32

Yibo was in the kitchen, chopping pumpkin leaves for Yuting when he heard the doorbell ring. He set the knife down on the chopping board, rinsed his hands quickly, and went to answer the door.

His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Mian Mian standing there.

"Mian Mian!" he exclaimed.

She smiled playfully. "Am I not welcome?"

At that moment, Yibo couldn't help but notice how much she resembled Sen Wen...even down to the dimples.

Grinning, he grabbed her hand excitedly. "Of course, you are! Bestie, where have you been? Come in, please."

Mian Mian stepped inside and said, "Mom sent me on an errand to the street next to yours, so I thought I'd stop by to say hi. My brother is with me too."

Yibo's eyes widened. "Which brother?"

"The one who once gave you a ride home from our place," Mian Mian replied.

Yibo chuckled but said nothing. Even now, he still found it strange that Mian Mian had never acknowledged knowing about his relationship with Sen Wen. Did she really not know? He couldn't tell.

"Sit down, please. Let me get you some water," Yibo offered.

Mian Mian widened her eyes dramatically. "So, Sen Wen ge should just leave me behind, huh? I just stopped by to say hello. I'm fine, dear."

Yibo smiled. "Alright then, but I really appreciate it."

Mian Mian glanced around. "Where's your mom?"

"She went to the market with Meiling's mom," Yibo replied.

"Okay, send her my regards when she gets back. Now, walk me out... my brother hates waiting," Mian Mian said, nudging him.

Still smiling, Yibo nodded. "Alright, let's go."

They stepped outside together, walking towards the gate.

"How's exam prep going?" Mian Mian asked.

"I'm managing," Yibo said with a small sigh.

"Time is flying, though," she noted.

Yibo simply smiled, saying nothing as they reached the gate.

His eyes landed on Sen Wen's sleek, expensive car parked outside—a ride far more luxurious than the ones he usually drove to visit him.

From behind his tinted glasses, Sen Wen had been watching Yibo the entire time. As they neared, he lowered the window, a charming smile playing on his lips.

Yibo lowered his gaze, fidgeting with his fingers. "Good evening," he said softly.

Sen Wen's smooth voice replied, "Good evening."

Mian Mian turned to her brother. "Gege, do you remember him? My friend?"

Sen Wen smiled and shook his head. "You know my memory is terrible. I need an introduction every time, don't I?"

Mian Mian laughed. "Exactly! You always pretend not to recognize my friends. I bet you've forgotten him too."

Sen Wen ran a hand through his hair, his gaze never leaving Yibo. With that same effortless smile, he said, "Oh no, I could never forget him."

Yibo still refused to meet his eyes.

Mian Mian rolled her eyes. "Then tell me his name."

Sen Wen chuckled. "You know his name better than I do."

"Aha! Caught you," she teased. "You're just pretending. You've totally forgotten!"

Sen Wen shrugged, his expression playful. "Alright then, let's leave it at that... I've forgotten."

Mian Mian sighed and said, "Alright then." She turned to Yibo with a smile. "Bye, friend. Please send my regards to your mom when she gets back."

"I will," Yibo replied. "Thanks for visiting."

Sen Wen glanced at him and said, "See you later, Mian Mian's friend."

Yibo shot him a quick side glance before hurrying back inside. Sen Wen watched him go, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Mian Mian folded her arms and smirked. "Hmmm, Gege, what was that look for?"

Sen Wen snapped his attention back to his stepsister and gave a casual shrug. "I was just looking at the gate."

Mian Mian laughed, shaking her head as she walked to the front of the car. Sen Wen started the engine and drove off.

Yibo couldn't stop wondering why Sen Wen kept hiding their connection from his family. He and Mian Mian were in the same class, attended the same school, and even took extra lessons together, yet Sen Wen had never mentioned anything about it to her.

Scoffing to himself, Yibo walked back into the kitchen and resumed his work.

Once he was done, he decided to head to Nainai's section of the house since Yuting hadn't returned yet.

When he arrived, he found Zhan by the sink, washing his hands. The moment Zhan glanced at him, he quickly looked away and continued rinsing his hands without another word.

Yibo walked past him and entered the sitting room, where Nainai was sweeping. She handed him a dustpan filled with a few bits of dirt and said, "Throw this in the trash for me. Just look at this sitting room—who would think there'd be so much dirt? I had a feeling I should sweep today, and see? Even some bits of sand! I bet that man tracked them in. Dirt has no place in my sitting room."

Yibo took the dustpan outside, emptied it, and dusted it off before returning. As he walked back in, he caught sight of Zhan leaving the tap.

Nainai laid out a small carpet and sat down with a sigh. "Just watch—Zhan will come in here, lie down, and next thing you know, he'll have a fever again. Then they'll say it happened in my sitting room."

Yibo sat on the couch. "Is he feeling unwell?"

Nainai scoffed. "Ever since the talk of the wedding gifts to his fiancée's house, he's been sulking. He's already imagining being separated from me. Little does he know, I'm moving in with him!"

Yibo's eyes widened. "He told you that?"

"Does he need to say it?" Nainai huffed. "You know how close we are. I can already tell that's what he's thinking. And honestly, I'm starting to feel sick just thinking about it too."

Yibo chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "When did they take the gifts?"

"This morning," Nainai said. "Zong, Quentin, Hanba, and some of their friends took them over. The day after tomorrow, we'll go too with the remaining things, so be ready."

Yibo blinked. "We?"

Nainai gave him an incredulous look. "Oh, wow. Did I stutter? Of course, I'm going! And who else should be going if not me? Honestly, Zong and Quentin are acting like I should just stay home. But why? I raised Zhan! He doesn't have another grandmother in this world besides me. If I don't go, then they'll just have to let the bride's family come and collect the things themselves—I'm not bothered!"

Yibo didn't say anything. Nainai stood up, went into her room, and returned holding a small bag. She looked at Yibo and said, "Out of all my grandchildren, you're the only one I can count on to do as I say, even if you argue a little first. The rest? They wouldn't even bother. But that's their problem, not mine. Anyway, take this. I'm not giving it to Xinyi or anyone else who will just waste it. I didn't steal money to buy this, you know. I got it just for you."

Yibo frowned. "What is it?"

Lowering her voice, Nainai said, "It's a special herbal powder. It even smells nice. Don't tell your mother about it... she's too paranoid and will just forbid you from using it. Add it to your bathwater, soak yourself in it, then step out and see the difference."

Yibo looked skeptical. "What if it makes my skin itch?"

Nainai clicked her tongue in irritation. "What nonsense! Do I look like someone who would give you something that causes itching? It's just herbal powder, nothing more."

Yibo crossed his arms. "I don't want to use it."

Nainai sighed, lowering her voice again. "Alright, alright, my dear. Just try it today and tomorrow, and that's it. This thing cost me ten thousand! Don't let me waste my money—I don't have some secret stash of cash in my room, you know. All I have are old boxes and useless junk."

Yibo pouted but finally took the bag. "What's it for, exactly?"

Nainai leaned in and whispered, "It sends evil back to where it came from."

Yibo's eyes widened. "What does that mean?"

Nainai smiled. "Anyone who tries to cast an evil eye on you will feel the effect themselves. If someone wishes harm on you, it'll bounce right back to them. I don't care what anyone says... no one knows exactly how Quentin have you."

Yibo just chuckled.

Nainai continued, "I even got some for Meiling and the others, though I wouldn't have if they weren't so stubborn."

"Alright, I will try to use it" Yibo muttered.

Nainai suddenly frowned. "I haven't heard from Sen Wen in a while. Do you think I lost his number? That's the only reason he wouldn't have called me in all these days."

She picked up her phone and handed it to Yibo, who was already laughing. "Check for me. It's not like him to go this long without calling. I need to talk to him about my concerns."

Yibo pressed a few buttons and then handed the phone back. "It's just a network issue. Service won't be back for another week."

Nainai's mouth fell open. "Why?"

Yibo stood up and stretched. "That's just how it is." With that, he walked toward the door. "I'm heading out."

Nainai set the phone down with a sigh. "May the heavens protect us from these greedy network providers."

:-*:-*:-*:-*:-

On Friday evening, Zong and Quentin tried their best to convince Nainai to let Yichen's relatives... Hanba's wife, Yuting, Zihan, Yichen's younger sister, and her two friends... take the remaining wedding gifts to Ning Li's house. But Nainai was adamant. "I don't want to hear anything about it! I want to be the one sending those gifts!"

Quentin, who had been quietly watching her, finally spoke. "These days, it's usually the men who handle this, not the women. What business do you have going there with the younger ones?"

Nainai shot him a sharp look. "Oh? Then why don't you take the gifts yourself, Quentin?"

Quentin didn't respond.

Nainai scoffed. "Unbelievable. And why exactly is Quentin even involved in this discussion? You think I'm going to mingle with the young ones? Like I'm some kind of immortal being? People just love slapping the 'old' label on me. How old do you all think I am, anyway? Did I give birth to the whole world?"

Hanba, speaking in a calmer tone, said, "Sister, please, just let them handle it. You are the elder... "

She cut him off, clearly irritated. "Stay out of this, Hanba! What's it to you? Have you ever come to visit me in Beijing? Do you even send your lazy wife to check on me, let alone your children? If your mother were still alive, would you treat her like this? May she rest in peace, and may she be forgiven. She never wronged me—we lived peacefully together."

Quentin stood up and walked out of the living room without a word.

Nainai watched him go and muttered, "That Quentin has no manners. Here I am, talking, and he just walks out. If we were living under his roof, I swear I wouldn't even get a sip of water in this house. He and his wife would run me over, along with their spoiled son. But thankfully, I have Zong. He never lets anything or anyone harm me—not him, not his children. That's why he's better than Quentin. And yet, just from a simple conversation, Quentin runs off sulking."

Zong simply smiled while Hanba silently thanked the heavens that Nainai had shifted her focus to Quentin instead of continuing to argue with him.

"Alright then," Zong finally said. "Safe travels, and I wish everything go smoothly."

Nainai nodded. "By the way, I already arranged for a separate car for me, Yibo and my friend Aji. She's on her way."

Zong widened his eyes in surprise, while Hanba said, "That's great! May she arrive safely." He then left, and Zong followed.

Outside, Hanba chuckled. "You'll have to be patient, Barrister. It's just old age."

Zong smiled. "Patience is all we can have. May we be granted more of it."

▫️🔹🔸

Meanwhile, Yichen sat on the bed, wiping away tears. She turned to her friends and cried, "This won't end well. If that woman goes along with us, she'll stir up trouble the entire time. She won't stop talking once she gets there!"

Zhan stood in the kitchen, silently watching Yichen as she finished speaking. Noticing his lack of response, she snapped in frustration, "Zhan, am I not talking to you?"

He rubbed the back of his head and sighed. "I hear you, Mom. But what can I do? You know once she's made up her mind, no one can stop her from going."

Yichen frowned. "And you can't figure out a way to keep her from going? If she steps foot in that house, she'll make sure they cancel the wedding. Since the day I was born, I've never seen anyone as unpredictable as that old woman. Please, do whatever you can to keep her from going. She's standing by the cars now, putting on a show for everyone."

Zhan, secretly relieved that Nainai was causing trouble over the wedding, forced a small smile. "Alright..."

Yichen turned on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen, clearly irritated.

Meanwhile, Nainai stood outside, fully dressed and ready, wearing a scarf and carrying a small handbag, exuding an overpowering scent of perfume. The rest of the guests had stepped away from the cars, leaving her standing alone, except for Yichen's friends. She had sent Meiling to call Yibo three times already, but he hadn't responded.

When Meiling returned for the fourth time, Nainai scowled. "This is ridiculous, Where is Yibo? Where did he disappear to?"

Meiling shrugged. "Nainai, I haven't seen him anywhere."

Determined, Nainai marched toward Yibo's quarters, her face set in a frown. "I'll find him myself, then."

Quentin was sitting in the living room, focused on his laptop, when she stormed in. Fixing him with a sharp look, she demanded, "Quentin, where is Yibo? Does he not realize that everyone is waiting for him?"

Without looking up, Quentin calmly replied, "He's in his room."

Nainai clicked her tongue in irritation. "Do you see how disrespectful he is? This is the kind of upbringing you've given your son, Quentin. I told him to get ready so we could leave, yet he's left me standing outside in the sun, waiting for him. Does he think he owes me anything or what?"

Quentin finally looked at her and asked, "Go where exactly?"

Her patience snapped. "To deliver the wedding gifts, of course! Or are we suddenly speaking different languages?"

Shaking his head, Quentin sighed. "Please, AYi, let it go. What does Yibo need to do at that house? Sitting among the elders, delivering wedding gifts? We've been discussing this since morning, and I already told him not to go. He doesn't belong in that group, and honestly, we had no choice but to let you go simply because you insisted."

Nainai stared at him in disbelief. Then, lowering her voice, she muttered, "And what crime have I committed by wanting to take gifts to my own grandson's wedding—someone I've raised since childhood? Why don't you ever understand? Your brother understands me better than you do, Quentin..."

Tears welled in her eyes as she continued, "Fine, then. I won't go. Call A-Ji and tell her to stay put. If that's how it is, I'll leave it all to you. It's not like it's a divine obligation."

Quentin said, "I never told you not to go. Since you've already made up your mind, go ahead with your trip. But Yibo is not going, that's final."

Nainai scoffed. "Let them go. Why should I upset you all over some worthless gifts? Besides, I wasn't even the one assigned to deliver them—A-Ji was. In fact, I'll have someone call her and tell her to stay put as well. You're absolutely right. Anyone who doesn't have someone to tell them the truth in this world is truly lost. I won't waste my energy upsetting you over other people's belongings."

Quentin didn't respond as she walked away.

Yuting, who had just finished getting dressed, stepped out of her room and looked at Quentin. "Why did you do that? You should have just let her go since she was so determined."

Quentin sighed. "It's better this way—at least we managed to correct her before she made a scene. And look, now she's decided not to go. But no matter what she says, right or wrong, the barrister always sides with her."

Yuting didn't say anything more.

After the group left to deliver the wedding gifts, Nainai sat alone in the sitting room, wiping her face. Yichen, on the other hand, was happy, convinced that Zhan must have spoken to Nainai and convinced her to stay behind. She was all smiles now, as if nothing had happened.

▫️🔹🔸

Zhan entered the sitting room after receiving a call from Nainai, who had summoned him. He found her sitting alone on the couch, her face streaked with tears and her nose running. He stared at her in surprise. "What happened now?"

She broke into fresh sobs. "Quentin has said everything awful he could possibly say to me, Zhan! Just because I said I wanted to take the gifts for your wedding so they could be blessed, he insulted me endlessly. He shouted at me as if he had borrowed someone else's voice, saying I wanted to sit among the youngest and pretend to be one of them. Quentin comes and goes as he pleases, but when it comes to me, suddenly it's a big issue!"

She cried even harder.

Zhan sat down with an amused smile. "And that's why you're crying?"

Her voice trembled as she said, "Should I not cry, Zhan? Quentin has lost all sense! He even made it clear that I have no control over that reckless son of his. That boy is always sick with one thing or another, like someone who's committed a crime and is being punished! I don't care anymore. Quentin was never like this before. Yuting has completely ruined him with her ways... she's made him stubborn, unruly, and filled with bitterness."

"I didn't even argue with him, I just stared at him because I knew it would lead to nothing good. Zong never treated me like this—whenever I said something, he just agreed. He never liked upsetting me. But Quentin? He's lost his way, and I want nothing to do with him or his son Yibo. Let them do as they please. If Hanba decides to leave as well, I'll go with him. I'll just call Zong every other day to check on him."

Zhan simply smiled. "You don't understand Shushu at all. He wasn't arguing with you... he was just trying to correct you."

Nainai threw her hands up. "Correct me? He was practically yelling at me! Don't come here defending him—he's completely lost his way. Imagine him telling me that his son won't go anywhere with me?"

She sniffled and muttered, "I took out these clothes from under my trunk, never even wore them, and now I can't even go anywhere with them. I might as well wash them so they don't get musty. After all, humans are nothing but dust and dirt."

Zhan smiled and said, "So that was the call?"

Nainai nodded. "Yes, I didn't know who else to talk to, so I called you. And now I feel much better. Honestly, who do I have in this world besides you and Zong?"

Zhan stood up and said, "Alright then, get ready. I'll take you to see my house."

She perked up. "The house where we'll be living?"

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye but didn't respond, then walked out. She huffed. "Well, let's just go now, since I haven't changed out of my clothes yet."

When Zhan arrived at Yibo's section of the house, Quentin was still sitting in the sitting room. Zhan greeted him respectfully before sitting down.

Quentin returned his greeting with a smile and asked, "How was your day?"

Zhan simply smiled and said, "It was fine. Actually, it's about Nainai..." He trailed off, chuckling as he glanced at Quentin.

Quentin raised an eyebrow. "So she called you?"

Zhan nodded. Quentin shook his head but said nothing. Zhan then explained everything that had happened between him and Nainai. Quentin listened with amusement and said, "I was actually planning to go see her now."

Zhan replied, "I was going to take her to my place so she could see it. Should I tell her to wait for you, or will you come by later?"

Quentin waved a hand. "Go ahead and take her. I'll visit once you're back. Yibo should go with you too."

Zhan nodded. "Alright."

Quentin then called Yibo, who was in his room. When Yibo came out and saw Zhan sitting there, his eyes widened in surprise before he quickly turned back, grabbed a shirt, and put it on. Zhan, on the other hand, simply looked away.

When Yibo returned to the sitting room, Quentin said, "Get ready, you're going out with Nainai now."

Yibo muttered a quiet, "Okay," before turning back to his room.

Zhan stood up. "Alright then, we'll be back later."

Quentin nodded. "Take care, and thank you, son."

Zhan just smiled and left.

When they got to the car, Zhan opened the backseat door for Nainai to get in. As she settled in, she muttered, "Quentin better come to his senses. I swear, the only thing upsetting me about this whole trip is that ridiculous little chicken portion they'll probably serve me. I mean, haven't I eaten every kind of meat before? And now he's acting like I'm some stranger. Honestly, he's starting to scare me. He was never like this before. Does he not remember the struggles I went through raising him? He was so weak as a child, I thought he wouldn't make it. Those witches almost took him away from me! He used to be such a handsome boy, always well-dressed. Now look at that reckless son of his—exactly like him, causing me endless stress! I tell you, Zhan, I went through hell. I was the only one among my friends who struggled, while Zong was just two years old, and Zong had no job except to collect junk and bring it home!"

Zhan shut the door once she was inside and turned just in time to meet Yibo's gaze as he approached, phone in hand. Their eyes locked for a moment before Zhan looked away and climbed into the driver's seat.

Yibo opened the backseat door to get in, but Zhan turned and shot him a sharp look. "Do I look like your driver?"

Yibo pouted but didn't get in or say anything.

Nainai clicked her tongue. "Oh, look at this nonsense, Zhan! Who even invited him here? Didn't his father say he shouldn't follow me? Now he's slinking over here like some lost puppy."

Yibo frowned, glaring at Nainai. She simply shrugged. "I don't care. Go sit in the front since your father doesn't want us together. He keeps hinting that I'm corrupting you."

Yibo felt like turning back to his section of the house, but knowing that Quentin was in the sitting room, he hesitated. If he went back now, Quentin would call him out and insist he join them. And if he still refused, he'd end up getting scolded. With no other choice, he begrudgingly got into the front seat, with a frown on his face.

The drive to Zhan's house took about twenty minutes. The entire way, Nainai didn't stop talking, while both Zhan and Yibo remained silent.

Yibo's phone vibrated in his hand. He glanced at the screen—Sen Wen was calling. He silenced the phone and stole a glance at Zhan, only to find Zhan discreetly watching him. Their eyes met briefly before Yibo quickly looked away, refusing to glance in his direction again.

When they arrived, the security guard opened the gate, and Zhan drove into the compound, parking in one of the three designated spots. The large compound was beautifully decorated with lush greenery and eye-catching plants.

Zhan turned off the engine and stepped out. Nainai also opened her door and got out, taking in the impressive duplex before her. "Wow," she exclaimed. "This is even better than your father's house! The last time you brought me here, it wasn't even finished, so I didn't think much of it."

Yibo got out as well, his face still tight. Nainai grinned at him. "Well, let's just hope that wherever Sen Wen take you...is even better house than this."

She said it as she followed Zhan toward the main entrance.

Yibo rolled his eyes and trailed behind them, muttering under his breath.

Zhan unlocked the door, and Nainai walked in before him, scanning the space with keen eyes. The sitting room was elegantly furnished, with modern decor and luxurious pieces in every corner. She held her chin, looking impressed.

"Zhan," she said, her tone half-worried. "Did you buy all these things yourself? I hope you haven't taken on any debt, or we're doomed!"

Zhan didn't answer and instead headed upstairs. Nainai quickly followed.

Yibo, on the other hand, lingered in the sitting room, impressed. He walked around, taking everything in. He spotted a door and opened it, finding a spacious bedroom with an attached bathroom. Moving to another door, he discovered a large, well-equipped kitchen—though it was empty of supplies.

He stepped inside, opening a smaller door within the kitchen and finding a storage room. Another door led to the backyard. He shut the storage and kitchen doors before heading upstairs.

The upper floor had four rooms, each spaced apart with a long, wide corridor. Yibo opened one of the doors, revealing another empty bedroom with curtains, air conditioning, and ceiling lights. He checked the next room—it was similar.

He hesitated at the other doors, hearing Nainai's voice coming from one of them. Not wanting to intrude, he moved to the last door in the corridor and opened it, finding a smaller but well-furnished sitting area. Stepping inside, he glanced around before spotting another door.

He opened it and found a bedroom. Curious, he walked in and explored, opening another door that led to a spacious bathroom. He clicked his tongue and turned back toward the main door—only to find himself face-to-face with Zhan.

Startled, Yibo quickly turned his back to him, his eyes widening.

Zhan felt as if time had stopped for a moment.

Hearing the sound of a key turning, Yibo spun around, staring at Zhan in shock.

Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛