Zhan thought he would feel better after taking a long, hot shower, but instead, a severe fever took hold. He had felt its onset since waking up but assumed the hot water would ease it.
After struggling to finish his shower, he barely managed to drag himself to a chair, which he manage to sat in a crooked position, his legs trembling from the sharp pain in his back and other parts of his body. He ignored the small towel he had wrapped around himself, as well as his wet hair dripping water onto the floor. Yibo noticed this and approached him with quiet concern. Kneeling down, he gently picked Zhan up and carried him to a mirror. Sitting him down, Yibo grabbed a fresh towel and carefully began drying Zhan's hair. Every movement sent waves of discomfort through Zhan, making him want to cry out, but he held it in.
Yibo used a hairdryer to dry Zhan's hair lightly. However, Zhan's body continued to shiver uncontrollably. Once they were done, Yibo carried him back to bed, dressed him in one of his oversized shirts and soft pajama pants, and covered him with a blanket before leaving the room.
A few minutes later, Yibo returned with a cup of unsweetened tea. Helping Zhan sit up carefully, he fed him the tea in small, calculated sips. However, as Zhan's condition worsened, Yibo became visibly anxious. Grabbing his phone, he quickly called Dr. Kuo, explaining the situation and requesting a house visit.
To ensure smooth access, Yibo sent a pass message to the security team at the neighborhood gate. When Dr. Kuo arrived, his details were already cleared, and he drove directly to Yibo's house.
Dr. Kuo parked his car and approached the front door just as Yibo stepped out to greet him. Yibo, dressed in navy three-quarter pants, a sleeveless shirt, and lightweight slippers, looked both casual and tense. With his hands in his pockets, he escorted Dr. Kuo inside, motioning for him to sit in the living room.
After exchanging greetings, Yibo went straight to the point. "Zhan ge is running a high fever, and his body is in a lot of pain. Taking him to the hospital would only worsen his condition, and I'd rather avoid that if possible. Is there anything we can do for him here at home?"
Dr. Kuo observed Yibo carefully, noting his concern. It didn't take much for him to guess the likely cause of Zhan's condition—given certain circumstances, it wasn't unusual for someone to develop fever and body pain after their first intimate experience.
Suppressing a sigh, Dr. Kuo replied, "I'll prescribe some pain relief medication that should help with both the fever and muscle aches. By tomorrow, he should feel significantly better. If his condition doesn't improve by then, or if his strength returns, you can bring him to the hospital for a more thorough checkup."
Dr. Kuo fetched the medication from his car and handed it to Yibo, adding, "Make sure he has warm milk and light, warm meals. He should recover soon. Take care."
"Thank you," Yibo said to Dr. Kuo before turning away. The doctor entered his car and drove off, his mind heavy. Wang Yibo was not a man easily dismissed, and Zhan was just as irreplaceable. Anyone foolish enough to lose either of them would likely have their fate sealed by misfortune... Just like Sen Nan.
Yibo personally gave Zhan the prescribed medication, watching as he swallowed it before helping him lie down. Exhaustion soon overtook Zhan, and he fell into a deep sleep. Yibo stood up, moved to the sofa, and began reviewing emails on his laptop. His work from yesterday was piling up, and he needed to prepare for his returning to Hawaii. There was also the planned visit to Cyprus regarding the launch of their new military personnel.
Taking a moment, he glanced at the bed where Zhan was sleeping. His face was still swollen, and his closed eyes hinted at lingering discomfort. Yibo sighed softly, closing his laptop. Rising to his feet, he stepped out onto the balcony of his spacious bedroom to answer a call from Bei.
"How's Zhan?" Bei asked gently.
Yibo replied in his usual calm tone, "He's asleep. He's unwell."
Bei let out a relieved sigh. "Please, Marshal, take good care of him. He's vulnerable right now."
"How are you and the baby?" Yibo asked, swiftly changing the subject. Bei chuckled, sensing he didn't want to dwell on her previous remark. She decided not to push further, knowing Yibo would handle things in his own way.
"We're fine. Take care of yourself and Zhan. I love you both. Bye," she said before ending the call.
▫️▪️🔹🔸
Around 3 o'clock, Zhan finally woke up. His fever had lessened, and after another hot shower, he emerged, trying to gather his strength. As he was attempting to stand up, Yibo entered the room. Zhan immediately looked away, avoiding eye contact, and moved toward the bed. Before he could sit down, Yibo scooped him up effortlessly.
"Come Gege, eat something now that you're awake," Yibo said firmly.
The food Bei had sent earlier was set on the table. Yibo served Zhan a plate of white rice with kidney sauce, richly flavored with kidney and carrots. Zhan shook his head, insisting he wasn't hungry, and attempted to leave. Yibo pulled him back despite his protests, ensuring he ate at least a little. Afterward, he gave Zhan hot congee and his medicine. Throughout the entire ordeal, Zhan refused to look at him and left quietly, walking slowly back to the bedroom.
Moments later, Zhan emerged again, this time with his bag, heading for the door. Yibo intercepted him, wrapping his arms around him from behind. Letting out a deep sigh, he rested his face against Zhan's neck.
"Don't push yourself Gege. You'll only worsen your condition," Yibo murmured. "I know you're angry and frustrated, and I won't stop you from venting it all on me when you've recovered. But for now, please rest. Don't hurt yourself more."
He gently turned Zhan around and guided him back to the living room, pulling him into his lap. Holding Zhan close, Yibo whispered, "Don't let this anger consume you. No one knows what happened between you and your younger husband, and I promise Gege I will not tell your best friend Bei Jie or Granny that we've our night. There's no reason to feel ashamed."
As he spoke, Yibo's warm breath grazed Zhan's neck, and his hands rested lightly on Zhan's abdomen, moving soothingly. Zhan stiffened, trying to pull away, but Yibo held him firmly, leaning his head against Zhan's back.
▫️▪️🔹🔸
As evening approached, Zhan's fever returned, stronger than before. Yibo gave him another dose of medicine and held him close, wrapping him in a blanket. The warmth of Zhan's fevered body seeped into Yibo's as he comforted him. Zhan was wearing only a thin vest, and his tears flowed silently, a mixture of gratitude, frustration, and emotional exhaustion.
Zhan had been crying on and off since morning, overwhelmed by the bitterness of life and the feeling that his world was crumbling. Deep down, Zhan knew he couldn't see a future with Yibo. The fact that Yibo was his best friend's younger brother always lingered in his mind. And now, Yibo had pushed Zhan to his limits, breaking through the barriers of his patience.
Zhan vowed not to let what had happened give Yibo the upper hand or make him feel like a husband with control over him. He wouldn't allow Yibo to gain that kind of authority again. To Zhan, this marriage was a mistake, and he was determined to inform their families so they could annul it, even if it meant facing temporary disappointment.
When morning came, Zhan opened his eyes to find Yibo's face inches from his own. Startled, he turned away, pulling himself out of Yibo's arms and stepping off the bed. Without a word, he left the room and moved to the guest bedroom.
Later, as Zhan headed toward the living room with the intention of leaving, he saw Yibo standing there with his phone and laptop in hand, along with car keys. Yibo's sharp gaze followed Zhan as he walked past. Approaching him slowly, Yibo leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Now, you finally look like someone who can hold their own as a spouse. So be very careful while I'm away. As for your job, you can return to it—unless I find another reason to stop you."
Zhan didn't respond, refusing to look at him as he walked toward the door and stepped outside. The driver was already waiting. Without a glance back, Zhan climbed into the car. Moments later, Yibo emerged from the house, composed and exuding his usual air of authority and sophistication. His presence was almost unnerving, given the intensity of their earlier exchange.
Zhan sat stiffly in the car, avoiding looking at Yibo as he got in. The driver started the engine, and they left in silence. As they reached the main road, Zhan finally spoke, his voice cold. "Pull over. I'm getting out here."
Through the rearview mirror, the driver glanced at Yibo, who didn't even look up. Understanding his boss's silence as a refusal, the driver continued driving until they reached their destination.
Once they arrived home, Zhan turned to glare at Yibo, visibly upset. Before he could say anything, Yibo turned to him with a sharp look. "Don't you understand silence when it's given to you? If I ever hear of you wandering the streets again unguarded, you'll lose even the desire to step outside."
As the car came to a stop, Zhan stepped out just as Hannah arrived at the parking lot. Seeing them together, Hannah's heart skipped a beat. She had been told Zhan was away on work with Sarah and some of their team members, as Bei had mentioned. Yet here they were, arriving together, and Yibo was supposed to be leaving for Hawaii that evening.
Composing herself, Hannah walked up to Yibo, her demeanor soft and inviting. "Good morning, my love," she said sweetly.
Zhan ignored them entirely and headed toward Granny's parts, walking slowly as he still hadn't fully recovered.
Yibo's piercing gaze followed Zhan as he walked away, his slow steps catching Yibo's attention and reinforcing the undeniable fact that Zhan belonged to him in every sense. This territory was his alone. Yibo didn't look away until Zhan disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn his attention to Hannah, who had been sulking dramatically nearby.
"Did you meet Zhan on the way and give him a ride?" Hannah asked with a faint pout. "Because I know he went on a trip with his secretary, and logically, they should've returned together."
Yibo didn't bother answering her question. Instead, he walked toward his private quarters without sparing her a second glance. As he moved, his composed tone broke the silence. "Is that question important?"
Hannah tried to respond, but Yibo had already reached the door of his living room. He paused briefly and turned back to her, his sharp eyes finally meeting hers. She was dressed in Gucci pencil jeans and a white long-sleeved top with cut-out details, a small scarf tied around her head. Yibo glanced at her briefly before turning away and motioning toward the door with his eyes. "Do you have anything else to do in here? Or are you going back?"
Hannah stopped, watching him with a mix of admiration and longing. No matter how coldly he treated her, her love for him was unwavering. A wide smile spread across her face as she winked at him playfully. "I don't have anything to do right now, but in the future, who knows? Maybe I will. For now, I'll go. Bye, take care. I love you."
She turned and walked away, her smile lingering as she basked in the happiness of seeing him after two days. They hadn't seen each other in person, and even their phone conversations were brief unless she insisted.
Yibo closed the door behind him and placed his phone and car keys on the table. He headed straight to his bedroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked.
Hannah, who had initially intended to leave, changed her mind and made her way to Granny's quarters, curiosity gnawing at her. She was determined to find out what was going on.
Meanwhile, Zhan entered the living room and found it empty except for Fang, who was tidying up. Granny was in her room, and Bei was asleep in hers. Without speaking, Zhan nodded in acknowledgment to Fang's greeting and headed to his room. He wasn't in the mood to talk. The short walk had drained him, making the pain in his body feel fresh again. He carefully closed the door behind him and leaned against it, feeling exhausted.
Zhan removed the shirt Yibo had lent him and tossed it into the laundry basket before heading to the bathroom. He filled the tub with steaming hot water and stepped in, letting out a deep sigh as the warmth began to soothe his aching muscles. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself a brief moment of peace. But soon, tears began to fall, unbidden. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't find relief for the turmoil inside him. He felt trapped, unable to see a way out of the marriage that weighed so heavily on his heart.
He stayed in the bathroom for a long time, soaking and trying to calm his thoughts. When he finally stepped out, he felt physically lighter, though his heart remained burdened. After drying off, Zhan dressed in a dark purple shirt and matching trousers that complemented his pale complexion beautifully, even though the puffiness around his eyes betrayed the tears he had shed. Spraying on a light fragrance, he left his room and headed toward Granny's, determined to compose himself and hide his inner turmoil from everyone.
Zhan froze mid-step upon entering the room, his gaze landing on Yibo, who sat beside Granny. The room was filled with his signature scent, fresh from a shower and dressed in an impeccably tailored white Chanel suit that exuded elegance and wealth.
Yibo noticed Zhan's arrival and hesitation but didn't turn his attention away from Granny, with whom he was engrossed in conversation. However, Granny, upon seeing Zhan, paused and asked in surprise, "Zhan, you're back? Did you just return, or did you arrive during the night?"
"Come closer," she added. "You've been so wrapped up in work that you haven't been home much. Are you sure this job suits you right now? And your husband—when I asked him about your trip, he claimed you left with his consent. Yet your phone was off the entire time, and Bei was the only one who managed to contact you."
Zhan forced a polite smile as he responded softly, "I just got back this morning while everyone was still asleep. Let me go check on Bei while you finish here." Without waiting for Granny's reply, Zhan turned and left the room.
Yibo didn't glance at Zhan or acknowledge his presence. Instead, he let a small, knowing smile curl his lips, which caught Granny's attention. She stared at him in surprise, her full focus now on him. Smiling wasn't something Yibo did often. "When are you planning to leave with your husband, Yibo?" Granny asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Without looking up from his phone, Yibo replied calmly, "Whenever he decides to come with me of his own accord. But I don't think that will happen anytime soon. He still hasn't accepted this marriage, and I don't want him to feel pressured."
Yibo gave a brief smirk and added, "He should be given time to come to terms with it on his own."
Granny scoffed in frustration. "Get out of here, Yibo! You're impossible to talk to. Conversations with you are always one-sided. No matter how long or important the discussion, you'll only offer a single-word reply. I don't have the patience for your exasperating demeanor right now—leave before you completely ruin my mood!"
Yibo didn't move. Instead, he glanced at her briefly while still scrolling through his phone. "And yet, here you are, already worrying about when I'll come back if I leave," he said, his tone faintly amused.
Granny shook her head with a small, exasperated laugh. "Oh, so now that's your angle?" she replied, unable to suppress her smile.
When Zhan left his room, he headed straight to Bei's room. Pushing the door open without hesitation, he walked in and found Hannah sitting on the couch, helping Bei slice a large guava she'd been craving since morning.
Bei looked up in surprise and delight, her face lighting up as she spread her arms. "Hey, sweetheart! Welcome back! I missed you so much, my dear in-law!"
Zhan frowned slightly, shooting her a look that made her quickly shut her mouth. "Sorry, sorry," Bei mumbled, holding back further teasing.
Zhan moved closer and sat on the edge of the bed next to Bei. In a concerned tone, he asked, "How are you? How's the baby?"
"We're both fine," Bei replied warmly. "How was the trip? You must be exhausted."
"Good," Zhan muttered dismissively, clearly not wanting to talk about it. His gaze shifted briefly to Hannah, who chimed in, "Zhan, welcome back! Where did you go? Was it for work?"
Zhan ignored her, acting as though he hadn't heard the question. Instead, he stood up and said, "I'll eat in the dining room."
Bei also stood up, saying, "I'm hungry too. Let's go together. Hannah, will you join us for breakfast?"
"No, I already ate. I was just stopping by to check on you since I haven't visited since the day before yesterday. I'll be heading out now." With that, Hannah left the room, unaware that Yibo was in the house.
At the dining table, Zhan only managed to sip some soup and nibble on a bit of fried tofu with egg sauce before standing up. "I'm feeling a little headachey and tired. I'll go lie down and see if I can get some rest," he said.
"Alright, take care of yourself, Zhan," Bei replied, watching him with concern as he left.
Zhan returned to his room, lay on the bed, and turned up the air conditioning, trying to soothe the feverish heat coursing through him. Wrapping himself in a blanket, he closed his eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.
🔸🔹▪️▫️
He didn't wake until around 4 p.m., sitting up slowly and noticing that he felt significantly better. Stretching slightly, he got off the bed, changed his clothes, and headed to the bathroom for another hot shower. Refreshed, he left his room.
In the living room, Granny sat reading her usual book with her medical glasses perched on her nose, while Bei watched her. As Zhan entered, both women turned to look at him. Granny immediately asked, "Zhan, are you feeling alright? You look a bit off. Are you sure you didn't catch a cold during your trip? Your face looks swollen—are you unwell?"
Bei, too, stared at him, her concern mirroring Granny's. She had noticed his puffy face earlier, and even though he seemed better now, the signs of his earlier distress were evident.
Forcing a small smile, Zhan replied as he made his way to the dining table, "I'm fine, Granny. It's just that the weather was freezing, and it really got to me. I'll call Dr. Kuo and ask him to bring me some medicine for the cold. Besides, now that I'm home, I should be back to normal by tomorrow."
Zhan served himself some food and began eating, sipping hot water alongside it because he found it more comforting than the meal itself. Once he was full, he got up and returned to the living room, sitting down where Bei was chatting with him enthusiastically. Although Zhan made an effort to respond and engage in the conversation, it was clear he was holding back.
Granny, on the other hand, kept stealing glances at him, concern evident in her eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling that Zhan wasn't feeling well. She suspected he was hiding his discomfort to avoid alarming them. Granny decided that if his condition didn't improve in a day or two, she would personally call Dr. Kuo to examine him.
Despite his inner turmoil, Zhan relaxed slightly during their talk, which revolved around Bei's baby. They were all deeply attached to the baby and spoke excitedly about its arrival. By the time the clock struck six, Zhan had accompanied Bei to her room, where she enthusiastically recounted her recent ultrasound scan and shared updates about the baby's progress.
Zhan listened quietly, masking his unease as best as he could. After their conversation, they headed out to join Granny for dinner. All three sat down at the dining table, ready to start their meal, when the faint scent of Yibo's cologne began wafting into the room. Zhan recognized it instantly and tensed, his expression hardening. He fought the urge to leave, reminding himself that Granny was present and that he was already seated—it would be too obvious if he got up now.
Moments later, Hannah's voice broke the silence as she walked in with a feigned cheerful tone. "Granny, I'll eat here tonight. The food the house staff made at Mum Ella's place is way too oily—it's upsetting my stomach."
With her usual warmth, Granny replied, "Of course, dear. If it bothers you, don't eat it. Come, sit down and join us."
Hannah wasted no time, pulling out the chair next to Yibo and sitting down. She glanced at him with an intense gaze, trying to catch his attention, but Yibo remained entirely focused on his husband plate, seeing how Zhan was picking on the food, ignoring her presence.
Zhan, seated a little further down the table, refused to look in their direction. He kept his eyes trained on his food, though the air around him seemed charged with quiet frustration. His appetite dwindled as a wave of irritation swept over him. Being around them had drained his patience.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛