The next morning, Zhan spent the day locked in his room, refusing to come out. He had realized that Yibo was having his meals in the sitting room with Granny almost everyday, and the thought of encountering him there made Zhan stay put. What he really didn't know was that Yibo didn't usually come out for lunch. His meals were brought to him because he avoided the sun, stepping out only at night for dinner. This habit contributed to his perpetually fresh skin.
Granny, fully aware of why Zhan was avoiding coming out, didn't press him. She believed in patience and preferred to handle him gently. As evening fell, Zhan finally emerged, dressed in a silky white pajama set and a small cap that barely concealed his hair. Holding his phone in one hand and exuding a subtle, fresh fragrance, he walked to the kitchen to grab a glass of slightly warm fresh milk before heading to the dining room.
As he entered, his eyes landed on Yibo, seated at the table in simple white clothes, holding a cup of water and sipping slowly. Zhan quickly averted his gaze, intending to leave, but Granny, who was seated with Yibo, called out, "Come, have a seat."
Zhan stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes briefly before turning around. Maintaining his calm expression, he looked at Granny and, in a composed voice, said, "I'm not hungry. The milk is enough for me. I'll head to bed now since I need to get up early for work tomorrow."
Granny glanced at Yibo, but he neither looked up nor acknowledged Zhan's presence. Yet, Granny knew he could hear everything. She turned back to Zhan with a soft yet firm tone. "What work? You haven't even rested properly from the wedding. And before you go back, you need to sit with your husband and discuss it."
At her words, Zhan's eyes hardened immediately. He stared at Granny but found himself unable to respond. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he closed his eyes momentarily and replied in a quiet tone, "I have a headache. I'll sleep now. Goodnight, Granny."
As he turned to leave, Granny called again, "Come back, Zhan. Sit down."
Zhan paused, taking a deep breath before returning and pulling out a chair to sit. He didn't say a word, and his breathing was heavy with suppressed emotions. He could feel the weight of his situation-sitting at the same table as someone who hadn't even acknowledged his presence. It felt like a direct blow to his dignity.
After a while, Yibo picked up a tissue and calmly wiped his mouth, signaling he had finished eating. For the first time that evening, he looked at Zhan briefly before turning to Granny. "Goodnight, Granny," he said curtly and left the dinning table, his hands in his pockets.
Zhan didn't lift his gaze as Yibo walked out. Once he was gone, Granny watched Zhan with a mix of pity and affection, her heart heavy at the sight of the clear resentment in Zhan's eyes. She could see how deeply Zhan despised this marriage... one forced upon him without warning or consent. It was evident that Zhan saw this union as a setback, particularly since Yibo was not only younger than him but also the younger brother of his best friend. Zhan couldn't imagine submitting to the kind of control husbands often exerted in marriages.
Granny quietly served Zhan a small portion of food and pushed the plate toward him. "Eat something before you go to bed. Don't sleep on an empty stomach, alright?"
Zhan didn't argue, especially now when his emotions were in turmoil. Slowly, he picked up a spoon and began eating as Granny gently encouraged him not to worry and assured him no one would pressure him into anything.
After barely managing six spoonfuls, Zhan drank some water and set the spoon down. "I'm full. I'll head to my room now."
Granny stood up with him and walked him to his room. She tidied his bed, bid him goodnight, and left.
Once alone, Zhan went straight to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Returning to bed, he pulled the blanket over himself. Silent tears slipped down his face as quiet sobs filled the room. His heart ached as the weight of his circumstances bore down on him. After so many broken engagements, fate had finally dealt him the cruelest blow-marriage to someone who neither acknowledged his presence nor showed him any affection. How could he live like this, tied to a man who saw him as nothing more than an obligation forced upon him?
Zhan didn't crave love, but he longed for a marriage that would grant him freedom, respect, care, and the affection he had missed out on since childhood. He hadn't developed a close bond with his mother due to his reserved nature, nor with his siblings or anyone else, except Bei, who was the only one making an effort to maintain their connection despite Zhan's aloofness. Zhan had hoped that his delayed marriage would turn out to be a blessing, bringing him a partner who could break through his reserve and fill the void with love and warmth. But fate had dealt him a hand that made him prefer to remain single rather than endure a marriage that would suffocate him emotionally and mentally.
The next day, Zhan stayed in his room and refused to come out. Fang brought him meals on Granny's instructions. Even at night, he didn't leave his room until he was certain Yibo had left the wing. Only then did he venture out to bid Granny goodnight before returning to bed.
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For days, Zhan carefully avoided any encounter with Yibo, even by chance. If he needed to see Wang Dad, he made sure it was during the day when he knew Yibo wouldn't be around. Similarly, he limited his interactions with Mom Ella, only stopping by briefly to greet her. He noticed Yong's occasional coldness toward him but didn't let it bother him. Neither Yong nor the one she was trying to please mattered to him, and he had no intention of changing that.
It wasn't until two weeks had passed, after Kai Xu returned and Bei came back to the house, that Zhan began to feel a little more at ease. With no one bringing up the topic of his marriage, he pushed it out of his mind and focused on finding a way to return to work. However, he was aware that he couldn't make any decisions without discussing it with someone else's, which made him suppress his desire to act.
On Yibo's side, it seemed like he had entirely forgotten about the marriage. He stopped showing up frequently and often had his meals brought to him. Sometimes, Bei would visit him, and they'd have their usual conversations, mostly about personal matters. Yibo mostly listened, occasionally contributing a few words. Bei considered bringing up Zhan during their talks but refrained, as she and Granny had agreed not to pressure him about the marriage. They believed things would sort themselves out in time.
When Zhan learned from Granny and Bei that Yibo had returned, he showed no reaction. It was a matter of no consequence to him. He had already dismissed the marriage from his thoughts, as well as the demands of Uncle Wen, Grandma, and even his mother. For him, living in the house without dealing with the so-called husband or the marriage was enough of a victory. Neither Yibo nor the arrangement held any place in his priorities. Similarly, Zhan wasn't on Yibo's radar.
This situation suited Zhan just fine-at least he had some semblance of freedom, even if it was limited.
This morning, Bei woke up with a sharp backache. When Dr. Kuo arrived to examine her, he prescribed medication and some treatments, which were administered at home. After a good rest, she felt significantly better, though still a bit weak from spending the entire day lying down.
Zhan helped Bei freshen up and eat something. Feeling slightly more relaxed, she finally answered her husband's call, which had been ringing for a while as he checked on her condition.
Only then did Zhan settle down, have his meal, and retreat to the bathroom for a shower. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and he was eager to sleep.
Yibo had been out all day at a new company branch Wang Dad was opening. Yibo was set to make a substantial investment in it, similar to his major stake in the company Zhan currently managed. It wasn't until almost 6 p.m. that he returned home. After resting and taking a shower, he headed to Granny's part, his Tom Ford cologne lingering in the air. Yong accompanied him, carrying a fruit salad. She chatted animatedly, her confidence and affection for him evident, a result of the bond they'd developed over time. She too smelled of perfume and wore a sleeveless flowing gown that showcased a tattoo of Yibo's name on her shoulder.
The living room was empty except for the large LG TV playing softly in the background. Granny was in her room, so they went straight to Zhan's room, knowing Bei was there. Hannah (I changed Yong to Hannah, because I really forgot she's not Chinese but American 🤭 sorry for that, course she is the daughter of Mom Ella elder sister) carried the remaining fruit salad, intending to offer it to Bei as a gesture of care and concern.
Hannah knocked on the door twice before Yibo pushed it open, and they both walked in. Showing concern, Hannah approached Bei, placing the bowl in her hand on the table and saying, "Oh, sister-in-law, how are you feeling? I've wanted to check on you earlier, but I had a slight headache, so I couldn't come. How's your health?"
Bei nodded and replied, "I'm feeling better, thank you."
Yibo, who had been standing with his hands in his pockets, glanced around the room and, seeing it was just Bei there, he slowly sat down on the sofa. His pale eyes rested on her, and he spoke with care, "How are you feeling? I was with Dad all day and only got back this evening. Dr. Kuo explained everything and mentioned that the cold affects you more. Why don't you stop sleeping with the AC on?"
Bei managed a small smile as she looked at him. His constant care made him feel more like an elder brother than a baby brother.
Adjusting her position, she looked at him and replied weakly, "I'm mindful of it, Yibo."
Hannah interjected, her voice warm, "Sister-in-law, we're all worried about you. We hate seeing you like this, especially Yibo...he cares so much about you..." She trailed off mid-sentence as her eyes drifted toward the bathroom door, which opened just then.
Zhan stepped out, wrapped in a light sky-blue towel that stopped mid-thigh. His wet hair dripped water, and although he was wearing a plain white vest, his presence still drew attention. Zhan didn't notice the others in the room and headed straight for the closet. "Bei, did Fang bring back the laundry from yesterday?" he asked casually.
The room fell silent. Hannah quickly turned to glance at Yibo, noting that his eyes weren't on Zhan but on his phone. She then looked at Bei, who was now staring at Yibo, clearly aware that Yibo had looked at Zhan first before pretending to be distracted by his phone.
Feeling awkward, Hannah stood abruptly and said, "Umm, Zhan, we didn't know you were here. Sorry about that. We'll wait in the sitting room until you're done getting dressed."
Zhan froze, his expression a mix of shock, irritation, and newfound frustration. He glanced briefly at Yibo, who was about to stand and leave, their eyes locking for a moment. Yibo looked away and headed for the door without a word, while Zhan, burning with embarrassment and anger, turned back to the bathroom, clutching the pajamas he had taken out.
By the time Zhan finished dressing and returned to the room, the others had left. Bei was now with Granny in her sitting room, along with Yibo, discussing his upcoming departure. As much as Bei wanted to bring up what had happened with Zhan, she couldn't. Her eyes stayed on Yibo's fresh-looking face, which betrayed no hint of emotion as he listened intently to Granny's instructions about returning on time, emphasizing the responsibilities he bore toward his family.
"Yibo," Granny said, her tone firm, "you should speak with Zhan before you leave tomorrow. See if there's anything he needs."
A silence settled over the room as everyone waited for Yibo's response. Finally, he stood, glanced at his watch, and replied, "I'm going to rest now. I have an early morning tomorrow."
He walked toward the door, and Granny called after him, "Make sure you talk to him before you leave." Her voice carried authority, leaving no room for argument. Yibo paused momentarily without turning back, then walked out, with Bei following close behind, trying to add a word to the conversation.
This wasn't the marriage Yibo had envisioned-one where everyone interfered in his relationship with his spouse. He had hoped for a peaceful, quiet married life without unnecessary complications. But he could already see that Zhan's presence would attract a crowd into their marriage, something he didn't want. He resolved to figure out a way to handle the situation.
When Yibo returned to his part, he took another warm shower, dressed for bed, and lay down, determined to clear his mind.
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Zhan slept deeply and peacefully, which was why he woke up late, not opening his eyes until around seven in the morning. He stirred slowly, still half-asleep, before sitting up and stretching. The top three buttons of his pyjama's popped open as he extended his arms, letting his feet touch the floor. Standing, he caught the scent of a cologne that filled the room.
Turning, he saw Yibo standing inside the room, looking at him. Dressed impeccably in brown Prada gabardine straight-leg trousers and a crisp white collared shirt, Yibo filled the space with his commanding presence and the rich fragrance of his cologne. His sharp, pale eyes scanned Zhan's figure, lingering for a moment.
Since their wedding, people often emphasized the age difference between them. But for Yibo, the disparity seemed to emphasize Zhan's youthfulness and vulnerability. The way Yibo looked at him made Zhan hesitate as he started toward the bathroom. Changing course abruptly, he decided to leave the room entirely, his frustration visible in his expression. For the first time, someone dared to brush past Yibo without a word, leaving him standing there.
But Yibo acted swiftly. He grabbed Zhan's wrist and pulled him back firmly, forcing him to stand before him. His expression was stern, his grip just strong enough to hold Zhan still. Zhan glared at him, attempting to free himself but unwilling to say anything.
"Let go of me," Zhan finally hissed, his voice sharp with anger. "This marriage is nothing special, so stop acting like it gives you any right over me. Get your hands off me."
Yibo's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze unreadable. He hadn't expected Zhan to speak to him that way. But instead of letting him go, he pulled Zhan closer, causing him to stumble into his chest. Yibo looked up, his face inches from Zhan's, before his eyes drifted to where their bodies pressed against each other.
Mortified, Zhan shoved him away with all his strength, sending Yibo backward onto the bed. But just as Zhan turned to flee, Yibo grabbed him again, pulling him down onto his chest. Their intense moment was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Bei walked in, with Hannah following close behind.
Zhan froze in shock, his eyes brimming with tears of anger and humiliation. Bei, realizing what she had walked into, quickly turned around, muttering, "Sorry, sorry." Hannah, on the other hand, rushed forward to help Zhan stand. "Here, let me help you," she said, placing a steadying hand on Zhan's arm.
Yibo, now standing, adjusted his watch and strode out of the room without another word. His face remained composed, though his jaw tightened slightly as he glanced at the time. He had clearly overstayed.
As always, Granny accompanied him to the car when he was leaving, along with Bei. Hannah clung to him, complaining about how much she would miss him. In the courtyard, Wang Dad was already waiting with Mom Ella, both giving Yibo warm farewells. Mom Ella, as usual, fussed over how much she would miss him too.
Later, Yibo stopped by Zhan's family home to say goodbye. He left his customary gifts for Grandma and Uncle Wen, even surprising Grandma with something particularly special this time. As he departed, Uncle Wen asked about Zhan's work, to which Yibo replied that Zhan could continue his job if he wished.
Yibo's convoy of cars and security personnel drew attention as they departed the street. Once he left, the neighborhood seemed to exhale in relief. Without Yibo's guards, who maintained strict order, the street's usual chaos returned. People reveled in their temporary freedom, laughing, arguing, and being as loud as they pleased, knowing they had no one to answer to.
Meanwhile, Zhan locked himself in the bathroom, consumed with embarrassment and frustration. When he finally emerged, he lay on his bed, pulling the blanket over himself and closing his eyes in an attempt to escape his thoughts. Sleep eluded him, however, as his mind churned with anger and shame.
Bei, returning to the room, wisely chose not to mention anything about what had happened. Instead, she retreated to her own space, her lips curling in a secretive smile, knowing exactly what she felt but choosing to keep it to herself.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛