Zhan weighed his words: [Yuchen has come to Chongqing on business. I’d like to perform the duties of the host and thank him for taking care of me all these years.]
Ten seconds, half a minute, a minute… two minutes passed and Yibo did not reply.
Zhan felt that the waiting time was lengthening and was a little anxious.
Zhan sent a message: [Are you angry? Mr. Yuchen comes to Chongqing for the first time. He is my friend and former boss. I should meet him and invite him to dinner. Anyway, I didn’t do anything wrong. If you are angry, I have nothing to say.]
Zhan didn’t compromise, but spoke his ideas positively.
Yibo still did not reply. Zhan did not wait for him. In the dinner with friends, it was disrespectful to keep chatting on the phone.
Yuchen also put down the chopsticks and looked to Zhan who had been looking at the phone and did not eat, “Zhan, if there is anything, just say it.”
Yuchen could tell from Zhan’s face that he was worried about something.
“I…” Zhan was just about to speak when a message came on his phone, “Wait a moment.”
He clicked on the message from Yibo. It contained a few pictures of him and Yuchen in this restaurant. The angle of the pictures was tricky. So, it looked like they were a bit ambiguous.
Zhan frowned. It seemed that there were people who did not like me in this restaurant saw us, or someone was stalking me.
If it was the former, then the person behind this was too scaring.
The person must want to let Yibo kill me.
No wonder Yibo sent such a message asking where I am at this time. It seemed he received the pictures earlier.
Yibo: [I have thought you wouldn’t tell me that Yuchen was with you. But since you told me, I’m not mad at you. He is so lucky that Mrs Wang can have dinner with him. Besides, I didn’t come to Chongqing.]
Yibo was just to test whether Zhan would tell the truth.
Zhan replied: [When do you become so mean?]
Yibo even deceived me like this.
Yibo: [Do you think I don’t know what Yuchen is thinking? Do I have to be indifferent and generous when I see him chasing my wife?]
Zhan could imagine that Yibo was raising his eyebrows in disdain
Zhan: [It is just a meal. I owe him a lot and have to repay him. Besides, Fei is also with us. What are you worried about?]
Yibo replied: [I’m on guard against him, not you. I’ll repay him for you as your husband. You are allowed to sacrifice yourself to do it again. Even if you have to do it, I must be there too.]
Zhan: [I will report it to you in advance, okay? But you deceived me. What do you think I should do with you?]
Yibo: [I’ll wash up and lie down on the bed as you wish.]
Zhan wrinkled his pretty nose. I didn’t care, okay?
Zhan finally replied: [I have to eat enough to have strength. Don’t disturb my dinner. Let’s talk about it after I return home. Bye.]
Zhan then put his phone away and didn’t bother to read any messages.
Yuchen was still waiting for Zhan response.
“He knew you’re in Chongqing and we’re having dinner together. So, he let me treat you well.” Zhan was just telling a lie.
Yuchen smiled, “I’m afraid this is not from Mr. Yibo, but from you for him.”
He knew Yibo very well, Yibo would never say such gentle words. It was a kind word from Zhan who wanted them to ‘get along’.
Zhan kept smiling, “He said a lot. But that’s what he meant in a nutshell.”
“He knew I’m having dinner with you here. Did he embarrass you?” Yuchen didn’t want to trouble Zhan, “I can explain to him.”
“No need. I’ve made it clear, and he did not embarrass me.” Zhan didn’t want to say that Yibo minded them having dinner together.
“Zhan, if he treats you badly, I’m always….”
Zhan interrupted him, “Let’s hurry up and have dinner, or it will get cold and affect the taste.”
Zhan changed the subject.
Yuchen insisted on finishing his words, “Zhan, I will be glad if you live a happy life. If not, I do not want you to hurt yourself, even if that man is Yibo.”
“I don’t think I’m the one who will hurt myself. Yuchen, don’t worry. I know what I should do. No matter what happens to me and Yibo in the end, I will never take you as a rebound guy. Do you understand?” Zhan was just afraid that Yuchen would always stay like this. If so, he would feel guilty.
“You shouldn’t give up your life for me. Yuchen, look forward. Happiness is waiting for you not far away.”
“Let’s be friends for life, okay?”
Zhan expressed his opinion sincerely and firmly.
Yuchen knew that Zhan felt uneasy because he mentioned it again, “Zhan, I am sorry. I said so out of sheer desperation. It’s OK that we be friends for the whole life, but just don’t attach more importance to your love than to friendship.”
“Of course not.” Zhan smiled with relief.
“Well.” Yuchen took up the tea cup from the table.
Zhan also took up the tea cup and clinked it with him. They said respectively.
“May you be happy.”
“May our friendship last forever.”
After the meal, Yuchen was about to pay the bill when Zhan stopped him, “This is Chongqing, where I am living, and I am the host. If you pay the bill, I will be angry and we can’t even be friends in the future.”
Therefore, Yuchen compromised. Zhan paid the bill and felt very happy, feeling that he would owe Yuchen fewer favors.
Zhan drove Yuchen back to the Four Seasons Hotel, and drove back home together with Fei.
***
Zhan and Fei read books for a while. Then Zhan gave Fei a bath, coaxed her to sleep, and went to see grandmother as usual…
It was almost at 10:00 pm when he went upstairs to go to sleep. Yibo gave him a phone call.
“Why haven’t you replied to me for such a long time?” Yibo asked.
“Do you want to start a quarrel?” Zhan stood at the balcony of the second floor.
Yibo got stunned, and thought for a few seconds, “What do you want to do?”
“He and I are just friends. We just had a meal together. Are you doubting me now? I have given up so many things for you. Do you deserve my sacrifice?” Zhan felt a little sad and angry.
If Yibo still didn’t know what had happened hearing this, then he was too stupid.
“Mrs. Wang acted a really good play.” Yibo smiled slightly, “What do I need to answer in order to help you playact better?”
“What do you mean?” Zhan asked, greatly shocked, “Are you going to abandon me? Why? Didn’t you say that although you can’t give me wife’s name, you will treat me well and will never abandon me?”
“Well, let’s break up.” Yibo cooperated with him, in case that Zhan playacted alone.
“I don’t want to break up, and I don’t need the name. I just want to stay with you.” Zhan pestered him, “I won’t be afraid even if he knows it.”
“What I said will never change, and we have no relationship in the future.”
“What? How about my youth of so many years? Are you going to return to his side? How could you cheat me? I won’t accept, never…”
“The result is the same whether you accept or not.”
“I can’t lose you… Don’t hang up the phone… you…” Zhan took down the earphone and glanced at it, saying with gritted teeth, “Bastard!”
Zhan was so angry that he felt out of breath, with hands on the fence, and his eyes turned red.
A slim figure walked close slowly, until stopping in front of Zhan.
“Zhan, are you OK?” Lingjiao was worried about him.
“Nothing.” Zhan restrained himself from shedding tears, and went back to his cold appearance.
“I have heard that you seem to have quarreled with someone. But Zhan, don’t think much. I just went downstairs to drink some water and heard your loud voice, so I came to have a look. I haven’t stolen anything.” Lingjiao explained herself.
“It is you who think too much. Now I am so happy every day. Who will I quarrel with?” Zhan moved his hair from in the front to behind with elegance, “You have misheard.”
“Maybe I have misheard. I have a poor hearing because of being pregnant. Zhan, you have also given birth to Fei, so you can understand me, no? Will you be angry with me?” Lingjiao handed the glass to him, “Do you want to drink some water?”
“Lingjiao, don’t you think it’s dirty? I do.” Zhan looked up with slightly raised chin, “Just go to sleep early. If a woman doesn’t have enough sleep when being pregnant, it’s very easy to get wrinkles and look old.”
“Besides, it’s easy to get cyasma and gain weight… A woman will be degraded once being pregnant, and will have ugly cyasma and slack skin after the birth… It is really disgusting.”
“Although you are a born beautiful, I am afraid you can’t avoid the natural law. Men are sensory animals, and will give more stares to young and beautiful women with attractive body shape. You had better pay more attention to your husband. You are getting bulgy day after day. During the lonely days… What would your husband do? You should be careful in order not let him seduced by other. If so, all your efforts will come to nothing.”
What Zhan said made Lingjiao’s face turn pale. Zhan reminded Lingjiao that Lingjiao robbed him of Darren, and it would also happen to Lingjiao.
“Zhan, you worry too much. It will never happen.” Lingjiao felt. quite confident, but with tightly clenched fists, “I want to suggest that you keep your place.”
“I am not as tactful as you are. I am tired and I am going to sleep.”
Zhan walked away with elegant and unperturbed steps. His slim and tall receding figure was still so fascinating.
But so what? Perhaps he had fallen out with Yibo. Losing Yibo as the patron, how long would he be complacent?
Lingjiao had to find a chance to make Zhan notorious just like 5 years ago, making Zhan never get up again.
***
As soon as Zhan walked in the room, he called Yibo back, and Yibo answered it quickly.
“Lingjiao was by my side just now.”
“So, you playacted to be abandoned by me in order to confuse her.”
“Yes. If she has done something to the photos, then this result will make get what she wants.” Zhan sat down on the armchair, saying with crossed legs, “Then I will help her.”
“Believe me. We will know whether it is her or not very soon.” Yibo said, “Your sister is so scheming. There should be someone who teaches her a good lesson.”
“You think the same as I do.” Zhan lightly put his chin on his legs, with slightly cold eyes. He would get back what Lingjiao owed him little by little.
“Lingjiao, just wait and see.” It was natural that one should repay one’s debts, Zhan would never be softhearted and irresolute.
This weekend, there would be a business party in the Garden International Hotel, and many celebrities and influential figures would attend it, which was a rare opportunity.
Yuchen and Lixian would also attend the party. Yuchen had already asked Zhan to attend it with him.
***
Party
°°°°°°°
At 7:00 pm, the bright lights in the hotel were splendid. Most of the insiders gathered here, quite boisterous.
Yuchen and Zhan signed in at the banquet hall of the hotel. After walking in, they caused turmoil and attention.
Zhan took Yuchen by the arm. Zhan’s beautiful eyes were shining under the lights.
Someone that knew Yuchen walked forward to greet them, and Yuchen replied politely. Zhan was also mentioned in their conversation.
“The young man beside Mr. Cao is so beautiful, and has impressed everyone present.”
“Thanks.”
“I wonder when I can attend Mr. Cao’s wedding?”
“Someday, Just wait.”
Yuchen didn’t deny or acknowledge, and just answered the question. He didn’t say that he and Zhan were just friends and colleagues in order to protect Zhan from being harassed by others.
Zhan naturally knew that Yuchen was protecting him intentionally. Zhan didn’t like others to ask about him, and in this way, he could avoid much trouble.
Yuchen also didn’t want Zhan to be looked up and down by those men who were fascinated by Zhan’s beauty, but he euphemistically found an excuse to let Zhan leave the crowd, and he would deal with these people alone.
There were all kinds of delicious dessert, fruits and wine on the buffet table of the banquet hall.
Zhan hid himself here and picked some fruit to eat.
At this time, a waiter walked forward, with a glass of wine on the tray over his right hand, “Mr Xiao, Mr. Cao asked me to give it to you.”
“Well? Thanks.” Zhan took over it with smile, holding it with his fair fingertips.
He looked down and shook it. A vortex appeared in the dark red liquid, so beautiful.
He didn’t drink, but put it on the table.
During these years, Zhan had experienced too much and seen too much, he was not the innocent and simple boy anymore, and was more alert than before.
He wouldn’t drink weird drinks, which was basic for self-protection.
Zhan took a bottle of purified water from the table, and the waiter who came to get the wine asked, “Mr, do you need any empty glass?”
“Thanks.” It was really not elegant for her to drink water with bottle in such an occasion.
After sending the wine, the waiter brought an empty glass, “Here you are, Mr.”
Zhan took over the glass and checked it. He didn’t find any abnormality, so he poured the water into the glass.
At this time, Yuchen had finished the greeting and toasting, and he took a light golden champagne from the table, finding that Zhan was holding purified water in his hand.
“Is the family discipline so strict? No champagne?” Yuchen said jokingly.
“No, I just don’t want to drink alcohol.” Zhan took a sip of the water in the glass, “You know that I don’t like this kind of occasion, where I have to ingratiate myself with others.”
“But you have to be accustomed.” Yuchen took a sip of champagne, “You have chosen him, and you will have to attend countless parties. You can’t refuse all of them. You have to attend some important parties that require the attendance of couples.”
“I haven’t thought so much.” Zhan really didn’t think too much, “Let’s discuss it later.”
Previously they got married secretly, which was not announced to the public, Yibo was still single in the eyes of the public, so he naturally didn’t need him accompany.
However, now their marriage was announced to the public. There would really be some important occasions that required the appearance of them both. He should cooperate for him.
While Zhan and Yuchen were speaking, Lixian walked over, “Mr. Cao, our company is also one of the bidders of the beachside hotel design collaborated by the Xiao and the Jin. Let’s go to have a talk with them.”
“OK.” Yuchen nodded, and said to Zhan, “Come with us, because you also participate in this project.”
This project was one of the most important projects of Liu Group in the second half of the year. As the design director of the head office, Yuchen should naturally take responsibility of it.
“Fine.” Zhan felt it was just business, and he didn’t refuse.
Lixian took Yuchen and Zhan to the crowd, and there was not only Jianmin, Jingtong, Shenhai and Carmen, but also Darren and Lingjiao.
Although Shenhai and Carmen heard that Zhan had already came back to the Xiao family, it was the first time for them to meet him after 5 years.
After 5 years, Zhan was not as innocent and immature as before. The time gave him maturity and charm, and he was so attractive now, which was a golden moment for a man.
Seeing Zhan, Shenhai showed a slightly cold face, but Carmen showed a faint smile, graceful.
Lixian introduced them to each other.
Yuchen greeted the Xiao family and the Jin family. Jianmin and Shenhai praised him of being young and promising.
Then Zhan said, “Mr. Jin, Mrs. Jin.”
Shenhai ignored Zhan, and only Carmen nodded as a response.
Shenhai kept a straight face just like before, and he even frowned slightly.
Lingjiao, who took Darren’s arm, said softly, “Zhan, what a surprise! Why are you here? I remember that you don’t like this kind of occasion.”
Zhan?
Yuchen and Lixian were surprised. They had never thought that Zhan was the precious son of the Xiao family. The Xiao family was quite influential in Chongqing, and after being connected by marriage with the Jin family, it began to associate with the Jin family and their status rose much.
“I attend this party on behalf of the company. You can call me Mr Xiao or Designer Xiao.” Zhan kept distance with Lingjiao in the outside, let alone with them.
Lingjiao suddenly got embarrassed by what Zhan said, as if Lingjiao ingratiated herself with Zhan intentionally.
“Zhan, why are you so indifferent?” Lingjiao smiled to alleviate the subtle atmosphere between them, “We are siblings and grew up together.”
“We had better keep clear upon something.” Zhan’s gaze swept across Darren by Lingjiao’s side, “Even though we are siblings, there is something that we can’t share with each other.”
Sure enough, Zhan’s hint made Lingjiao nervous that she couldn’t help but grasp Darren’s sleeves tightly.
Darren also clearly felt Lingjiao’s change, so he silently reached out to wrap his hand around her hand, which held onto him tightly, and comforted her.
“Zhan is right. Some things obviously cannot be shared, so it’s best not to covet things that don’t belong to you.”
With Darren protecting her, Lingjiao naturally became more confident. She clung to Darren more closely, indicating that Darren was hers.
Zhan didn’t care at all, but now he had to play the role of a mistress who was abandoned by Yibo and wanted to target Darren…
This really took some skilled acting.
“Yeah, even if one coveted and got what they wanted, they didn’t do it righteously, so in the end, they might be abandoned…” Zhan sighed deeply, as if he was talking about himself while he was actually accusing Lingjiao.
Lingjiao naturally thought that Zhan had been abandoned by Yibo. She was pleased and a slight smile formed on her face.
“You are right,” Lingjiao agreed.
People who didn’t understand them felt that their conversation was a little confusing, but the hostility in their words was palpable.
“Mr. Jianmin, I didn’t expect Zhan to be your son. He is very low-key and kind, and his work is excellent. The company values him very much.” Yuchen changed the subject and praised Zhan.
“Thank you, Mr. Yuchen,” Jianmin nodded and smiled. “It’s because the company provided him with opportunities.”
Yuchen brought the topic to this project and successfully eased the mood.
Zhan felt that there were a lot of people here and there was little to no airflow. He had a bit of difficulty breathing. “Excuse me.”
After speaking, he turned around and left.
Zhan went out from the back door of the banquet hall. It was a small garden with no one inside, so it was very quiet. The plants were lush. There was a breeze at night. He finally felt comfortable, except he still experienced shortness of breath that had not yet gone away.
Zhan saw a bench next to a shrub, so he walked over and sat down.
After a while, a figure appeared in his sight.
“Mr. Xiao, are you alone?” This voice belonged to Hepeng.
Zhan turned his head and saw him standing in the shadows with a smile on his face that looked very evil at this time.
“What’s up, Mr. Hepeng?” Zhan turned his face slightly and look up at him.
“How are you and Mr. Yibo?” Hepeng asked frankly.
“Very good.” Zhan smiled brightly, his clear eyes like shining stars in the night.
“Mr. Yibo came to Chongqing to travel with you once a week, but he hasn’t been here for a long time recently.” Hepeng stepped closer, his shadow elongating with his movements. “He is not on a business trip, and he is not particularly busy at work. He just goes home on time every day to dine with his wife.”
The hint in his words was very obvious. Yibo still cared about his wife, and Zhan was just his spur-of-the-moment plaything. Now that he became familiar with him and lost interest, he was close to or had already been abandoned.
“So what?” Zhan didn’t care.
Wang Yibo did update his status on his Weibo, and all of them were about his getting off work on time and going home to accompany his wife.
Then he also posted some pictures of the food with captions stating that he liked the people in his family more and the home-cooked meals more. Although he didn’t explicitly name who made it, he convinced the public that the dishes were done by the mysterious Mrs. Wang.
Although Yibo didn’t admit or deny it, he made others believe in it.
However, only Zhan knew that this was a scheme that Yibo and he created to confuse the enemy.
“Mr. Yibo has returned to his family. Why are you waiting here foolishly?” Hepeng also sat down beside Zhan.
Zhan moved a little aside, not wanting to distance himself from him, “No, he won’t leave me like this.”
“As the saying goes, don’t fall in love with a man with a family. You’ll only be doomed.” Seeing Zhan like this, Hepeng smiled instead of being angry as he stared at the side of Zhan’s delicate face. “Mr. Xiao is very smart, so how can he not understand the reason? Besides, Mr. Yibo is not an ordinary man, and his marriage is incomparable. He is powerful and noble. You got yourself involved with him, but can you win him over? Men who are done with affairs will return to their families. It is better to be a man’s wife than to be a man’s mistress.”
Zhan lowered his eyelashes slightly, his eyes appearing dull, “Mr. Hepeng is right. I am too naïve as to believe him….”
Zhan let tears fill his eyes and raised his hand to wipe away the tear that spilled out. His sad look made people feel distressed.
“Mr, Xiao, if you don’t mind, I can lend you my shoulder.” Hepeng took out a tissue from his pocket and handed it to him.
Zhan shook his head, pretending to be strong. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
“I just don’t want to accept it. I don’t care if he is married and has a wife. I gave him my body and soul. He clearly said he would protect me for the rest of my life. How could he break his promise and leave me alone?”
When Hepeng listened to Zhan’s words, he smirked secretly. It seemed that what Lingjiao heard about Yibo and Zhan arguing was true. Their relationship was already fractured, Now he knew from Zhan’s words that Yibo had broken up with him. Hepeng was happy. The combined efforts of him and Lingjiao were not in vain.
They were looking forward to Zhan and Yibo breaking up so that Zhan would lose his support. Only then would they be able to punish him. Zhan even deliberately deceived him and embarrassed him in front of Yibo, How could he forgive him and let him off easily?
“Don’t be sad. We can start again if you want.” Hepeng adopted a gentle approach, trying to break Zhan’s guard when he was most “injured”. “I don’t care about the relationship between you and Mr. Yibo. After all, there is no one Mr. Yibo can’t get with his means.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, I want to forget about him and start over.” Zhan said lightly. “I want to go in.”
Zhan got up, and Hepeng followed along.
***
When Zhan returned to the banquet hall, he only heard a violent commotion. He saw Yibo, the most attractive person in the room, standing among a surging crowd.
He was still in the usual white shirt and black suit. He was tall and slender, comparable to male models, and looked more handsome and stylish than other men. He was mature and composed.
His deep eyes were fierce and calm as a result of years of experience being in positions of authority that no one dared to disrespect him.
Yibo was undoubtedly the most distinguished guest at such an occasion. People from all walks of life wanted to curry favor with him, taking pride in the opportunity to speak with him.
He nodded as a greeting to anyone and then walked straight to the place where Jianmin and the others were in the crowd. Those who followed his gaze were surprised that he would take the initiative to find someone.
“Mr. Yibo is here too. How lively.” Hepeng stood behind Zhan. “Do you want to head over?”
“I… don’t want to go there.” Zhan shook his head with a sad expression.
In fact, Zhan was wondering why Yibo came. Yibo didn’t tell him that he would come to this banquet today.
What was he here for? Was he worried about Yuchen or did he come to act with me?
“Are you afraid of facing him?” Hepeng assumed this was the situation Zhan was in, so he spoke to encourage him. “I will always stand behind you and support you. Although there is a gap between Mr. Yibo and me, my love for you is real. Since he is so at ease, then you have to face it bravely to let him know that you can also be at ease without him, I am supportive of you proving yourself.”
Zhan hesitated, “I…”
“The first step is definitely difficult, but as long as you take on one step with your left foot, your right foot will keep up. Don’t you want to go over and listen to what he has to say to Uncle Jianmin?”
Zhan finally mustered up the courage. “Let’s go.”
Zhan stepped forward. Originally, there were six people, the Xiao couple and the two Jin couples. Now that Yibo joined, together with Yuchen and Lixian, it was very lively and was also the center and focus of the entire banquet hall.
They greeted Yibo, but suddenly Carmen fainted and leaned against Shenhai,
“Carmen, what’s the matter with you?” Shenhai supported Carmen, who was weak in her feet.
“I’m fine. It’s just anemia. This is an old problem.” Carmen took advantage of Shenhai’s strength to stand steadily.
“Darren, have the driver take your mother home to rest.” Shenhai saw her pale face and was worried.
Carmen shook her head and insisted on staying, “I’m fine. I’ll just rest a bit.”
“Then I will help my mother sit down.” Darren helped Carmen to the rest area.
Carmen took the opportunity to take a close look at Yibo when she passed by him.
“Please excuse my wife,” Shenhai said.
“It’s okay.” Everyone was understanding.
Zhan walked over slowly, hiding his emotions and changing to a good state. With a smile on his face, he looked like a fairy who had just entered the banquet hall, looking radiant.
It was just that Yibo didn’t look at him from beginning to end, let alone take a glance.
“Yibo and Zhan shouldn’t be this unfamiliar with each other,” thought the people who knew about their relationship.
Especially when Jianmin saw that Yibo and Zhan hadn’t interacted at all or even made eye contact, he was a little worried about what was wrong between them.
But their relationship could only be a secret, so Jianmin couldn’t ask about it in public.
“Are you okay?” Yuchen saw Zhan leave for a while and found that his eyes were slightly red.
“I’m fine. It was just stuffy in here, so I went for a walk,” said Zhan while smiling. “I’m better now.”
Yuchen naturally felt that something was not right between Zhan and Yibo, as if they hadn’t seen each other.
But Zhan said that very few people knew about their relationship as husband and wife, so Zhan asked him to keep it secret and not say anything in public. Otherwise, Yuchen would definitely ask for the whole story.
“Mr. Yibo rarely came to Chongqing these days. Is it because work is too busy?” asked Lingjiao.
“Work actually isn’t busy. It’s just that my wife has become obsessed with cooking recently. He made different things every day and asked me to go back and taste it for myself.” As Yibo spoke about his wife, his fierce eyes became gentle. “I can’t disagree with him and I can’t do anything about him……”
He obviously sounded like he was spoiling his wife as opposed to reprimanding him or being helpless. He was subtly showing off their relationship.
Yuchen frowned when he heard and was slightly angry. It was obvious that Zhan was here, so why did Yibo say that Mrs. Wang was at home? He made it sound like Zhan wasn’t Mrs. Wang.
Was Zhan lying to him? No, he had never lied to him since he knew him.
What exactly was going on?
Yuchen looked at Zhan suspiciously, and the latter blinked his eyes twice. A shrew light flashed by, beckoning him not to speak but continue watching.
Yuchen had no choice but to suppress his anger and observe in secret. Zhan wasn’t anxious, so what was he anxious for?
“Mr. Yibo really loves Mrs. Wang. You are such a good husband,” praised Shenhai, who didn’t know the details.
“Thank you, Mr. Shenhai.” Yibo’s voice was cool and ant. “Wife are troublesome. If I don’t listen to him, then he would be upset, and there won’t be peace anymore. So, if you want to have a peaceful day at home, you have to listen to your wife.”
“You are right, Mr. Yibo. It’s important to be a gentleman and treat family well, let alone your wife.” Shenhai was also well-known for treating his wife well. He had a loving relationship with his wife.
Jianmin and Jingtong couldn’t even speak, nor did they dare to reply. After all, their son, Zhan, was the other man. They couldn’t speak about it in public.
They could only laugh in embarrassment, but the more they thought about it, the more frustrated they felt.
“Mr. Yibo came alone? Why didn’t you bring your wife banquet? I heard that Mrs. Wang is also from Chongqing, so it would’ve been a good opportunity for us to meet him and learn about which family he is from,” said Shenhai.
“He is indeed from Chongqing, and he came back with me this time. It’s just that he is not feeling well, so he’s resting in the hotel.” This was the first time Yibo spoke about his wife in public. The way he talked about him made many envious.
Lingjiao heard Yibo talk about bringing Mrs. Wang to Chongqing and was both surprised and shocked. If Mrs. Wang knew about the other man and confronted Zhan, then there would be something to look forward to.
“Mr. Yibo loves Mrs. Wang way too much and doesn’t want us to meet him, right?” Lingjiao, who was spectating, found the right opportunity to join the conversation. “We are all envious of Mrs. Wang for having Mr. Yibo’s love.”
“Doesn’t Mr. Darren love Mrs. Jin?” Yibo looked at Lingjiao whose face flushed slightly after hearing his rhetorical question.
After Darren helped his mother, these were the words he heard, causing his expression to turn cold slightly.
Yibo and Darren’s eyes met, the former relaxed and the latter serious.
Lingjiao hurriedly held Darren’s arm upon seeing the situation. “Of course not. My husband loves me a lot.”
“Then Mrs. Jin doesn’t have to envy my wife. Otherwise, I will think Mrs. Jin wants something else.” The suggestiveness in Yibo’s words was just right. Anyone could make out the meaning, but no one dared to think further about Yibo.
“We are a loving couple that trusts and is loyal to each other. We naturally won’t have any of the thoughts that Mr. Yibo just said,” said Darren to help Lingjiao. “We are all people with morals. We don’t do things that cross the line.”
What this meant was that even though Yibo was attractive, he was not enough to attract his wife. But not those who didn’t have morals. As for who didn’t have morals – it was Zhan, “the other man”, in Darren’s eyes.
“Mr. Darren said it very well. Morals are important, otherwise, you are immoral.” Zhan’s smile widened, not caring about Darren’s hateful attitude toward him.
“Haha… Why is this conversation so serious?” Jianmin didn’t like what he heard and felt embarrassed. “Mr. Yibo, let’s relax a bit.”
“Yeah, chat about something casual.” Someone named Mr. Jax also pitched in to ease the mood. “Mr. Yibo and Mr. Darren are both young and successful in your relationship and career. Unlike my son who has been hiding abroad all these years and never comes back. I’m very anxious considering he’s almost 30 and doesn’t have wife yet.”
“Nowadays, young people are getting married late, unlike back in the days when we would get married as soon as we are of age.”
“Mr. Jianmin’s youngest daughter is married to Mr. Darren. We are very jealous that you have such a good son-in-law.”
“Yes, Mr. Jianmin’s youngest daughter is married, I’m curious as to which upper-class family your eldest son married into?”
“He…” Jianmin glanced at Zhan but couldn’t continue his words.
Yibo was present. Although the two of them did not interact, he did not dare to talk nonsense.
“Mr. Jax, my brother is not married yet,” said Lingjiao, Zhan had been abandoned by Yibo, so it didn’t matter what she said. Besides, she spoke the truth.
“He’s not married?” Mr. Jax looked at Zhan and nodded in praise.
“Mr. Jianmin’s son is very beautiful. I am afraid that there too many suitors that there is no more room in the Xiao family’s mansion, huh?”
“Hehe… Not at all, he’s just an ordinary boy,” said Jianmin modestly.
Although Jingtong barely talked, she disliked Zhan from the bottom of her heart like Jianmin, What she did five years ago ruined the Xiao family’s reputation. If it weren’t for the Xiao family and the Jin family’s efforts to cover everything up and the poor memories people nowadays had, then everyone would laugh at the Xiao family.
“If Mr. Jianmin doesn’t mind, then how about setting up a meeting for my boy and your son to have a meal together?” Mr. Jax purposefully wanted an arranged marriage with the Xiao family.
“Thank you, Mr. Jax.” Jianmin was stressed, mainly because Yibo was still here, so he didn’t dare to make decisions for Zhan.
“Mr. Jax, nowadays young people’s marriage is not up to their parents. They want to have a love marriage… Perhaps it would be better for you to ask him yourself to a meal for him and your son. The only thing we can do as parents is not being nosy.” Jingtong’s dissatisfaction with Zhan was obvious in her words, but she hid it as much as possible.
“What does Mr Zhan think?” Mr. Jax turned to Zhan and asked. “Since Mr Zhan and my son are both single, why don’t you give it a try?”
Zhan smiled slightly but did not answer, only listening politely.
“Mr, Zhan doesn’t want to?” said Mr. Jax,
“It’s not that I don’t want to. I can’t say yes.” Zhan was a married man, so how could he have a blind date with someone else?
“What does Mr, Zhan mean? Are you looking down on my son? Perhaps Mr. Zhan set the bar too high.” Mr. Jax was slightly displeased with the way Zhan rejected his proposal so frankly.
Lingjiao continued the conversation. “Mr. Jax, you might not have heard, but Mr. Hepeng loves my brother and proposed to him, but Zhan didn’t accept it. Well, he is very beautiful…”
What Lingjiao wanted to imply was evident, and Mr. Jax also understood. “So Mr. Zhan has high expectations and doesn’t just consider anyone.”
“I think there is nothing wrong with high expectations,” Zhan admitted frankly. “You even have to pick when you are shopping for cabbages at the grocery store. This is a matter of my happiness for the rest of my life, so there’s nothing wrong with being picky.”
Mr. Jax’s face was sullen, and he felt humiliated.
“Perhaps Mr. Zhan views us as cheap cabbages?” Hepeng sneered.
“Doesn’t Mr. Hepeng know how bad your reputation is? I think comparing Mr. Hepeng to a cabbage is an insult to the cabbage. I think a crooked melon is a more suitable comparison for Mr. Hepeng.” Zhan looked at Hepeng expressionlessly. His eyes were cold, and his words were mean.
Zhan, who now had a powerful presence, was completely different from the weak and sad Zhan in the small garden just now.
Zhan’s words successfully angered Hepeng.
Hepeng had a ghastly expression on his face, and his eyes were filled with anger. He snorted coldly, “Zhan, I have a bad reputation? Then what kind of person are you?”
“Never mind you being divorced with a child. You want to associate yourself with someone of a higher social position. At least I don’t have a child and I’m not so immoral as to be the other man! Aside from you being beautiful, what fucking strengths do you have? You deserve to be abandoned!”
Hepeng was a man whose head was filled with lust for beauty. He became big-mouthed easily because he would get angry whenever he ran into a problem.
As soon as he spoke, everyone was in an uproar. No one expected Zhan, who looked pure and innocent, to be the other man.
Yuchen and Lixian didn’t believe that Zhan was such a person, but others didn’t think so. Some “righteous” people started criticizing and attacking Zhan verbally, and Zhan became the enemy of the public.
In particular, Mr. Jax, who had just been angered by Zhan, ridiculed, “Mr, Zhan sure has a unique taste, You would rather be the other man than be a wife. Now I know what shamelessness looks like!”
“I wonder who is so unlucky to be cheated on because of him!”
However, Yibo stood and watched from the side without saying a single word. This further convinced Hepeng and Lingjiao that Yibo and Zhan had broken up.
“Who did I have an affair with? Do you have any evidence?” Zhan was still so calm, not anxious or angry.
“Why would I talk nonsense about something that I don’t have evidence on? I’ll let you know.” Hepeng snickered triumphantly.
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I am obsessed with WangXian and YiZhan so much… currently love to read and write stories about them…
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I hope the author will finish this story. It’s almost two years yet no update