Yibo took his time in the bathroom, emerging freshly showered and exuding the scent of his signature shower gel. His face looked calm, free from any trace of anger or worry. Without hesitation, he walked to the mirror and began his usual routine, applying cologne and oil. Dressed in a navy blue three-quarter-length shorts and a white designer polo shirt, he grabbed his phone and headed straight to the sitting room.
To his surprise, Hannah was seated in the sitting room. He furrowed his brows slightly, puzzled by her presence. Walking toward the dining table, he asked in a flat tone, "What are you doing here? I mean, how did you even get in?"
With red, tear-filled eyes, Hannah looked at him but remained silent. Then, suddenly, she burst into quiet sobs, turning her face away to glance toward his bedroom door—a door she never thought she'd see up close. Now, Zhan had unexpectedly walked past her, directly into the room.
Yibo averted his eyes from Hannah's tearful gaze and asked, his voice softer this time, "Is there a problem? Are you okay?"
Shaking her head, she wiped her tears. "My only problem is your marriage, Marshal. My heart aches because of my love for you. It's starting to harm me. Honestly, I just want us to get married. I want to know where I stand with you."
Yibo gave her a long look, surprised that his father hadn't already made it clear to her about his lack of interest in marrying her. Even if things didn't work out with Zhan, Hannah wasn't someone he could see himself with. He was about to respond when the sound of the bedroom door opening distracted him. Turning, he decided now wasn't the time to discuss it.
Looking at Hannah with a calm expression, he said, "I'm going to eat now. Once I'm done, we can head out. You can join me."
Hannah perked up slightly at his words, quickly wiping away her tears, grateful for the little attention he had given her—especially with Zhan in the picture.
Meanwhile, Zhan emerged from the bedroom, wearing one of Yibo's oversized shirts that hung loosely on his smaller frame. He must have grabbed it in haste since his own clothes were nowhere to be found.
Hannah couldn't hide her growing jealousy as her eyes landed on Zhan, whose long, pale legs were on full display under the shirt that barely reached mid-thigh. The sight made her heart race with envy and rage.
Zhan, unaware at first, walked toward the middle of the sitting room before noticing Hannah. His face betrayed a flicker of surprise, though he remained silent. He glanced briefly at Yibo, who was calmly eating at the dining table, then turned and quietly headed back into the bedroom.
Once inside, Zhan searched for his clothes with a frown of frustration. Giving up, he slipped off Yibo's shirt and opted for a long white coat of his instead, which fell all the way to the floor. Gathering the coat, he clutched it tightly and headed back out to leave the suite.
As Zhan reentered the sitting room, he didn't spare a glance in their direction. Instead, he walked straight toward the door, grabbing the handle to leave. Before he could turn it, however, a firm hand caught his wrist, gently pulling him back.
Without looking up, Zhan already knew who it was. Yibo's scent and the softness of his touch were unmistakable. Zhan tried to pull away, but Yibo held him still, his gaze fixed on Zhan's angry, tear-streaked face.
"Hannah," Yibo said coldly, without even sparing her a glance, "you should leave. And next time, don't come here uninvited. If you need to speak with me, just call instead."
Fresh tears welled up in Zhan's eyes, ones he had been trying so hard to hold back. Hannah, startled by Yibo's words, wiped at her own face and stood. She cast one last resentful look at Zhan, whose struggling had stopped after hearing Yibo's firm tone.
Turning to Yibo, Hannah asked, "What about the outing? Are we still going?"
"Yes," Yibo replied curtly, his attention still on Zhan. "Go get ready. I'll be out soon."
Defeated, Hannah nodded and left the suite, her heart heavy with jealousy and frustration.
As the door closed behind Hannah, Yibo turned to Zhan, who was now looking back at him with a questioning expression. Yibo's gaze traveled from Zhan's face to his exposed neck and chest, where the oversized shirt hung loosely, barely covering him. His eyes flicked down to Zhan's legs, noting how the shirt rode up just enough to expose more skin.
Yibo sighed, his expression a mix of annoyance and concern. In a calm but firm tone, he said, "Seriously? You plan to leave like this? Walk across the courtyard dressed like that and head to Granny's quarters? Do you ever stop and think about how you present yourself? Or is it that you're too old to care, or maybe too set in your ways to notice?"
Zhan frowned deeply at his words, looking as though he might cry. He opened his mouth to respond but froze under Yibo's intense gaze. Instead, he swallowed hard, struggling to steady his breathing.
"Go on," Yibo prompted, leaning in slightly. "Say what you want to say."
Zhan glanced away, his eyes fluttering with hesitation. Without realizing it, his small, seemingly defiant gesture nearly made Yibo lose his composure. He gripped the back of the chair beside him for balance, studying Zhan as though trying to decipher a puzzle.
After a pause, Zhan finally whispered softly, his voice barely audible, "Stop looking..."
Yibo blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected response. His grip on the chair loosened, and he sank into the seat behind him, pulling Zhan into his lap. Closing his eyes briefly to collect himself, he opened them again, his gaze filled with curiosity and something more.
Slowly, Yibo tilted Zhan's face up to meet his, pressing their foreheads together. Zhan's eyes remained downcast, refusing to meet Yibo's penetrating stare. Yibo exhaled softly, the warm air brushing against Zhan's face, leaving him visibly flustered.
Without further hesitation, Yibo closed the gap between them, capturing Zhan's lips in a kiss. His arms wrapped around Zhan's small waist, pulling him closer. Zhan, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, melted into Yibo's embrace, surrendering completely.
It took all of Yibo's self-control to pull back. He looked at Zhan, whose flushed face and slightly swollen lips betrayed the emotions he was trying to hide. Embarrassed, Zhan tried to stand, but Yibo held him in place, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before speaking gently.
"Are you trying to stop me from leaving?" Yibo asked, his voice teasing but kind.
Zhan glanced at him briefly before turning away, mumbling, "I don't know what you're talking about."
For the first time, Yibo smiled—a genuine smile that left Zhan momentarily speechless. Before Zhan could process what was happening, Yibo grabbed his hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it softly.
"Don't worry, Zhan-ge," Yibo said with a hint of amusement. "Hannah will give us the space we need—and the space for our little one."
Zhan blinked in surprise, his breath catching at Yibo's words. Slowly, he turned to look at him, his eyes wide and filled with unspoken emotions.
Taking Zhan's hand, Yibo led him to the dining table and gently seated him. "Eat something," he said, his voice soft but commanding. "Bei texted me earlier and said you haven't eaten."
He placed a plate in front of Zhan, carefully prepared with creamy mashed potatoes, tender chicken slices, and a mix of carrots and cabbage.
Glancing at his watch, Yibo noted the time. He had errands to run before an important trip in a few days. Standing, he moved toward the door and added, "Eat slowly, okay?"
With that, he left, leaving Zhan alone at the table.
Though his thoughts were far away, Zhan eventually ate the meal. After finishing, he cleaned up and returned to the sitting room. Sitting there, he debated whether to head to Granny's quarters, but the thought of facing her in such casual clothes made him hesitate.
What would she think if she saw him like this? And if she asked about his outfit, what excuse could he give? That he had worn something else earlier but now had on different clothes? No, it was better to stay put for now.
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Zhan found himself still in Yibo's quarters close to 3:30 PM. He had fallen into a brief but deep nap, waking shortly after. Luckily, around 4:00 PM, Bei arrived with his phone, which had been ringing nonstop. Hearing the knocking, Zhan opened the door, feeling a fresh wave of embarrassment as Bei gave him a knowing smile.
"Sleeping, were you?" Bei teased lightly, stepping inside. "Dai Jie has been waiting for you all this time."
Zhan said nothing, taking his phone from Bei and sinking back into his seat, visibly uneasy. "Bei, could you please bring me something else to wear? I've been meaning to leave for a while, but I can't go back like this."
Without hesitation, Bei slipped off her first layer—a simple cardigan—and handed it to Zhan. "Here, put this on. It'll cover you up just fine."
Grateful, Zhan accepted the cardigan, slipping it on before they both left the room. Zhan, nervously adjusting his clothes, felt a growing sense of dread as they approached Granny's quarters. His embarrassment was almost palpable.
When they arrived at the sitting room, Granny wasn't there. Instead, Dai Jie appeared from the kitchen, carrying a tray of freshly prepared dishes. Spotting them, she placed the tray on the dining table with a faint smile.
"Finally," she said, feigning exasperation. "Shall we head out now, Zhan? I've been waiting forever. I even started wondering if you'd gone straight home."
Zhan didn't respond, recognizing the playful sarcasm shared between Dai Jie and Bei. Instead, he slipped away to his room, closing the door behind him with a deep sigh. As he leaned back against the door, the faint scent of Yibo's cologne lingering on the shirt and coat overwhelmed him, stirring emotions he couldn't quite name.
He sat down, still wrapped in Yibo's clothes, unable to take it off. After some time, Zhan ventured to the kitchen, grabbed a piece of cake and some samosas from the fridge, and returned to his room. From inside, he could hear Dai Jie and Bei chatting, but he ignored them. Granny had returned by then, and Zhan knew she had likely figured out the situation.
Later that evening, Zhan spent time with Dai Jie and Bei, avoiding attention as best as he could. When it was time for dinner, he reluctantly joined them at the dining table. As he sat down, he felt a familiar presence—Yibo's scent filled the air, sending a shiver through him. He glanced up and saw Yibo entering, dressed in a crisp white shirt that accentuated his commanding presence.
Zhan's breath hitched as he instinctively picked up his water glass, sipping to calm his racing heart. Yibo approached the table, his eyes briefly flicking to the oversized shirt Zhan still wore under his jacket. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.
As dinner began, Bei asked, "So, is the trip still on for the day after tomorrow, Yibo?"
Yibo nodded silently, focused on his meal.
Granny, who had been listening, chimed in, "And Hannah's trip? Is it still happening as well?"
Again, Yibo nodded, his expression unreadable.
Granny looked at him thoughtfully and added, "If Hannah's going, I think you should take Zhan with you too. He could see a doctor while you're there, even if the trip isn't long."
At this, Yibo finally looked up, glancing briefly at Granny before turning his gaze to Zhan, who was eating quietly but seemed to have lost his appetite. With calm precision, Yibo replied, "I don't think that's necessary, not unless Zhan-ge himself says he wants to go."
Everyone at the table turned to Zhan, who stared back at Yibo, stunned. He hadn't expected him to refuse Granny's suggestion so directly. His heart raced as he tried to process what had just happened, realizing that Yibo was leaving the decision entirely in his hands.
Zhan sat silently, staring at Yibo while replaying his words in his mind. After a moment, he averted his gaze, trying to mask the emotions stirred by the mention of Yibo's trip with Hannah. Slowly, he resumed eating, his movements calm and deliberate, though he could feel Yibo's eyes on him. He refused to look up, determined to maintain his composure.
Granny, noticing Zhan's quietness, called out to him directly, "Zhan? Would you be willing to go with him? Or are you hesitant because of your current condition?"
She added gently, "You could see a doctor while you're there. It might be a good chance for you to get some much-needed rest."
Zhan paused, sipping his water slowly before swallowing and glancing briefly at Bei, who was watching him expectantly. Yibo, on the other hand, seemed focused on his meal, though a faint, concealed smile hinted that he was also waiting for Zhan's answer.
Finally, Zhan nodded slightly, taking a deep breath as he carefully replied, "I'll see the doctor there, as you suggested."
Yibo's smile widened subtly at Zhan's words, while Bei also smiled, trying to hide her amusement. Granny said nothing more, simply continuing with her meal as she nodded approvingly. "Good," she said. "I think it's the right decision. A little rest will do you good."
Zhan finished his glass of water, stood up quietly, and excused himself. He left the dining table and headed to his room, closing the door behind him with a heavy sigh.
Once inside, Zhan slipped off the jacket that had begun to feel suffocating and placed it aside. He walked over to a chair, sitting down with a tired expression. Closing his eyes for a moment, he reopened them slowly, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He replayed his response to Granny, realizing how quickly he had agreed without much thought.
Now everyone would know. That he was going with Yibo to another country, and naturally, they'd be staying in the same house. The mere thought made his cheeks flush with a mixture of nervousness and embarrassment.
Ever since their marriage, Zhan had been overwhelmed by countless awkward situations, especially now that his pregnancy had become obvious. Visiting his family had become a daunting task because Grandma hadn't stopped bringing up how he'd betrayed her trust.
"That he refused to marry Yibo, and now look at his—pregnant!" Grandma would say, her voice loud enough for the whole house to hear. The memory of those scoldings still made Zhan cringe.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, Zhan stood up and removed the oversized top he had borrowed from Yibo. Wrapping himself in a towel, he folded the shirt neatly and placed it in the wardrobe. Then, he headed to the bathroom for a shower, hoping an early night would bring some much-needed rest.
Zhan didn't spend too much time in the bathroom. Emerging with his skin still damp from the hot shower, he walked to the mirror, lightly patting himself dry with a small towel. He applied some Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil, followed by a spritz of soft, subtle perfumes. Then he moved to his wardrobe, selecting a short-sleeved pajama shirt and matching shorts for sleep.
As he settled on the edge of his bed, his phone began vibrating, signaling an incoming call. The sight of the number made his heart skip a beat. He stared at it for a moment, hesitating. If his memory served him right, it was Yibo's number—the same one he had used during the office argument after that heated confrontation.
Taking a deep breath, Zhan answered the call hesitantly, bringing the phone to his ear without uttering a word. His quiet breathing filled the line, reaching Yibo, who was lounging on the couch in his living room. Glancing at the clock, Yibo leaned back, exhaling softly before hanging up without saying anything.
Zhan lowered the phone, staring at the screen. A faint blush crept onto his cheeks as he thought about the call. His gaze lingered on the number, debating whether to save it.
Just then, his bedroom door creaked open. Assuming it was Bei, Zhan didn't bother to look up. However, the familiar scent of Yibo's cologne reached him before he saw the man standing there. He glanced up quickly, his eyes locking onto Yibo's, who was now gazing at his phone with a raised brow, seemingly amused by Zhan's reaction.
Quickly, Zhan slid his phone aside, avoiding Yibo's gaze and hoping he wouldn't comment. But Yibo, with his usual composed confidence, stepped closer. Leaning in from behind, he brought his face near Zhan's neck, his warm breath brushing against his ear as he whispered in a soft, teasing tone, "You didn't have to call me. I'm already here."
Zhan froze, the proximity and Yibo's deliberate actions making his pulse quicken. He stood abruptly, attempting to escape the tension, but Yibo gently grabbed his hand, pulling him back and settling him onto his lap. His steady gaze met Zhan's flushed face as he held his hand firmly yet tenderly.
Yibo exhaled, his voice calm but full of emotion. "How's my son or daughter doing? Everything okay?"
The unexpected question caused Zhan to stiffen. This was the first time Yibo had brought up their child since that harrowing day at the hospital. Hesitating, Zhan placed a hand on his abdomen, feeling a surge of warmth and affection for the life growing inside him. Meeting Yibo's gaze, he watched as Yibo covered his hand with his own, repeating softly, "Are you ready to become the father of this baby?"
Zhan withdrew his hand, allowing Yibo's to remain on his stomach, as he turned his face away. In a quiet voice, he asked, "Why are you asking me this now?"
Leaning his head gently against Zhan's shoulder, Yibo murmured, "Because I've wanted this baby from the very beginning. Despite your beatings, scratching and bites during the prosses, I couldn't be happier."
Zhan had never realized the weight of Yibo's words could be so overwhelming until now. He couldn't suppress the deep blush spreading across his face. Unable to handle the intensity of the moment, he stood abruptly, retreating to the bed and climbing under the blanket to hide his flustered state.
Yibo's gaze followed him, lingering on Zhan's long legs, which were bare and exposed by the shorts he wore. With a sly smile, he rose and approached the bed. Pulling Zhan back gently, he cupped his face, leaning in to press their lips together in a deep kiss, his minty breath enveloping Zhan.
Before Zhan could respond, Yibo lifted him effortlessly, laying him back on the bed. His hands moved to undo the buttons of Zhan's shirt, tossing it aside as he showered him with heated, passionate kisses. Zhan, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, found himself unable to resist Yibo's intoxicating presence.
Early in the morning, Yibo personally helped Zhan freshen up, given the exhaustion he felt after last night. Zhan was still adjusting to his new condition, and after Yibo had drawn close to him again, he was left utterly drained. After his shower, Zhan changed into warm clothes that Yibo had laid out for him, as the early morning chill was palpable. Yibo turned off the room's air conditioning, then went to take his shower. Emerging moments later with a towel tied around his waist, his muscular physique glistened with water droplets. Zhan, catching sight of him, quickly lowered his gaze, feeling his cheeks heat up.
Once Yibo left the room to stretch his legs, Zhan silently prayed he wouldn't return, fearing Granny might notice he'd stayed the night. Closing his eyes, he surrendered to the sleep that was already tugging at him.
When Zhan finally woke up, it was already 11:40 AM. His body felt utterly weak, drained of any strength. His lethargy didn't go unnoticed by Bei and Granny, who had been checking on him all morning, worried about his unusually long slumber. Assuming he might be unwell, they voiced their concerns. Determined to shake off the sluggishness, Zhan got up and took another shower, hoping to regain some energy.
Afterward, he dressed in a simple coffee-brown T-shirt and matching pants before stepping into the living room. Fang brought him a bowl of Cocoa Krispies soaked in milk without any added sugar, as Zhan disliked overly sweet food. Accepting the glass bowl, Zhan sat next to Granny, who was clearly still concerned about his health, fearing something might be wrong.
"Bring him the samosas Dai Jie sent over earlier," Bei suggested, noticing Zhan's slow and unenthusiastic manner of eating the cereal.
The samosas were soon brought out, large and filled with meat. However, Zhan wasn't in the mood for them and continued to nibble on his cereal, answering Granny's questions about his health in a soft, reassuring tone.
Yibo's entrance into the living room made Zhan tense. Though he sensed Yibo's presence and heard him settle beside him, Zhan refused to look up, too flustered to meet his gaze. Yibo, however, appeared completely at ease. Granny, noticing his composed demeanor, remarked, "You're running late this morning, Yibo. You didn't even have breakfast. Did you sleep in?"
Before Yibo could reply, Bei, who was focused on her friend, interjected, "He can eat some of Zhan samosas now, along with a drink without gas. That should be fine."
Yibo turned back to Granny with a slight smile. "I didn't get much sleep last night, so I caught up on some rest this morning."
Bei went to fetch him some samosas and a glass of orange juice, knowing it was his preferred drink. Handing it over, she said, "Here you go."
"Thank you," Yibo replied calmly, taking the plate.
Bei, sitting back down, added, "I'll visit Mama later. Dai Jie burned her hand, but I don't think it's too serious since she mentioned it herself."
Startled, Zhan looked at Bei, concern evident in his voice. "When did that happen?"
"This morning," Bei replied. "She said it was a small burn on her finger while making snacks."
"I'll go check on her too," Zhan said quickly, his tone tinged with eagerness.
Yibo, who had been eating his samosas quietly, glanced at Zhan, noticing how he was playing with his food more than eating it. Just as Bei was about to speak again, Yibo cut her off, his voice steady and firm. "He's not going anywhere until he finishes all the Krispies in his bowl."
Zhan froze, too shy to argue or even glance at Yibo, especially with Granny sitting right there. Instead, he obediently continued eating, though his movements were slow and hesitant.
Granny, ever practical, chimed in, "If you're going, send my regards to Dai Jie. Later, I'll have Dr. Kuo check her hand. Burns are nothing to take lightly."
No one expected Zhan to finish the entire bowl, given his usual eating habits. But to everyone's surprise, he cleared it completely. Granny, unable to hide her astonishment, remarked, "Well done, Zhan. Did Yibo force you to finish it?"
Zhan shook his head gently and replied, "No, it's just the amount I knew I could handle." His calm explanation left Granny even more surprised, and even Yibo seemed slightly taken aback. Bei, on the other hand, chuckled lightly and said, "Well, now that he's done, we can go, right? You said he had to finish it first, and he did."
It seemed Zhan had been waiting for those words. As soon as Yibo nodded in agreement, he stood and headed straight to his room to prepare.
Once Zhan sat down and let the food settle in his stomach, he felt more comfortable and refreshed. He then grabbed his phone and returned to the living room.
"Granny, we'll be back soon," Zhan said softly as he headed toward the door, walking ahead of Bei. Yibo's eyes followed him, and his gaze carried a certain intensity that made Granny sigh inwardly. She couldn't help but wonder if this dynamic between Yibo and Zhan might one day lead to awkward moments in her presence. She thought it might be better for the couple to traveled to fully enjoy their time together, as having them in her space seemed to limit their freedom.
As soon as they stepped outside, Zhan exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The relief was subtle, but even Bei, who walked closely beside him, didn't notice. They made their way directly to Uncle Wen's house.
Upon arrival, they saw Uncle Wen stepping out, dressed sharply in a white suit. Zhan greeted him respectfully and stepped aside to let him pass. Uncle Wen paused for a moment, glancing at Zhan, and felt a sense of relief upon seeing him. However, he hadn't entirely let go of his lingering disappointment over Zhan's past mistakes. After returning Zhan's greeting and acknowledging Bei's, he asked them to send his regards to Granny before heading out, explaining that he was running late for an appointment.
Zhan watched him leave, wondering if Uncle Wen was on his way to discuss or arrange a marriage. It seemed like most of Uncle Wen's time was spent on wedding-related affairs.
They proceeded to Aunt Lin's quarters first. Zhan greeted her respectfully before continuing their conversation as Bei walked slightly ahead of them.
When they reached their own quarters, Grandma was sitting comfortably, Qi massaging her legs. She glanced up as they entered, acknowledging Bei's greeting. Her gaze then shifted to Zhan, who approached her hesitantly, his expression stiff as he braced himself for the comments she often made about his situation.
Grandma said, "What kind of nonsense brings you here with that sulking face? You don't want to marry the man we've chosen for you? It's better if you lighten up quickly. I've had enough of your betrayal and all the sleepless nights you've caused me with your endless complaints and pleas. While aside you are having your fun every night, even when i cried and begged you to understand, thinking you'd eventually see reason. But it turns out I was the fool—thinking you'd have even a shred of sympathy for my old age and the tears I've shed for you. You've done nothing but take me for a fool!"
Dai Jie interrupted, trying to calm Grandma. "Please, Grandma, let it go. What's done is done. You've said your piece, and we all know how much it hurt you."
Zhan, overwhelmed with shame and frustration, didn't know where to look. Embarrassment burned in his chest, especially since his younger sister was there, along with Dai Jie and even their mother. Trying to escape the situation, Zhan headed straight for his mother's room, while Grandma continued scolding Dai Jie in the background.
Even though Zhan's mother hadn't fully warmed up to him since the incident, the situation made her chuckle. She shook her head with a soft laugh, amused by Grandma's persistence. After all, Grandma never let anyone off the hook—not her children, not her grandchildren, no one at all.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛