CHAPTER 13 : OLD TALE: RESOLVE

Yu Yan left the office with his mind confused and messy.

His eyes turned gloomy as he walk down, thinking that if there are any ways to have avoided that kind of mess earlier, would he have a choice to reject the madam's offer?

When he was still a childe, he loved music and arts, he liked being a noble and wanted to pursue artistry however the family went bankrupt due to industrial breakdown during the wars, his siblings got sold off to commercial houses, and were forced to work to make a living.

Yu Yan was grateful since he landed on here, he only did was play music and sleep and shit while the members of his household had terrible luck due to their situations.

They became servants and bed warmers since they are a family of dominant omegas.

Yu Yan shut his eyes close, 'The madam has a sincere heart but how can I just leave like that?'

He was deep in thought and realized that he already reached the hut where he left Zedong.

When he was in front of the door, he heard voices inside that belonged to different people.

"...he never gave us anything good. See for tomorrow, he'll pack everything and leave." a voice that solely owned by Xun Xi runged

"You're not sure about that." Gu Yun spoke

"Hah! Wanna make a bet?"

But they stopped when they figure they dreaded to see opened the door with his expression gloomy and glaring.

Gu Yun gulped, "Y-Y-You're back Yu Yan." he nervously stood

Yu Yan saw that Zedong was still sitting at the edge of the bed with his bandaged chest and back while the ever-beautiful Xun Xi came to check up on Zedong.

Xun Xi didn't falter and raised a brow at Yu Yan, "Oho, the superstar is here so when's your leave?"

Yu Yan didn't even glance at him and went straight to check up on Zedong's wounds.

"You think it's amusing for us to feel the sudden tension? You could have just pleased the gentlemen earlier instead of creating trouble. Why are you so stubborn?" Xun Xi continued

Yu Yan flashed a glare but still didn't mind him.

Xun Xi felt more anger seeing he's being ignored, "Zedong even got hurt because of you, are you happy?"

Upon hearing his statement, Yu Yan finally turned to him and refuted, "Do you think I'm f*cking happy?" he asked back, eyes red from the frustration and overthinking.

Gu Yun gulped again.

Yu Yan was about to burst and vent it all out on the Xun Xi when suddenly, a hand-pulled him back gently.

"Yu Yan...." Zedong called softly

Yu Yan finally snapped and turned to Zedong.

"It's okay... It's not your fault..." Zedong called gently

Yu Yan knew he was just holding everything back but hearing Zedong calling for him, he couldn't take it any longer and bent down to hug him.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." he sobbed

Gu Yun was dumbstruck signaling Xun Xi that they should just get out.

Xun Xi didn't want to accept defeat however seeing things this way, he rolled his eyes and flipped back his wide sleeves.

The two got out of the hut while Yu Yan just hugged Zedong, crying but didn't say anything.

"Yu Yan stop crying, you'll get your eyes swollen again." Zedong comforted him.

But Yu Yan continued crying, he didn't know what to say.

Zedong sighed and brushed his hair gently, the soft strands tickling the gaps of his fingers. "Did the madam say anything?"

Yu Yan didn't answer but it is obvious how things went on with their talk.

"Is there a punishment? What kind of punishment? Will she have you work on the dishes for a month? Sweeping? Laundry?" Zedong asked since it was normally like that.

But Yu Yan suddenly lifted his head and cried, "Zedong...." tears were flowing down on his fair face "...the madam...she wanted me to work somewhere else, far from here."

From his statement, Zedong didn't immediately absorb the news and was frozen as he stare at Yu Yan.

Yu Yan said, "Zedong.... she wanted me to work on a group of musicians which were traveling around places to play and make profits. She...wanted me to work with them, away from here...away from you." he cried

"Zedong, I don't want to be separated from you."

"Yu Yan..." Zedong called almost in whisper, voice hoarse.

But Yu Yan ignored his downcast expression and took his hands, even though his eyes were red and wet there's an ignited hope within it.

"Zedong... Let's run away from here, together." his face looked craze and panicked.

Yu Yan was startled by his words.

"I know some place we can run to and I had some of my earning we can bring. Zedong----"

"Yu Yan." Zedong interrupted him. His expression was serious.

"You know what capital law we'll break once we run away without the termination of our contract," Zedong said

"And...." Zedong hung his head low, he didn't want Yu Yan to see his tears brimming at the edges of his eyes.

"You've dreamed of traveling the world, to show your music and make money... Isn't this a good opportunity?"

But Yu Yan couldn't believe what he's hearing, he let go of his hand from Zedong and stood, "Yes! It was my dream! To travel, to play and make money but is it worth it without you?! Zedong you knew how much I want to leave this place with you! To live together, alone!"

"That's why this is a good opportunity, Yu Yan." Zedong lifted his head to stare at him

"This is an opportunity," he said again, trying to hide the hoarseness of his voice.

Yu Yan stared in disbelief at him, "Are you...." his eyelids trembled, his eyes shot red even more.

"Are you trying to convince me to get the hell out of here?" he asked in disbelief, expression pained and crying.

"ARE YOU?!" he screamed

Zedong hung his head lower, the tears gathered on his eyes started to flow down, "Yu Yan, you couldn't get an opportunity like this again."

He took Yu Yan's hand that was clenched in his fist, trembling in anger.

Zedong kissed his knuckles, "Do it for us." he said

Yu Yan was angered even more and took back his hand, "How could you agree to this Zedong?! Are you fine with us being separated like this?!" he cried

Yu Yan's whole body was trembling in anger, frustration, and helplessness. He sobbed and cried but couldn't do anything because even Zedong, agreed for him to leave this place.

He turned and just wanted to be alone but as he was about to step outside he turned again to Zedong, "That was my dream before Zedong but you of all people, know what I want." the last drop of his tears flew behind him as he walked out. Running to go back to his room.

Yu Yan ignored all of the stares around him and shut his door closed as he lay on his bed. He wanted to stop the tears but they just won't.

Everything seemed blurry and dark, he knew his eyes were swollen again because his view on the ceiling became narrow but who cares? No one cared.

Then Zedong's image came to his mind, he bit his lower lip and cried again.

He cried and cried and didn't notice that he slowly began to feel sleepy. He closed his eyes and muttered, "Zedong...." before he completely fell asleep.

The night was ordinary for the rest so before the break of dawn, everyone is already resting and another festive night has ended.

"Mm..." Yu Yan mumbled when he felt the usual warmth covering him. His hair was being brushed gently as he felt soft, damp kisses on his temple.

His consciousness slowly came and immediately smelt the magnolia scent coming from one person he knew.

He lifted his head just to see Zedong beside him, pampering him as he usually does.

"Did I wake you?" he asked

Yu Yan still had a foggy mind and forgot all of the incidents last night so he smiled and shakes his head, snuggling closer to his lover to get some warmth. "No." he sniffed his neck and laid there as his arms were wrapped around Zedong.

Zedong was taller and he got a bit more muscle compared to Yu Yan which was too slim and feminine, his body fair and tender.

Zedong was carefully posturing himself not to hurt his burned back as he hugged Yu Yan.

"Sleep. I'll always be here," he muttered

Yu Yan opened his eyes, "I know." he replied.

For a long while, he stared at Zedong meaningfully, eyes focused on the man in front then said, "Wait for me."

There was silence again.

"After I make a lot of money and get myself rich, I'll go back here and buy your freedom," he said

"Trust me Zedong."

Zedong smiled and kissed his hair, "Okay." he leaned his chin at top of his hair, he closed his eyes to stop those tears from falling again.

Everyone knew that Yu Yan won't stay in this place forever, he was pure and noble-born. He had talent and skills that he can use to make a living.

He is someone that doesn't belong in this rotten place.

"I'll wait for you."