48

On Sunday, just as Zong had planned, everything unfolded accordingly. That day, Sen Wen's parents came to formally request Yibo's hand in marriage. Mr. Wen Yo Lee arrived with his two younger siblings, two friends, and an uncle. Quentin remained silent throughout, his discontent evident. Deep down, he didn't want to marry off his only child so soon. Initially, he had envisioned Yibo finishing university first, but now, Nainai had completely dismantled his plans, and there was nothing he could do.

Sen Wen's family offered 1 millions as the greeting price, along with eight large trunks filled with valuable items and other traditional gifts... everything in triple quantities, as if Yibo were some sort of prince. They also set a date for the engagement ceremony.

From the moment Yichen heard about their arrival, she couldn't sit still. She paced anxiously in her room until she finally called Fang to tell her everything.

Fang scoffed, "Why are you so worried, Yichen? Haven't we already confirmed that this marriage won't happen? It's impossible. Or do you not trust that man anymore?"

"I know, Fang," Yichen said anxiously. "It's not that I don't trust him, but there hasn't been any sign of action. Even Sen Wen has stopped coming by. And as for Yibo, there's no real connection between them. They've never even met as planned, and time is slipping away…"

Fang frowned. "He hasn't approached your side at all?"

Yichen sighed. "He doesn't come unless his mother sends him, and even then, he only goes as far as Zihan's room."

"Then you lack strategy, Yichen," Fang said pointedly. "You know exactly where he goes every day... straight to your mother-in-law. Find a way from there."

Yichen fell silent for a moment, then muttered, "Fine, I'll figure something out. Though, honestly, I rarely run into him there, even when I visit the old woman. We have to arrange something quickly…"

She hurriedly ended the call when the door suddenly opened. Zihan entered, beaming with excitement.

"Yichen, they've brought Yibo's greeting price... 1 million! I saw the gifts myself, and there are eight trunks from Mr. Wen Yo Lee's family…"

Yichen turned away, brushing imaginary dust off her bed. "I just hope this isn't some elaborate deception. 1 million as a greeting price? What, I never hear of this, are they trying to buy him?"

Zihan pursed her lips and left.

Once Mr. Wen Yo Lee and his family had departed, Zong instructed Xinyi, Mengxi, and Meiling to carry the gifts to Nainai's section of the house.

Nainai watched in shock as they brought in the items. "What is all this? What's going on?"

Meiling grinned. "It's for Yibo."

Nainai sprang to her feet. "Who brought it?"

Meiling replied, "Sen Wen's family."

Before Nainai could process it, Mengxi and Xinyi left to bring in more items. Nainai gasped and then widened her eyes in disbelief. "When did they come?"

"They just left a short while ago," Meiling said.

Nainai slumped onto a chair and burst into tears. "Oh, Quentin… this is it. He's lost him. How will he live without Yibo now?"

At that moment, Zong entered the room, cutting her off mid-cry. She quickly wiped her tears as he greeted her, though her voice trembled with emotion.

"So… this is it?" she whispered. "They're really taking Yibo away from Quentin?"

Zong didn't respond. Instead, he placed a locked cash box beside her. "This is the greeting price."

Nainai's eyes widened in shock. "How much?"

"one million."

She gasped, almost stumbling. "Then buy him something valuable and keep it untouched. Not a single cent should be used... after all, he will be the one living in this marriage, Zong."

Zong remained silent before finally saying, "I'll come with Quentin over later." Then he left.

Nainai, wiping her tears, suddenly raised her hands in gratitude. "Thank you, thank you, heavens! Yibo is truly blessed. I am grateful. May he go to his home in good health, and may I be the one to bless his marriage with my own hands."

Then, overwhelmed by emotion, she broke down into uncontrollable sobs.

Meiling simply rolled her eyes and walked out to bring in the remaining gifts.

At night, Nainai was sweeping the sitting room. Zihan and her friend had just left, and two of Yuting's friends had come by to see the wedding items. Seth entered the room but didn't sit down. Instead, he stood and greeted Nainai.

"How are you?" he asked.

She set her broom aside and replied, "I'm well, Seth. Welcome. Let me open the boxes for you…"

As she moved to start unpacking, he stopped her. "No need, Nainai. I just came to check on you and congrats you. May this bring blessings, and may we all have good health and long life to witness it."

Nainai smiled. "Ameen. After all, wedding gifts are for the woman. And soon, we'll celebrate your wedding too, along with your brother's."

Seth didn't respond. He just turned toward the door and said, "See you later."

"Don't stay away too long," she replied. "May blessings follow you. I've been keeping track of those who came to congratulate my grandson. Even the neighbors... I'm watching to see who visits and who doesn't. Three people came earlier, but I haven't seen Yichen or Yuting. I'll find out why tomorrow morning. And Yibo didn't come by at all today."

By then, Seth had already left.

Nainai was eating when the door opened. Zhan stepped inside. She quickly got up, hurried into her room, and returned with a large blanket. She covered the boxes with it, almost stumbling in the process.

Zhan just stood there, watching her. Only when she was certain the boxes were hidden did she sit back down and continue eating.

Still standing, Zhan greeted her. "How are you?"

"I'm well," she replied.

He didn't say anything else and simply turned to leave. As soon as he was out of the sitting room, she locked the door and muttered, "I need to call Zong and tell him to warn that man to stop coming here. Let him stay with his precious woman. He has too much bitterness and jealousy in his heart. May we be spared from his ill will."

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Yibo had just finished showering and was wrapped in a towel when he noticed his phone lighting up. He walked to the mirror, picked it up, and glanced at the screen before answering with a smile.

"Why weren't you picking up, sweetheart?" Sen Wen's voice came through.

Yibo's eyes widened slightly. "I was in the bathroom. I just got back to my room."

"Oh, okay. How's everything at home?"

"All good."

"Did you see the gifts?" Sen Wen asked.

Yibo hesitated before responding with a small smile, lowering his gaze as if Sen Wen were standing in front of him. "I haven't seen them yet."

Sen Wen sounded surprised. "Why?"

Yibo just smiled again, choosing not to explain.

Sen Wen chuckled. "I almost forgot.... I'm marrying the shyest person ever. What are we going to do about your shyness, Yibo?"

Yibo pouted. "I don't know."

"You will," Sen Wen teased. "I can't wait to finally be with you as a married couple."

"Uhm… I need to get ready. I just took my bath."

"Need a helping hand?" Sen Wen joked.

Yibo's eyes widened in shock. "No! See you later."

He hung up without waiting for a response, shaking his head with a small smile before continuing to dry off.

At Zhan's house, Yichen sat in the sitting room with Ning Li, who was casually scrolling through her phone. After exchanging pleasantries, Ning Li asked, "Would you like some water, Aunt?"

"No, thank you. I just came from home," Yichen replied. "Is Zhan here?"

"He's at work," Ning Li said.

"Alright. I actually came to discuss something important with you."

Ning Li put her phone down and looked at her. "I'm listening, Aunt."

Yichen hesitated for a moment, then said, "That boy who gave the speech the other day.... Yibo. Does he come here often?"

Ning Li frowned. "Oh, I'm glad you brought that up, Aunt. I actually wanted to complain about something. When Zhan and I plan to got married, I wasn't told his cousins would be visiting my home without good reason.... or without informing me first. I don't want that. Please, I'd like it to stop before things get out of hand. And his grandmother too... she visits almost daily, always bringing that cousin of his along."

Yichen widened his eyes and said, "Really? You mean they come here often?"

Ning Li scoffed, "Oh, definitely. I'm honestly tired of it. And whenever he comes, he acts all high and mighty in my own house. He doesn't even greet me."

Yichen chuckled, "Well, that's actually why I'm here today. Looks like his fall coincided perfectly with my visit."

Ning Li's eyes widened as she looked at her. "Alright, I'm listening."

Yichen adjusted her seat and said, "Do you know Mr. Wen Yo Lee's son?"

Ning Li paused for a moment, then said, "Honestly, no. I just follow his daughters on Twitter."

Yichen nodded, "Well, his eldest son is planning to marry Yibo. Just yesterday, they delivered the some gifts... One million in cash, eight large suitcases, and a ton of other extravagant things. If only you knew what that boy's mother put me through in this world, you'd sympathize with me. You'd even join me in resenting this marriage."

Ning Li's eyes nearly popped out. "Wen Yo Lee's son? What on earth does he see in him?"

Yichen sighed, "Well, he's not exactly in perfect health. One day he's sick, the next day he's fine...he has a chronic illness."

Ning Li adjusted her seat. "Ah, that explains why he carries himself like he's above everyone else."

Yichen nodded. "Exactly. That's why I don't want this marriage to happen. And listen, I don't usually meddle in these things...I don't go looking for spiritual interventions or anything. But with a few tricks, we can separate them. You have to play a part in this too."

Ning Li asked, "How?"

Yichen smirked. "Didn't you say he visits this house often? I heard the same from other people, which is why I came to you."

Ning Li shrugged. "They don't come all the time, just every now and then."

Yichen asked, "When was the last time they were here?"

Ning Li thought for a moment. "Almost a month ago."

Yichen rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought. After a moment, she looked at Ning Li, who was also sitting silently, her heart filled with irritation at the thought of Yibo marrying Wen Yo Lee's son.

Yichen finally spoke, "Here's what you're going to do, Ning Li."

Ning Li looked at her curiously. "What?"

Yichen explained, "When Zhan gets home, tell him you haven't seen Nainai in a while and ask when she's coming over. Or better yet, don't even ask him. I'll give you her number so you can call her yourself. After a little small talk, casually ask when she'll be visiting next."

Ning Li smiled. "Oh?"

Yichen nodded. "Trust me, she'll rush over. She loves feeling important. And when she comes, it's very unlikely she'll come alone. She always takes Yibo along with her. That means our target will be right here in this house. But don't let Zhan suspect anything. He's too sharp... he'll figure it out immediately."

Ning Li smiled knowingly. "I figured as much. Alright, give me her number."

Yichen took her phone, saved Nainai's number, and handed it back. Ning Li took it, dialed, and waited.

As soon as Nainai picked up, she greeted her with a cheerful "Hello!"

Ning Li responded, "Good afternoon, Nainai. How are you?"

Nainai replied, "Oh, I'm well! Who is this? I'm just busy sorting out these suitcases people keep coming in. You know, the world is full of thieves these days... I have to keep a close eye on things."

Ning Li said, "It's Ning Li."

Nainai paused. "Who?"

Ning Li rolled her eyes. "Zhan's fiancée."

Nainai exclaimed, "Oh! It's you. Well, well, welcome! Have you heard the news about the engagement gifts?"

Ning Li played along. "No, I haven't."

Nainai sighed dramatically. "Of course, no one would tell you. His mother and her son are nothing but jealous souls. I haven't even seen Yichen since this all started. And as for Zhan, ever since he walked in and snapped at me, I haven't seen much of him either.... until yesterday when they delivered the gifts. He barely got a glimpse before I ran into my room, grabbed my biggest blanket, and covered the boy with it before he could even count how many gifts there were! There are eight massive suitcases, and they were struggling to even unzip them.

And let me tell you, there's even diamond watch in there... two luxury watches! I don't care what anyone says, all I can do is thank the heavens. Whoever is jealous of my grandson can go ahead and be miserable. Even you wouldn't receive such a grand engagement gift. That's why Zhan was furious when he saw them yesterday. I've been thinking about what he said all night. Even Quentin came over to wish me well..."

Ning Li and Yichen listened in silence as Ning Li put the phone on speaker. Yichen squinted at the screen while Ning Li scoffed and said, "Well, fine then. When are you coming, Nainai? It's been a few days, and you've been quiet."

Nainai sighed in frustration. "Coming where? To leave the boy's things? No, Ning Li. I'm not going anywhere until I settle Yibo in his home. There's been too much interference. It's better if I stand my ground. You should came too or are you waiting for me to come so you can see the clothes?"

Ning Li glanced at Yichen, who quickly nodded in agreement, signaling that she should go. Ning Li smiled. "Fine, I'll come."

"Good," Nainai replied. "Come quickly. Later, the clothes will be taken to his maternal grandmother as well, and then they'll be returned to me for safekeeping."

"Alright, I'll be there soon," Ning Li said, not bothering to wait for Nainai's response before ending the call. She turned to Yichen, who was deep in thought, arms crossed. Ning Li clicked her tongue in annoyance. "I swear, I'll do everything in my power to stop this wedding. That's why that boy thinks he's above everyone else. Does he really think he can just go ahead and marry Wen Yo Lee's son? He'll see soon enough."

Yichen let out a long sigh. "If you manage to pull this off, you'll be doing me the biggest favor. You have no idea the struggles I've endured because of that boy's mother. It's because of her that I was cast aside..."

With that, Yichen began spinning a mix of truths and exaggerations about her history with Yuting. When she finished, Ning Li nodded. "Don't worry, Aunty. Since I've caught wind of this, it's already over. From the very first time I laid eyes on that boy, I despised him. Forget whatever plans you had before.... just keep an eye on me."

Yichen smiled. "Good. But I'm not giving up my plans either. I want his mother to feel the shame she deserves. Now, get ready and go see the clothes. We don't want to raise any suspicions."

Ning Li scoffed. "Honestly, it's better if I don't go at all. I don't need to see them, or my mood will only get worse."

That evening, Yichen left without even drinking a drop of water... not that she cared.

Since early morning, Zhan had been sitting in the garden, lost in thought. Even as noon approached, he remained in the same spot. Ning Li walked in, dressed elegantly, chewing gum as she looked him over. "Doctor, not even a weekend nap? You've been here all day. Anyway, I'm heading out. I'm going home first, then I'll stop by your family's place to greet Aunty."

Zhan finally lifted his head, his expression calm but firm. "No, you're not."

Ning Li blinked in surprise. "I'm not? But I'm going to see my mother and your family. What's the issue?"

He stood abruptly, his tone sharp. "I said you're not leaving this house, Ning Li. And if you do, don't bother coming back." With that, he walked past her and left her standing there.

She clicked her tongue in irritation. "So just because you've been brooding for a few days, you're taking it out on me? Well, I'm leaving whether you like it or not."

She immediately called Yichen. It didn't take long for her to pick up. Without greeting her, Ning Li said, "Well, he won't let me leave. And today is crucial.... we need to act now. It's been almost a week, and Zhan barely speaks to me anymore. I don't really care, since he gets like this sometimes, but this time, it's different. He's been sitting in the garden all day like some orphan. During the weekdays, he's barely home.... he comes in late, leaves early, and I don't even know what's going on with him anymore. Not that I'm bothered. But right now, you need to call him and talk some sense into him. If I don't get out today, all our plans will fall apart."

Yichen sighed. "Forget him. He hasn't even visited us in over a week. I think his old habits are creeping back." Then she hung up.

Ning Li huffed in frustration and went back inside. She waited in the sitting room for over thirty minutes, but when Zhan didn't come down, she headed upstairs.

Just as she entered the bedroom, Zhan was stepping out of the shower. He shot her a look. "Did you think getting my mother to call me would make me let you leave?"

She walked up to him, arms crossed. "What's wrong with you, Zhan? It's only been two days, and look at you... you look pale. And I know for a fact you're not sick."

He ignored her and opened his wardrobe. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing her hands against his chest as she whispered, "Just tell me what's bothering you, my husband-to-be." Without waiting for his response, she turned him around and hugged him tightly, pressing herself against him. And she knew exactly what she was doing, and that turn him...On.😉😜🤸🤸🤸

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Ning Li finished getting ready, sprayed perfume on herself, and turned to look at Zhan, who was lying down with his eyes closed. She walked over, sat beside him, and lightly touched his sharp nose before leaning in close and whispering against his face, "Dear, I'm leaving now."

Zhan calmly opened his eyes and said, "I said you're not going anywhere, Ning Li."

She widened her eyes in surprise, thinking he had already given in. Pouting slightly, she pleaded, "Come on, dear, I won't be gone for long…"

But he cut her off, sitting up with a stern expression. "I said you're not leaving. If you step out of this house today, you'll see exactly who I am."

With that, he got up and walked into the bathroom. Ning Li sighed in frustration, watching him disappear inside. After a moment, she stood up, stormed out of the room, and called Yichen. "He won't let me leave, Aunty. Honestly, Zhan's stubbornness is starting to scare me."

Yichen was surprised. "He's really stopping you? Alright, I'm coming two minutes."

Not long after, Yichen called again. "His phone is off."

Ning Li scoffed. "So he turned it off, huh?"

"Take your phone to him," Yichen suggested.

"No way," Ning Li refused. "He's really serious about this, and I don't want to push him. Let me try to calm him down first, and I'll call you later." She ended the call.

She kept trying to coax Zhan, and eventually, he agreed that they could go out together since he also had something to take care of. When they arrived, after greeting the people there, he warned Ning Li not to go anywhere and to wait for him to return.

As he stepped out of their section of the house, he spotted Yibo heading toward Nainai's quarters. Raising his voice slightly, he called his name.

"Yibo"

Slowly, Yibo heard Zhan call his name. He stopped and turned around, looking at him. Zhan was standing next to his car, arms crossed over his chest.

"Will you accompany me somewhere?" Zhan asked. Seeing Yibo hesitate, he smiled and added, "Just nearby, not far. I need to pick something up from someone."

Yibo walked over, making sure to discreetly hide what he had just received from the delivery guy outside... something Suyue had sent him. He had been searching for it for over two weeks, but since it required a doctor's prescription, it had been difficult to obtain. Even though both Zhan-ge and Sen Wen were doctors, he wouldn't dare mention it to them.

He stuffed it into his jacket pocket before reaching Zhan, returning his smile. "Of course, Gege. I'll go wherever you want me to."

Without another word, Zhan opened the car door and got in. Yibo walked around to the passenger seat and settled in beside him. They drove in silence, but every now and then, Yibo stole glances at Zhan, noticing that his Gege hadn't been in a good mood these past few days.

After a forty-minute drive, they arrived at the entrance of the temple—the same place where they had gotten married months ago, almost a year now.

Zhan found a spot to park before turning to face Yibo, who looked back at him, confused.

Ever since his parents and Sen Wen had finalized the discussion about his engagement, Zhan had been feeling lost. He was confused about what was happening between him and Yibo. All this time, he had thought Yibo's behavior was just youthful recklessness and stubbornness. But now, he realized the truth.... Yibo never really loved him. At least, not romantically.

What Yibo felt was brotherly affection, nothing more. That bond was the reason Yibo couldn't imagine being apart from him.

God knew how much Zhan loved Yibo. He wanted them to be together forever. But what could he do? Yibo didn't see him that way. From the moment they got married, Zhan had held onto hope... hoping that one day, Yibo would come to him and say he wanted to make their marriage public and start living like a real couple.

But that day never came. In fact, things had only gotten worse between them.

And now, with his engagement to Sen Wen finalized, Zhan knew it was time to let go. If he truly loved Yibo, then he had to love his happiness too.... even if it meant choosing Sen Wen over him. No matter how much it hurt, it was time to move on… and accept Ning Li.

"Gege, why are we here?"

Yibo's voice pulled him from his thoughts. Zhan adjusted his posture, turning to face him fully.

"Lil bro," he began, forcing a smile, "I never congratulated you on your engagement to Sen Wen. Congratulations! I truly wish you a lifetime of happiness."

He took a deep breath before continuing, "But your marriage won't be valid unless we nullify ours first. I hope you still remember… we got married here, in this temple."

He saw Yibo's expression shift, but he pushed forward. "Don't worry about it, Yibo. Just go and find your happiness with him. I will force myself to love Ning Li too… Then everything... and everyone... will be happy."

Zhanxianyibo ❤️💚💛