Zhan walked into the room before Bei even had a chance to enter. He turned back toward the bathroom, knowing that every time they video-called, Bei would inevitably bring up Yibo and insist they exchange greetings. But neither Zhan nor Yibo had any interest in such courtesies. Yibo had never greeted him even for ones considering he was the younger, and Zhan had no intention of initiating it either—not that it mattered, and that's why he dislike Yibo.
His billionaire status only added to his aloof demeanor, making him feel above pleasantries with certain people. Still, he always greeted Bei and Granny, their grandmother. Zhan, on the other hand, had no desire to involve himself in anyone's life, especially Yibo's, whose life seemed distant and detached, as though it existed in another world. Most of what they knew about him came from the news. Granny and Bei often lamented his infrequent visits, though he had recently started showing up two or three times a year.
When Zhan finally emerged from the bathroom, Bei was still on her video call, half of the talking was in English. It seemed to flow more naturally than their native Chinese. It was no surprise, given how much Yibo now resembled Wang Han, their father who lived abroad. Yibo's life revolved around his adopted Chinese-American identity, and unless he was speaking with Bei or Granny, Chinese was barely part of his vocabulary. Their father had been living in the US for years, ever since work took him there after their mother's death. He'd married an American woman who hadn't spoken a word of Chinese until she met him and began learning after their marriage.
As a result, even when their father called, their conversations were mostly in English. The family had grown accustomed to speaking multiple languages, rarely reverting to Chinese unless speaking with Bei or Granny.
Zhan moved to the water dispenser in his room, pouring himself a cup of warm water before returning to his seat. He sipped slowly, his eyes scanning the email Sarah had sent him. Just as he was getting into his work, his phone lit up and vibrated. He glanced at the screen, his expression indifferent, showing he wasn't in the mood for calls. However, upon seeing Dr. Kuo's name, he let out a quiet sigh, knowing he couldn't ignore him out of respect for his kindness and professionalism.
He glanced at Bei, still engrossed in her call, then picked up the phone, answering in his soft, composed tone.
"Hello, Dr. Kuo."
A small smile tugged at Dr. Kuo lips on the other end, knowing that this was the extent of his greeting—always formal and straight to the point. Zhan wasn't one for unnecessary chatter, which he appreciated. His own tone softened as he replied, "Have you left the office, or should I swing by to drop you home?"
Zhan placed his now-empty cup on the table, his gaze still fixed on his laptop screen. "I came home early before my shift ended. I had a slight headache. Thank you for asking."
Dr. Kuo exhaled softly, though he could sense the concern in his voice. "I see. Please take it easy. I'll stop by to check on you when I finish up."
Before he could finish his sentence, Zhan interrupted gently, his tone calm but firm. "No need to trouble yourself. It was just stress from a meeting, but I'm fine now."
Dr. Kuo didn't need him to say it outright; he already knew the root of his tension—Sen's antics. He had been avoiding him since their encounter the night before, during which he had nearly lost his patience. Sen, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to his disdain, viewing Zhan as his future partner regardless of his feelings. His jealousy was as intense as it was irrational, fueled by ignorance rather than sense.
Despite his eccentricities, Dr. Kuo's confidence remained unshaken. He considered himself the perfect match for someone like Zhan, failing to comprehend how someone of his stature and elegance could even consider marrying him. His determination only fueled his delusion, as he envisioned making Zhan the king of his world once they were married.
Zhan ended the call and set his phone down just as Bei finished hers and joined him on the couch. Bei gently closed Zhan's laptop, looking at him with a mixture of affection and determination.
"Zhan, we need to talk about Sen."
Zhan's eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned back. "Is my life destined to revolve around endless conversations about marriage?"
Bei shook her head slowly, taking Zhan's hands in hers, her voice gentle yet firm. "My beautiful Zhan, you know I've never pressured you about marriage. I believe it's a matter of fate, just like life and death. When the time is right, nothing can stop it. My only wish for you is that this journey brings you happiness. But I can't stand how Uncle and Granny keep bringing it up, and now Aunty's joined them in pestering you."
For the first time, Zhan smiled...a genuine, warm smile—as he looked at Bei's caring face. "I'm not bothered by their talk of marriage. And anyway, haven't they already decided? Four months from now, I'll be marrying Sen. That should give them some peace."
Bei's expression darkened as she frowned. "Sen Nan will never marry my Zhan unless he changes his ways."
Zhan laughed softly, pulling Bei into a comforting hug. "And you know what? As long as Bei doesn't approve, Zhan won't marry him. Simple as that."
They both burst into laughter simultaneously, as they still shared the same playful bond.
Bei said, "It's a promise, so don't joke about it. I'll help you choose a husband, someone I know will respect you, especially since your mother seems to turn a blind eye to everyone else. If you end up with someone unworthy, I won't agree to it." She finished with a soft chuckle. "You know, I even told Yibo that I'd assist in selecting his bride, as he's been pressuring me to get married early due to my health issues. Just like you stood up for Kai Xu when his best friend came with your proposal, betraying me by siding with them. If that hadn't happened, Yang would be my husband now, right?"
They both dissolved into laughter, reminiscing about the past, especially how Bei had initially been reluctant to marry Kai Xu. But Granny and Zhan had persuaded her father to arrange the wedding because Kai Xu had been in love with her since high school. Yibo had also favored Kai Xu, knowing his personality and believing he'd take good care of Bei despite her health challenges.
The two of them left the room, still laughing as they recalled their shared memories. When they entered the living room, Dai Jie looked at them and said, "Bei, remind your Granny that there won't be any late-night chats tonight. We need to prepare Mama package for the delivery to Hefei tomorrow."
Bei added teasingly, "Granny will probably complain about missing your nightly conversations."
Zhan's mother threw them a disapproving glance but didn't say a word. She couldn't comprehend what truly troubled her. Was it because Zhan, despite being the most educated and worldly in the family, still hadn't married? If they gave him away to random stranger to marry, she'd feel utterly defeated. It might even cause her to develop heart problems. Despite her hopes that Bei could guide Zhan, she found Bei to be just as stubborn, making it hard for her to understand Zhan's choices.
They headed to Grandma's room. Even before reaching her, they saw her stern expression as she sat by the door on a plastic chair, her large white-framed glasses perched on her nose.
Bei burst out laughing as she approached and said, "Grandma, my love!"
Grandma shot her a withering glare before turning to Zhan and accusing, "Are you planning to deceive me again?"
Bei chuckled and replied, "Why would I deceive my dear Grandma? I just wanted to..."
Before she could finish, Grandma interrupted, her tone sharp and filled with suspicion. "If you dare tell me that boy Zhan had any trouble with Sen Nan, both he and his mother will face the consequences of my wrath. And tomorrow, they'll learn of the harsh judgment I'll deliver. Let's see how far his education and sophistication will take him!"
Zhan silently listened as Grandma launched into a heated tirade, her words laced with anger and authority. His mother, overhearing the commotion from the kitchen, fell silent, unable to escape the scolding aimed at both Zhan and herself. Ultimately, Grandma dismissed them, declaring that if Sen Nan chose to back out of the engagement, they'd proceed with a charity marriage for Zhan...someone truly deserving.
Disheartened, they left Grandma's room and went directly to Bei's family Mansion. The house was renowned throughout the neighborhood for its grandeur, beauty, and exceptional security. Even before reaching the main compound, they had to pass through two gates, each leading to a fleet of luxury cars. Six vehicles were parked... three belonged to Yibo, one to Bei's father, one to Bei herself, and the last to Granny, who rarely used it. A driver always operated her car, as she seldom left the house.
Bei also rarely drove due to her condition, so her father and Yibo strictly enforced the rule of having a driver. Whenever Zhan joined her, Zhan would usually handle the driving.
As they entered the grand living room, Fang and Guan were tidying up for the evening. The two greeted Bei and Zhan politely before continuing their chores.
Bei and Zhan headed to Granny's opulent sitting room. The richly adorned room sparkled with the wealth accumulated over the years. The cool air from the air conditioner and the fragrance of Zhan's mother's scented oils filled every corner, permeating the plush furniture and curtains with a soothing aroma.
Granny, a petite, fair-skinned woman with a youthful glow, was seated, dressed in an elegant flowing gown. She looked up and smiled warmly at Zhan's beautiful face, which always brought her joy. Although she deeply loved her two grandchildren, Bei and Yibo, she held a special place in her heart for Zhan, who had become like family.
Zhan sat beside Granny, resting his head on her lap. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "Granny, I'm sleeping here tonight on your bed."
Granny gently stroked his hair, her voice filled with affection. "Be patient, Zhan. Marriage isn't a curse, and not being married yet isn't a tragedy. If your parents grow tired of waiting, come stay with me. I'll never tire of having you."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Granny, if I stayed with you, even you might grow weary of me someday."
Granny simply smiled, then turned her gaze to Bei, who still seemed upset by Zhan Grandma's harsh words. The tension lingered, leaving the room silent yet brimming with unspoken emotions.
***
Zhan decided to stay the night at Wang's Mansion. It was nothing new, as he had grown used to living a carefree life without stressing over matters. Having his own private room in the spacious house made it even more convenient. The room, located within Granny main living area, was cozy and peaceful, perfectly suited to Zhan's preference for a quiet environment. Even Bei often stayed there whenever she visited, as she rarely used their father's part of the house anymore, given its emptiness.
Zhan kept a few changes of clothes at Wang's house, so after dinner, he didn't linger for long conversations. Instead, he prepared for bed, intending to sleep early. It was only after lying down that he noticed the missed calls from Sarah. He calmly returned the call, listening attentively as Sarah updated him on the work she had left for him. Then, with a hesitant tone, she continued:
"Um... Sir, shortly after you left, Chairman Sen returned. He had all of our work records pulled out, going back to January. He pointed out several mistakes that might cause problems and even voided some entries. Worse, he mentioned transferring me from your team." Her voice wavered as she added, "Sir, please talk to him. I want to stay on your team. If I'm reassigned, I'm certain he'll eventually fire me."
Zhan sighed softly, his calm voice reassuring. "Don't worry, Sarah. I'll speak to him tomorrow. Just be careful around him. You've seen how he gets when he's upset; his judgment tends to be clouded."
"Thank you, Sir," Sarah replied, her relief evident.
"Alright, see you tomorrow," Zhan said as he ended the call, placing his phone aside. He shifted from his reclined position, letting his tired body relax fully as he closed his eyes, ready to sleep.
Meanwhile, Bei, who had been sitting nearby and trying to call her husband, overheard part of Zhan's conversation. She made a small sound of annoyance at Sen's behavior, silently preparing herself to accept him as her brother-in-law in the future. After failing to reach Kai Xu on her phone, Bei gave up and climbed onto the bed beside Zhan, her frustration evident.
"Are you really going to sleep here again tonight?" Zhan asked, opening one eye to look at her. "Come on, go to your room. I need proper rest."
Bei rolled her eyes and smirked. "As if this is the first time we've shared a bed. Be happy, you're a man, that is why I can't cuddle with you and drool on your shoulder the way i wanted to," she teased, laughing.
Zhan ignored her, closing his eyes again with a faint smile.
:-*:-*:-*:-*
The next morning, at 8 a.m., Zhan stepped out of the shower, a thick towel wrapped around his waist. His phone buzzed with an incoming call, but he didn't bother to check it. Instead, he stood in front of the mirror, applying lotion from the same skincare products he and Bei both used. After dressing in a sharp maroon suit, Zhan walked out of the room, his cologne, Vivian Rosalle, leaving a trail of fragrance behind him.
Bei was still lying in bed, complaining about neck pain from her usual health issues due to her sickle cell condition. Despite her frailty, Zhan's world revolved around her, their grandmother, and their father.
Zhan headed to Granny room first, but seeing she was still asleep, he quietly made his way to the kitchen. Fang and the other housemaids, greeted him respectfully as he entered.
"Good morning, Sir," they said in unison.
"Good morning, Fang. Please prepare breakfast for Bei and bring it to my room. She's unwell," Zhan instructed before heading to the fridge. He poured some warm milk into a cup, added a little honey, and drank it calmly. Afterward, he grabbed some dried fruits to snack on before leaving the kitchen.
The maids exchanged looks, as they always did when Zhan was around. They were impressed by his composed demeanor and disciplined lifestyle. Everything about him exuded elegance and self-control, qualities he strictly upheld to maintain his way of life.
Despite the family's modest means, Zhan's dietary habits were akin to someone on a constant diet. From a young age, heavy meals had always made him uncomfortable, so as an adult, he carefully controlled what he ate. While outsiders admired his refinement, his family often dismissed it as pretentiousness.
This, combined with his reserved nature, intimidated most men who approached him for marriage. Failed engagement after failed engagement followed, each one leaving him seemingly unbothered. Even Granny and Uncle often remarked that, he doesn't want to get marry.
With care, Zhan helped Bei, whose neck seemed stiff and as if she wasn't feeling well. After ensuring she had breakfast, Zhan called Dr. Kuo, Bei's doctor, to inform him. Dr. Kuo, who was always eager to see Zhan, mentioned he would stop by to bring Bei's medication before heading to work.
Before Dr. Kuo arrived, Zhan went to Granny's room to greet her and prepared warm water with honey—a remedy Granny had taught him, as heavy meals often didn't sit well with her.
After sipping the drink, Granny looked up at Zhan and asked, "Are you heading to the office?"
Zhan glanced at his watch before replying, "Yes, but not right now. I'm waiting for Dr. Kuo to bring Bei's medication. Her neck is stiff, and she can't move it."
Granny sighed and nodded knowingly. "Ah, the stiffness again. I hope she feels better soon."
"Me too," Zhan said with a smile as his phone rang, signaling Dr. Kuo's arrival.
As usual, Dr. Kuo, well-regarded by the family and familiar with the household, was warmly welcomed by the staff and security as Wang Bei's Doctor. The large gates of the Wang estate opened for him, and he drove in but parked near the first gate, as only residents were allowed to drive into the second gate. After greeting the security staff, he walked inside.
Dr. Kuo sat in the guest sitting room, where Fang brought him a steaming cup of black cinnamon tea. As he settled in, Zhan entered, sitting across from him. He gave him a quick glance and then looked away, saying, "Good morning, Fu's Daddy."
Dr. Kuo broke into a broad smile. Every time Zhan called him "Fu's Daddy" he felt a thrill because it signaled a closeness he deeply appreciated. Sometimes, he even wished Zhan and he were Fu's actual parent.
Zhan's presence was captivating. His aura made it hard for anyone to look at him with ill intent. Even Dr. Kuo found himself wondering if he'd ever be fortunate enough to win him over. But he also recognized that Zhan's strong character made it clear he was not easy to intimidate or impress.
After adjusting his tie, Dr. Kuo said, "Good morning, Zhan. How's Granny?"
"She's well," Zhan replied briefly. "And Dai Jie?"
"They're all fine," he said with a smile. "Here's Bei's medication."
Dr. Kuo handed over a small bag of medicine and explained, "Don't apply anything to her neck. Just give her the medicine and let her bathe with warm water. That should help."
"Got it. I'll give it to her right away since she needs it now," Zhan replied.
***
About an hour later, Zhan emerged, fully ready for work. He decided to stop by his family's house before heading to the office. Fortunately, Uncle wasn't home, sparing him from the lecture he would have given about yesterday's argument with his mother. He went straight to his mother's room, greeted her warmly, and endured the usual admonishments he was accustomed to hearing. Afterward, he headed outside, where he met Dai Jie, who was on the phone in the courtyard.
Dai Jie ended her call and walked over to Zhan, pulling him aside to offer advice. "Don't let our mother's words upset you. Keep living your life in peace. Not marrying early isn't the worst thing. Look at me—many of us married and divorced, and life goes on."
Zhan smiled. "Dai Jie, I think you deserve more sympathy than I do. You've had to endure a lot."
"Zhan, you should sympathize with yourself. At least I've had my share of experiences and have my child. You still have time to secure a good future for yourself."
Zhan simply laughed, gathering him things and heading out. To his surprise, Dr. Kuo was still waiting outside, ready to drive him to the office. He disliked unnecessary commotion, so he got into the car, and they left. However, as they drove, he silently hoped not to encounter Sen at Wang's office. His loud demeanor and disruptive antics would surely give him a headache for the rest of the day...
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛