In the morning, the sun climbed up slowly, its rays spread in a mystifying and beautiful manner.

 

Zhan couldn’t sleep and got up extra early to make breakfast.

Yibo always woke up early by habit; he wore a white shirt and was in good spirits. It felt like ages since he last had such a restful night’s sleep.

“Morning.” He smiled and greeted Zhan.

Zhan had dark circles under his eyes, and he was in no mood to pay attention to him.

Zhan put breakfast on the dining table, then went to Fei’s room to wake her up.

As Zhan led Fei to the dining room, Yibo already sat down at the table, studying breakfast.

“Morning, Uncle Handsome.” Fei climbed onto a chair by herself.

“Morning, sweety.” Yibo smiled lightly, then pointed to a round cake on the plate. “What is this?”

“That’s my mom’s pumpkin pie; it’s delicious.” Fei picked one up and took a bite, with a very satisfied expression.

“Then I have to taste it.” Yibo picked up a fork and was about to pick up a piece.

Zhan reached out and took away the plate before him; he sat next to Fei and said, “Mr. Wang, we only have some odds and ends for breakfast; I’m afraid it’s not to your liking, so I didn’t make you breakfast. This is my breakfast.”

Yibo looked at the emptiness in front of him, then squinted his eyebrows at Zhan.

“Fei, hurry up and eat breakfast, otherwise we’ll be late.” Zhan urged, hoping Fei would also ignore Yibo.

But Fei pushed her plate towards Yibo. Due to her short hands, the plate only reached halfway between the two of them, “Uncle Handsome, I’ll share my breakfast with you.”

“You are a growing child, eat up.” Zhan said.

“But Uncle would go hungry without breakfast. Wouldn’t it be better if we both shared a little with him?” Fei suggested.

Zhan started to eat, “He’s an adult; he’ll figure something out. Besides, he only eats expensive seafood abalone porridge… He’s not used to our breakfast.”

Yibo scooped up a piece of pumpkin pie on the plate, “Let me just take one.”

“Really?” Fei asked.

“Of course. Uncle’s assistant will prepare breakfast.” Yibo didn’t want to compete with Fei for food.

After breakfast, Zhan took his bag and walked out, and Yibo followed.

Zhan held Fei’s hand, and Fei held Yibo’s hand.

They looked like a family of three.

When they passed by some neighboring, the aunts looked on in shock at Yibo.

“Zhan, is this your husband? He looks so handsome, much more handsome than my son.” An aunt praised.

“Hello, ladies.” Yibo called out.

The old woman smiled from ear to ear, “If my son was as handsome as you, he’d already be married by now.”

Zhan’s lips jerked; is this mother really related to her son?

“Zhan, you’re quite blessed.”

“Right, right; it would be nice if my daughter could also find such a good husband.”

“Boy, do you have any brothers in your family? Introduce one to my daughter.”

“I do; he’s a freshman in college this year. How old is your daughter?”

“My daughter’s twenty-four…”

“My brother is only eighteen…

“Any cousins or nephews around the same age?”

“I’ll have to go back and ask.”

“You must let us know if you have any news.”

It was like the scene of matchmaking service.

“Aunties, we have to go to work and school, chat next time.” Zhan pulled Yibo’s sleeve and motioned him to leave.

“Goodbye, aunties.” Fei said with good manners.

After they pulled away from the group, Zhan distanced himself from Yibo: “Goodbye, Mr. Wang.”

“Let me send you and Fei to the school.” Yibo said as he looked at a car that approached them.

“No need.” Zhan held Fei’s hand and headed for the subway station.

At this time, a white BMW stopped in front of Zhan; the window lowered to reveal Yuchen’s face, “Zhan, get in the car.”

Yibo was very unhappy at the sight of Yuchen. How did this person appear everywhere?

When Zhan saw that Yibo was about to walk over, he hesitated for a second, and then got into Yuchen’s car with Fei.

Yuchen immediately accelerated to leave; Yibo was one step late and didn’t stop them in time.

After they dropped Fei off at the kindergarten, only Yuchen and Zhan remained in the car.

“Thank you today.” Zhan leaned against the back of the car seat, exhausted.

“Zhan, do you like Mr Wang?” Yuchen saw the sadness on Zhan’s brows, the worry on his face.

“I don’t like him.” Zhan denied.

“Zhan, you guys came out together early in the morning…” Yuchen concealed the stinging sensation and sadness in his eyes, “He spent the night with you, right?”

“Yuchen, it’s not like what you think.” Zhan explained anxiously, but then suddenly realized something, “Did you stay here all night?”

That’s how he appeared so soon this morning; how could I be so stupid.

“Yuchen, you really don’t need to do this. I don’t want to owe you even more.” Zhan said.

“I just want to protect you.” Yuchen said, “Did he bully you?”

Zhan shook his head, “You’ve also seen that he likes Fei, and Fei likes him. They’re now close friends.”

“Fei is so cute, of course he likes her. I also like Fei.” Yuchen envied how Yibo came into the picture much later than himself, but now Fei was so deeply attached to him.

“Fei likes you too.” Zhan added.

Yuchen added a comment in his mind, But not more than Yibo.

The rest of the ride remained silent all the way to Liu Group: Zhan got out the car early in order to avoid any unnecessary misunderstanding.

---

The first thing Yuchen did when he arrived at the office call Yibo, who sounded cheerful when he picked it up, ” Mr Yuchen, I was just about to call you, but you called first.”

“Mr. Wang, let me remind you again not to bother Zhan. You’ve caused him a lot of trouble. If you really cared for him, stay away from him and leave him in peace.” Yuchen was clear and indignant.

“Is that what he said?” Yibo raised his eyebrows.

“He said he doesn’t like you.” Yuchen was out to extinguish Yibo’s arrogant attitude, “Mr. Wang, you’re a sensible person, not a stalker.”

“Yuchen, as long as I’m here, there’s no way he will like you.” Yibo snapped back, “And why do you care what I did to my man?”

Yibo’s tone was full of confidence and pride, and he didn’t seem to be a liar. Besides, there’s no need to lie.

“Yours? Who belong to you?” asked Yuchen.

“Want the answer? It depends on my mood.” Yibo hung up.

Yuchen stared at the screen in panic when the call was over. The feeling of powerlessness that hopes raised but then was replaced by disappointment, gradually swallowed him like a tide.

Zhan was called to the president’s office by CEO Dong early in the morning, and gave him a letter of transfer: “Mr Zhan, your achievements over the past few years are obvious to all. I hope you can do better in Chongqing. If you perform well, I will grant you a satisfying position.”

“I appreciate it that company give me this opportunity. I will definitely live up to the hopes of the company and Mr. Dong.” said Zhan gratefully.

“When are you going to leave?” asked CEO Dong, “I will hold a farewell party for you tonight if you’re not in a hurry.”

“Mr. Dong, no need for that actually. ‘Cause my only work here is the project of Beijing Theater. Now that I have received this transfer letter, I wanna leave as soon as possible. As for the farewell party, I thank you for your kindness. I just want to leave quietly.” Zhan had never been a high-profile boy, and there’s nothing necessary to be high-profile.

“So you gotta leave today?” asked CEO Dong.

“Yeah, I’ll book a plane ticket in a while and face new challenges in a new place.”

“Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

After Zhan left the office, CEO Dong made a phone call and said, “He decided to leave today as soon as possible.”

“Thank Mr. Dong.” The other side was satisfied with the result.

“It’s a luck for Mr Zhan to harvest the love of CEO Wang.” CEO Dong sighed, “I’m not being rude but just wonder, what is the relationship between you and Mr Zhan currently?”

“You will get the answer about the relationship between me and him when it’s appropriate. And I owe you a favor, you’re welcomed to honor a promise from me at any time, as long as I can help you.”

“Thank you CEO Wang.” CEO Dong chuckled.

CEO Dong didn’t want to lose such a capable subordinate to benefit other competitors. Therefore he responded that Zhan was transferred to the branch company in Chongqing, which was to be in line with Zhan’s application and his retaining of talent.

Yibo didn’t object that. As long as Zhan didn’t work in the same company with Yuchen and under his leadership, Yibo would be OK for the transfer.

---

Resting at noon, Zhan packed up his personal belongings with no one else in the office. He brought it for the security inspection, and then left the headquarter of Liu Group.

It’s where he worked for four years and where he grew up. He thanked everyone who once helped him. But from now on, he would rely on himself to fight and struggle.

Farewell to Yuchen and dear colleagues who once helped him.

Zhan also bid farewell to Lulu after he went to the kindergarten to pick up Fei.

“Zhan, I know your purpose going back, but I still hate to part with you.” Lulu hugged Zhan with tears on her face.

“Well, come to Chongqing when you’re available and so do I.” Zhan patted her on the back and said with deep affection, “Lulu, thank you.”

“If you say so one more time, I’ll fall out.” Lulu immediately let go of Zhan and responded with a cold face.

“And you little Fei, don’t forget Auntie Lulu.” Lulu squatted down and hugged Fei one more time.

“Auntie Lulu, whenever you have a boyfriend, you need to bring him to me, and I will examine it for you.” No doubt that Fei was the best cheering group.

“Okay.” Lulu was recently forced by her parents to go on a blind date, which led her to a headache.

Farewell is always painful. Our paths shall cross – God willing.and

Chongqing Airport.

They walked out of the aisle with two max-sized and one small-sized luggage.

Song Jiyang waved at them in the crowd, “Zhan, I’m here.”

“Fei, he’s Uncle Jiyang, mom’s childhood friend.” introduced Zhan.

“Good to see you Uncle Jiyang.” Fei greeted politely and cleverly.

“Wow, what a little beauty.” Jiyang was surprised at Fei’s transparent and snow-white skin and watery eyes. He adored the little girl from the bottom of the heart and said, “Come here, give me a hug.”

Fei was not afraid of Jiyang and gave him a hug.

A black Range Rover was parked by the side of the driveway. Jili, with his legs crossed in the car, immediately got out of the car and helped them with luggage when he saw Jiyang and Zhan approaching.

“This little girl is your daughter?” Jili asked when he put luggage in the trunk.

“Hello Uncle, I’m Xiao Fei, you can call me Fei.” Fei generously introduced herself.

“Hello I’m Jili, boyfriend of your mom.” Jili winked at Fei.

“It’s a male friend.” corrected Zhan.

“Let’s ignore him, a strange guy.” Jiyang turned around and took Fei into the car.

Jili hurriedly got into the car, and drove directly to Jiyang’s house.

Jiyang House 

“Does Haoxuan agree on my arrival?” Zhan was a bit worried that it would have an impact on their marriage life.

“He rarely comes back. What’s more, I own this house, and it’s good to have a nanny here to look after Fei. It’s more proper for you to take Fei back after you arrange everything.” Jiyang didn’t want Zhan to be mentally burdened. “Well, Jili’s always here if it doesn’t work.”

“Do you mean that I will not only be a free driver but also a nanny for you? Oh I’m really a poor guy. Zhan, how will you comfort me?”Jili leaned his head on Zhan’s shoulder with a sad look.

“Enough.” Jiyang pushed Jili away and sat between him and Zhan.

” I’ll go on a dating.” Jili got up and waved away at them.

The nanny brought three glasses of juice and a glass of water.

Jiyang took a sip of the juice to moisturize throat, but he never moved eyes on Fei who had been playing on the side.

“You’re totally identical. She’s so adorable!”

“Since you adore a baby girl so much, why don’t you give birth to one?” Zhan saw Jiyang staring at Fei with eyes gleaming.

Jiyang curled his lips, “I don’t want that.”

“Don’t you? Is it the same for Haoxuan?” They had been married for five years but nothing happened about a kid.

“I’ll tell you more about me later.” Jiyang turned face away with a little sadness in his eyes.

“Jiyang, don’t you forget him yet?” asked Zhan softly.

Jiyang raised his red lips with a smile, “He’s passed for so many years, I should get over him.”

He showed it naturally, but Zhan saw the entanglement from Jiyang’s eyes.

Yeah, it had been six years since he was burned to death by the fire.

They all remembered the fire that burned the night sky, lighting up the darkness around. At that time, Jiyang looked at the raging fire in horror with bloodshot eyes. He wanted to rush in to rescue him, but was stopped by someone and prevented him from entering.

Zhan was also frightened by that fire. Later then, Jiyang cried on Zhan’s shoulder with tears streaming down his face.

He was turned into fire, ashes, smoke… and he’s gone away forever..

Jiyang loved him unreservedly and innocently when he’s only nineteen years old. But what he loved and cherished were destroyed by the fire.

Could he forget it? Was it as easy as he acted?

“Just forget it, everyone has to look forward and grasp the current happy life.” Zhan sighed that time forced all of them to step forward.

“Happy? What does “happy” mean?” Lowered eyes, Jiyang looked at the juice in his hand and shook it gently, “Zhan, do you think it’s happiness marrying love or money? As you look, am I happy now? And are you happy now?”

Zhan was stopped by Jiyang’s question. He couldn’t answer what real happiness was, because he himself hadn’t found it yet.

“Zhan, neither of us is happy.” Jiyang smiled bitterly, “Or it’s not the happiness we want.”

“For those years I loved him deeply. I thought I would be happy with him, but he died. A year later under my parents’ arrangement, I married a man who they were satisfied with. The marriage was more a cooperation of the interests between two families.”

“Jiyang, you can say no.” Zhan’s pupils were dyed with sadness.

“He died, I couldn’t marry him. So it made no difference for me to marry anyone.” Jiyang burst into a charming smile, and took a sip of the juice. It didn’t matter at all who I marry if I couldn’t marry the one I loves the most.

Zhan deeply understood that Jiyang was thoroughly heartbroken for what he said.

“Jiyang, you’re torturing yourself. You can say no if you don’t really want to marry him. Maybe someone will come to you in future, he’ll protect and cherish you… It’s early for you to give up.” Zhan persuaded Jiyang.

“It’s okay Zhan. And I’m enjoying my life now.” Jiyang put down the cup, then looked at Zhan, “I don’t have to do anything, but I get everything I want. It’s on my call to pay for everything with gold cards and VIP cards. Money really matters in current society. It’s hard to do anything if you don’t have it.”

“Now back on you. You have to work hard to earn money by yourself. At least I don’t have to work hard in a company for food and clothing. I feel quite relaxed.”

Zhan looked at the glamorous Jiyang, felt like the boy in front of him seemed to be no longer the Jiyang he once knew, but it’s still someone he’s familiar with.

Jiyang’s still his good friend, he would still do his best and stand out for Zhan..

“Now that you’re back this time, you have to hold everything tight that belongs to you. And don’t be silly once again.” Jiyang raised one hand, and fist his fingers in front of Zhan.

“I got it.” Zhan knew exactly the purpose of coming back.

Five years of patience and humiliation were pure to serve his back journey this time.

“Please take good care of Fei.” Zhan checked the time and was about to go back Xiao House.

“Don’t worry. I will definitely take good care of the baby girl.” Jiyang got up and sent Zhan off.

Zhan walked to an empty area behind the sofa. There were a lot of things for children to play, which Jiyang had specially vacated for Fei.

“Dear, mom is going back to see your great grandma first, tell her about everything, and then take you home. Is that okay?” Zhan worried that he would scare granny if he didn’t tell her ahead of time but take a baby back.

“Okay.” Fei still had questions for that and she was unwilling to part with mom. But she still followed mom without asking.

Zhan hugged his adorable daughter, and then kissed her on the forehead.

Jiyang ordered the driver to drive Zhan back. It only took a few minutes as the Xiao Mansion was close to here.

It’s also convenient for Zhan back here if he left Fei in Jiyang’s house.

“Call me if there’s something wrong, I will arrive there as soon as possible.” Jiyang made a gesture of calling to Zhan who had already sit inside.

Zhan understood and nodded then.

  ⏩