Elena opened the door and looked unnaturally when she saw Zhan, “Mr Zhan, welcome back.”

Nothing wrong with what she said. But Zhan felt that Elena didn’t welcome her back sincerely. After all, Elena was scolded by Grandma Xiao because of Zhan.

“I promised granny to come back. After all, it’s granny who told me that. Besides, I’m free to leave and go home.” Zhan stood at the door with a chuckle, “Elena, am I right?”

“Yes, Mr Zhan.” Elena didn’t dare to say no.

“Then please bring me the luggage inside. It’s really tiring after a few days of business trip, I need to take a shower to relax myself.” Zhan stretched a hand to gently push Elena away who had been blocking the door. He stepped inside with a master’s posture.

Elena looked at the two luggage left at the door. She felt resentful, but dare not to show up, all she could do was to bring them in.

Zhan came back at three o’clock in the afternoon, so there was only grandma at home without anyone else.

“Dear granny, I’m back. Did you miss me?” Zhan hugged Granny tightly and acted like a baby.

“Definitely I missed you so much. Finally you’re back. How inconsiderate you are for leaving so many days!” Grandma pushed presbyopic glasses on the bridge of her nose.

“Granny, I was working and handle with something wrong. But you see, here I am!” Zhan kissed grandma’s wrinkled face, “And I transferred all my work to Chongqing. From now on, I’ll work here and stay by your side.”

“Well, that’s good. Then it’s proper time for granny to start your blind date.” Grandma was satisfied with it.

“…”

Zhan smiled stiffly.

Granny really didn’t have to rub it in.

Zhan let go of his grandmother and said, “Grandma, I’ll come back after organizing my things.”

“Alright.” Grandma replied.

---

After going upstairs and shutting the door, he returned the clothes and utilities in his suitcases to their original position while he was humming a song. He seemed to be in a good mood.

After he had tidied up his room, he enjoyed a comfortable bath and changed into a new set of clothes, looking elegant and beautiful.

He looked at the clock and then went downstairs while clutching a paper bag. Grandma was watching the television, and by now Jingtong had returned, and Lingjiao was holding her arm. The mother and daughter duo was having a good time shooting the breeze.

“Mum, you’re back.” Zhan watched the lovely interactions between the mother and daughter and an uneasiness seized his heart. He wanted them to feel uncomfortable too since he himself was feeling uncomfortable.

Jingtong and Lingjiao noticed Zhan and their smiles immediately vanished from their faces. Their expression turned into one with dismay and they obviously didn’t welcome his presence.

Zhan already knew they would react like this, but he paid no attention to it.

“Why are you back?” Jingtong had noticed the slightly increased pressure applied by Lingjiao’s fingers which were clutching her arm.

“This is my home too, I’m just out for some business.” Zhan walked into the living room and sat beside grandma, “Am I correct, grandma?”

“Jingtong, as a mother why are you spouting nonsense? Is there any way to talk to your son?” Grandma knitted her brows while scolding her daughter-in-law, “I have told you before that you can’t choose to only care for one of them.”

Jingtong didn’t reply, she just signaled Lingjiao as they were prepared to go upstairs. But she was stopped by grandma, “Jingtong, I am talking to you now.”

“Mum, I heard you.” Jingtong said in a mellow tone. “I have something to do with Lingjiao, we’ll go upstairs now!”

“Mum, what has happened for you to be in such a hurry? Why don’t you sit down here and see what I have brought you.” Zhan showed a faint and harmless smile and said, “Sister, you should sit down too.”

Jingtong and Lingjiao were rooted to their spot as they didn’t leave the living room right away.

Grandma added, “You should just listen and sit down, why are you still standing there.”

“Mum, what are you guys talking about?” Jianmin’s immediately noticed Zhan who was sitting on the sofa, and his initially smiling face was now flashing a hint of displeasure.

The whole family did not like Zhan at all, so it was as if they had seen a ghost whenever they lay eyes on him.

Zhan on the other hand was smiling so brightly. The more they disliked him, the more he wanted to enforce his presence around them. He wanted to make sure they were suffering, and this would make him happy too.

Although this was a childish mindset, and he could gain nothing from doing all of these, but it was worth it as long as he could be happy.

“Dad, you should sit too.” Zhan’s voice was sultry and showed indifference towards their displeasure towards him. “I have brought you a gift when I was on a business trip in Beijing. It was something introduced by Mr. Wang. Let’s see if you guys will like it or not.”

Zhan handed a present to grandma, and he gave two presents to both Jingtong and Jianmin.

“Elena, this is for you.” Even Elena had a gift from him.

Elena was shocked when she knew there was a present for her. She had gotten a present, but not Lingjiao, wouldn’t this be too awkward?

“Oh, Lingjiao, I didn’t buy anything for you because I thought you’re not at home.” Zhan looked innocent while emphasizing that she did not forget it on purpose.

Lingjiao smiled faintly and couldn’t care less about that. She took this opportunity to retort, “It’s okay, Darren would buy me anything that I want, he loves me very much.”

“Oh, speaking of which, I have met Darren in Beijing, and we were staying in the same hotel. His room was just one floor below mine, it was such a coincidence. I have met him while taking the lift, and during that time the lift was too crowded that I almost fell down. Luckily Darren had given me a helping hand,” Zhan described his encounter with a lively expression.

During this time, Lingjiao’s expression gradually darkened. She bit her lips while clutching her bag hard.

“Is that so? He is always so kind, he even treats injured cats and dogs by himself sometimes. Besides, Darren calls you brother after me, like how I am calling you. Maybe you don’t know that there are many who will throw themselves at men that they like on their own, but my husband only treasures me in his heart, so he will never be tempted by others.” Lingjiao was hinting that there was no difference between Zhan and those cats and dogs. They weren’t something Darren should be too concerned about.

“Is that so?” Zhan lifted his lips and replied, “Then sister you have to keep this man, otherwise you won’t be able to find such a good husband anymore.”

“Brother, you are right, Darren and I always love each other. We could only love each other with all of our heart.” Lingjiao was an expert in showing off her romance.

“Darren must have prepared a present for you, you won’t be missing my present. I’m sure you won’t blame me for this.” Zhan had found himself a good excuse this time.

“Of course I won’t blame you, it is the best kind of happiness to receive a present from my husband. I hope that you can also find the right one for you soon, so that I will have a chance to attend your wedding.” Lingjiao was not planning to back off in their verbal war.

“Of course he will.” Grandma interrupted them. “Our Zhan deserve the best guy out there.”

“Grandma, that’s for always loving me. I feel like I’m the happiest boy in the world with your love.” Zhan held grandma’s arm and replied to her while leaning her head lightly on grandma’s shoulders.

Grandma patted Zhan’s shoulder lightly and said, “Grandma will find you someone better than Darren and make you happy.”

Lingjiao immediately felt dissatisfied at grandma’s words as she protested for Darren’s sake, “Grandma, what you said sounds like Darren is not good enough, is he not good enough? He is the one who has gotten you and grandpa’s acknowledgement.”

“Lingjiao, it’s not that I am saying bad things intentionally, Darren did get our acknowledgement, that’s because we thought that he would make Zhan the happiest man alive and love him for the rest of his lives. The day that he had abandoned Zhan, he would never be good enough anymore in my eyes.” Grandma was fuming now, “And you, Lingjiao, you chose to love Darren out of everybody, and you were even married to him. Aren’t you afraid that he will abandon you one day?”

“Grandma, Darren will not ever treat me like this.” Lingjiao retorted hurriedly, “Darren had broken up with brother, And why couldn’t I marry him?”

Lingjiao was biting her lips as her body started to tremble, “Grandma, you are always biased.”

“History always repeats itself. Nobody could guarantee that he will never do that again. I just don’t want to see you repeat your brother’s mistake.” Grandma was giving solemn advice as she sighed emotionally.

Grandma’s words were right on the mark. Zhan had no confidence about her future… after all, this was stolen happiness.

“I will make sure that I’m happy, grandma, you don’t have to worry about this. As for brother, you should introduce a good candidate for him, so that he will not always be lonely.” Lingjiao changed the topic and continued, “Grandma, I will look forward to you finding a good guy for brother.”

“I will choose the man carefully this time.” Grandma held Zhan’s hands while saying, “Zhan, leave this to me.”

“Grandma, I always listen to you. You can do anything as long as you are happy.” Zhan held grandma’s hand affectionately and his eyes were full of gratitude towards her. “I will try my best to be happy so that you won’t worry too much about me.”

“Alright, you are always the best grandson.” Grandma felt relieved at his words, “Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

Grandma didn’t utter a single word after this as she let Zhan helped her on the way to the dining room.

---

“Dad, mum, you have to hurry up in finding the guy, otherwise if grandma starts to arrange blind dates for him, then it will be a shame.” Lingjiao tugged at Jingtong’s arms, “We can’t let him be so arrogant.”

“You can be rest assured, we will arrange for it.” Jingtong and Jianmin exchanged a glance as she took in a deep breath, “From now on, we have to make sure he thinks that we have accepted him, if not he won’t be so good to listen to our words.”

“Mum, I will listen to you no matter what.” Lingjiao did not deny her mother’s suggestions.

Jingtong opened the gift box, and inside it lied a peacock-shaped brooch, which was very beautiful.

Jianmin opened his gift box too and found a tie inside.

The three of them got up and entered the dining room.

When Jingtong had taken her seat, she flashed a smile towards Zhan, “Zhan, we have seen your present, and we love it very much. Thanks for putting us in your heart.”

Jingtong’s change in attitude had shocked grandma slightly, but she immediately smiled, “This is how a mother should look like.”

“Mum, you don’t have to be so polite, we are family after all.” Zhan was very forgiving too as he didn’t find fault at them for what had happened in the past. “I am your son after all.”

“Yes, you are right,” Jingtong nodded, “I used to have a bad attitude and it was because something was bothering me all along.”

“Zhan, please forgive mum and me, we will change our ways.” Jianmin had softened his stance as he showed his fatherly side.

“How could I blame you? You have given me my life, that was something to be forever grateful for.” Zhan looked like he was “touched” as a moist film developed on his eyes, “You don’t have to mention it, I understand everything.”

Zhan was actually feeling awful and disgusted while spouting this.

He was astonished at himself for being able to spout such nonsense naturally.

“It’s good that we have talked things out, a family should always be happy together. This was what grandma always wanted to see. This was how a family should look like.”

Grandma and Zhan had been enjoying themselves during this meal, but Jingtong, Jianmin and Lingjiao were still upset deep in their hearts, but they had to put on a good façade for the time being.

After dinner, Zhan accompanied grandma to take a walk to help with her digestion, before helping her to wash up and prepare for sleep.

---

When Zhan was upstairs again, it was already nine thirty. He was intercepted by Lingjiao suddenly when he reached the second floor.

“Xiao Zhan, I need to talk to you.” Lingjiao directly called out his full name.

“Grandma is not around, so we don’t have to pretend anymore. It was so tiring anyway.” Zhan stood by the door while looking at her sarcastically.

“I feel the same.” Lingjiao stood opposite him and what separated them was just a narrow corridor.

“Speak up. If there’s nothing else I want to go to sleep.” Zhan let out a yawn.

“Xiao Zhan, let me warn you, don’t ever think of seducing Darren, your struggles will always be useless. He loves me now, and I’m his wife. You are nothing!” Lingjiao warned him.

“What? You are already so restless when I said that he had helped me a little?” Zhan retorted with disdain, “Xiao Lingjiao, let me warn you too, what you have taken away from me I will take it back again with double the suffering for you.”

“You dare to do that!” Lingjiao exclaimed, looking visibly shaken.

“Why would I not do that? Since the day you had snatched him away from me, you should know that one day he will no longer belong to you.” Zhan was really cruel, “Lingjiao, I’m back now, you should wake up from your delusions!”

“And besides, I don’t even need to seduce him, he’s the one who had volunteered to help me in that crowded lift.” The curve at the corner of his lips gradually deepened.

“Impossible! He won’t even look at you!”

“You are right, he won’t look at me for just once… he wants to eye me more than once, hehe, don’t you know that men are always putting on a fake front and couldn’t be trusted?”

His deprecating laugh that drifted into Lingjiao’s ears had caused a headache, “Enough! Xiao Zhan, I don’t believe you. You better not be too smug, I will let you be gone from this place.”

“Oh… is that so, I look forward to it.” Zhan arched her eyebrows and replied, “I want to sleep now, please get as far away from me as possible.”

Zhan didn’t want to talk nonsense with her, so he pulled open the door to his room.

“Zhan, wait.” She stopped him.

At this moment, a voice could be heard downstairs, “Miss Lingjiao, Mr. Darren has come to pick you up.”

“Alright, let him come up here.” Lingjiao crossed her arms in front of her chest, as if she could finally claim victory over

After a while, Darren went upstairs, but he slowed down his pace when he saw Lingjiao and Zhan standing opposite each other in a confrontation. His gaze swept over both of them before he quickened his pace and came to Lingjiao’s side.

“Let’s go.” Darren held Lingjiao’s hand naturally.

“Darren, did you buy me any present this time?” Lingjiao leaned intimately against him while locking her fingers with his.

“Of course, I would never forget that.” Darren said in a soft tone. “I’ll show you at home.”

“Did you buy anything for brother?” Lingjiao asked with anticipation.

“There’s no need for that.” Darren replied coldly.

“We are family in the end, why not give my brother the present that you planned to give me?” Lingjiao asked Darren ambiguously. Nobody knew what she was getting at.

Darren looked at Lingjiao’s bright smile and didn’t show any sign of hesitation. “Why did you give the gift I bought you to someone else? Can’t he afford things himself?”

Darren now referred to Zhan as someone else.

Of course, Zhan didn’t mind because his feelings towards Darren disappeared five years ago.

No matter what Darren said now, he didn’t feel pain or waver.

He just stood there, looking at Lingjiao and seeing what tricks she would play.

“Oh, I didn’t mean that. I thought I should share what I have with my brother.” Lingjiao grumbled.

“You have to share with someone else? Then are you planning to share me with someone else?” Darren frowned, very unhappy.

Seeing Darren’s cold face, Lingjiao shook his wrist. “My sweetheart, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. You only belong to me. How can I share you with someone else?”

“The people and things that belong to you can’t be shared with someone else. Not everyone is worthy of your kindness.” Darren looked at Lingjiao as she acted in a spoilt way and reminded her solemnly.

“Okay, I understand.” Lingjiao deliberately showed her affection in front of Zhan.

“Brother, I’m sorry, next time I will buy a gift for you. Don’t be angry.” Lingjiao appeared as if Zhan was making things difficult for her.

“How can I be angry? I’m not used to picking up the trash that someone else used. If my sister likes it so much, she should keep it and use it herself. You don’t need to thank me for not fighting over it with you because trash is dirty.” Zhan smiled, and his tone was ironic.

Darren’s face turned sullen as he heard Zhan’s words. Lingjiao couldn’t maintain the smile on her face either.

Trash? Zhan actually said Darren was trash!

“Zhan, who are you calling trash? Don’t go too far!” Lingjiao couldn’t maintain her elegant composure.

“The people or things you use are trash, including yourself.” Zhan’s smile reached the corner of his eyes.

Zhan stretched out his hand and pushed open the door, and didn’t bother to get in too much of a conflict with Lingjiao anymore.

“Zhan, you are trash!” Lingjiao’s chest heaved up and down. Her complexion was poor. She shook Darren’s arm again. “Darren, look at him… he crossed the line.”

As she spoke, tears of grievance surfaced in her eyes. Darren couldn’t bear looking at her pitiful expression.

“Zhan, let’s chat alone.” Darren stopped Zhan as he was about to enter the room.

Zhan turned around slightly, facing Darren, smiled, charming and sincere. “Me and brother-in-law have a separate chat? That’s not very appropriate, right?”

Lingjiao also grabbed Darren’s arm immediately, and her eyes showed disagreement. “Darren… take me with you, okay? I am your wife, not an outsider. Is there anything I can’t hear?”

She couldn’t let Darren and Zhan stay alone because that would only create opportunities for Zhan.

“Don’t worry. I will finish chatting with him soon. You wait for me in the bedroom or in the living room.” Darren patted the back of her hand twice with his palm so that she could relax.

But Lingjiao felt guilty in her heart. Naturally she would not agree, but she couldn’t find a reason fast enough to stop him.

Darren wanted to let go of her hand, but she firmly grasped it and didn’t want to let it go.

“Darren, my head is a little dizzy… I feel uncomfortable….” Lingjiao tilted her body, weakly leaning against Darren.

Darren had to stretch out his hand and hold her soft body.

“Are you okay?”

“Maybe I caught a cold…. let’s go home.” Lingjiao wanted Darren to leave with her.

“I’ll take you to the hospital.” Darren saw her stroking her forehead  if she was uncomfortable.

“No, it’s just a bit of a cold. There’s no need to get too many people involved. I’ll be fine once I go back and take some medicine.” Lingjiao stretched out her arm and hugged his neck. “Let’s go back.”

Darren glanced at Zhan, who turned to enter the bedroom and closed the door directly.

“Darren…” Seeing Darren looking at Zhan’s bedroom door and becoming absent-minded, Lingjiao called out to him twice.

Darren came back to his senses and helped Lingjiao downstairs.

---

In the bedroom, Zhan walked to the balcony outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, admiring the lights in the distance.

This time I would never let Lingjiao scheme against me again.

Zhan saw Darren help Lingjiao get into the car before him getting in the car and drive away.

He was still the same boy from my childhood, but he was no longer my boy.

Goodbye, my past, the boy from the past.

This night, Zhan slept very well because his mood was very good.

  ⏩