Zhan looked at her and said, "I want to go to Li Na's house."
Yuting raised a brow. "Which Li Na? The one you deceived, or someone else?"
He fell silent, not responding. Yuting scoffed and turned her attention back to the TV.
"I didn't deceive her, Aunt. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be," he finally said.
Yuting nodded. "Well then, if that's how fate decided."
She paused, then looked back at him. "So, what do you need to see her for?"
"I want to apologize," Zhan admitted. "If she sees me with Yibo, she might listen. I don't want her to think I led her on."
Yuting sighed. "Alright, I hope it goes well. But it's late now. You should wait until morning."
"She's leaving for Chengdu early tomorrow," he replied.
Yuting shook her head. "Then why not take Meiling along too?"
"Yes, we'll go together," Zhan confirmed.
"Alright, tell Meiling to get ready and come here to take Yibo with her," she said.
"Thank you." He stood up, bid her goodnight, and left the sitting room.
Yuting got up and went to Yibo's room, finding him sitting and reading. "Get ready. You and Meiling will go with Zhan to see Li Na."
Yibo's eyes widened. "Gege? No way, Mu Qin, I'm not going."
She stared at him. "Why not?"
Shaking his head, he muttered, "I just don't want to."
Yuting folded her arms. "What's going on between you and Zhan?"
Yibo glanced at her sharply but then looked away. "Nothing, Mu Qin."
"Then get up and go with them," she ordered before leaving the room.
With a deep sigh, Yibo reluctantly stood up. He hated the idea of going with Zhan.
By the time he came out, Meiling had also arrived in the sitting room. Yuting watched them both. "Be careful," she reminded them.
"Okay," Yibo mumbled, following Meiling outside.
Zhan was already waiting by the car. Meiling got into the back seat while Yibo, frowning, entered the back without a word.
"Move to the front," Meiling nudged him.
He ignored her and closed the door.
Zhan sighed. "One of you needs to sit in the front. I'm not your driver."
Meiling pouted but got out and moved to the front passenger seat. Zhan started the car, glancing occasionally at Yibo, who stared out of the window.
They arrived at Li Na's sister's house. Zhan parked outside and turned off the engine. "You two go in. Tell her I'm outside. She's not picking up my calls."
Yibo stepped out without a word, followed by Meiling. They entered the house together.
In the sitting room, they found Li Na's sister sitting with her three children. She looked at them curiously.
Yibo sat down and greeted her, and Meiling did the same.
She responded politely but seemed unsure of who they were.
Meiling spoke up. "Li Na Jie, is she home?"
Her sister nodded. "She's in her room." She sent her youngest child to call Li Na.
Soon, Li Na appeared, standing at the doorway, watching them. Then, she smiled slightly. "Welcome."
Yibo greeted her. "How are you, Li Na Jie?"
Li Na sat down. "I'm fine. How's Aunty?"
Meiling also greeted her, and she nodded in response.
Li Na asked, "Where are you coming from at this hour?"
"From home," Yibo replied.
Her smile faded a little. "Should I get you something to eat?"
"No, we've already eaten," Yibo said. "Actually, my Mom sent me."
Li Na tilted her head. "Oh? I'm listening."
Yibo smiled slightly. "Shall we talk outside?"
Li Na returned the smile, then turned to her sister. "Antie, they're Zhan's siblings."
Her sister's expression hardened instantly. She stared at them coldly.
Sensing the tension, Yibo stood up. "We'll be leaving now," he said politely. Meiling also stood, and they both exited the house.
Li Na hesitated for a moment before following them outside. She expected Yibo to deliver Yuting's message at the door, but to her surprise, they walked past the gate.
Her chest tightened when she saw Zhan standing by his car, arms crossed.
She lowered her gaze as he walked up to her.
She turned to leave, but he gently held her wrist. "Please, listen to me, Li Na."
She couldn't look at him. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Yibo's heart ached at the sight, while Meiling quietly entered the car, feeling sorry for Li Na.
With effort, Zhan spoke. "I never meant to hurt you, Li Na, not even once. But fate has its own plans. Maybe we were never meant to be together. Please forgive me. My mother doesn't approve of our marriage, and I can't go against her."
Tears slid down Li Na's cheeks. "Maybe this is for the best. I wish you a happy married life in advance."
Zhan exhaled deeply. "Please forgive me, Li Na."
She nodded with difficulty. "I already have."
His voice was thick with emotion. "From the very beginning, through these four years… if I ever hurt you, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
"You've done nothing wrong," she whispered. "And I forgive you. You should forgive me too. Thank you for everything you did for me all these years. I hope you continue to be a good son to your mother."
Zhan lowered his eyes. "I will." He hesitated before adding, "If fate allows, maybe one day, you will still be my wife. I would love nothing more than to reunite you with my...."
Li Na didn't turn back. She walked inside and closed the gate behind her.
Zhan stood there for a moment before sighing deeply. Then, he walked to the driver's seat and got in.
He started the engine and noticed Yibo wiping his tears with a pout. He said nothing and drove off.
The journey home was completely silent.
When they arrived, Meiling quickly got out of the car. Yibo followed and hurried inside.
In the sitting room, Yuting was waiting. Seeing Yibo's mood, she asked, "How did it go?"
Yibo sat down, tears welling in his eyes. "Mu Qin, I feel bad for her. Why would Gege do this to her? He betrayed her."
Yuting clicked her tongue. "You and him both deceived her."
Yibo didn't hear what Yuting said and continued, "She even cried."
Yuting sighed. "Well, I hope she finds someone better. She doesn't even realize what a blessing it is that she and Zhan broke up. I honestly pity her if she had married him, especially considering how much his mother dislikes her."
Yibo frowned. "But why?"
Yuting smiled. "Even if she were my worst enemy, I wouldn't advise her to marry Yichen son. Look at Yichen—she's on another level. We may not have been married to the same man, but the way we lived together, it was no different. I suffered because of her. She has no clue what reality is."
Yibo stayed silent.
Yuting continued, "So it's better for him to marry his mother's friend's daughter. They're closer and know each other well."
A strange feeling settled in Yibo's chest. He didn't like what Yuting was saying, though he didn't know why.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
The next day, as soon as Yibo returned from school, still in his uniform, Nainai arrived, dressed in her expensive clothes.
Yuting greeted her, "Welcome, Mother."
Nainai smiled. "Thank you. Is Yibo back from school?"
"Yes, he just walked in."
"Good, I want him to accompany me to A-Ji's house. I haven't seen her in two days."
Yuting called out to Yibo, and he came out of his room.
"You'll accompany mother to her friend home," Yuting instructed.
Yibo frowned. "I haven't even showered or eaten yet. And I have a headache."
Nainai looked at him with concern. "A headache? Then stay home. I'll ask Meiling or Xinyi to come with me instead. What would I do if you fainted on the street?" She turned and left, while Yibo retreated to his room.
Later that evening, while Yibo was washing dishes in the kitchen, Yuting called him. He rushed out, wiping his hands.
"You have a call," she said.
He picked up the phone and saw it was Sen Wen. Answering, he stepped out of the sitting room.
After a brief greeting, Sen Wen said, "Please, come outside and pick up Nainai's package. I'm waiting."
"A package?"
"Yes. Or are you busy?"
"No… Why don't you just bring it in yourself?"
Sen Wen chuckled. "I have to run an errand for my mom. I'll drop by again later, and we can go to her place together. Right now, I'm in a hurry."
"What kind of package?"
"Just come see for yourself."
Yibo sighed. "Alright."
Yuting, who had been eavesdropping, asked, "What package?"
Yibo guessed, "Didn't Nainai say she needed a new iron?"
Yuting folded her arms, clicking her tongue in disapproval. "So now she's asking favors from that boy? This is embarrassing. She could've just given her laundry to the cleaners instead of begging for an iron. Where's her old one?"
"Ever since the last one shocked Xinyi, she threw it away."
Yuting groaned. "That old woman is going to be the death of me. Listen, when she gets back tonight, take her phone and block Sen Wen's number. Delete it too. She's not earning any respect by relying on him, and I don't want him hanging around her anymore."
Yibo sighed. "Alright."
He stepped outside, and Sen Wen was already waiting by his car, phone to his ear. As soon as he saw Yibo, he hung up and smiled.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How's work?"
"Good," Sen Wen replied, then opened his car and handed Yibo a bag. "Give this to Grandma."
Yibo hesitated before taking it. "Thanks."
Sen Wen pulled out another bag. "And this is for you."
Yibo immediately shook his head. "No, thanks."
Sen Wen sighed. "I don't like it when you refuse gifts, dear."
"I appreciate it, but no thanks."
Sen Wen stared at him, amused.
At that moment, another car parked nearby, and Yichen stepped out. She glanced between them, her expression unreadable.
Sen Wen greeted her politely.
Yichen responded quickly, She walked toward the gate but suddenly turned back, giving Sen Wen another long look. She almost stumbled but quickly steadied herself and disappeared inside.
Sen Wen watched her go before turning to Yibo, who was fidgeting with his fingers.
"Who is she?" he asked.
Yibo looked at him and gave a small smile before saying, "Gege's mom."
Sen Wen nodded. "Oh, okay. But why didn't you greet her?"
Yibo fell silent as if he wouldn't answer, then finally said softly, "I'll greet her when I go inside."
Sen Wen shook his head. "No, that's not the point…" He smiled a little and continued, "I don't know why, and I'm not supposed to intrude on family matters, but promise me that from now on, you'll greet her. She is your elder, after all."
Yibo looked at him. "Yeah, promise me," Sen Wen insisted.
Lowering his gaze, Yibo sighed and said, "Alright, I promise."
Sen Wen flashed a charming smile. "Good."
He placed the bag he had brought for Yibo on a white plastic chair nearby since Yibo had refused to take it. "Well, I guess we'll just donate it, then. Since you don't want it, I'm leaving now. My mom is waiting for me."
Without waiting for Yibo's response, he got into his car and started the engine. Yibo gave a small smile and murmured, "Thanks."
Sen Wen winked before driving away. Yibo hesitated for a moment before picking up the bag and heading inside.
🔹▫️🔸
Around 7:30 PM, Yibo went to deliver dinner to Nainai, after Yuting had reminded him again to block Sen Wen's number on her phone and delete it. When he entered the sitting room, he set down the food and the bag containing the iron, greeting Nainai, who was busy dusting the TV.
Nainai sighed. "At least I still have A-Ji. She means more to me than some of these so-called relatives who lack decency. Even today, we discussed about you and that boy Sen Wen. Now, I'll just pay to make sure no one interferes in this matter. Tomorrow, I'll even give Zhan money to take to her. Who has time to sit around waiting these days? Everyone should take measures to protect themselves."
Yibo didn't respond and simply sat down, picking up Nainai's phone from the couch. "Nainai, the iron you asked for was delivered earlier," he said.
Nainai beamed. "Oh, bless him! If it were Zong, he'd just say he forgot. See? This one understands the value of respecting elders. Hold on to him tightly... he'd make a good husband, I tell you. Anyway, I'm tired of holding the phone he gave you. If you're not going to use it, let's take it to the market and sell it for something useful."
Without waiting for Yibo's response, she walked into her room. Yibo quickly blocked and deleted Sen Wen's number from her phone.
Just as he was about to leave, Nainai rushed out of her room, looking frantic and sweating. "Oh no! I'm ruined!"
Yibo stood up, watching her in confusion.
Nainai burst into tears. "I swear I hid the phone under my clothes, and now it's gone! Someone must have come in and stolen it! I'm doomed! This is someone else's property! Heaven help me!" She ran out of the sitting room, still wailing.
Yibo remained still, staring at her doorway before following her. By the time he reached her, she had already made it to Zong's section of the house. So Yibo just went to their part.
When she entered, Meiling and Mengxi greeted her, but she was too distraught to respond properly. "Where is my Zong?" she cried.
Zhan, who was coming down the stairs, looked at her in confusion, while Zihan, who was sitting in the sitting room, asked, "What happened Ayi?"
Nainai broke into fresh sobs and collapsed onto the floor. "I'm finished! Has Zong not come back yet?"
Yichen peeked out from the kitchen, curious but not fully stepping out.
Zhan walked over. "What's going on?"
Still crying, Nainai said, "The phone that Wen Yo Lee gave Yibo… it's been stolen from my room!" She covered her face with her sleeve and sobbed. "What kind of impression will that boy have of me now? They said the phone is worth three million… I'm doomed!"
Yichen's eyes widened at the mention of Wen Yo Lee's name.
Zihan sat in silence, her fingers tapping against her chin in thought, while Meiling and Mengxi stifled their laughter, unable to take the situation seriously.
Zihan asked, "Ayi, when you left earlier, didn't you lock the door?"
Still sobbing, Nainai replied, "I swear I locked it, Zihan, unless someone made a duplicate key and opened it..."
Zihan, surprised, said, "Unbelievable. But let's go back and check your room again. Maybe you didn't search properly."
Frustrated, Nainai snapped, "Oh, please! What room are we checking again? I already went through everything! The phone was stolen, and whoever took it knows me well. They know exactly what I'm going through!"
Zihan tried to suppress a smile and said, "This is really strange. Are you sure Yibo didn't take it himself?"
Nainai scowled. "Zihan, please leave me alone. If you don't have anything helpful to say, just keep quiet for my sake, if not for anything else. Why would Yibo take the phone and not tell me?"
Meanwhile, Zhan had already gone to the dining table. He opened the food warmer and started serving himself, like nothing is going on.
Just then, Zong entered the sitting room, greeting everyone. Nainai immediately stood up, wiping her tears. "Zong, I've been humiliated today in this house! I don't know who sneaked in and stole the phone Sen Wen gave me to give Yibo! That phone was worth three million! Please, Zong, help me find it. How am I supposed to face Sen Wen when he hears about this?"
Zong, standing still, was momentarily speechless, just staring at her in confusion. Then, shaking his head, he asked, "What phone did he give that we weren't informed about?"
Nainai frowned. "It was for Yibo! He gifted it to him, and it passed through my hands. Or is giving gifts no longer allowed in this world?"
Zong sighed. "But if he gave the phone, he should have at least informed me since Quentin isn't around. This wasn't right at all. On what basis did he even gift Yibo a phone?"
Nainai cut him off impatiently. "Zong, please, let's not get distracted from the real issue here—the missing phone! We need to search for it everywhere!"
Zong kept staring at her, while she grew more frustrated. "Zong, are you just going to stand there? Please, lead the way! If we have to empty every drawer and cupboard, so be it. Today, I must find out what happened to that phone!"
Zong headed toward the door, and Nainai followed closely, her face set in determination. Zihan and the others trailed behind, including Meiling. Zhan, however, remained seated, calmly eating his food.
Yichen had been listening from the kitchen. Once the others left, she quickly came out, looking flustered and sweating. "Zhan, which Wen Yo Lee is Nainai talking about?"
Zhan looked at her, still eating slowly, and replied, "I honestly don't know what she's talking about."
Not satisfied, Yichen rushed upstairs, then came back down just as quickly and headed toward Nainai's section of the house. Zhan simply watched as she hurried out.
When she arrived, she found Meiling and the others pulling out items from the wardrobe. Nainai stood to the side, anxiously scanning the room. Zong leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed, while Zihan was rummaging through another part of the room.
Letting out a loud wail, Nainai burst into fresh tears. "This is the worst day of my life, Shuyi! Since the day my mother gave birth to me, I've never lost anything entrusted to me!"
Yichen entered the sitting room, visibly worried. "Mother, is the phone still missing?"
Nainai wiped her tears and replied, "Yes, Yichen, it's still missing. That day, I was by the water pump, scrubbing the dirt off the floor when that boy walked in..."
Yichen frowned. "Which boy?"
Nainai sighed. "Wen Yo Lee, of course. Who in this house doesn't know Yibo and Wen Yo Lee? But it wasn't him directly—it was his son. He handed me the phone right before leaving. I placed it over there." She pointed to a spot in the room.
Yichen followed her gaze, then Nainai suddenly burst into fresh tears. "Shuyi, I swear, today will be the worst day of my life!"
Yichen couldn't stand still, the tension on her face obvious. She hurried into Nainai's room, searching every corner before coming back out. "Mother, was there anyone else in the sitting room when you received the phone?"
Nainai hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, "Only your son, Zhan. He was the only one here at the time. But look, even the gold earring Wen Yo Lee gifted Yibo is still here—it wasn't stolen. And I was alone in the room when he gave it to me. The only one around when I received the phone was Zhan."
Her eyes widened, and she clutched her chest in shock. "Could it be that Zhan has started stealing in this house without anyone realizing?"
Yichen broke into a sweat, staring at Nainai in disbelief.
Nainai turned to Zong. "Zong, are you just going to stand there? Shouldn't we be questioning Zhan? He was the only one in the room that day. I swear, I am doomed!"
Zong didn't respond immediately. Instead, Yichen quickly said, "Mother, let me turn off the stove first. I was boiling water for tea. I'll be back in a moment. This is serious."
Nainai waved her off. "Go quickly, but don't start another problem before we've even solved this one."
Yichen rushed back to her section of the house, passing Zhan without even looking at him as she headed upstairs, her body trembling.
The Next Morning
By the time Yuting had finished preparing breakfast in the kitchen, Yibo had still not come out of his room. Worried, she went to check on him, knowing that he needed to eat before leaving for his lessons.
When she entered, she found him lying under the duvet. Pulling it away, she touched his forehead, then his legs. Concerned, she called softly, "Yibo?"
Slowly, Yibo opened his eyes, which were red and clouded with pain.
Yuting sat on the edge of the bed, frowning. "What's wrong, Yibo?"
With effort, he raised a weak hand to point at his head. "It hurts..." His voice was barely above a whisper. Then, he motioned toward his legs as well.
Yuting's heart clenched with worry. "Have you stopped taking your medication?"
Yibo weakly shook his head, unable to speak further.
Yuting immediately got up and went to the bathroom, preparing warm water for him. She helped him to the bathroom and then stepped out to give him privacy. Afterward, she laid out clothes for him before leaving the room.
When he came out of the bath, still wrapped in a towel, he collapsed onto the bed and pulled the duvet over himself. Yuting returned with a cup of tea and a small bag of bread, setting them on the table beside him. "Come on, get dressed and have breakfast before taking your medicine."
Seeing him shivering, she took out his lotion and helped him apply it. Once he was dressed, he only managed to drink the tea and take his medicine before lying back down. Yuting took the empty cup and quietly left the room.
Later That Day
Zihan sat in the sitting room with Zong after serving him breakfast. Seeing his somber mood, she sighed. "Please, stop stressing over this matter. You know how Ayi is—why let it get to you? She's still our mother, after all."
Zong shook his head. "I can't be the only one constantly telling Ayi what's right and wrong. You all need to contribute as well."
Zihan scoffed. "And who exactly do you expect to challenge her, brother? You? Us? If we so much as try, she'll send Yichen packing back to her parents' house."
Zong said, "That's not the point. If we point out her mistakes, it becomes a big issue. She listens to Quentin more, but he's not around. And if I say something, she starts crying. Everything is piling up, and I don't know how to handle it."
Zihan replied, "But she listens to Zhan too."
Zong looked at her and said, "Well, she insisted on going to the police station, claiming that Zhan took the phone—even crying about it. Tell me, does that sound reasonable to you?"
Zihan couldn't suppress a chuckle. "That's just how old age is, brother. You have to be patient with her. What did Zhan say about it?"
Zong shook his head. "I haven't even seen him since yesterday. We only ran into each other briefly outside just now. Honestly, Ayi is stressing me out too much. I don't know what to do."
Zihan sighed, "I wish things get better, hopefully."
Just then, Seth knocked on the door. Zihan answered, and he stepped into the sitting room, handing her a phone. "You missed a call."
Zong looked at him and asked, "Where's Zhan?"
Seth replied, "He's in his bedroom."
Zong nodded. "Call him and bring him here."
Seth agreed and turned to leave. On his way out, he stepped aside to let Yichen enter the sitting room before heading off.
Both Zihan and Zong watched Yichen closely. She looked visibly troubled as she said, "Zong, I'm going to Mengshi's house. She's been feeling unwell since last night and couldn't sleep. They've been at the hospital since early this morning."
Zihan gasped. "Oh no! I hope she recovers soon. If I have time, I'll drop by later."
Yichen quickly responded, "No need. Our mother asked me to take her to Longfang instead. I'm heading there now."
Zong said, "I hope she gets well soon. Let's pray it's nothing serious."
Yichen wiped the tears welling up in her eyes. "Amen."
Zong then asked, "Are you taking the driver with you?"
She shook her head. "No, I'll take a rickshaw to the hospital, then we'll use her husband's car to travel."
Zong nodded. "Alright. Stay safe. Do you need anything?"
"Yes, if you could transfer me whatever amount you can manage."
"Alright."
Yichen bid them farewell and left the sitting room, while Zihan wished her a safe journey. As soon as the door shut, Zihan checked her missed call and saw that it was from Yuting. She quickly dialed back, and Yuting picked up after a few rings.
After exchanging pleasantries, Yuting said, "I was calling to ask if the driver is available…"
Zihan replied, "Yes, but he hasn't returned from dropping Meiling off at her lessons yet."
Yuting sighed. "Alright. It's just that Yibo isn't feeling well, and I need to take him to the hospital."
Zihan frowned. "Oh no, since when?"
"His condition worsened today."
"I see. Let me check if Seth can take you instead." She ended the call and turned to Zong. "Yibo isn't feeling well."
Zong sighed. "Really? His condition got worse?"
Zihan nodded. "Yes, seems like it."
Zong was silent for a moment before saying, "Let's wait for Zhan. If necessary, we'll take him to the hospital, or we'll get him some medication at home."
Just then, Zhan entered the sitting room with Seth.
Zong stood up. "Come with me to check on Yibo. He's not feeling well."
Zhan hesitated for a moment before following Zong out of the room.
Zihan turned to Seth and asked, "Aren't you going to check on him too?"
Seth shrugged. "I'll go later, Mom."
Zong and Zhan entered Yibo's bedroom while Yuting stood at the door. They found Yibo asleep. Zhan crouched beside him, carefully studying his face before reaching out to touch his forehead.
Yibo's eyes fluttered open. Seeing Zhan, he quickly pulled the duvet over his legs.
Zong moved closer. "How are you feeling, Yibo?"
Weakly, Yibo whispered, "A little better, Bobo."
Zhan looked at him seriously. "Where does it hurt?"
Without making eye contact, Yibo pointed at his legs and back.
Zhan asked, "Did you take your medication?"
Yibo nodded.
"Where is it?"
Yibo gestured toward a packet of medicine beside him. Zhan picked it up, examined it, then set it down, turning to Zong. "I'll get some injections and better medication."
Zong nodded. "Alright."
Zhan headed for the door. Yuting stepped aside to let him pass.
Zong looked at Yibo and said, "May you recover soon, Yibo."
Yibo gave a small smile and whispered, "Amen."
Zong then turned to Yuting. "Take care of him."
Yuting nodded. "I will."
"Don't tell Nainai just yet."
"I won't."
Zong headed for the door. "I'll be at the office. I'll call to check in later."
Yuting said, "Take care, and may everything go well."
"Amen." With that, Zong left the room.
Yuting walked over to Yibo. "Do you want me to make you something?"
Yibo quickly shook his head.
Yuting studied him for a moment, then turned to leave.
Softly, Yibo called out, "Mu Qin, please rub the ointment on my legs before Gege returns. I don't want him to do it."
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛