Zhan couldn't say a word, but his eyes darkened instantly. He pulled Yibo into his arms, closing his eyes as he held him tightly. Yibo sobbed against his chest, his whole body trembling. With forced composure, Zhan finally spoke.
"You'll have to keep visiting my house... No, our home, right?"
Yibo simply nodded, his tears continuing to fall. In a quiet voice, he murmured, "I'm sorry for what I did earlier. I didn't know it was wrong... If I had, I wouldn't have done it. Please forgive me, Gege..."
Zhan let out a slow breath. "It's okay. Just... forgive me too, for shouting at you." He gently pulled Yibo away and wiped his tears. "That's enough crying now. Come on, walk me to the car."
Yibo didn't respond, but he took Zhan's hand as they walked toward the gate in silence, neither wanting to reach the end of their path. When they arrived at Zhan's car, he turned and looked at Yibo, Yibo's eyes red-rimmed.
Yibo lowered his gaze and hesitated before whispering, "I don't want to leave you alone with her." He stepped closer, resting his head against Zhan's chest again, his fingers gripping Zhan's shirt tightly. "Let's... let's make love, Gege. I want to be close to you. Take me anywhere, I don't care anymore. I won't let anyone else be in your arms. No, I can't... Just the thought of it makes my chest tighten."
He clung to Zhan, burying his face in his shirt.
Zhan stood frozen, listening to every word Yibo said. And at that moment, his worst fears were confirmed. His heart clenched painfully. He had suspected it for a long time—Yibo wanted his attention, his care, his body, his touch... but not him. Not truly.
And that hurt more than anything.
There was nothing more painful than loving someone who only needed you when they wanted something. Someone who would turn away the moment their needs were met. And Yibo... Yibo was proving that fear right.
Zhan already knew how this would end. No matter how passionate their night might be, by tomorrow, Yibo would go back to his boyfriend.
"Gege..."
Yibo's soft voice pulled him back to reality. Zhan forced a small smile, masking the storm inside him. No matter what Yibo said, he wouldn't let himself be pulled in until he knew exactly where he stood in Yibo's heart.
So, instead of answering his plea, Zhan simply asked, "Why would I sleep with you, Yibo? For what reason? We're not lovers, not boyfriends... not even in a relationship right?."
Yibo's breath hitched. "Gege, we're married, don't you remember?. We are husbands. And I... I need you. I have a right to be with you as your spouse."
Zhan let out a humorless chuckle, but his face remained unreadable. Yibo really had the nerve to say such things. But if the roles were reversed... would he still say the same?
Zhan gently pulled Yibo back and pressed a lingering kiss to his forehead. "Are we?" he murmured. "I don't remember that. What I do remember is my little cousin finally growing up and getting himself a boyfriend."
Yibo's eyes widened in shock. Before he could say anything, Zhan added, "It's late. Go inside before someone comes looking for you."
Anger and frustration burned in Yibo's chest, but he turned sharply and walked away.
"Yibo."
He stopped in his tracks, his heart pounding. Slowly, he turned back, hoping—praying—that Zhan ge would say what he wanted to hear.
That Zhan-ge would finally give in.
Zhan said, "Get in, let's go. I need to buy something for Nainai, and you can take it to her."
And just like that, all of Yibo's hopes came crashing down. He lowered his head slightly and replied, "Okay." Then, he opened the front seat door and got in.
Zhan settled into the driver's seat, started the car, and drove off. The journey was silent all the way to the chicken grilled stall.
After parking, Zhan turned off the engine and got out. It didn't take long before he returned, holding three bags—two filled with fresh chicken and one with fresh milk. He opened the back seat and placed one bag there before handing the other two to Yibo. Yibo took them without a word and shifted back into his seat.
Once they arrived home, Zhan parked the car and turned to look at Yibo. "Goodnight," he said.
Yibo lowered his gaze and whispered, "Goodnight…"
"Take one of the bags to Nainai," Zhan reminded him.
Yibo managed a small smile, then opened the door and stepped out. As he made his way toward the gate, Zhan watched him until he disappeared inside. With a heavy heart, Zhan reversed the car and drove off, convincing himself to be patient. As long as Yibo hadn't asked for a separation, there was still hope. Hope that one day, Yibo would return to him.
🔸▫️🔹
The next morning, the house was bustling with activity. Yuting, Zihan, Beiting, Yong Dan, and Uncle Hanba's wife were all busy making sure everything was spotless. Even the furniture rental service had come to collect the chairs. Only Meiling, Xinyi, and Suyue were helping with the cleaning.
As for Yibo, he remained in his room, claiming to have a headache. Mengxi had already left the previous evening with Yichen.
Later in the afternoon, Yibo was in Nainai's part of the house, sitting with Suyue. Nainai was on the carpet, telling the familiar story of how Zhan was born.
She spoke about how she had waited at the hospital doors from morning until night, how she had raised him from infancy, and how much she had fought with the people in their neighborhood for his sake. She even recounted the struggles he faced when he went abroad for his studies.
Yibo lay there idly, playing on his phone, occasionally rolling his eyes because he had heard the story so many times he could recite it word for word. But Suyue, who had never heard it before, was laughing in amusement.
Nainai wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Even last night, after he went back to his house… Ah, my poor Zhan."
Suyue chuckled so much she lay back, holding her stomach.
Nainai sniffled and continued, "Out of all of Zong's children, there's no one like him. And look at him—he's the most handsome, always neat, always respectful to his elders. Zhan never talks back to me, not even once. I didn't even sleep well last night, thinking about him..."
Then, she suddenly burst into tears. Only then did Yibo smile, but he remained silent. With a trembling voice, Nainai said, "If only I had three rooms in my section, I would tell them to move back here with Ning Li. That way, I could see him every day."
Suyue couldn't stop laughing. Meanwhile, Yibo stood up and left for her room to receive a phone call.
He answered as he sat on the edge of Nainai bed, pressing the phone to his ear. "Hello?"
Sen Wen's voice came through. "How are you, dear?"
Yibo replied, "I'm fine."
"Hope you're feeling much better now?"
Yibo smiled. "Of course, a lot better."
"Good. Step outside for a moment...I have something for you."
Yibo's eyes widened. "Something for me?"
Sen Wen chuckled. "Come on, dear."
Yibo sighed. "Fine, I'm coming."
He ended the call and walked out into the sitting room, glancing at Suyue. "Come with me," he said.
Nainai, still wiping her tears, asked, "Where are you going?"
Yibo pouted. "We'll be back soon."
Nainai softened. "Alright, just don't take too long. My companion is already gone…"
Yibo chuckled and stepped out, with Suyue following behind. As they reached the gate, she asked where they were going, but he refused to tell her.
As soon as they stepped outside, she fell silent, spotting Sen Wen standing next to his car. He smiled at them.
"Hi…" Suyue greeted.
"Hello, Suyue," Sen Wen replied.
Still smiling, she added, "Happy belated birthday, Mr. Sen Wen."
"Thanks a lot. Hope you're doing well?"
"I'm great," she replied.
Sen Wen then turned to Yibo, who was leaning against the car with his arms crossed. "Hello, prince…"
Yibo gave a small smile. "How's home?"
"Everything's fine. How's Grandma?"
Yibo tilted his head. "She's inside, missing Zhan-ge."
Sen Wen sighed. "Poor woman. But after a month, she'll move in with him for good, right?"
Yibo chuckled. "That's true."
Sen Wen opened the back seat and pulled out a box. Even without opening it, everyone knew what was inside...a cake. Handing it to Yibo, he said, "Here."
Yibo's eyes widened. "Oh, this is too much."
"They gave me too many. Take it, please, baby."
Yibo smiled, bowed slightly, and accepted it. "Thank you so much."
Sen Wen rolled his eyes at him, while Yibo just laughed, not saying another word.
Next, Sen Wen pulled out another small, beautifully wrapped box and extended it toward Yibo.
Yibo crossed his arms. "I don't want it."
Frowning, Sen Wen turned to Suyue. "Did you see that?"
Suyue laughed and held out her hand. "Give it to me, I'll keep it for him."
Sen Wen handed her the box. "Thank you," she said.
He grinned. "And don't worry, I haven't forgotten my promise to you. Do you want to choose something, or should I surprise you?"
Suyue giggled. "Surprise me."
"Got it. Thank you."
Turning back to Yibo, Sen Wen said, "Dear, we'll talk later. Say hi to your grandma for me."
"She'll hear it. Thanks again."
After exchanging goodbyes, Sen Wen got into his car and drove away.
As they reentered the house, Suyue nudged Yibo playfully and whispered, "Looks like we're having cake today! But what will you tell Aunty?"
Yibo's eyes widened. "I'll just take it to Nainai's place."
Suyue grinned. "That will definitely save you a long explanation!"
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
The next day, morning, Nainai was already dressed and ready to go to Zhan's house with Yibo.
Quentin, who was sitting in the sitting room watching the news, said, "You do realize they might not even be awake yet, AYi?"
Nainai's eyes widened. "What are you saying, Quentin? That they're still asleep? Well, I don't care....I'm ready, and I'm going. Where's Yibo?"
"He hasn't woken up yet," Quentin replied.
Nainai sat down on the couch, crossing her arms. "I've had enough of this. Sleeping in like this… at eight in the morning, an able-bodied person hasn't woken up, freshened up, had breakfast, or even tidied their room? What kind of laziness is this?"
"I told him last night that we were leaving early today! And since that girl, Suyue, left with her father's relatives yesterday evening, we don't have any reason to wait around. Honestly, none of you have any discipline. What's with this morning sleep nonsense?"
Quentin didn't say a word.
Yuting walked out of the kitchen, greeted Nainai, and then went to wake Yibo up.
Nainai remained seated in the sitting room, her expression stern, until Yibo finally emerged about thirty minutes later. He wasn't wearing the outfit meant for the event, but even in casual clothes, he looked well put together.
Nainai glanced at him and said, "Let's go. You can eat when we get there."
Yuting and Quentin exchanged looks before Yuting said, "No, mother, let him eat first. It won't take long. He's heading to someone else's house this early, after all."
Annoyed, Nainai snapped, "Yuting, stop this nonsense! Zhan's house isn't just 'someone else's house' unless you're deliberately trying to make it seem that way. It's his brother's home! If you had any respect, you wouldn't even suggest such a thing. Come on, let's go! You make it sound like he's visiting strangers!"
With that, she stormed toward the door.
Quentin smiled but remained silent.
Yibo quietly grabbed his shoes and phone, glancing briefly at his parents. "We'll be back later," he said.
"Safe travels," Quentin responded.
Yuting, however, said nothing and simply continued with her tasks.
As they stepped out into the compound, Nainai turned to Yibo and said, "Should I just go and ask Zong to have the driver take us?"
Yibo said nothing.
Nainai clicked her tongue in frustration. "I've been talking to you, and you just stay silent. If you're still that sleepy, you can go back to bed when we get to Zhan's house. It's basically home too."
With that, she started walking toward Zong's section of the house, with Yibo following behind.
Zihan was in the sitting room, cleaning alongside Meiling. She sat down and greeted Nainai, and Meiling followed suit.
Nainai responded and then asked, "The house is so quiet. Without Yichen?"
Zihan didn't reply.
Nainai sighed. "I need to see Zong. I want him to call the driver to take us to Zhan's house. I've been ready since dawn, but Yibo has been delaying me."
Zihan said, "Have a seat, AYi. The driver has been sent for and should be back soon."
Nainai sat down, grumbling, "They just want to make me late, that's all. Otherwise, I've been ready since dawn."
Yibo sat quietly, watching the ongoing TV series after greeting Zihan.
Before long, the driver returned. Zihan glanced at Nainai, who was dozing off slightly. "Ayi, the driver is back."
Nainai's eyes snapped open, and she quickly got up. "Let's go, Yibo. Is Zong not around?"
"He's still sleeping," Zihan replied.
Nainai scoffed. "It's like they've all taken up morning sleep as a full-time job."
She walked out, and Yibo followed. Outside, the driver was already waiting with the car. Yibo opened the door for Nainai, who got in while acknowledging the driver's greeting, and then he got in as well.
Once they were on the main road, Nainai turned to Yibo. "Did you tell him the address?"
The driver chuckled and said, "I know the house, Nainai."
Nainai beamed. "Oh, so you've been there before, too? That's good."
The driver only smiled and kept driving. After about twenty minutes, they arrived at Zhan's house.
When the driver parked outside, Nainai frowned. "What's this? Just honk the horn so they open the gate and let you in. This is my grandson's house, after all."
The driver honked, and the gatekeeper came out, looking at the car before approaching. "Where are you coming from?" he asked.
Nainai gasped in disbelief. "What nonsense is this? You're asking me where I'm coming from in my grandson's house? Have I lived to see the day where I need permission to enter here? Should I come down and open the gate myself?"
The gatekeeper lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Nainai." He quickly rushed to open the gate.
Nainai clicked her tongue. "People these days… Imagine him asking where I'm from! But it's not his fault. It's Zhan's for not telling him his grandmother is still alive."
Yibo remained silent while the driver tried to pacify Nainai. Once he parked, Yibo stepped out first.
Nainai looked at the driver and said, "You can go now. We won't be leaving until after 8 p.m."
"Alright, Nainai. Safe visit," he replied.
Nainai walked toward the entrance, smiling as she knocked loudly on the door. "Is he still sleeping?" she muttered.
"Nainai , calm down," Yibo urged.
Nainai turned and gave him a sharp look.
Yibo sighed, pouted slightly, and pressed the doorbell instead. "You don't have to knock like that."
Before Nainai could retort, the door opened.
She immediately grinned. "Zhan!"
Zhan stood at the doorway in his pajamas, staring at them.
Nainai gasped dramatically. "So you really were still asleep?"
Without waiting for an invitation, she walked past him like an excited child and entered the sitting room.
Yibo chuckled, turning to Zhan. Their eyes met briefly before Yibo lowered his head, stepping forward to hug him. "Good morning, Gege."
From inside the sitting room, they heard Nainai's voice. "Where's Ning Li?"
Zhan pulled back from Yibo, turned, and headed to the sitting room. Yibo followed.
Zhan sat down and greeted Nainai.
She smiled. "Good morning, Zhan. I've been up since dawn, showered and everything. If not for Yibo delaying me, I would've been here before sunrise."
Zhan rubbed his temple but said nothing.
Nainai's gaze shifted to a pillow on the plush, new couch. "I said, where is Ning Li?"
"She's upstairs," Zhan replied as he stood and walked off.
Nainai eyed the pillow again and muttered, "Then who slept here in the sitting room?"
Yibo, irritated at the mention of Ning Li being around, forced a smile. "Why does it matter?"
Nainai shrugged. "Oh, it doesn't."
She glanced around the sitting room and grinned. "A new house, huh? Quite impressive."
She stood and opened a door, peeking inside before walking in to place her handbag down. When she returned, she nodded approvingly. "That's Yong Dan's room. They've decorated it nicely with expensive furnishings, too."
She clicked her tongue and walked over to the kitchen door, peeking inside. Her eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Wow… even the kitchen is fully stocked with modern appliances. So all those rumors about the luxurious decorations at the party weren't just exaggerations."
Yibo frowned, watching her silently.
Meanwhile, Zhan climbed the stairs and entered the room where Ning Li was sleeping. He found her still fast asleep. Walking over, he knocked lightly on the bed. When she didn't stir, he knocked again, harder this time. She blinked awake, sitting up with a startled expression.
"You haven't even taken a bath yet?" he asked.
She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Did you have to bang on the bed like that? You scared me as if you were waking up a giant!"
He scanned her from head to toe before she rolled her eyes and glanced at the clock. "Of course, I'll take a bath—no matter what time it is."
He raised a brow. "Do you always wait this late to bathe at your house, Ning Li? It's already nine."
Irritated, she snapped, "I was exhausted from the event. And to make it worse, that gathering was a complete waste of time! Imagine saying we have to start living together before the wedding? If I didn't love you, Zhan, we'd have had a serious problem! That's not how you treat someone new in your home. You're not romantic at all!
Zhan just stared at her, his expression cold. "Listen, Ning Li, I won't tolerate this. My house is not a place where people laze around and sleep without taking a bath—morning or night. I came in at dawn to wake you up for one, and yet, you're still here unwashed. Is this the way you were raised?"
She chuckled, giving him an amused once-over. "Wow, do you even hear yourself?" Then, mimicking his tone, she said, "'I came in at dawn to wake you up…' Have you no shame? I've never heard of a man like you in my life! Who barges into his woman's room at dawn? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
Shaking her head, she got off the bed, her nightgown swaying slightly as she walked toward the bathroom. He watched her until she reached the door.
"Come downstairs when you're done," he said, then turned and left the room.
Downstairs, Nainai was struggling with the TV remote, muttering, "So what if you don't turn it on for me? It's not like I haven't watched TV before. This is Zhan's house—you should feel comfortable. There's no need to act like a guest. I won't say anything, but don't be a hypocrite."
Yibo sat stiffly, simply watching her with a neutral expression.
As soon as Nainai spotted Zhan, she stood up. "Can you believe it? I just asked Yibo to turn on the TV for me, and he told me not to act like I own the place. Who exactly are the 'people' he's talking about? Zhan? Or Ning Li, who still hasn't come down to greet me? I'm saying this now—I don't care what happens. If you're going to stay here stiff as a board like you're in Quentin's house, you might as well relax, because we might end up staying the night. I've counted at least four available bedrooms."
Zhan walked over and turned on the TV for her. "She'll come down and greet you soon."
Nainai sat back on the couch, crossing her arms as she stared at the screen. Zhan took a seat as well, glancing at Yibo out of the corner of his eye. Yibo simply pouted in response.
Zhan turned to Nainai. "But did you really have to rush over here so early?"
She scoffed and replied, "Zong told me to come first thing in the morning. We talked about it last night when he visited."
Yibo's eyes widened slightly as he looked at Nainai, but Zhan just smiled and nodded.
Hearing footsteps on the stairs, he turned his head. Ning Li was coming down, dressed in a fitted long dress. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, looking at them, while Nainai squinted, scrutinizing her. Ning Li's expression hardened as she stepped fully into the sitting room.
Zhan gestured towards her. "Meet my grandma and my little brother, Yibo."
Nainai's face lit up with a smile. "Hello, dear. I hope you slept well."
Ning Li averted her gaze, muttered a half-hearted "Good morning," and pursed her lips.
Nainai nodded. "Fine, but I don't even know your name."
"Her name is Ning Li," Zhan provided.
"Well then, Ning Li," Nainai said, settling into her seat, "I was there when Zhan was born. I raised him from the time he was an infant. No one struggled for him more than I did. Aside from giving birth to him, what exactly did his mother, Yichen, do?"
Zhan's expression darkened.
Ning Li exhaled sharply. "That's wonderful, ma'am. I was just about to go do something upstairs."
Nainai raised a brow, ready to respond, but Zhan interjected, "Mind you, we call her Nainai."
Ning Li shrugged. "Fine. I'll be upstairs if you need me, Nainai."
Nainai scoffed. "Not so fast, young lady. We haven't even had breakfast yet. And from what I hear, Yibo hasn't even taken a bath. When I checked, he was still asleep."
Yibo frowned. "I never said I didn't bathe, Nainai."
Ning Li shot Yibo a sharp glare, then turned back to Nainai and said bluntly, "The groceries from the delivery haven't been unpacked yet. There's nothing available in the house right now."
Zhan's eyes narrowed as he struggled to contain his irritation.
Nainai placed a hand on her chin and looked at him. "So what have you been eating if the groceries are still untouched?"
Ning Li turned on her heels and headed upstairs.
Zhan stood abruptly and followed her. Entering the bedroom, he shut the door behind him and pointed a finger at her, his voice sharp. "Let me make this clear, Ning Li. If you don't want to see a side of me you won't like, then you'd better start showing respect to that woman. She is my grandmother, and the only reason you're in this house is because of her. If you don't start acting right, I will take action that will seriously shock you. And as for breakfast, I expect you to go to the kitchen right now and cook for everyone."
His words were stern and final.
Ning Li instinctively stepped back, her eyes filling with tears. A moment later, she broke down, sobbing. "So this is the real you, Zhan? Why didn't you just push me away from the start? You always reassured me that you would learn to love me, that I shouldn't worry. Did you intend to marry me just to make my life miserable? Do you even realize how many people I rejected just for you? Do you know how many men I turned away, refusing to settle for anyone but you? Is it a crime to love someone with all your heart?"
She wiped her tears angrily. "Since I got here, you haven't even sat with me for twenty minutes, let alone spent a night in our room. I love you, Zhan! I didn't marry you for money or status....I married you because I want to be with you! And you, of all people, should know what kind of household I come from. You should know I didn't marry you for any other reason!"
Zhan turned his face away, his chest tightening. He had always despised seeing a woman cry.
With a quiet sigh, he moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed and gently pulling her into his arms. His voice softened. "I won't make this house a living hell for you, Ning Li. And yes, I will find a place for you in my heart, but you have to respect my family. If I tell you something is important to me, please don't ignore it. Can you imagine if your own siblings came over and I treated them the way you treated my grandmother?"
She leaned into his embrace and muttered, "But did you notice that boy didn't even greet me?"
Zhan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Mind you, his name is Yibo, and don't worry, I'll talk to him."
She asked, "Is he your stepbrother?"
Zhan shook his head slightly. "He's my cousin."
She raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing.
"For my sake," he continued, "just prepare breakfast, even if it's just potatoes and eggs. And make some tea."
She remained quiet.
"Will you do it?" he asked.
After a brief pause, she finally responded, "Alright."
A small smile played on his lips as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. He stood up and said, "Come out soon."
She watched him walk away, her heart filled with undeniable love for Zhan. She had never loved anyone as deeply as she loved him, and she would do anything for him.
When Zhan returned to the sitting room, he found Yibo sitting alone, watching TV.
The moment Yibo glanced at him, he quickly looked away.
Zhan walked over and sat beside him. "Why didn't you greet Ning Li?"
Yibo pouted but didn't respond.
Zhan rested his hand on the arm of the chair and looked at him intently. "Listen, whenever you come here or see her anywhere, you must greet her. She's my future wife. Did you hear me?"
Yibo frowned and said stubbornly, "Well, she didn't show any respect either. She didn't even greet Nainai when she came downstairs, so why should I greet her? Why?" He crossed his arms. "Besides, she should have been the one to say 'Welcome' first before I greeted her. But she didn't even look at me, so I ignored her too. We didn't come here for her, anyway. And mind you, I'm your husband—we married each other. I don't care about your future wife."
Zhan just stared at him, taken aback by his attitude and the way he was glaring at him with defiance. After a moment, he looked away and chuckled before getting up and heading toward the kitchen.
When he reached the doorway, he saw Nainai busy peeling potatoes, muttering to herself, "If this isn't sheer recklessness, why would he follow that arrogant woman into the bedroom first thing in the morning, after already spending the night there? What do they need to go back in for? I told them we haven't even had breakfast yet. And that boy—he hasn't eaten either. If his parents had let him come with me, at least I'd know he was taken care of. But no, I suppose it's none of my business."
Zhan couldn't hold back his laughter.
The moment Nainai saw him, she stopped talking. "Oh, so you finally came out?"
He grinned. "You're peeling potatoes yourself?"
Nainai huffed. "Of course, I am! I'm starving, Zhan. And Yibo hasn't eaten either. It took a lot of convincing to get Quentin to let him come with me. Now, as for that one sitting in the living room, he outright refuses to step into someone else's kitchen. I just don't understand this behavior, I really don't."
Zhan ran a hand through his hair and said, "Ning Li will be here soon to prepare breakfast for you."
Nainai put the knife down and gave him a pointed look. "Are you sure you tell her that I'm the one who raised you?" Before he answer, she lower her voice. "So how do you like our plan, though that Quentin son mess up at the end, but I managed to stop the engagement at last.?
Zhan frown, "But you send my mother away and that's not in the plan Nainai, I felt guilty I can't even take her call now, what will I said to her?"
"She deserves it tho, but don't worry, when this leech leave you alone on her own accord... Your mother will comeback, or she won't let you separate from Ning Li. I will continue marking a scene until she run away with her own two legs."
As Ning Li descended into the sitting room, she shot Yibo a look filled with pure disdain. The moment their eyes met, Yibo scoffed and turned away.
Ning Li came to a halt, her chest burning with frustration. "Beware. You're in my house... you'd better show some respect and behave yourself."
Yibo turned to her sharply, his expression defiant. "Your house? Or mine? I mean, my brother's house? Your family home is elsewhere—you left it behind. So don't think you can come here and start giving me warnings in my brother's house."
Hearing Yibo's raised voice, Nainai rushed out of the kitchen, followed closely by Zhan, who stopped in his tracks, watching them with surprise.
"What's going on here?" Nainai demanded.
Yibo turned to her, exasperated. "Can you believe this? She's telling me to mind my place, acting like this is her house. I didn't even do anything to her! She started lecturing me the moment she came down the stairs."
Nainai's mouth fell open as she turned to Ning Li. "Mind his place? And why exactly should he?"
"Do you even know who he is, young lady?" Nainai continued, her voice rising. "Let me tell you something—this boy is worth a hundred times more to Zhan than you are! And yet you dare stand there, in his brother's house, and tell him to respect you? Because of what? You have no fear?"
Nainai scoffed. "Mark my words, if you so much as point a finger on Yibo, Zhan will throw you out of here right away! You'd be better off insulting me than even thinking of touching him! And don't think I didn't notice your snide remarks earlier—I just chose to stay silent. But now? Now you think you can intimidate my grandson?"
Yibo abruptly stood up, his eyes glistening with frustration, and turned toward the door. "I'm leaving, Nainai! I won't stay here!"
Nainai gasped, throwing her hands up in distress. "Oh no! This is a disaster! If she dared to lay a hand on Yibo, then Zhan is about to marry trouble itself!" She turned sharply to Ning Li. "Do you even realize who he is? He's one in a million! Not just anyone gets to talk to him any way they please! Even his own father wouldn't dare treat him with indifference, let alone scold him!"
Meanwhile, Zhan snapped out of his shock and hurried after Yibo, worry etched on his face as he watched him storm out of the sitting room.
Let me run away before you trow daggers at me for Zhan and Ning Li's part.🏃🏃🏃😜😀
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛