The next day, Wednesday evening, I-Bo was sitting in the upstairs living room....the very space A-Bo had practically turned into his bedroom. Ever since Zhan stayed in his room, A-Bo only entered it when necessary, grabbing a few things and leaving immediately, never even using the attached bathroom.
Watching him pack, I-Bo said lightly,
"So… I can finally go back to your room now that you've moved out?"
A-Bo didn't respond. He continued arranging his belongings into a firm travel box, his movements calm but deliberate.
"You've booked your flight already?" I-Bo asked. "Looks like you're preparing to leave."
"I didn't like the airline I saw yesterday," A-Bo replied flatly. "I'll get a Turkish Airlines ticket later."
"How long is your layover?"
"No more than two or three hours. Maybe less."
I-Bo paused, then added,
"Would you mind traveling on the same flight as my housemate? I just remembered...I'll be meeting my mom in the UK, and we'll head back to China together from there."
That finally made A-Bo look up.
"Yes, I would mind," he said without hesitation. "Very much. There are plenty of airlines....book something else for him. What does he have to do with me? You're the one who brought him here. There's even a cheap airline...around six thousands dollars for economy. That suits your… generous habits."
There was a faint edge to his voice.
I-Bo didn't argue. He simply stood up and walked out.
Around 5:30 PM, he knocked on Zhan's door.
When it opened, he asked,
"Is there anything you still need to pick up from your apartment before leaving?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes… I'll get a few things."
"Alright. Get ready...I'll take you there."
Zhan hesitated, then said softly,
"Please… don't say you're buying me a ticket. I have money. I can pay for it myself."
I-Bo smiled faintly.
"Oh? So you're well-funded now? Will your money cover tickets for both me and A-Bo?"
Zhan looked down, lightly playing with the edge of his sleeve.
"That would be for you alone. I don't even know any A-Bo." Zhan replied quietly.
Right then, A-Bo appeared from upstairs.
He stopped.
His gaze settled on Zhan....cold, unreadable, without even a trace of acknowledgment.
I-Bo, as if nothing had happened, said casually,
"Go get ready. I'll wait for you downstairs, Sean."
Zhan quietly closed his door.
By the time he came downstairs, it was almost 6 PM.
I-Bo stood up, and they left together.
Once they drove out of the compound, he glanced at him and said, half amused,
"You've managed to annoy A-Bo again, haven't you?"
Zhan frowned slightly.
"I didn't even know he was there. Why does he always overhear things?"
I-Bo laughed.
"That's not my fault."
Zhan fell silent again.
Deep down, he just wanted to stop seeing A-Bo altogether. The tension, the distance, the constant discomfort...it was exhausting.
When they arrived at the apartment, everything came rushing back.
The memories.
The fear.
The helplessness.
It hit him all at once, like stepping back into something he had barely escaped.
Without saying a word, Zhan went straight into his room and began packing.
I-Bo stayed in the living room, waiting.
Over the past few days, Yu-Bin had already come by several times to help collect his belongings, each time escorted by I-Bo. Now, Zhan carefully packed the remaining things he needed into a suitcase.
The rest, he gathered neatly in one corner.
He didn't know if he would ever return.
So he left it all behind.
After tidying up the room, he finally stepped out, pulling his suitcase slowly.
In the living room, he found I-Bo lying on the sofa....fast asleep.
Zhan paused.
For a moment, he just stood there, watching him.
Then he stepped closer and gently tapped the edge of the sofa.
I-Bo stirred, opened his eyes, and sat up.
"Done?"
"You were sleeping?"
"Not really. Just thinking."
He checked the time briefly, minutes later, they left the apartment.
The drive back was silent.
But this time, I-Bo noticed it clearly...something had shifted again.
Zhan's mood had darkened.
After a while, he broke the silence.
"Would you like to watch a movie tonight?"
Zhan turned to him, then looked down again.
"Or… you don't watch movies?" he added.
"I do," Zhan said softly. "Just not often."
I-Bo gave a small nod, a hint of a smile returning.
"Then tonight… you will."
He parked the car and pulled out his phone, quickly navigating to the cinema's website to check the showtimes. After scanning through the options, I-Bo selected a movie and booked two tickets. Within seconds, the confirmation appeared on his screen.
Zhan watched him quietly.
When he looked up, their eyes almost met....but Zhan quickly looked away.
As he resumed driving, I-Bo said calmly, without turning,
"I hope you'll enjoy the movie."
Zhan didn't reply.
At the cinema, I-Bo bought popcorn and lemonade before leading the way inside. The hall was dim, the atmosphere unfamiliar yet strangely exciting.
For Zhan, it was a completely new experience.
He had never stepped into a cinema before...not even once. Despite Yu-Bin insisting many times in the past, he had always refused.
Now, sitting there beside I-Bo, everything felt…..different.
The movie began.
I-Bo started eating his popcorn almost immediately, completely at ease. Zhan, on the other hand, only picked at his occasionally, his attention slowly being drawn into the story unfolding on the screen.
Before long, he was fully immersed.
About thirty-five minutes in, Zhan turned slightly....
And froze.
I-Bo was asleep.
For a moment, he stared at him in disbelief.
Then, quietly, he covered his mouth, laughter bubbling up despite himself.
How could someone bring another person to the cinema… and then fall asleep?
Yet somehow, instead of being annoyed, he felt light.
Comfortable.
At ease.
Carefully, he reached over and picked a piece of popcorn from I-Bo's cup. The man didn't move.
Zhan found his gaze lingering.
When he slept, I-Bo looked… softer. Calmer. Almost too gentle for the version of him that was always composed and teasing.
Zhan shook his head slightly, turning back to the screen...but every now and then, his eyes drifted back.
An hour passed.
I-Bo was still asleep.
Zhan didn't wake him.
Instead, he continued watching the movie, quietly enjoying every moment.
As it neared the end, he glanced at him again....then, with a small, mischievous thought, picked up a popcorn kernel.
Leaning closer, he carefully placed it into I-Bo's mouth.
Then quickly straightened, eyes fixed forward like nothing had happened.
A second later....
"I like this movie."
Zhan turned sharply, then burst into laughter.
"You're not even embarrassed?" he asked, still smiling.
Adjusting his posture, I-Bo replied calmly,
"What do you mean? I wasn't sleeping. I was… observing."
Zhan laughed again.
"Of course you were."
He stood up, gathering the popcorn.
"Come on. It's over. You can explain the parts I didn't understand on the way."
I-Bo said nothing.
Zhan bit back another smile and started walking out.
As they exited the hall, Zhan kept glancing back at him, half-expecting him to still be asleep while walking.
Suddenly....
I-Bo pulled him forward.
Zhan stumbled slightly, nearly losing his balance, but collided lightly against him instead.
Just as quickly, I-Bo let go.
It all happened in seconds.
Zhan covered his mouth, startled.
"If you had fallen," I-Bo said, "you'd start crying...and we'd go home like that."
Zhan looked at him, half-annoyed, half-amused.
After a pause, I-Bo added softly,
"Alright… sorry, Sean."
Zhan turned and continued walking without another word.
This time, he didn't look back.
They reached the car in silence.
By the time they got home, it was around 10 PM.
After parking, Zhan turned slightly toward him.
"Thank you… very much."
I-Bo smiled.
"You're welcome, housemate."
They stepped out and walked inside together.
Just as Zhan was about to head to his room, I-Bo stopped him.
"Bring me your travel documents."
Zhan hesitated, about to speak...But I-Bo raised two fingers to his lips.
Zhan lowered his gaze, then quietly went inside.
A few minutes later, he returned and handed them over.
"Good," I-Bo said. "I'll send your ticket to your email. See you in the morning."
"Good night," Zhan replied softly."
He turned and went back into his room, locking the door behind him.
Upstairs, I-Bo entered the living room and found A-Bo asleep on the couch.
He chuckled under his breath.
The man was truly making things harder for himself.
Shaking his head slightly, he walked into his room.
Close to midnight, Zhan lay awake, unable to sleep.
Something restless lingered in his chest.
Then...
A notification.
He sat up and picked up I-Bo's phone, which was still with him.
An email.
He opened it.
And froze.
It was his flight ticket.
Turkish Airlines. Business class.
For a moment, he just stared at the screen.
Then slowly....
Tears filled his eyes.
He placed the phone down gently and lay back, staring into the darkness, his emotions quietly overwhelming him.
****
Zhan sat quietly at the edge of the bed, watching I-Bo lock his suitcases with careful precision. When he lifted them, Zhan slowly turned his face toward the window, as if holding something back.
"I'll take these to the car," I-Bo said, before leaving the room.
Zhan leaned back against the bed frame, waiting.
A few minutes later, he returned.
"Did you forget anything, Sean?" he asked.
Zhan shook his head.
"Alright," he continued, pausing slightly. "If we run into A-Bo, thank him before you leave."
Zhan lowered his gaze, gently rubbing his fingers together.
"Okay."
I-Bo smiled faintly.
"Good. Let's go."
They stepped out into the upstairs corridor together.
Just then, A-Bo walked out of the living room.
For a brief second, I-Bo noticed something....both of them were dressed almost the same. Pure coincidence.
A-Bo glanced at them once and kept walking.
Zhan looked at I-Bo. He gave a small nod and moved toward the stairs.
Zhan stayed back.
He waited until A-Bo came closer, then lowered his eyes.
"Good morning," he said softly. "I just wanted to thank you… for everything. I'll be leaving today."
Without even looking at him, A-Bo replied,
"Thank I-Bo. What did I do for you?"
Zhan watched him walk past.
Only when he had gone downstairs did Zhan click his tongue softly and follow behind.
In the living room, I-Bo was already waiting.
He glanced at A-Bo.
"Isn't your flight tomorrow?"
"I'm heading to the airport now," A-Bo replied.
"Alright. Should I drop my housemate first, then come back for you?"
"No need."
With that, A-Bo walked out with one of the staff members.
I-Bo turned to Zhan.
"You've been quiet all morning. Are you okay, Sean?"
Zhan forced a small smile.
"I'm fine."
"Did you tell your friend you're leaving today?"
"I did."
"When is he leaving?"
"Sunday."
I-Bo nodded slowly, then added,
"Go upstairs and check again. Make sure you didn't forget anything."
Zhan didn't argue. He turned to go.
"Leave your bag here," I-Bo added.
He came back, placed it on the chair, then went upstairs.
The moment he disappeared, I-Bo stood.
He walked over to the bag, opened it, and quietly slipped a thousands dollars inside before closing it.
Then he returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.
When Zhan came back down, he said softly,
"I didn't forget anything."
"Good."
He stood up the moment he heard A-Bo's car leave.
"Let's go. Your flight is in an hour."
Zhan nodded, picking up his bag.
They walked out together.
As they got into the car, Zhan handed him his phone.
"You forgot this."
"Thank you."
Then, without warning, I-Bo removed the SIM card and handed the phone back to him.
"Your ticket is on it. When you get back to China, just insert your SIM. And if you don't like the phone, I'll send you a new one there."
Zhan smiled faintly.
"Why wouldn't I like it? Thank you… truly."
"I know how you people love new things," he said lightly.
Zhan only smiled and said nothing.
The drive to the airport felt endless.
Zhan thoughts were louder than anything around him.
He hadn't slept properly in days.
And now… he was going back.
To whatever was waiting.
At the airport, I-Bo turned to him.
"You can manage from here, right? I don't need to come inside?"
He nodded.
"Thank you… for everything," he said, his voice trembling.
Before he could finish, tears spilled down his face.
I-Bo looked surprised.
"Hey… what's with the tears?"
He covered his face, unable to stop crying.
I-Bo sighed softly.
"If I knew you'd cry like this, I would've just booked you a ride here."
That made Zhan laugh faintly through tears.
He stepped out of the car and went to get Zhan's luggage.
Zhan followed slowly.
A porter came and took Zhan's bags inside, and I-Bo tipped him.
Then he returned to him.
"Alright," he said gently. "Safe trip, Sean. Message me when you fix your SIM. Send my regards back home."
Zhan lowered his gaze.
"I'll miss you."
The words slipped out before he could stop them.
He froze.
I-Bo smiled softly.
"I'll miss you too, housemate. I'll be in China next week, God willing."
Zhan nodded and briefly hug I-Bo unable to look at him.
Then he turned and walked away.
Everything moved quickly after that.
Check-in was smooth....business class made everything easier.
Soon, he was seated in the waiting lounge.
Then...
He froze.
A-Bo.
Sitting there.
Calm. Silent.
Zhan glanced at his boarding pass.
Then at his.
Same flight.
His heart skipped.
Without letting A-Bo notice, he quietly moved to another seat.
He didn't look back.
Didn't eat.
Didn't speak.
Just waited.
Boarding was announced.
Zhan waited until A-Bo stood up.
Then he followed.
Inside the plane, a flight attendant guided him to his seat.
As he settled in, his eyes met A-Bo briefly.
He lowered his gaze immediately.
But A-Bo kept looking at him.
His expression unreadable.
Because deep down...
He still couldn't understand it.
How I-Bo had managed to outplay him so completely.
Last night, when I-Bo saw his ticket...He just walked away saying nothing.
Now, sitting just a few seats away from Zhan…
He simply turned his face aside,
and closed himself off from Zhan completely.
Zhan, for his part, never looked in A-Bo's direction again....not even by accident.
And so, the plane took off.
Zhan had never experienced motion sickness before in all his travels, but this time was different. Perhaps it was the pressure weighing on his mind. The moment the aircraft lifted into the air, nausea surged through him.
He quickly unfastened his seatbelt, stood up, and hurried toward the lavatory, almost running.
A-Bo watched him silently.
The flight attendant who had earlier offered him a warm towel followed behind, asking if he was alright. Zhan simply nodded when he came out, unable to say much.
A-Bo kept his gaze on him until he returned to his seat.
Then he clicked his tongue.
The attendant returned again, this time with a tray carrying water, orange juice, and another drink. She offered them gently, but Zhan only took the water.
"Thank you… I'm fine," he said softly.
He also made it clear he wouldn't be eating during the flight.
He adjusted his seat, lay back, and pulled the blanket over himself. Sleep came almost instantly.
When the plane was preparing to land in Istanbul around 4 a.m., another attendant woke him.
Zhan forced himself upright, his head pounding.
After landing, he followed A-Bo with his eyes until he disappeared from view.
Then he stood up, picked up his bag and phone, and followed behind at a distance....leaving his amenity kit behind without realizing it.
They would spend two hours in the business-class lounge before boarding their next flight to Shanghai.
Zhan arrived at the lounge first.
Noticing it was the morning, he went to east himself, then returned and sat quietly.
About fifteen minutes later, A-Bo walked in, holding a bottle of pomegranate juice. He sat not too far from Zhan.
Zhan leaned back, resting his bag on his lap.
His headache had worsened.
After about thirty minutes, a man came and sat nearby.
He greeted Zhan politely.
Zhan returned the greeting briefly.
"Coming from America?" the man asked.
"Mm," Zhan replied.
The man glanced at his ticket and smiled.
"You have the same name as my mother. Can I call you Xian instead?"
Zhan nodded.
"Alright… are you traveling alone?"
"No."
"With who?"
Zhan glanced toward A-Bo.
The man followed his gaze, made eye contact with A-Bo, then got up to greet him.
After that, he returned and said nothing more.
Zhan finally had some peace.
Soon, boarding was announced.
The man...Dylan...stood and looked at Zhan briefly.
A-Bo walked past them, then paused without turning back.
Zhan approached slowly.
Only when he reached him did A-Bo continue walking, with Zhan following behind.
On this flight, Zhan didn't stay awake at all.
He slept the entire way.
They arrived in Shanghai at 4 p.m. on Friday.
After passing immigration and collecting his luggage, Zhan felt uncertainty creeping in.
What should he do now?
He had no working SIM card. No way to contact anyone.
His thoughts turned to his mothet.
He decided to try calling her.
Approaching a kind-looking woman, he asked politely to borrow her phone.
She hesitated, then handed it to him.
Zhan dialed his mother's number.
It was off.
He tried again.
And again.
Still off.
His heart sank.
Quietly, he handed the phone back.
"Thank you… it's switched off."
He stepped outside, pulling his suitcase slowly, unsure of his next move.
Then a man approached him.
"Welcome sir. We've been waiting for you."
Zhan frowned in confusion.
Before he could respond, the man had already taken his luggage and placed it in a car.
When the back door opened, Zhan saw A-Bo sitting in the front seat.
He froze for a moment.
Then, silently, he got into the car.
They were taken to a nearby hotel since the next flight wasn't until evening.
Zhan's room was downstairs.
A-Bo went upstairs without a word.
Zhan wanted to thank him… but there was no opportunity.
A-Bo never gave him one.
Later, the driver returned with their tickets.
Zhan tried to eat the meal brought to him but barely touched it.
He showered and changed.
Then, while reaching into his bag....
He saw the money.
The cash I-Bo had secretly placed there.
Zhan froze.
He stared at it for a long time.
:
:
At 6:10 p.m., they left for Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
They boarded their final flight.
By 9 p.m., they landed.
A car was already waiting.
Zhan stood aside, planning to take a taxi.
But the driver opened the door for him.
Reluctantly, he got in.
As they drove, the driver asked, "Where should I drop you?"
Zhan hesitated.
"I don't want to trouble you… just drop me anywhere."
A-Bo spoke for the first time.
"Tell him."
Zhan went quiet… then finally gave an address.
After a long drive, they arrived.
Zhan stepped out, heart pounding.
Children nearby ran toward him excitedly.
He gathered his things, then walked toward A-Bo.
Without meeting his eyes, he said softly:
"Thank you… for everything."
A-Bo replied calmly,
"Thank the one who put you on the same flight as me. That's I-Bo."
Zhan paused… then nodded.
He turned and walked away.
Inside, his siblings rushed to hug him.
He held them tightly.
Later, he entered his mother's room.
Lina looked at him with concern.
"Zhan… what happened to your phone? We couldn't reach you."
"It got damaged," he said quietly.
"Did he come to pick you up at the airport?"
Zhan lowered his eyes.
"No."
Then another voice spoke from the room.
"So you've returned….newly groom "
Zhan looked up, confused.
"Groom?"
The woman smiled.
"Oh… didn't Yiming tell you?"
She paused, then added...."Today… he officially registered your marriage with him."
Zhan stood completely still.
Everything inside him went silent.
Then....he let out a piercing scream that startled both his mother and Mama Salame.
His mother jumped to her feet in alarm, while Mama Salame gasped, "What is it, Zhan?"
Within seconds, the other women in the house rushed into the room.
But Zhan didn't stop.
He cried uncontrollably, his voice breaking with desperation.
"I don't want him! I can't marry him! I'm ruined… I'm finished! Please, Ayi… please help me! Protect me....I don't want him!"
His mother stood frozen, her face tense with shock, unable to respond.
Antu's Mama adjusted her clothing, which had slipped in her haste, and snapped,
"What kind of behavior is this? Yiming took you abroad, spent his money on you, and now you're saying you don't want him? Even if your mother sold everything she owns, could she repay what he's spent on you?"
Zuwei's Mama shook her head.
"No, Shatu. Let's think properly. This isn't something to rush. But this… this is pure stubbornness. Nothing else."
Zhan continued crying uncontrollably, barely aware of what he was saying anymore.
His younger siblings, Meilin and Meiqin, began crying too.
Soon, neighbors started gathering at the doorway, drawn by the noise.
Then Xiao Aiyin entered the compound.
His face was dark with anger.
"What's going on here?" he demanded.
Antu's Mama clicked her tongue.
"This son of yours returned today, and when his mother told him the marriage had already been registered with the man who took him abroad, he started screaming like this....saying he won't accept it. Now the entire neighborhood has gathered."
Xiao Aiyin turned sharply and headed outside.
Moments later, he came back holding a stick.
"Where is he...."
Before he could finish, several women rushed forward to stop him.
He ignored them, his eyes blazing.
Zhan saw him and immediately ran behind his mother, clinging to her in fear.
His siblings gathered there too, crying.
Mama Salame stepped in front of Xiao Aiyin.
"Enough! What are you doing?"
"Move aside," he said sharply. "Let me discipline him. Is he trying to disgrace me? Is he trying to expose everything and bring chaos into this house?"
"You will not touch him," she said firmly. "He's not an object. Come outside."
After some struggle, she managed to lead him away.
Inside the room, silence fell....except for Zhan's sobs.
Zuwei's Mama shook her head in disbelief.
"Unbelievable. So now he claims he didn't know about the marriage? After everything? This is nothing but pride."
Zhan collapsed to the floor, curling into himself, crying as if his heart would break.
"I'm finished… everything is over…"
His mother sat quietly on the bed, completely overwhelmed.
⏭ ⏭
By 2 a.m., the house had gone quiet.
Zhan slipped out from under the mosquito net where he had been lying awake for hours.
Sleep had not come at all.
His mind was crowded with endless thoughts, his body trembling with exhaustion.
He walked to the door silently.
His mother watched him but said nothing.
He stepped outside, washed up, then returned and sat down again.
For a long time, he leaned against the wall, lost in thought.
It all felt unreal....like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from.
His mother's voice broke the silence.
"Zhan…"
He turned to look at her but couldn't answer.
She came and sat beside him.
"What happened between you and Yiming?" she asked softly. "Why don't you want this marriage?"
Tears streamed down Zhan's face.
"I don't want him… I can't live with him. If he take me to his house… I won't survive it. Please, Mother… help me."
His mother's eyes filled with tears.
She said nothing.
Zhan leaned against her shoulder, crying quietly.
"Please… I can't do it…"
She held him tightly, patting his back, but still had no words.
They stayed like that for a long time.
Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he fell asleep against her.
Later that morning, around nine, his mother entered with a cup of porridge and some food.
She placed it beside him and sat down.
"Try to eat something, Zhan."
He just stared at it.
Then tears filled his eyes again.
Meiqin entered the room with some medicine.
"Ayi, here's what you asked me to buy."
His mother took it and nodded.
"Go finish your work."
Meiqin hesitated, then left.
His mother turned back to Zhan.
"Do you want to make yourself sick? At least drink something."
He shook his head weakly.
"I can't…"
She sighed deeply, wiping her tears.
"What do you want me to do, Zhan?"
He didn't answer.
After a moment, she said quietly,
"You can go to Nenne. Talk to her… maybe she'll know what to do. You know I can't handle this alone."
Zhan remained silent.
A little later, she helped him wash up and get dressed.
He felt weak, like he might collapse at any moment.
When he was ready, she said carefully,
"I don't want anyone in this house to know where you're going."
Zhan leaned against the wall.
"I can't go alone… please come with me."
She hesitated.
"Alright. I'll go ahead first and wait nearby. After I leave, wait ten minutes, then follow."
Zhan nodded quietly.
She covered herself and left the room.
And Zhan sat there, waiting....his heart heavy, unsure of what would come next.
Antu's Mama and Zuwei's Mama were busy arranging their food for sale while their children prepared to go out. Zhan's mother told them she was stepping out to a neighbor's house and left quietly.
They watched her go, exchanging looks.
Antu's Mama clicked her tongue.
"Look at that. While we sit here enduring everything, her son is sent abroad, living well, and ours are left behind to struggle."
Zuwei's Mama scoffed.
"They planned everything. Now they act like they knew nothing. Have you ever seen such a thing? Honestly, he should have been disciplined properly last night. This won't end with him alone....everyone connected to him will be dragged into it."
Zhan heard every word.
He sat against the wall, breathing slowly, letting the weight of it settle over him.
When ten minutes passed, he forced himself to stand. His body felt weak, almost weightless. He picked up a worn scarf, wrapped it around himself, and stepped out.
The moment he appeared, their eyes followed him.
He didn't say anything. He just walked out of the courtyard, each step unsteady, as though the wind alone could knock him over.
He found his mother waiting in the neighbor's compound just as she had said. The house was quiet, empty.
She stood immediately when she saw him, and together they left.
The walk to Nenne's house took about fifteen minutes.
As they entered, Nenne dropped the broom in her hand and looked at them sharply.
"So he's back already? Did they rush him home because the marriage is done?"
Zhan's mother sat down on a mat and greeted her quietly. Zhan sat beside her, silent.
Nenne returned the greeting, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I said he should be allowed to rest first. At least ask him before making such a decision. You don't just decide someone's life like that."
No one answered her.
Zhan slowly removed his face covering and placed it aside.
Nenne leaned forward, studying his face closely.
"What happened to you? Your eyes are swollen… what is going on here?"
Zhan's mother sighed, but still said nothing.
That silence irritated Nenne.
"I'm talking to you. Why are you quiet? Why bring him here like this?"
Zhan's voice came out trembling.
"Nenne… I don't want him. I don't want this marriage."
Nenne froze.
"You don't want it?"
Zhan nodded, tears falling freely now.
For a moment, Nenne said nothing. Then she shifted, her expression hardening.
"Well then… this is something new. But we will deal with it properly."
She stood and went inside. When she returned, she carried a large plastic bag. She dropped it in front of them and opened it.
"All these things he's been bringing me....I've never used any of them. Clothes, perfumes....everything is here. I don't need them."
She looked at Zhan's mother.
"You too, gather everything he has given you. All of it. Let it be returned."
Zhan's mother finally spoke, her voice low.
"You're ignoring the real issue. This isn't about gifts."
Nenne frowned.
"Then what is it about? Are you saying he should be forced into it?"
She shook her head.
"I never liked that man from the beginning. He comes and goes like he owns the place, no warmth, no respect. Always distant, always cold. That kind of person… I don't trust him."
She continued, her voice rising with frustration.
"He sits like he's above everyone, barely speaks, doesn't mix, doesn't even pretend. And now suddenly, this? No discussion, no warning?"
Zhan sat quietly, tears slipping down his face.
His mother finally said softly,
"He only found out yesterday evening."
Nenne scoffed.
"So everyone is being played. Good. Very good."
She paced slightly, then stopped.
"No. This won't stand. I'll send for Xiao Aiyin. Let him come. We will settle this properly."
Zhan's mother nodded faintly.
After some time, they left.
Nenne insisted Zhan drink something before going, and though he barely had the strength, he forced it down.
By evening, Zhan lay on the edge of his mother's bed, staring blankly ahead.
He hadn't eaten since then.
The room was quiet. His mother sat nearby, mending clothes.
Zhan's thoughts felt heavy, suffocating.
The reality pressed in on him again and again.
Married.
Bound.
Trapped.
He closed his eyes briefly, but even that brought no relief.
After a while, he sat up slowly.
"Ayi… where is your phone?"
She looked up.
"I haven't seen it for days. It went missing in this house."
Zhan said nothing.
He reached for his bag and took out the phone I-Bo had given him. It had no SIM card, but he powered it on anyway...anything to distract himself.
His fingers hesitated… then moved to the gallery.
He opened it.
Photo after photo.
I-Bo.
A-Bo.
Together.
Something about them stood out now....something he hadn't fully noticed before.
The way they carried themselves.
The quiet authority. The composure. The presence.
In one picture, both of them stood side by side, calm, almost regal. Not exaggerated....just natural, effortless.
Zhan stared at it for a long time.
Then he moved to the next.
And the next.
Horses. Expansive grounds. Settings that hinted at something bigger....something structured, powerful, almost untouchable.
He slowly turned off the phone and placed it back in his bag.
A voice broke the silence.
"Come out."
Zhan's body stiffened.
Xiao Aiyin stood at the doorway.
"He's here."
The words hit like a weight.
Zhan didn't move.
His mother spoke, her tone firm but controlled.
"He can wait. Zhan just arrived. This isn't how things should be done."
Xiao Aiyin's expression darkened.
"So now you oppose me openly?"
His voice sharpened.
"If he's here, Zhan will come out. Or what? You want to challenge me?"
Zhan's chest tightened. Tears began falling again.
His father's voice rose.
"If he won't go with him, fine. But he will come out and greet him."
Zhan didn't respond.
"Get up," his father snapped. "Or I will make you."
Slowly, trembling, Zhan stood.
His mother turned her face away, unable to watch.
Zhan wrapped his jacket again and stepped outside, tears streaming down his face.
The car was waiting just outside.
Dark windows. Engine running.
He knew who was inside.
He walked toward it, each step heavier than the last, and stopped beside it.
He didn't open the door.
Minutes passed.
Then the window slid down slightly.
"Do I need to come out?"
Zhan didn't answer.
After a moment, he opened the passenger door and got in...leaving it slightly ajar.
"Close it," the man said sharply.
Zhan pulled it shut.
The lock clicked.
The sound felt final.
The engine revved.
The car moved.
Panic hit instantly.
Zhan reached for the handle...it wouldn't open.
"Let me out… please....stop the car…"
His voice broke as fear took over.
"Where are you taking me… please...."
The man didn't even look at him.
Zhan grabbed his arm desperately.
"Open the door...please..."
The response came instantly.
A sharp slap across his face.
The impact stunned him.
For a moment, everything blurred.
His grip loosened.
He was pushed back into the seat.
A cold voice followed.
"Touch me again… and you'll regret it."
Zhan froze.
His whole body went numb, breath shallow, vision unsteady.
Beside him, the man continued driving....calm, controlled, as if nothing had happened.
💚💙❤🖤