Slowly, Zhan let go of Bei's hand, lying back down as she started to suspect there might be a reason he didn't want her to stay with him. Deep inside, Zhan felt a mix of pain, frustration, and shame at the thought of Bei discovering what had happened—not just in the room but between him and Yibo as a whole.
The idea of Bei finding out was mortifying. Zhan couldn't bear anyone knowing about the humiliation and misfortune that had befallen him. Bei, sensing his discomfort, sighed softly and stepped closer to the bed. She adjusted his blanket gently and said, "Alright, get some rest, Zhan. I'll head to my room for now, but I'll check on you later."
Zhan nodded slightly, closing his eyes and adjusting his head on the pillow. Only after hearing Bei leave did he let out a small sigh of relief, allowing himself to drift back into sleep despite his lingering discomfort.
Zhan slept deeply and didn't come out of his room, which made Granny suspect he wasn't well. Convinced that Zhan was sick, Granny asked Bei to call Dr. Kuo, who didn't arrive until the evening after finishing his shift at the hospital.
Dr. Kuo examined Zhan privately, asking him a few questions. Zhan responded briefly, deliberately avoiding anything that might hint at the truth. Dr. Kuo didn't press too much either, suspecting that Zhan's fever might stem from exhaustion. It wasn't uncommon, especially after someone like Yibo had pushed their limits. Dr. Kuo had noted similar cases before and understood that Zhan likely hadn't been through anything like this before, leading to his current condition.
After prescribing medication for the fever and pain relief, Dr. Kuo stood and said gently, "Zhan, you should start feeling better by tomorrow or the day after. If you still feel unwell, you can call me or come to the hospital, and we'll run more tests. But I'm confident you'll recover soon."
Granny entered the room just as Dr. Kuo was packing up. Walking over, she asked, "Dr. Kuo, are you leaving already? Did you finish checking on him? I don't understand this fever of his. He's been unwell since he came back, claiming it's just the cold. We treated it for two days, but now it's back again."
Dr. Kuo gave her a reassuring smile. "I've given him medication. He should feel better by tomorrow. It's nothing serious, just a fever with some aches and pains. Don't worry, Granny, he'll recover soon. If the fever doesn't subside in two days, you can bring him to the hospital, and we'll take a closer look."
"Alright, Dr. Kuo," Granny said, nodding. "Give my regards to your family."
As Dr. Kuo exited the house, Bei came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of hot pancakes sent by Zhan's mother. Zhan made his way to the living room and sat beside Bei, calling out to Fang to bring him the liver dish he had asked her to prepare earlier, along with some water to take his medicine.
Fang placed the food in front of Zhan on the table and went to fetch him some lukewarm water, as it was Zhan's habit to avoid drinking very cold water.
Zhan ate slowly, savoring the slight flavor of spices that managed to stimulate his appetite despite his fever-induced lack of interest in food. He finished the meal, took his medication prescribed by Dr. Kuo, and followed it up with a cup of hot ginger tea. Gradually, he began to feel better—the fever subsided a bit, and he regained some energy.
Looking at Fang, who was clearing away the dishes, Zhan spoke softly, "Fang, when you're done, go to my room and take the bedsheets I left on the chair to the laundry."
"Yes, Sir," Fang replied, taking the dishes to the kitchen before heading to Zhan's room to collect the sheets.
Granny got up and started heading to her room just as Fang was coming out with the sheets. Bei, who had returned from her room to get something, stopped Fang in her tracks and asked in surprise, "Fang, are those Marshal's beddings? What are they doing in your hands? How did you get them?"
Granny also paused, her curiosity piqued, knowing that no one was allowed into Marshal's part. His belongings were handled exclusively by his personal staff.
Startled, Fang stammered with respect and fear, "Ma'am, these aren't Mr. Marshal's. They're from Sir Zhan's room. He asked me to take them to the laundry."
Zhan clenched his fists, frustration bubbling under the surface. He couldn't intervene or explain without drawing even more attention to the matter. He remained silent, hoping the conversation would end soon, especially with Granny's keen interest at the mention of Marshal's name. Marshal Wang Yibo's affairs were not to be trifled with, even in his absence.
Bei frowned and said, "That scent—it's his cologne. Are you sure Zhan asked you to bring these? Did you go to Marshal's quarters instead?"
Fang lowered her gaze quickly, her voice trembling. "No, Ma'am. I swear, I took these from Sir Zhan's room. Mr. Wang stayed there last night, which is why they smell like him. I didn't go to his quarters."
Hearing this, Zhan felt like a fire had ignited within him, frustration and humiliation coursing through his veins. He glanced at Granny, who had already retreated to her room, unaware of Fang's explanation.
Bei, visibly shaken but composed, turned to Fang and said, "Go finish your tasks, and make sure you don't step into Marshal's quarters without explicit permission. Understand?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Fang replied quickly, leaving for her duties.
Bei turned to Zhan briefly and said, "I need to take care of something. I'll check on you later," before heading to her room.
Left alone, Zhan pressed his hands to his temples, overwhelmed by a mix of shame, anger, and helplessness. His heart felt heavy as he struggled with the weight of secrecy and the facade he had to maintain. This couldn't continue—his dignity and peace of mind were at stake. Something had to change.
Standing slowly, Zhan went to his room and approached the mirror, his thoughts racing. His eyes fell on a bank card lying nearby, bearing the name Wang Yibo, along with a slip of paper containing the card's PIN. A new wave of confusion and anger swept over him.
What was Yibo's intent in leaving this behind? Was it his way of taking responsibility, providing for him, or marking his place as a husband? Whatever it meant, Zhan had no intention of accepting it. He gathered the card and the paper, opened his safe, and locked them away before closing the wardrobe firmly.
Returning to his bed, Zhan picked up his phone. Notifications flooded in—mostly from Sarah, with a few from Sen Nan. Ignoring the messages from Sen Nan, he deleted them without reading and dialed Sarah's number.
🔹🔸▫️▪️
Late in the evening, Zhan forced himself to leave his room, pretending he felt better to avoid Granny continuing to press him about his health and potentially escalating her investigations.
While they were eating dinner, Hannah entered the living room. She didn't approach the dining table but chose to wait in the living room, bringing some treats for Bei as a token from her shopping trip.
When they finished their meal, they moved to the living room for some light conversation. Granny excused herself, retreating to her small resting room next to the dining room, where she always held her conversations with Wang Dad whenever he visited to check on her, a routine he maintained whenever he was in town.
Meanwhile, Hannah, in her typical fashion, monopolized the conversation, steering it toward Yibo. She seemed intent on highlighting their supposed closeness and the affection she claimed existed between them. Bei, however, tactfully ignored her remarks, trying to change the topic to something else, especially since Zhan was present. But Hannah persisted, her tone laced with subtle smugness, as she flaunted her position in Yibo's life.
Zhan, clearly irritated, stood up and left without saying much, heading straight to his room. As he walked away, he muttered a quick, "Good night," to no one in particular.
Once Zhan was out of sight, Hannah smirked, turning to Bei with a self-satisfied air. "My in-law, have you spoken to Marshal? Did he arrive safely? I've been trying to reach him all evening, and I can't relax until I hear from him. Please let him know I've been trying to call him when you talk to him."
Bei replied with a calm but firm tone, "He arrived safely, but he hasn't made it home yet. He's probably resting. I'm sure he'll turn his phone on by tomorrow. If he calls, I'll pass along your message. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to rest. Good night."
Bei stood up, leaving Hannah alone. She knew if she stayed, Hannah would keep talking, and she didn't have the patience for it. Hannah watched Bei leave, annoyance flashing across her face. After a few moments, she decided to leave as well, feeling increasingly unwelcome.
The next day, Zhan woke up feeling much better, though still a bit weak. After freshening up and dressing in a light shirt and trousers, he joined the family for breakfast. Later, he accompanied Bei to her hospital appointment for her scan.
At the hospital, Dr. Kuo was already waiting for them, so they didn't have to waste much time. After the appointment, they headed back home. Since Zhan wasn't allowed to drive due to his recovery and Bei was banned from driving by Yibo and Kai Xu, they used the family driver. Granny had also insisted they both avoid driving.
Upon returning to Zhan's family home, they ran into Ran as she was heading out. She smiled brightly and greeted Zhan. "Zhan ge, good morning! I was just on my way to see you."
She then turned to Bei and said, "Bei Jie, good morning! How's Granny?"
"She's doing well," Bei replied. "How's school? Is Aunty Lin inside?"
"Yes, she is," Ran confirmed.
Bei excused herself and went to see Aunty Lin before heading to Zhan's mother's room. There, she found Grandma sitting in the courtyard with a new clay pot of tea by her side, listening to her old radio.
Bei approached with a warm smile. "Grandma, getting your dose of vitamin D, I see. Let me join you—maybe I can have one of your cola nuts too."
Grandma chuckled at Bei's enthusiasm, her eyes lighting up as she noticed Bei's baby bump. "I'll give you a small one to chew on, but don't stay here too long. It's chilly, and I don't want you catching a cold. Go sit with your Mama—I know you'll end up there anyway. You just wanted the nut as an excuse to gossip with me."
Grandma handed Bei a small white cola nut with a wide grin. "You know, I pray the day will come when Zhan comes asking me for one of these. That day, I'll fast in gratitude to the heavens."
As Zhan approached, he overheard what Grandma was saying. His expression tightened, clearly showing his displeasure and disdain for her words. He decided against sitting next to her, greeted her politely, and walked straight to his mother's room. Grandma called after him, saying, "No matter how stubborn you are, Zhan, I'll live to see your children with Yibo. Ungrateful child!"
Zhan stopped in his tracks, turned slowly, and was about to retort when Dai Jie, emerging from their Mama's room, gently held his hand and shook her head, signaling him to stay silent. Reluctantly, Zhan turned back and walked away with Dai Jie toward his mother's room.
Inside, his Mama was busy mixing fragrant oils and organizing her workspace. She had heard the commotion and knew that if Dai Jie hadn't stopped Zhan, he might have said something to escalate the situation. Grandma, in turn, would have dragged Uncle Wen into the matter, ensuring the entire household spent the night in turmoil.
Zhan and Dai Jie entered the room, followed closely by Bei, and took their seats. Zhan greeted her softly, "Mama, good evening. How are you? How's everything at home?"
His Mama, still visibly upset with Zhan's attitude, responded curtly without looking at him. Her patience with his stubbornness regarding his marriage to Yibo was wearing thin. Out of respect for Bei, however, she refrained from scolding him outright. His Mama knew Grandma would likely hold her tongue as well, given Bei's presence.
Bei sat beside Yi, picking up a small bottle of perfume to sniff it. "Mama, is this for bathing?" she asked.
"Yes, Bei. How are you and the baby? Did Qi bring your rice cakes on time?" Yi replied.
"Yes, Mama, I had them before we left. Later, though, I'd love some pumpkin pie. Fang's attempt last time wasn't great; they always get it right when it's firm."
"Qi will bring it for you later," Yi said. "I'll make it exactly how you like it."
"Thank you, Mama," Bei said with a smile.
The tension in the room was palpable. Mama's face remained stern, Dai Jie avoided lengthy conversation, and even Zhan seemed uneasy, though he tried to hide it. Everyone was forcing polite smiles to maintain some semblance of harmony, knowing the tension revolved around Zhan's refusal to accept the marriage to Yibo.
Bei, however, understood the underlying issues. She calmly addressed Mama and Dai Jie, speaking in a soft and soothing tone. "Mama, please, give Zhan more time. Everything will work out eventually. I think he's struggling to accept it right now, but I know he will, in time. It's a big change, and it's hard for him to process all at once. The fact that he hasn't caused an uproar or outright refused the marriage is already a step forward."
Yi, her patience at its limit, turned to Zhan with a look of frustration. "Did you hear what your friend/sister just said? She's trying to advocate for you, asking us to give you more time for something you should be grateful for. If Yibo hadn't agreed to marry you, do you know where you'd be now? You'd still be living in someone else's house, struggling for respect.
"Yibo has every right to refuse this marriage—he's young, wealthy, and can marry anyone he chooses. But he accepted you without complaint, and he's doing his best to make this work. Yet here you are, acting like you're above it all, taking advantage of everyone's patience because you think we favor you."
Zhan lifted his tear-filled, reddened eyes, struggling to keep himself composed. His voice trembled as he said, "Mama..."
But Jie cut him off sharply, saying, "Zhan, you're completely in the wrong. Your behavior is shameful, and I can't believe you're acting this way—not even out of respect for Granny. Why are you showing such hatred toward this marriage? What exactly is your problem?"
The grief Zhan had been suppressing for so long finally burst out, and he cried bitterly. "I can't do it. I just can't. Why, when help was offered, wasn't I given a burden I could actually bear? My heart aches...it burns...it's unbearable. Please, end this marriage! I can't do this, especially knowing he already loves someone else…"
Mama's voice was sharp with frustration. "Oh, so now the fact that he might care for someone else is your excuse? After the part that you're elder than him, you've added this to your list of reasons to avoid this marriage?"
Zhan broke down even further, sobbing uncontrollably. "I don't care what the reason is anymore. Please, just call off this marriage…"
Suddenly, Grandma stormed in, her voice trembling with anger. She looked at Zhan, her lips quivering as she struggled to speak. But instead of scolding, she broke into tears. "What kind of disaster is brewing in your life, Zhan? Why this deep hatred for a marriage that hasn't even lasted a year? You want us to annul it and put you through another cycle of shame? Zhan, please, think of my old age, think of Uncle Wen's honor, and let go of this resentment. Accept your marriage with grace…"
The sight of both Zhan and Grandma crying deeply disturbed Mama. Overwhelmed with frustration and sorrow, she sprang to her feet, her anger boiling over. She moved toward Zhan with every intention of hitting him, but Bei, alarmed by the escalating tension, quickly intervened. She pulled Zhan away, too shaken to even speak, as the situation spiraled into chaos.
Grandma, her own emotions running high, immediately demanded someone call Uncle Wen. Even before he reached the house, he could hear Mama's raised voice, her anger filling the air, and Grandma's sobs, which left everyone on edge.
Dai Jie explained the situation to Uncle Wen, who turned to Zhan with a look of intense anger and frustration, seemingly at a loss for what to do with him. Zhan, kneeling on the floor, continued to cry loudly, unable to find a way out of the turmoil consuming him.
Uncle Wen turned to Mama, his voice firm and laced with fury. "Zhan has reached a point where he believes himself above my authority. If that's the case, and since you're the one who gave birth to him, let's see if he's also above your authority. Prepare your things—if Zhan comes back to this house as a divorced man, neither of you will stay here any longer."
Mama looked at him, her heart sinking. It was always the same—whenever one of her children made a mistake, Uncle Wen's solution was to threaten them with being thrown out of his house. She turned her gaze to Zhan, her voice heavy with bitterness. "You heard him. Go pack your things. We'll leave the house since that's the price I have to pay for giving birth and raising you."
Grandma, her tone soft but pleading, said, "Zhan, please. Think of my old age. Have mercy on me and let this go. I admit we were wrong to force this marriage on you, but what's done is done. Accept it, endure it, and embrace your marriage. One day, you'll see the happiness it brings you."
Uncle Wen, however, was unmoved. His voice was sharp and unyielding as he said, "Mother, stop begging him. If he won't change his mind, then let him leave. Or I swear, I'll find the biggest stick I can and beat him so badly he won't be able to walk out of here on his own two feet."
Me the Author roll my eyes, I can see Marshal Wang Yibo face... Seeing his Gege, his baby bunny husband beating like that...😂😂😂
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛