Author
The total of 10,897 words just for Xiao Zhan birthday. 😱😱🙄
Just like the night before, Zhan barely slept. He couldn't wait for morning to come. The night before, Lan Yi had already packed his things, saying he would be leaving for Tianjin today. Deep down, he was relieved....he needed this trip. The house no longer felt like home to him. It wasn't his comfort zone anymore. For the first time, he fully accepted that he was no longer considered part of the family....not after they suggested he should marry Yibo Gege.
That was it. They had officially pushed him out.
At dawn, Zhan sat on the soft carpet, quiet and lost in thought. Lan Yi sat beside him. Around six o'clock, Yibo walked into the room. Lan Yi lifted her head to look at him as he came closer and greeted,
"Good morning, Mama."
She replied gently, "Good morning. How was your night?"
"It was fine," he said simply.
Zhan didn't even glance at him...just as Yibo didn't look in his direction either.
After a short silence, Yibo stood up and said, "Mama, we'll be going to Suzhou later today. One of my colleagues lost his son, and we're going to pay him a condolence visit."
Lan Yi sighed softly. "That's sad. May his soul rest in peace."
Yibo nodded once. "Thank you." Then he left the room.
Lan Yi rose to follow him. He was already at the sitting room door when he turned, seeing her come out of the bedroom. She locked the door behind her and approached him quietly, saying in a low tone,
"Yibo, I told you yesterday that he's traveling to Tianjin today, as your father said, right?"
Yibo looked at her briefly. "Yes, you did."
"So aren't you the one taking him there?" she asked.
He quickly shook his head. "No, Mama. We're going to Suzhou for the condolence visit....Hai Kuan Ge will take him instead."
Lan Yi went silent for a moment, watching him. Then she said softly,
"You know Baby's temperament better than anyone, Yibo. Be patient with him. He's acting out because he's confused and hurt. It's just a matter of time....don't hold it against him."
"I'm not complaining," Yibo said quietly. "And I never will. I was taken by surprise too."
Lan Yi nodded slowly. "Fine. If you won't take him alone, then at least go together with Hai Kuan."
Yibo frowned slightly. "But Mama, I told you....we're going to Suzhou."
Lan Yi gave a small shrug. "I only reminded you because I thought you forgot he's leaving for Tianjin this morning. You can stay in Suzhou overnight if you want. Do whatever you think is best, Yibo."
She turned away after that and left the room. Yibo watched her go, then quietly opened the sitting room door and stepped out.
- - - -
By noon, Zhan was ready. He carried his backbag and followed Lan Yi downstairs after she made sure he hadn't forgotten anything. They walked together to the parking space.
Hai Kuan was already standing beside the car. He walked over, took the box from Lan Yi's hands, and asked,
"Is this the only luggage he's taking?"
"Yes," she replied.
Hai Kuan opened the trunk and placed the box inside.
Zhan's heart skipped a beat when he saw Yibo sitting in the front passenger seat. He lowered his head instantly. Lan Yi opened the back door for him, and he climbed in silently.
Hai Kuan looked toward Lan Yi and said, "We'll be back soon."
"Take care," Lan Yi said softly. "Drive safely."
Once he got into the car, Yibo turned and said politely,
"We'll be back soon, Mama."
Lan Yi nodded and said, "Safe journey, dear." She stood there watching as they drove out of the compound.
The trip was quiet....no one spoke until they had left the city of Guangzhou. After a while, Hai Kuan hand over the driving to Yibo. Zhan had fallen asleep in the backseat; he hadn't been sleeping much at night lately, so exhaustion caught up with him. It wasn't until they entered Tianjin that he woke up, blinking sleep from his eyes.
When he looked at the driver's seat, he saw that only Hai Kuan was there....Yibo was nowhere to be seen. He almost asked, "Where's my Gege?" but quickly stopped himself. Hai Kuan caught his reflection in the rearview mirror and said casually, "You're awake. Good."
Zhan just smiled faintly and didn't respond. When they reached Xiao Rong's house, Hai Kuan parked the car by the gate. Zhan glanced around the neighborhood curiously before stepping out slowly. Hai Kuan got out as well and went to retrieve Zhan's luggage from the trunk. Zhan stood there, lost in thought, until Hai Kuan brought the suitcase to him...and before he realized it, he had already asked aloud, "Where's my Gege?"
Hai Kuan paused, surprised. "Gege? He's not in the car?" he asked, then quickly opened the door to check inside. His confused expression made Zhan's eyes widen.
"Where did he go? You mean you didn't notice when he got out?" Zhan asked.
Hai Kuan blinked, then said, "Oh... right! I remember now. He got down earlier on the way. Yes, that's it."
Zhan frowned. "Why? And where did he go?"
"I'm not sure," Hai Kuan replied. "Maybe you should call him and ask."
Zhan dropped his gaze, saying nothing. When Hai Kuan bent down to lift the suitcase, Zhan reached out to help, but Hai Kuan had already taken it. They walked together toward the gate. Inside the house, Hai Kuan greeted Granny Ryu and Aunty Jin politely, took a drink of water from what they offered, and then stood to leave.
Granny Ryu frowned slightly. "Why don't you stay the night? There are plenty of rooms here."
Hai Kuan smiled. "I appreciate it, Granny, but I have to head back to Guangzhou tonight. I've got work tomorrow."
Granny Ryu sighed. "Alright, then. Have a safe trip, Hai Kuan."
Zhan, who had been sitting quietly in the sitting room, simply watched him. When Hai Kuan turned to leave, Aunty Jin said, "Zhan, go walk him out and say goodbye." She still assumed Hai Kuan was Zhan's husband.
Zhan lowered his eyes, then rose and followed him outside.
As they stepped out of the compound, Zhan asked softly, "So, you're really going back to Guangzhou?"
Hai Kuan nodded. "Yes, I am."
After a pause, Zhan added, "Where Are you going to found him now?"
Even though Hai Kuan knew perfectly well who Zhan meant, he still asked, "Who?"
Zhan didn't answer, and Hai Kuan chuckled slightly. "You mean your Yibo Gege? I'll check the road to see if I spot him. If not, he probably caught a bus from the station by now."
Zhan stayed quiet again.
Hai Kuan gave a small sigh and said, "So now…"
"Enjoy your stay and be a good boy, baby," Hai Kuan said with a warm smile.
Zhan smiled back, nodded, and replied softly, "Bye."
He waved at him before turning toward the gate, walking away slowly. Zhan watched him go, his eyes worry, before heading back inside.
Granny Ryu led Zhan to his bedroom...a quiet, spacious room in the more private part of the house where few people usually went. She cared deeply for the boy; her heart always softened whenever she looked at him. She loved him almost as much as she had loved his father, Shan. She wished life had allowed them to spend more time with Zhan growing up. She even wished his marriage hadn't been rushed, so they could have built a closer bond first.
But she and his Grandpa weren't in the position to question how Lan Yi and Qiren arranged things. Since they wanted Zhan to be married, they accepted it. Still, he was their only grandchild in the world, and she wanted to shower him with the same love and care his parents had given him.
When they entered the room, Zhan immediately realized it was Granny Ryu's bedroom. She pointed toward the side door and said kindly, "That's the bathroom. Go freshen up. I'll have them bring you some food soon."
Zhan nodded. "Alright."
After she left, he looked around the large, elegant room....everything smelled faintly of sandalwood and age. Once he'd finished washing up, Granny Ryu returned with a tray full of food, carefully placing it before him.
Zhan felt warmth stir in his chest...for the first time, he truly felt loved and at home. He never imagined he'd one day see someone as a grandmother other than Granny Fang Yu. But now, looking at Granny Ryu, something in his heart began to shift.
***
That evening, nearly all the women from Grandpa Xiao Rong's extended family in Tianjin came to welcome Zhan. They brought their children....some his age, others younger or older....and the big house filled with laughter and chatter. No one left until around 8 p.m.
The next day, close to noon, Zhan finally came downstairs after sleeping deeply all morning. Aunty Jin, who lived in the house as a widow, was fixing her headscarf when she saw him.
"So, you're finally awake, Zhan," she said with a smile.
He smiled faintly and sat down. "Yeah."
Granny Ryu, seated nearby, looked at him with quiet affection. Aunty Jin picked up her handbag and said, "Your father were asking about you earlier, but I told him you were asleep."
Just then, there was a knock at the living room door. Everyone turned as MD stepped inside, his head slightly bowed.
"You're back already, Daddy?" Granny Ryu asked kindly.
"Yes, I came in earlier this morning," he replied, sitting down. He smiled at her. "Good afternoon, Aunty."
"I'm fine, Daddy. How's your mother doing? I spoke to her earlier.... she mentioned she had a visitor, right?"
"Yes, she did, it's Teng our cousin sister and Kexing fiancee." He turned to greet Aunty Jin, who answered, "Not going to work today, Daddy?"
He chuckled. "I'm on leave. Heading out, Aunty?"
"Yes," she said, adjusting her scarf. "My friend's daughter just got married. The ceremony ended yesterday, but I couldn't attend, so I'm going today to congratulate her."
He nodded. "Alright."
She waved to Granny Ryu, then turned to Zhan. "Zhan, I'll be back later."
"Take care," Zhan said politely.
It was then that MD finally looked at Zhan. Seeing the older man's eyes on him, Zhan lowered his gaze quickly.
"Hello, new groom," Dr. Kexing said with a teasing smile.
Zhan's lips tightened slightly; he didn't quite know how to respond to that. New groom? What was he supposed to say to that? After a long pause, he simply muttered, "Good afternoon."
"Good," MD replied, still amused. He turned back to Granny Ryu. "Aunty, is Uncle around?"
"He went out not long ago," she said. "You mentioned you were bringing him some medication."
"Yes, I wanted to check on him and see if there's any need to change the prescription," MD said.
"He won't be back until late afternoon," Granny Ryu replied.
"Alright, I'll come by again later then."
"Good," she nodded, then added, "Oh, and I spoke with Zhan's parents earlier. They said he should go visit his parent house...it's only polite. He was too tired when he arrived yesterday, so he'll go today. After that, he can stop by your family home and greet your mother too. When you come back later, take him along. I don't want him going with the driver."
She sighed softly. "I can told Jin to take him yesterday, but since she had a friend's wedding to attend, I didn't ask her. I'm not even sure how many days his parents planned for him to stay."
MD nodded. "Alright, Aunty."
Then Granny Ryu turned to Zhan. "Baby, go get ready. Your uncle will drop you off at his cousin's house, okay?"
Zhan said nothing. He just stood up quietly and went upstairs. It wasn't the outing itself that bothered him... it was the idea of going to Dr. Kexing's family house. What was he even supposed to do there?
He sat on the edge of the bed, debating what to say if Granny Ryu came up. He knew that if he stayed too long, she would surely come looking for him...and he'd have to explain that he didn't want to go.
Sure enough, after about thirty minutes, the door opened and Granny Ryu entered. She looked at him with surprise.
"Baby, you're still not ready?" she asked gently.
Zhan lowered his gaze and said softly, "Grandma… I don't want to go to their house."
Granny Ryu came closer and sat beside him. "Which house, dear? You mean Dr. Kexing's?" she asked gently.
Zhan nodded slightly.
Granny Ryu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and spoke in a calm, tender tone. "Listen, his mother hasn't been feeling well. She knows you're here, and when we visited Guangzhou last Thursday, she could barely keep herself together. She's been very weak since then....they even had to put her on fluids. If not for our trip to Guangzhou, she would've gone back to Beijing last week, but she stayed because of the wedding. Please, go see her, just to ask how she's doing, alright, baby? I'll tell him to bring you back home afterward."
Zhan sighed, his heart sinking. The last thing he wanted was to run into Dr. Kexing again. Granny Ryu, seeing the hesitation on his face, patted his hand gently and said, "Be patient, my dear. It's just a short visit."
Zhan stood up quietly and went to fetch his clothes. Granny Ryu watched him go with a faint smile. He reminded her so much of his father....gentle but proud...though she could tell there was still something fragile about him and his parents spoiled him a little. When he came back dressed, she held his hand as they walked downstairs together.
MD was already waiting by the living room door. He stood and asked with a teasing smile, "So, you've told your husband about the visit, haven't you?"
Granny Ryu laughed softly. "Of course, we asked for permission, Daddy. He wouldn't be leaving without it."
Zhan glanced at him but quickly looked away, his chest tightening. He felt like crying...the word husband still didn't feel real to him. How could it, when deep down he didn't even believe the marriage meant anything?
They left the house together, and Granny Ryu walked them to the car before waving them off.
Once they were on the road, silence filled the car. MD kept his eyes on the road, his tone calm and formal as he finally said, "I wish you a happy married life, Zhan. May peace and joy always follow you."
Zhan turned his head sharply to look at him, tears immediately welling up in his eyes. He didn't answer.
He remembered what Hai Kuan had told him two days ago.... Everyone is against the marriage. Just think of yourself as single until things settle down.
Then why was MD saying happy married life as if it meant something? Happy married life with who? He clenched his hands tightly in his lap, his throat burning.
Neither of them spoke again until they arrived at his father's house.
Zhan was surprised to see his mother, Aaria, there...and he immediately brightened. He hadn't known she had come from Guangzhou so soon. She opened the door and smiled warmly when she saw him.
"Sean! You're here, my dear," she said, pulling him into an embrace.
He hugged her tightly, his heart full. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed her.
She had returned to Tianjin the previous Friday after Qiren persuaded the CEO to let her take leave earlier than planned. She'd missed her son terribly and was delighted to finally see him.
They went inside together, chatting softly.
By four o'clock, MD informed Shan that he would be taking Zhan to see his mother before returning him by seven, as Granny Ryu had requested.
"That's fine," Shan said. "I'll stop by the house later tonight myself."
Zhan's chest tightened again when his father entered the room and said, "Shen Yi is waiting for you outside."
He had thought he might be allowed to spend the night there. Even his mother, Aaria, seemed disappointed but said nothing. They both followed MD to the living room, Zhan's mood now completely subdued.
As they drove to the Kexing residence, MD said nothing, his expression distant and unreadable. When they arrived, he parked and opened the door first, gesturing for Zhan to follow.
Zhan walked quietly behind him, his head bowed as if he were afraid to meet anyone's eyes.
Wu emerged from her bedroom when she heard the door open. Seeing them, she smiled warmly.
"Oh, Zhan! Welcome, dear. I didn't realize it was you."
Zhan knelt politely on the carpet and greeted her in a low voice, asking how she was feeling.
Wu smiled and said, "Oh, don't kneel, sweetheart. Sit on the couch...you'll be more comfortable."
But Zhan stayed where he was.
MD glanced at his mother and asked, "Did you take the new medication he brought? The one Kexing said to use instead of the ones I give?"
Wu turned toward her bedroom and called, "Teng, bring the medicines for Daddy to check."
A few seconds later, a tall, slender girl...no more than twenty-three...stepped out from the bedroom.
Zhan looked up and froze.
She was breathtakingly fair, with skin so delicate it looked as though a single touch might bruise it. Her lips were naturally pink, her features delicate yet striking. Even with her scarf tied loosely over her head, a few strands of thick, dark hair spilled over her shoulder. Her figure was slender but perfectly balanced, her posture graceful.
The girl walked toward them, eyes flicking curiously to Zhan before she smiled, dimples deepening on her cheeks.
"Welcome," she said softly.
Zhan lowered his head slightly and responded softly. Holding the bag of medicine, Teng walked over and handed it to MD, who took it and examined the contents. Then he turned to Wu and asked, "So, what's this one that he bought for you?"
Wu replied briefly, "He said it works better than the one you gave me. That one had me feeling awful."
Teng chuckled quietly, and MD shot her a sharp look. He set the medicine bag on the floor, stood up, and left the living room.
Wu sighed and said, "Well, he gave me the other one and it's been making me dizzy since yesterday. But this ONE....I've been fine since morning."
Teng got up with a small smile and left the living room. Not long after, she returned holding a tray with a glass of water and a bottle of juice, setting it down in front of Zhan. He didn't lift his eyes to look at her again. Teng went back to her seat, while Wu asked, "How are your parents doing?"
Quietly, Zhan replied, "They're both fine. They send their regards."
Wu smiled. "That's good to hear."
Zhan sat quietly, waiting for MD to return and take him back to Granny Ryu's house, but time passed...six o'clock, then nearly seven...and still, nothing. You could tell from Zhan's expression that he was restless, sitting stiffly on the couch. The dinner brought to him sat untouched. As the clock neared seven, he became visibly uneasy. He knew he was supposed to return home before that time, but saying it to Wu felt awkward.
Just as Zhan was beginning to lose hope, the living room door opened. He looked up quickly...MD walked in.
Wu said, "You went out?"
He shook his head. "No, I was at the chalet."
Then he looked at Zhan before turning back to Wu. "Mom, I'll take him home now."
Wu frowned. "You're taking him home at this hour? What's wrong with tomorrow morning?"
Zhan's heart dropped. MD replied, "Aunty Ryu said I should return him by seven."
Wu waved a hand dismissively. "No, that's unnecessary. Tomorrow is fine. I'll call her myself."
Zhan felt panic rise in his chest...he wanted to scream. His whole body went cold. MD simply nodded. "Okay," he said quietly, then turned and walked out of the living room.
Just then, Teng came in. Wu glanced at her. "Teng, give him some of your brother's smaller clothes...or maybe Daddy's, if they fit."
Teng turned to Zhan. "Okay."
Wu nodded. "Go with her, Zhan."
He stood up reluctantly and followed Teng out of the living room, moving like someone heading to his fate.
By eight o'clock, Zhan was still stuck in the room. Dinner had even been brought to him there. He had never felt so uncomfortable in his life...it felt like being trapped in a cage. Teng minded her own business, clearly not too relaxed around a stranger either. Zhan couldn't help sneaking glances at her now and then.
Around nine, he finally stood up, picked up the tray of untouched food, and decided to take it out himself. He didn't want Teng thinking he was waiting for her to collect it. The house seemed quiet....apparently, there were no housemaids.
He opened the door gently and walked into the corridor, heading slowly toward the main living room.
But before he reached it, his chest tightened at the sound of laughter...Dr. Kexing's laughter. He froze. He had never heard Kexing laugh like that before; at best, the man would give a faint smile.
There Kexing was, sitting in the living room with Teng. The look he was giving her could melt anyone's heart. Teng refused to meet his eyes, focusing instead on her phone, pretending not to notice him. Though they weren't sitting too far apart, there was a subtle tension in the air.
Kexing leaned closer to her, whispering something. She shifted slightly away without looking up, still typing on her phone with a faint, nervous smile. Neither of them noticed Zhan standing there.
He turned quietly, ready to retreat, when MD stepped out of Wu's room. "Do you need something?" MD asked.
Zhan quickly shook his head without looking up. "No, I was just taking this tray to the kitchen."
MD took the tray from his hands. Then he noticed Zhan's eyes...shining with unshed tears. He paused but said nothing, carrying the tray into the living room instead.
He placed it on the table and looked at Teng. "Take this to the kitchen," he said firmly.
She looked up at him, startled.
"And," he added, "you just left a guest alone in your room?"
Teng blinked. "Brother, I only came here yesterday too. Am I not a guest myself?"
Kexing, watching them curiously, asked, "Do we have a visitor?"
MD replied coldly, "Go ask your mother." And with that, he left the room.
Kexing turned to Teng. "A guest? our mother's?"
For the first time since he entered the living room, Teng lifted her head and looked directly at him. Kexing couldn't tear his eyes away. He'd been trying to get her attention all evening...and now, finally, she spoke softly, "Yes. He came earlier. I heard Aunty call him… Zhan."
Dr. Kexing smiled and said, "Oh, Zhan has arrived? He's my cousin's son."
Teng nodded. "Yes, that's what Aunt said."
In a softer tone, Kexing asked, "Have you eaten, baby?"
She lowered her eyes shyly. "Yes."
"Wait for me, don't go inside yet please. I'll just greet him quickly," Kexing said, getting up and walking out of the living room. Teng watched him leave without blinking.... she never dared look at him directly unless he wasn't watching.
When Kexing entered his mother's room and didn't see Zhan there, he turned around and went back to the guest room. He knocked softly. Zhan was sitting cross-legged on the carpet while MD stood near the door talking to him. Seeing Kexing, MD shut his mouth and moved aside to let him in.
With his usual bright smile, Kexing said, "The new groom himself! I didn't know you were visiting our house. How are things? How's everyone back in Guangzhou?"
Zhan refused to meet his gaze. "They're fine," he answered quietly.
Kexing chuckled. "Good to hear. Welcome, groom." Then he turned and left the room.
Zhan tried to hold himself together but failed....tears burst out before he could stop them, and he didn't even understand why.
MD sat on the nearby chair, watching him. "What's wrong with you, Zhan? Why are you crying?"
Shaking his head through tears, Zhan whispered, "Sir, Grandma said you should take me home by seven o'clock."
MD frowned. "Hey, I'm your uncle, not 'sir.' Don't call me that again."
Zhan looked up at him, eyes wet. MD sighed softly. "Like I told you before, you've seen it yourself... Kexing has clearly moved on. So why torture yourself? You should move on too. Start calling him Uncle Kexing like you suppose to. Besides, you're married now. On the very same day your ceremony is going to be held, his wedding will take place too. This is what's best for you, Zhan....I promise it is."
"Stop calling me married man," Zhan said shakily.
MD raised an eyebrow. "Then what should I call you?"
Zhan shook his head again, his voice trembling. "They said Yibo Gege is my husband… but how am I supposed to live with that? How do I even face him? Isn't it strange? I've known him my whole life...I grew up seeing him as family. Why, all of a sudden, is he supposed to be my husband?"
He broke down crying harder.
MD smiled faintly and said, "Isn't that calm and gentle Dr I know, is it? You're luckier than you think. From the short time I interacted with Dr. Yibo at the hospital while you were sick, I could tell he's a good man....humble, kind, and very grounded. Even as a doctor, he never acted above anyone. He waited patiently until he was allowed to visit you in the ICU. Not everyone would do that. Expecially that lawyer? Even now, I still have Yibo's number, and we talk sometimes. I was honestly relieved when I learned he was the one you married."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone softer. "I understand it's hard for you. You grew up seeing him like a brother. I get it. Years ago, my parent wants me to marry Teng myself, but I refused....I'd known her since she was a child, her mother raised me in their home, and I've always seen her as my little sister. It felt wrong to think of her any other way. But in your case, things turned out differently. Sometimes fate doesn't ask for our opinion."
He placed a hand on Zhan's shoulder. "Believe me, one day you'll be grateful for this. It might not make sense now, but you'll understand later. It's already written...Yibo is your husband, and nothing can change that, Zhan. Try to make peace with it."
Zhan just kept crying silently, staring at him.
"So here's my advice," MD continued. "Let go of everything else in your mind. You're married now....thinking about Kexing is as good as being unfaithful. I'm only sitting here talking to you because I'm your uncle. Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother having this conversation. Look at Kexing...he's already living his own life, counting down to his wedding day, not looking back. And here you are, crying over your marriage. What are these tears for, Zhan? Are you still in love with him… or what?"
Slowly, Zhan shook his head. MD sighed softly and said, "Alright, just take it easy. Remember to stay grateful in every situation."
Zhan quietly wiped his eyes without saying anything. MD gave a faint smile and teased, "Now I understand where that first-class comes from...the one you keep showing off with at the hospital. Who told you getting first-class in Nursing Science is a child's play?"
Zhan frowned and glared at him. "You can ask your brother. Since the day I started that course, I've never dropped below first-class...not even once. And that was before he even knew me. He didn't help me achieve anything. In fact, it was my first-class results that caught his attention. He doesn't even flirt with students, if you must know."
MD laughed. "Alright, alright…Even if my whole body is ears now...." He didn't finish before adding, "I hope you'll take my advice seriously?"
Zhan nodded gently. "Good," MD said. "If anything ever bothers you....even with Yibo....you can always reach me. I'll be heading back to Canada soon."
Zhan's expression tightened. He didn't like anyone linking him with Yibo, not even slightly. It still annoyed him that they had agreed to let him and Yibo live together as husbands. Avoiding the topic, Zhan asked, "So, when are you getting married?"
MD adjusted in his seat, silently thanking the heavens that he had never confessed his own feelings to Zhan. Otherwise, things between them would have been unbearably awkward...just like what he'd noticed between Zhan and Kexing. Smiling, he said, "Well, my brother, my sister, and even my nephew are all married now....Kexing, Teng, and you. So I guess that's enough for the family."
Zhan raised an eyebrow. "I'm asking about your marriage."
MD chuckled. "There's no girlfriend."
Zhan widened his eyes in mock surprise. "Should I get you one, then?"
MD smirked. "Only if she's not rude or troublesome like you."
Zhan burst into laughter. "Oh, I actually have the perfect girl for you!"
"Really?" MD asked with a teasing grin.
"Yes! Her name is Ma-Liyana."
MD nodded thoughtfully. "That's a sweet name… Ma-Liyana."
Zhan quickly grabbed his phone. "Let me call her for you."
He opened his contacts and dialed Ma-Liyana's number. He knew she didn't have his number, so when she answered in her calm voice with a soft, "Hello?"...he listened quietly.
Zhan smiled. "Ma-Liyana? It's me Zhan"
"Oh, Zhan! What happened to your line? I've been trying to reach you," she said from the other end.
Zhan laughed lightly. "Did you ask Hai Kuan Ge about me?"
She chuckled. "Not really. We haven't been in touch with him lately. But my brother mentioned you've moved to Guangzhou."
Zhan nodded. "Yes, that's right. Where are you now...still in Beijing?"
"No, we're in Tianjin for my cousin's wedding," she replied.
Zhan's eyes widened. He turned to look at MD, who was listening closely. "Seriously? Which district?"
She told him the name, and Zhan exclaimed, "What? I'm in Tianjin too! Let me check where exactly I am and I'll get back to you."
He ended the call and looked up at MD with a grin. MD smiled. "She's got a cute voice," he remarked.
Zhan giggled. "Please, which area did she say again?"
MD replied, "Right around here."
Zhan gasped. "No way! Really?"
Zhan stood up and said, "Alright, let's go then. I will call her again and ask for the address...maybe we can visit."
MD gave him a disbelieving look. "Have you lost your mind? You think you can just wander off like that when you're already married? Or do you think your marriage is some kind of joke? Newerly wedded persons don't wonder around carelessly without their husbands permission"
Zhan's mood instantly shifted, his shoulders drooping.
MD sighed. "Call her and ask for the address. I'll bring her for you tomorrow before I send you back."
Zhan quietly sat down again. MD took out his phone. "Give me her number."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Wait till you see her, Uncle. She's so pretty and adorable....and her eyes aren't even like ours."
Dilruba is Ma-Liyana 😄😉
Kexing only smiled in return as Zhan started reading out the number.
Zhan chuckled and said, "Maybe you should just go back to Canada with her, Uncle."
NB
I am sorry to say, I wish to take 3-4 days rest from writing, I've a minor issue with my right hand fingers... In Sha Allah, I will be back on Wednesday or Thursday with the next chapter.
❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️
Happy birthday Xiao Zhan @34
❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛