Yibo's gaze slowly moved from top to bottom over Yunxi, who still held tightly onto him. With controlled calm, Yibo asked,
"Who are you?"
Seeing the tension rise, Zhan quickly dropped his bag and rushed forward in panic.
"No, please… doctor, let him go…"
Yunxi didn't take his eyes off Yibo as he replied firmly,
"Stay away from him… or you'll regret it."
He released him immediately after.
Yibo let out a short laugh.
"And who are you to say that? His boyfriend? Husband… or what?"
Yunxi turned sharply, anger flashing across his face as he grabbed Yibo again. Yibo responded instantly, gripping him back just as firmly.
"Both," Yunxi snapped. "Husband and boyfriend."
Yibo laughed louder this time.
"You're very foolish then. Even if you are his husband… prepare yourself to lose him. He's not meant for you."
At that point, Zhan couldn't take it anymore. He rushed between them, his voice trembling.
"Please! Please, just stop… both of you!"
He turned to Yunxi, holding his arm tightly, tears slipping down his face.
"Please… I'm begging you, let him go."
After a tense moment, Yunxi released Yibo, grabbed Zhan's hand, and picked up his bag.
Yibo calmly slipped a card from his pocket and tucked it into Yunxi's hand, locking eyes with him.
"I'll be waiting for your call, young man."
Yunxi looked like he might throw it away, but instead he kept it, turning sharply as he walked off. Zhan hurried after him, his heart racing.
Behind them, Yibo watched with a faint smile.
"I'll find you soon, Zhan… not after I've already set my eyes on you."
Zhan glanced back briefly, then quickly looked away.
Inside the cab, Zhan kept turning around, trying to see if Yibo was following them. The crowd made it impossible to tell. His chest felt tight, restless.
Looking at Yunxi, whose face was still tense, he whispered softly,
"Please… don't get involved with him again."
Yunxi turned to him sharply, anger still lingering in his voice.
"That's only if he stays out of your life. Otherwise… I'm capable of anything. I don't care."
He paused briefly, then added,
"I have people here. My father..."
He stopped suddenly, his expression shifting.
Zhan fell silent, sensing the change.
Yunxi exhaled slowly and asked, calmer now,
"Don't forget this is Shanghai. Where are we heading? You said your mother is in Beijing."
"We'll need to take the train to Beijing," Zhan replied quietly.
"Why not fly?"
Zhan shot him a look.
"We just left the airport. Do you want to cause a scene again?"
Yunxi said nothing, staring out the window.
Zhan told the driver to take them to the train station.
Yunxi clicked his tongue.
"It's been a long time since someone annoyed me this much. If not for the airport… we would've settled things properly."
Zhan studied him, surprised at how serious he was.
He turned to him suddenly. Zhan quickly looked away.
"It's because of you," he said quietly. "That's why I let him go."
Zhan muttered under his breath,
"That's your business, not mine."
A small smile appeared on Yunxi's face, dimples showing.
"Oh mister, it is your business."
Zhan looked at him quickly. He immediately straightened his face and picked up his phone like nothing happened.
Zhan smiled faintly and turned to the window.
At the station, they boarded a train to Beijing. Yunxi bought the tickets.
Once the train started moving, Zhan glanced at him.
"Are you Chinese?"
He looked at him, amused.
"Of course. From Beijing too. Why—don't I look like it?"
Zhan didn't respond. Neither did he.
After several hours, they arrived in Beijing and took a taxi toward home.
"Do I need to walk you to your door?" Yunxi asked.
Zhan looked at him, then suddenly told the driver to stop.
"You can get down here and take another cab."
Yunxi stared at him in disbelief.
"You're serious?"
"Very."
He smiled, stepping out.
"Alright then."
"Thanks," Zhan said simply before the car drove off.
When Zhan arrived home, he stepped out and reached for his bag...then realized he had no money on him. Apologizing quickly, he went inside to get some.
Inside the living room, Rouxue and Roulan were watching cartoons. The moment they saw him, they ran toward him excitedly.
He knelt and hugged them tightly, relief and happiness washing over him.
From the kitchen, Xixue stepped out, surprised.
Zhan gently freed himself from the children and walked over, hugging her tightly.
"Mommy… I'm back."
She looked at him carefully.
"What happened, Zhan?"
"I missed you," he said softly.
She frowned.
"They just left, didn't they? Why are you already back?"
He said nothing.
She watched him, confused.
Zhan grabbed money from her bag and rushed outside to pay the driver. The twins followed him closely.
When they returned, the boys climbed all over him.
"Uncle," Roulan said, "where's that uncle from the UK? Did he tells you to greet us?"
Zhan smiled.
"Yes, he did."
Rouxue added,
"I like him. Is he also from China?"
Mommy looked at them.
"Which uncle are you talking about?"
Zhan avoided her gaze.
"My neighbor."
"Wasn't it a woman last time we visited?"
"She moved out."
Mommy paused, then said quietly,
"Just be careful."
Zhan nodded.
At that moment, his phone rang.
He checked the screen—it was Yunxi.
After a brief hesitation, he answered.
"Are you home?" Yunxi asked.
Zhan glanced at Mommy before walking toward his room.
"Yes."
***
Meanwhile, Yibo had taken a flight straight to Beijing.
For the first time in a long while, he felt… lighter. A faint smile appeared on his lips more than once during the journey.
But when he arrived home, something felt off.
The house was crowded—expensive cars, well-dressed guests, unfamiliar energy.
As he stepped inside, people greeted him warmly.
Confused, he moved further in.
At the back, near the tap, Shao was crouched, throwing up.
He walked closer, noticing her elaborate makeup.
"Are you sick?"
She looked up quickly at his voice, then lowered her head again, breathing heavily.
"Welcome back… Yibo-ge."
He didn't respond.
"What's going on here?"
She hesitated, then said quietly,
"Our wedding."
He froze.
"…Our wedding? With who?"
Still not looking at him, she answered softly,
"You… and me."
He stared at her, stunned.
At that moment, Lihua walked in, dressed extravagantly.
Seeing him, she smiled widely.
"So the groom has finally arrived."
Yibo blinked, completely confused.
"Groom? I don't understand."
Lihua chewed her gum lazily.
"Go inside. Jie'll explain everything."
She then pulled Shao up.
"Come on, the makeup artist has been waiting."
They walked off, leaving Yibo standing there....
completely lost.
Yibo walked straight inside and headed upstairs to Mrs. Wang's room, ignoring everyone in the living room.
Inside, Mrs. Wang sat with her friends and his grandmother, whom they all called Granny. He greeted them briefly before speaking.
"Mom… I don't understand what's going on in this house."
Granny answered before Mrs. Wang could speak.
"It's your wedding. To your cousin."
Yibo's eyes widened.
"My cousin? Which cousin?"
"Shao," she replied calmly. "It has been difficult for everyone."
Yibo stared at her in disbelief before turning to Mrs. Wang.
"No… absolutely not. Which Shao? The same Shao no one in this house can control...you want to tie her to me?"
He shook his head, frustration rising.
"Mom, I've never disappointed you, but this… no. Why would you make a choice that will ruin my life? You know very well she's too much for me. Please… don't do this to me, how can i marry your blood sister's daughter?."
Mrs. Wang suddenly stood up, her face hard.
"Get out, Yibo! Once she enters your house, do whatever you want....throw her out or deal with her however you like. Just leave now!"
Yibo turned and walked out without another word.
Granny frowned, looking at Mrs. Wang.
"Chow, is it really that bad? I don't even know the girl well. Don't let my grandson suffer."
Mrs. Wang replied coldly,
"She's my sister's daughter. Same parents."
With that, she walked out, leaving her friends exchanging uneasy looks.
:
:
The next evening, Zhan sat in the living room with Xixue and the nanny, who was slicing vegetables. A book rested in his hands as he read.
Xixue suddenly looked up.
"Who have Rouxue and Roulan been talking to on the phone all this time?"
Zhan raised his head calmly.
"Someone."
"Where did you meet him? Or how do they know him?"
Zhan just smiled without answering.
At that moment, Rouxue ran out with the phone, Roulan beside him. He handed it over to Zhan.
"Uncle said we should give this to you."
Zhan took it, glancing briefly at Mommy, then stood up and walked to his room. Closing the door, he sat on the bed and placed the phone to his ear.
"Yes… I'm listening."
Yunxi's voice came through.
"I know you are. Can I come over to see the boys?"
Zhan paused, checking the time before replying,
"I'll ask Mommy first."
"Alright. I'll wait for your call."
"Okay."
The call ended.
Zhan sat there thinking for a moment before going back out.
He sat beside Mommy and said quietly,
"Someone is coming over."
"Who?" she asked.
"Just… someone."
Mommy smiled faintly.
"Alright, let him come."
Zhan returned to his room and sent Yunxi their address.
Within thirty minutes, Yunxi arrived.
Zhan put on a light jacket and went to Mommy's room.
"He's outside."
"You're leaving him out there? Bring him in," Mommy said.
Zhan only smiled and stepped outside.
From the gate, he spotted Yunxi leaning against his car. As he got closer, he noticed his outfit—simple, elegant, almost glowing under the evening light. He looked different… striking.
Zhan avoided his gaze.
"You wear clothes like this?"
Yunxi raised an eyebrow, folding his arms.
"And you wear this?"
Zhan almost laughed but held it in.
"No, I usually dress worse than this."
Yunxi stared at him, surprised.
After a moment, he asked,
"Where are the boys?"
"They're inside."
"You know I didn't come to see you, right?"
Zhan stayed quiet, forcing himself not to look at him. Then he smiled faintly.
"Alright."
He turned and walked back inside.
"Zhan!" Yunxi called.
But Zhan had already entered.
Yunxi chuckled softly, stroking his hair.
Moments later, the boys ran out and jumped into his arms. He lifted them happily, their laughter filling the air. It was clear—they had missed him just as much.
He helped them into the back seat, got into the driver's seat, and called Zhan again. When the call wasn't answered, he smiled and drove off with them.
⏭ ⏭
Back at Yibo's house, early morning silence filled his room.
He had locked himself in since returning.
He still couldn't believe it—married to Shao? The same girl who disappeared all day and came back late at night… always with a new phone, no school, no direction.
He held his head, frustration building.
A knock came again.
"Brother… it's me. Please open the door."
He closed his eyes, then forced himself up and opened it.
His younger sister Baby stepped in.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I don't know what came over Mom. Even she always complained about Shao… everyone knows how she behaves."
Yibo sat on the bed, holding his head.
After a long silence, he said quietly,
"Go make me coffee."
She nodded and left.
Downstairs, Lihua stopped her.
"What did Yibo say?"
"He asked for coffee."
"I'll take it," Lihua said quickly. "Go."
The girl hesitated, but Lihua glared at her until she left.
Inside the kitchen, Lihua locked the door and quickly pulled out a small hidden packet.
"If he drinks this… he'll love her more than anyone."
Her hands trembled slightly as she poured it into the cup, mixing it with coffee.
She carried it upstairs.
In Shao's room, she lay weakly under the blanket.
"Get up and take this to Yibo," Lihua said.
"I'm not feeling well…"
"Then go like that. You'll manage."
After spraying her with perfume, she handed her the cup.
With effort, Shao stood and walked unsteadily to Yibo's room.
Inside, Yibo opened his eyes as the scent filled the room.
She approached slowly.
"Welcome back… I made coffee for you."
He glared at her.
"Are you out of your mind? Walking into my room like this?"
She replied quietly,
"I'm your wife now… I can come in."
Before he could respond, the door opened again—his sister Baby entered with food.
The smell hit instantly.
Shao suddenly gagged—then rushed toward the bathroom, vomiting violently onto the floor before reaching it.
Yibo watched her carefully, his expression changing.
After she finished, she collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily.
He stepped closer, studying her face, then frowned.
"…What?"
Without another word, he turned and walked out.
Upstairs, Mrs. Wang and Lihua were approaching.
Yibo stopped in front of them, his voice calm but sharp.
"Mom…she's pregnant"
Mrs. Wang froze.
"…What?"
"I said—she's pregnant"
Silence.
Then Lihua burst out dramatically,
"Yibo! How could you say something like that about my daughter?"
Yibo looked at her coldly.
"If you don't believe me, you can go to the hospital right now."
By now, people had gathered in the hallway.
Mrs. Wang stood speechless.
Yibo continued, his voice steady.
"I've seen this coming. Years ago, I told you I saw her in places she shouldn't be. You said I was imagining things. Now look."
The room grew tense.
Then Lihua snapped.
"Oh really? You dare speak like this? Have you forgotten what you did? Or should I remind everyone?"
Yibo froze.
Her voice rose, sharp and accusing.
"The boy you raped in this house… the one who left and never came back....should I tell them why?"
Everything went still.
Yibo slowly closed his eyes, his head pounding.
Mrs. Wang stared at him in shock.
"…Zhan?"
Lihua fixed her gaze on Yibo and said sharply,
"Or do you want me to explain it for you?"
Yibo slowly opened his eyes to look at her. At that moment, tears welled up in Mrs. Wang's eyes—it was obvious she was deeply shaken.
Yibo moved closer, dropped to his knees in front of her, and spoke in a low, broken voice,
"Mom…"
She cut him off immediately, tears streaming down her face.
"So this is how I raised you, Yibo? This is what you did to someone else's child?"
He buried his face against her legs, his voice trembling.
"That was the biggest mistake of my life, Mom… I've been unable to tell you for six years. You know me—that's not who I am. I don't even understand what came over me that day… it felt like I lost control. I ruined him… Mom, I…"
His voice broke completely, and he couldn't continue.
Lihua scoffed.
"Shameless. Something that happened more than once, and you call it a mistake? Since you've decided to accuse my daughter, then I won't stay silent either. I'll expose everything."
With that, she stormed out.
Yibo stared after her, confused. How does she know? That day, no one else had been home...just him and Zhan. So how?
Moments later, Lihua returned, dragging Shao along. Shao looked weak, barely able to stand.
"I can't believe you'd accuse my daughter like this, Yibo!" she cried dramatically.
"After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me?"
Without another word, she left the house with Shao.
Mrs. Wang turned away silently and went back to her room. Yibo stood frozen, unable to face his siblings or the relatives gathered there.
Outside, Lihua hurried Shao into a taxi, panic written all over her face.
"When was your last cycle?" she demanded.
"I… I don't know," Shao muttered weakly.
Lihua snapped,
"What do you mean you don't know?!"
They rushed to a hospital. After examination, the doctor confirmed Shao was pregnant.
Lihua froze in shock.
"This can't be happening…"
Then, lowering her voice, she leaned closer to the doctor.
"I'll pay anything—just get rid of it. No one must know."
The doctor shook his head firmly.
"We don't do that here. You'll have to go elsewhere."
Desperate, she broke down crying.
"Please… help me. I'm begging you."
But he refused again.
Furious, she grabbed Shao and stormed out, cursing under her breath.
Eventually, after searching several places, she found somewhere willing to do it—for a high price. The procedure was done, and she took Shao to stay with a friend in a nearby street.
Meanwhile, back at the Wang's house…
Yibo stood in his room for nearly an hour, lost and broken. Tears filled his eyes as memories flooded back.
He finally walked to Mrs. Wang's room and found her sitting with her friend.
He knelt again, voice low.
"Mom… please forgive me. I know I've disappointed you. But I swear, I don't understand how it happened. For five years, I've been searching for Zhan…"
She interrupted sharply.
"You've been searching for him for what? You're the reason he left this house, Yibo."
He lowered his head.
"I was confused… I thought it was the only way. I couldn't stay under the same roof with him. I know I hurt him… but I swear it wasn't intentional…"
His voice cracked again.
At that moment, Lihua barged in, crying loudly.
"Now you're worried about something else? After what Yibo did to my daughter?"
Mrs. Wang snapped.
"Enough. Leave me alone. Right now, you feel like my enemy."
Yibo stood up and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he turned back and said quietly:
"I promise I'll find Zhan… and fix what I've done."
Mrs. Wang looked at him coldly.
"And how do you plan to fix it?"
He hesitated… then answered softly,
"By marrying him."
She shook her head immediately.
"No. That will never happen. You can do anything else—but not that. There will be no marriage between you two. I have my reasons."
Silence filled the room.
***
Meanwhile, Zhan…
He had tried to stay calm all day, but his patience was running out. The twins—Rouxue and Roulan—had been gone for hours.
At first, Mommy kept asking where they were. Zhan avoided answering, saying they'd be back soon.
But evening came… and they still weren't back.
Finally, he went into his room and called Yunxi. The call rang several times before it was answered.
"Where are the boys?" he asked anxiously.
Yunxi replied casually,
"Forget about seeing them today."
Zhan's eyes widened.
"It's already late—please…"
"Come and get them yourself," Yunxi said and hung up.
Panic surged through Zhan. He called again—no answer. Again. And again.
Finally, Yunxi picked up.
"Please bring them back," Zhan said, his voice shaking. "Mommy is asking about them."
"…Alright," Yunxi replied shortly before hanging up again.
Zhan sat on the edge of the bed, completely unsettled.
About thirty minutes later, his phone rang again.
It was Yunxi.
Zhan hurriedly put on his outerwear and rushed outside, praying the twins were safe.
As he reached the gate, the car pulled up.
Rouxue and Roulan jumped out, each holding small bags, and ran straight into his arms.
He hugged them tightly, relief washing over him...but his face remained stern.
"Let's go inside," he said.
They turned to wave at Yunxi, who stood by the car, arms folded, watching them.
"Uncle, will you come tomorrow?" Rouxue asked eagerly.
Yunxi smiled slightly.
"Sure."
Zhan didn't give them a chance to say more...he ushered them inside quickly.
Just as he was about to follow, Yunxi grabbed the edge of his sleeve.
"Wait."
Zhan turned, frowning.
"What is it?"
"You're not even going to greet me properly?"
He rolled his eyes slightly.
"Didn't I already?"
"That was different," Yunxi replied.
Zhan lowered his gaze, his heart beating faster under Yunxi's intense stare.
After a moment, Yunxi asked,
"Can I come tomorrow… to meet Mommy?"
Zhan hesitated.
"Why?"
"Just because. The boys said she'd like me."
Silence.
Then finally, Zhan said quietly,
"…We'll see."
Yunxi smiled faintly.
"When are you going back?"
"Monday."
He raised an eyebrow.
"That long?"
Zhan didn't respond.
"…Then we'll go together," Yunxi said.
Zhan simply nodded.
When Zhan entered the house, Mommy followed him into his room and sat on the bed.
"That young man," she said calmly, "is he your boyfriend?"
Zhan's eyes widened immediately.
"Boyfriend? No...he's not."
She looked at him carefully, then said,
"It's time you settle down… son."
💚💙❤🖤