trust me...it's not funny."
From a distance, Shen Yi saw the CEO approaching him, so he ended the call and set the phone on the table. She reached him, pulled out a chair, and sat down, her eyes fixed on him. Speaking calmly, she said, "Shen Yi, I am not accepting your resignation letter! Do you think just because of what your uncle did to me, you don't deserve to work under me? It was your relatives who wronged me, not you."
Shen Yi looked at her, then shook his head. "Not at all, Ma'am, that's not the reason. I just…"
The CEO cut him off with a raised hand. "You'll work with me until the day you own your own hospital, Shen Yi. That's something I myself will help you plan. You're not meant to remain under me forever. Besides, have you thought about what I told you yesterday concerning Zhan?"
Shen Yi lifted his gaze to her, then gave a faint smile. "Ma'am, forgive me, but I can't marry my brother's ex...even if he claims he has given up on him. That's something I can never do. Instead, I should be doing everything I can to help him win the heart he desires. Since yesterday, I've been reflecting on how I could achieve that. In the end, I realized there's only one thing I can do, though I'm not sure what consequences it will bring. That's why I'm still hesitating. But one thing is clear...I want to see my brother marry the one he loves."
The CEO fell silent, clearly dissatisfied. After a moment, she said softly, "But he himself said he's given up, didn't he?"
Shen Yi answered, "He's just frustrated, Ma'am. Deep down, I know he still loves Zhan...he just doesn't know what to do anymore. Now it's up to Zhan and his parents to give him justice."
The CEO asked, "And what about the bride price you mentioned?"
Shen Yi replied, "That's something between our mother and him. As for our uncle, he's only waiting for feedback from Zhan's parents when they arrive on Thursday."
The CEO nodded slowly, though it was clear she still wasn't pleased. "Alright then. I'll speak to him myself. As for you, you can still go to Canada for a month or two if that's what you want. Dr. Wale and Dr. Ajay are here...either of them can take your place until you return."
Shen Yi lowered his head. Then, raising it again gently, he said, "Thank you, Ma'am."
She smiled faintly. "You're welcome." With that, she stood up and left, walking back inside the house.
- - - - -
That evening, the CEO entered Aaria's room. To her surprise, she found Zhan sitting behind his mother, carefully weaving her long hair that flowed down her back. Aaria, who could never be convinced to let anyone braid her hair, sat quietly while Zhan worked.
The CEO stepped closer and said, "So, you're braiding hair?"
Zhan smiled. "We're already done."
"Good," the CEO replied. "When you finish, come to the sitting room. I have another task for you."
"Alright," Zhan answered.
After she left, Zhan looked at his mother, admiring her beauty that seemed to shine even brighter. He smiled and said, "You look so cute, Mom."
Aaria returned his smile. "Thank you, my love."
Zhan went to the bathroom to wash his hands, then came back and handed her the medication and water she needed. He helped adjust her bedding until she was comfortable. Only after she drifted into sleep did he quietly leave for the CEO's sitting room.
She motioned for him to sit. Zhan obeyed, waiting to hear what she would say.
"Tell me the truth, Sean," she began. "Do you still feel you can marry Shen Yi's brother... the one who was once your fiancé?"
Zhan gave a faint smile and lowered his head. In a soft voice he said, "Ma'am, we spoke on the phone earlier. He told me he's already given up on me. Besides, his elder brother said arrangements are already being made for his bride price. I… I've also decided to let him go." His eyes welled with tears as he spoke, though he tried to hide it. "He told me himself that we shouldn't deceive each other anymore. Perhaps he already found someone else he loves. Since they're even preparing for marriage, I'm no longer interested. Maybe this is for the best."
The CEO shook her head gently. "That's not coming from your heart, Sean. I can see it...you still love him."
Wiping his eyes, Zhan said firmly, "No, Ma'am. I've given up on him. I won't marry him. I believe he has someone else now...that's why he said those words. If not, he would have waited until Thursday when our family was expected. Instead, he made his decision in a rush. Since he wasn't patient enough, then it's fine. Perhaps he already had another person in mind even before we broke things off. I believe that's the case. Maybe it's better this way."
The CEO studied him quietly. She hadn't realized he could speak with such determination. After a long pause, she sighed. "Why don't you give him the benefit of the doubt?"
Zhan shook his head. "He didn't even give me a chance to explain, Ma'am. He had already decided and was eager to end the call. Worse still, he blocked my number. The only way I reached him was through his brother's phone. If he were still interested, would he have blocked me?"
"Blocked you?" the CEO asked, surprised.
Zhan nodded.
"Then let him go," the CEO said calmly. "Just leave it. Perhaps you're right...maybe he really has found someone else. If not, he would have waited to see your response about the marriage instead of shutting the door so quickly. Forget him."
Zhan lowered his head, saying nothing, though fresh tears filled his eyes.
The CEO continued, "I think it's best to drop this marriage talk completely, at least for now. You're still young. Marriage is not something to rush. Perhaps when your parents hear Shen Yi's brother has pulled out, they too will let the matter rest."
Hearing this gave Zhan a sense of relief. Deep down, he also wished for a pause...to let his heart recover from the turmoil of the past few days. He needed rest. For now, all he could do was wait and see what would happen when Dr. Kexing's uncle arrived.
The CEO fell silent, lost in her own thoughts. After a while, she sighed again and said, "You can go rest now. Don't stress yourself any longer. Calm your mind, alright?"
Zhan nodded slowly. "Thank you, Ma'am."
He rose to his feet and left. The CEO watched him until he closed the door behind him.
***
Just as she had advised, Zhan managed to relax. He let go of his worries and devoted his full attention to caring for his mother. He cooked her meals, cleaned her room, prepared her baths...everything she needed, he took care of. He spent most of his days in her room, keeping her company, sometimes sitting with her in the upstairs sitting room.
He hadn't expected to feel so close to her again. It's Often, the thought of Lan Yi came to him, and he would rush to his room to call on her. Qiren had only called twice since Zhan's arrival. As for Yibo, he hadn't called, and Zhan hadn't reached out to him either.
On Wednesday evening around five o'clock, Zhan packed his belongings into the suitcase he had moved into his mother's room. His movements were heavy and reluctant, but he forced himself to finish and locked the box. Aaria sat silently on the bed, her eyes fixed on him without blinking. After a moment, Zhan walked over and sat beside her, giving her a gentle side hug. Resting his head against her shoulder, he whispered softly, "Mom, don't worry. I'll be back soon."
Aaria's eyes filled with tears as she lowered her head without saying a word. Zhan, feeling his chest tighten, hugged her gently, his own eyes stinging. His voice trembled as he whispered,
"I promise I'll be back soon. I cooked all your favorite dishes and stored them in the freezer. Aunty Fai will just heat them up for you in the microwave, alright?"
Aaria nodded silently, her tears spilling freely. Just then, the CEO walked in, finding them still locked in their embrace. The driver had been waiting for a while already. The CEO quietly stepped out again, her heart heavy at the sight.
Zhan kissed his mother's forehead, hugged her tightly once more and said, "I'll be back soon." Then he stood, wiped his tears, and picked up his suitcase. Forcing a smile, he asked softly, "Mom, won't you walk me to the car?"
Aaria only shook her head. Zhan pulled his suitcase toward the door, not daring to turn back because of the tears streaming down his face. He quietly closed the door behind him.
In the sitting room, the CEO sat waiting. Looking at him steadily, she asked, "Did you tell her you'll return?"
Zhan nodded.
"I'll call you from her line," she said. "Make sure you call her frequently, alright?"
In a low voice, Zhan replied, "Alright."
One of the CEO's staff carried the shooping she had ordered for Zhan, along with his suitcase, to the luxury car waiting to drop him home. The CEO held his hand as they walked together to the parking area.
Even before leaving, Zhan's chest already ached with longing for his mother. She would now be left alone in her room, unwilling to even sit in the sitting room unless he encouraged her. The thought made him ache all the more.
The CEO kissed his hand and said warmly, "Take care of yourself, son."
Zhan gave her a faint smile and nodded.
"Send my greetings to your parents and brothers," she added.
"They'll hear," Zhan answered softly.
He was about to step into the car when he paused, turned back to her, and said in a low voice, "Ma'am, since you'll be visiting tomorrow, please come with her."
The CEO smiled gently. "Alright, I will."
Relieved, Zhan settled into the back seat. Tomorrow was Thursday...the day Dr. Kexing's uncles were expected at his family house, and the CEO would be present too. She closed the car door, waved, and stood watching until the vehicle drove out of the large compound.
When they reached the family gate, Zhan saw Hai Kuan standing there with the security guard, clearly mid-conversation. But the moment he noticed the sleek car, Hai Kuan shifted his attention, curious about who was inside.
The driver stepped out quickly to open the door. Zhan blinked in surprise, not expecting such a welcome. He stepped down slowly.
Hai Kuan burst into laughter when he saw him. Zhan only smiled faintly and walked toward him.
"I thought it was some governor son visiting a friend in the estate," Hai Kuan teased. "Turns out it's our Baby."
Zhan laughed despite himself. "Gege…"
Hai Kuan glanced at the car. "Such a flashy ride, Baby?"
Zhan pouted. "Gege, don't tease me."
"Alright, I'll stop. Welcome home," Hai Kuan said warmly.
Zhan lowered his gaze, murmuring, "Thank you. Good evening."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine," Zhan replied.
The security guard collected his luggage from the driver. Watching this, Hai Kuan grinned. "What now, should we roll out the gate like royalty for you?" Without waiting for an answer, he gestured for the gate to be opened, mimicking the driver's earlier gesture.
Zhan burst out laughing. "Please, Gege, enough."
"Go inside, it's open. You looked like you were waiting."
Still smiling, Zhan walked into the compound. "Thank you."
"How's everyone back there?" Hai Kuan asked.
"They send their greetings."
"And we return them," Hai Kuan said.
Zhan headed for the main entrance, leaving his things for the house staff. Pushing the sitting room door gently, he entered.
Yibo that was sprawled across the three-seater sofa, pretending to nap while the TV showed a football match. He closed his eyes tighter when he heard Zhan's steps, feigning sleep.
Zhan glanced at him from the corner of his eye and turned toward the staircase. But halfway up, he paused, turned back, and looked again. Yibo's eyes were still shut tight. Zhan shook his head, returned to the sofa, bent over, and whispered softly, "Stop pretending, Gege."
Yibo still didn't stir. Zhan leaned closer until their faces were only inches apart. Yibo felt Zhan breath on his face.
Zhan continue, "I know you're not really sleeping, not this early in the evening."
Slowly, Yibo opened his eyes. Their gazes locked, faces so close they could feel each other's warmth. Startled, Zhan froze...but before he could pull away, his lips collapsed on Yibo's with an audible kiss sound.
Neither of them moved.
Then, all of a sudden, a voice rang out from the kitchen doorway. Granny Ai stood there, carrying a bowl of rice, her eyes wide.
"Oh heavens! Zhan, you're kissing Yibo?" she exclaimed in shock.
Zhan jerked upright, his face burning. Yibo sat up too, startled. Granny Ai gawked, her mouth open as though she couldn't believe what she had seen.
Shaking her head, she muttered, "Hai Kuan! You saw that, didn't you? Don't let me die before tomorrow.... Zhan kissing Yibo? I can't handle this." She turned toward the hallway, too shaken to stay.
Zhan spun toward the door and caught sight of Hai Kuan, laughing as he slipped out of the sitting room, leaving Zhan's luggage at the entrance.
Turning back in panic, Zhan pleaded, "Granny Ai, it's not what you think, I swear…"
But she refused to listen, shaking her head as she rushed upstairs.
Zhan turned back to Yibo, his nerves frayed. "Gege, you're just going to stay quiet?"
Yibo adjusted his seat calmly. "Even I just woke up and saw you doing that, yes i wasn't asleep...but I didn't expect you to do that either."
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛