At exactly two o'clock, Yibo stepped out of his bedroom after taking a shower and changing into one of the five new outfits Quentin had bought for him. Meanwhile, Yuting had already set the food on the plush carpet in the sitting room. She glanced at him and said, "The food is ready for you and Quentin."
Yibo walked over and sat down on the carpet, lifting the warmers with a smile. Quentin emerged from his room, joined them, and sat down as well. Looking at Yibo, he said, "I'm proud of you, sweetheart."
Yibo chuckled and said, "Fu Qin, you and Mu Qin didn't get any gifts for me?"
Quentin smiled. "Let's eat first."
He picked up a plate and served food for both himself and his father. Yuting remained seated with them until they finished their meal. Afterward, Quentin looked at Yibo and said, "I hope you'll also pass your upcoming exams with flying colors."
Yibo nodded confidently. "Of course, Fu Qin."
Quentin smiled. "That's good to hear." He then pulled out a car key from his pocket and placed it beside him. "And this is your gift."
Yibo's eyes widened in surprise as he picked up the key. "A car?"
Yuting observed them quietly while Yibo, overwhelmed with joy, hugged his father. "I love you, Fu Qin. Thank you so much. May you live a long and prosperous life."
Quentin chuckled. "Thank you. The car will arrive tomorrow, but you won't be driving it anytime soon....maybe after your exams."
Still beaming with excitement, Yibo nodded. "Alright, Fu Qin. I can't wait. Thank you so much, Sweet Dad!"
Quentin smiled. "Now, clear these plates."
Yibo got up, gathered the warmers and plates, and took them to the kitchen. Just as he stepped out, the doorbell rang.
Yuting stood up and went to her room, while Yibo went to open the door. The moment he saw Sen Wen standing there, holding a plastic bag, his heart sank. He immediately turned around and walked away from the door.
Quentin, noticing his reaction, asked, "Who's there?"
Yibo said nothing and headed straight to his room.
A few seconds later, Sen Wen stepped into the sitting room. Quentin greeted him warmly, "Welcome, son."
Sen Wen forced a smile as he approached, setting down the bag he was carrying. He greeted Quentin politely, and Quentin responded with a warm smile, asking about his family.
"They're doing well, Uncle," Sen Wen replied.
Just then, Yuting emerged from her room. Upon seeing Sen Wen, she lowered her gaze slightly and said, "Welcome."
He looked at her and greeted, "Good evening, Aunty."
She nodded. "Evening. How's your family?"
"They're fine, thanks," he replied. "I hope everything went well with the gathering."
Yuting sighed. "Yes, everything went smoothly, thank you."
She then walked toward Yibo's room, opened the door, and found him sitting at the edge of the bed, his expression tense.
She crossed her arms and asked, "Did you invite Sen Wen here?"
Yibo looked like he was about to cry. "Mu Qin, I had no idea he was coming. I just saw him at the door."
Yuting sighed. "Well, get up and serve him some water and snacks."
Not waiting for his response, she left the room.
Reluctantly, Yibo got up and went to the kitchen. He placed a bottle of water, a glass, and some drinks on a tray, then added a plate of snacks before carrying it to the sitting room. Without looking at Sen Wen, he placed the tray beside him.
Quentin stood up, picked up his phone, and glanced at Sen Wen. "I'll step outside to make a call."
Sen Wen nodded. "Alright, Uncle."
Once Quentin left the room, Yibo stood up to leave, but Sen Wen suddenly grabbed the hem of his shirt, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, listen to me, Yibo. If not for me, then at least hear me out. I'm begging you."
Yibo said nothing, keeping his head down, but his shoulders trembled slightly. He slowly sank back into his seat, resting his forehead on his knees as silent tears fell.
Seeing him like that broke Sen Wen's heart. He dropped to his knees, his voice trembling. "Please, Yibo, forgive me. I made a mistake—one that will never happen again. I never intended to hurt you."
Yibo remained silent, his soft sobs the only sound in the room.
Sen Wen continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "Please believe me, Yibo. I never meant to harm you. I love you with every breath I take. I dream of having a future with you. I've never loved anyone the way I love you. I never even knew what true love was until I met you.
"I know I have a bad reputation, and yes, I've been a player, but I've always been careful about who I let into my life. And you...you're different. You mean everything to me.
"I would never betray you. I swear on my life. You can ask Mian Mian....yes, I've had fun with friends, but I've never crossed the line. Where I come from, relationships and intimacy are part of our daily life, but I've worked hard to change for the better since coming to China. I've made so much progress.
"Please, Yibo, I would never hurt you intentionally. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't be here, begging you like this."
"The way I feel when we're together is something I've never experienced in my entire life. That's why I try my best to stay away from you, even though I long to see you. Please, Yibo, forgive me. It was a moment of weakness. Not for my sake, but please, look at me and let me apologize properly. I promise, from this very moment until the day we are married—if we are truly meant to be—I will not come to your house again, nor will I ask to meet you. We'll only communicate through calls..."
At that moment, Yibo finally lifted his head, tears streaming down his face. At the same time, Sen Wen's eyes also turned red. In a quiet voice, he said, "Please, forgive me, Yibo."
Yibo wiped his tears slowly and asked, "What?"
It looked as if Sen Wen was about to cry as well. Still on his knees, he pleaded, "Forgive me."
Yibo gave him a small nod. Seeing that, Sen Wen forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Yibo. May you always be blessed."
Yibo lowered his head again, and Sen Wen picked up the gift bag he had brought, placing it in front of him. "This is for you. I'm really proud of you today. May you use your education well."
Yibo remained silent, unable to say a word. Sen Wen stood up and added, "Tell Auntie I'm leaving. Thanks again for forgiving me."
Yibo still couldn't bring himself to respond. He simply watched as Sen Wen walked to the door. Just as he was about to step out, Yibo quietly said, "Thank you."
Sen Wen turned back, smiled at him, and then left, locking the door behind him. Yibo opened the bag and found five bottles of expensive perfumes inside.
That Night
When Yibo returned to Nainai's section of the house to bring her dinner, he ran into Zhan, who was heading toward her part. Zhan ended his call and stared at him.
Yibo's eyes widened. "Gege, you haven't left yet?"
Zhan replied, "No. Wait for me at the parking area; I'll be out soon."
"The parking area?" Yibo asked.
"Yeah," Zhan confirmed.
"Okay," Yibo said before heading off.
At the parking area, Yibo leaned against Zhan's car, waiting. About seven minutes later, Zhan appeared. As he approached, he said, "I saw your speech video… You did well, but there were still some pronunciation mistakes. Honestly, I don't even know why people kept giving you gifts. Maybe they just liked your voice." His tone was completely serious.
Yibo blinked at him, feeling deflated. His expression fell as he lowered his gaze. Without looking at him, Zhan said, "Move so I can open my car."
Yibo silently stepped aside, and Zhan unlocked the door. As Yibo turned to leave, heading back to his section of the house, Zhan suddenly reached out and pulled him back.
Yibo's eyes welled up with tears. He started crying softly.
Zhan moved closer, smiling gently. "I was only joking, little brother. Your speech was amazing. I loved it. That was exactly what I expected from you."
Yibo pouted at him. Zhan chuckled and playfully tugged at his nose. Staring into Yibo's eyes, he lowered his voice and murmured, "My future kids won't have any trouble speaking well."
He hadn't expected Yibo to hear him because his voice was so low, almost a whisper. But Yibo's eyes widened in shock.
"What? Your future kids? The ones whose mother already hates me from day one?" Yibo scoffed. Then he smiled. "Not my problem. But if they ever come to visit, I'll make sure to teach them properly..."
Zhan laughed softly, ruffling Yibo's hair. He didn't say anything else, just opened the back seat of his car and took out a brand-new laptop. Handing it to Yibo, he said, "My promise from three years ago."
Yibo's eyes widened as he hugged him tightly. "Wow… Thank you, Gege! I love it! You actually kept your promise!"
Zhan felt his legs weaken beneath him. He leaned against his car, closing his eyes and holding Yibo tightly against him.
But the moment Zhan heard the apartment door open, he quickly let go. Yibo also took a step back, glancing toward the entrance. It was Yichen, stepping out with Xulin, seemingly about to escort her somewhere. The moment Yibo saw them, he turned abruptly and hurried toward his apartment.
Yichen spotted him first, then scanned the parking space, trying to see who he was with. The moment she saw Zhan, her expression darkened, and she rushed after Yibo, Xulin following close behind. She grabbed Yibo by the arm and snapped, "What the hell were you doing with Zhan? Why are you here? And what's that in your hand?"
She snatched the laptop from him, eyes widening. "Where did you get this? Did he give it to you?"
Zhan, seeing where this was going, hurried over before Yibo could say anything. But Yibo just stood there, his face hard, staring at Yichen without saying a word.
"No, Mom," Zhan said quickly. "It was a gift for his speech. He was just showing it to me."
Yichen shot him a sharp glare. "Showing it to you? For what? What did you do for him? Just because he sleeps around with rich men and gets expensive gifts, he thinks he can flaunt them to you?"
Zhan looked at her in shock. "Mom, why are you saying this?"
"Are you questioning me?" she barked. "Am I wrong? Isn't this exactly what he does? Everyone knows that spoiled brat Sen Wen is the one funding his lifestyle. And now he's bringing some damn laptop to show off to you? What for?"
Yibo just stood there, his eyes filled with unshed tears as he silently watched her. Xulin snatched the laptop from Yichen and scoffed, "Well, she's right. Everyone knows how these rich kids operate."
She shoved the laptop back toward Yibo. "Take it. And may you find your way someday."
Yibo didn't move to take it, his eyes brimming with emotion.
Yichen scoffed. "Forget it . Let's go. If he doesn't want to take it, that's his problem."
She turned and walked away. Zhan hesitated for a second before reaching out and taking the laptop from Xulin's hands. She rolled her eyes and followed Yichen, shaking her head in disgust.
Yibo burst into tears, looking at Zhan. Zhan, too, glanced at his mother, his heart burning with frustration, but he remained silent as they stepped out of the gate. Once outside, he gently took Yibo's hand and led him behind their apartment, stopping to comfort him.
"Stop those tears, Yibo," Zhan said softly. "She only said that to make herself feel better. Don't let her words get to you."
Yibo sniffled, trying to hold back his sobs. Zhan frowned. "Are you really not going to stop crying?" He reached out and wiped Yibo's tears with his hand. Then, with a small smile and a hushed voice, he added, "You're taking your virginity to the right person, Lil bro."
Yibo pouted, which made Zhan chuckle. He gently tugged on Yibo's nose and teased, "My handsome, stubborn little brother."
Yibo lowered his head, staying silent. Zhan handed him the laptop. Yibo took it, and Zhan said, "Go inside now. On Sunday, come over with Nainai, and I'll give you the rest of your gift."
Yibo shrugged and pouted again. Zhan raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
Yibo hesitated before finally blurting out, "I don't like your future wife. I don't know why... I just don't like her."
Zhan remained silent, observing Yibo for a moment before saying gently, "But it's your home too. My house is yours."
Yibo scoffed. "Well, Ning Li doesn't seem to think so. Or did you not tell her that?"
Zhan couldn't help but laugh. He laughed so much that Yibo frowned and crossed his arms. "I'm serious! I don't like her at all."
Zhan sighed. "Well, I'll come pick you up myself, okay?"
Yibo grinned mischievously. "Do you know what Sen Wen gave me?"
Zhan's expression darkened instantly, his mood shifting. He stared at Yibo for a long moment before asking, "And who exactly is Sen Wen?"
Yibo's eyes widened. "Oh wow, you don't know him, Gege? Well then, never mind. Good night!" With that, he turned and hurried inside, a playful smile on his lips. Zhan watched him go, shaking his head.
▫️🔸🔹
Yichen walked alongside Xulin down the street, chatting as they went. Nainai asked, "But you're so convinced that he's fooling around...how do you know for sure?"
Yichen chuckled. "Oh, I would know better than anyone. Just wait and see. If everything goes as planned, Yuting will be the one feeling ashamed soon enough. She'll wish she had never has that sickness remaining as a son in her life."
Xulin nodded. "Well, let's hope that happens. But from what I can tell, Sen Wen's family seems to like him a lot."
Yichen's expression hardened at that. "They wouldn't be so fond of him if they knew Sen Wen was planning to marry someone who's already been ruined, a street rat. Just wait, you'll see. Yibo will end up pregnant without even being married."
Xulin laughed, but Yichen rolled her eyes and scoffed. "You don't know me well enough. That boy and his mother, I will be the death of them. They think they're so clever just because Sen Wen's father gave him two million."
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Yibo was tidying up his room in the morning around nine o'clock. After getting ready, Yuting entered, watching him before saying, "Are you waiting for me to come and drag you out, Yibo?"
"I'm coming now," Yibo replied.
Yuting left the room, and Yibo followed her into the sitting room, where Nainai sat with a frown, resting her chin on her palm. Yibo picked up his neatly ironed shirt, glancing at her. But Nainai refused to look at him, clicking her tongue before saying, "You people have no discipline or consideration. I told you yesterday that we were going out, yet you made me sit here like some jobless old woman waiting for you."
Yibo responded, "I just needed to have breakfast. Every day, you make us visit people at dawn before they're even awake, making us look inconsiderate."
Nainai widened her eyes. "No one has ever found me inconsiderate! Mind your words! And it's none of your business if I visit people even in the middle of the night. Stop acting like this. This is not how a married man should behave."
Yibo ignored her and went into the kitchen, preparing tea. He grabbed some bread and returned to the sitting room. After eating his fill, he left the remaining bread on the table. Nainai kept her face scrunched in disapproval. Yibo stood up and said, "I'm ready now."
Clicking her tongue again, Nainai stood up and headed toward the door. "People these days have no conscience. Yesterday, we made plans, but then your mother told you not to get ready. Well, that's on her... she's just a woman, after all. Just hope the two of you part peacefully when the time comes. It's not my concern."
Yuting continued cleaning the sitting room silently, saying nothing. Yibo glanced at her and said softly, "Mu Qin, we'll be back soon."
She simply wished them a safe trip and returned to her chores.
At the roadside, Yibo hailed a rickshaw. Nainai climbed in first and settled into her seat. Yibo looked at the driver and told him their destination.
Surprised, Nainai scoffed, "Listen to this arrogant boy. What's his business giving directions? Isn't it enough to just get in and let him drive?"
The rickshaw driver chuckled and said, "Well, he's right to confirm first, Grandma. What if I was headed somewhere else?"
Yibo frowned slightly and got in. Nainai continued, "He has no common sense. You drivers have no conscience either. If someone tells you where they're going, just out of mischief, you'll refuse to go. That's why I always just get in and sit down. Hmph… I can't deal with foolish people."
The driver only smiled and said, "You have a point, Grandma."
They arrived at the house of Nainai's longtime friend A-Ji, Nainai's voice filled with pride as she pointed at the house. "See that? This is my best friend A-Ji's home. I've been coming here for years. And let me tell you, there's no kind of luxury car my children don't have in our house. But I just felt like taking a rickshaw today. You see, I'm an old woman now... I need people to help me. I don't have a husband anymore, and even if I did, at this age, he'd be struggling with his own old age. So, I'm not some rich woman living in luxury. Years ago, I used to come here for just 30 yuan..."
As she spoke, she rummaged through her purse and pulled out 70 yuan, handing it to the driver.
The driver frowned. "Grandma, the fare is 250 yuan."
Nainai's eyes widened. "Are you a thief, young man? And you dare try to scam an old woman? Do you have no conscience?"
Yibo quickly entered the gate of A-Ji's house. As he stepped into the sitting room, A-Ji rushed out of her room, exclaiming, "You little devils, have you come back again, heartless brats?"
Seeing that it was Yibo, she paused and said, "Oh, it's you. Where are you coming from?"
Yibo sat down and greeted her. A-Ji responded, then sighed, "I thought it was those troublesome kids I chased away earlier. They've been bothering me so much... maybe their parents haven't even woken up yet. And here I am, expected to suffer endlessly because of grandkids. Honestly, I can't take it anymore..."
She stopped mid-sentence when Nainai walked in. Looking at her, A-Ji said, "Oh, so you're with him, Shuyi?"
Nainai pointed at Yibo and scolded, "You have no conscience at all! You just stood there watching when that man started insulting me over money, and then you ran away, leaving me alone! What was the point of following me if you were just going to abandon me like that? If it had been someone else, they'll never do this to me! Quentin would never do that to me."
A-Ji glanced at Yibo, holding her cheek in thought. "Well, that's true. He wouldn't. But what happened with the rickshaw driver, Shuyi?"
Nainai huffed. "Some kind strangers stepped in and gave him two hundred right there. I didn't even know them. I was planning to give him seventy because, honestly, money doesn't grow on trees."
Yibo frowned as if he was about to cry. A-Ji sighed. "These days, most of the criminals who used to rob people have now switched to driving rickshaws. But I suppose it's better this way, right? At least they're not breaking into houses."
"I thought the same thing," Nainai agreed. "I even asked him if he was a thief. You should've seen him—dark as night. I doubt he ever lived an honest life."
A-Ji laid out a mat for her and said, "Well, as long as you got away safely, that's all that matters. How's Zong? And Quentin?"
Nainai sat down. "Zong is fine. Quentin is still out working, trying to make money. Speaking of which, about what you asked me to come for yesterday, I couldn't even focus on anything all morning. I woke up early, finished my chores, boiled some water, bathed, got dressed, made tea and bread, and just as I was about to leave, this one here".... She gestured toward Yibo... "ended up delaying me. Otherwise, I would've been here much earlier."
A-Ji nodded. "Well, it's good you came. I went to meet with the man as planned, but things don't look good. This boy here"... she motioned toward Yibo... "has got a serious problem. And it's not a small one."
Nainai scoffed loudly, shaking her head. "Problem? Who cares? They must be out of their minds. Of all people, they chose to target Yibo? Ridiculous! My grandson? As if!"
A-Ji sighed. "Well, he gave me some herbs... for bathing, drinking, and burning as incense... all for a whole week. But listen, you need to be careful. Don't let him skip it even by mistake. I'm not one to suffer for nothing, and I have no business dealing with this if it weren't for you. And the worst part? He told me that someone close to him wants to ruin his life. Can you believe it, Shuyi?"
Nainai clasped her hands together, troubled. "But why is there no fear of consequences anymore, A-Ji? In our time, people feared doing wrong. Everyone kept their faith close to their hearts. But now, it's like people have lost all sense of morality. Or… do you think this has something to do with Quentin's work? Maybe they want him to quit and come back home?"
A-Ji clicked her tongue in irritation. "Oh, stop with that nonsense! I told you, the threat is coming from someone close to him."
Nainai sighed deeply. "Well, if he's going to harm Yibo, then he'll soon realize he's actually dealing with me instead! But here's what we're going to do..."
She straightened up. "Everyone knows I stand by the truth. I won't do anything wrong. We'll prepare and go back to that man. No matter how much it costs, I'll pay to make sure whatever evil is being planned against my grandson is reversed. That's final."
A-Ji said, "That's how it should be. Now, in a few days, you should come and stay overnight because we'll be leaving at dawn. But honestly, I'll have to come up with a lie for my in-law and her husband because they told me to stop making excuses. But the truth is, all my excuses are just for my well-being, my grandchildren, and my children. Who in this world tells the truth all the time? I'm not concerned about their complaints; they don't know anything—they're just kids."
Nainai replied, "Just let them be. We gave birth to them, but we didn't give birth to their attitudes. Even I had to come up with an excuse for Zong before leaving, or he wouldn't have let me go."
A-Ji chuckled. "Exactly! Who has the time to sit and argue?"
Yibo just sat there, his face expressionless, watching TV. Nainai didn't leave A-Ji's house until nearly mid-day. Before she left, A-Ji handed her fifty yuan for transport, but Nainai scoffed, "Unless armed robbers have taken over the rickshaw business, I'm fine. Keep your fifty; I have a hundred, and I'll convince the driver to take us home."
A-Ji also handed Yibo a single bar of laundry soap and said, "Here, wash your boxers with this. I have nothing left in the house; beggars cleaned me out before the month even ended."
Yibo accepted it with a quiet, "Thank you."
A-Ji walked them to the roadside, while Nainai clutched a bag of medicine in both hands as if it were the most precious thing in the world. A-Ji stopped a rickshaw and told the driver, "Take them to their destination. You see, she has no husband; he passed away. How much will you charge?"
The driver said, "Three hundred, Grandma."
A-Ji knocked on the side of the rickshaw. "Alright, get lost. We're also trying to make three hundred yuan, and we haven't resorted to robbing anyone yet."
The driver chuckled. "How much can you pay, Grandma?"
Nainai sighed. "Maybe you should just drop me off at Zhan's house. I've only been there once since he moved in."
A-Ji agreed. "Yes, go with that plan. Whatever the cost, Zhan will cover it."
Nainai got into the rickshaw and glanced at Yibo, who muttered, "I'm going straight home. I'm not going to my Gege's house."
Nainai turned to A-Ji. "See how stubborn he is?"
A-Ji scoffed. "Just get in and go. This old woman has done everything she can for you, but you don't see it. If we leave it to your mother, you'd be dead by now, and we'd be mourning."
Yibo climbed in reluctantly, looking like he was about to cry. A-Ji turned and walked away.
The driver pulled into a gas station to refuel, apologizing to Nainai for the delay. She squinted at the station's name and asked, "Is this Mr. Wen Yo Lee station?"
"Yes, it is," the driver replied.
Nainai beamed, looking at the large fuel station. "Well, in that case, I own a share of it."
The driver turned to look at her, confused. She pointed at Yibo and said, "You see him? He's the in-law of the owner. I gave birth to his father. He's his only son in the world."
The driver gasped. "Really? That's amazing!"
Just then, Yibo spotted Sen Wen approaching the rickshaw. Their eyes met, and Sen Wen flashed him a soft smile. Yibo noticed how much weight he had lost and quickly looked away.
Sen Wen walked over and greeted Nainai warmly. She gasped dramatically and turned to the driver. "See? There he is, the son of the owner of this station!"
The driver glanced between them and grinned. "Now I see the resemblance!"
Nainai continued, "He came to check on things because it's Sunday. You know, corruption are spreading everywhere these days."
Sen Wen smiled and respectfully greeted her. She answered with a wide grin. "We were headed to Zhan's house, but our rickshaw ran out of gas, so we had to stop."
Sen Wen said, "Let me drive you there. My car is just over there."
Without hesitation, Nainai climbed out and walked toward his car, not even glancing at the rickshaw driver. Yibo stared at her, feeling like the ground should swallow him whole. Sen Wen just kept smiling as he handed the driver two thousand yuan, who accepted it with gratitude.
Looking at Yibo, Sen Wen said gently, "Come on, there's nothing to worry about."
Yibo hesitated, then stepped out and followed him to the car. Nainai had already settled into the back seat, while Yibo sighed, opened the front door, and got in.
During the ride, Yibo remained silent. Nainai, however, chatted nonstop with Sen Wen, directing him to Zhan's house. When they reached the entrance, Sen Wen prepared to park outside, but Nainai said, "No, honk the horn. They'll open the gate for you."
Sen Wen shook his head. "Not everyone likes unexpected visitors in their home, Grandma."
Nainai scoffed. "This is Zhan's house we're talking about!"
He just smiled as she stepped out and added, "Well, you're not wrong. Zhan isn't always the most welcoming person."
Yibo finally looked at Sen Wen and said, "We'll talk later. Thank you."
Sen Wen smiled. "I'm just happy to see you after few weeks."
Yibo gave him a small smile.
"When are you heading back? I can come pick you up," Sen Wen offered.
Yibo replied, "I'll call you."
"Alright then. Thanks, love," Sen Wen said softly before driving away.
Yibo entered the house without acknowledging Nainai, who was talking to the security guard. He went straight to the entrance, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.
Zhan was in the sitting room, working on his laptop, while Ning Li was wrapped around him, clinging to his side as he absentmindedly ran his fingers through her long hair.
The moment Yibo saw them, he quietly turned around and walked back out.
Nainai, who was approaching the door, asked, "Aren't they home?"
Yibo didn't answer.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛