The New Owner: Yang Zihan

The ray of the mild sunlight touches Jia’s bare face. Awaken by the light before him, conscientiously he leans his back on the hard-wooden wall behind him. Looking exhausted as the dark circles in his eyes were visible on his pale skin.

The nightmare from yesterday hunts him, he hopes to forget all of it but it was terrifying. What was happening now? He can’t think of someone that might curse him, right? Nor do enemies carry their hatred to this extent. Wait---

Jia suddenly remembers that guy who tries to harm Jing Jing, the threat to drag him down. Is it possible to curse him this way?

The poor lad massages his throbbing temples, his body needs rest from everything.

But he knew Chen-Xu was waiting for him in the tavern.

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door. It was A ‘yang.

“Gege? Are you awake? I prepare breakfast for us.” She gently knocked twice again calling his name once before leaving.

Jia felt guilty and powerless; he knows A ‘yang was trying her best not to suck away by Jia’s frightening state yesterday. She also went living in the abyss and by showing her the madness in his eyes, he knew A’yang was terrified too.

Stood up from his bed, Jia tries to hide his torment by pretending everything was all well. After all, pretending was all he masters for. He opens the door and smiles tenderly at his sister.

“A’yang, I apologize for not buying your favorite mantou yesterday. The store was closed and there are no available food stalls that sell mantou.” He chuckled away those intimidating feelings that lingers inside him. It was a lie. All fucking lies.

“Ge, I have something to ask you.” Jia abruptly stops picking the chopsticks. His throat quivered from the tension.

He was hoping A’yang won’t be bringing up the topic last night. He was afraid that A’yang might think she is not safe when Jia was around. Maybe, the worst way possible is that she thinks her big brother can’t protect her.

“Ge, I need you, to be honest with me?” she stares without even blinking maintaining her calm but serious composure.

“What is it.” He replied showing the posing as if it was just another trivial question.

“Where did you go last night? You can tell me Gege-” A’yang suddenly stops as she looks at Jia’s neck, and quickly came to their conversation. “Who…. who… who touched you?”

A guise of disbelief was revealed on his brother’s face. Jia on the other way around felt relief. All he could think about was that A’yang misunderstood the situation. It can be a great escape for him.

“The mark was nothing of what you are thinking. You know I am not the kind of person who hides secrets from my adorable sister.” He takes the chopstick and started eating the leftover food that was left last night.

“Would you just tell me what happened Gege? Did someone already know that you have feelings for Chen Shixiong and use it as bait to manipulate you? Did they harass you?” A’yang’s face was nothing but worry and Jia can’t help but be sorry for her. Right! She knew his feelings about Shixiong but openly accepted it.

She was that kind of a girl. A sister that has a body of a feeble woman, but fights like a warrior in the heart. Truly admiring persona.

“I don’t want Gege to experience it like before. You know what I mean for that Ge.” Jia knew the great deal of torment and abuse that he experiences since he was a child and this was nothing compared to what was hunting him right now. So why does a mere threat or an odd nightmare shakes him.?

Its been so long since he gets used to living such normal life since Chen-Xu adopted them. Is that why he let his guard down?

Jia once again was seen dazing, it makes A’yang fret a little she got nothing to offer, ever since that day, she never got to experience the same taunting scenario about Jia losing his composure.

She knew what happen in the past shaped his brother this way. The thought that his brother was so good at pretending made her worry about his welfare too.

“A’yang don’t worry about me. Worry about yourself instead. I already told you to don’t do too much work you can’t handle. It’s bad for your body.” He stands up and begins clearing the plate. Her sister didn’t speak just looking at him silently, observing every move.

“I am going to take a bath. Finish your food okay.” He then goes out to do his thing. Leaving her sister in the comfort of their home.

When he was done with all, making sure that he is ready to go. He notices A’yang sulking at the corner. A soft laugh was heard in the distance, making A’yang gaze at him still bearing the same expression.

He moves closer and pats her head. “Just so you know you will get old and ugly from sulking. I still want to see you create your own family and give me a niece or nephew.” Jokingly, the anxiety that was eating him lately lessen. As expected, A’yang was one of the reasons he was living.

Her sister hugs him tightly. “Don’t pretend that you’re tough. If you need help Chen Shixiong and A’yang will be here for you Ge. Just, please…… just please.” He didn’t want A’yang to continue anymore. He clearly understands and he also knew it will burden them.

“Right, I will tell you if something’s bothering me. Enough with your sulk already! You are a fine woman now. Don’t act like a kid.” Her sister gently laughs at his straightforward jokes.

“Yeah, you must go now. Chen Shixiong is waiting for you.” Jia nodded and plant a kiss on her forehead.

Then slips away, waving goodbye as they parted.

In the tavern

Chen-Xu was sitting with Zixhen in their chamber chatting about something. They look happy and excited. Zihan on the other hand was still eating his breakfast. Looking bored as if he was waiting for somebody.

Jia enters through the side door of the tavern. He wanted to apologize to Shixiong about what happened at the brothel and, about the cocky bastard who still a little gave him a face.

He reaches Chen-Xu’s chamber, knocking it lightly as he announces himself. A heavy trudge was heard approaching the side door.

“Shixiong, I am-.” He was cut off by a loud greeting.

“Jia-Ge, you are here. I’ve been waiting for you.” Zihan’s glimmering eyes were all for Jia to see. How come this young master didn’t even bother himself about what happened in the brothel. ‘TSK’ such a display of shamelessness.

“Jia, come here we’ve been waiting for you. We have something to say.” Chen-Xu also welcomes him with a tender smile.

He was left dumbfounded by the situation right now. Why is everyone excited about something?

He sits across Chen-Xu with Zihan beside him.

“We are going to get married in spring,” Zixhen said.

There was a long silence in the chamber, eyes on Jia who was frozen for a moment.

Zihan nudges him “Hoy, what happened to you.” the startled man glances at Zihan who had solemn bewilderment.

“Ah... Is that so... hahaha I am happy for Shixiong and Zixhen-Ge?” He can’t look at Chen-Xu right now. It was awkward. He forgot that the two were lovers, and the arrangement of the ceremony was nowhere far.

“Jia, you know how much Shixiong treasures you like my child.” Chen-Xu looks at him with such gentleness. “It is time for Jia to walk on a journey on his own.” This time Jia reciprocates Chen-Xu’s gaze.

Gritting his jaw, while clenching a fist of spare robes in his hands. He knew what Chen-Xu was talking about. His sullen face was building up. It was visible.

“I…. I... will serve Shixiong for the rest of my life.” Dropping his head, facing his lap as he stubbornly rejects Chen-Xu’s idea. He was reminding his owner about the deal they had when he was a child.

“Of course, you will but I will no longer be the one you will be serving anymore.” Chen-Xu’s head tilted a bit. He wants to see Jia’s face since it was long dropped down.

“Look, since your Shixiong will be getting married and Zihan doesn’t have any company. I bet Jia you will be his new partner. After all, I trust you will protect this kid with you.” although he can’t see Chen-Xu’s face. Jia has his doubts. He can last being with Zihan. What about his sister? That’s right he can just accept his new deal without remembering his dear sister. And so, he hardened his face and said.

“Shixiong, I still have A’yang. I need to take care of her.” Now catching a glimpse with his beloved owner. Chen-Xu smiled at him as if he was expecting Jia to bring up his sister.

“A’yang will be in my care. Jia need not worry about her. I will give my very best to tend to her needs. All I want for you is to accompany Zihan and be his partner. Just like what Zixhen-Gege do.” Jia long deep sighed in his heart. No matter what he does he will still be soft for Chen-Xu.

Maybe, it’s time for him to leave and live his life where he can forget the trauma and move forward again. And to give his sister the life she wants.

Jia looks at Zihan, this young master may be perverted and rude. He hates to admit that he wants the kind of life Zihan was living. He was curious.

“Fine by me, I will accept the deal.” The tension from before melted. Zixhen smiles at both Jia and his younger brother.

“You look good together; rather than me tailing Zihan everywhere. Jia, I know for sure my little brother will listen to you.” Jia was fluttered a bit by Zixhen’s compliment.

Zihan coughed lightly, while Jia smiled a bit. So, this was supposed to last longer. He wonders how many years he can serve this spoiled brat. He hopes Zihan will take it easy on him.

The young master grabbed his forearm. Giving him a lift to stand up. Even when he was startled by the sudden acts Jia didn’t protest. He stood up and face Zihan with a confused guise.

“Don’t look at me like that. Since you are serving me now. You must accompany me anywhere. hmm? Right Gege?” with this position the poor man can’t say no. Instead, he rolled an eye.

“Where do you want to go? I still need to have some work” Jia replied.

“Shixiong told you. I will be your new owner. Where are you looking at? The tavern will no longer have to do with you. I am your new responsibility Jia-Gege.” Crossing his arms as the young master display his superiority over Jia.

Chen-Xu chuckled at them. He looks very happy with the arrangement. Still, this is all new to Jia. He doesn’t know if Zihan will be traveling away from them. The thought of it makes the poor man sulk in silence.

He can’t believe Chen-Xu just tossed him to no other than Zihan.

“Go on and stroll in the city as you like. Zixhen-Gege and I will have an important discussion. We will not be opening the store today,” before Jia can even talk, he was dragged by Zihan outside. Leaving the side door open.

With a heavy march, the two were all chaotic with Zihan grabbing Jia by the forearm. The poor man barely balances his pace.

“Wait… wait just a moment. I won’t escape for goodness sake.” He was trying to peel Zihan’s hands. While the young master leisurely walks as if he was hearing nothing.

It was then outside the tavern that Zihan let go of him. Looking back at Jia’s disturbed countenance, the cocky young master just smiles. Both hands are on his hips.

“Gege, I have someplace to show you.” A smug face was drawn on the young master’s face. He was excited about something. Making Jia’s sudden realization about the brothel leaves him petrified.

And then he said “Wait, I can’t go to the brothel again. If you like to go then don’t make me join you.” the memories still were living inside Jia’s thoughts. He will not take it anymore.

Zihan suddenly poke his forehead, smiling wildly as he said languidly.” I won’t be visiting the brothel anymore.” Staring at Jia as if he was telling a truth.

“And, why is that?” Jia replied.

Zihan turns his back on Jia and responds “I know I won’t be bored if you were to accompany me. Jia gaped at the sudden confession. What the hell was that?

The young master started walking as Jia followed behind. Sometimes he thought Zihan’s head was hit by a hard wall or something. he can’t figure out what kind of a person this young master had.

Was he like him? Good at pretending? Good at hiding? Or was he a kind of person that was honest and carefree just like now?

An urge to ask Zihan was interrupting Jia. Also, if he was serving this carefree boy at least he knew what he prefers or not. Who is his friend and so on?

“Zihan, don’t you have friends from your hometown?” he was still walking when his head hit Zihan’s back.

“Why did you stop.” Irritated he asked.

Zihan faces him and points at the stall that sells baked goods. “Let’s grab one of those first. Then again grabbing Jia’s forearm as the two went on the stole.

“Seriously, why are you grabbing me when I can walk.” Zihan didn’t listen to him. They proceeded to buy food and lots of them. It was a little bit embarrassing because Zihan keep getting attention from the passerby.

The number of people that approaches Zihan just to initiate a talk can’t be counted.

But the young master seems irritated that he just suddenly drags Jia and runs. The poor man wasn’t used to this kind of undertaking. But Zihan was genuinely happy when he got scolded. Jia noticed this kind of behavior Zihan had.

Maybe, he wasn’t what he was thinking after all.

But the stubbornness and irritation never leave Jia’s façade. Who loves to be tugged around? Grabbing him out of nowhere. Running and escaping those people. It wasn’t easy.

“Wait Zihan can we stop here. I’m tired.” Panting as his heart races; hands both on his knees grasping an amount of air.

Zihan chuckled lightly, hands both on his hips as he too also was tired of running all the way. Bag of baked goods on his back.

“Jia-Ge, we are almost there,” Zihan told him the panting lessens as his composure was returning.

“To where?” Jia replied.

“You will see it.” He was going to grab Jia’s arm again but the man moves on reflex.

“I can walk you know. I’m not a kid.” Jia started walking again when he feels fine to continue.

“Fine, fine I’m not doing it anymore.” He went on to walk beside Jia.

The two silhouettes were enjoying the walk. Sometimes Jia can be seen laughing with Zihan. But most of the time, he was irritated because Zihan was teasing him nonstop.

They reach their destination. It was some sort of lake that was surrounded by trees. But there’s a unique one. Standing freely from the side away from the others. Its leaves are lush.

That spot was perfect for anyone to loiter around.

“Come now, I am tired let’s rest there.” Zihan was the one who walk in first followed by Jia.

The two sit beside each other enjoying the company that their surroundings were giving them.

“So, are you going to answer me now?” Jia took the initiative to start the conversation.

“About me having friends?” Zihan replied.

“Unn” Jia responds.

“I have a few friends but since I rose power into cultivation at such young age. And become a sect master afterward. All my friends were wrinkly old men.” Jia laughs at the thought. He can’t imagine Zihan being with the elderly, no wonder this bastard became cocky as he grew older.

“So, you are a sect master until now,” Jia asked him back.

“Yes, I don’t want any status or power but my father will disown me if I disobey. So, without any choice, I took it for just a show.” The poor man didn’t know how to react to it. As the conversation becomes off.

Zihan just smiles and peeks at Jia “don’t worry, it doesn’t even bother me at all.”

The way Zihan tells Jia his story the more the man became guilty. He thought it was simple for a young man who was born in luxury to simply enjoy life. But I guess he was wrong.

The more they got money, the more unhappy the person was.

“Being able to live in a family full of expectations for you were kind off suffocating. You had little to no freedom.” Zihan started talking again.

“I apologize.” Jia didn’t know what to do and felt sorry for him. It was as if this Zihan was still in a cage kept by wealthy people for power and status. Then what about Zixhen? He wanted to ask this but he can’t risk crossing the line between them.

“I will take a nap for a little while.” without waiting for Jia to respond. Zihan lays his back to the cold ground hand on the back of his head.

Jia on the other hand was still quiet he takes a glance at the sleeping Zihan. His story just like theirs may be sad. Both of them were hungry for freedom.

Zihan who loves to act like a childish brat and sometimes a responsible man.

Jia can’t help but think if he was living a double life. If so, that was tiring and such exhausting play. In addition, Zixhen leaving him maybe just add a hole in his heart.

He suddenly feels responsible for this bastard. He heaves a sigh and leans his back on a tree. Watching the lake as it unfolds its beauty to the world.

He was enjoying the serenity of the water, and the melody that the birds sing in heaven give him comfort. A gentle gush of wind brushes his hair.

As slumber slowly takes him in. His eyes pitch black as he gave in to sleep.

Jia lost track of time. He told himself he will just take a nap, but that turns into a deep slumber. Checking on Zihan who was still sleeping, he takes a look at the horizon. It was late afternoon. The flaming shade of the sunset was a living color on the lonely fast.

He tugged Zihan’s robes interrupting the man’s sleep just for him to see.

Zihan slowly opens his eyes, fluttering the long curly eyelashes to Jia’s face.

“What is it,” Zihan asked.

“Don’t you know what time is it? We’re sleeping for a long time now that the sunset was slowly appearing in the sky. Look isn’t it beautiful.” Jia points above for Zihan to focus on.

The young master sits comfortably, then chuckled at the very face of the man. Jia swiftly looks at him waiting for whatever he wants to say.

“I didn’t know Gege has a childish side.” embracing himself while he takes a good look at the horizon.

“What childish side are you saying? When it’s time for you to get married you better bring a girl here next time.” Zihan seem to understand what he was trying to say. But the young master didn’t answer.

Jia momentarily forgot the torment that had happened yesterday; for the first time, he felt peace in his heart.

Pairs of eyes were looking above; hearts in comfort as both of them find contentment in the same place and at the same time.