Zhan stood up and followed Yibo. From the moment Yibo entered the house, he kept glancing back, worried Zhan might follow him. When Yibo stepped inside, he came face-to-face with Yichen, who was accompanied by a guest. Yibo quickly averted his gaze and hurried on, but Zhan, upon seeing Yichen, immediately changed direction.
Yichen gave him a sharp look and asked, "Where are you coming from?"
"I was just sitting outside," Zhan replied calmly. "I'm heading to work now."
Yichen glanced at Yibo and then back at Zhan. Narrowing her eyes, she said, "I don't believe you. Zhan said "Mom you should ask the man at the stall to confirm how long I am sitting there?"
The guest interjected, "Just go, Zhan."
Zhan smile faintly before walking inside.
As they continued walking, Yichen muttered, "I had the feeling he was with that troubled boy who just passed by."
The guest shook her head. "No, I saw him sitting outside when I arrived. And I wasn't even inside for fifteen minutes."
Yichen let out a deep sigh and replied, "If only you knew the deep hatred I have for that boy's mother. I swear, there's nothing I wouldn't do to humiliate her. The mere thought of her makes my blood boil. I loathe her more than I've ever hated anyone, not even my husband's family irritates me like she does. I've spent my life making sure she knows her place, and I won't stop now. My disdain for her has even extended to that sickly boy she brought into the world. I despise them both as much as I despise death itself.
"When I returned back to this house, it took everything I had to separate Zhan from Yibo. I made it my mission. I couldn't just sit back and let it happen."
The guest asked cautiously, "But does Zhan love him?"
Yichen scoffed. "Love? Absolutely not. I raised Zhan. I know his heart better than anyone. It's not love, just an attachment—plain dependence. Yibo's always been overly clingy, and before I returned, Zhan used to be the one looking after his health and everything else. You know how sickly he is…"
The guest laughed lightly. "But how can you be so sure, Yichen? You're not in his heart. What if it really is love?"
Yichen smirked. "Oh, please. There's another friend of Zhan's, Zhu, whose parents are incredibly wealthy. That boy is everything—well-mannered, composed. At one point, Zhan wanted to match him with Yibo, but I quickly shut that idea down. I made it clear that as long as I'm alive, Yibo will never be associated with Zhu's family. I'd rather see him alone than matched with someone like Yibo.
"Do you know how much effort it took to get Zhan to introduce Zhu to his sister Xinyi instead? Now, with Yu wedding almost over, discussions about Xinyi have already started. Zhu's father is close friends with the governor. This is the kind of association I'll allow, not the nonsense with Yibo."
The guest sighed. "Well, I hope everything work out for the best."
Yichen added, "Oh, and there's another problem. Zhan is infatuated with a poor girl named Li Na. From what I've discovered, if I don't step in, he'll marry her. He's become obsessed with her. Do you know the kind of support he's been giving her and her family? He's even paying their rent! I've had people watching him in her neighborhood. But I promise you, I'll remove that girl from his life, no matter what it takes. There's no way I'll allow a gold digger and her family to ruin my son."
The guest asked, "Where did he even meet her?"
Yichen sneered. "On his way back from Chongqing. Sometimes he takes the train, and apparently, that's where he met her. From that moment on, she latched onto him. But I'm working on getting rid of her for good."
The guest nodded. "Well, let's hope for the best."
Yichen replied, "Amen to that." They said their goodbyes, and Yichen returned inside.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Yibo opened the door and stepped out around nine at night to collect his socks and other small clothes that Yuting had washed for him from the clothesline. He walked sluggishly, feeling as though a fever was about to take over, accompanied by a pounding headache.
Since 8 o'clock, Zhan had been sitting on the white chair in their parking space. As soon as Yibo came out, Zhan stood and moved to stand near a flower bed opposite the clothesline. The entire area was dark, which surprised Yibo, making him think the lightbulb might have burned out. Little did he know that Zhan had intentionally removed it earlier when he returned to the house.
Zhan waited until Yibo began gathering his clothes before sneaking up and grabbing him from behind. Anticipating Yibo's reaction, he quickly covered his mouth. Yibo, startled, began breathing heavily out of fear. Zhan, realizing what was happening, uncovered his mouth and looked at him, momentarily forgetting Yibo's health condition. Panicked, Zhan crouched and whispered, "Hey, relax! It's me! Stay calm."
But Yibo couldn't calm down, and within moments, his asthma attack began. Without wasting time, Zhan picked him up and carried him inside their apartment.
Yuting, who had been sitting in the living room, stood up as soon as she saw them. Zhan gently placed Yibo on the couch. Yuting rushed to Yibo's room to grab his inhaler and handed it to Zhan, who quickly removed the cap and brought it to Yibo's mouth. They both watched as Yibo's breathing gradually steadied. Once he seemed better, Yuting silently walked back to her bedroom, leaving them alone.
Yibo tried to lie down, but Zhan stopped him, looking concerned. "Where does it hurt?" he asked. Tears welled up in Yibo's eyes as he pointed to his leg. "Have you taken your medicine?" Zhan asked. Yibo shook his head. "Where is it?" Zhan continued. Yibo pointed toward his room.
Zhan helped him to his feet, guiding him to his bedroom. He found the medicine, opened it, and left briefly to fetch a bottle of water and a glass from the kitchen. Returning, he handed Yibo the medication, watching as he took it.
Then Zhan grabbed a tube of ointment meant for Yibo's leg and back pain. Sitting on the bed, Zhan knelt beside him, rolled up Yibo's pajama pants to his thigh, and began applying the cream. Yibo, struggling to breathe steadily, opened his eyes to look at him.
In a faint voice, Yibo murmured, "Gege, it hurts."
Zhan shot him a stern look but didn't respond. When Yibo grasped Zhan's hand and pleaded, "It's hurting. Please be gentle," Zhan pulled his hand away gently, shaking his head. Despite this, he continued applying the ointment, massaging it from Yibo's thigh down to his pale toes.
Yibo's body radiated heat, signaling an imminent fever. He whispered weakly, "Gege, don't forget my back."
As Zhan closed the tube, he replied firmly, "I'm not doing your back."
Yibo struggled to sit up, lowering his shirt to his waist before lying on his stomach. "You'll have to do it for me. I can't reach it," he said softly.
Zhan hesitated for a moment before sighing and reopening the tube. He squeezed out some cream and began gently rubbing it onto Yibo's back. Yibo let out a soft sigh, closing his eyes. In a quiet voice, he said, "Gege, my head hurts so much. I feel like I'm burning up."
Zhan frowned and asked, "Where did you go earlier?"
Yibo opened his eyes quickly and replied, "I went to Wei Po's house."
"Who dropped you off in the car?" Zhan pressed.
Yibo's eyes widened before he pouted, unaware that Zhan was watching him closely. "I'm not asking you to think about it," Zhan said, Yibo voice low as if on the verge of tears. "It was Jun Bin ge"
Zhan gave Yibo a small pinch on the back, making Yibo yelp and sit up quickly, rubbing the spot. Seeing Zhan's stern expression, Yibo's eyes widened again, and he let out another dramatic sound before collapsing onto his stomach. "Ouch, I don't like this, Gege!"
"Who dropped you off earlier?" Zhan repeated, shutting his eyes briefly before Yibo finally muttered, "It was Jun Bin ge."
"You're still lying, aren't you? Does that even look like Jun Bin's car?" Zhan countered.
Yibo pouted again and said, "He changed cars."
"Oh, really?" Zhan said, narrowing his eyes. "Alright then, if I leave this room and you still don't tell me the truth, this case will stay unresolved, and I promise, I will deal with you when you least expect it."
Almost on the verge of tears, Yibo finally admitted, "It was Jun Bin's friend! We were together, and then he stopped somewhere to run an errand, so his friend dropped me off. You can even call him and ask!"
Zhan nodded slowly, shaking his head in disappointment. "So now you think you're grown enough to be getting into random men's cars and letting them drop you off at home?"
Yibo stared at him, looking like he was about to cry. Zhan stood up, putting the tube of cream aside, and began walking toward the door.
"You didn't finish applying it," Yibo said softly.
Zhan shot him a sharp look and walked out of the room.
On the stairs, Zhan bumped into Yichen, who was coming down to the sitting room. He paused, waiting for her to pass, but she stopped and asked, "Is that the smell of heat cream I'm noticing? Do you have a cold?"
Zhan's eyes widened slightly before he quickly responded, "Oh, yes, I thought I might be catching one, so I applied some to my chest."
Yichen nodded. "Alright then, feel better soon." She walked past him, and Zhan continued upstairs to his room.
Once there, he grabbed a syringe and some pcm, placing them in his pocket before heading back downstairs. Yichen, now in the dining area, called out, "Your food is still on the table getting cold."
"I'll eat soon, Mom," Zhan replied casually.
"And where are you going now?"
"Just stepping out to get something," Zhan said as he left the house entirely, knowing his mom might peek to confirm he had actually gone outside. About seven minutes later, he returned and went straight to Yibo's wing.
Yuting, who was in the kitchen washing dishes, heard the door to the sitting room open and glanced out, locking eyes with Zhan.
"I grabbed a syringe with some medication. He's burning up with a fever," Zhan explained, pulling the syringe from his pocket. Yuting didn't reply and returned to the kitchen.
Zhan entered Yibo's room to find him still lying exactly as he'd left him, already drifting into sleep. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Zhan prepared the injection. Once he was ready, he nudged Yibo, saying, "Hey."
Yibo, a naturally heavy sleeper, didn't respond. Zhan grabbed his nose gently, saying louder, "Yibo."
Yibo opened his eyes groggily, ready to shut them again, but Zhan stopped him. "Are you really not going to get up?"
"Gege, what now?" Yibo asked sluggishly, sitting up. Seeing the syringe in Zhan's hand, he shot upright, pulling his shirt tightly over his chest. "Who are you planning to inject?"
"The bed," Zhan said flatly.
Almost in tears, Yibo exclaimed, "I already took medicine! Did you forget?"
"Don't waste my time, my friend," Zhan replied firmly.
Yibo burst into tears. "I don't want an injection! Please, Gege, I didn't ask for this!" He attempted to get off the bed, but Zhan grabbed him and pinned him down. Rolling up Yibo's pants, Zhan administered the injection, ignoring his protests, and walked out of the room without another word.
Yuting entered the room, shooting Yibo a sharp look before finally giving up on scolding him. Yibo, relieved, lay back down and quickly fell asleep.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
On Monday, after returning from school, Yibo noticed two missed calls on his phone. Sitting on the bed, he dialed the number back. The call rang until it cut off without being answered. A few seconds later, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from the same number.
He answered and brought the phone to his ear. A cool voice greeted him, "Hello."
Yibo hesitated for a moment before asking, "Who is this?"
The person on the other end replied, "You didn't return my greeting?"
Yibo said, "It's not necessary to respond out loud. Who are you?"
The caller chuckled softly and asked, "Alright, how are you?"
Yibo frowned slightly. "I asked who you are first."
"Are you scared?" the caller teased.
"I'm sorry, I think this is a wrong number," Yibo replied firmly.
"Why do you think so?"
"Because, without any doubt, only my dad, mom, and a very select few have my contact," Yibo said.
The caller replied, "Alright, Jun Bin asked me to call and check if you got home safely."
Yibo's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he said nothing. The caller chuckled again and asked, "How are you, Yibo?"
In a quiet voice, Yibo replied, "I'm fine, thank you."
"I guess you just got back from school?"
"Yes," Yibo confirmed.
"Alright, heading to lessons soon?"
"Yes."
"Okay, safe travels then. Are you finishing with Mian Mian and the others?"
"Yes, we'll finish together."
"How many months are left now?"
"Two months," Yibo replied.
"Great, we'll talk later. Don't be late for your lesson," the caller said.
"Alright, talk later," Yibo replied before ending the call. He stood up and started preparing for his lesson.
Zhan sat in the sitting room with his father, Zong, and the rest of the family. Seth, who was also in the room, was glued to his phone, completely immersed in whatever he was doing. Meanwhile, Zihan had laid out various fabrics for Yu's wedding and was showing them to Zong. Yichen sat quietly, a frown on her face, as she viewed Zihan's actions as meddlesome.
Zihan said, "Well, Da-ge, here are the fabrics. There are three different designs."
Zhan asked, "Are we really going to use all three designs?"
Zihan replied, "Yes, is that a problem?"
Zhan simply smiled without responding. Seth raised his head from his phone and said, "This seems a bit excessive, don't you think?" The sharp look Yichen gave him made him immediately fall silent and return to his phone.
Zong added, "It's true these expenses are no joke. What's wrong with just two designs instead of three?"
Yichen protested, "Come on, Honey, this is just a one-day event. I even suggested four designs, but Zihan insisted we stick to three."
Zong nodded but didn't say much. Zihan chimed in, "Well, if you don't want to buy them, the older siblings can handle it for them."
Yichen said curtly, "Fine, let's see how that works."
Seth chuckled and said, "Alright then, I'll cover Mengxi and Xinyi, and Zhan can handle Meiling."
Yichen responded, "Don't forget to include something for your grandmother, at least two outfits for her. That's settled."
Seth stared at Yichen for a moment but said nothing. Zong then asked, "What about Yibo?"
Zihan widened her eyes and exclaimed, "Oh, Yibo! I nearly forgot. Zhan can handle his, too, since the men just need suits. That's settled as well."
Zong agreed, "Yes, Zhan will take care of Yibo's."
Yichen gave Zihan a pointed look and said, "Why Zhan? Seth can manage Yibo's as well!"
Zihan replied, "Because you said Seth should handle Xinyi, Mengxi, and A Yi. So, Zhan can take care of Yibo."
Irritated, Yichen snapped, "Forget this arrangement! Everyone should handle their own responsibilities. As for Mother, Zong or Yibo's father can take care of her."
Zong interjected firmly, "No, the arrangement stays as it is. Zhan will handle yours, Meiling's, and Yibo's. Seth will handle Xinyi, Mengxi, and A Yi. Also, Yibo's suits should be delivered to him immediately to ensure they're tailored in time."
Zihan handed over three expensive suit fabrics meant for Yibo to Zong, who turned to Zhan and said, "Take these to him."
Zhan glanced at Yichen, whose expression showed her displeasure. Clearly, she was upset.
Zihan added, "Wait. Transfer the money for Yibo's suits to me now before you leave. The rest can be sorted out later."
Zhan, now uneasy, hesitated. Zihan snapped, "Why are you silent? I'm talking to you!"
Avoiding Yichen's glare, Zhan pulled out his phone. His hands trembled slightly as he typed, and he muttered, "Auntie, I think there's no network…"
Zihan stood up, walked over to him, and snatched the phone from his hand. "You will not mess with me," she said sternly. She quickly entered her account number and the amount, then handed the phone back to him. "Put in the pin," she ordered. Zhan, avoiding Yichen's gaze, entered the pin. Once Zihan confirmed the transfer, she returned his phone and sat back down. Moments later, Zhan received a notification about the debit, and when he opened it, he realized Zihan had transferred a significant amount.
Zong said, "Now take those items and deliver them to Yibo. Just tell him you bought them for him."
Zhan hesitated, unable to move. Zong frowned. "Are you stupid? I'm talking to you, yet you just sit there. What, are you trying to say you only listen to your mother in this house? Don't think I haven't noticed your behavior—I've just been tolerating it."
Reluctantly, Zhan stood, picked up the bag of clothes, and headed toward the door. Yichen, visibly upset, stormed upstairs. Zihan smirked to herself, thinking, At least you're not going with him to Yuting house.
Zhan quietly opened the door to Yibo's apartment after a quick knock. Inside, Yibo was crouched on the floor in the sitting room, wearing nothing but boxers that barely reached his thighs. He had a nose mask on and was dusting furniture. When he saw Zhan, he stood and removed the mask, staring at him curiously.
Hearing someone enter, Yichen emerged from another room. Zhan kept his gaze lowered as he placed the bag on the couch. "Papa said to bring these for Yibo," he said quickly before turning to leave and shutting the door behind him.
Yibo moved to open the bag, but Yichen's sharp voice stopped him in his tracks. "Don't you dare!" she snapped. Yibo froze, looking startled.
Her expression stern, Yichen continued, "You saw someone come into the house, yet you didn't even bother to put on proper clothes? I've been telling you to wear something decent all day, even if just for your own health. And now someone walks in, and you're standing there like this! What kind of child have I raised? Do you have no shame at all? Imagine Zhan seeing you like this!"
Yibo stared at her in shock. "But, Mu Qin, it's just Gege!"
Yichen's mouth fell open in disbelief. After a pause, she asked, "And so what if it's him?"
Yibo replied, "It's Gege! No one else. If it had been Seth, you know I'd never stay like this."
Yichen stared at him, incredulous. "You're not embarrassed in front of your Gege?"
Yibo widened his eyes and said, "Gege has seen me like this since I was little! He even used to bathe me and dress me when I wouldn't do it myself. Why should I feel embarrassed? If it were Seth ge, I wouldn't even go near him without a shirt on. But Gege? I could probably change clothes in front of him. Even now, he helps me apply ointment on my feet and back when I need it. Sometimes, even at Nainai's house, if he's around…"
Before Yibo could finish, Yichen, furious, grabbed a pillow from the couch and hurled it at him. "I never realized you were such a shameless fool until today!" she yelled. "So now you think it's okay because he applies ointment for you? Let me catch you doing that again, and I'll deal with both of you. And stop changing clothes in front of him! You're absolutely ridiculous."
Yibo stormed toward his room, muttering as if he were about to cry. "I didn't mean now, Mu Qin. I was talking about before. And besides, he's my only Gege and my Hus..." Seeing Yichen advance toward him, Yibo darted into his room, locking the door behind him. Inside, he pouted, looking as though he might burst into tears...
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛