Yibo instinctively stepped back as Zhan's intense gaze bore into him, his expression dark and unreadable. He looked like he was on the verge of tears, but his voice came out low and steady.
"I... I just want to leave, Gege."
Zhan didn't respond. He kept advancing, forcing Yibo to retreat further until he was backed up against the window, his heart pounding.
"Please, just let me go. What did I do?" Yibo pleaded, his voice shaky.
Zhan stopped just inches away. When Yibo attempted to kneel, Zhan grabbed his arm and pulled him back up. "Is this the kind of training Auntie gave you?" he asked coldly. "Letting another man hold your hand, and kissing it at the car, and you grinning like a fool?"
Yibo's eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, Zhan snapped, "Are you not going to answer me, or do I need to slap the words out of you?"
Fear coursed through Yibo. His voice wavered as he said, "I swear, Gege...."
Zhan yanked him closer, his eyes dark and furious. "You swear what?"
Yibo swallowed hard, struggling to speak. "Please, believe me. He didn't hold my hand on purpose...."
Zhan didn't let him finish. His hand struck Yibo's mouth sharply, making him gasp. His fingers flew to his lips as pain stung through them, his eyes welling up with tears.
In a low, husky voice, Zhan said, "I'm telling you now-nothing will stop me from informing your father sooner or later."
Yibo's eyes widened in panic. "Please, Gege, it wasn't intentional! Sen Wen didn't even realize..."
Before he could finish, Zhan struck him again, harder this time. Yibo fell silent, tears streaming down his face.
"So you think you're grown now?" Zhan sneered. "That you can stand around with men, act all nervous and eager when he comes to see you? You even brought him into the sitting room and served him food like he's some honored guest, all because Nainai spoils you. Well, let me tell you something..."
Zhan's voice turned sharp. "As far as I'm concerned, there is no marriage between you and that man. You're wasting your time. You should focus on your studies instead. Just like I chose Yu's husband, I choose yours... And that's me. You can act as wild as you want, but you'll be in for a rude awakening."
His tone grew even harsher. "That man you keep running to? He's just using you. He doesn't love you, no matter how much money he spends on you. He'll ruin your life, and I won't stand by and let that happen. And let me warn you now...."
Yibo continued crying silently, his heart pounding in fear.
"From today onward, if I ever see you near his car again, I swear I will beat you unconscious. I don't care what lies he feeds you over the phone...he will not step foot near our house again. And if you disobey me, I will punish you in front of your father. Whatever Nainai has to say about it, she can say."
Yibo didn't argue, just sobbed quietly.
"Do you understand me?" Zhan demanded.
Yibo quickly nodded.
Just then, Nainai's voice rang out from downstairs. "I've had enough! Where are you guys, Zhan!"
She then called out his name sharply.
Zhan opened the door, stepped out, and slammed it behind him.
Yibo collapsed onto the floor, muffling his sobs with his hands.
As soon as Nainai saw Zhan, she let out a relieved sigh.
"Thank goodness, I thought I got lost. But where is Yibo? I went downstairs and didn't see him. I hope he hasn't wandered off somewhere... I'd be in big trouble if he has. And with Quentin acting so suspicious, it's already unsettling. He didn't even agree to come with us wholeheartedly."
Zhan replied, "He's intside. Come, I'll show you the room downstairs."
"Whose room is it?" Nainai asked.
"It's the guest room," Zhan answered.
"Oh, so it's for people like Yong Dan and her kids when they visit?"
Zhan smiled. "Even you can stay there."
Without waiting for her response, he stepped out.
Zhan led Nainai all the way to the garden, walking her through every corner of the house. She watched him carefully before saying, "You know, we should introduce ourselves to the neighbors before moving in properly. What do you think?"
Zhan glanced at her but didn't respond.
"Don't just look away," she scolded. "It's important to know them and for them to know us. We can't live in isolation forever. People are a blessing."
Zhan sighed. "You can do that once you're officially settled here."
"That's true," Nainai agreed. Then she suddenly groaned. "Oh dear, I need to use the bathroom, Zhan."
"Then let's go inside," he said.
Back in the sitting room, he pointed to a door. "You can use the one in the downstairs bathroom."
"So, this is Yong Dan's room?" she asked.
Zhan didn't reply, just walked away while she went inside. Checking the time, he headed upstairs.
When he entered his room, he found Yibo still crouched on the floor, exactly where he had left him, tears still streaming down his face. The moment Yibo saw him, he quickly stood up.
Zhan stepped inside, watching as Yibo struggled to compose himself, his head lowered.
Zhan walked closer until he was right in front of him. Yibo refused to lift his head, avoiding his gaze.
With a gentle touch, Zhan tilted Yibo's chin up. The moment their eyes met, Yibo broke down again, turning his back to him in distress.
Zhan sighed, stepping around him to block his escape. Yibo tried to turn away again, but Zhan placed a firm hand on his face, his fingers brushing against his damp cheeks as he sobbed.
A small smile played on Zhan's lips, but his voice remained calm. "You need to start listening to me if you don't want me to keep making you cry."
Still sniffling, Yibo muttered, "I don't care."
Zhan sighed and pulled him closer. Yibo burst into fresh tears.
"Enough," Zhan scolded lightly. "Are you going to stop crying or not?"
Yibo didn't respond, so Zhan took him by the wrist and led him to the bathroom. Turning on the tap, he looked at him through the mirror.
"Wash your face," he instructed.
Yibo pouted and remained silent.
Without another word, Zhan cupped some water in his hands and gently washed Yibo's face himself. Once he was done, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dried Yibo's face, still watching him through the mirror.
"Promise me you'll start listening to me from now on."
Yibo stayed silent.
Zhan's expression darkened. "I'm talking to you."
After a long pause, Yibo mumbled, "I heard you."
"Heard what?" Zhan pressed.
Softly, Yibo replied, "What you said."
Zhan tucked the handkerchief back into his pocket, grabbed Yibo's hand, and led him back to the bedroom. He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Yibo onto his lap.
Yibo's eyes widened in shock. "Huh?!"
Seeing the way Zhan was looking at him, Yibo hesitated before saying, "Gege, what if Nainai comes in? We should go back to the sitting room downstairs."
Zhan smirked, reaching out to tuck a few stray strands of Yibo's hair behind his ear. "Mn, if she gets tired of waiting, she'll probably fall asleep. Besides, don't worry...I locked the door."
Zhan leaned in closer, his face mere inches from Yibo's, until half of his face was nestled against Yibo's neck. He inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering shut as he began pressing soft, lingering kisses against Yibo's skin.
Yibo's breath hitched, his entire body going weak. "Gege... so.. stop..." he whispered, his voice low and trembling, his own eyes shutting involuntarily.
Zhan ignored him, continuing his slow kisses, moving up to his earlobe. He exhaled warm air against it before flicking out his tongue and giving it a teasing click.
Yibo let out a small gasp, his body jerking as he instinctively clung to Zhan.
Zhan chuckled before gently laying Yibo down on the bed, covering him with his broad chest. Yibo wanted to resist, to push him away, but he didn't know where this sudden longing was coming from. Right now, he craved nothing more than Zhan's touch.
So, he just lay there, motionless.
Zhan started by placing feather-light kisses along his lashes, then moved to his nose. When he reached his lips, he deliberately brushed his own against Yibo's in a teasing motion.
Yibo squirmed, his lips parting slightly. That was all Zhan needed.
A smirk tugged at Zhan's lips before he captured Yibo's upper lip, sucking on it gently, then moved to his bottom lip, doing the same. Slowly, his tongue traced the seam of Yibo's lips in a deliberate, enticing way before slipping inside, deepening the kiss.
For the first time, Yibo kissed him back with equal hunger, equally desperate.
They kissed until the need for air forced them apart. Gasping, Zhan moved to Yibo's neck, leaving small hickeys along his pale skin. Then, he pulled back and took off his own top before doing the same with Yibo's.
Zhan's gaze lingered on Yibo's skin... white like jade, flawless, mesmerizing. He didn't even blink as his eyes traced over Yibo's chest, stopping at the tempting sight of his flushed buds.
"Gege..." Yibo whimpered, feeling the intensity of Zhan's stare. Embarrassed, he instinctively raised his hands to cover himself, but Zhan chuckled, catching his wrists before they could reach his chest.
With a teasing smile, Zhan pressed soft kisses along Yibo's hands, trailing them up his arms until he reached his shoulder. Then, he returned to Yibo's chest, flicking out his tongue to lightly tease one of his sensitive buds.
He licked once. Then again.
Yibo let out a breathy moan, his body trembling. But when Zhan began sucking on it, Yibo completely fell apart... moaning, gasping, his breath coming in short, desperate pants.
"Gege... Let's do it," Yibo pleaded between moans. "Take me now... please... Uhmmm... l-let's make love... Ahhhhh...uhmmm"
Zhan only smiled, continuing his assault on Yibo's sensitive buds, teasing them until they were swollen and sensitive. Then, he moved lower, kissing down to his stomach, trailing all the way to his belly button.
He could clearly see how hard Yibo had become...and he was no different. But... he had made a promise. And they really couldn't do it now. Not when Nainai was just downstairs.
With a sigh, Zhan scooped Yibo up and carried him into the bathroom, putting some distance between them and Nainai. Hopefully, she wouldn't hear anything.
Inside, they helped each other find release with their hands and mouths.
(Enough... I'm all embarrassed 🙈🙈🙈 I can't write it really😂😂😂Phweee.)
Later, Zhan was sitting in the sitting room, scrolling through his phone when Nainai emerged from the guest room.
"Zhan, I haven't heard a single sound from Yibo," she said, frowning. "Please, let's go check on him."
"He's upstairs," Zhan replied without looking up.
"Well, I still want to see him myself." Without waiting for his response, she headed straight for the stairs.
Zhan sighed and stood up, quickly following behind her.
When they entered his room, they found Yibo standing by the window, his phone pressed to his ear. The moment he heard the door open, he hastily pulled the phone away, his movements stiff and suspicious.
Zhan narrowed his eyes, staring at him with a mix of curiosity, frustration... and something else he couldn't quite suppress.
Nainai said, "Yibo, we just got in, and the first thing you do is walk into another man's wife's room? Just wait patiently... your time will come with Sen Wen."
Zhan turned away and left the doorway.
"Alright, come out of the room now," Nainai called.
Yibo didn't respond. His heart pounded as he walked to the door and stepped outside. Nainai followed behind.
They found Zhan standing on the balcony. As soon as they stepped out, he locked the house behind him and headed straight for his car. Yibo avoided looking at him, quietly opening the front passenger seat and slipping inside. Nainai got into the back seat, and Zhan drove out of the compound after briefly waving at the security guard.
As they got onto the main road, Nainai spoke up. "Zhan, I feel like eating grilled chicken. Let's stop and get some."
Without a word, Zhan pulled over near a vendor selling grilled chicken. Nainai grinned. "Ah, bless you, child."
Zhan didn't respond. Instead, he leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.
Nainai turned to him. "Should Yibo go and get it?"
Without opening his eyes, Zhan muttered, "Yeah."
"How many should we get?" Nainai mused. When Zhan didn't reply, she adjusted her seat and said, "Three should be enough... one for me, one for Yibo, and one for anyone else at home who wants a bite."
"Okay," Zhan agreed.
"Hurry up and go, Yibo," Nainai urged. "Tell them to pick the big ones. I'm an old woman, and I don't have a husband to buy me treats."
Yibo frowned and turned to stare at her, but Nainai only raised a brow. "What? Do you expect me to get out and buy it myself? What's the worst that could happen? Just go."
Sighing, Yibo pushed the car door open and stepped out.
Zhan cracked his eyes open and watched him from the car. There were quite a few men around the vendor's stall. Yibo kept his head down as he spoke to the vendor.
"Three, please," he said.
He waited as the vendor packed the grilled chicken into separate bags. Once done, he took the bags and headed back to the car, opening the back seat door. He turned to Nainai and said, "That'll be 4,500."
Nainai scoffed. "Why are you telling me? Tell the person paying for it."
Through the rearview mirror, Zhan glanced at them. "And who else is buying if not you?"
Nainai widened her eyes. "I don't understand."
Zhan sat up straight. "I don't have any money on me. I didn't bring cash."
Nainai gasped dramatically, eyes nearly bulging out. "I don't have any money either, Zhan!"
Zhan shrugged. "Then you figure out what to tell them."
Nainai let out another exaggerated gasp. "Oh, this is bad! We've taken three grilled chickens and have no money to pay!"
Zhan remained silent. Nainai turned to Yibo, whose eyes were wide with panic.
"Go give it back," Nainai ordered. "Tell them we're not buying anymore."
Yibo's jaw dropped. "What? But they already cut it! I'm not going back."
Annoyed, Nainai snapped, "Did we eat it? I've had enough of this nonsense. Go return it...we can't pay for it."
Yibo was completely flustered, especially since people around them had started to watch the scene unfold. "Oh no, this is so embarrassing. Nainai, I can't go back! There are so many people there."
Nainai huffed and waved her hand dismissively. "Let them watch! We don't care. We can't pay, so we're returning it."
A man sitting nearby stood up and approached their car. He looked at Yibo and asked, "Is everything okay?"
Nainai quickly responded, "Oh, nothing's okay, young man. We ordered three grilled chickens but don't have the money to pay! I told him to return them, but now he's making a scene and drawing attention. I haven't even touched the meat, let alone smelled it. So why won't they take it back? Is this how they do business?"
The man chuckled and turned to Yibo. "How many chickens did you get?"
Before Yibo could answer, Nainai cut in, "Three! One for him, one for me, and one for anyone back home who wants a bite."
The man reached into his pocket, but before he could pull out any money, Zhan suddenly stepped out of the car. He walked over to the vendor, pulled out 5,000, and handed it over.
Both Nainai, Yibo and the stranger stared at him in shock.
Nainai scoffed. "Look at this big fool. He said he had no money, but he waited until the whole world knew our situation before stepping out to pay. What was all that drama for? He wanted to humiliate me in front of the vendor and expose my secret to you, didn't he?"
The man kept laughing as he watched Nainai, who had a stern expression while glaring at Zhan. Yibo glanced at the man, then quickly returned the money he had handed over, saying, "Thank you."
Still smiling, the man replied, "Don't worry..."
Zhan, who had been watching them, stepped forward, took the money from Yibo's hand, and placed it back into the man's palm. "Thanks for your concern," he said. Then, without another word, he opened the front passenger door for Yibo, looking at him expectantly. Yibo lowered his gaze and got into the car. Zhan shut the door, walked around to the driver's side, got in, and drove off.
Nainai huffed, "Whoever intends to embarrass me in public, may they meet an iron wall in their path. And may justice be served!"
Zhan, as usual, didn't respond. The drive home was silent.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Preparations for Zhan and Ning Li's engagement were in full swing, especially on Yichen's side, with her friends buzzing around excitedly. She felt like she had received the best news of her life....her only son was about to marry a wealthy girl, not just any ordinary girl. Meanwhile, Zhan acted as if none of it concerned him. He left for work early and returned late, deliberately avoiding the ongoing preparations.
He had only met Ning Li three times, and even then, it was because Yichen forced him to. He had never once dialed her number of his own will; he only ever called back when he missed her calls. Meanwhile, she called him over ten times a day. What puzzled him was how deeply she seemed to love him, despite knowing he had no feelings for her. Yet, for all her elegance and class, she never let it show that it bothered her. Instead, she clung to him even more.
Ever since Zhan warned Yibo not to let Sen Wen come near their house, insisting that if they wanted to talk, they could do so over the phone, Yibo had noticed something strange....Sen Wen himself didn't seem to care about visiting anymore. He used to come over almost daily, but now, they would just talk on the phone late into the night, whispering under the covers so that Yuting wouldn't hear.
And every Sunday, without fail, Sen Wen would send one of his family's workers to bring something to Nainai.
Yibo knew that soon, Zhan would be married and move on with his life... Then he will see how Zhan can stop his relationship with Sen Wen. Though he also knew Zhan would try to cut him off from Sen Wen entirely.
Today was Friday, exactly one week before Zhan's engagement to Ning Li. Yibo stepped out of his room and entered Yuting's. Bending beside her bed, he looked up at her and said, "Mu Qin, I'm heading out now."
Yuting nodded. "Alright, but don't stay out too long, Yibo."
"I won't, Mu Qin."
"Good. Give her my regards and ask how she's feeling."
"I will," Yibo assured her.
He got up, left the room, and went to the kitchen, grabbing a plastic bag containing soft drinks. Then, he walked into the sitting room, picked up his bag, and stepped out of the house.
Like someone wary of the ground beneath him, Yibo reached the roadside. After a few minutes, he managed to hail a cab. The ride took about twenty minutes before they arrived at the gate of a quiet neighborhood, the only sounds coming from the distant barking of dogs.
Stopping in front of the grand mansion, Yibo asked the driver to pull over, paid him, and got out. His eyes swept over the security guards seated at the gate. He greeted them politely, and one of them asked, "Who are you here for?"
"Mian Mian," Yibo replied.
The guard nodded. "Then call her."
Yibo hesitated for a moment, slightly surprised. The last time he had come, they hadn't questioned him at all. Without arguing, he pulled his phone from his bag and dialed Mian Mian's number.
It didn't take long before she appeared at the entrance. A bright smile spread across her face as she ran toward him and pulled him into a hug. "Welcome, friend." Turning to the guards, she added, "He's my friend. Any time he comes, just let him in-no more questioning." She didn't wait for their response before taking Yibo's hand and leading him inside, clearly excited to see him.
As they walked in, Yibo glanced at her and asked, "You're feeling better now, right?"
Mian Mian pouted playfully. "I finally got myself together today."
Yibo chuckled. "That's good to hear."
Before anything else, Mian Mian took Yibo to greet her mother. Once they had exchanged pleasantries, she led him to her spacious bedroom. Yibo sat down on the couch. "Where are your siblings?" he asked.
Mian Mian opened her fridge, pulling out some bottled water and juice. "They went out for ice cream with Anu-Gege. You know, it's Friday."
Yibo simply smiled.
Placing the drinks on the table, Mian Mian asked, "What would you like to eat? We have boiled Irish potatoes with sauce, couscous with sauce, or would you prefer some snacks?"
Yibo shook his head. "No, I already ate at home."
Mian Mian narrowed her eyes at him. "No way, you have to eat something."
Laughing, Yibo protested, "But I just told you I'm full. I was actually hoping to use the bathroom."
Mian Mian pointed toward the en-suite bathroom. "Go ahead. By the time you're out, I'll have food ready for you." Without giving him a chance to argue, she rushed out of the room.
Yibo sighed with a smile, then got up and went into the bathroom.
As soon as he finished, he stepped out... just as the bedroom door opened.
He froze.
Standing there was Sen Wen.
Sen Wen, too, stood still, staring at him.
Heart pounding, Yibo quickly turned his back to him, eyes widening in shock.
Sen Wen smiled slightly and said, "But you didn't tell me you were coming here when we talked on the phone earlier."
Yibo still didn't turn around. "That's because I didn't come here for you."
Sen Wen just kept smiling, watching him.
At that moment, Mian Mian arrived at the doorway, holding a tray of food. "Sen Wen ge, Mom is looking for you."
He glanced at her and said, "So you're feeling better already?"
She laughed. "Of course! Thanks to the shots you arranged for me. And look... my friend came to visit. Do you remember him this time?"
Sen Wen tilted his head slightly and said, "Well, it's hard to remember someone who won't even turn around so I can see his face."
Mian Mian widened her eyes, realizing Yibo was seriously avoiding looking at Sen Wen. With a playful grin, she walked over to Yibo, gently turned him around to face Sen Wen, and said, "There! Do you recognize him now Gege?"
Sen Wen ran a hand through his hair with a teasing smile. "Hmm... what neighborhood is he from again? Have I even seen him before?"
Without meaning to, Yibo let out a small smile and lowered his head.
Mian Mian frowned slightly, not pleased with Sen Wen's teasing. He, on the other hand, widened his eyes in mock innocence and said, "Well, welcome, Mian Mian's friend-even though I still don't recognize you." With that, he turned and closed the door behind him.
No matter how much Mian Mian insisted, Yibo refused to eat the food she had prepared, claiming he was already full. He only took a sip of water before setting the glass aside.
Clearly displeased, Mian Mian crossed her arms. "Fine. Take your drinks with you when you leave. I don't want them anymore."
Yibo chuckled and stood up. "Just give them to your siblings when they get back. Now, come on, walk me out."
Mian Mian pouted. "You ignored my food, and now you want me to see you off?"
Still smiling, Yibo headed toward the door. "I told you, I already ate at home, Mian Mian."
Sighing, she got up and followed him. As they stepped out of her room, she said, "At least say goodbye to Mom properly. And for the record, when I visit your place, don't expect me to drink anything either."
Yibo glanced at her from the corner of his eye, amused, but said nothing.
They entered the sitting room, where Sen Wen was seated with Mian Mian's mother. Yibo knelt slightly beside her chair and said, "Aunty, I'll be leaving now."
Mian Mian's mother looked at the time. "So soon, Yibo? Wait a moment." She stood and went to her room.
Yibo stole a glance at Sen Wen, only to realize he was already looking at him. Quickly, Yibo averted his gaze.
Mian Mian, on the other hand, turned to Sen Wen and sighed. "Gege, Anu-ge and the others will be back soon, and they better bring me something. You know I can't go a day without shawarma."
Sen Wen smirked. "Then call them."
"Use your phone to call them for me," she said sweetly. "I can't take the risk of missing out on my snacks today."
Sen Wen shrugged. "My phone's at home."
Rolling her eyes, Mian Mian got up and went to her mother's room to get her phone.
As soon as she left, Sen Wen turned back to Yibo and asked, "Why didn't you come with your grandma?"
Yibo only smiled and said nothing.
Mian Mian's mother returned holding a small bag and placed it beside Yibo. "Take this and greet your mother for me, okay?"
Before Yibo could respond, Sen Wen suddenly spoke up in a casual yet meaningful tone. "Aunty, he's the one I always tell you about."
Mian Mian's mother looked between Sen Wen and Yibo, surprise flickering across her face. "Yibo?"
Sen Wen grinned. "That's right."
Her mouth parted slightly as she turned back to Yibo, studying him.
Sen Wen ran a hand through his hair again, looking smug. "I told you, I didn't even need to bring him here. He was bound to show up on his own one day."
Yibo felt like the ground could open up and swallow him whole from embarrassment. He couldn't bring himself to lift his head and look at her.
MM's mother, still in shock, said, "Unbelievable! Are you serious, Sen Wen?"
He chuckled. "You can ask him yourself. But Aunty, this is our secret, okay? Not even Mian Mian should know. Please, you know how much she loves to talk..."
She just laughed and sat down. "Well, well. I everything turn out for the best. I hope this be a good choice."
"Thanks Aunty."
Sen Wen stood up and looked at Yibo. "Let me drop you home."
Yibo quickly shook his head but said nothing.
MM's mother smiled. "Oh, come on, let him take you home, Yibo. And send my regards to your family. Stay blessed, dear."
Sen Wen, still smiling, headed for the door and stepped out.
She turned to Yibo and said, "If you ever had any doubts about Sen Wen before, put them to rest now, my dear. He loves you more than you realize. I was honestly surprised when he told me he had found someone he wanted to marry...a Chinese boy, no less. Because I know Sen Wen. I know him better than even his own mother. And honestly, even hearing it from him, I still had a hard time believing it. I hear about you all the time from him, to the point that I get tired of it."
She sighed before continuing, "But listen, Yibo. Please, always carry yourself with dignity. I'm not saying this because I doubt Sen Wen or his intentions...far from it. I say this because I'm looking out for you, just as I would for Mian Mian. This is the best advice I can give."
Yibo kept his head down, unable to respond.
Just then, Mian Mian walked in, cutting her mother off. Her mother turned to her and said, "Walk him to the compound. Sen Wen is taking him home now. He's waiting."
Yibo stood up and quietly thanked her before stepping out.
Mian Mian picked up the small bag her mother had set aside for Yibo. "Thanks, Mom," she said before hurrying after him.
As they stepped outside, Mian Mian frowned when she didn't see Sen Wen near their section of the compound. "Ugh, why did he have to take the car all the way over there? Now we have to walk."
Yibo remained silent, following her as they made their way through the vast compound toward Sen Wen's side.
The place was massive, and just from a glance, it was clear that money was no issue here. Mian Mian wing and Sen Wen's residence were in separate but close sections of the estate. In the parking area, at least ten luxury cars were lined up-each one far too expensive to be called just a 'car'; they were all high-end rides.
(As the author, I can only imagine how lucky it is that Nainai hasn't visited yet. If she had seen this place, she would've dragged Quentin and Zong over immediately, demanding they arrange Yibo and Sen Wen's wedding on the spot... LOL.)
Sen Wen was seated inside one of the parked cars, his eyes fixed on Yibo as he approached with Mian Mian.
Noticing the way Sen Wen was looking at Yibo, Mian Mian glanced at her friend but chose to say nothing.
Just then, the compound gate opened, and a sleek luxury ride pulled in. Mian Mian gave it a quick glance before looking away, not particularly interested.
The car parked, and the driver stepped out to open the backseat door. A woman, likely in her early fifties, gracefully stepped out, dressed in absolute luxury. From her ears to her neck, fingers, and wrists-everything was adorned in diamonds.
Yibo only needed one look to recognize her instantly.
Sen Wen's mother.
Mian Mian greeted her politely. "Welcome back, Aunty."
The woman barely acknowledged the greeting. Yibo also greeted her, but without sparing him a glance, she simply responded and turned to Sen Wen.
"Are you going out now, Son?" she asked.
Sen Wen stepped out of the car and said, "Welcome back, Mummy."
"Good," she replied.
Running a hand through his hair, he added, "Aunty asked me to drop off her guest at home."
Sje gave him a long, silent look before continuing toward the grand entrance of the house. Sen Wen watched her for a moment, then asked, "Mummy, is something wrong?"
Without turning back, she said, "No, just go where you were sent. Find me in the sitting room when you return. Is Anu back?"
"I don't think so," he replied.
Sen Wen walked to the front seat, opened the car door for Yibo, and looked at him.
Mian Mian placed the small bag she was holding in the back seat, then stepped closer to Yibo and said, "Please send my regards to your mother, okay?"
Yibo smiled and nodded. "I will."
He got into the car, and Sen Wen started the engine. As they drove out of the compound, Mian Mian waved them off.
Once they were on the main road, Sen Wen spoke in a low voice. "I missed your beautiful face these past two days, Yibo."
Yibo just smiled in response.
Sen Wen glanced at him and said, "You didn't even seem to mind that I didn't come around. You have no idea what I'm going through right now."
Yibo looked at him carefully before replying, "I thought you were just busy these days."
Sen Wen shook his head, saying nothing. After about five minutes of silence, he suddenly said, "My birthday is coming up soon."
Yibo turned to him. "When?"
"Seven days from today."
Yibo went quiet. That was the same day as Zhan's engagement. After a moment, he softly said, "Hope we all see that day in good health."
Sen Wen smiled. "Anything planned for me?"
Yibo smiled slightly. "What do you want?"
In a low voice, Sen Wen replied, "I want you, Yibo."
Yibo's eyes widened. "Me?"
Sen Wen nodded. "I don't know... I just have this overwhelming urge to be with you. Suddenly, these last few days feel like forever... I want you by my side as my husband."
Yibo lowered his gaze, unable to look at him, and said nothing.
Sen Wen reached for his hand. "Why are you so quiet?"
Yibo gently pulled his hand away but still remained silent.
Sen Wen suddenly pulled over and turned to face him. Lowering his voice even more, he said, "I'm thinking of meeting Nainai... Maybe she can talk to Uncles again."
Yibo looked at him sharply and asked, "Talk to them about what?"
Sen Wen met his gaze and said, "To ask for their permissions... to let me have you anytime from now. Honestly, I would even be willing to let you study till you become a professor just to have you live in my house."
Yibo shook his head, his eyes brimming with emotion, as if he were about to cry. "No, please. You heard what my dad said."
Sen Wen fell silent, studying him. Then, in a soft voice, he said, "Alright then... I'll keep waiting and being patient."
He continued driving, and after a while, as they neared Yibo's neighborhood, Sen Wen spoke up. "My friends are throwing me a birthday party, and you're the guest of honor that day."
Yibo's eyes widened as he turned to look at him. Sen Wen chuckled. "Yeah... don't turn me down. I'll be really disappointed if you do."
Yibo didn't say anything.
As they approached Yibo's street, his heart pounded anxiously. What if Zhan-ge is outside right now?
When Sen Wen was about to drive in front of Yibo's house, Yibo quickly said, "Just drop me off here. No need to go all the way."
Sen Wen glanced at him. "Why?"
Yibo swallowed hard. "No reason."
Without arguing, Sen Wen drove him to the gate. Yibo glanced around nervously like someone up to no good. As soon as the car stopped, he opened the door and hurried out.
"Wait, Yibo," Sen Wen called.
Yibo stopped.
Sen Wen reached for the bag Mian Mian had left for him in the backseat and handed it over. Yibo took it and said, "Thanks, see you later," before rushing inside.
Sen Wen watched him go, a little surprised at his behavior.
As soon as Yibo stepped inside, he locked the gate behind him and pressed a hand to his chest, trying to calm his racing heart.
Then he froze.
Zhan and Seth were in the compound.
Seth was sitting on a white chair, while Zhan looked like he was about to leave through the gate-only he had stopped and was staring at him.
Without thinking, Yibo let out a loud yelp, dropped the bag from his hand, and crouched down, waving his hands frantically. "Mu Qin!" he cried out dramatically.
Zhan rushed over in alarm. "What happened?"
Yibo grabbed his hand. "Ahh, Gege! My foot! Something's wrong with it!"
Zhan immediately knelt down and lifted the hem of Yibo's pants to check his foot.
Meanwhile, Yibo stole quick glances toward the gate, trying to see if Sen Wen had already reversed and driven off.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛