Author
Please support my paid novel with the title of THREE FACES, by my original name Shooly84, it's a straight story here on Webnovel.
Dr. Kexing set his parfait glass aside, glancing at the elderly woman seated opposite him in the living room. "But, Mom, is this really necessary? You know I have no idea about any of this."
Wu, scrolling on her phone, replied without looking up, "Well, you and him will go together. He knows what he'll need best, so yes, it's necessary."
Dr. Kexing sighed. "For how many days are we talking? This isn't just a quick shopping tow, Mom. Honestly, you know..." He trailed off, leaning back into his chair and watching his mother, who didn't seem to be paying attention. Finally, Wu looked up at him over her glasses and asked, "I know what?"
He groaned. "Mom, why not let him go with the family driver? They can do the shopping, and he can wear a face mask."
Wu's expression hardened. "Oh, so now his parents will let him wander around with just the driver to shop for wedding suits? Don't be absurd."
Dr. Kexing exhaled deeply, visibly frustrated. "Mom, every corner of Beijing has someone who knows me. I don't want people spotting my fiancé before the marriage."
Wu gave him a pointed look. "Oh, Mr. Celebrity, are you planning to run into every single one of your friends in Beijing during one day of your shopping?"
Caught off guard, he blinked. "Oh, that's fair."
Wu nodded firmly. "Exactly. Now inform Zhan. You'll both go this Saturday and buy whatever he needs for the wedding."
Dr. Kexing stayed silent, then cautiously glanced at Wu, who had returned to her phone. "Mom, maybe I can just send him the money, and he can go to shopping with his brothers?"
Wu stood up and brushed him off. "Do whatever suits you, sweetheart." With that, she left the room, and Dr. Kexing could only stare after her in silence.
---
Zhan set his phone down on the bedside table, his mood visibly soured. After a couple of minutes, he glanced at Yibo, who was engrossed in his laptop. Almost on the verge of tears, he softly called, "Gege?"
Yibo looked up. "Oh, you're done with your call?"
Zhan nodded, his face troubled. "Do you know what he just told me?"
Yibo paused his work to focus on Zhan. "No, what happened?"
"He said we're going shopping together. Is that how it's supposed to be?"
Yibo raised his eyebrows. "Of course. Even Min and I went shopping together."
Zhan pouted and crossed his arms as he leaned back against the headboard. "I don't think I can go with him."
"Why not?" Yibo asked.
"I feel embarrassed," Zhan mumbled.
Yibo chuckled and then said, "You're such a country boy sometimes, Zhan. That's how it's done. You'll get to choose exactly what you want, and everything will be your preference."
Still looking unconvinced, Zhan sighed. "Gege, you don't get it. I'm shy."
Yibo shrugged. "Then take a friend with you if he agrees. Problem solved."
Zhan's expression brightened slightly. "Ji Li?"
"Perfect. Go with him."
Zhan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll let him know. Oh, and he also said he wants to take me to meet his mother next week. Is that normal?"
Yibo laughed. "Well, I'm taking Min to meet Mama this Friday, so yes, it's normal."
"But I don't think I can face his mother. I'd be too nervous," Zhan admitted.
"You have to, my dear. It's good he's introducing you to her before the wedding. She needs to know her son-in-law," Yibo explained.
Zhan hesitated. "But I don't think Mama will let me go shopping with him alone."
"Of course she will," Yibo reassured. "That's how it's done."
Just then, Yibo's phone rang. He checked the caller ID before picking up. Meanwhile, Zhan, feeling overwhelmed, got up and said, "Goodnight, Gege."
"Goodnight," Yibo replied, watching him leave.
Later, Zhan finished his nightly routine and dialed Dr. Kexing's number. When he didn't pick up, he called again. This time, Dr. Kexing answered, "I'm here. What's on your mind?"
"I've come up with an idea," Zhan said softly.
"I'm listening," Dr. Kexing replied.
"Can I go shopping with Ji Li instead?"
A short pause followed before Dr. Kexing answered curtly, "No."
Zhan's eyes widened. "Why not? He's my close friend."
"I said no," Dr. Kexing repeated, his tone firm.
Zhan pouted and muttered, "Fine. Goodnight."
"Sleep tight," Dr. Kexing replied calmly.
Zhan didn't respond, ending the call and diving under his blanket with a deep sigh.
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The next morning, Zhan went to school feeling low-spirited. The thought of going shopping with Dr. Kexing weighed heavily on his mind. He hadn't slept well the previous night, as even the smallest things easily troubled him. After their second lecture of the day, around 1:30 PM, Ji Li noticed Zhan's unusual demeanor and asked with concern, "Zhan, are you okay? You don't seem yourself today."
Zhan gave a faint smile and replied, "I have a headache. I think I'll head home; I can't wait for the 4 PM lecture."
Ji Li frowned, worried. "Oh no, I hope you feel better soon. Let me walk you to a taxi. The sun is blazing outside."
They left the department together. On their way out, one of their coursemates approached them and said to Zhan, "Dr. Kexing asked you to meet him under that tree over there."
Zhan's heart sank. He looked in the direction indicated, spotting Kexing's car not far from their department. Ji Li said cheerfully, "Well, that's convenient! No long trek to the gate for you. Please greet your family for me, and I hope you feel better."
"Thank you, Ji Li," Zhan replied before heading toward the car at a slow pace, knowing full well he had left his phone at home. Reaching the car, he opened the front passenger door and got in, locking the door behind him. He glanced at Dr. Kexing, who was looking at him intently. Avoiding his gaze, he said softly, "Good afternoon."
Kexing asked, "Why haven't you been answering your phone?"
"I forgot it at home," he replied, nervously playing with the ring on his finger.
"And why is that?" he pressed.
"I just forgot," he murmured.
As Dr. Kexing reversed the car, Zhan said, "I haven't finished my lectures for today."
Dr. Kexing glanced at him and asked, "Isn't it Dr. Nie's class?"
Zhan gave him a sidelong glance but remained silent.
"Well, you won't be attending," Dr. Kexing said matter-of-factly.
They left the school in silence. After a while, Kexing remarked, "So, because you didn't want to go shopping with me alone, you suggested bringing your friend along?"
Zhan frowned slightly and replied, "Shopping? I haven't even told Mama yet. If she says I can't go, then I won't go, no matter what. I only suggested it without consulting her. If she forbids me, then I won't go anywhere."
Kexing glanced at him now and then but said nothing further until they were near his house. "What would you like to eat?" Dr. Kexing asked.
Zhan turned to him, their eyes meeting briefly before he lowered his gaze. "Nothing, thank you," he replied.
Dr. Kexing stopped at a fruit vendor and bought some fruit. Once they reached Zhan's house, he parked the car and looked at him. Zhan picked up his bag and said, "I'm sorry if what I said earlier upset you..." Seeing that Kexing didn't respond, he glanced at him nervously.
Dr. Kexing smiled faintly, stroking his beard. "Go inside and tell your Mama that I'd like to come in and greet her."
Hurriedly, Zhan said, "She's already feeling better."
"I know," Kexing replied. "That's why I want to come in and greet her."
Zhan hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping out of the car. He went inside, and after a few minutes, he returned and said, "You can come in now."
Kexing turned off the car, picked up the bag of fruit, and followed him into the house. He sat in the main sitting room while Zhan went to the kitchen. There, he asked Sabeera, "Could you please take him some water and a soft drink?"
"Sure thing, young master," Sabeera replied cheerfully.
Zhan left the kitchen and went upstairs without looking back. Kexing watched him go, his gaze lingering briefly before turning his attention to the room. Shortly after, Lan Yi entered the sitting room. They greeted each other warmly, and she asked about his family.
"They're doing well, Mama. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm much better, thank you," she replied.
"That's good to hear. May your health continue to improve," he said kindly.
Lan Yi smiled. "Thank you. But you're leaving already? You haven't even had anything to drink."
Kexing shook his head politely. "No, thank you. I'm needed elsewhere."
Lan Yi stood up. "Let me call Zhan then. Please send my regards to your family."
"They'll be glad to hear it," Kexing replied. Lan Yi thanked him again before heading upstairs.
By the time Zhan came out to see him off, Kexing's car was already gone. He stood at the gate for a moment before turning back into the house.
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Lan Yi opened the door to Yibo's room and walked in with a soft greeting. Yibo responded, "You haven't gone to bed yet, Mama?"
Lan Yi shook her head and replied, "No, I haven't." She moved closer, settling into the chair by his bedside. Looking at him intently, she said, "Have you been to Mothers house? I want to know the progress regarding Shu."
Yibo sighed and said, "I just went there earlier. She still hasn't returned from Yantai."
Lan Yi fell silent for a moment before finally speaking, "What do you think we should do about this situation, Yibo? It's been weighing on my mind, If Dr. Kexing will agree to marry her, it will be okay I think... Someone better would come for Zhan."
Surprised, Yibo turned to her and asked, "What do you mean by that, Mama? Why does everyone keep indulging Shu?"
Cutting him off, Lan Yi said, "She's an orphan, Yibo. She's my niece, and I'll treat her as I would to my own children. What bothers her bothers me. And I won't favor Zhan over Shu."
Yibo frowned. "Mama, please stop this nonsense. It's like something out of a soap opera. This is real life. We should focus on what's practical. Dr. Kexing doesn't even like Shu, so why are we bending over backward for her? Let the matter go. If Shu dares to cross my path, I won't hesitate to set her straight-no matter what."
Lan Yi shook her head disapprovingly. "Don't you dare touch her. You don't understand what it's like to be an orphan..."
Irritated, Yibo shifted the conversation. "Mama, Min is coming tomorrow to see you."
Lan Yi softened. "Oh, is she? Alright, let her come."
Yibo nodded. "Also, Zhan approached me yesterday with something he said he couldn't bring himself to tell you."
Lan Yi gave him her full attention. "What is it?"
Yibo explained, "Tomorrow's Saturday, and they're planning to go shopping for the wedding. He didn't feel comfortable telling you himself."
Lan Yi stared at Yibo, her expression unreadable. He didn't wait for her response and continued, "Mama, you know that's how it's done. Even Min and I went shopping together before our wedding. There's nothing unusual about it. Zhan might be different from us, but I trust Dr. Kexing."
Lan Yi sighed. "I don't know if your father will approve."
Yibo smiled slightly. "I'll tell him myself. We're living in modern times, Mama. Traditions evolve with the era."
Lan Yi watched him closely but didn't argue. Yibo added, "And with the wedding so close, it's only right for Zhan to visit Dr. Kexing's mother. Isn't that what I'm doing by bringing Min here tomorrow to greet you?"
Lan Yi exhaled deeply. "Alright, just make sure you both talk to your father. I want no part in this."
Yibo chuckled. "I'll call him tomorrow morning and explain everything. He said he'd be back next week, right?"
Lan Yi nodded. "That's what he said." She rose to leave. "I'm going to bed now."
"Good night," Yibo said as she walked out, shutting the door behind her.
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The next day, Friday, Zhan didn't go to school, opting instead to assist Sabeera with the cooking preparations for Min's visit. He made fried rice with pepper chicken, salad, and small chops. With some time left, he also baked cupcakes. Zhan's cooking skills were unmatched, and his brothers especially admired him for it. Cooking was one of his many talents. Since he started his final year of school, he barely had time for himself, but he still managed to cook for Yibo almost daily. Lee, whenever he was in town, would bribe Zhan into cooking for him. Only Hai Kuan seemed indifferent; whether Zhan cook for him or not, he barely noticed, as he and Zhan weren't particularly close. Yibo, on the other hand, was Zhan's favorite, followed by Lee when he was around.
At around noon, Lan Yi entered the kitchen and remarked, "Zhan, this is quite the feast. Is all this for your Shi Jie?"
Zhan chuckled. "It's just one dish, Mama."
Lan Yi smiled. "Well, good work," she said before leaving the kitchen.
By 2 o'clock, Yibo arrived with Min. He had texted Zhan earlier to let him know they were on their way. Hearing the car pull into the compound, Zhan stepped out onto the balcony. Yibo was the first to get out, followed by Min, who was dressed in an elegant silk outfit with a matching skirt and blouse. She carried a stylish handbag, her makeup was subtle yet flawless, and the diamond engagement ring on her finger sparkled even from a distance. She looked stunning, no doubt.
Zhan came down from the balcony and approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome, Shi Jie," he said.
Yibo walked ahead without waiting for them, while Min, chewing gum and not even glancing at Zhan, muttered a curt, "Thanks," before following Yibo inside, leaving Zhan standing there, surprised. After a moment, Zhan followed them, walking slowly.
When he entered the sitting room, Min was already seated, and Yibo had gone upstairs. Their eyes met briefly before Zhan looked away and went upstairs to his room, where he lay down.
About twenty minutes later, someone opened his door. Recognizing Yibo's cologne, Zhan quickly shut his eyes, pretending to sleep. Yibo closed the door and, looking at him, said, "Zhan."
Slowly opening his eyes, Zhan sat up, rubbing them dramatically. "Gege, my head has been hurting since morning. I've been working non-stop, and I must have fallen asleep without realizing it."
Yibo said, "Alright. Come downstairs and say goodbye to Min. I'm about to take her home."
Zhan pouted. "Gege, my head feels so heavy. I'm not feeling well."
Yibo stared at him for a moment before turning and leaving the room without saying another word. Zhan lay back down, but before long, the door opened again. Yibo walked in, placing a bottle of water and some pain killer on the bedside table. "Take this. I'll be back later," he said before leaving.
After dropping Min off at her home, she called Shu immediately after entering the compound. Sounding agitated, she said, "Shu, your cousin humiliated me today! Can you believe he ignored me completely and walked past as if I didn't exist?!"
Shu replied, "Oh, so you went to their house today?"
Frustrated, Min exclaimed, "If I'd known what Yibo's brother had in store for me, I would've never gone. I'm so angry! Even their mother didn't seem particularly happy to see me. She barely spent five minutes in the sitting room before leaving. I was left alone with the TV and the food they served, as if that's what I came for!"
Shu sighed. "That's why I told you to wait and only go when I'm there."
Still fuming, Min said, "I feel so insulted, Shu! That boy, who was practically born yesterday, treated me like that? What's so special about him?"
Shu replied calmly, "Don't worry. We'll talk more later. I'm heading to Granny Fang Yu's house today too. But let me tell you this: even if I don't marry Dr. Kexing, there's no way Zhan will. Someone else can marry him, but not Zhan, not if I have any say in it."
Min said, "If you allow Zhan to marry that lecturer, I'll lose all respect for you and your capabilities. You wouldn't be the Shu we all know if you let that happen." Shu smiled and replied, "We'll talk later," before ending the call.
On Saturday, as promised, Zhan got ready by 10 AM and went downstairs. Lan Yi was sitting in the sitting room with Hai Kuan. Zhan hesitated by the back of the couch and said, "Mama, I'm ready." Lan Yi, assuming they were going shopping, checked the time and asked, "Has he arrived?"
Zhan paused, trying to recall when he mentioned anything about Dr. Kexing coming. Then he said, "Mama, I'm going to Granny Fang Yu's house." Lan Yi fell silent for a moment, staring at him, and then asked, "I thought you were going shopping. Why are you going to Mother's house?"
Zhan pouted slightly, almost as if he was about to cry, and said, "Mama, I promised her I'd visit today. Besides, we aren't going shopping until later in the afternoon." Lan Yi sighed and said, "No, you should skip visiting Mother today. Wait until a day you don't have lectures, and we can go together."
Hai Kuan, who had been quietly watching TV, turned to Lan Yi and said, "Why?" Lan Yi explained, "If I'm going, we can just go together."
Zhan lowered his head, feeling hurt but staying quiet. Hai Kuan then said, "I'm heading there anyway. Let me drop him off and bring him back when I return since I won't be staying long. I'll be traveling to Xi'An later today."
Lan Yi glanced at Zhan, noticing how upset he looked, and softened her tone, saying, "Fine, but make sure you return with him when he's ready to leave." Zhan nodded gently and replied, "Okay, Mama. Thank you."
Turning to Hai Kuan, he asked, "Gege, are you leaving now?"
Hai Kuan glanced at him and said, "What's it to you?"
Lan Yi immediately frowned and scolded Hai Kuan, "Why are you always so harsh?" Zhan sat quietly on the chair, not saying anything more. Lan Yi continued, "What's the harm in answering him? You're too temperamental."
Hai Kuan stood up and said, "If he doesn't have lectures, you can go together later. I'll leaving now."
Zhan's eyes widened, and he quickly stood up, pleading, "Gege, please don't be upset." Hai Kuan ignored him and left the room. Lan Yi clicked her tongue in frustration and said, "Go after him." Zhan hurried after Hai Kuan.
After a 30-minute drive, they arrived at Granny Fang Yu's house. Since Hai Kuan didn't plan to stay long, he parked outside and greeted the housekeeper briefly before heading in with Zhan following closely. The sitting room was crowded with neighborhood children watching cartoons.
Seeing Hai Kuan, Granny Fang Yu immediately said, "Alright, children, time to go. My grandsons are here. Off you go now." None of the children moved, pretending not to hear her.
Hai Kuan's stern voice cut through, "Didn't you hear her?" Instantly, they all stood up and left. Granny Fang Yu sighed dramatically, "I'm so tired of this. If you hadn't spoken up, they wouldn't have left. I've become the neighborhood babysitter. Their grandparents are off relaxing, while I'm stuck here dealing with them. Sometimes, they even bring along their friends!"
"Since Shu stepped out, they all barged in," she continued. Then, noticing Zhan, she brightened up and said, "Oh, you came together! Welcome! You kept your promise." Zhan smiled, approaching her to sit beside her. He greeted her warmly, and she returned his greeting with equal warmth, asking, "How's your mother?"
Zhan replied, "She sends her regards."
Hai Kuan greeted her, "Good morning, Granny Fang Yu."
She smiled and asked, "How's work?"
"All good," he replied.
The door to the sitting room opened, and in walked Shu. Hai Kuan followed her with his gaze as she seemed about to walk past but then stopped and said, "Good morning, Gege Hai Kuan."
He replied, "Morning."
Zhan, watching her, greeted politely, "Good morning, Jie Shu." Shu, however, had already disappeared into a room.
Granny Fang Yu shook her head and said quietly, "I'm tired of that girl. She doesn't even greet me before walking out. Just this morning, I saw her packing her bags. I couldn't hold back and asked where she was going. She said she was moving back to your house."
Zhan's heart sank as he looked at Granny Fang Yu. Hai Kuan frowned and said, "Moving back to our house? For what?"
Granny Fang Yu quickly covered her mouth, saying, "Don't say that again! She's your blood relative, not a stranger. If she says she's moving back, it's no big deal. I know Qiren won't have any objections. He won't stop her from staying in his house. We've wanted her to return for a while so you could keep an eye on her and help her change her ways, but she refused. Now that she's decided on her own, let her go. I was planning to call Lan Yi about this later."
Hai Kuan scoffed, "She's lying. There's something she's plotting. Otherwise, she wouldn't suddenly decide to move back."
Granny Fang Yu, irritated, said, "Oh, come on, let's give her the benefit of the doubt, Hai Kuan."
He replied, "We'll see when she gets there. Anyway, I just stopped by to greet you since it's been a few days. I'm in a rush-I'm heading to Xi'an soon."
Granny Fang Yu said, "Well, I appreciate your visit."
He stood up, saying, "I have to go. I'm not traveling alone, and they're waiting for me."
Granny Fang Yu nodded, "Alright, go ahead. Zhan, you're staying until tomorrow, right?"
Hai Kuan interjected, "No, we're both heading home now."
Granny Fang Yu frowned, "Both of you? What's the rush?"
Hai Kuan glanced at Zhan and said, "Get up; let's go."
Zhan stood reluctantly and said, "Granny, I'll come back alone later."
Granny Fang Yu didn't say anything at first but then sighed, "Lan Yi told you not to stay, didn't she?"
Hai Kuan smiled, "You're always jumping to conclusions, Granny."
Zhan quickly clarified, "No, Granny. It's just that I have some schoolwork to finish."
Before she could respond, Shu came out of her room, pushing three large suitcases. Granny Fang Yu stood up and asked, "Is this your farewell, Shu?"
Without looking at her, Shu replied, "Yes."
Granny Fang Yu said, "Then why don't you go with Hai Kuan? They're heading home now."
Hai Kuan immediately said, "Who's Hai Kuan?"
Granny Fang Yu stared at him, her mouth agape, before her expression turned angry. "What do you take Shu for? A stranger? She's the daughter of your mother's sister-your blood relative! And yet you treat her like an outsider. You're always so cold to her. She's an orphan with no parents, and instead of supporting her, you heap scorn on her." She burst into tears.
Hai Kuan left the sitting room without saying a word. Zhan remained frozen in place, unsure of what to do. Hai Kuan peeked back into the room and, seeing Zhan still standing there, said, "What are you waiting for?"
Lowering his gaze, Zhan quietly walked to the door. Granny Fang Yu picked up the money Hai Kuan had left and hurried after him, tears streaming down her face as she offered it back. "Take this. I don't want it. You can use it on gas during your trip to Xi'an."
Hai Kuan didn't even glance back as he walked out. Zhan quickly followed him, afraid of being scolded further.
Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛