“Darling, what are you thinking about? I feel ashamed about your thought.” Yibo suppressed his smile..
“Is my thought dirty?” Zhan peered at him, feeling he was wronged.
“So what’s wrong with a couple sleeping on the same bed? It doesn’t mean we’ll do something, right?” Yibo slightly raised his eyebrows.
Did Zhan think too much? Zhan flapped his long eyelashes with caution, looking at him.
“Zhan, have you asked me what I said to my Dad that made him cancel the paternity test for Fei and me?” Yibo changed the topic to what Zhan was curious about, which absolutely aroused his(xz) interest.
“What did you say?” Zhan asked..
“I told him we’d have another kid.” Yibo looked serious with his eyes gazing at Zhan and his tone was serious with no trace of kidding as well.
“What?” Zhan stepped back astonished, “So you decided to stay here tonight… for the kid?”
“My father gives me half a year.” Yibo’s strong arms held Zhan’s slender waist. His build became especially manly in the cast of chandelier’s warm light, “I don’t wanna force you as it’s meaningless. I’ll wait for your willingness.”
“We have half a year to catch up. Let’s delay it as long as possible. You don’t have to carry the emotional baggage.” Yibo eliminated Zhan worry.
Yibo care and love made Zhan feel warm and touched. His long eyelashes were a little moist, “Thank you.”
“No worries.” Yibo kissed Zhan gently on his fair forehead.
Zhan closed his eyes silently, feeling the kiss with no sexual passion. He indeed felt touched.
They both went to the bed and kept some distance.
Yibo held the phone, telling him, “Have a sleep now. I’ll check some mails.”
He could operate the mails on the cellphone. Although Zhan was a little sleepy, he couldn’t fall asleep quickly as he slept in a new place with the husband who was strange yet familiar to him.
“Do you have any books? Maybe reading helps.” Zhan asked him.
Yibo pulled open the bedside table and took out a book. Zhan took it and had a read. The book had a profound meaning.
“Take your time. I’ll sleep if I’m sleepy.”
Yibo answered him and started working on the phone. He read all the mails and gave brief replies.
Although he was attentive, he gave a secret glimpse to Zhan from time to time. Finding Zhan didn’t fall asleep after half an hour, he put down his phone.
“Have you finished your work?” Zhan moved a bit..
“Yes.” Yibo thought he would affect Zhan rest more or less, so he gave replies to some important mails, “Let’s go to sleep.”
He took the book in Zhan’s hand and put it into the drawer and then turned off the table lamp.
They both went to the bed. It suddenly became quiet in the dark bedroom. What could be heard was their light breath.
In the darkness, Zhan tightly seized the quilt. It was obvious there was a distance between him and Yibo, but he was still very nervous that he couldn’t fall asleep.
“You can’t sleep? Let’s chat then.” Yibo’s mellow voice appeared clearly in the darkness.
“About what?” Zhan asked with nervousness.
“Whatever you want.” Yibo said with closed eyes, “Or what you’re interested in.”
Zhan twisted his eyebrows, thinking. What he was interested in…
“Do you believe the reason for Hukai to come to the Wang family?” Suddenly it came to Zhan mind.
The time for Hukai to appear was too evident.
He came to the Wang family not for the reason he gave, but to make the Wang family know Zhan was the other man who destroyed Yibo’s marriage and then took advantage of the seniors in the Wang family to give him a lesson.
However, they didn’t know he was Mrs. Wang, not the other man.
He thought himself clever, but he just lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet.
“Of course it’s not a coincidence at all.” Yibo was clear in his mind, “No one else knows we’re couples. Those who know we have relations only think you’re my lover and the number is small.”
“I think so as well. I’m sure they are either Lingjiao or Hepeng.” Zhan fixed the range. Only they were afraid he would gain the power because of Yibo so they wanted to deal a blow to him.
“How do you wanna deal with it?” What Yibo asked Zhan was what he thought.
“Let’s turn the trick to his own use.” Zhan raised his lips and an idea came to his mind, “Since they think I’m the other man, then let me be the other man. But Mr. Wang, will you please give the performance with me?”
“Sure. I’ll follow your instruction.” Yibo’s voice sounded spoiling, “Tell me your scheme.”
“Ok. After returning to Chongqing…” Zhan gave a general introduction about the scheme in his mind.
***
The breakfast in the Wang family was rich and nutritious. It was cooked by the professional chef and contained both Chinese and western cuisine, so the breakfast dazzled people’s eyes and made people feel difficult to choose from.
Yibo gave a bowl of Egg and Pork Congee to Zhan and picked the Pyramid Dumplings and Steamed Buns.
Zhan preferred the Chinese cuisine. Yibo figured it out after the first time he took him to have breakfast in Happy Folk Dim Sum.
Zhan thought Yibo was terrifically careful as he knew his preference.
“Many thanks.” Zhan ate the Congee and the taste was perfect, “Nice.”
“Then have more.” Yibo also gave himself a bow of Congee.
He had the Chinese cuisine with Zhan.
“Zhan, did you sleep well last night? Do you feel comfortable staying here?” Liying asked with care.
“I’ve got used to my bed, but the bed is comfortable, so I didn’t wake up until dawn. Thank you for your care, auntie.” Zhan replied candidly.
“It’s weekend. Since you’re here, why not ask Yibo to show you around here? Relax yourself.” Liying passed the toaster with ketchup to Qiren, “Do you think so, darling?”
“Exactly. However busy you’re, you should accompany each other.” Qiren bit the toaster and chewed, “It’s not a good idea that you separate in two different places.”
“Dad, if I have free time, I’ll visit Zhan, vice versa. It’s fine.” Yibo was afraid Qiren would give Zhan a rough ride.
“It’s fine in a short period, but can you live like this all your life?” Qiren looked up at Yibo, “If you keep this life style, when can you give birth to a kid for the Wang family?”
“Eh-hem……”
Zhan who was eating congee with his head lowered was choked. He immediately covered his mouth and turned his face away.
Yibo gave the paper tissue to him and patted on Zhan’s back, “Drink some water.”
Zhan took the water on the table and got relieved after drinking it. He shook his head to Yibo to signal he was right.
“Dad, why do you say so during meal time?” Of course Yibo tried to protect Zhan.
“As I have started the topic, I’ll say more.” Qiren wiped his mouth with a napkin. His eyesight focused on Zhan, “Zhan, you’re Yibo’s wife. As the son-in-law of the Wang family, you have to burden more than ordinary families. The Wang family has stayed in Beijing for hundreds of years and Yibo’s is living and working here. Since you’ve married him, you should understand it.”
“Dad, we’ll deal with it ourselves. Don’t talk too much, please.” Yibo understood what his father wanted to express.
“Shut up!” Qiren scolded him.
Zhan also stretched out his hand and held Yibo’s, comforting him, “Dad, listen to me please.”
Yibo held him and twisted his eyebrows. He didn’t understand why Zhan looked for unhappiness.
“Our family is not that old-fashioned. We won’t ask you to quit work and stay at home. You can have you own career as well as freedom. But you need to pay when you gain. Also the family needs your careful management. I hope you can live and work here. You and Yibo can look after each other in this way and have your own home. We won’t disturb you. Your occasional visit is okay.”
“Zhan, as a father, I don’t think I’ve demand much. I know you’re sensible and I’m sure you can understand me.”
Qiren’ words were very pertinent and he didn’t try to confine Zhan with his authority.
His point stood at “home”, hoping they could get along. It was quite normal that the couples who lived in separate places would have more problems.
“Dad, I’ll give you a reply after serious consideration.” Zhan could make a decision immediately.
“Okay.” Qiren gave him time.
After breakfast, Qiren went to play tennis with his good friends and Yibo took Zhan away.
Zoe tore the toaster in her hands, saying in a dissatisfied tone, “How dared he say he needed time for consideration? It was God’s blessing that he could marry my brother. How could he be so arrogant? I really think he doesn’t deserve my brother.”
“You’re not brother. How can you know he doesn’t deserve him?” Jingyi drank up the milk, “marriage is like water. Only those who are in marriage know it. Don’t make irresponsible remarks. He is your brother-in-law and we should not talk about him behind his back.”
“Jingyi, which side are you on? He doesn’t deserve him at all!” Zoe stuck up for Yibo.
“It’s up to brother rather than you.” Jingyi reminded her.
“Zhan doesn’t love him at all. If he loved him, he would stay with him for nearly a whole day. Brother will understand it one day and you’ll know you’re wrong.” Zoe insisted.
“Zhan is not that kind of man.” Jingyi was clear in mind.
“Mum, you see, he is always against me.” Zoe complained to Liying.
“He’s your brother-in-law, not a stranger. Don’t say such things anymore, or your brother will be unhappy and your Dad will mind it as well.” Liying looked at her daughter who looked worried, “It’s your brother’s own business, so you’d better not interfere. Focus on study, please.”
“Mum, I wanna practise internship in Brother’s company as an assistant. Would you please discuss it with Dad?” Zoe had this idea in mind for a long time.
“I’ll try.” Liying replied, “But you need to be calmer.”
***
Yibo drove his Maserati away from the Wang’s.
Zhan asked him, “Where are we going?”
“You’ll know it in a while.” Yibo kept it confidential, “Be cautious. I’ll speed up.”
Zhan didn’t ask him. He took the seat.
The gentle music was played in the car and Zhan enjoyed it with his eyes closed.
After 40 minutes, the car stopped inside a supreme private sanatorium(a type of hospital where patients who need a long period of treatment for an illness can stay).
Yibo got off the car and held Zhan hand, leading him to Building 6.
“Why are we here?” Zhan asked while following him, “Is your grandma here?”
He heard that his grandma was in poor health and needed a good rest.
“Nope.” Yibo gave him a mysterious smile, “but this is really an important person to me. In a while you will know it.”
Zhan followed him with his hand in his(wy).
They took the lift to the 8th floor and a doctor came toward them, “Hi, Mr. Wang.. You are here for your brother again.”
Dr. Liu was around 40. He happened to be his brother’s attending doctor and he was very responsible.
“Hi, Dr. Liu.” Yibo held Zhan’s shoulders, “This is my first time to bring my wife here for my brother.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Wang.” Dr. Liu smiled, “You really match each other. Your brother will be very glad.”
“Yes, so I come here for telling him the good news. Zhan will look after me and he won’t be worried about me.” Mentioning his elder brother, Yibo wore a smile on his handsome face.
Yibo took Zhan to his brother, Wang Haikuan’s ward. It was sunny today so it was bright inside.
Zhan felt a bit nervous as it was his first time to see Yibo’s brother. But what came into his sight was a sleeping man surrounded by the sophisticated machines. His nervous feeling disappeared immediately. Instead, he was astonished.
The nurse looking after him saw Yibo stand up immediately. She greeted him shyly, “Mr. Wang, I’ll be leaving.”
It was quiet inside the ward and only the machines’ ticks could be heard, reminding them a man was lying in bed.
Yibo took Zhan approaching the bed, “Haikuan, how are you these days? Today I bring an important person here. He’s your brother-in-law, Zhan. You must be surprised that I’m married, right? So please don’t worry about me.”
Zhan observed the handsome young man in bed. He neither talked nor moved and even his breath was very light. Except for the breath, he was like a dead man.
“Zhan, come and say hi to Haikuan.”
“Hi, Haikuan, I am Zhan, Yibo’s wife.”
“Haikuan, you see I’m married and have a kid, but you’re still in bed. You have been in sleep for so many years. Do you want to keep asleep?”
Yibo frowned and looked at Haikuan. Worry appeared in his eyes and a few tears rolled down as well. He tightly clenched his fist to suppress his pain.
Zhan didn’t know how to console him. He could only pat on his arms.
Rumors had it that Yibo was so cruel that he killed and framed his siblings for the position of CEO. However, it seemed that the rumor was waffle.
Although Zhan had no evidence to prove Yibo was not that cruel, his gut told him that Yibo was trustworthy.
Just as Lulu said, a man who loved a kid so much couldn’t be a bad guy.
Yibo raised his hand and gently patted on the back of Zhan’s hand, “I’m fine.”
“You and Haikuan must have a good relationship.” Or else he would be that concerned with Haikuan.
“When Mum passed away, he was 4 and Dad was busy with work. Liam had taken care of us in daily life. Haikuan accompanied me and consoled me. He was the man who gave me mental support.” What appeared in his mind were the pictures they drew when they were young. Only at that time Haikuan was vibrant.
“He’s very nice and friendly to everyone. Dad valued him as well although Dad sometimes thought Haikuan was too lenient and he was not the first choice to take over Wang Group. He didn’t do anything bad all his life. However, he had such a miserable result.”
Yibo breathed a sigh of regret. How could life be so unfair and why bad things happen to good people.
“Why did he become so?” Zhan asked curiously.
Yibo loved his brother so much that it was impossible for him to frame his brother. There must be some other reason.
“I’m not sure.” Yibo lowered his head. He knew nothing about it, so he couldn’t avenge for his brother and this was why he felt upset.
Zhan helped him take a seat and he sat down as well.
“The accident happened at a weekend. I invited him to climb the mountain that day, but he said he had something important to do and I didn’t take it seriously. Later I got a call and was told that he was in danger because of jumping from a high-rise. When I arrived at the hospital, he had been in coma and so far no sign shows he revives.” Yibo didn’t know why Haikuan wanted to jump from the building.
“Did he jump himself?” Zhan was confused as well.
“The identification result said so.” Yibo leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, “Although he was nice, he wasn’t a man that would commit suicide. I want him to revive and tell me why he did so.”
Although Zhan couldn’t really understand Yibo’s feeling of losing his beloved brother, he could understand Yibo’s pain.
“Did anything special happen before he jumped?” Zhan kept asking.
“He was not a wine bibber and he was self-disciplined. However, one day he became drunk in the bar. The next day when I asked him, he behaved as usual. One month later, he jumped from the building.” Yibo clasped his hands, scolding himself for not noticing something unusual at that time.
“Was there anything unusual?”
“Anything else…” Yibo twisted his eyebrows, recalling what had happened at that time, “Another point is…”
Yibo turned his face towards Zhan’s curious eyes.
The sunlight cast on Yibo’s face, making his face especially handsome and his dark eyes became gentle in the sunlight.
“Are you curious about it?” Yibo stopped at the key point.
“I am indeed a little curious. But I won’t force you if you don’t wanna say.” Zhan replied with one hand holding his cheek…
They kept silent for a while.
Zhan fixed his eyesight on Haikuan’s face, “Do you know the rumor about you?”
“What’s it?” Yibo raised his handsome eyebrows.
“You were said to be cruel with brutal means. You refused to have anything to do with your relatives and families. Anyone who was against you would have a miserable ending. Some rumors even said you became CEO by kicking your sibling away. You were a man who couldn’t be offended.” Zhan told him the description about him. Meanwhile, Zhan tilted his head and looked at Yibo with smile in his bright eyes.
Gentle light drifted in Yibo’s eyes, “I see. No wonder the first time you saw me in Wang Group, I felt you were afraid of me. That explained. Later when you knew you would marry me, were you even more scared? You couldn’t wait to sign for divorce after 3 years?”
“Initially I thought how could you be so cruel, but later I found it was only rumor and then I didn’t take it seriously.” While saying so, Zhan smiled as well. He laughed for his silliness. Why did I believe what other’s description about him?
“So you won’t divorce me, right?” A faint smile appeared on Yibo’s face.
“You made an appointment for 3 years. If you regret and wanna divorce, I will respect your decision.” Zhan replied naturally and calmly.
“Are you so tame?” Yibo gazed at him.
“Isn’t it good?” Zhan raised his soft lips in a good-looking curve.
“Since you’re so tame, then let’s forget the 3-year agreement and never mention divorce again.” Yibo held Zhan’s arms, letting him lean against on his shoulder, “Let’s be together till our hair grow white and we have grandchildren.”
“If you don’t leave me, I won’t give up on you.” Zhan put his chin on Yibo’s shoulder and raised his eyes to Yibo’s eyes.
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| Image Source: Weibo |
The indifference in Yibo’s eyes softened. Zhan’s delicate face was reflected in Yibo’s pupils. His throat rolled, “Okay.”
Never leave each other….
Zhan’s eyes contained smiles. “You didn’t answer my question just now. Please tell me.” Zhan gazed at Yibo as if he was a curious baby.
Yibo held Zhan’s thumb and rubbed the smooth back of his hand, “Haikuan was nice to everyone. He even never lost temper to the servants at home. But after Dad remarried, he didn’t smile again. I don’t know whether he didn’t like Dad’s remarriage. Later he moved out and was reluctant to come back for family reunion. Besides, he never called Auntie Liying nor did he smile at her. He was always cold to her.”
“When Mum died, he was 4, so he had impression of Mum more or less. Compared with me, he had more love for Mum. So I guess he couldn’t accept another woman to be the hostess of this family.”
“Perhaps Dad’s remarriage struck Haikuan too much, he couldn’t accept it. And, as he missed Mum, so he wanted to commit suicide?” This was Zhan’s guess.
“I don’t think so. He was not such kind of person. Something he couldn’t accept took place so he chose this way.” Yibo shook his head, denying Zhan guess, “We can only get the answer after he revives. It has been years, but there’s no sign for his revival.”
“It is said that one’s willpower determines his life. If Haikuan really commit suicide, he lost his willpower for live, so he doesn’t wanna revive.” Zhan held Yibo’s arm gently, “Now what we need to do is give him belief for living. In this way he won’t allow himself to keep asleep.”
“We can ask the one he loved and cared most to come here and talk with him. By encouraging him, cheering up him, we can let him know many people love him. There are cases in the world that come to life, so we should be confident.”
Yibo’s profound eyes looked toward Zhan, “But not many cases. Haikuan’s situation is not positive. Sometimes I am wondering whether I should let him live unconsciously or leave the world in a decent way…”
Zhan didn’t know what to say. This was really a dilemma.
As his sibling, Yibo could absolutely save his life as long as possible so that he could visit his brother anytime he wanted. However, was it a good arrangement for Haikuan?
“Follow your heart. Haikuan grew up with you and he could understand you.” Zhan supported his idea.
Yibo nodded, “Thanks. Luckily, I have you.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Wang. It’s what Mrs. Wang should do.” Zhan rubbed his face on Yibo’s shoulder, “If I were you, I am sure you would accompany me as well. Let’s talk with Haikuan more.”
Yibo tightly seized Zhan’s hand clinging to his arm. His gratitude was beyond words.
They kept talking with Haikuan for a while and read him his favorite book.
It was fine today. Breeze didn’t make people feel hot. Yibo talked to Haikuan as if they were back to the childhood…
***
Time flew quickly. They arrived at the Wang’s at 4. Qiren wasn’t back yet. Liying was arranging flowers in the vase while Zoe was learning and helping her.
“You’re back.” Seeing them come back, Liying put down the flowers in her hands, “Are you tired? There is dessert in the kitchen. Let me bring it to you.”
“Not necessarily, auntie.”Yibo stopped her, ” We’re back for Zhan luggage. Tonight we won’t stay here.”
“Are you going back to Jingshi mansion, brother?” Hearing his decision, Zoe was anxious and hurriedly stood up, “Can’t you stay here for one more night?”
She just wanted to see him even though she could only see him far away. At least when they had meals on the table, she could chat with him more or less. If she was lucky enough, she could see his smile.
That was enough, but he was too mean to give her.
“I’ve made up my mind. Don’t persuade me.” Yibo never changed his decision. Then He said to Zhan, “I’m gonna fetch the suitcase upstairs and wait me for a while.”
“No problem.” Zhan replied and watched him go upstairs.
Although Yibo refused, Liying still brought the dessert from the kitchen.
“Zhan, don’t stand there. Help yourself.” Liying laid the tray on the table and held Zhan’s hands kindly, “Zhan, you don’t come here often. Why don’t you stay here one more night to accompany Dad? Since Yibo moved away, his Dad has been worried about him, but he can’t pocket his pride. So every time they meet each other, argument is inevitable.”
“Auntie, I totally understand your feeling. But you know him well. I’ll advice him to pay more visits to you.” Zhan carefully observed Liying.
Zhan thought Liying looked kind in face, had a good temper and treated Yibo well. She was an understanding wife and loving mother. Why didn’t Haikuan like her?
“Yibo looked cold outside but he was warm hearted. If he says something wrong or does something bad, please forgive him. Now that he decides to live with you, he’ll take the responsibility as a husband, love you, cherish you and well treat you.” Liying was very considerate. She put in a good word for him from time to time and never cared about his attitude that was lacking enthusiasm.
She was really sensible and a rare stepmother.
Large numbers of men were willing to have such a beautiful and virtuous wife and they wouldn’t be worried about home any more..
“Auntie, I see.” Zhan kept them in mind.
“Have the dessert now.” Liying gave her a bow of dessert, “Where did he take you?”
“He took me to visit Haikuan.” Zhan said frankly, stretching out his hands for the bowl.
Bang!
The bowl dropped onto the floor and the dessert was spread as well.
Liying released her hands when she heard the reply.
Therefore, the bowl was not dropped by accident.
Stunned for a second, Liying crouched to pick the pieces and Zhan crouched to help her.
“Don’t touch them. I’ll do it myself.” Liying grabbed the pieces with Zhan, “Hiss–“
However, Liying hurt her hand and right away the blood bled out from the top of the finger.
“Auntie, are you okay?” Zhan held Liying’s wrist and pulled her up.
“I’m fine. You’re Yibo’s wife and he should bring you there. He was considerate and did a good job. If Haikuan knows it, he would be better and he might revive.” Worry appeared on Liying’s face, “How is he?”
“The same.” Zhan helped Liying take the seat and said, “Where’s the medicine kit?”
“Zoe, bring it here.” Liying said to Zoe.
“Okay.” Until now Zoe saw her mum’s finger bleeding and she ran for the kit immediately.
“It’s been years. He doesn’t get better and no one knows when he can revive.” Liying sighed with resignation, “Qiren and Yibo’s biggest wish is that he can revive. It’s the whole family’s wish as well.”
“He’s so young and has a good prospect. He’ll know his beloved girl, get married and be happy. He shouldn’t lie in bed for the rest of his life.”
Liying was painful and tears appeared in her eyes.
“Auntie, Haikuan is such a nice man. He’ll get good returns. He’ll definitely revive.” Zhan was moved as well.
“Yes, he will. Please pay more visits to him.” Liying said with relief.
“If Haikuan knows you think in this way, he can’t be happier.” Yibo approached them slowly with the suitcase.
“Here’s the medicine kit.” Meanwhile Zoe put down the white kit.
Zhan opened the kit, took out the swab and alcohol to sterilize Liying’s wound. At last, he wounded the wound with the band-aid.
“It’s done, auntie.”
“Thanks, Zhan.” Liying said.
Yibo held Zhan’s hand, “Let’s go.”
“Yibo…”
“Yes, auntie?”
“Come back more often when you are free.”
Yibo didn’t reply. He took Zhan to leave the house.
***
Yibo put the suitcase into the trunk, opened the door for Zhan and blocked the door in case Zhan hit his head, “Buckle-up.”
He didn’t go inside the car until Zhan took the seat. He started the engine and drove away.
Yibo drove a long way with his eyebrows twisted. After a turn, he asked slowly, “How did auntie get wounded?”
“I told her you brought me to see Haikuan. Then she broke the bowl.” Zhan turned his eyes toward him, peering at Yibo’s twisted eyebrows, “Auntie is worried about Haikuan as well.”
“You speak for her only after seeing her twice.” Yibo felt dissatisfied secretly.
“No. I just think she is better than many other stepmothers. I really think Haikuan should accept her. Have you heard Haikuan saying that he didn’t like her?” Zhan thought it was impossible.
“He didn’t say so, but he never smiled at her and even moved away. If he accepted her, how could he behave so?”
“Why did you move away?”
“I feel at ease by living alone.”
“Maybe Haikuan thought in the same way.” Zhan smiled, “Dad only had you two. But he got married with auntie. Maybe Haikuan wanted to leave them more space to get together and he could be at ease after moving away. Wasn’t it good to both sides?”
“So that’s why you’ve treated auntie without enthusiasm?”
“I don’t have much love for my biological mother, let alone auntie, who has no blood relation with me. Keeping distance with her is a necessity.” Liying was his father’s wife. As a stepson, he should avoid doing anything that might cause suspicion.
“You’re right.” Zhan nodded seriously, “Or the rumor about you will be worse.”
“It’s good that you understand.” The flame of love came to the corners of Yibo’s eyes.
☆~~~~~◇~~~❌~~~◇~~~~~☆
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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