53

Nainai was in the kitchen, frying Irish potatoes and eggs. Yichen was also there, her face set in a deep frown as she washed vegetables for the pepper soup she was preparing for Zhan. Every now and then, she shot Nainai sharp glares, silently wishing the oil on the stove would spill over her and end this ordeal once and for all.

Nainai emptied the last batch of potatoes onto a plate, clicking her tongue. "I've had enough of this. I should just have Zong pack up my things so I can move back here permanently. I only cook for him to make sure he eats properly.... otherwise, I wouldn't bother. Someone call Zong for me, so I can tell him that Zhan's condition isn't improving. The people bringing the groom price should hold off. Money is nothing compared to his life."

Yichen turned sharply to look at her, then lowered her voice. "You're right mother. How can they bring the wedding gifts and money while Zhan is in this condition? It doesn't make sense. I already spoke about this earlier today."

Nainai scoffed. "Exactly. There's no logic in this. But Zong refuses to listen—he's as stubborn as ever. I'll call him again and make it clear how bad Zhan's condition is so they can reconsider." With that, she left the kitchen.

Yichen quickly turned off the stove and followed her, grabbing her purse and pulling out her phone. She handed it to Yichen. "Call Zong."

Yichen scrolled through her contacts, dialed the number and put the call on speaker she return the phone to Nainai, Nainai held the phone up. As soon as Zong answered, she wasted no time. "Zong, listen to me.... Zhan is in a terrible state. He can barely speak, let alone eat. If you care at all, tell them to delay bringing the wedding gifts until next week. His life is more important than this marriage."

Zong sighed. "They're already on their way, so there's no point in stopping anything now. It won't take long, and once they leave, i'll bring Quentin and the doctor with me to check on Zhan."

Nainai huffed in frustration. "You people are unbelievable! I swear, this is madness!" She shoved the phone back at Yichen. "Turn it off. I've seen enough trials in this life."

Yichen ended the call, her expression dark. From the moment she learned that the wedding money for Yibo was being brought over, she had known her words held no weight with Sen Wen's mother. That was why she had rushed to Zhan's house to inform Ning Li of what was happening. But upon arriving, she found Zhan lying sick in bed with an IV drip. That was the only reason they hadn't left yet—otherwise, they would have done whatever it took to stop the wedding payments from entering the house.

With a heavy sigh, Yichen muttered, "This isn't fair to Zhan."

Nainai crossed her arms. "And who here will listen to me? Zong is losing his way, and as for Quentin, I never counted on him for anything."

Yichen hesitated, then asked, "What if you talk to Sen Wen? You two are close."

Nainai handed her the phone. "Good idea. Call him. He's reasonable. I'll tell him Yibo is uncomfortable with this, and for his sake, they should delay the wedding gifts. Maybe he'll listen....after all, his brother is still lying in bed with three IV drips."

Yichen quickly took the phone and said, "That works too." She dialed Sen Wen's number, put it on speaker, and handed it to Nainai. Nainai took the phone and stepped out of the sitting room entirely. Yichen watched her go with a small smile. Just then, Ning Li came downstairs, crying heavily, still holding her cheek. Alarmed, Yichen rushed to her.

"Ning Li, what happened?" she asked with concern.

Still sobbing, Ning Li blurted out, "Aunty, Zhan slapped me because of that bastard he slapped me....twice! Of all people, Zhan decided to slap me? He actually hit me?"

Yichen's mouth fell open in shock. "Zhan slapped you?" she asked in disbelief, then turned and stormed upstairs as if she would tear through the walls.

Meanwhile, Yibo, who had been listening, tensed up when he heard Yichen banging on Zhan's door, calling his name loudly. Tears welled in Yibo's eyes as he clutched onto Zhan's sleeve, his voice trembling. "Gege, you see this, right?"

Zhan helped him sit down on the bed and knelt beside him. In a low voice, he reassured him, "Relax, she won't come in...I locked the door."

Downstairs, Nainai entered the sitting room, shaking her head as she scrolled through her phone. When she noticed Ning Li sobbing uncontrollably, she approached her, knelt down, and looked at her in confusion. Then she said, "Are you seriously crying over spilling his food? Would you really let someone take advantage of you like that?" Without waiting for an answer, she got up and went upstairs.

Upon reaching the sitting room upstairs, she found Yichen still pounding on Zhan's door. Alarmed, she asked, "What's going on? Are they locked inside?"

Yichen remained silent, her heart racing with anger. Impatiently, Nainai shouted, "Zhan!"

Zhan sighed and stood up from where he knelt beside Yibo. Hearing Nainai's voice, he went to the door and slowly opened it.

Before he could say a word, Yichen slapped him across the face, seething. "Did you lay a hand on Ning Li?"

Nainai gasped dramatically. "Are you out of your mind, Yichen? You slapped Zhan?"

From the hallway, Ning Li's voice rang out, still filled with fury. "I swear, I won't stay in this house another second! If because of that lowlife Zhan slapped me, I'm leaving!"

Zhan lifted his head and looked at her, his expression cold. "Then leave. I'll look for you when I need you. You don't have to stay here even five more minutes."

Nainai clapped her hands together. "Exactly! Pack your things and go! Witch!"

Both Yichen and Ning Li stared at Zhan in shock. Gathering her courage, Yichen asked, "Zhan, are you seriously telling Ning Li to leave?"

Without looking at her, Zhan simply said, "Yes, Mom. She can go home."

Ning Li spun on her heel and stormed out. Yichen stood frozen in place, staring at Zhan in disbelief before storming off as well.

Nainai shook her head. "Since you're a witch too, of course, you'd be upset about kicking Ning Li out. But that girl is done living in Zhan's house!"

She turned and looked at Yibo, who had tears in his eyes. "What happened to you? Why are you crying?"

Yibo turned away, refusing to say anything. Nainai sighed and turned to Zhan. "Did you know they're bringing the groom price and engagement gifts today? I told Zong they should wait until you recovered so you could be involved, but they didn't listen, here Zhan called Sen Wen for me please."

Yibo spun around, looking at her in shock. "What are you going to say to him?"

Nainai shrugged. "That's none of your business. It's between me and him."

Zhan was still holding the phone, watching her carefully. Seeing this, Nainai grabbed her phone back and left the room, heading straight for the gate to ask the security guard to call Sen Wen for her.

Just as she reached the gate, she saw a car pulling in. She stopped, and a moment later, Zong stepped out, followed by Quentin, Uncle Zhuge, and one of Quentin's friends.

Nainai's eyes widened. "Don't tell me they already delivered the gifts?"

Zong nodded. "They just left. The wedding is set for one month from now, right after their exams. They also paid a eight-thousand-dollar groom price. We did the same for Sen Wen."

Nainai's expression darkened. "Let's see if Zhan forgives you for this. He's been through more than any of you could imagine for Yibo, and yet you took money for his wedding without him, just because he's sick? At least try to act like you care!"

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed back inside, her face full of frustration.

As soon as Nainai left the sitting room, Zhan kept his eyes on Yibo, who stood there staring at the doorway, his expression dark. He was convinced that Nainai had gone to call Sen Wen to stop bringing the wedding money. Yibo stole a glance at Zhan, noticing how he was watching him. He pouted, turned away, and was about to leave when Zhan quickly grabbed his hand, locking eyes with him.

"Don't say anything about what happened between you and Ning Li to Grandma," Zhan warned.

Yibo said nothing, yanked his hand free, and left the sitting room, heading downstairs. Just as he reached the bottom, he heard the voices of Zong and Nainai as they entered the compound, engaged in a heated conversation.

Nainai returned to the sitting room, shaking her head. "In all my years, I've never seen anything like this. Zong's family has truly lost their way. Now, even Zhan alone isn't enough to accept Yibo's marriage? Just because he's unwell, you people think you can disrespect him like this? Don't be surprised if your status crumbles in his eyes," she said bitterly.

Yibo just stared at her. Nainai sat down with a hard expression and muttered, "Shameful."

A knock on the door interrupted the tension. Zong stepped inside, followed by Quentin and Uncle Zhuge. Yibo greeted them respectfully. Zong acknowledged him with a nod before asking, "Where is Zhan?"

Nainai scoffed and turned her face away, shaking her foot impatiently. Yibo was about to head upstairs when Zong stopped him.

"Where is the lady of the house?" he asked.

Nainai turned to him sharply. "Which lady of the house? The one he just kicked out? Or are you referring to someone else? Because as far as I know, he already told her to leave, and everyone knows she's a witch. I was just about to take him with me so he can stay under my care and receive proper treatment until he fully recovers."

Uncle Zhuge, his eyes wide, asked, "A witch? What are you talking about?"

Nainai folded her arms. "Exactly what you heard. Ever since this marriage was discussed, he's been like this—one day fine, the next day sick, as if he's suffering from an unseen affliction. So tell me, why should I put my peace of mind and health at risk? And I'm not some fool..." She turned to Yibo. "Go and call him. Let them see the state he's in with their own eyes."

Quentin frowned. "I don't understand what you're saying, AYi. Who exactly did he tell to leave?"

Nainai shot Yibo a sharp look. "Go and call him. I don't have the patience for long discussions with Quentin. He doesn't even have enough sense to see the truth! And honestly, don't let him spread this matter any further. I didn't send her away...he did. Since her father didn't build this house for him, it's only right that she leaves. I even found Yichen in the kitchen earlier, cooking for him..."

Everyone stared at her in silence. No one could make sense of her words.

Yibo turned and went upstairs, knocking on Zhan's door. He knocked again, and after a moment, Zhan finally opened it.

"Bobo is calling you downstairs," Yibo said.

Zhan nodded slowly, then looked at Yibo with an unreadable expression. "You know what, Yibo?"

Yibo frowned. "What?"

Zhan smiled faintly. "I want you to keep this in the back of your mind...your little act, all your pretense... Mark my words, the day I get my revenge is coming. And I will make you regret every single thing you've done."

His tone was deadly serious.

Yibo's eyes widened in shock. "Pretense? What do you mean, Gege? I don't understand."

Zhan smirked. "You're not supposed to understand."

Yibo pursed his lips, turned away, and left. Zhan watched him go before allowing himself a small, knowing smile.

Meanwhile, in the sitting room, Nainai turned to Zong. "I swear, Zong, it's taking everything in me not to make an oath right now. How can you all treat me like a child who doesn't know what she's saying? Every time I say something, you dismiss it! I'm telling you, that girl is a witch. She's the reason my grandson has been falling sick repeatedly!"

Quentin cut her off, standing abruptly. "That's enough, AYi. Please stop this nonsense. For heaven's sake, have some dignity. If you cause a scandal, don't expect me to stand by your side. How can you go around calling someone else's daughter a witch so casually? Do you even realize the gravity of such words?"

Nainai sat back, looking exhausted. "I've seen enough to know the truth... Why is Quentin doing this to me?"

Lowering his voice, Quentin said, "I'm telling you the truth, AYi. Let it go. This nonsense you're spouting is pointless. Just because someone doesn't please you, you'll start labeling them? Do you think calling someone a witch is a trivial matter? You need to stop this immediately....it doesn't suit you at all. Do you even realize what kind of trouble you could bring upon us with such accusations?"

Zong remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Uncle Zhuge cleared his throat and spoke in a low voice. "So... what's the next step?"

Nainai shot him a glare. "Mind your own business. If this matter escalates, what can your mother possibly do about it? And let me be very clear.....Zhan was the one who sent Ning Li away, not me."

Uncle Zhuge fell silent.

Just then, Zhan stepped into the sitting room, dressed simply. Zong looked up at him, blinking in surprise at how gaunt he had become. Quentin, too, examined him with concern. Zhan approached and bowed slightly in greeting.

Quentin frowned. "What's wrong with you, Zhan?"

Zhan offered a small smile and spoke softly. "It's just a fever, but I'm feeling much better now, Shushu."

Quentin asked, "Are you taking medication?"

Zhan nodded. "Yes, sir."

Zong watched him closely but said nothing. Quentin, however, pressed further. "Are you sure it's just a fever, Zhan? Because this doesn't seem like something so simple..."

Nainai scoffed, rising from her seat. "Believe what you want, but there's more to this than just a fever," she muttered before heading for the door, her face set in a grim expression.

Quentin followed her with his eyes but said nothing. Once she left, Zong finally spoke up. "What happened between you and Ning Li? Why did you tell her to leave?"

Zhan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Papa..." He trailed off, hesitating.

Quentin cut him off. "We don't want to hear excuses. Get her back immediately. Am I clear?"

Zhan looked at him, momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he finally murmured, "Understood, Shushu."

Uncle Zhuge cleared his throat again. "So... should we take him to the hospital?"

Zhan shook his head. "No need. I'm already taking my medication at home, and I feel much better now."

Uncle Zhuge nodded. "Well, I hope you recover quickly, Zhan. May you regain your strength soon."

"Thanks," Zhan replied softly.

Zong frowned and said, "Did you hear what I just told you? Get her back today. And I want you to do everything possible to stop your grandmother from coming to this house."

Zhan forced a smile, looking at his father. Quentin added, "That's just it." Then he turned his gaze to Yibo, who was sitting quietly. "And you? Were you the one who showed her the way to this house?"

Zhan quickly looked up and said, "No, Nainai already knows the way..."

Yibo lowered his head and remained silent. Quentin sighed. "Alright, let's go."

He stood up and walked toward the door. As he left, he said, "Take care, Zhan."

Zhan smiled faintly. "Thank you."

Zong added, "Come home later with Ning Li."

Zhan nodded. "Alright."

Zhuge patted his shoulder. "Just be patient, okay?"

Zhan only managed a weak smile, lowering his head. He walked them to the car, watching as Yibo got into the back seat. Yibo looked at him and said, "Take care."

Zhan gave a small nod but said nothing. Quentin got into the front seat, while Zong took the driver's seat. He glanced at Zhan and said, "Your younger brother's groom price has been paid. We'll talk when you get home."

Zhan slowly nodded. "Alright. I hope it brings good fortune..."

Zong responded, "Mn."

Zhan bid them farewell and watched as the car drove out of the compound. He then turned back, walking as if counting his steps, before collapsing onto the couch in the sitting room. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing against his chest.

🔹▪️🔸▫️

Yichen had left earlier with Ning Li. She had insisted that Ning Li should not go back to her family's house. After much persuasion, she finally took her to Xulin's house.

Xulin let out a deep breath after hearing everything Yichen had to say. Meanwhile, Ning Li sat silently, tears streaming down her face. Today, she had been completely humiliated. If she had a knife in that room, she would have ended Yibo right then and there. She had never hated anyone as much as she hated him. How could Zhan raise his hand and slap her... twice... all because of that boy? For what reason?

Xulin narrowed her eyes. "So, they already paid the groom price?"

Yichen wiped the sweat from her forehead, still overwhelmed. "Yes, while we were on our way here, Xinyi called me, saying the money and gifts had arrived. Twelve suitcases, and a bride price of eight thousands dollar. Honestly, I feel sick just thinking about it."

Xulin's mouth fell open in shock. After a long pause, she scoffed. "And that boy's mother, Mochen... What a cursed woman. She dares to say she will 'think about it'?"

Yichen sighed and rested her chin on her hand. Xulin asked, "So, what do we do now?"

Yichen's expression darkened. "That wedding will never happen as long as I'm alive. They think they've won just because his mother agreed? Over my dead body. If I allow that marriage, then I've lost."

Xulin nodded. "And it's not like we can delay it. There's no siblings in his life to create an obstacle."

Yichen gave her a sharp look. "Do you think I'll just sit back and let Yibo go to a house where he'll live in peace? After all the disrespect his grandmother has made me endure, after all the humiliation he's caused me? He will suffer before he ever gets to enjoy marriage."

Ning Li sneered. "My only concern is that boy stops coming to my house. Can you believe Zhan actually hit me over that boy? And now you're telling me not to tell my mother?"

Yichen shook her head. "Come on, Ning Li. You know you can't tell her. She's too hard-tempered. Leave this to me. And you know Zhan wouldn't have hit you for no reason. But don't worry, he'll regret what he did. We'll make sure of it."

Ning Li huffed, crossing her arms.

Yichen turned to her. "You had a plan last time, but it didn't work. Do you have another one?"

Ning Li smiled. "Just because they've paid the groom price doesn't mean the wedding is set in stone..."

She trailed off as her phone began to ring. Checking the screen, she looked at Yichen and say.

"It's him."

Yichen widened her eyes. "What? Answer it. Let's hear what he has to say."

Ning Li straightened her face and answered the call, putting it on speaker.

Zhan's voice came through, low and calm. "Hello."

Filled with resentment, Ning Li snapped, "What do you want, Zhan?"

There was a brief silence before he said, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Please, forgive me. It was a mistake."

Ning Li burst into tears. "A mistake? You slapped me...twice...in my own house. Over him. And in front of him?"

Zhan sighed. "I said I'm sorry. And just so you know, Yibo isn't just anyone. He's my little brother. I won't stand by and let you raise a hand against him."

Ning Li's eyes widened in disbelief. She looked at Yichen, who was just as shocked. "So, you called just to insult me again?"

Zhan's voice softened. "Not at all, Ning Li. You know Yibo isn't in the best health. And with our grandmother in the house, anything could have happened if I hadn't stepped in. You don't know Nainai like I do. So don't ever...ever...give him a bad look, let alone lay a hand on him. If you do, I swear, you'll regret it more than you can imagine."

His tone shifted again, becoming gentler. "Listen, I didn't call to argue. I just wanted to apologize. If you want to hit me back, fine, do it. But if you ever touch my little brother again, I won't forgive you."

Ning Li sat in stunned silence, her mouth slightly open as she processed his words. Yichen, equally shocked, stared at the phone.

Finally, Ning Li found her voice. "So, you called just to threaten me, Zhan?"

He said, "Not at all. I called to apologize and to ask where you are now."

Yichen lowered her voice and said, "Tell him you're at home with me."

Ning Li pursed her lips, her face set in a frown, refusing to say anything. He asked again, "I'm asking, where are you?"

Yichen kept motioning for her to answer, so she reluctantly glared at her before turning away and muttering, "I'm at your family house."

Zhan said, "Good. I'm glad you didn't go to your home. I'll stop by later in the evening. I need to rest now…" With that, he ended the call.

Ning Li let out an irritated sigh, turning to Yichen in frustration. "Honestly, Aunty, you should have just let me go home. My mom deserves to know what's going on. I've barely been here three months, and I've already been slapped over some bastard. Look at this! He called to apologize, but listen to the way he talked to me... with warnings! In fact, why does he care more about that boy than his own siblings?"

Yichen scoffed. "It's that boy mother's doing. She bewitched him. Ever since they were little, Zhan has been treating Yibo like a treasured possession. You'd think Yibo was the only child born in that family. I tried so many times to separate them, but I never could. You know he spent a lot of time at his grandmother's house back then, and that boy was always being taken there too. It was always Zhan bringing him back home in the evening. And would you believe their grandmother had the nerve to say the boy's first words were Zhan's name? Lies! Absolute nonsense. But in the end, Yibo clung to my son so tightly you'd think he was Quentin's his own father."

"And when Zhan comes home on vacation from the UK, the amount of gifts he brings that boy is ridiculous. His own siblings barely get a fraction of that. Honestly, it's not as bad now as it used to be. I really put my foot down. A while back, Zhan even wanted to arrange a marriage between Yibo and that friend of his—the one who's rich and well-mannered. You know him. But because Zhan is an idiot, he insisted on pairing Yibo with him. I shut that idea down immediately. That's why the boy ended up going back to Yu. And now this marriage they're planning for him is the next big issue. I wouldn't be surprised if Zhan already knows that boy Sen Wen."

Ning Li, still glaring, said, "Well, honestly, he should just get married and move in with his husband. He should leave my fiancé alone."

Yichen's eyes widened. "Married? So that's it? He thinks marrying that Wen Yo Lee boy makes him better than everyone else. That's why he looks down on people. I swear, that's why he treats you like you're nothing. He sees himself as superior because he believes he's marrying into wealth. But he's mistaken. Mark my words, that boy will never be his husband as long as I'm alive. Do you know he doesn't even greet me when he sees me? And his mother? She acts like she's someone important now just because she'll be Wen Yo Lee's in-law. But they'll regret it. They'll be humiliated, and I'll be watching."

Ning Li crossed her arms. "Just because the groom price has been paid and the wedding date has been set doesn't mean the marriage is final. If he keeps acting like I'm beneath him, I swear, I'll destroy everything for him. I'll ruin his marriage to that Wen Yo Lee's son."

Yichen nodded firmly. "Exactly. If that wedding happens, then I never gave birth to my children. Both he and his mother, and even his grandmother, will face disgrace before my very eyes."

Xulin, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "You're all busy talking, but I've already made my decision on what to do next… And, if all goes well, I'll taste victory."

Yichen turned to her quickly. "Then let us in on it."

Xulin smirked. "But first, we have to meet that Shaman again, preferably by tomorrow."

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

That evening, Zhan parked in front of his family home, got out, and locked the car. He exchanged greetings with the gatekeeper, who eyed him curiously and asked, "Doctor, are you feeling unwell?"

Zhan smiled faintly. "I'm fine now."

He stepped inside the compound and walked straight to Nainai's section of the house. Moving slowly, he turned the sitting room door handle and stepped in.

His eyes immediately met Yibo's, who was sitting inside with Nainai. She was busy unpacking items from a set of suitcases, her face beaming with excitement. A-Ji was also helping, eagerly pulling out more items and exclaiming, "Look at all these things! They really went all out. Well, of course, they have money. You know, I actually knew Wen Yo Lee's mother back in the day. A friend of my neighbor's sister used to work for her."

"Back then, they weren't even that wealthy. One day, my neighbor dragged me along to visit her sister's friend, who said she'd take us to see the grandmother of Yibo's fiancé. The woman's name was Yanhui. She was tall and fair-skinned, but to be honest, she wasn't that impressive."

Nainai quietly listened while A-Ji clicked her tongue in disapproval. "I mean it.... she was unimpressive. I remember I was holding Shan Yi at the time, and he wet himself right there in her house. They had just set out a fancy meal with all kinds of delicacies. But the moment I sat down, she told me to take him home and change his clothes because she couldn't stand the smell. Little did she know, he had also made a mess in his diaper, but I was trying to hide it so we could at least eat first. I left the house nearly in tears, carrying Shan Yi, only to come back and find that Jixue and the others had already devoured all the food. You know how greedy those people are. I didn't even get a taste of it."

Meiling busied herself arranging the items, not even sparing a glance at Nainai. Everyone turned to look at Zhan as he entered the sitting room, his eyes scanning the boxes. Nainai beamed at him and said, "Zhan, my dear grandson, he've done well. I swear, there were not even twenty thousand things here, I'm satisfied. Gold, pearls, diamonds... we counted five with A-Ji. What else can I say except to thank heavens?"

Yibo remained focused on his phone, uninterested. Zhan simply replied, "May it bring blessings."

Nainai nodded. "Ameen. And be patient with what your parents did to you. You're better off than them, far ahead. If all goes well and this wedding happens smoothly, you will personally take Yibo to his new home, give him proper advice, and then we'll leave him there and return home."

Meiling laughed, watching Yibo, who refused to lift his head. Nainai frowned and scolded, "This is not a laughing matter. I'm serious... he will take him to his home. Do you even understand the hardships he's endured because of Yibo?"

A-Ji scoffed. "Hardships? Please, it's all for nothing since he's not even marrying Yibo. Honestly, with the bond they share, it would have made more sense for them to just marry each other and live together. The whole world knows how close they are. Imagine their beautiful children running around, and Yuting finally getting the grandchildren she never had. But no, your family ties are weak, nothing but pretenses. If not, wouldn't you have made it happen to see Yichen swallowing her pride, In this world, everything is just about appearances..."

Nainai sighed, looking like she might cry. "I've had enough... Who even invited this woman here? A-Ji, you've lost all sense of decency. Do you even realize the level of chaos you're stirring up right now? Some people truly belong in a mental hospital!"

A-Ji scoffed. "Just because I suggested Zhan should marry his cousin Yibo? You just don't like the truth, and you have no fear of consequences. You've abandoned your morals long ago, ever since you lived at your late husband house. I can hear you preaching about right and wrong, but you're no better yourself."

Nainai's face darkened. "Let me tell you something.... I'd rather see Yibo remain unmarried for life than have Zhan marry him. What would he even do with someone like Zhan, and who wants to be in-laws with that mad woman Yichen? And you, A-Ji, you're truly heartless! Who is Zhan that I should give my grandson to him? Over my dead body! Where would Yibo even take him? You're just a troublemaker, through and through."

Yibo stood abruptly, his face tense, and walked toward the door. Nainai scowled. "Go ahead, Yibo! Don't let anyone pressure you. Since you've seen the gifts, now leave, A-Ji. I don't want any unnecessary drama in this matter. You always bring trouble wherever you go. Leave, and send my regards to Ge Ye's family."

A-Ji scoffed. "Who else but Zhan could handle Yibo's stubbornness and illness? I swear, ever since Mr. Wen Yo Lee's wife threw me and my son out, denying us food, I've hated her ever since."

Nainai sighed. "Well, she didn't throw me out, A-Ji. And even if she had, my heart is pure...I forgave her completely. You should focus on your own life instead of stirring up more problems. As for the wedding, I never insisted you come. Don't embarrass me, please, just stay at home, alright?"

Zhan turned and left the sitting room, and Nainai glared after him. "Who is Zhan that I should even consider pairing my grandson with him? I swear, A-Ji, you're completely delusional."

🔸▫️▪️🔹

The next day, Yibo had his first exam. They left at around 1:40 PM and finished by 4 PM. As soon as they exited the exam hall, Meiling noticed Yibo looking for a bench and sitting down. She approached him.

"What happened, Yibo?"

Yibo looked at her weakly. "I don't feel well."

Meiling frowned. "Oh, sorry. The driver is on the way. We'll head home soon."

Just then, Mian Mian approached them. "Our groom-to-be! How was the paper today?"

Yibo sighed. "It went well."

Mian Mian grinned. "Come greet Sen Wen ge. He's waiting outside and asked me to call you."

Yibo pouted. "No, just tell him you didn't see me, please."

Mian Mian sighed. "Come on, Yibo. How can I lie like that?"

Meiling nudged him. "Let's go. Maybe the driver has arrived too."

Holding his hand, Meiling led Yibo outside the school gate. He walked slowly, exhaustion clear in his steps. They reached Sen Wen's car, and he lowered his sunglasses, studying Yibo carefully.

"What's wrong?" Sen Wen asked.

Mian Mian sighed. "I asked him earlier, but he won't say."

Sen Wen got out of the car, stepping closer, his sharp gaze fixed on Yibo. "What's wrong with you?"

Yibo hesitated, his voice weak. "I'm not feeling well."

Sen Wen opened the back seat door. "Get in. I'll drop you home."

Yibo widened his eyes. "Our driver is coming."

Sen Wen stared at him, saying nothing. Yibo turned to Meiling for help. She sighed. "Just go, we'll follow soon."

Sen Wen added, "You can come too, so he won't think I'm kidnapping him."

Meiling laughed. "The driver is on the way. We'll wait for him with Xinyi." She pointed to Xinyi, who was watching them from a distance but quickly looked away when she saw them looking back.

Slowly, Yibo got into the back seat, while Mian Mian took the front. Sen Wen shut the doors, got into the driver's seat, and drove off.

Throughout the ride, Sen Wen kept glancing at Yibo through the rearview mirror. Yibo leaned his head back and closed his eyes, visibly exhausted.

When they reached his house, Sen Wen parked at the gate, still watching Yibo through the mirror. Finally, he got out, walked to the back, and opened the door. That's when he realized Yibo had actually fallen asleep.

Reaching out, he placed a hand on Yibo's forehead. Startled, Yibo jerked back, eyes widening in panic.

Sen Wen's voice softened. "Where does it hurt?"

Yibo looked down. "I have a fever."

Sen Wen's frown deepened. "Since when?"

"This morning."

He didn't respond right away, simply observing Yibo in silence. Then, he stepped out of the car. "Come on, get down."

Yibo hesitated before slowly stepping out. Sen Wen reached for his hand to support him, but Yibo pulled away, refusing to make eye contact.

Sen Wen watched him carefully. "I'll bring you some medicine later."

Yibo mumbled, "Thank you."

Sen Wen let go of him, and Yibo turned toward the gate...only to lock eyes with Zhan, who was sitting near a small street stall, watching them.

Yibo quickly looked away and entered the gate, ignoring both men. Sen Wen briefly met Zhan's gaze before slipping back into his car and driving away.

Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛