When Zhan returned, he found Yuting sitting in the sitting room.
"Has he eaten?" Zhan asked.
"He had some tea earlier," Yuting replied.
"Is he still in his room?"
Yuting stood up and nodded. "Yes, he's still inside." She headed toward Yibo's bedroom, and Zhan watched her go before following behind.
Yuting pulled the duvet off Yibo's legs and gently called, "Yibo."
Yibo sat up immediately, his expression turning serious when he saw Zhan. He quickly pulled the duvet up to his waist and said, "Gege, I'm already feeling better."
Yuting turned to Zhan and asked, "Did you buy him the medicine?"
Zhan shook his head. "No, I got injections instead. I also need to apply the ointment."
Yuting frowned. "Let him take the medicine for now. We can do the injections later."
Zhan hesitated before saying, "But the injection is meant to be administered now."
Yibo quickly interjected, "I said I'm feeling better, Gege."
Zhan didn't argue further. He simply glanced at Yibo from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable.
Yuting asked, "Where's the heat cream?"
Zhan handed her the bag, and she took out the pain relief ointment. Zhan watched as Yibo avoided his gaze entirely. Without another word, Zhan turned and walked toward the door. Just as he was about to leave, he said, "Goodnight."
Without looking at him, Yuting replied, "Goodnight."
She then carefully applied the ointment to Yibo's legs and back. Yibo flinched slightly and murmured, "Mu Qin, what about the injection? I really don't want Gege to do it. And my joints still hurt."
Yuting reassured him, "The doctor will come later."
Once she finished, she left the room, allowing Yibo to rest.
That evening, Yibo sat in the sitting room, staring at the pepper soup Zihan had brought for him. He had no appetite and had lost some weight over the past few days. Although he felt better, he still lacked energy. The doctor had come earlier and given him the injections that Zhan had bought.
Yuting walked over and sat beside him. "If you don't want to eat, take it to the kitchen and cover it, Yibo. You don't have to force yourself."
Yibo didn't say anything. Instead, he took the phone Yuting handed him.
"It's Sen Wen," she said before walking back to her room.
Yibo hesitated before answering the call. "Hello," he said softly.
On the other end, Sen Wen immediately asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"You don't sound fine. Are you sick?"
Yibo's voice was quiet as he replied, "I'm feeling much better now."
"What happened?"
"It was just a fever, but I'm okay now."
Sen Wen was silent for a moment before saying, "I hope you get well soon. I'll come by later."
"Alright, safe travels," Yibo replied.
"I'll call when I arrive."
"Okay," Yibo said before ending the call.
He slowly started sipping his soup when the sitting room door opened.
Nainai walked in and stood still, looking at him. "Unbelievable," she said. "So just because someone took your phone, you decided to fall sick, Yibo? Do you think you can handle life if you act this way?"
She shook her head and continued, "Do you even know the kind of losses I've endured in my life? From childhood till now? I've had four miscarriages in my husband's house. I gave birth to twins who died on the same day. My room once burned down completely, and the only thing saved was a fan. A so-called friend once sent thieves after me, and they stole my bag on the street-luckily, there was only a hundred in it.
"In this world, the only people I have are my four children...your father, Zhan's, Beiting, and Zihan. Yet, I have never let any of these things break me. And here you are, making yourself sick over a phone? A phone that probably isn't even worth fifty thousand? If it's that serious, I'll give Zong ten thousand and have him buy you another one!"
Yibo didn't even look at her, let alone respond.
Yuting came out and greeted Nainai, who responded with a sharp tone. "Yuting, haven't you taught this boy anything about patience and resilience?"
"He's sick... His illness Mother," Yuting explained.
Nainai fell silent, watching her closely. Then she asked, "Since when does Yibo have an illness I don't know about?"
Yuting sighed. "Mother, have you forgotten about his condition?"
Nainai placed a hand on her cheek, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. "I don't want to hear another word. If anyone else hears this, they'll think it's something serious. Other than common illnesses, does Yibo have some undisclosed condition I'm unaware of?"
Yuting hesitated before saying, "Even just yesterday, his father mentioned that we should inform Sen Wen about his health situation sooner rather than later."
Nainai's eyes widened. She gasped dramatically, clapping her hands together before sitting down, holding her head. "I've seen it all, Yuting! Oh, the world has truly gone mad!"
She lifted her head and looked at Yuting. "Yuting, do you and Quentin even have any sense? Since when does Yibo have a serious illness I don't know about? You need to be honest and stop exaggerating. When was the last time Yibo was even sick in this house? Don't pin any false illness on my grandson! He's perfectly fine! Who doesn't get the occasional fever or typhoid? And don't you dare let anyone outside this house hear this nonsense. You people never have anything good to say!"
She stood up, clearly upset, and headed toward the door. "People have no fear of consequences. What is this nonsense about telling the boy who likes him about his condition as if he has some incurable disease? I won't have it!"
She stormed out, leaving the door wide open.
Yuting turned to Yibo and said firmly, "Make sure you tell him everything about your health. Don't hide anything from him."
Lowering his gaze, Yibo mumbled, "Yes, Mu Qin."
Yuting sat down, shaking her head at Nainai's dramatic reaction.
Yibo looked up and said, "He said he'll come by later."
"Then be honest with him," Yuting replied.
A little after five, Sen Wen called Yibo using Yuting's phone, letting him know he was outside.
After telling Yuting, she reminded him, "Don't keep him waiting too long."
"Alright," Yibo replied before stepping outside.
When he reached Sen Wen's car, Sen Wen opened the back door for him and said, "Get in and sit down."
Yibo shook his head. "No, I'm fine."
"Come on, please. You're sick, and you look weak. I don't want to argue-just get in."
Yibo hesitated but said nothing.
Seeing his reluctance, Sen Wen moved aside, allowing Yibo to carefully step into the car.
Once inside, Sen Wen looked at him and asked, "Did you go to the hospital?"
Yibo shook his head and said, "No, my doctor came and gave me an injection."
Sen Wen fixed his gaze on Yibo, making him lower his head. "What's wrong with you?" Sen Wen asked.
Without looking up, Yibo replied, "I woke up with a headache, backache, and joint pain... pain everywhere..."
Sen Wen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He removed his glasses and asked, "It does this to you?"
Yibo glanced up at him and nodded gently. Sen Wen couldn't take his eyes off him. Then, in a quieter voice, he asked, "Are you... a sickler?"
Yibo shook his head with a faint smile, trying to stay strong. "No, I'm a carrier. I carry the trait."
When Sen Wen didn't respond, Yibo lifted his head to look at him. He could see the pity in Sen Wen's eyes as he stared at him, clearly troubled. Under his breath, Sen Wen muttered, "Such a rare case... unbelievable."
Yibo only smiled and said nothing. Sen Wen leaned against the car, crossing his arms, staring at the gate to the house, looking visibly disturbed.
▫️🔸🔹
Yichen wiped the sweat forming on her forehead after listening to the man before her. Meanwhile, Xulin kept nodding her head in thought.
After adjusting her posture with difficulty, Yichen finally spoke. "So, Shaman, what do we do now? Please, help me. I feel like my heart is going to burst, or maybe I should just swallow it. There is no one in this world I despise more than that boy and his mother. That woman wronged me, ruined my life. Because of her, I've suffered endlessly. Shaman, help me, no matter the cost. I will pay whatever it takes. Just help me..."
The man sitting before her shook his head. "I already told you... this marriage will happen unless some higher force intervenes. The groom is from a wealthy, joint family...there's no doubt about that. And unless fate decides otherwise, everything is set in motion. I have seen it. I have even seen the wedding day..."
The Shaman stare at the mirror which Yichen didn't see anything in it, and he continue his explanation "The boy future husband is so tall and handsome... No he's very beautiful and they have a strong bond like soulmate" he shake his head and ask Yichen "Is he a Doctor?"
Yichen nodded, because she comfirm everything about Sen Wen.
Tears welled up in Yichen's eyes as she pleaded, "There must be something you can do, Shaman. Please, help me."
Shaman let out a deep breath. "I can prepare a script for you, but you must write exactly what you want in it. However, I must be clear-no death. That boy has a long life ahead of him, and so does his future spouse. No force can separate them. As for your daughter, the one you want him to choose instead-it's impossible. He is not her destined husband. And let me remind you, your mother-in-law is already standing guard over him. Our influence over her, as always, is minimal. You already know that."
Yichen wiped her tears, took the piece of paper and pen the Shaman handed her, placed them on the floor, and started writing...
:-*:-*:-*:-*
Late at night, Yibo lay on the couch in the sitting room while Nainai poured a strange herbal powder into the milk in front of her. Meiling walked in, placed the food she was holding on the table, and greeted Nainai.
Nainai handed her the cup and said, "Take this to that boy."
Yibo immediately turned his back to them, pouting. Nainai glanced at Meiling and sighed. "Look at this disrespect. What kind of boy is this? Does he even know where this medicine came from?"
Yibo huffed, "I already told you I took medicine earlier. How am I supposed to mix two different kinds?"
Nainai put down her spoon and rested her chin in her hand. "Oh, this Quentin's son is just too stubborn. What's the problem with drinking medicine? It's not bitter, it's not thick, it's not spicy, it's not even strong-it'll just refresh his teste and make him feel better. And yet, your parents are already making up illnesses for you, labeling you with some unknown sickness. When a boy is about to get married, he's supposed to drink whatever herbal concoction is given to him to ward off bad luck and enemies.
I'm only trying to help you, and you're treating me like this. If it were up to your mother, you'd be dead before she even lifted a finger to help. Your father, Quentin, is off working in Shanghai, and besides the heavens, I'm the only one looking out for you. Now, get up and drink this medicine. I'm not wasting my efforts on nothing! My mother didn't send me into this world to serve an ungrateful child like you! Even your father didn't get this kind of care from me!"
Meiling set the cup back down, realizing that Yibo wasn't going to take it. "Nainai, I'm going to eat now," she said.
Nainai waved her off. "Fine, but come back when you're done to drink this herbal too. You and those troublemakers with Xinyi... you're all the same. But what can I do? Zong is my son, after all."
Meiling didn't respond and was about to leave when Zhan walked into the room. She greeted him and left.
Nainai looked at him and said, "Zhan, so, has the phone been found? Or did it just vanish into thin air? I bet someone climbed over the wall and stole it. From now on, I'm locking the doors with a chain when I go out. Do you hear me? This house won't be open for just anyone to come and go as they please."
Zhan greeted her before saying, "I come to pick up the suitcases."
Nainai gave him a long look. "Why doesn't Yichen come and carry them herself? I'd like to see that happen. She really thinks she can order people around...
And as for this boy-talk to him. Tell him to stop being so difficult and drink the milk already. Do you think I stole money to buy this medicine? That cup right there cost me ten thousand yuan, and A-Ji went to get it for me!"
Zhan didn't even look at Yibo as he said, "They're not finishing up packing the suitcases. That's why they'll be picked up soon."
Nainai scoffed. "Oh really? Even Zong wouldn't dare order the suitcases to be taken, let alone you."
Zhan kept his face expressionless as he stared at her, then turned around and walked out.
The Next Morning
Zhan entered the sitting room after receiving a call from Zong. Zong, watching him closely, said, "Yibo's condition has worsened. Yuting just called me..."
Zhan replied, "Then take him to the hospital."
Zong raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to take him?"
Shaking his head, Zhan said, "I have somewhere else to be, Papa. Besides, his doctor is in town."
Zong simply looked at him without saying anything. After a moment, Zhan added, "I'll go get ready now."
Zong sighed. "Alright then."
Zhan turned and left the sitting room.
Around 4 PM
Yuting and Zihan returned from the hospital with Yibo. Yuting went straight to the kitchen to prepare some light food for him.
Meanwhile, Yibo, lying on the couch, noticed Yuting's phone vibrating beside him. Curious, he picked it up and glanced at the screen. It was Sen Wen calling. He let it ring until it was about to cut off, then hesitantly answered, "Hello?"
Sen Wen's voice came through. "Did you make it home?"
Yibo hesitated. "Um..."
"Alright. I'll bring your medicine before six, but I need to see the one they gave you at the hospital first."
"Okay," Yibo replied softly.
"Take care," Sen Wen said.
"Thanks," Yibo murmured.
"Do you need anything else?" Sen Wen asked.
"No," Yibo replied.
"Are you sure?"
Yibo nodded, as if Sen Wen could see him.
"Alright, I'll be there soon," Sen Wen said before ending the call.
At 5:55 PM
Seth entered the sitting room, where Yibo was now freshly showered and dressed, eating the pepper soup Yuting had made for him.
Seth sat down and smiled. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
Yibo returned the smile. "Better, Seth ge."
"Good. Hope you recover quickly. Where's Aunty?"
"She's in her room."
"Alright. Do you need anything?"
Yibo pouted slightly and said, "I just really want some tofu."
Seth raised an eyebrow. "Tofu?"
Yibo nodded slowly.
Chuckling, Seth said, "Alright, I'll get some for you. I'll bring it over later. Tell Aunty I said hi when she comes out."
"Okay," Yibo replied.
Seth left, and not even five minutes later, Sen Wen called.
"I'm outside," Sen Wen informed him.
"Come in," Yibo said.
Sen Wen hesitated. "I feel awkward around your mom."
Yibo laughed. "She's in her room."
"Alright, I'm coming in."
After hanging up, Yibo got up and went to Yuting's room to let her know that Sen Wen was coming in. She nodded in acknowledgment, and Yibo returned to the sitting room.
As he was about to put away his bowl, Sen Wen knocked on the door before stepping inside. Yibo lowered his gaze as Sen Wen took a seat across from him and placed a paper bag on the floor.
"How are you feeling, Yibo?" Sen Wen asked.
Yibo gave a small smile. "I'm doing better. Thanks for coming."
"How was your day?"
"It was fine."
"Where's the medication they gave you at the hospital?"
Yibo stood up and went to his room, while Sen Wen watched him leave. A moment later, Yibo returned with a bag of prescribed medicine and placed it beside Sen Wen before sitting back down.
Sen Wen examined the medicines, then pulled out another small bag from his pocket and handed it to Yibo. "You can take these as well. I wrote the prescription on the label."
Yibo nodded.
Sen Wen then took out a tube of ointment and said, "Apply this anywhere you feel pain."
"Okay," Yibo replied softly.
Sen Wen smiled slightly and, lowering his voice, asked, "Want me to apply it for you, dear?"
Yibo's eyes widened in shock. He quickly hid his face against the couch, making Sen Wen chuckle.
Seeing that Yibo refused to look at him, Sen Wen changed the subject. "You haven't finished your pepper soup."
Yibo peeked up at him and said, "Do you want some?"
Sen Wen ran a hand through his beard and smiled. "You didn't even offer me any."
Yibo grabbed the bowl and placed it in front of him.
Sen Wen's eyes widened. "I was only joking."
"Well, now you have to eat it," Yibo said with a small smile.
Sen Wen sighed in defeat.
Sen Wen widened his eyes dramatically and said, "Please, just take it before your mom comes out."
Yibo, acting spoiled, insisted, "Not until you eat it."
"Alright, alright! If I eat, will you take it?"
Yibo smiled. "Yes."
Sen Wen sighed. "Fine, lift it up for me."
Yibo picked up the bowl with both hands, kneeling in front of him while smiling mischievously. Sen Wen closed his eyes briefly before taking a spoonful of soup. He pretended as if he was about to feed Yibo, making Yibo jerk back in surprise. Instead, Sen Wen brought the spoon to his own mouth and took a bite.
Yibo's eyes widened as he watched him. Sen Wen closed his eyes in satisfaction and murmured, "It's delicious."
Yibo started laughing quietly. "So, you do love good food after all."
Sen Wen quickly opened his eyes, slightly embarrassed. Yibo leaned back, still giggling.
Sen Wen smiled. "I'll get my revenge for that."
Yibo playfully stretched out his hands. "Or maybe you'll just lose again."
Sen Wen gazed at him affectionately, making Yibo pout. "Stop looking at me like that."
Sen Wen turned his gaze away, still smiling. "Someday, you'll have to explain why I should stop."
Just then, the sitting room door opened. Both of them turned toward it as Quentin walked in, carrying his laptop bag, with Zhan following behind, holding a travel suitcase.
Yibo's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly stood up. "Fu Qin!"
Quentin smiled at him warmly. He wanted to hug him, but with Sen Wen there, he hesitated.
Yibo approached him excitedly. "Welcome back, Fu Qin! You didn't tell me you were coming home today."
Quentin patted his head. "I just decided to check on you, son. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm much better, Fu Qin. I even ate already."
Yibo took the bag from his father's hands as Quentin walked further into the room, glancing at Sen Wen, who lowered his head slightly in respect.
"Sen Wen," Quentin greeted.
"Welcome back, sir," Sen Wen replied politely.
"Thank you, son. How's work?"
"All good, sir."
Quentin nodded. "And how's our patient doing?"
"She's improving," Sen Wen responded.
"Good to hear," Quentin said with satisfaction.
Sen Wen then turned to Zhan. "Good evening."
Zhan, feeling slightly dizzy from exhaustion, had been spacing out since they walked in. When he finally processed Sen Wen's words, he simply muttered, "Evening."
He placed the bag down and turned to Quentin. "Rest well, Shushu."
"Thank you, son."
Meanwhile, Yibo didn't spare Zhan a single glance, just as Zhan didn't look at him. Without another word, Zhan turned toward the door, while Quentin headed to his bedroom.
Sen Wen stood up and looked at Yibo. "I was so nervous right now."
Yibo chuckled. "Nervous about what?"
Sen Wen ran a hand through his hair. "Your dad, obviously."
Yibo smiled but didn't say anything.
Sen Wen sighed. "Give my regards to your Mom. I should get going now."
"Alright, thanks again."
"Take care of yourself, and don't skip your meds."
"I won't," Yibo reassured him with a small smile.
Sen Wen raised an eyebrow. "You're not even going to walk me out?"
Yibo pouted. "What if I collapse on the way?"
Sen Wen smirked. "Then I'll carry you, sweetheart."
Yibo's face turned red as he quickly hid it behind his hands.
Chuckling, Sen Wen walked toward the door. Just as he was about to step out, Yibo's eyes widened. "Wait, you forgot your bag!"
Without turning back, Sen Wen waved a hand dismissively. "That's yours."
Yibo paused for a moment before following after him. He caught up and walked beside him in silence. Sen Wen, on the other hand, kept glancing at Yibo, who stubbornly refused to meet his gaze.
On the other side, Yichen, stepped out and headed toward the parking space. It was clear from her appearance that she was about to go out.
Sen Wen glanced at her and greeted, "Good afternoon."
"Afternoon," she responded briefly.
Yibo lowered his head slightly and mumbled, "Good afternoon."
Yichen completely ignored him, opening the back seat door to get in. Yibo didn't look at her either and walked out alongside Sen Wen.
As they stepped outside, Yibo's gaze accidentally met Zhan's. He was sitting by a small stall near the gate. Startled, Yibo quickly looked away. Sen Wen, however, didn't even notice Zhan as he continued toward his car, with Yibo following closely behind.
Sen Wen glanced at Yibo and said, "Keep greeting her. One day, she'll respond. You won't lose anything by being polite."
Yibo only smiled faintly.
Sen Wen studied him with his deep-set eyes before lowering his voice. "Please, sweetheart, eat more. You've lost weight."
Yibo's eyes widened. "No, this is just how I am."
Sen Wen said nothing, only watching him closely. Yibo lowered his gaze, nervously playing with his fingers.
Barely above a whisper, Sen Wen murmured, "I've loved you since day one, Yibo..."
Yibo froze, his heartbeat quickening. He couldn't bring himself to look at him.
Gently, Sen Wen took Yibo's hand and closed his eyes as he leaned in, bringing it close to his lips. But before he could press a kiss, Yibo quickly pulled his hand away, stealing a glance in Zhan's direction.
Sen Wen followed his gaze-and their eyes met with Zhan's.
Sen Wen exhaled softly and said, "We'll talk later, dear." Without another word, he got into his car.
Yibo turned toward the gate, his heart pounding as he discreetly glanced at Zhan, who was still watching them with an unreadable expression.
Closing the gate behind him, Yibo stole one last look at Zhan before quickly heading inside.
:-*:-*:-*:-*
After parking the car, Zhan turned to look at his mother, Yichen, who was sitting in the backseat, engrossed in her phone. She suddenly lifted her head and said, "Oh, we've already arrived."
Setting her phone aside, she opened the door and said, "Wait for me, I won't take long."
"Mom, I have work to get to. Please don't take too long," Zhan said, sounding impatient.
"I know, I won't be long," Yichen reassured him before stepping out of the car and heading into Fang's house. It was the only large house on the street.
Inside the sitting room, Fang looked up from her seat and asked, "Where are you coming from, Yichen?"
"From home," Yichen replied, settling down. "I needed to bring Xulin the money she lent me so she can pass it to that man. Also, make sure to get ready-next week, we'll be sending the wedding gifts to Ning Li's."
Fang nodded. "Hope everything go smoothly. But where have you been? I wanted to call you last night or even come over."
Yichen smiled. "I had something important to write down for him. I wrote everything I wanted, and he assured me it's taken care of. It's a simple matter... You can't imagine how happy I'll be once it happens. If it works out, even Yuting will be heartbroken for the rest of her life."
Fang's eyes widened. "What exactly did you write?"
Yichen placed a hand on her chin. "He told me not to tell anyone. Just wait and see, my dear friend. Soon, everything will be revealed."
Fang hesitated before asking, "But will the wedding still happen?"
Yichen chuckled. "He said he sees the wedding taking place, but I doubt anything will happen that will allow it to go through."
She glanced at the time and stood up. "I should go now. Zhan is waiting for me outside."
With a satisfied smile, she said her goodbyes and walked out.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛