Yibo entered their sitting room and went straight to his bedroom, locking the door behind him as he burst into tears.
About ten minutes later, Yuting returned from Zihan's room. Seeing Yibo's shoes by the door, she entered the sitting room, then walked to his bedroom door. Checking the time, she called, "Yibo."
Sitting on the edge of his bed with his head buried in his knees, Yibo immediately looked up. Yuting called again, and he quickly got off the bed, wiping his eyes even though the tears wouldn't stop. He hesitated, then opened the door and stepped out into the sitting room.
Yuting observed him carefully. "When did you get home?"
Struggling to form words, Yibo mumbled, "Not long ago."
Yuting remained silent, studying him with a hint of concern. Yibo lowered his gaze, his heart pounding.
"What were you crying about?" she asked.
Shaking his head quickly, he replied, "Nothing."
Yuting gave him a sharp look. "Come here."
His chest tightened as he approached, kneeling in front of her. "I'm here," he said softly.
Her tone turned stern. "What's wrong with you?"
No matter how hard he tried to hold it in, Yibo broke down again, sobbing uncontrollably. Yuting, despite wanting to remain composed, couldn't hide her worry. Lowering her voice, she asked, "I said, what happened, Yibo? Why are you crying? Talk to me, son."
His voice trembled as he tried to reassure her. "It's nothing, Mu Qin, really."
Yuting's expression hardened. "So you're not going to answer me? What exactly are you crying about? What happened to you?"
Yibo couldn't bring himself to speak, only shaking his head as more tears fell.
Yuting stood abruptly, causing Yibo to step back, his sobs growing louder. She watched him for a moment before hurrying to her room to grab her phone. She dialed Wei Po's number repeatedly, but there was no answer. Knowing how attached Wei Po was to her phone, Yuting found it unusual. She then tried calling Xia.
After exchanging greetings, Yuting asked, "Xia, did Yibo come to your house today?"
"Yes, he was here earlier, but he already left," Xia replied.
"What time did he leave?"
"Around six, I think. Is everything okay, Yuting?"
"Yes, everything's fine. Did he say where he was going after he left your place?"
"He didn't go home?" Xia asked in surprise.
"I'm asking you," Yuting pressed.
"He said he might go home or visit Wei Po."
"Alright, talk later," Yuting said before ending the call.
She redialed Wei Po's number, but there was still no answer. She tried again, but it just kept ringing. Frustrated, she put her phone down and walked out.
Not seeing Yibo in the sitting room, she went to his bedroom. Hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom, she stopped, her concern deepening. Her mind raced, wondering if Zhan had done something to him.
Yibo finally finished washing his face and stepped out, only to freeze when he saw Yuting waiting for him. Lowering his gaze, he said quietly, "Mu Qin, really, it's nothing."
"Did you go to Wei Po's house after leaving Xia's?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No."
Yuting's voice softened. "Then tell me what happened."
In a barely audible voice, he murmured, "It's nothing, Mu Qin. I just… I don't feel okay."
Yuting frowned. "You're not feeling well?"
He nodded.
"Where does it hurt?" she asked.
Shaking his head, he replied, "It's not physical. I just don't feel good… emotionally."
Yuting studied him silently, then finally said, "Alright. Come out when you're ready."
Yibo nodded, and she left the room.
Even after washing his face, Yibo couldn't stop the tears from falling. He tried to hold them back, but it was useless. He was still in shock. Slowly, he leaned his head against the bedframe and let the quiet sobs take over.
Yuting waited for Yibo to come out, but there was only silence. She sighed and stood up, feeling restless. She tried calling Wei Po again, but there was no answer...she knew the phone was probably buried under a pillow somewhere.
Quietly, she opened Yibo's bedroom door and found him sitting on the carpet, leaning against the bed, fast asleep. She walked over, knelt beside him, and placed a hand on his forehead...he wasn't running a fever.
Yibo stirred, slowly opening his eyes. Seeing her, he instinctively moved back.
Yuting gazed at him, then sat on the edge of the bed. "Tell me what's wrong, please, Yibo."
He forced a small smile. "Nothing, Mu Qin. I'm feeling better now."
She studied him for a moment before saying, "Then come eat something."
Moving slowly, Yibo followed her to the sitting room. Yuting served him food in the kitchen and called him over.
Yibo stood up from his seat in the sitting room and walked to the kitchen to get his plate. Carrying it back, he sat down and began eating.
Yuting watched him closely as he ate but said nothing. However, when he stood up to put his plate away, barely having eaten half of his meal, she spoke up.
"Sit back down and finish your food."
Looking like he was on the verge of tears, Yibo mumbled, "Mu Qin, it's too much for me."
"I said finish it."
Having no choice, Yibo sat back down and forced himself to eat, struggling with every bite. When he finally finished, he took his plate to the kitchen and returned to the sitting room.
"Mu Qin, I'd like to lie down for a bit," he said.
"So early?"
"I won't sleep. I just want to watch something in my room."
Yuting said nothing, and Yibo took that as permission to leave. She watched him until he closed the door behind him.
Yuting remained in the sitting room until around 8:30 PM when someone knocked at the front door.
"Come in," she called out.
Zhan stepped inside.
"Welcome," she greeted him.
Zhan gave her a small smile and sat down. "How was your day, Aunty?"
"All is well. How's everything at home?"
"All good."
"You haven't been around for a couple of days."
Zhan chuckled, rubbing his head. "Yeah, but everything's fine."
She observed him carefully. "Are you feeling unwell?"
He laughed lightly. "No, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
She shook her head. "No reason. Should I serve you dinner?"
"No, thank you. I already ate."
He fell silent, watching the movie playing on the TV. After a moment, he turned to her. "Papa asked for Yibo to come over."
Yuting nodded. "Alright. He's in his room, probably sleeping. Let me wake him up."
Zhan glanced at his watch, then at her. "Is he sick?"
Yuting shook her head. "No, he's fine."
She turned toward Yibo's room and called out his name three times, but there was no response. Frowning, she stood and walked to his room.
Inside, she found him lying down with the duvet pulled over his head. Yuting hurried over and pulled the covers away, but Yibo immediately shut his eyes tightly, as if pretending to be asleep.
She studied him in surprise before sighing. "Yibo, do you want to test my patience today? Will you really not tell me what's wrong? Did something happen that you're keeping from me?"
Still avoiding her gaze, Yibo slowly sat up and wiped at the corner of his eyes. "Mu Qin, please don't worry. I told you, it's nothing."
"Did something happen between you and Wei Po?"
"No. I wasn't even at her place before coming back." He hesitated, then added, "It's just… mood swings."
Yuting narrowed her eyes. "Mood swings? Alright, I'll just call your father and tell him what's going on. I won't sit here worrying while you sulk in silence. What kind of nonsense is this? You're not a child. If something is bothering you, speak up! Or is this some new kind of attitude you're picking up?"
She exhaled sharply before snapping, "Now get up and go....Zong is calling for you."
Yuting turned around, visibly upset, and left the room, wondering what was wrong with Yibo. She knew that even if she tried to force him to speak, he would stubbornly refuse to explain why he was crying. His unyielding nature frustrated her to no end. She returned to the sitting room and sat down, looking at Zhan.
"I don't know what's wrong with him. He's been crying for a while now. I asked him what was bothering him, but he refused to tell me. And it's not the kind of crying that comes from pain...it feels more like he's just being difficult. He was already upset when he left the house because I told him not to stay out overnight, but now this..."
Zhan stared at her. "Crying?"
Just then, Yibo opened the door and stepped out, his head lowered. Zhan watched him as he walked into the sitting room and sat down on the couch.
"Good evening, Gege," Yibo greeted.
"Yibo, what's wrong?" Zhan asked.
Yibo said nothing. Yuting kept watching him for a while before sighing and heading back to her room, giving them some space. Yibo rested his head on his knees.
Zhan stood up, walked over, and knelt beside him. "What happened, Yibo? Did someone do something to you?"
Yibo lifted his head slightly, pouted, and muttered, "It's nothing."
Zhan stayed silent for a moment, studying him, before saying, "Get up. Papa is calling you."
Yibo stood up, and Zhan followed as he walked toward the door. After a while, Zhan glanced at him again and asked, "Are you really not going to tell me why you were crying?"
"It's just mood swings," Yibo replied before walking off, not waiting for Zhan's response. Zhan stood there watching him, then sighed and followed.
In the sitting room of Zong's house, Yibo sat down, avoiding eye contact with him.
Zong looked at him and asked, "What do you want for your graduation?"
Yibo remained silent for a moment before forcing a small smile and saying, "Just do for me what you did for the others."
Zong nodded. "Alright. You can go now."
Yibo stood up, bid him goodnight, and left. Zhan watched him go, deep in thought.
After returning to his room, Yibo took a shower. While getting dressed, he received a text. He glanced at the screen and immediately looked away when he saw that it was from Sen Wen. Ignoring it, he finished dressing, left his phone on the dresser, turned off the lights, and lay down. Sleep didn't come easily. He kept tossing and turning until, eventually, exhaustion took over.
▫️🔸🔹
The next morning, despite waking up with a headache, Yibo forced himself to get ready and left for his lessons. He returned home around eleven, still not feeling like himself. The memory of the previous night refused to leave his mind. Every time it surfaced, his chest tightened.
However, seeing Quentin's car parked in the driveway lifted his spirits.
After showering, Yibo retrieved his hidden phone from the wardrobe and checked it. He saw three missed calls and two unread messages from Sen Wen, including the one from the night before. He refused to open them. Locking his phone, he put it back in the wardrobe, got dressed, and went to the sitting room.
He smiled as he approached Quentin, who had just come out.
"Good afternoon, Fu Qin," Yibo greeted.
Quentin studied him briefly before asking, "Are you okay, son?"
Yibo widened his eyes slightly, then quickly smiled. "Of course, Fu Qin. How was your day?"
"Good. How's your speech preparation?"
Yibo chuckled lightly. "I'm studying, Fu Qin."
Yuting, who was setting at the dining table, gave Yibo a side glance, clearly unimpressed.
Quentin smiled. "Your mother put some treats for you in the fridge."
Excited, Yibo grinned. "Thank you, Fu Qin!"
Later that evening, Yibo took some food to Nainai. After dropping it off, he entered the sitting room and found Quentin there with Uncle Hanba, Yichen, and two of Yichen's relatives.
Nainai sat on the couch, clutching her hands together, tears streaming down her face.
The moment Yibo entered, she looked up at him, her voice trembling. "She wasn't much older than this boy when Zong married her, Tang."
Yibo greeted them, placed the food down, and quietly left the room.
Quentin was sitting in the sitting room with Nainai after Uncle Hanba, Yichen, and the other uncles had left. Nainai said, "Quentin, I'm telling you this seriously.... I'm only tolerating Yichen because of you. I respect you a lot, but if she ever dares to give me a disrespectful look in this house again, her marriage to Zong is over. I don't care. I'll make sure she understands that I'm the one who raised him, not some outsider. Honestly, she's lucky because of you and Zhan. I went through all the hardships raising him, and he respects me. You respect me too, but Yichen? She doesn't even like your wife and son, yet you keep standing up for her. She has no love for you, yet she hurt Yuting and your son, Yibo, and here you are, worried about her. The world is truly unfair."
Quentin remained silent, just listening to her. Nainai scoffed, stood up, and continued, "I don't care. Yichen came to me with some useless people asking for forgiveness. If it weren't for Zhan, I would have thrown them out like stray dogs, and I wouldn't have cared what anyone thought. A woman who has no conscience doesn't deserve mercy."
Quentin watched as she entered her room and then came back, sitting down again. She looked at him and said, "You hear me, Quentin? The whole world knows how much Yibo means to me. Everyone knows that he is my everything. Since he is your son, he is also my grandson. At least that's something. So, here's the twenty thousand I've been saving... go buy a big goat and have it slaughtered for his speech celebration. And may he always walk the right path and be blessed with a good husband... like that boy, Sen Wen."
Quentin stared at the money she was handing him. She urged, "Take it, boy. Don't leave me hanging here."
With a small smile, he said, "But AYi, you know he's not the only one taking the speech in this house."
She scoffed, "That's why I said my Yibo."
He shook his head. "But Xinyi is also your granddaughter."
She opened her mouth wide in exaggerated shock. "Now I've seen it all! Listen to yourself, Quentin! Of course, I know that, but the heart naturally favors those who treat it well. Does Xinyi even greet me properly in this house? And you want me to remember she exists? I don't care. People should learn to do the right thing. And don't start with me... I don't want Zong overhearing this and getting mad at me. Just go buy the big goat for Yibo."
Quentin stood up. "Alright, thank you. I'll be going now."
She waved him off. "Just keep your mouth shut and go. Everyone will get a share of the meat anyway."
Quentin didn't say anything and left.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
The next morning, Saturday, the house was bustling with activity. Yuting and Zihan were busy cooking in the outdoor kitchen at Zong's place. They were making three different dishes along with fried snacks. The night before, Yuting had already prepared samosas and spring rolls, while Zihan baked cakes and doughnuts. Yichen, on the other hand, kept moving back and forth, her expression sour, as if she was searching for something. She went in and out, but she didn't greet anyone. The others ignored her in return.
Meiling and Xinyi entered the kitchen, both dressed in the new outfits Quentin had bought for the three speech contestants, including Yibo. They looked beautiful.
Zihan smiled. "You both look lovely. But you're keeping track of time, right?"
Yuting added, "I just hope that one over there is ready."
Meiling replied, "We're just going to have some tea and then call him."
At that moment, Yichen's angry voice came from the kitchen doorway. She was glaring at Xinyi and scolding her, "Go take off those clothes right now! I had your own outfit made for you... who told you to wear this? Do you want to upset me?"
Xinyi looked down at her outfit in confusion. "Mom, what?"
Yichen snapped, "Don't question me! Get out and change right now, is your father buy that for you!" She then began ranting at Xinyi before finally storming off.
Yuting continued working without a word, while Zihan simply rolled her eyes and resumed her cooking.
Meiling poured two cups of tea and took them outside.
By 7:30, Yibo walked over to Meiling's section of the house, dressed in his new outfit. He looked great.
Zihan smiled. "Wow, you look so handsome! But won't you put on at least a little powder, Yibo?"
Yibo chuckled and greeted her properly.
Zihan nodded. "Go to Meiling's room and use some powder, alright?"
Still smiling, he left and went upstairs to Meiling's room. He took her powder from the dressing table and applied some, adding a light-colored lip balm. His fresh and clean look made him even more attractive, as if he had put real effort into his appearance.
Just as he stepped out of the room, Yichen exited hers.
Yibo's heart pounded. He quickly lowered his gaze and tried to walk past her, but Sen Wen's words rang in his head. Slowly, he whispered, "Good morning."
Yichen shot him a disgusted look. "Since when do you greet me in this house? Or are you just nosy like your mother? Let me warn you... don't ever greet me again, not even by accident! I swear I'll slap you, you pathetic snake."
Yibo didn't say a word and continued down the stairs.
Yichen glared after him with open hatred, her heart burning with anger.
As Yibo returned to the kitchen, Zihan smiled and said, "You're already good-looking, and now you've somehow managed to look even better."
Yibo just smiled in response.
Zihan asked, "You've had breakfast, right?"
He nodded.
"Good, now hurry up and go. They're waiting for you in the car. We'll see you later."
Just as Yibo was about to leave, he turned back with a hopeful expression. "Yemie, will you bring Nainai with you?"
She chuckled. "Well, I can't say for sure, but we'll probably come together."
Yuting had been watching him closely, noticing how thin he had gotten, as if he had been sick for a whole week. Yibo bid them farewell and left the kitchen. Outside, he found Meiling and Xinyi already in the car, waiting for him. He got in, and they drove off to school.
Throughout the ride, Yibo was lost in thought until they arrived. Their school was prestigious, attended mostly by wealthy children, and the event had drawn many high-profile guests. Among them were the entire family of Sen Wen... including Wen Yo Lee himself.
Even though only his second wife's children, like Mian Mian and her younger siblings, attended this school, Sen Wen's mother had also come to witness the speech competition.
Quentin, Zong, Hanba, and Nainai's younger brother, Su Muyu...whom she always called "Little Muyu"...were also present.
A few students had already taken their turns when Zihan and Yuting arrived. Yibo felt relieved to see his mother, especially since it was his turn next. Mian Mian was ranked sixth, and Meiling was tenth.
From the moment Yibo locked eyes with Sen Wen, who was seated beside his father, his heart pounded. He immediately looked away and avoided glancing in their direction again. His mood shifted entirely as his turn approached.
Meanwhile, Sen Wen couldn't take his eyes off Yibo for even a second. His voice and pronunciation were flawless, captivating everyone in the audience.
Yibo finished his speech within the first 20 minutes, leaving a strong impression. Wen Yo Lee was so impressed that he immediately wrote a check for ¥2 million and handed it to Sen Wen. "For him," he said. "He speaks English and Mandarin exceptionally well."
Sen Wen accepted the check, glancing at his father. But Wen Yo Lee wasn't the only one impressed... two other guests also rewarded Yibo for his performance.
His speech perfectly highlighted the contrast between traditional and modern Chinese fashion while also addressing the dangers of a reckless lifestyle... those who wasted their lives drinking, smoking, and indulging in vices.
Sen Wen stood up and approached one of the coordinators, handing him a check. "This is from Mr. Wen Yo Lee for their student, Wang Yibo," he said. The coordinator received it gratefully, nodding in appreciation. "Thank you. It will surely reach him."
Zhan didn't arrive at the venue until eleven o'clock, accompanied by Ning Li, who was dressed in an expensive outfit and radiating an elegant fragrance. As soon as Yichen saw her, she beamed with delight, standing up from her seat. "Welcome, Ning Li! Please, have a seat."
Ning Li, casually chewing gum, shook her head. "Oh no, Aunty. You keep your seat; I'll just sit over there."
Yichen quickly got up and brought her a chair. "Here, sit down," she insisted.
Ning Li pulled the chair closer and sat down, barely acknowledging Yuting and Zihan, who were also seated nearby. She deliberately averted her gaze and kept chewing her gum. Yichen, pleased with her dismissive attitude toward Yuting and Zihan, couldn't hide her smile. "So, everything is going well at Zhan's house, Ning Li?"
Rolling her eyes slightly, Ning Li replied, "Yes, Aunty, everything is fine."
Since there were only twenty students, the event wrapped up a little after noon. The teachers then began announcing the awards and scholarships given to some students, including Yibo. The moment Yibo heard that Wen Yo Lee himself had made a financial donation for him, his heart began to race.
Meanwhile, Yichen, who had been listening, was stunned by the amount. She couldn't sit still, shifting restlessly in her seat. In contrast, Zihan was filled with joy, offering blessings. Zhan kept glancing at Yibo, but the latter refused to meet anyone's gaze. Soon, the crowd started taking pictures, with everyone eager to capture a moment with Wen Yo Lee, who was preparing to leave.
Mian Mian gently pulled Yibo away from Yuting and the others. "Come, let's take a picture with my family, please."
Yibo reluctantly followed her until they reached Sen Wen's family. Mian Mian led him to her father. "Dad, we'd like to take a photo with him. His name is Yibo."
Mr. Wen studied him with a kind smile and said, "Well done, Yibo. Keep up the good work."
Yibo lowered his head slightly in respect. "Thank you, Uncle."
The photographer on-site started taking pictures. Sen Wen, who had been watching from the side, stepped closer to his father. Noticing this, Yibo instinctively tried to step away, but Mian Mian held him in place until they took a group photo of the four of them together.
Yichen's entire focus was on them, her eyes practically bulging. Even when Zhan and Ning Li's wedding had almost been called off days ago, she hadn't been as anxious as she was now. The fact that Wen Yo Lee himself had acknowledged Yibo was something she never expected. Zihan, however, was fully aware of Yichen's reaction, while Zhan sat in silence, observing.
Once the photo session with Sen Wen's father ended, Wen Yo Lee left after making his own donation to the school's development fund. Then, Mian Mian guided Yibo toward Sen Wen's mother and siblings.
She turned to the woman with an eager smile. "Aunty, let's take a picture together."
Sen Wen's mother looked at Yibo warmly. "Your English was excellent. Keep it up," she complimented.
Yibo smiled modestly. "Thank you, Ma."
He stood beside her while the photographer captured pictures of them with Mian Mian. Meanwhile, Sen Wen never took his eyes off Yibo. Once the photoshoot with his family was complete, Yibo walked back to Zihan and the others, where they continued taking more pictures with Zong and Quentin.
Ning Li refused to take a picture with Yibo, and so did Yichen. Every time they saw Yibo nearby, they would avoid being in the same shot. Yibo and Mian Mian took pictures with Seth and some of his friends, while Zhan remained seated, focused on his phone.
Noticing this, Yibo walked over to him, knelt down slightly, and asked, "Gege, won't we take a picture together?"
Zhan lifted his head, his large eyes meeting Yibo's. Yibo pouted, took Zhan's hand, and said, "Come on, let's take one, please."
Zhan let out a small smile and said, "Alright, call the photographer over. We can take one here."
Yibo shook his head. "No, the background won't look nice. Look at those flowers over there."
Ning Li, who had been watching them closely, suddenly walked over as if she was in a hurry, nearly tripping as she sat down in the chair next to Zhan. Yibo glanced at her before standing up and shrugging slightly before turning away.
It wasn't just Ning Li watching them... Yichen was observing, too, blinking repeatedly. But with Quentin and Zong present, she couldn't act out. Otherwise, she would have already given Yibo a slap.
Zhan stood up and took Yibo's hand. "Alright, let's go."
Yichen remained where she was, her gaze following them. They walked toward the flower garden, Zhan still holding Yibo's hand. When they arrived, Zhan handed his phone to Mian Mian despite the presence of a photographer and said, "Please take some with my phone too."
Yibo was all smiles. As they stood among the flowers, cameras flashed continuously, capturing them together. It was as if Yibo wanted to disappear into Zhan's body, because their body are pressed together. Even Mian Mian, who was taking photos with Zhan's phone, couldn't help but smile sweetly.
Yibo leaned his head against Zhan's shoulder, still smiling.
Ning Li felt as though her heart would burst. A deep resentment churned inside her. Meanwhile, Yichen kept up a forced smile, engaging in small talk with guests while sneaking glances at them from the corner of her eye. Zihan was busy serving food and snacks to the guests, ensuring the designated portions for the scholars and students were set aside, while Yuting distributed books. Sen Wen's family had already left, having brought food, gifts, and other offerings.
The real distress, however, was for Sen Wen himself. From the moment they arrived until they left, Yibo didn't even spare him a glance, let alone speak to him. Never before in his life had Sen Wen felt this level of turmoil... not since yesterday, and certainly not today. He wouldn't have even attended if his aunt hadn't forced him. Even his mother had noticed his mood and asked what was wrong, but he simply told her it was nothing. Throughout the event, he avoided facing Yibo directly, only greeting Zong, Quentin, Zihan, and Yichen before leaving with his family.
By 2 o'clock, Yibo and the others left the school in different cars. Yibo and Meiling rode with Zhan because Yibo had been holding onto Zhan's phone, which Mian Mian had handed to him before they left.
Ning Li, sitting in the front passenger seat while Zhan drove, had a sulky expression the entire ride home. When they arrived, Yibo looked at Zhan carefully and asked, "Gege, do you remember the promise you made to me a few years ago?"
Zhan glanced at him, smiled slightly, and replied, "I haven't forgotten."
Still smiling, Yibo got out of the car. Meiling handed Zhan his phone before following suit.
Just as Zhan was about to step out, Ning Li grabbed his wrist, her face tense. He turned to look at her.
"I don't see the point of us staying here any longer now that the event is over. I think it's better if we just head home, Doctor."
Zhan tossed the car keys onto her lap and said, "Then go home. I'll come later. I don't think you have the right to tell me what to do and what not to do."
With that, he shut the car door and walked toward his family's section of the house. Ning Li watched him go, her eyes burning with frustration.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛