It was almost evening when Granny returned. At the time, Zhan and Bei were still at their Mama's house, enjoying various dishes prepared by Dai Jie. She hadn't told them what the occasion was, especially not Zhan, who would likely refuse to eat if he knew the truth—despite the fact that it wasn't anything serious, just related to his condition. Bei, however, had figured it out from the start but chose to keep quiet.
Zhan was aware they would leave soon, so he quietly slipped out before Grandma noticed and did her usual scolding. When they arrived home, Granny, seated in the sitting room, looked at them warmly and said, "You've been indulged with all kinds of food again—that's why you've been running there every evening these past two days, returning late. And Bei, your appetite knows no limits, pregnancy or not."
Zhan smiled as he walked over to sit beside her. "Granny, welcome back. It's just that the house felt empty without you, so we decided to go out. Besides, it was Bei's idea. I didn't even plan to go."
Bei laughed as she sat down. "Ah, so pregnancy also makes you a liar now, huh? Grandma was right—you betrayed her trust. Even I—"
Zhan's glare silenced Bei mid-sentence, but Granny stepped in to cut her off. "I don't want to hear you bringing up Grandma's complaints again, Bei. I'll deal with her myself and make her stop. Zhan doesn't need this constant reminder."
Granny's words made Zhan feel both embarrassed and defensive. He glanced at Bei and said, "Granny, maybe you should start with Bei. She needs to stop before Grandma even gets a chance."
Turning to Bei, Granny added firmly, "If you bring this up again, I'll stop being nice to you. And maybe you won't even need to pack—you'll just go straight to your husband's place today!"
Granny then turned to Zhan. "Go freshen up and take some food to your husband. He came back with a headache today."
Zhan hesitated, lowering his head and avoiding her gaze. He couldn't even bring himself to move until Granny repeated herself. Reluctantly, he got up and headed to the dining table to get Yibo's meal.
Granny called after him. "Wait, are you going like that? You're exhausted, and you reek of coconut oil. Go clean yourself up first." She turned to Bei. "You too—both of you should take baths before Zhan goes to deliver the food."
After finishing her scolding, Granny left for her room, giving Zhan the chance to slip into his own room to take a shower. Once Granny had gone, Bei called out teasingly, "Goodnight, Zhan!"
Ignoring her, Zhan went into his room, where he had already been wanting to take a bath. He showered, dressed in long-sleeved and pant pajamas and a cardigan, and dabbed on some light musk before heading out with Yibo's meal.
When Zhan reached Yibo's sitting room, he found Hannah standing at the door, about to knock. They locked eyes for a long moment before Zhan broke the gaze and looked away, his heart urging him to turn back and leave. But something held him back, an inner turmoil refusing to let him leave Hannah alone there.
Hannah turned her sharp eyes on him, her expression surprised. "What's going on?" she asked.
Zhan sighed softly, looking at her again. With calm resolve, he replied, "My husband isn't feeling well. Even if you knock, he probably won't answer."
Zhan's gaze shifted to Hannah's outfit—a fitted straight gown that accentuated her figure and left her hair partially uncovered, a sleek cap failing to hide much of her long locks. Her scent, subtle yet alluring, filled the air. Zhan's eyes narrowed in irritation, his mood darkening.
"But I wonder, Hannah," he said coldly, "why are you still clinging to a married man? Just because I've ignored your antics doesn't mean I condone them. Let me make it clear—Yibo isn't yours, and he never will be. You're wasting your time and youth chasing someone who never liked you and never will."
Hannah's jaw tightened as she glared at Zhan, her shock evident. Everyone knew Zhan wasn't the type to argue or get involved in unnecessary drama. If something didn't concern him, he stayed out of it.
"Well," Hannah snapped, her voice sharp with disdain, "I do have hope for a future with Marshal. Everyone knows your marriage wasn't about love—it was forced on both of you. Especially you, Zhan. Everyone knows you've been looking for ways to leave Yibo. And let's not forget how shameless it is for you to marry your best friend's brother!"
Zhan braced himself with a mocking smiled, lightly tapping his nose before leaning closer to Hannah and whispering in her ear, "Oh, that? I'm not ashamed anymore, sweetheart. Not after all those kisses, sucking, lickings, bittens and the sweetest love making I never experienced that my baby husband showered me with. Now I'm mentally, blindly, and dangerously in love with my best friend's baby brother. So back off, young lady. Yibo is no longer available." He put his hand on his obdormen and whisper " Er... About not loving each other...here is the proof that shows now we're in love."
Having said his piece, Zhan straightened up with a calm expression and walked to Yibo's sitting room door. He gently opened it, stepped inside, and closed it behind him, locking the door.
Leaning against the door, Zhan shut his eyes for a moment, releasing a slow breath to ease the weight pressing on his chest.
Hannah, meanwhile, stood frozen in place, overwhelmed by the situation. Her heart pounded with anger and frustration, unable to process the boldness of both Yibo and Zhan. Gritting her teeth in indignation, she muttered, "Who even asked you if Yibo's sick or perfectly fine?"
Fuming, she stormed off, wishing she could wake everyone in the house just to vent her fury.
Zhan, now composed, slowly pushed himself away from the door and glanced at the dimly lit sitting room. Only the dining area had its lights on, and the soft hum of the Air conditioner filled the quiet space. Gathering himself, he walked towards the kitchen. Once at the dining table, he set down the food basket and exhaled softly, closing his eyes briefly before turning to face the direction of Yibo's bedroom. Hesitation crept in as he considered how to approach the situation.
Summoning his courage, Zhan decided to face it head-on. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and made his way to Yibo's room. His heart raced as he reached for the doorknob. Slowly, he turned it, opening the door carefully. The room was mostly dark, illuminated only by the faint glow of a bedside lamp. It cast a soft light over Yibo's face, which was peaceful as he slept, his earlier headache seemingly gone.
Zhan stood by the bed, unable to take his eyes off Yibo's serene face. His heart swelled with a mix of emotions—nervousness, affection, and a hint of embarrassment.
Finally, Zhan knelt beside the bed, reaching out hesitantly to place his hand on Yibo's forehead, gently checking for any lingering fever. Just as he was about to pull away, Yibo's hand shot up, gripping his wrist.
Zhan froze, his breath hitching. He couldn't bring himself to turn around, his eyes squeezing shut as embarrassment and surprise flooded through him. He wasn't asleep?!
Without letting go, Yibo's voice, thick with sleep, cut through the silence. "Granny sent you with food, right?"
Zhan nodded, his voice soft and hesitant as he replied, "She… she asked me to bring it to you."
Yibo sighed and released Zhan's wrist, sitting up and leaning back against the headboard. "Granny always sends you to do everything. Can't you, just once, do something of your own will? Please Zhan-ge fill the bathtub for me. I need a bath to shake off this sleep." Zhan comply without wasting time, he goes to bathroom and fill the bathtube and come back to the room saying it's ready.
Without saying anything, Yibo swung his legs off the bed and pulled off his shirt, exposing his toned upper body as he made his way to the bathroom.
Zhan, flustered, looked away quickly. "Granny will wonder if I take too long…" he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Yibo, now at the bathroom door, paused briefly and replied without turning back, "Then go back to her. If I finished here, I'll come and carry you myself."
The bathroom door clicked shut, leaving Zhan standing by the bed, staring at the closed door. He sighed, knowing Yibo meant what he said and deciding to wait to see what would unfold next. He dragged a chair closer, sat down, and resigned himself to wait for Yibo to finish.
Zhan sat deep in thought, debating whether to leave or stay. The memory of Yibo's words lingered, and he knew better than anyone else that Yibo was capable of following through on what he said. It wasn't just Granny he had to worry about—perhaps even Wang Dad might spot them if they stepped outside the house with him in Yibo's arms. Steeling himself, Zhan decided to stay and wait for Yibo.
The bathroom door creaked open, and Yibo stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist. Zhan quickly turned his gaze to a small, elegant white frame sitting beside the chair he was in. The frame contained a picture of Yibo and Bei during a trip abroad, their attire and the people at the background hinting at the foreign setting. Zhan's eyes lingered on Yibo's face in the photograph, studying his features with an intensity he couldn't manage openly. His heart and mind settled on one undeniable truth he still struggled to accept...he was in love.
In love with Yibo.
His best friend's younger brother.
How? When? And why had this feeling taken him by surprise so completely?
Yibo sat down beside Zhan, leaning in close to look at the photo Zhan had been staring at. His presence, along with the faint minty scent of his mouthwash, made Zhan's heart falter. Yibo's sharp yet gentle voice broke the silence.
"Yes, I'm the younger brother of your best friend, your confidant… and your husband, not to mention the father of the baby growing inside you. So? Have you given up yet and admitted that you love me? Or do I still have more convincing to do?"
As Yibo spoke, he slipped his hand under Zhan's shirt, resting it on Zhan's slightly firm bump, which had begun to show the faint signs of pregnancy. Yibo's touch was gentle yet possessive, his intense eyes fixed on Zhan's face with a look of devotion and tenderness that unraveled Zhan's composure.
Yibo caressed Zhan's stomach slowly, his careful movements filled with affection. Zhan couldn't help but lift his gaze, meeting Yibo's eyes. He was overwhelmed by the depth of care and love emanating from them.
"Is the baby moving?" Yibo asked softly, his focus shifting to Zhan's abdomen.
Zhan shook his head slightly, his body trembling under Yibo's gaze. "No… not yet. But the baby is fine."
Yibo smirked, his hand briefly brushing Zhan's cheek as he replied, "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. Now, let's go eat—I'm starving."
Standing, Yibo reached out and slipped off Zhan's cardigan, setting it neatly on the chair. Taking Zhan's hand in his, he led him out of the bed room. Zhan walked ahead, and Yibo followed close behind, his hand never leaving Zhan's. His steady, calm steps and quiet attentiveness sent Yibo's heart racing. It was in moments like this, filled with Zhan's quiet care, that Yibo found himself falling deeper into his orbit.
Once in the dining area, Yibo glanced at the clock—it was nearly 11 p.m. "Don't put too much food," he said. "I don't want anything heavy this late."
Zhan served a small portion, brought him a drink, and turned to sit. Before he could, Yibo gently pulled him onto his lap. Zhan stayed still, allowing Yibo to eat while holding him. Every glance, every gesture, only made Zhan more acutely aware of how deeply Yibo's actions affected him.
When Yibo finished eating, Zhan wanted to ask for permission to return to Granny's quarters. But before he could speak, Yibo took his hand, leading him back to the bedroom.
"I'll walk you there tomorrow," Yibo said softly. "Tonight, stay with me."
He guided Zhan to the bathroom, ensuring they both brushed their teeth before returning to bed. Yibo lay down first, holding out his hand. "Come here," he said, his voice low but firm.
Without hesitation, Zhan placed his hand in Yibo's. Yibo pulled him onto the bed, positioning Zhan beside him. He adjusted Zhan's head onto the same pillow, their faces inches apart.
"Goodnight, Gege, I love you," Yibo murmured with a faint smile, closing his eyes as he pulled Zhan's hand against his chest.
Zhan exhaled softly, his heart fluttering. "Goodnight, Husband, I love you too," he whispered, before sleep claimed him as well.
▪️🔹🔸▪️
They slept deeply, especially after dawn, as Yibo firmly stopped Zhan from sneaking off to Granny's quarters as he had planned. When Zhan brought up leaving, Yibo pulled him close again, leading to another passionate love making. It lasted for a long time, and by the time they finished and showered, exhaustion overtook Zhan so heavily that he fell into a deep sleep.
Zhan didn't wake up until a sharp hunger roused him. Slowly stirring, he opened his eyes and gazed ahead, recalling exactly where he was. A wave of realization hit him as he remembered that Granny must have noticed he didn't return to her quarters the previous night. He sighed, tossing off the blanket and swinging his legs over the side of the bed, curious to check the time.
The room was quiet, and Yibo wasn't there. Zhan's eyes landed on Yibo's phone, resting on the bedside table. Curious, he reached out and tapped the screen to check the time but froze when he saw the wallpaper. It was a picture of him, stunning in a white shirt and trousers with a small hat perched on his head. His smile was subtle, almost shy, and his dark hair contrasted strikingly with the light outfit. The photo was breathtaking, but Zhan couldn't recall when or where it had been taken.
After some thought, Zhan realized the picture must have been from one of their trips abroad, likely during their final visit together. He vaguely remembered wearing such an outfit but couldn't recall Yibo taking the picture. The thought that Yibo had such a photo, one Zhan had never seen, made his chest tighten with emotion and a soft smile spread across his face.
It was already 10:27 AM when Zhan got up, heading straight to the bathroom. After brushing his teeth and using the warm bathwater to refresh himself, he stepped out to see Yibo seated in the sitting room, engrossed in his laptop.
Hearing the sound of the bedroom door closing, Yibo glanced up briefly, his expression softening. Without taking his eyes off the screen, he greeted warmly, "Good morning, my king. Come here and tell me how you're feeling, both you and our baby."
Without hesitation, Zhan walked over, intending to sit beside him, but Yibo reached out, pulling him onto his lap. Setting aside his laptop, Yibo focused entirely on Zhan, brushing his fingers through Zhan's hair, which still carried the subtle scent of L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil. Gently, Yibo guided Zhan's hand to rest on his lower abdomen, while his own hand covered Zhan's.
"Good morning, little Wang Xiao," Yibo murmured, addressing their unborn child. His deep, soothing voice filled the room as his other hand lightly caressed Zhan's stomach.
Zhan's gaze lingered on Yibo's lips as he spoke, and just then, a knock came at the door. Startled, Zhan moved to stand, but Yibo held him back, already knowing who it was.
"It's Bei," Yibo said casually. He'd called her earlier to bring breakfast, already known Zhan would be hungry by the time he woke up.
Raising his voice slightly, Yibo called out, "Come in!"
Bei entered, exhaling softly. She wasn't surprised to see Yibo lounging with Zhan on his lap; it was his habit. Marshal Wang didn't care for formalities, and she had long since grown used to it. However, she still found it amusing how Yibo didn't seem to care about the embarrassment this might cause Zhan.
"Good morning, my dear brother-in-law," Bei greeted warmly, her tone teasing as she placed the tray of food on the dining table.
Yibo raised an eyebrow at the title, letting out a low chuckle. "Brother-in-law, huh? Zhan-ge, I thought you were just her friend. Bei, doesn't 'brother-in-law' mean the husband of your Son?"
Bei nodded, setting the plates down. "Yes, it refers to the husband of one's son or brother and sister. It can also mean the spouse of a cousin."
A sly grin tugged at Yibo's lips as he leaned closer to Zhan, whispering near his ear, "So, you're her brother-in-law now, not just her friend or confidant, huh?"
Zhan glared at him, clearly flustered. In a soft but firm tone, he replied "Bei will always remain my best friend and confidant, Yibo. She's more like a sister to me more than anything else."
The smile Yibo gave made Zhan pause, causing him to pull away quickly. He stood up abruptly and headed toward Bei, who had turned to leave, walking to the door while saying, "I have something to do, so I'm leaving. Granny sent her greetings..."
Before Zhan could respond, Bei left the sitting room, shutting the door behind her without looking back.
Yibo stood up and gently led Zhan toward the dining table. Zhan, still frozen from the weight of Granny's earlier greeting, followed without resistance. If Bei wasn't teasing him, it meant she had genuinely spoken to Granny, and that realization filled Zhan with embarrassment.
Zhan glanced at Yibo, concern etched on his face, and said, "Does this mean Granny knows where I spent the night?"
Yibo sat down, pulling Zhan into his lap, and kissed his hand affectionately. "She knows exactly where you spent the night and with whom and what we di…" Yibo began teasingly, but Zhan quickly covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes wide.
"Don't you dare say another word," Zhan warned, knowing Yibo had no filter and wouldn't hesitate to speak openly.
Yibo smiled, gently moving Zhan's hand from his mouth. "Fine," he said, pointing to the food. "Let's eat now."
Yibo ended up feeding Zhan himself, despite Zhan's feeble attempts to protest. By the time they were finished, Yibo dragged him back to the bedroom.
🔹🔸▪️🔸
After freshening up, Yibo changed into a black Balenciaga short-sleeve shirt paired with matching pants. His wrist sported an elegant Emporio Armani watch, a signature accessory of his, showcasing understated luxury. He stepped out to find Zhan standing in front of the mirror, blow-drying his hair.
Yibo approached silently, slipping his arms around Zhan's waist from behind and pressing a soft kiss to the back of his neck. Zhan closed his eyes, leaning into Yibo's warmth and breathing in the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
"I'm heading out," Yibo said in a low voice, his lips brushing against Zhan's ear. "Be ready tomorrow morning at 10. That's when we'll leave."
Without waiting for a response, Yibo released Zhan and walked out, leaving him standing there. Zhan gazed at his reflection in the mirror, noticing the blush that crept onto his cheeks before returning his focus to drying his hair.
Zhan later dressed in a maroon top paired with black wide-legged pants, an outfit Bei had brought him. Since he couldn't find his own perfume, he used Yibo's, its rich scent lingering around him as he stepped out of the bedroom. His hands instinctively brushed over his slightly swollen belly, feeling self-conscious about how the outfit made his figure more noticeable.
Before joining the others, Zhan tidied the sitting room and then the bedroom, ensuring everything was neat. Zhan had called Bei earlier to sent Fang to help with the kitchen while he handled the rest. Once the house was in order, the space smelled fresh and inviting.
After locking Yibo's private quarters, Zhan reluctantly made his way to the main house. No matter how embarrassed he felt, he couldn't avoid it. Unfortunately, his bad luck continued—Granny was sitting in the sitting room, chatting with his Grandma, who had arrived to bid them farewell before their trip the next day. Yibo had stopped by earlier to greet them before heading out, knowing he'd return late.
Seeing Grandma made Zhan freeze momentarily, but he pushed forward, walking into the sitting room with a sense of resignation. Slowly, he greeted, "Good afternoon, Granny. Grandma, welcome."
Grandma, never one to mince words, looked at Zhan with a bemused expression. "And where are you coming from in this heated day? Don't tell me you're still working in this condition?" she asked, her tone equal parts teasing and scolding.
Granny answered before Zhan could respond. "Oh no, he's no longer working now. He's staying at his husband's quarters now."
Grandma let out a hearty laugh, shaking her head. "Wonders shall never end! After all that fuss about not wanting a husband, and now you're already settled in his quarters? Poor Granny, she didn't even know what was happening right under her nose! Zhan, are you already trying for another child?"
Bei chuckled mischievously. "Grandma, is there room for another baby when there's already one on the way?"
Granny smiled, shaking her head at the playful banter. "Zhan, come sit with me. Let's have a chat," she said warmly.
Zhan hesitated before walking over and sitting beside Granny, throwing a half-hearted glare at Grandma, who smiled knowingly.
"Oh, you're glaring at your Uncle, Wen," Grandma said, her voice laced with amusement. "What has my dear uncle done to deserve your scorn?" Zhan asked, I gave birth to him, after all!" Grandma replied grinning.
The room filled with light-hearted conversation as Zhan finally relaxed, listening to the back-and-forth between the family members. Later, Bei and Zhan went Zhan room, Bei was help Zhan pack for the trip, carefully arranging his belongings in a newly purchased set of luggage.
Zhan, engrossed in a call with his assistant Sarah, instructed her to bring over the final set of documents he needed to sign before handing over some responsibilities to the company's new president.
By the time Zhan and Bei returned to the sitting room later that evening, they gone to Zhan's family house to bid everyone goodbye.
They gave Zhan plenty of advice about marriage, including how to manage a husband, before Dai Jie chimed in with her own thoughts, mixing them with light teasing. She even reminded him of the risks of Hannah getting too close to his husband.
It was already late by the time they left the house, having said their goodbyes. When they got back home, Zhan went straight to the sitting room where Sarah was waiting. Taking her seat across from her, Zhan said, "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Sarah."
He took the files from Sarah's hands, grabbed a pen, and began reviewing them. Noticing the snacks and drinks Sarah had been served, he said, "Help yourself to something while I check these and sign them. Once I'm done, the driver will take you home since it's already late."
They exchanged small talk as Zhan went through the documents, signing where needed. Sarah gave updates about work before adding, "Zhan, you should know that Sen Nan has been pressuring Mr. Wang and Yibo to reinstate him at the office. There have been at least four meetings, but Marshal remains firm. Now, Sen Nan insists on getting your new number. He says he wants to discuss the matter with you personally or hopes you'll talk to Marshal for him."
Without looking up from his work, Zhan replied dismissively, "Make sure he doesn't get my number from you or anyone. As for his job, I doubt even Granny can change Yibo's mind, let alone me."
When Zhan finished signing the last file, he handed them back to Sarah and said, "Thank you, Sarah."
"I'll miss you, Zhan," Sarah said sincerely. "But this is what we've all hoped for—a chance for you to focus on your marriage. I wish you all the best in this new chapter."
"Thank you, Sarah," Zhan replied. "Let me find someone to take you home."
They both stood and headed toward Granny's part so Sarah could say goodbye. When they stepped outside to the driveway, Yibo was returning, dressed casually in a gray Nike tracksuit. Sarah greeted him respectfully, acknowledging his position as the company's owner. Yibo personally instructed the driver to take Sarah home in his car, then walked with Zhan toward Granny's quarters, finishing a phone call as they arrived.
Yibo went straight to Granny's room, while Zhan returned to his own.
Yibo stayed for a while at Granny's before heading back to his room. Zhan later went to the kitchen for a drink and snacks before retiring for the night. Already prepared for bed, he quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, by 9 a.m., Zhan's luggage was packed and loaded into the car. Dressed in a red high-neck English top and black jeans that clung to his legs, he carried a small Gucci handbag containing a few personal items. On his feet were a pair of stylish D&G loafers.
He hugged Granny tightly, his eyes welling with tears as he whispered, "I'll miss you, Granny."
Granny stroked his hair and smiled. "Live a blessed life, Zhan. Take care of yourself. Remember, you're expecting. We all have high hopes for this child, so make sure to stay healthy."
"I'll be careful, Granny," Zhan promised softly.
Afterward, Zhan and Bei joined Wang Dad, who was waiting to give his own advice and encouragement. Wang Dad mentioned that he had transferred some money to Zhan's new CPB account for his use abroad, then wished him well.
As they stepped outside, Mom Ella eyed them from a distance, shooting the group an irritated glare. Her expression softened only when Hannah arrived, dressed stylishly in Valentino jeans and a casual top.
Hannah's luggage had already been loaded into the car. As she approached, Mom Ella embraced her, smiling warmly. "My baby, I'll miss you. Please take care of yourself during this program. Do your best to make us proud." In a quieter tone, she added, "Once your program ends, move into Marshal's house before coming back."
"I love you, Mom," Hannah replied with a smile. "I'll make you proud."
Meanwhile, Zhan felt a pang of unease when he noticed Hannah's confident demeanor and her close proximity to Yibo. He glanced at Yibo through the car's window, only to find his husband unfazed, still engrossed in his phone call. Yibo occasionally glanced at Zhan, his attention clearly divided.
When it was time to leave, Hannah reluctantly got into the car. Yibo, seated in the back with Zhan, reached over and intertwined their fingers. He gave Zhan a quick wink, still maintaining his composed demeanor as he continued his phone call.
At the airport, they wasted no time. Hannah had an economy-class ticket, while Zhan and Yibo flew first-class. This arrangement irked Hannah, who sulked and grumbled the entire time. Zhan ignored her tantrum, focusing instead on his husband, who kept his hand intertwined with Zhan's throughout their journey.
By the time they boarded the plane, Hannah's frustration was evident, but Yibo didn't even glance her way. For Zhan, however, the trip marked the start of a new chapter in his life, one he was determined to make the most of—no matter the obstacles ahead.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛