As they left the street, Zhan glanced at Hai Kuan cautiously and said, "But Kuan Ge, you could have picked her up just to keep the peace."
Hai Kuan replied, "That peace will never reign."
Zhan didn't respond further, leaning his head against the car seat as they drove home. Upon arrival, they found Lan Yi in the sitting room, waiting for them with a furious expression. Seeing her, Zhan immediately understood that Granny Fang Yu must have already called her. Lan Yi marched towards Hai Kuan, clearly upset, and said, "So, Hai Kuan, what you did—was that right? What would it have cost you to just give Shu a ride? Why won't you avoid every conflict like this? That's where Yibo is better than you. Even if he didn't want to, he would've picked her up for the sake of peace."
Hai Kuan found a chair and sat down, replying calmly, "What's done is done, Mama. There's no point dwelling on it now. Clearly, it was destined for Shu not to ride in my car today."
He glanced at Zhan, who was standing silently, and added, "Go upstairs and get my suitcase."
Zhan obeyed, heading upstairs to Hai Kuan's room. Meanwhile, Hai Kuan stood and addressed Lan Yi, "She just wants to cause drama by stirring people up with her complaints, Mama. Nothing more."
Lan Yi, frustrated, replied, "What business is it of yours? Last I checked, this isn't your house!"
As Zhan descended with the suitcase, Hai Kuan took it from him and turned to Lan Yi, saying, "Mama, I need to leave. They're waiting for me."
Lan Yi shook her head and said, "You've caused a lot of trouble with Granny Fang Yu because of this, Hai Kuan."
Lowering his voice, he responded, "I'm leaving now, Mama. Instead of scolding me, maybe you could pray for my safe journey."
Lan Yi shot him a sharp look but relented. "Fine. I wish you a safe trip and reach your destination without any issues."
Hai Kuan smiled slightly, muttering, "thank you," before picking up his suitcase and heading to the door.
Zhan called out, "Safe travels, Hai Kuan Ge."
Without turning back, Hai Kuan replied, "Thanks," and left the sitting room.
Zhan walked up to Lan Yi and said, "Mama, please don't be upset. I don't know why he did that. She have to take a taxi..."
Lan Yi sighed. "It was necessary to call your father and get permission to bring her back myself." She then headed upstairs, leaving Zhan deep in thought.
Zhan quietly retreated to his room, pondering where Shu would stay once she moved in. The house had five rooms upstairs: one for Dad and Mama with a personal sitting room attached, an extra guest room, and separate rooms for Zhan, Yibo, and Hai Kuan. Downstairs, there were three rooms: Lee's, the housekeeper's, and a spare. Zhan suspected Shu wouldn't stay downstairs. She'd always used his room during previous visits, disrupting his space. Her attitude, coupled with her messy habits, had always been a source of frustration for him.
While lost in thought, Zhan's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he answered and greeted the person. "Hello, Yes. We visited Granny Fang Yu with Hai Kuan Ge, and we're back now."
The voice on the other end replied, "I see. I'll be coming over at 3 p.m. Is that okay with you?"
Zhan glanced at the clock. "Let's hope so."
"Alright, see you soon."
The call ended, leaving Zhan preoccupied with many thoughts.
Not long after Lan Yi left, Zhan heard the door to his room creak open. Turning, he found Shu dragging her suitcases inside. He stood up and greeted her softly, "Welcome."
She didn't respond, instead hauling more bags into the room. Zhan sighed and left, heading downstairs to clear his mind.
Later, Zhan found Lan Yi in her room and asked, "Mama, is Shu Jie staying in my room?"
Lan Yi replied, "Where else would she stay? You're the only one with similar belongings. Just make it work. She's your cousin, after all. I'm sure you can manage."
Reluctantly, Zhan said, "Then I'll move downstairs and let her have it."
Lan Yi gave him a sharp look. "Is this about me bringing in a guest, or do you think I invited a stranger into your room?"
Zhan remained silent, leaving her room and settling on the sofa in the sitting room. His thoughts were interrupted by the housekeeper asking, "Should I serve your meal now or later, young master?"
"Later," he replied, distracted.
Shortly after, Lan Yi instructed the housekeeper to serve the guest upstairs, then returned to her own tasks.
Zhan went back upstairs to grab a jacket but found Shu rearranging his room. She had moved all his belongings aside to make space for hers. Even her toiletries and bags had taken over his designated spots. Silently frustrated, Zhan retrieved his jacket and left the room, heading downstairs.
When his phone vibrated again, it woke him from a light nap. Answering, he heard Dr. Kexing on the other end. "Hi... I'm outside."
Wide-eyed, Zhan replied, "Oh, please give me 20 minutes."
Dr. Kexing sounded skeptical. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, please," Zhan whispered apologetically.
"Alright, but I told you I'd be here at 3 p.m.," he said firmly.
"I know, I know. I fell asleep. I'll be ready shortly," Zhan explained.
Dr. Kexing sighed before replying, "Fine. Bring me some water, then."
"Can't the housekeeper get it for you?" Zhan asked hesitantly.
"Never mind," he said curtly.
Zhan pouted slightly, imagining Dr. Kexing's serious face. After hanging up, he grabbed a water bottle and headed outside, where he found Dr. Kexing watching him through the car window, he just wanted to see Zhan sleeping face tho.
Zhan opened the car door without looking at him and said, "How are you?"
When he didn't reply, Zhan raised his head to find him staring at his face. Dr. Kexing motioned for him to come around. Zhan locked the car door, walked to Dr. Kexing side, and he opened the door. Lowering his voice, Dr. Kexing asked, "Do you nap in the afternoon? Nurses don't sleep in the afternoon."
Without looking at him, Zhan responded, "What about doctors?"
Dr. Kexing leaned his head against the car seat, smiling. "So, your brother naps in the afternoon?"
Quickly, Zhan replied, "No, my brother doesn't nap during the day."
Dr. Kexing added with a grin, "But I do?"
Zhan smiled warmly but said nothing. Dr. Kexing stared at him intently, prompting him to say, "Sir, time is running out. Here's your water."
He lowered his gaze and took the bottle from Zhan. After a pause, he said, "Go ahead and bid farewell to your mom, then come back so we can leave. Or are you planning something else? Or perhaps you didn't shower this morning?"
Zhan's eyes widened. "Me? Not showering?!"
He smirked. "Just go say goodbye to your mom and come back." Taking the water bottle from his hand, he added, "Thank you."
Zhan didn't reply and turned to head back inside. He went upstairs to his bedroom, where he'd almost forgotten Shu was still there. Upon entering and seeing her, his heart skipped a beat. Shu sat on the bed with a plate of food and a drink in front of her, busy scrolling through her phone as if she hadn't noticed Zhan walk in.
Zhan ignored her and headed to the bathroom. Shu followed him with her eyes, saying nothing. When Zhan emerged with his shower gel and towel and left the room, Shu continued watching him silently.
Zhan went to Yibo's room to use his bathroom for a shower. He brushed his teeth with Yibo's mouthwash, then dried himself off and put on one of Yibo's bathrobes before heading back to his room to grab his clothes and essentials. Shu's eyes never left him, analyzing his every move.
After about ten minutes, Zhan stepped out of Yibo's room, dressed and holding his bag. He went to inform Lan Yi that Dr. Kexing was waiting outside.
Lan Yi replied, "Alright, stay safe, and don't be out past six. Your dad is coming home today."
Zhan nodded. "Got it, Mama. Safe travels to Dad."
He went downstairs and saw Shu still sitting in the sitting room with her plate of food. Zhan glanced at her and said, "I'll be back, Shu Jie."
Shu asked, "Where are you going?"
Zhan replied, "I'm being waited for outside."
"Who's waiting for you?" Shu pressed.
Zhan hesitated but eventually said, "A guest." He turned and left the sitting room. Shu quickly got up and peered out the window. Seeing no one, she rushed to the gate, peeking outside. Her heart sank when she spotted Dr. Kexing car driving away.
"Dr. Kexing," she muttered under her breath.
As they drove away, Dr. Kexing asked, "Where can I buy the supplies?"
Zhan's eyes widened. "How would I know?"
"You're from this city, aren't you?"
Zhan didn't answer.
"You've gone quiet," Dr. Kexing said.
Softly, Zhan replied, "We should head to the market."
"I'm not going to any market. Aren't there boutiques or malls?"
Zhan only smiled, still saying nothing. When Zhan smiled at him like that, it always left him confused. Dr. Kexing pulled over to the side of the road. Calmly, he said, "You've gone quiet again."
Zhan lowered his head. "What do you want me to say?"
Dropping his voice, Dr. Kexing asked, "Do you know what's going to happen, Baby?"
He looked up quickly. Only Yibo and Lan Yi called him by that nickname. He shook his head, visibly uncomfortable. After a few seconds of silence, Dr. Kexing finally said, "I think it's better if I transfer the money for the supplies to you. You and your brothers can handle it. If it's not enough, let me know."
Zhan raised his head and looked at him. He added, "That would be better, wouldn't it?"
Zhan didn't reply.
"How much can your account hold at a time?" he asked.
Zhan remained silent, knowing he might not wait for him to answer. Dr. Kexing continued, "Alright, I'll transfer 7 million as a start."
Zhan's eyes widened as he picked up his phone. "That's way too much!"
Dr. Kexing looked at him. "No, it's not, Zhan. The 7 million is just a start."
Zhan didn't argue further, watching him as he pressed his phone. Soon after, his phone buzzed with an alert. Seeing the amount, he turned to look at him. Dr. Kexing leaned back against the seat, watching him.
"Since we're not shopping today, do you know what's going to happen?" he asked, his voice softer now.
Zhan placed his phone down, listening.
"There's a house my brother gave me for us to stay in after the wedding. I also have a house I bought this year and another family property. I'll take you to all of them, and you can pick whichever you like," he said.
Before he even finished, Zhan cut him off. "No, that won't be necessary. Just choose whichever one you like. Please drop me home now."
Dr. Kexing kept staring at Zhan, who refused to meet his gaze. After a moment, Dr. Kexing's expression shifted, and he asked, "Is it because I don't deserve your trust?"
Feeling uncomfortable, Zhan shook his head quickly. "No, that's not what I meant. I just don't have a choice. Whatever you decide is fine by me."
"No," Dr. Kexing replied firmly. "You're the one who has to decide, not me."
Zhan looked at him sharply, noticing how uneasy Dr. Kexing appeared as he prepared to drive. "Please," Zhan pleaded, his voice trembling, "just take me back home if we're not going to shopping."
Dr. Kexing watched him in surprise, noticing the tears welling in Zhan's eyes as if they were ready to spill at any moment. Without saying another word, Dr. Kexing resumed driving. Zhan silently stared out of the window, his heart pounding as he anxiously awaited their destination. When he realized they were heading back to his house, he exhaled audibly in relief.
When they arrived at the gate, Dr. Kexing reversed the car into position. Zhan hesitated for a moment before turning to him and softly saying, "Thank you."
Dr. Kexing gave a slight nod. Zhan opened the car door, stepped out, and closed it behind him. As Dr. Kexing drove away, Zhan watched the car disappear from view, feeling a strange heaviness in his chest. After a few seconds, he turned and entered the house, checking his phone to see that it was 4:30 PM.
Lan Yi, seated in the sitting room, looked up and asked, "You're back already?"
Zhan sat down beside her. "You know what, Mama? He said it's better if he just gives us the money to buy the things ourselves instead of going shopping together. So, he sent me 7 million."
Lan Yi's eyes widened. "You accepted it? Who told you to accept his money? Don't you have the card your Dad gave you for all these expenses? Return the money to him immediately."
Zhan just stared at her, unsure of what to say. Lan Yi added firmly, "I said return his money. That's final."
Zhan lowered his head and murmured, "Alright."
Lan Yi then said, "Go change your clothes. We need to figure out what to cook for your dad later. I've been thinking about it for a while now."
"Okay," Zhan replied, standing up to head upstairs. As he reached his room, he suddenly remembered Shu. Turning back to Lan Yi, he asked, "Is Shu Jie upstairs?"
"No, she went to a friend's house to collect her book," Lan Yi replied.
Zhan nodded and continued upstairs. When he opened his bedroom door, he scanned the room, feeling an urge to cry. What is all this mess? Clothes were scattered everywhere, as if someone had lived in the room for a week without cleaning.
He quickly packed a few of his essentials, then left the room and moved his things to Yibo's room before changing into fresh clothes. Afterward, he returned to the sitting room.
🔸🔹▪️▫️
By the time they finished cooking, it was nearly 6 PM. Lan Yi settled into the sitting room while Zhan stayed in the kitchen, tidying up. Shortly after, Yibo entered the house. After greeting Lan Yi, he went upstairs but quickly returned.
"Where's Baby?" he asked Lan Yi.
"In the kitchen," she replied.
Yibo headed to the kitchen. As soon as Zhan saw him, he greeted, "Gege, welcome back."
Yibo closed the kitchen door behind him. "Why are your things in my room?" he asked.
Zhan pouted and explained, "Gege, Shu Jie is back in the house, and she's already turned my room into a disaster."
"When did she come back?" Yibo asked.
"Earlier today," Zhan replied.
"And you decided to dump your things in my room? Why didn't you put them in Hai Kuan's room instead?"
Zhan's eyes widened in shock. "Do you want him to throw my stuff around when he gets back?"
Yibo shook his head, turned, and left the kitchen without saying another word. Zhan sighed and resumed cleaning.
Lan Yi sat in the living room with Qiren after he finished his dinner around. She turned to him and said, "I've been waiting to tell you when you got home—Shu is back in the house to stay."
Qiren nodded. "That's good. Let's hope she settles down this time."
Lan Yi smiled and added, "Zhan and Yibo's wedding is approaching, but I haven't heard you say anything about making preparations yet."
Qiren replied, "That's not an issue. Everything can be done in a single day. Even if it's just two days before the wedding, we can manage everything then."
"That's true," Lan Yi agreed.
Qiren pulled out an envelope, opened it, and handed some documents to Lan Yi. She looked at them curiously and asked, "What are these?"
"A shopping mall," Qiren said. "I made a profitable deal two weeks ago, and with the earnings, I decided to purchase it in Zhan's name. Keep the documents safe with his other belongings."
Lan Yi lowered her gaze, saying nothing as she placed the documents back into the envelope. She stood up and headed toward their bedroom. Qiren watched her leave and said, "The next one will be in your name, and then we'll think about Lee."
She gave him a small smile and went into the bedroom.
Later that Night
Around 10 PM, Zhan entered Yibo's room. Yibo was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He glanced at Zhan and asked, "You're not asleep yet?"
Zhan sighed. "I'm sleeping here, Gege. Shu has taken over my room."
Yibo raised an eyebrow. "Are you scared of her? Why don't you just tell her to tidy up and move back in?"
Zhan shook his head. "No, I wasn't planning on sleeping there anyway."
Yibo frowned. "You're disturbing me, Zhan. Go to Hai Kuan's room."
Zhan pouted. "Why don't you sleep there instead? You know he wouldn't say anything to you. But if I go, he'll scold me—you know that too."
Yibo didn't respond, continuing to focus on his phone. Taking advantage of his silence, Zhan quietly lay down at the edge of the bed, hoping Yibo wouldn't change his mind and kick him out. Within moments, he fell asleep.
Yibo grabbed his phone and moved to Hai Kuan's room to continue what he was doing.
Midnight
Around 1 AM, Yibo felt hungry. Though he had already gone to bed, the hunger was too much to ignore. He got up and headed downstairs. When he turned on the lights in the living room, he was surprised to see Lan Yi sitting there.
"Mama, you're still awake?" he asked, walking toward her.
Lan Yi quickly wiped the tears from her eyes, but Yibo had already noticed. He sat down across from her, concern etched on his face. "Mama, are you okay? What's wrong?"
Lan Yi forced a smile. "I couldn't sleep, so I came to sit here."
"No, you were crying," Yibo said softly.
Lan Yi sighed. "I was thinking about my father, my sister, and my brother. The pain never really goes away, Yibo. You know that."
Yibo's voice softened. "Mama, you should pray for them instead of crying. Please don't do this—it could affect your health."
Lan Yi nodded. "I will, Yibo."
"Now, go to bed," he said gently.
"And what about you? Why are you downstairs?"
"I'm hungry," Yibo admitted.
Lan Yi sighed. "If you don't stop eating at midnight, you'll end up gaining weight."
Yibo laughed, patting his stomach. "It's just tonight, Mama. I'll eat a little, I promise."
He got up and went to the kitchen. A short while later, he returned with a plate of food and sat with Lan Yi in the living room, chatting as he ate. Once he finished, they both headed upstairs.
As Yibo passed his room, Lan Yi asked, "Are you sleeping in there?"
"No, Zhan hijacked my bed," Yibo said with a smile before heading to Hai Kuan's room and locking the door.
Lan Yi quietly opened Yibo's door, turning on the light. She saw Zhan fast asleep, curled up on the bed. Smiling softly, she walked over and covered him with a blanket. After turning off the light, she left the room and went to her own.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛