Late in the evening, Granny returned to the sitting room where Bei sat, talking on the phone with her husband Kai Xu, who was arriving early the next morning for the wedding. In a low, concerned voice, she said, "Hubby, it seems Zhan won't be getting married this time either."
Kai Xu, shocked and alarmed, asked, "What happened this time? Is Zhan okay? This is upsetting news."
Bei couldn't bring herself to say much, only that her worry for Zhan was growing. This time, what Sen Nan had done had struck him deeply. No one had ever disrespected him like this. The incident, involving Sen Nan stripping Zhan of his dignity in public, had humiliated them all. Neither Bei nor Yi had known how to handle it at the time.
Unable to sit still in the sitting room, Granny retreated to her room. Fang, who was waiting for her, brought over the oil and hot water she used nightly to massage Granny's legs. Seeing Granny enter, Fang grabbed the items and moved toward her room, but Bei stopped her and took the items herself, saying, "I'll do it myself tonight. Go and rest."
Taking the items, Bei entered Granny's room. She found her sitting silently on the edge of her bed, letting out a deep sigh. For the first time that evening, Granny felt her anger subside. At least now, Zhan would truly be theirs. No one would torment him anymore. However, she couldn't help but worry about Yibo's aloofness, arrogance, and his young age compared to Zhan. She feared Zhan might only see Yibo as a younger brother, which could strain their relationship. But no matter the concerns, the marriage was going to happen. Granny resolved that everything would work out in time. She would not push them too hard; they'd let things settle naturally after the wedding.
Looking at Bei, Granny gestured for her to sit beside her and said, "Come here and sit with me. Let's celebrate this good news. After all, you'll officially be the sister of the groom tomorrow."
Bei was confused and asked, "I'm glad Sen Nan and Zhan aren't getting married, but how can we celebrate when Zhan is still upset? I know he didn't call off the wedding on his own—it was because of what happened."
Granny allowed herself a faint smile. Stretching her legs onto the small coffee table in front of her, she said, "Massage my legs for me; I'll need them fresh for tomorrow. I'll be moving around the house to welcome guests. And worry no more—your father has arranged everything. Tonight, your father Han formally asked for Zhan's hand in marriage on Yibo's behalf. So tomorrow, there will be no further drama. The marriage will be finalized. From now on, Zhan is ours, and Yibo will be his rightful husband."
Bei froze in shock, her hand dipping Granny's feet into hot water too quickly. Startled, she exclaimed, "Granny, marriage between Zhan and Yibo?"
Granny pulled her foot back, replying, "Are you trying to scald me? Don't hurt me before I get to see their children. Yes, Zhan and Yibo are getting married tomorrow, and I'll live to see their happiness."
Granny explained everything to Bei, who couldn't contain her joy. Despite her concerns about the challenges they might face due to their age difference and their reserved personalities, she was overjoyed. For her, Zhan and Yibo were the perfect match. Rising from her seat, she said, "Thank you, heavens, for this blessing."
Rushing to Zhan's room, Bei found him lying on the bed, already in his sleepwear. Jumping onto the bed, she hugged him tightly and said, "I love you, Zhan. I love you so much!"
Zhan, half-asleep, opened his soft eyes slightly, glanced at her, and murmured, "I love you too, but I'm tired. Let me sleep."
Bei giggled with delight, saying, "Sleep well, Mr. Xiao Wang." But Zhan didn't hear her; sleep had already claimed him.
Bei left the room, heading back to the sitting room. She called her husband and shared the news.
Plans for the next day's ceremony were immediately set into motion. Per Granny's instructions, the wedding would be a simple affair. There would be no pressure on Zhan and Yibo to rush into living together immediately...they would be given time to adjust and let things fall into place naturally.
Meanwhile, Yi and Dai Jie had stayed awake, worried sick over the situation. Uncle Wen had not yet informed them of the wedding arrangements, and Dai Jie had spent the entire day checking on her mother, who had locked herself in her room since the incident.
By the time dawn broke, almost no one had slept. The excitement and anticipation of finalizing Zhan and Yibo's marriage took over as the family got busy with preparations. Everyone worked tirelessly to ensure the day would proceed smoothly, leaving no room for any disruptions or doubts.
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He stood by the large window in his gaming room, located within his part. The room was filled with every kind of high-end gaming equipment imaginable—tools he had grown accustomed to using wherever he went. His well-built physique and striking features could captivate anyone at first glance, especially when he was casually dressed, like now, in a black three-quarter length pants and a green sleeveless shirt. The green, his favorite color, accentuated his fair complexion perfectly.
He was on a call, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The quiet atmosphere was interrupted by a knock on his door. Without turning around, he muttered to himself, "It must be Bei Jie. She's the only one who would come knocking instead of calling, knowing I hate noise."
Ending his call, he left the gaming room and walked calmly to the sitting room, where he set his phone on the chair before heading to the door. With measured movements, he opened it and turned back, saying, "What is it this early in the morning? You know I don't like being disturbed at this hour, Bei Jie."
But instead of Bei's voice, he heard his father, Wang Dad, say, "We know, Yibo, and we're sorry to disturb you, but this is important."
Surprised, Yibo turned to see Bei standing quietly beside their father. Directing his gaze back to Wang Dad, he motioned toward a chair and said, "Sorry, Dad, I wasn't expecting you. I thought it was Bei Jie since she's the one who usually worries about things like this, especially in the morning."
Wang Dad took the seat, and Yibo joined him, greeting, "Good morning, Dad. I hope everything is well?"
"Yes, everything is fine." Wang Dad then gestured to Bei, who had placed a bag on the table before stepping aside. Yibo gave her a brief nod and said softly, "Good morning, Bei Jie."
She smiled and, clearly pleased, excused herself, saying, "I have work to attend to. I'll check in with you later if you have time." Without waiting for a reply, she left with an air of satisfaction, her gaze lingering briefly on his immaculate appearance. His white Channel slippers stood out, pristine as though they had never touched the ground, matching his meticulously groomed demeanor.
Yibo didn't watch her leave. Instead, he turned his attention back to Wang Dad, who now pointed to the items Bei had brought. "As you know, there's a wedding ceremony today, but there's been a change. The initial plan fell through, and we'll be proceeding with the alternate arrangement. Here's an outfit for you. Wear it later, as there will be media coverage, and we want you to feel comfortable."
Yibo glanced at the clothing, then back at his father, responding with a simple, "Thank you."
Wang Dad nodded and said, "Alright then. See you there."
Yibo walked his father out to the courtyard. As he turned to head back inside, Yong appeared from the other wing of the house, dressed in an elegant straight gown that showcased her figure. She smiled brightly as she approached, greeting him with enthusiasm. "Good morning, Yibo."
He gave her a quick glance before shifting his attention to the pathway where Bei had hurriedly disappeared, engrossed in a call. Clearly, she had other wedding-related tasks occupying her. Yibo turned back to Yong and replied curtly, "I'll talk to you later. I need to get some rest now."
Undeterred, Yong smiled warmly and said, "Alright, love." She watched him walk away, her heart brimming with admiration. Her feelings for him ran deep, and though marriage hadn't been on her mind before, she now desired it wholeheartedly. She was determined to win him over, often going out of her way to assist Granny in the hopes of speeding up their engagement.
Meanwhile, Zhan, who had woken up that morning in his usual composed manner, showed no signs of distress despite the recent upheaval in his life. Over time, he had grown accustomed to handling disappointments. The cancellation of his wedding, which typically would have worried Bei and Granny, seemed to bring them unexpected relief this time. Their joy lightened Zhan's mood further, allowing him to set aside any lingering doubts. After freshening up, he dressed in a milk high-neck polo shirt that complemented his complexion and joined Granny in the sitting room. Sipping a warm drink of honey and milk, he felt at ease.
Later, after bidding a polite farewell to Granny and stopping by to greet Mom Ella, Zhan headed out to visit his grandmother. Upon entering, he noticed her radiant joy as she chatted endlessly, her happiness filling the air. Uncle Wen had to remind her to remain discreet until the ceremony was finalized, ensuring no one else learned of the revised plans prematurely. Both Zhan's grandmother and Uncle Wen prayed fervently for everything to proceed smoothly.
As Zhan moved through the bustling household, he noted how everyone remained busy, seemingly unaware of the earlier disruptions to the wedding plans. He chose not to discuss the matter, finding it unnecessary. By early afternoon, he left the house, speaking on the phone with his friend Sarah, who was on her way to meet him.
The estate was quiet when Zhan returned. Most of the staff had left for the ceremony, which was set to take place in Wang Dad's courtyard. Soldiers and security personnel lined the entrance, maintaining order. As Zhan approached, they quickly opened the gate for him, and he offered a polite, "Thank you," before stepping inside.
Granny's sitting room buzzed with activity. Just as Zhan entered, Yibo emerged, dressed in a sleek black suit that radiated sophistication and wealth. His striking appearance commanded attention. Zhan averted his gaze and stepped aside to let him pass, while Yibo's piercing eyes briefly met his before he moved on, his focus sharp as he prepared for the ceremony. Guests who had recently arrived turned their heads, captivated by Yibo's commanding presence.
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The sound of footsteps echoed softly against the polished wooden floor as Bei guided Zhan toward the bedroom. Her hand rested gently on his arm, a silent assurance he barely acknowledged. Zhan's heart felt heavy in his chest, a weight he couldn't shake as he approached the reality of his situation. Uncle Wen's decree was absolute, leaving no room for protest, no matter how much Zhan's own heart screamed against it.
Bei opened the door to the room and gestured for Zhan to enter. The marriage suit was already laid out on the bed, its pristine white fabric shimmering faintly under the soft light. It was a beautiful outfit, tailored to perfection, but to Zhan, it felt like a cage.
"You should get dressed," Bei said softly, her voice a mix of encouragement and apology. She had always been the one to stand by him, to comfort him, but even she couldn't undo this.
Zhan nodded, his face drawn and somber. He stepped toward the suit and ran his fingers over the intricate embroidery, feeling the cool, smooth texture beneath his touch. He didn't resist when Bei began to help him change, her hands moving with care and precision.
"It's almost time," she said, fastening the final button on his jacket. "You look… stunning, Zhan. Truly."
Zhan looked at his reflection in the mirror. The man staring back at him was a stranger, dressed in splendor but with eyes clouded by sorrow. He turned away from the mirror, unable to bear the sight.
Bei hesitated for a moment before placing a hand on his shoulder. "It will be over soon," she said, trying to offer some semblance of solace.
He didn't respond, merely nodding again before stepping out of the room.
The Wang's Mansion courtyard was a vision of elegance, adorned with lanterns and delicate floral arrangements. Guests filled the space, their murmurs blending with the soft music played by a live ensemble. Despite the grandeur, the atmosphere felt subdued, the tension between the two families palpable.
Yibo stood at the far end of the courtyard, his tall frame clad in a black suit that was as immaculate as it was understated. His expression was unreadable, his face a mask of calm that betrayed nothing of the emotions swirling within. He neither smiled nor frowned, standing with a stillness that only added to his enigmatic presence.
Zhan's arrival drew all eyes. He walked slowly, Bei by his side, her arm looped through his as if to keep him steady. His gaze was fixed on the ground, his steps measured but reluctant. The silence that followed his entrance was deafening, broken only by the murmured remarks of the onlookers.
As Zhan reached Yibo, Bei stepped back, her part in this complete. Zhan's hands trembled slightly as he stood beside the man who would soon be his husband. He dared a glance at Yibo, but the latter's face revealed nothing—no joy, no anger, not even the faintest flicker of emotion.
The officiant began to speak, his words a formal script that seemed to echo in Zhan's ears without meaning. The ceremony moved forward with precise efficiency, the traditional rituals performed flawlessly. Zhan's responses were quiet and clipped, his voice carrying the weight of his resignation.
When it was Yibo's turn to respond, his voice was steady and calm, devoid of any discernible emotion. It was as if he were performing a duty, nothing more.
As the ceremony reached its climax, the officiant announced them as married. Polite applause rippled through the crowd, but the air remained heavy, the joy that should have filled the occasion conspicuously absent.
Yibo extended a hand toward Zhan, a gesture more ceremonial than personal. Zhan hesitated before placing his hand in Yibo's, the touch cold and impersonal. They walked together toward the main house, their expressions unchanging, their silence louder than any words could have been.
Inside, the atmosphere was no less tense. The sitting room was prepared for the newlyweds to greet the elders, but neither Zhan nor Yibo made any attempt to engage with each other. Bei hovered nearby, her concern evident as she watched Zhan's every move. Uncle Wen's stern gaze followed them, a silent reminder of the expectations placed upon them both.
Zhan's eyes wandered briefly, taking in the faces of the guests and the weight of their judgment. He caught sight of his reflection in a nearby glass pane and quickly looked away. This wasn't the life he had envisioned, and yet here he was, bound to a man he barely knew and did not love.
Yibo's expression remained unchanged, his silence impenetrable. To anyone watching, he was the picture of composure, but Zhan couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath that stoic facade. Did Yibo resent this as much as he did? Or was he merely indifferent?
The evening dragged on, every moment a test of endurance. When the formalities finally ended, Zhan excused himself, retreating to the solitude of his room. Yibo lingered behind, offering no indication of his thoughts or intentions.
Behind closed doors, Zhan sat on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. The weight of the day pressed down on him, suffocating and relentless. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: this was only the beginning of a life he had never wanted.
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(Earlier that day, before the wedding ceremony)
People of all kinds were congratulating Yibo, shaking his hand and wishing him well. He kept his gaze steady, acknowledging their greetings with a firm handshake, offering it only to the elders who approached him with well wishes. When he reached their courtyard, where everyone was waiting for his arrival, his father looked directly at him and said:
"We will perform Zhan's marriage ceremony with you. I ask for your understanding and approval because the original arrangement fell apart at the last moment, leaving no other solution. As your father, and as someone who is also like a father to Zhan, I've taken it upon myself to arrange this union. I trust you'll obey me in this matter."
Yibo fixed his sharp eyes on his father, then lowered his gaze briefly. In his calm, measured voice, he replied:
"Okay, Dad."
His father felt a wave of relief and calm at Yibo's response. He had been considering how to make Yibo understand this decision, which had been made without consulting him, even though Yibo was no longer a child and had the right to choose his own partner. However, Yibo accepted without argument—possibly because he didn't want to embarrass his father, having already arrived at the ceremony. His demeanor, though calm, made it clear he was reluctantly going along with it. His father understood that Yibo had no plans for marriage, especially not one arranged like this. However, since this was his family's decision, Yibo felt it was their responsibility, not his. He would go through with it but planned to leave soon afterward.
After the ceremony concluded, Yibo quietly slipped away, heading straight to his part. He removed his formal clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water run over him as he exhaled deeply.
Only after a long shower did he feel somewhat at ease. He put on casual clothes, took a sip of water from the fridge, and headed to his room. Turning off his phone, he lay down, letting sleep overtake him.
Meanwhile, the news of the wedding spread like wildfire, especially in Zhan's family home. Despite the unexpected turn of events, there was no protest—only celebrations that Zhan was finally married. Many overlooked the age difference between the couple because Yibo's demeanor and accomplishments commanded such respect that even those significantly older than him treated him with deference.
Zhan's grandmother couldn't stop smiling. She spent the day giving thanks and spreading joy, while his Uncle Wen entertained and greeted the important guests who had come, knowing their presence was a direct result of Zhan's wedding to Yibo. It was a rare opportunity to meet such prominent figures without appointments, so he was filled with pride and happiness.
Earlier that morning, before the wedding ceremony.
Zhan had returned to Wang Dad's house from his family one. But Uncle Wen called him and asked him to come back to their own family home immediately.
Puzzled, Zhan left, his heart heavy. From what he had observed, it was clear the wedding was going to take place. Swallowing a bitter lump in his throat, he made his way to the house. For Zhan, this marriage felt like the worst possible outcome for his life.
Upon arriving, he headed straight for his grandmother's room, knowing Uncle Wen, who had summoned him, would be there. As expected, she was beaming with joy. Zhan sat down carefully beside her and greeted her softly.
"Good morning, Grandma," he said, his voice steady but quiet.
He also greeted his Uncle politely, though they had spoken earlier when he first arrived.
Uncle Wen regarded him closely, his expression firm as he said:
"Zhan, as you know, today was supposed to be your wedding to Sen Nan. But since that isn't how fate intended it, he is no longer the groom. Yesterday, his family informed us they were withdrawing from the arrangement due to what happened in the morning."
He paused briefly before continuing:
"As a result, Brother Han and Mother Ping proposed the idea of Yibo marrying you instead. We agreed immediately, as there were no other viable options, and this seemed to be the best way forward. In short, you will be marrying Yibo. However, mother Ping has requested that you not be pressured into moving in with him or making any immediate changes. Considering the sudden nature of this marriage, you'll remain here with her for the time being. Once things settle, you can decide whether to join him at his residence or follow him overseas, where he's currently based."
The first time in his life that Zhan stared at Uncle Wen with wide, unwavering eyes, his heart raced uncontrollably. Before he realized it, he opened his mouth and said,
"Yibo? Bei's younger brother?"
Realizing Zhan's intentions to defy the arranged marriage, Uncle Wen's face darkened with displeasure as he sternly replied, "Zhan, swallow the words you are about to utter. Let me make it clear: if you dare to go and disrupt the peace of those people over your foolish pride and arrogance, and they call off this marriage, both you and your mother will leave this house. I see no reason to tolerate ungratefulness.
Out of all the engagements you've had, none of those men could compare to Yibo, let alone surpass him. Not only is he matched, but his family...his father, grandmother, and sister...hold you in the highest regard. Yet, you claim you do not want this marriage?
He stood abruptly, his face clouded with anger, and adjusted his robe as he prepared to leave. "And whatever you do, pack your belongings. Later today, you will move to Wang's Mansion" he added before storming out of there, visibly upset. He hadn't anticipated Zhan would resist so strongly, knowing his usual obedience to family decisions. But this time, it seemed Zhan was willing to rebel, forcing Uncle Wen to take decisive action.
Zhan's eyes brimmed with tears as a heavy weight of bitterness and despair settled over his chest. For years, he had silently endured the heartbreak caused by failed engagements, the judgment of relatives, and the disdain of others. But never before had he experienced such humiliation and pain.
Marriage? To someone younger than him? To Yibo—Bei's younger brother—whom he only ever exchanged polite greetings with? How could anyone think he would live a married life with Yibo?
"Don't worry, Zhan. You will be grateful later. Your days of waiting and living at home are over; now you'll be married," Grandma said, her voice calm yet piercing. "It's destiny that you and Yibo are meant to be. That's why all your previous engagements failed. Destiny is a powerful force that brings people together, and in this case, it led to a match blessed with children. We are grateful this union has been arranged."
At those words, Zhan let out a deep, heart-wrenching sob, overwhelmed by the pain and frustration inside him. He ran to Grandma's room, collapsed to the floor in the corner, and cried harder than he ever had in his life.
Initially dismissing his tears as typical, Grandma grew alarmed as Zhan's grief intensified. Her initial joy over the marriage began to waver, as she realized that if Zhan took his anguish to Yibo's Granny or Wang Dad, it could unravel the arrangement. Filled with panic, she summoned Uncle Wen and Yi, breaking into tears as she declared,
"If Zhan refuses this marriage and it's called off, I will leave this house myself! I cannot endure the shame of facing Han and Ping. So tell him it's better to accept this and embrace the marriage."
Uncle Wen didn't even glance at Zhan. Instead, he turned to Zhan's mother and said,
"Talk some sense into him. He needs to come to his senses. I know you wouldn't want this marriage to fall apart either. If it does, my decision won't favor him. We cannot live with a grown man like him, still unmarried, sulking over engagements. It's time for him to marry so we can all move on."
Yi walked over to Zhan, gently took his hand, and said, "You'll understand in time, Zhan. The marriage has already been arranged, and there's no going back. It was agreed upon because it's in your best interest. Forget about going to Mother Ping with tears and complaints. This is now your life. You'll be living with your husband's family, and you know how much they care for you. They will never harm you, nor will Yibo. He is your husband now, whether you like it or not."
Grandma chimed in, "Take him away and let him do whatever he needs to process this. Later, I'll personally take him to Wang's Mansion."
And with that, Zhan's fate was sealed.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛