It had been four days since Zhan arrived in Chongqing, and still no one from his family knew he was in town. He had not left Nainai Gaxi's house, afraid he might run into a family member by chance. In those four days, only his mother and Aunt Fin had visited him at Gaxi's place. By then, his mother had fully recovered and was back to her normal self. She had completed her hospital treatment two days earlier and was now only taking her prescribed medication.
During all that time, Yiming had not called Zhan, and he didn't even care whether he called or not. Surprisingly, he felt nothing....no anxiety, no guilt. He didn't even bother messaging him on WeChat, unlike before when he could hardly go a day without contacting him.
That morning, he was crouched by the stove, cooking rice and pounding pepper for the sauce. Nainai Gaxi and his mother were sitting in the courtyard, chatting. Zhan's mind was on his return to the USA; he had a presentation in three days. Earlier that morning, he had checked available flights and their prices online. He was hopeful that the dollars his housemate had given him would be enough to cover the trip back.
He paused when he heard Aunt Fin calling him. Zhan quickly got up and went inside, responding as he walked. Since arriving at Gaxi's, all the chores had been left to him....he even bathed Gaxo's grandchildren before school every day. He had darkened a bit from constant cooking under the sun.
Aunt Fin said, "Your phone is ringing."
Zhan's mood instantly shifted as he walked toward it without much enthusiasm, assuming it was Yiming calling. But when he looked, he saw a number he recognized....the man who had picked him up from the airport in Beijing. He stared at the number for a moment before answering.
"Hello," he said.
The man greeted him politely.
"How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine, thank you. How's everyone at home?"
"They're fine."
"Good. Actually, I'm calling to ask....how many more days will you be staying before you return to America?"
Zhan hesitated, unsure why he was asking. "Hello?" he prompted.
"I hear you… I just don't understand the question."
The man explained calmly, "I just want to know the date of your return, so if necessary, your ticket can be rescheduled."
Zhan froze. Ticket? He was too shocked to respond and found himself crouching beside the mortar he had been using earlier, just to steady himself.
The man repeated, "Hello?"
"I'm here," Zhan said softly.
"All right then, when you've finalized your plans, just call me," he said kindly.
Looking down, his body feeling strangely heavy, he replied in a quiet voice, "I plan to leave on Sunday."
"Perfect," he said. "That was the date originally booked for you. Your flight is at 1 PM, departing from Shanghai Airport. I'll confirm everything."
Zhwn couldn't find the words to respond.
"You'll hear from me soon," the man said, ending the call.
Zhan whispered, "Thank you," but he was still stunned.
Later, he sat in Gaxi's room, absently stirring the rice on his plate, unable to eat. He couldn't even understand his own emotions. After finishing his chores, he checked WeChat and saw that his housemate had sent him an e-ticket for the return flight... business class, just like his trip to China. Zhan felt weak all over, completely overwhelmed. He hadn't imagined that his housemate would also cover his return flight.
His mother noticed his sudden change of mood. Aunt Fin, meanwhile, was applying face powder, preparing to visit a neighbor, Fu mother. She picked up her bag and scarf, saying, "I'll be back soon, Lina Jie."
"Don't be long, please," Lina said. (Lina Zhan's mother)
"I won't. It's already late in the day," Aunt Fin replied, leaving after greeting Gaxi and her guest outside.
His mother turned to Zhan. "Why aren't you eating? You've just been stirring that plate."
Zhan looked up quickly at his mother's beautiful face. They looked so much alike that people often mistook them for sister-brother. Forcing a smile, Zhan took a small bite. "It's nothing, really."
"When are you returning? And what about the ticket? Does Yiming still not know you're here?" his mother asked.
Zhan shook his head. "No, he's away, and I couldn't reach him by phone. I'm leaving on Sunday."
"Sunday? Where will you get the money for the return ticket?"
Zhan adjusted his seat and said softly, "My neighbor paid for both tickets....coming and returning."
His mother stared at him, suspicious and surprised. Zhan avoided his eyes, pretending to focus on his food.
"Zhan," his mother said finally.
Reluctantly, Zhan raised his head, heart pounding.
"What exactly is your relationship with this man who paid for your flights, both ways, are you paying with your body?"
Zhan swallowed the lump of rice stuck in his throat and said quietly, "Honestly, Ayi, there's nothing between us. He's just my neighbor, and when he saw how worried I was about your health, he offered to help. I didn't even know he had paid until afterward. But trust me, Ayi, there's nothing between us, and no, I'm still a virgin."
His voice trembled as if he was about to cry. His mother exhaled deeply and remained silent for a few seconds before saying, "All right then. But you know if Yiming hears about this, there will be trouble, right?"
Zhan lowered his head, unable to respond. When Lina didn't say more, Zhan lifted his gaze and said softly, "Don't worry, Ayi, nobody knows I came to Chongqing, so he won't find out."
Lina sighed again. "Just make sure nothing like this happens again. Avoid having any dealings with that neighbor of yours, Zhan. Don't drag us into any unnecessary trouble."
Zhan didn't reply. Instead, he opened his handbag, pulled out the $1,000 his housemate had given him, and showed it to his mother. "He's the one who gave me this money to travel," he said quietly.
His mother stared at the cash, unsure of its value but concerned nonetheless. "Be careful, Zhan. Don't bring us shame. You know who Yiming is, and you know who your father is."
Zhan stayed silent, deciding not to tell her how much that $1,000 was worth when exchanged to Yuan. He didn't want to worry her any further.
****
The next morning, Zhan got dressed early, wore his face covering, and went out to exchange his dollars. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the exchanged amount was more than he had expected. He then bought two identical Android phones for his mother and Aunt Fin, each costing 3,000 yuan. Since Nainai Gaxi didn't own a phone and wouldn't use a smartphone, Zhan bought her a simple GSM mobile phone for 400 yuan.
Afterward, he went shopping for items he would need back in the USA. He bought new school bags, shoes, and socks for his twin siblings, Meilin and Meiqin, along with three sets of clothes each, nice shoes, and undergarments. He also bought shoes and undergarments for all of Nainai Gaxi's grandchildren.
Finally, he visited a pharmacy with the prescription list and purchased his mother's medications for two months, despite their high cost. He returned to Nainai Gaxi's home around 2 PM but found his mother hadn't returned yet.
On Saturday morning, while Zhan was hanging out freshly washed clothes for Nainai Gaxi's grandchildren, Gaxi herself was preparing to go to the market. His mother walked in with Aunt Fin and the twins, Meilin and Meiqin, who were just eleven years old. They ran straight to Zhan, hugging him excitedly. He was overjoyed to see his siblings, the only children his mother had.
Nainai Gaxi asked, "Why aren't they going to school today?"
Lina lowered her voice and said, "They haven't gone for a while. Their fees haven't been paid."
Gaxi frowned. "So Aiyun said he wouldn't pay?"
Lina replied, "He said I should make them hawk goods like the other wives do with their kids since they're not a golden children. I don't have money now; all my business capital is gone, so I asked him for help."
Gaxi muttered in frustration. "That man… he barely fulfills his responsibilities, let alone goes beyond them."
Zhan quietly held his siblings' hands and led them inside while hearing Gaxi ask, "At least they're going to regular school, right?"
Lina sighed again. "No, they're not going there either. Even their basic school has stopped."
Aunt Fin shook her head in disappointment. "It's a shame. The only thing he cares about is making sure her kids don't hawk like the rest, but he won't lift a finger to support them either."
Zhan felt a chill in his heart. His mother had always told him on the phone that the twins were attending schools, but clearly, they hadn't been.
Once inside, Zhan unpacked all the things he had bought. Both Lina and Aunt Fin stared at him in shock. Aunt Fin said, "How much money did you exchange? And who told you to spend like this? We have so many responsibilities here, Zhan. Instead of saving for your wedding trousseau, you're spending like this. Don't forget, your father might not even buy you basic things when the time comes."
Zhan gave a strained smile and stayed quiet. Lina seemed speechless too.
Aunt Fin continued, "If you had asked me, I would never have let you spend so much. You should have only bought what you needed for America. What happens when it's time for your wedding, and we don't have enough?"
Zhan smiled faintly. "It will work out when the time comes, Aunt Fin."
"So you've finished all your money?" Aunt Fin asked, suspicious.
Zhan shook his head. "No, I still have about 7,000 yuan left."
Both Lina and Aunt Fin stared at him, shocked. Aunt Fin sat up straighter. "How much did he give you exactly? Are you out of your mind to accept this kind of money?"
Zhan deflected, saying, "I exchanged everything I had." He opened his handbag and took out the remaining cash, including the money Yu-Bin had given him. He counted out 1,000 yuan for Aunt Fin. "Aunt, use this for your trip back to Beijing and for your business capital," he said, then handed his mother 2,500 yuan. "Ayi, please use this for Meilin and Meiqin's school fees and to buy them new uniforms."
Lina looked at him. "Are you out of your mind, Zhan? Didn't you hear what Fin just said?"
Aunt Fin also returned 1000 yuan to him, saying, "Honestly, Lina Jie, he doesn't understand. When his wedding is announced, we'll just be spectators in his own home…"
Zhan laughed softly. "There's still plenty of money in my account that Yiming deposits for me every month. It'll be enough when the time comes."
It took a long time for Zhan to convince them to keep the money he gave them. In reality, he didn't have much else saved.... only the 1 million yuan Yiming had left in his account, which was technically Yiming's money, not his. Yiming only covered food, transportation fares, rent, and his phone subscription. He rarely gave him cash gifts, preferring instead to buy him expensive items.
Finally, they accepted the money. Aunt Fin, looking at the new Android phones, said to Lina, "Be careful with that phone. Don't let anyone steal it, considering how expensive it is."
Lina looked at Zhan and asked, "So what did you buy for your father?"
Aunt Fin gave her sister a sharp look, while Zhan simply stared back at his mother without answering. Aunt Fin scoffed and turned away. Lina then looked at Aunt Fin and said, "Because of fairness, I thought he should have bought something for him too since he bought me a phone. He doesn't even own one, you know."
Aunt Fin frowned at her sister. "Lina Jie, if you knew you're going to give that phone away, you should have let Zhan keep it. Remember, his father bought you nothing back when Salie was getting married."
Lina waved her off. "That's different, Fin. He's his father. If he chose to buy him something, it's no big deal."
Aunt Fin said nothing more and began organizing the groceries Zhan had brought.
By late afternoon, Lina and the others left the house, and Nainai Gaxi still hadn't returned. Zhan secretly handed his younger siblings 500 yuan tucked into Meilin's small bag. "Give this to Ayi when you get home," he whispered, warning them strictly not to damage their mother's new phone.
***
The next morning, Zhan had just stepped out of the shower when his phone rang. It was the same man as before.
"Hello," the man greeted.
After their pleasantries, he said, "Around 9:30, a driver will call you. Give him directions to pick you up and take you to the airport. Your flight to Shanghai is at 11. From there, your connection to the U.S. leaves at 1:40."
Zhan replied, "Okay, no problem. Thank you."
Only Aunt Fin came to Nainai Gaxi's house to see him off. Zhan felt a pang of sadness that his own mother hadn't come. When the driver arrived, Nainai Gaxi blessed him for the phone and gifts he had bought for the grandchildren. After loading his luggage, Aunt Fin and Nainai Gaxi escorted him to the car. Zhan forced a smile and waved as the car pulled away, feeling heavy-hearted at not getting to say goodbye to his mother in person.
~**~
The Shanghai flight was smooth and comfortable, with Zhan sleeping most of the way in his business-class seat. They landed in Maryland at 3:40 AM local time. It was freezing, and he hadn't packed a sweater. As he searched for an Uber outside, he spotted his housemate's car parked nearby. Zhan looked at him briefly and then lowered his eyes.
"Has the flight been delayed?" he asked when he reached him.
Zhan shook his head. "No."
"Okay, let me take you home," he said.
He helped with one of his trolleys and loaded it into the car. When Zhan got into the passenger seat, he noticed his housemate head resting against the car seat, eyes closed. Zhan sat quietly, not wanting to wake him. For three whole minutes, he simply watched him in silence. Only when Zhan phone vibrated from an alarm did I-Bo open his eyes and start the car.
"How's your mother?" he asked casually as they drove.
"She's fine. You didn't need to come; there are taxis and Uber," Zhan replied softly.
"I had the house key with me. I estimated your arrival time," he said without looking at him.
They drove in silence until they reached home, where he parked and leaned back against his seat again sleeping. Zhan quietly opened the door and stepped out, but hearing him get out, he too exited the car.
They headed to the entrance together. He patted his pockets but frowned... no key. He turned and said, "I think I left the key at my place. Sorry about that, Sean."
Zhan lowered his eyes without replying. I-Bo walked back to the car, glanced at Zhan, and said, "Come with me. It's not far, and it's too cold for you to stand outside waiting."
Still shivering, Zhan followed him back into the warm car. Despite his words, they drove for about fifteen minutes before arriving at a gated neighborhood of luxurious homes. Zhan heart skipped slightly....he hadn't expected this.
He parked outside a grand house, left the engine running, and said, "Let me get the keys." He stepped out, opened the gate, and went inside. Zhan could clearly see the elegant house beyond the gate...it screamed wealth. Soon I-Bo reappeared, this time with a huge dog trailing behind him.
Zhan's heart pounded...he had always been terrified of dogs. I-Bo crouched to pat it, speaking softly to it. Another tall young man, also in pajamas and clearly resemble so much like his Housemate, emerged from the house.
"Where are you coming from I-Bo?" the man asked.
His housemate ignored him, still holding the dog back. "Where are you going?" the man pressed.
Zhan wonder weather there are twins, because even thier voice sound similar.
"Do you have a problem with that?" his housemate asked flatly.
The man glanced at the car and said, "Is that a lady in your car?"
His housemate didn't respond, focusing instead on calming the dog. The man smirked. "Enjoy," he said before leading the dog back inside.
Zhan overheard the whole exchange and felt uncomfortable. When his housemate returned to the car, he apologized, "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Sean."
Zhan frowned. "Why didn't you just tell him I'm your housemate and explain why you brought me here?"
He sighed. "Ignore him. He's my cousin brother. We look so alike people often mistake us for twins."
They reached home without exchanging a word. He parked the car in the garage, stepped out, and headed straight for the entrance without glancing at Zhan. Zhan quietly followed, trailing behind him. At the sitting room entrance, he paused and looked back at him. Zhan stepped in first, then he followed and locked the door. Without saying anything, Zhan headed straight to his room, closed the door, and locked it.
The next morning, a little after eight, Zhan came out of his room and found his housemate seated with textbooks spread across the table... clearly studying. When he lifted his head, Zhan quickly looked away and nervously played with the edge of his top as he greeted softly, "Good morning."
"Good morning, Sean," he replied, putting his pen down.
Still avoiding his gaze, Zhan stood awkwardly by the chair.
"How was your trip?" I-Bo asked.
He blinked and answered quietly, "It was fine."
"Sorry I didn't ask about your mom yesterday. I was too sleepy. How's she doing now?"
"She's fine… much better now," Zhan said, finally lifting her eyes to look at him.
"Good. Hope you feel more at ease now?"
Zhan just nodded, lowering his gaze again. I-Bo phone rang, interrupting them. He picked up and listened silently for a few seconds before replying, "It should be upstairs, then," and ended the call.
When he looked back at Zhan, he quickly looked away.
"Something wrong, Sean?" he asked.
Zhan hesitated, then said softly, "I just… I wanted to say thank you for everything you did. I really appreciate it."
"You don't need to thank me," he said calmly. "I'd do the same for my own brother."
"Still, thank you," he murmured.
I-Bo smiled faintly. "So, you can actually be this quiet and polite?"
Zhan gave him a side glance but said nothing.
"Shouldn't you take a day to rest after such a long trip? Why rush to school today?"
"I have a presentation," he replied.
"Oh, I see. Good luck, then."
"Thanks."
He gestured toward the trolley he had carried in for him. "Your boxes are over there."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Zhan carried his luggage to his room, then returned to make tea and have a few cookies before leaving for school. I-Bo handed him the house keys as he prepared to go.
"You'll need these," he said.
"Aren't you using them?" Zhan asked, surprised.
He shrugged. "I'll figure it out."
He hesitated, then took the keys. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
He left and locked the door behind her.
On the way to class, he walked with Yu-Bin, who complained about Hailong-ge saying Zhan ignored his calls. Zhqn kept walking silently until Yu-Bin stopped and said, "Hey, I'm talking to you, you know!"
Zhan turned and faced him. "Bin, you already know I'm engaged. Why would I answer his calls? Even if I weren't engaged, I wouldn't entertain him. It's inappropriate."
Yu-Bin frowned. "Engaged or not, what does Peng have to do with this? Is he your cousin or friend? What connection is so deep that you'd ignore a good man because of him? Does that even make sense? If you're not interested in my cousin, just say so, but don't give ridiculous excuses about Peng. What does he have to do with you ignoring Hailong-ge?"
Zhan sighed. "Please, just drop it. And tell him I'm engaged. I'm not answering his calls."
"I'm not telling him anything!" Yu-Bin snapped. "If you have something to say, say it yourself. As far as I know, you don't really have a choice about who you're marrying. Eventually, you'll realize that yourself...and who knows, maybe you'll see you can't go through with it."
Zhqn pursed his lips. "Bin, I'm hungry and tired from yesterday's trip. I'm going home. See you tomorrow."
Yu-Bin said nothing and walked off, leaving Zhan standing there. Zhan watched him go, feeling both irritated and tired. Why should he answer Hailong-ge's calls? If he were in Peng's shores, he wouldn't want someone disrespecting his relationship either. That was just selfishness, plain and simple.
He hurried to catch up and said, "Since we're both free, let's go my home and cook together. I'm starving."
Zhan finally managed to calm Yu-Bin, who was annoyed, and they headed to his apartment. When they got out of the Uber, Zhan noticed his housemate's car wasn't in the garage. So, he's out? he thought. But how did he lock the door? Does that mean he has another key? Or did he ask for one to be made?
He pulled out his own keys, opened the door, and they stepped into the sitting room together. Yu-Bin immediately took in the place, inhaled deeply, and said, "Wow, your housemate's perfume is amazing. The whole place smells so good."
Zhan ignored the comment, dropped his bag and sat on the couch, pulling his phone out. Yu-Bin sat too, looking around.
"So… did you meet Yiming in China?" Yu-Bin asked casually.
Zhan stayed quiet. Just hearing Yiming's name irritated him at that moment. Seeing Yu-Bin watching him expectantly, he said shortly, "Yeah… What are you cooking? I'm starving."
Yu-Bin laughed and stood. "Okay, let me see what you've got in the kitchen."
A few minutes later, he returned, looking surprised. "Wait, your housemate is the one stocking your kitchen like this? These are expensive food items, Zhan. Where's he getting the money for all this?"
Zhan said, "Are you cooking or should I?"
Yu-Bin chuckled. "Relax, I'm cooking. I'm just shocked. There's no way Yiming's allowance could cover all this luxury. Are you sure I shouldn't just move in here? There are imported cookies, fancy drinks, even the bottled water is high-end. And the fridge? Full to the brim!"
Zhan ignored him and continued scrolling on his phone. Yu-Bin shook his head and returned to the kitchen, still muttering about how he might just move in.
Yu-Bin prepared a proper meal...neat and well done. Meanwhile, Zhan lay down on the three-seater, scrolling through his phone while waiting.
His phone buzzed. It was Yiming calling. His stomach tightened immediately, his mood shifting as he frowned at the screen. He let it ring almost to the end before reluctantly picking it up....but just then, he heard the front door unlocking.
Startled, he quickly sat up and adjusted just as his housemate walked in.
"Evening," he greeted casually.
"Good evening," Zhan replied softly, dropping the phone and abandoning Yiming's call altogether.
"Visitor?" I-Bo asked, noticing the extra pair of shoes by the door.
"Um… he's my coursemate," Zhan explained.
"Good," he said simply and headed straight to his room.
Zhan glanced at his phone; the call had ended. He didn't even consider calling Yiming back. Instead, he stood and went to the kitchen, where Yu-Bin was finishing up. Together, they brought the food out.
Yu-Bin glanced around again. "Is it your housemate's perfume I'm smelling even stronger now, or did he just come back?"
"Why?" Zhan asked, spooning food onto his plate. "Do you know him, Bin?"
Yu-Bin laughed. "No, I don't. I just want to see him. With this kind of luxury in your kitchen, where is he even getting money from? Didn't he come here on scholarship?"
Zhan ignored the comment, focused on eating. Yu-Bin finally sat and joined in, but soon, the housemate reappeared, laptop in hand, heading straight to the door. He didn't even glance at them.
Yu-Bin froze, following him with his eyes as if he could stare a hole through him. Zhan only glanced up briefly before returning to his food. He stepped out and locked the door behind him.
Yu-Bin put his spoon down dramatically. "Seriously? That's it? No hello, nothing? Does he always act like this?"
"You're ridiculous," Zhan said, suppressing a laugh.
"No, seriously," Yu-Bin insisted, pouting. "Is this how he behaves? Like he's too good to even greet? What, because he stocks up the kitchen with fancy food, he thinks he's some big deal? I don't like arrogance."
Zhan sighed. "Look, Bin, he's not the one who stocked everything you saw in there. He's barely ever home....I hardly see him. And besides, he did greet us when he came in; you were just in the kitchen at the time. Why should he come and stand here staring at us for no reason when he's heading out?"
Yu-Bin was about to speak when his phone rang. Hee stood up, picked it up, and glanced at Zhan with wide eyes.
"It's Yiming calling me."
Zhan's stomach tightened. He dropped his spoon and stared at the phone. Yu-Bin held her chin, smirking.
"Wow… so he's calling, that means you're not answering his call? Should I pick it up and hear what he wants?"
Quickly, Zhan grabbed his hand, his heart pounding.
"Please, Bin, don't tell him I went to China. He doesn't know....seriously."
Yu-Bin's mouth fell open. "He doesn't know? Then who sponsored your trip? Where did you get the money?"
Zhan's anxiety spiked. "Just don't tell him. Please."
The call ended, but Yiming immediately called back. Yu-Bin raised her eyebrows.
"He's calling me again? Twice? Something must be up."
Zhan swallowed his nerves and said, "Just pick it up. If he asks, tell him I'm not feeling well and you just left my place."
"Alright." Yu-Bin put it on speaker.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hi. Are you with Zhan?" Yiming asked.
Yu-Bin delivered Zhan's excuse word-for-word. There was a short silence, then he said, "Since when has he been sick?"
Yu-Bin looked at Zhan. Zhan quickly signaled a week with his fingers.
"For about a week now," Yu-Bin said.
"A whole week? Why didn't anyone tell me? And what exactly is wrong with him?"
"I thought he would have told you himself," Yu-Bin replied casually.
"What kind of illness stops him from even picking up his phone?" Yiming pressed.
Yu-Bin rolled his eyes, unimpressed with his tone, and refused to answer that useless question. Meanwhile, Zhan's heart raced.
"Where is he now?" he asked.
"At home, of course," Yu-Bin replied, sounding disinterested.
Zhan quickly typed something on his phone and showed it to Yu-Bin.
"He's getting better already," Yu-Bin added.
"Alright. Thanks." Yiming ended the call abruptly.
Yu-Bin dropped his phone and scoffed.
"Did you hear that tone? Like some arrogant guy giving orders. Not even worried. If it were me, I'd have panicked, asking a million questions. But him? Just cold as ice and then 'Thanks'? Who even responds like that? Honestly, Zhan, if it were up to me, you'd break up with him for good. That guy has zero kindness, zero affection... just full of himself. Such nonsense."
Zhan sighed softly. "You wouldn't understand, Bin. I'm… tired of him too. I'm just… done."
Yu-Bin grabbed his chin dramatically. "Wait, did you just say that? You? Mr loyal?"
Zhan shrugged and returned to his food. "I don't know. I just feel like I've had enough... suddenly."
Yu-Bin stared at him like he'd grown two heads. "Forget him for a second...who sponsored your flight to China?"
Zhan lifted his gaze but stayed silent.
"Come on, Zhan. Who paid for it?"
After a pause, he muttered, "My housemate bought my ticket."
Yu-Bin's eyes widened. "Wait...what? Your housemate? As in… how?"
Zhan sighed. "Yeah… he paid for my ticket." He explained how he ended up sponsoring his whole trip. Yu-Bin was stunned.
"Do you even realize how expensive flights from the U.S. to China are?" Yu-Bin exclaimed.
"I went on business class both ways," Zhan added quietly.
Yu-Bin's jaw dropped. "You said business class?"
Zhan nodded.
Yu-Bin looked around the apartment, which was modest for the area, and frowned. "Business class? Then what is he even doing here? Clearly, he can afford way more than this. No one paying for business-class flights would be living in a shared apartment unless they're hiding something. Either he's in disguise for a reason or he has some mission we don't know about."
Zhan just looked at him silently as Yu-Bin continued, "Or maybe he came here because of you?"
Zhan laughed lightly. "That's ridiculous. He didn't even know me before moving in. I overheard him asking once if his housemate was male or female...he had no idea. Maybe he just wanted to settle down quickly and took this place. That's all."
Yu-Bin smirked. "We'll see about that."
:
:
By around 7 p.m., Yu Bin left because Hailong-ge kept calling him impatiently. He left while mumbling complaints. After escorting Yu-Bin out, Zhan returned and sat in the sitting room, scrolling through his phone, wondering why Yiming hadn't called him personally even after hearing he was sick.
He was lost in thought when he heard the door open. His housemate walked in.
"Evening," he greeted.
"Evening," Zhan replied softly.
He walked straight to where his books were, saying, "So your friend left already."
"Yes. Good evening again," Zhan said awkwardly.
He smiled faintly, "Alright, good night… see you in the morning."
Zhan nodded and watched him leave, closing the door behind him.
The next morning, Zhan had no classes, so he stayed in bed until late. But even then, he still couldn't stop thinking about Yiming's coldness. He didn't even send a single message.
Finally, he got up, showered, and dressed. Around 10:40 a.m., he stepped out and found hos housemate asleep on the three-seater sofa. When he closed the door behind him, the sound made him stir and open his eyes slightly.
He murmured, eyes still half-closed, "Good morning, Sean."
"Good morning," he replied, then headed to the kitchen.
An hour later, Zhan returned with breakfast ready and found him awake, sitting with his head in his hands. Zhan paused, watching him carefully.
"Are you okay?" He asked gently.
He still didn't lift his head and simply said, "You woke me up."
Zhan blinked, surprised. "How?"
"From the noise your utensils were making in the kitchen," I-Bo replied, lying back down and closing his eyes.
At first, Zhan thought of staying quiet but ended up saying, "Well, you shouldn't be sleeping in the sitting room anyway."
I-Bo opened his eyes. "So, you woke me up on purpose?"
"I didn't even know you were here," Zhan defended.
I-Bo smiled faintly, not saying anything further. Zhan studied him for a moment and then said softly, "I made breakfast… you can have some."
"Okay, thanks. You didn't go to school today?"
"No lectures."
"Oh, which school are you in?"
Zhan hesitated, looking at him quietly. I-Bo sat up, curious. "University of Maryland, Baltimore? Loyola University Maryland? Morgan State University? Stevenson University? Johns Hopkins University?" he guessed.
"They're all in this city?" Zhan asked in surprise.
I-Bo chuckled. "So you live here and don't know the universities around?"
Zhan just shook his head, still staring at him. "So, which one do you go to?" I-Bo asked.
Zhan lowered his eyes. "The last one you mentioned."
"Johns Hopkins, huh? But I've never seen you there," I-Bo teased lightly.
Zhan frowned a little, and I-Bo quickly added, smiling, "Just joking, don't start crying."
Zhan gave him a look but didn't respond. I-Bo still hadn't really looked at him, his eyes on his wristwatch instead.
"So, what course are you studying?"
"Pharmacology," Zhan answered quietly.
That made I-Bo finally look at him.
"Really?"
Zhan nodded.
"That's a great course. Which year are you in now?"
"Third year."
"Nice. That's impressive."
Zhan looked down, mumbling softly, "Thanks."
"I didn't even realize you were a student. I wouldn't have bothered dropping you off when I had to go out… though I guess you don't always have classes when I'm heading out."
I-Bo mentioned the name of one of Zhan's lecturers. Zhan's eyes lit up in surprise because that was one of his favorites.
"He taught us during my undergrad and Master's degree too. Three years back. He's still one of my supervisors now."
Zhan couldn't stop staring at him. "You're still a student now?" he blurted out.
I-Bo smiled. "I'm a medical doctor, working on my PhD in Cardiology."
Zhan kept staring, and I-Bo laughed lightly. "Feels like I've been studying since I was a baby."
"Do you want to become a lecturer?" Zhan asked.
"Not at all, Sean," He replied with a small laugh.
Zhan didn't respond, simply staring at him again. I-Bo picked up his phone, dropped it back on the table, and asked, "You already ate in the kitchen? I didn't see you with a plate."
Zhan just gave him a look and left for his room without a word. He had already had tea and cookies while cooking and wasn't hungry enough to plate food for himself.
About 45 minutes later, after checking some course materials on his laptop, Zhan heard knocking at the front door. He came out and saw I-Bo standing near the entrance, already opening the door.
It was Zhan's friend. "Hello," I-Bo greeted.
"Hi," Yu Bin replied, stepping aside.
Zhan went back to his room, and Yu Bin followed him in. "Why do you look like that?" Zhan asked, noticing his expression.
Yu Bin plopped onto the edge of the bed, obviously upset. "One of these days, I'm going to beat that man in my house black and blue," he grumbled.
Zhan laughed. "What's he done to you now?"
"Ever since you left, his bad attitude has doubled. He's doing everything possible to make the house unbearable. He doesn't even leave food for me anymore. He hides cereal and other stuff in his room, saying he's keeping it for his kid...just to stop me from eating it."
Zhan sighed. "That's terrible… do you want to move back here?"
"Move here? For what reason? That would be like giving him victory. No way. We're stuck together in that house until one of us breaks."
Then suddenly, Yu Bin's expression shifted from anger to excitement. He grabbed Zhan's hand, grinning. "Man, I saw your housemate face-to-face today. I didn't know he looked that good! Honestly, he's… well, let's just say, impressive. He didn't even look at me twice, but he greeted me politely. He's so calm and composed. I'm impressed."
Zhan's jaw dropped, but he quickly glanced at his locked door, worried I-Bo might have overheard. He lowered his voice sharply. "What's wrong with you, Bin? What if he hears you?"
Yu Bin chuckled. "I was upset earlier, but when he opened the door, I completely forgot about that annoying man. Such a gentleman. Does he speak Chinese with you, or is it English? Honestly, he doesn't even seem fully Chinese to me."
Zhan frowned. "Please, just stop, Yu Bin. Seriously."
Yu Bin laughed it off. "Anyway, did you cook? I'm starving."
Zhan got up and left the room. In the hallway, he saw his housemate heading into his room. He didn't even glance at Zhan as he closed the door behind him. Zhan went to the kitchen and served Yu Bin some food.
When Zhan returned to the sitting room, his housemate was coming out again, picking up his car keys and a book. They briefly locked eyes, and Zhan nervously asked, "Aren't you eating?"
"Oh, right. I forgot," he said and walked into the kitchen. Zhan followed him, wanting to tell him not to leave dirty plates behind.
But when he stepped in, he found him already tasting the food with a spoon straight from the pot. Zhan stared at him, shocked.
"Bad habit, right?" he said with a small smile before taking another bite and covering the pot again. "Honestly, I'm not hungry. I'm full already."
Zhan stared at him again, and without thinking, asked, "Should I pack some for you to take along?"
He opened the fridge, took a bottle of water, and said, "Nah, I'll eat later when I get back."
He walked out toward the door, paused, then turned his head slightly. Zhan quickly looked away. "See you later," he said before stepping out and locking the door behind him.
****
By around six in the evening, Zhan walked Yu Bin out to the Uber he had ordered. Yu Bin glanced at him and said,
"Hailong has finally given up on you. I told him yesterday that you already have someone you're planning to marry at home. Honestly, I was tired of his endless questions, so I just told him the truth. He simply said, 'Alright then, you should have told me from the start. I would have understood.'"
Zhan sighed and replied, "Well, it's better this way."
They parted ways, and Zhan returned inside. By ten that night, he realized his housemate still hadn't come home, so he assumed he wouldn't be back that day.
The next morning, Zhan got ready and went to school, only returning home around four in the afternoon.
As soon as he stepped into the sitting room, he realized his housemate had already come home earlier. He went straight to his bedroom, took a shower, changed clothes, and headed to the kitchen to make spices tofu, something he had been craving all day.
While preparing the ingredients, he heard the sitting room door open. He continued cooking as Yu Bin walked into the kitchen, placing a bag on the counter.
"Good evening, Sean," I-Bo greeted.
"Evening. How are you?" Zhan replied.
"I'm good. Are you baking?"
Zhan looked at what he was mixing and said, "No."
"What are you using flour for then?" I-Bo asked curiously.
Without making eye contact, Zhan answered, "Dumplings."
I-Bo blinked. "What's that?"
Zhan raised a brow, realizing he was serious. "You don't know dumplings?"
"Never heard of it," he admitted.
"Well, you'll see soon enough," Zhan said, grabbing a wooden stick and mixed.
I-Bo watched closely, fascinated. "Hey, why did it change color like that? Is that even flour?"
Zhan glanced at him but stayed silent, continuing his work until the dough was ready. He then washed his hands and began fraying.
I-Bo kept staring. "So… how do you eat it?"
"Usually with bread," Zhan replied.
I-Bo looked at the tofu on the counter, amused. "Really?"
Zhan couldn't help but smile but didn't respond further.
He finished frying the tofu, plated them with boiled eggs, and brought out some pepper sauce.
I-Bo watched the food closely. "So this is the meal? I actually remember this. When I was a kid, my grandma used to make it."
Without looking at him, Zhan said, "Well, you grew up and moved to America, so you must have forgotten."
I-Bo laughed and walked fully into the kitchen. "Can I taste some? I want to remember what it's like."
Zhan stepped aside, handing him a spoon. I-Bo gently scooped two pieces, tasting them slowly as if analyzing the flavor.
"It's nice. I like it… I actually remember this taste now," he said with a grin.
Zhan smiled faintly.
I-Bo took a little more, and Zhan said, "Take the rest with you. I'll make another batch."
"No, I can't finish all this," he chuckled, scooping just a small portion onto another plate. "Thank you."
Zhan handed him more tofu and an egg, making I-Bo widen his eyes slightly.
"Thanks, Sean, but seriously, I can't finish all this."
"Just eat what you can," Zhan replied.
I-Bo grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and left the kitchen.
Later that evening, around nine, Zhan stepped out of his room intending to make black tea so he could stay up and study until 1. am. He hadn't come out since he arrived earlier, so he was surprised to find his housemate fast asleep on the three-seater sofa.
He stared in disbelief...I-Bo was asleep before 9 p.m.? Quietly, Zhan glanced at his phone, which was lit up beside him. On the screen was a missed call list from someone saved as "A-Bo"...five missed calls, in fact. Zhan was tempted to wake him but decided against it. Instead, he put the phone on silent and returned it before heading to the kitchen.
When Zhan returned with his tea, the phone started ringing again, loudly this time. I-Bo stirred awake, barely opening his eyes. Zhan froze near the kitchen doorway. I-Bo checked the screen, answered the call, stayed silent for a moment, then sighed in irritation, ended the call, and sat up...still half-asleep.
To Zhan's shock, I-Bo literally started dozing while standing, swaying as though he might fall. Zhan covered his mouth, holding back laughter, as I-Bo leaned against a pillar and continued sleeping on his feet for nearly three minutes. The phone rang again, startling him awake.
Zhan quickly darted back into the kitchen to hide his laughter, pretending to stir his tea as I-Bo walked in, now fully awake but still scratching his head in confusion.
"You're still awake?" he asked, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge.
"Of course. It's not even late yet… I'm not you," Zhan replied dryly.
I-Bo didn't respond and simply walked out again.
Zhan smiled, shaking his head as he followed him into the sitting room. Yu Bin picked up his car keys and phone. Without even looking back, he said, "Good night, Sean."
"Don't drive while half-asleep!" Zhan warned instinctively.
I-Bo only smiled and left the house.
Zhan watched through the window as he reversed out of the garage and drove off. He stayed there for a few moments, leaning against the frame, before finally closing the curtain and heading back to his room.
~**~
The next day, Zhan stepped out of a taxi returning from school and saw his housemate's car heading toward the garage. By the time he reached the apartment door, his housemate had already gone inside, but he had left the door unlocked, clearly having noticed him.
As Zhan stepped into the sitting room, his housemate came out of the kitchen holding a cold can of lemon drink.
"Back from school?" he asked.
Zhan greeted him politely.
"Good evening, Sean," the housemate replied.
Zhan headed straight to his bedroom, leaving him in the sitting room. It was almost 6 p.m., and Yu-Bin had already been keeping him busy earlier, helping explain a course topic he didn't understand. After showering and changing into lighter clothes, Zhan came back out to the sitting room, where his housemate was still working on his laptop.
Seeing Zhan about to head into the kitchen, the housemate said,
"Don't bother cooking, I'll step out and buy food for us."
Zhan shook his head. "No need, I'm cooking noodles."
"Oh, okay then," the housemate replied.
Zhan walked into the kitchen while the housemate returned to his room with the laptop. In just a few minutes, Zhan finished cooking a small portion...he wasn't sure if his housemate would want some...then picked up a plate to serve it. That's when he heard someone knocking on the sitting room door.
He put the plate down and stepped out of the kitchen. His housemate had also come out, likely to check who it was, but when he saw Zhan, he turned back into his room, leaving him to answer the door.
Zhan opened it....and froze. For a moment, everything felt still. He just stared, almost forgetting to blink, as though seeing him for the first time all over again.
The man standing there looked him up and down and said,
"Why are you staring like that?"
Zhan's heart skipped a beat, and his voice trembled slightly as he stammered,
"Yiming… I… I'm just surprised. Welcome."
Quickly, he turned and walked into the sitting room, trying to calm his racing heart. Yiming followed behind, scrolling through his phone, which was vibrating from an incoming call.
Zhan stepped behind the couch, watching him like someone caught off guard and unprepared. From the look of him, it was clear Yiming hadn't just arrived in America that moment...he must have been around for a while, probably staying at a hotel.
Yiming answered his call, phone to his ear, attention fully elsewhere. Taking advantage of that, Zhan quietly slipped away down the corridor to the bedrooms, glancing back as though expecting to be caught.
He quickly opened his housemate's door and shut it behind him, locking it.
His housemate turned to him, clearly surprised.
Zhan, visibly rattled, approached him nervously, waving his hands in confusion before kneeling slightly as though trying to explain something incoherently.
The housemate stood up, still looking at him in surprise.
"Are you alright, Sean?" he asked.
💚💙❤🖤