The night of the wedding.
Yi sat Zhan down on the edge of his bed, she gazed at his face, which was red and puffy from crying. His nose, in particular, was noticeably red from the emotional turmoil. She sat beside him, her voice soft and filled with concern and motherly affection. Though her heart ached at the thought of parting from him, even if they would still live nearby, she gently said,
"Zhan, please stop stressing yourself over something that should bring you happiness. Everyone is celebrating your marriage, and you should too. Marriage is a blessing, and after all the struggles you've faced, you've finally achieved it. As your mother, I advise you not to let Mother or your Uncle Wen down, especially because of the deep love they have for you, which motivated this decision."
She paused before adding, "Do you think you can look Bei in the eye and tell her you don't want the brother she loves most in this world? Put that thought aside, Zhan. Now, you have a husband who will respect you just as much as you will respect him. You're partners now, bound by marriage, and you must grow together."
These words brought fresh tears of despair to Zhan's eyes, streaming down as he sobbed quietly. Yi continued, her tone firm yet compassionate. "As your mother, I'm telling you to drop any talk of ending this marriage. If you dare to bring it up with anyone in Wang's family, you will know the full extent of my anger and disappointment. Please, Zhan, I beg you, accept this marriage with grace. Honor Wen's efforts—he has taken your wellbeing as his personal responsibility ever since your father's passing.
"Wen has always treated you equally with his own children, and he deserves your obedience. He's worried himself endlessly over the struggles surrounding your engagements. The least you can do is honor his wishes, even if it's hard. Trust me, Zhan, this marriage can bring blessings and happiness if you give it a chance."
Dai Jie, who was present, added her own words of comfort. "Zhan, you've always been strong. I know this is hard, but marriage is a new chapter for you. Trust your family's intentions and remember, they've always had your best interests at heart."
But Zhan, overwhelmed by grief, remained inconsolable, curling up in a corner of the bed. The endless stream of tears left those around him worried and heartbroken.
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Despite the emotional tension, the wedding festivities continued into the evening. Guests from far and near departed, leaving only close family members. Uncle Wen, noticing Zhan's distress, decided it was best to let him stay home for the night rather than risk anyone in Wang's family witnessing his current state.
"Let him stay and rest," Uncle Wen instructed. "I'll inform Wang Han he will go back tomorrow. It's better for him to go when he's more composed."
And so, Zhan remained at home that night, still consumed by his sorrow, tears refusing to stop. His family watched over him, hoping he would find peace in time.
That night, Zhan stayed in Yi's room, refusing to see anyone due to his overwhelming shame about the marriage. His eyes were swollen from the tears he had cried throughout the night.
Bei, fully aware of the situation, didn't visit. She had gone to her home last night with her husband and hadn't called to check in. She had already heard from Dai Jie about Zhan's relentless sobbing, which only deepened her pity for him. Bei sympathized with his predicament—a sudden marriage to someone he had barely spoken five words to over the years. She also knew Yibo's cold and reserved nature, which only added to her concern for Zhan, as understanding someone like Yibo would undoubtedly take time.
By noon the next day, most of the guests had packed their bags and left. At Xiao's house, Qi and Guan were busy cleaning up after the celebration. By 4 p.m., the house was spotless, as if there had never been a wedding. If Uncle Wen hadn't insisted that everyone disperse today, some guests might have lingered for another week.
By 8 p.m., Zhan showered and got ready for bed. He wore maroon silk pajamas and turned on his phone, which had been off since yesterday's ordeal, before setting it aside without looking at it. He climbed into bed, ready to sleep. Yi walked in, saying, "Get up, mother Ping called. It's time to head over to Wang's place. Even if this isn't technically moving in, you'll be staying there for now, so get ready."
Zhan didn't even glance at his Mama and acted as if he wasn't going. After a few moments, he reluctantly got out of bed, slid his feet into slippers, and headed to his wardrobe. He pulled out a loose coffee-brown long jacket and slowly draped it over his pajamas. He then put on a warm hat, ignoring Yi's efforts to spray perfume on him. When it became too much, he choked out, "Mama, please, that's enough. It's too strong."
She laughed softly. "Alright, fine, I'll stop. But don't you think you should change your clothes?" Zhan's sharp stared silenced her. Smiling awkwardly, she said, "Never mind, this is fine. Let's go. Dai Jie will bring your things tomorrow. Wen is waiting with mother."
At Grandma's room, Zhan endured another round of advice and coaxing. They spoke kindly, trying to comfort him, but all he did was listen silently, his heart still heavy with anger and bitterness. When they finished, Zhan, Grandma, and Uncle Wen left together.
At the gate, Yibo's security team sprang into action, respectfully opening the door for them. Grandma silently praised their professionalism, though Zhan only managed a curt "thank you" as he walked past, heading straight to Granny Ping's part. The house was quiet, as all the guests had already departed.
Zhan walked ahead, Grandma trailing behind and marveling at the situation. Knowing they were trying to console him, she remained quiet as they entered the main hall that led to Granny Ping's sitting room.
The moment Zhan entered the sitting room, his swollen eyes focused on his bedroom door. He was about to head straight there and lock himself in, completely oblivious to Yibo sitting at the dining table, eating. Ignoring everything else, he walked into the room, leaving Grandma to settle herself on a couch, beaming at Yibo, who was still calmly eating.
Granny Ping, seeing Zhan's retreat and sensing his mood, smiled gently and assured his Grandma, "He's done well so far. He's obedient, and we won't pressure him. He'll stay with me until he and Yibo figure things out."
After removing his jacket, Zhan decided not to sleep just yet. Despite feeling betrayed and mistreated, he couldn't bring himself to stay angry with Granny Ping. Leaving the room, he joined the others in the room. Everyone turned to look at him. Granny Ping smiled warmly and said, "Come sit, Zhan. No one will force you into anything. You can stay with me until you feel ready to move in with your husband."
Grandma quickly interjected, "It's not about waiting for him to feel ready. He's not in control of his life anymore, and we can't indulge him just because he feels he's older or more experienced. His marriage is a fact, and he needs to accept that they're equals now."
Granny Ping smiled knowingly at Zhan, who was sitting quietly beside her. "He won't move in until he's ready, and I'm sure that day will come." Granny reassured him.
Grandma, frustrated by Zhan's silence, stood up and said, "Fine, I'll take my leave. Goodnight, everyone. Let's hope the first pregnancy will not happen in your part..."
Granny Ping cut her off before she could embarrass them further. "Goodnight," she said firmly, ensuring the conversation ended gracefully.
After Grandma left, Granny glanced at Zhan. With just one look, she could tell he had spent the entire night and day crying. Despite this, his face appeared fresh, likely because of the recent shower he had taken. The faint fragrance surrounding him had already filled the living room.
Her gaze shifted to the dining area where Yibo was still seated, eating his meal with the composure of a king. At that moment, Zhan wasn't even aware of his presence. Rising from her seat, she headed toward her room and said, "Bring me some warm water with honey Zhan. I'm feeling a bit tired and want to rest."
Without waiting for a reply, she walked into her room, leaving Zhan behind. Taking a deep breath, Zhan closed his eyes momentarily before slowly making his way toward the dining area to fetch the honey. His movements were calm and deliberate as he stepped into the dining area.
As he entered, he noticed someone standing nearby. It was Yibo, dressed casually in simple yet well-fitted clothes, his hands resting in his pockets. He was about to leave when their eyes briefly met.
Yibo's sharp, piercing gaze lingered on Zhan for a moment, as if trying to assess him. Perhaps it was Grandma's earlier comment about their age difference that prompted him to observe Zhan closely. He noticed the faint traces of tears in Zhan's swollen eyes, the silk pajamas he was wearing, and the slight height difference between them—Zhan being just a few inches taller. His gaze briefly fell on Zhan's slim figure before he averted his eyes and walked away, leaving behind a trail of his signature Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille cologne, a scent Zhan recognized instantly.
The faint yet rich fragrance filled the air, stirring emotions within Zhan. He exhaled shakily, feeling an uncomfortable tightness in his chest. Shaking his head, he hurriedly prepared the honey water for Granny, delivered it to her room, and retreated to his own. Yet, as he lay down, an inexplicable weight pressed against his heart, and it took a long while before sleep finally claimed him.
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At 9 a.m. the next day, Zhan emerged from his room dressed in casual red and black pant clothes that complemented his fair complexion. His radiant appearance was accentuated by the subtle fragrance that seemed to cling to him, making his presence noticeable wherever he went.
Wearing simple slippers, he headed to the kitchen to prepare a steaming cup of tea. With the cup in hand, he walked to Granny's room and settled into a chair. "Good morning, Granny," he greeted warmly.
Granny responded with a kind smile. "Good morning, Zhan. Have you spoken to Bei yet? Kai Xu called yesterday and mentioned that she wasn't feeling well. Her right hand is swollen and in pain. He also tried calling you, but your phone was off."
Zhan stood up immediately. "Let me grab my phone. It probably died yesterday. I'll charge it and call her before heading over."
Granny gave him a knowing look and said, "Heading over where, Zhan? Remember, you've just gotten married. You need to exercise patience. Kai Xu is already there, and Dr. Kuo visited her yesterday. There's no need for you to rush."
Zhan paused, his expression faltering as his eyes welled up with unshed tears. Before he could respond, Yong entered the room, her voice tight with emotion. The moment Granny saw her tear-streaked face, she knew Yong had also spent the night crying, her swollen red eyes betraying her inner turmoil.
Yong stared at Zhan, her heart aching with a fierce wave of jealousy and pain. But she recalled Mom Ella's advice: to suppress her anger and hide her bitterness. She had reminded her that enduring frustration and concealing her sorrow were the keys to overcoming challenges.
Everyone knew that Zhan and Yibo didn't share any romantic feelings. Their marriage was merely a practical arrangement, a union born of necessity to save face. Resentment and heartbreak wouldn't change the reality of being Yibo's husband or the eventual dissolution of Yibo's relationship with Zhan.
With this in mind, Yong clenched her fists and resolved to swallow her bitterness, no matter how much it hurt.
With a resigned sigh, Yong moved closer and sat beside Granny, asking softly, "Granny, good morning. How are you feeling after the event yesterday? I hope it brought blessings."
Despite her effort to hold back tears, they spilled over as Yong knelt before Granny, her voice breaking into a gentle sob. "Please, Granny, don't blame me for crying. My heart feels so heavy. I don't know what else to do to find relief other than letting it out."
Granny's heart ached for her. She understood how unexpected and painful this situation was, especially knowing that Yong's hopes for marriage to Yibo were now unlikely. Feeling sympathy, she placed a hand on Yong's head and said softly, "Be patient, my dear. Marriage is fate, and this was meant to be. It's Zhan who is now Yibo's partner in life. Your time will come; you just have to wait and trust."
Yong remained silent, suppressing her frustration. The comforting words were far from what she wanted to hear. What she craved was an assurance that her dream wasn't over.
After wiping her tears, she rose slowly and turned to Zhan, who was calmly sipping tea, seemingly indifferent to the conversation. Forcing a small smile, Yong said, "Zhan, I wish you all the best. I hope this won't create any discomfort regarding my past connection and relationship with Yibo."
Zhan glanced at her briefly and replied curtly, "Thank you," before resuming his tea. He had no intention of dwelling on anything tying him to Yibo's past, let alone Yong's involvement.
Yong studied Zhan closely, sensing the deliberate detachment in his words and demeanor. With a mix of hurt and bitterness, she turned and left, her emotions simmering as tears welled up again.
Later, Zhan returned to his room to charge his phone and called Bei. They talked for a while, though Zhan avoided mentioning the marriage entirely. Bei, sensing his reluctance, steered clear of the subject, and their conversation flowed easily.
After a light meal, Zhan made his way to greet Wang Dad, as they hadn't spoken since the previous day. He first visited Mom Ella, exchanging polite greetings as usual. Despite their calm conversation, Zhan could sense the unspoken tension, especially with Yong's presence in the background, avoiding him entirely.
Finally, Zhan entered Wang Dad's lounge, his phone in hand, and quietly closed the door behind him. Wang Dad was seated, engaged in conversation with Yibo, who sat nearby in a crisp white shirt and tailored pants. The outfit suited Yibo perfectly, highlighting his sharp features and fair complexion. Zhan, however, refused to let his gaze linger and focused solely on greeting Wang Dad.
"Good afternoon, Dad," Zhan said respectfully as he knelt on the floor in front of him.
Wang Dad smiled warmly. "Good afternoon, Zhan. I hope you're recovering from the festivities. It was quite a busy day."
"Thank you, Dad. I'm feeling better now," Zhan replied.
Wang Dad nodded approvingly and began speaking earnestly about the importance of mutual respect in their new arrangement. "Now that you're married and will be living together, it's crucial to build a harmonious relationship. Remember, respect and understanding are the foundation of any partnership."
Zhan listened in silence, his face unreadable. When Wang Dad finished, Zhan gave a simple nod and said, "Thank you for your advice, Dad," before excusing himself. He left the room without acknowledging Yibo's presence, acting as if he hadn't noticed him at all.
Once Zhan was gone, Wang Dad turned to Yibo with a knowing smile but said nothing. Yibo responded with a faint smile, silently acknowledging the stubborn pride they both possessed. It was clear to Wang Dad that their shared aloofness would be a challenge for them both.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛