chapter 6

Zhan stormed out of Zan Jin's room, feeling more frustrated than ever. As he walked down the hallway, his mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Deep down, he knew his relationship with Luo Yunxi was far from perfect, but admitting that to himself was harder than he wanted to face. His pride wouldn't allow him to show weakness, especially in front of his friends who always had something to say about his choices.

When Zhan reentered Zan Jin's room earlier, the tension was already thick in the air. Zan Jin quickly ended his phone call, tossing the handset aside as he noticed the troubled look on Zhan's face.

"You never told me Xin's attitude was so off," Zhan began, his voice laced with frustration.

Zan Jin watched Zhan settle into a seat, sighing deeply. He shrugged nonchalantly, "What's there to tell? Xin is just another guy in the crowd, but you... You're the one sticking to Luo Yunxi like he's some kind of untouchable prince, even though everyone knows he's got a line of lovers vying for his attention."

Zhan's expression darkened. "I don't care what you think about Luo Yunxi," he snapped, standing abruptly. His pride was wounded, feeling the need to defend someone he wasn't even sure was worth it anymore.

Zan Jin raised an eyebrow, sensing he had struck a nerve. "So, that's it? You're leaving because I don't approve of your precious boyfriend? You think I haven't noticed how little effort he puts into your relationship? How he treats you like just another option?"

Zhan didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes. He turned to leave, but Zan Jin's voice echoed behind him, "You're wasting your time on someone who doesn't even notice when you're hurting. You give him all your love, all your attention, and for what? A few crumbs of affection when he feels like it?"

Gritting his teeth, Zhan walked out, refusing to let his emotions get the better of him. As the door clicked shut, Zan Jin leaned back with a sigh, more concerned than angry. "You're letting a guy with a harem play with your heart," he muttered to himself.

Zan Jin pulled out a bottle of water from the cooler and took a long sip, feeling both frustrated and helpless.

It pained him to see Zhan stuck in a one-sided relationship, chasing after something that might not even be real. As much as he wanted to focus on Zhan's issue with the new driver, he couldn't shake the bigger concern...the way Zhan was willing to put up with so little in return for so much of himself.

Meanwhile, Zhan reached the parking lot and leaned against his car, trying to calm himself down. Zan Jin's words echoed in his mind, forcing him to question his own feelings. Did Luo Yunxi really care about him the way he cared about Luo? Or was he just one of the many in Luo's life, as Zan Jin had bluntly pointed out?

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Luo Yunxi: "Hey babe, I'm heading out of town for a few days. Let's catch up when I get back."

Zhan's heart sank. No explanation, no offer to see him before leaving...just a casual message that lacked any warmth. Zhan clenched his phone, taking a moment to compose himself. "Maybe Zan Jin is right…" he muttered, but quickly shook off the thought. No matter what, he wasn't going to let anyone see him upset.

Zhan slipped into the driver's seat and started the car. He needed to clear his head, and there was only one place he could think of to do that...his favorite café downtown. The familiar environment and a good cup of coffee might provide the temporary escape he needed from everything swirling in his life.

As he pulled out of the parking lot, he thought about the growing tension at home and the unresolved situation with the new driver, Lee. Despite his current frustration, he knew he had to deal with it eventually. But for now, he decided to push it aside. One problem at a time, he told himself.

He drove aimlessly around the city, replaying Zan Jin's words in his head. Maybe Luo Yunxi wasn't the ideal boyfriend he had convinced himself he was. Maybe he was holding on out of habit, out of fear of being alone. But the thought of letting go, of confronting the reality that his relationship might be a hollow shell, was too much to bear.

As Zhan parked outside the café, he sighed heavily, bracing himself for the thoughts that wouldn't let go: Zan Jin was right, and deep down, Zhan knew it. But admitting that was a battle he wasn't ready to fight...yet.

Late that evening, Zhan returned to the Xiao Mansion, his mind heavy with conflicting emotions. After his visit to the café, he had attended a lecture at the university, barely paying attention to Yang's greetings as he parked the car.

The engine hummed softly before he turned it off and got out, locking the doors with a quick press of the remote. His eyes automatically drifted to where Lee usually sat, wondering if the man was there.

Of course, Lee was right where Zhan expected...seated and fully absorbed in his smaller GSM phone, his concentration unwavering. Seeing him so unbothered sent a wave of frustration through Zhan. Who gave this man permission to come to their house and look for work? The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Zhan turned to leave but paused, feeling an inexplicable pull to confront this irritation. Yang, noticing his hesitation, greeted him once more. This time, Zhan acknowledged it with a half-hearted nod and asked, "Yang, did you change the food and water for my birds?"

"Yes, Young Master. I personally took care of it," Yang replied, but Zhan barely listened, his gaze locked on Lee with undisguised disdain. How dare he not even greet him? Frowning, Zhan's frustration bubbled over. "Come with me to check on the birds now," he ordered sharply.

Without waiting for a response, Zhan strode toward the back of the mansion where the cages of his beloved birds were kept. Yang glanced at Lee, who had finally looked up from his phone, then quickly followed after Zhan. Lee, in turn, watched them leave with a curious yet guarded expression.

When they reached the birdcages, Zhan abruptly turned to Yang. "Yang, let me ask you something," he began, his tone clipped. "Who brought that man to work in this house?"

Yang hesitated but answered, "It was Ling, Young Master."

Zhan's eyes widened in surprise. "Ling?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, Ling," Yang confirmed, but before he could explain further, Zhan turned on his heel and left him standing there. He reentered the mansion, leaving Yang alone to process the conversation.

Yang returned to where Lee was sitting and lowered himself into the chair beside him.

After a brief silence, he leaned in, lowering his voice. "He was asking me who brought you here to work. I don't know if I did the right thing, but I told him it was Ling. But there's more to it... Ling isn't just his driver...he's his man, always bribed with money. Wherever Zhan goes, Ling takes him, waits for him, and even covers for him."

Lee's expression remained neutral, but his eyes gleamed with interest. "What do you mean, covers for him? What else did he tell you?"

Yang straightened up, speaking more confidently now. "He's been to nearly every hotel and club in this city. Ling is the one who takes him, waits patiently, and brings him back no matter how long it takes—sometimes from morning till night. And that's not all; he's even left the city quietly, flying out and returning the same day without anyone else knowing."

Lee leaned back slightly, digesting the information. "Where does he go?" he asked, his tone casual but probing.

Yang chuckled lightly. "Where do people usually do when they're heading to hotels and clubs? No one in this house knows except Ling and me. Sometimes, he even goes to big cities like Chengdu, Tianjin, Shenzhen, all under the radar. Everyone thinks he's just at the university."

Yang paused, then added with a smirk, "I think he's upset because Ling left. I know everything about the Young Master... and I'm pretty sure he dislikes you because you're replacing Ling."

Lee nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Interesting," was all he said, though his mind was clearly working through what Yang had revealed.

As the two men sat in silence, the air was thick with unspoken thoughts.

*****

Zhan entered his room, the tension in his chest tight like a coiled spring. Dropping his backpack on the bed, he picked up his phone and dialed Ling's number.

As he waited for the call to connect, he sat at the edge of his bed, restless fingers tapping against his thigh. The moment the ringing started, Ling answered without delay, his voice respectful and eager.

"Young Master," Ling greeted, his tone deferential.

Zhan wasted no time with pleasantries. "Listen to me," he demanded, his voice steely.

"I'm listening, Young Master," Ling responded, concern lacing his words.

Zhan's eyes narrowed as he cut straight to the point. "That driver you brought to Paa...Lee...where do you know him from?"

Ling's hesitation was palpable. "Did something happen, Young Master?" he asked cautiously.

Zhan's patience was thin, and his voice reflected it. "I'm asking you a question, and you're asking me back?" he snapped, irritation seeping into his tone.

Ling's voice wavered. "Yes, Young Master, I know him. He's my brother from the same town."

Zhan's scoff was sharp. "Don't you dare lie to me. How is he your brother? You look like you come from the village, but he doesn't."

Ling scrambled to explain, his voice tinged with desperation. "In villages, Young Master, when we come from the same place to the city, we call each other brothers. That's how it is."

Zhan wasn't convinced, and his tone made that clear. "Enough with the stories. Listen carefully. I want one thing from you now, Ling. No matter how much you need, I'll take care of it. If it's money, consider it done."

Ling remained silent, but Zhan could sense his fear through the phone. "Are you listening, Ling?" Zhan pressed, his voice a low threat.

"Yes, Young Master," Ling whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Good. Here's what you're going to do. Call Paa and tell him you misjudged Lee. Tell him you just found out that Lee was involved in some serious crime back in your village...that's why he ran away. Make it convincing, understand?"

There was a heavy pause, Ling's fear stifling any protest he might have had. Zhan's voice grew colder, his patience waning. "Why are you silent? Are you listening to me, Ling?"

"I'm listening, Young Master," Ling stammered, his words hurried.

"Perfect. When can I expect this to be done?" Zhan asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Tomorrow, Young Master," Ling replied, his voice trembling.

Zhan nodded to himself, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Good. I'll be waiting." With that, he ended the call and tossed the phone onto his bed. Rising to his feet, he walked to the window, staring out into the dimming evening sky, a twisted sense of relief settling in his chest.

Meanwhile, in the guest chalet, Lee walked into the living room and immediately noticed the mess left behind. He'd spent the morning out, running errands and ensuring everything was in order, but it seemed the children had turned the place upside down in his absence. Unwashed clothes were scattered around, and plates with leftover food cluttered the coffee table. In the middle of it all sat Sam, Sheng, and Yin, oblivious to the chaos they'd created.

Before Lee could even speak, Sheng looked up and said casually, "Your phone's been ringing for a while."

Lee ignored him and headed straight to his room. His phone screen showed seven missed calls, all from Ling. His brow furrowed as he stared at the notifications. Ling rarely called unless something urgent was up. Lee's mind raced with possibilities, but he quickly brushed them aside, deciding it wasn't worth worrying about for now.

Sliding the phone into his pocket, Lee locked his room door and left the chalet. As he stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted him, clearing his thoughts. The kids' curious gazes followed him, but they knew better than to ask questions when he was in this mood.

As he walked away from the chalet, Lee felt a gnawing sense of unease, but he forced it down. He had more pressing matters to deal with, but the ominous feeling in the pit of his stomach wouldn't go away.

And neither would the phone calls from Ling.