Jiyang Mansion
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They carefully helped Jiyang out of the car and into the house. Then, they went upstairs and put Jiyang on the sofa in the bedroom.
“Mr. Zhan, what’s going on with Mr. Jiyang? Is something wrong?” Freya looked at Jiyang, who was expressionless and dirty, and was worried.
“Freya, he just got drunk and fell. Nothing is wrong.” Zhan explained briefly, “You can go rest. I’ll take care of him here.”
“I am going to make a soup for Mr. Jiyang to sober up, or he’ll have a headache tomorrow.” Freya then left.
Zhan went to the bathroom and took some warm water. He soaked the towel in water and wrung it. Then, he sat down, put Jiyang’s legs on his knees, and gently wiped the dust and dirt on Jiyang’s legs with the towel, especially his palms and toes, which were worn out by the rough road and bleeding from his barefoot running.
Looking at this, Zhan felt distressed and cleaned it for Jiyang carefully. Even if it hurt, Jiyang just frowned and bore it.
After cleaning the wound, Zhan brought the medical box and took out cotton swabs and alcohol to disinfect the tiny wound on Jiyang’s palms and toes. Jiyang still remained silent.
He could understand Jiyang. The mental pain at the moment was a thousand times heavier than the physical pain. So, the physical pain was a small thing.
After finishing the treatment, Zhan put the water basin, towel and medicine box back.
Freya also brought the soup, “Mr. Zhan, Mr. Jiyang, please remember to drink the soup.”
“Thank you, Freya,” Zhan looked at Jiyang who was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed.
“Call me if you need anything. I’ll leave first.”
Zhan took a thin blanket to cover Jiyang, “Alright. Don’t hurt yourself like this anymore, okay?”
Jiyang’s eyelashes trembled lightly before he slowly opened his eyes, “I am too impulsive today.”
“I saw him burned to ashes with my own eyes and knew clearly that he is dead. I also know that I will have a rough time like this. But I am still persistent … Zhan, I am really stupid.”
“You are not stupid, but infatuated and cannot look forward. So, it is inevitable that you will trap in yourself.” Zhan took her hand and shook it, “You’ve always advised me to lay the past to rest. But have you ever done it? You should learn from me now.”
“You have Mr. Yibo who loves you. But who do I have?” Jiyang looked up and chuckled, “I’m all on my own.”
“Jiyang, since you chose Haoxuan among the people who proposed to you, he must have something you like. You have been married to him for five years. Why don’t you try to start a warm and family?” Zhan advised, “Yibo and I have never thought that we can fall in love with each other one day. But now, we are going in a better direction. I believe you can do it too, as long as you look forward.”
“Let me tell you, Haoxuan really has no merit. I married him because we made an appointment that we couldn’t restrict each other after marriage. In public, we are a couple. In private, we are strangers. Otherwise, do you think I would marry him?” Jiyang looked around the large room, “Although we live together, we sleep in our own rooms. It’s really impossible for me and him to be together.”
“You also know that Haoxuan has a girlfriend. How can I break them up? Besides, we’ve made a deal. Anyway, we’ve been like this for five years. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
Zhan said nothing more, but reminded, “Jiyang, you have to think about it clearly. Bowen is dead. Do you want to bury your life for him like this?”
“I once told him that I was his man whether he was alive or dead. So, the moment he died, I actually died with him. I am just a walking corpse now.” Jiyang sat up and regained his charming smile, “It’s getting late. Why don’t you spend the night here? We can sleep together like we used to.”
“Okay.” Zhan had drunk and couldn’t drive back on his own. Besides, he was worried about Jiyang.
Tonight, he wanted to be with Jiyang.
“Then you go take a shower first. There are new pajamas in the dressing room.”
“OK.”
Zhan took his pajamas and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
***
Jiyang waited for Zhan while the room was opened from outside.
Haoxuan hurried in and walked to Jiyang with a worried look on his face, “I heard from Freya that you fell down. Are you hurt? Why don’t you go to the hospital to check?”
“I’m fine.” Jiyang sat up straight, “Why did you come in without knocking? Get out!”
“I am afraid that you get hurt.” Haoxuan looked at Jiyang’s legs covered by the blanket, “Let me see your injury.”
“No need. Get out.” Jiyang got up and tried to drive him out.
Haoxuan then saw the injury on Jiyang’s toes and grabbed his hand, “You’re hurt. Don’t move.”
“As long as you don’t bother me, I won’t move.” Jiyang struggled and tried to pull his hand back.
Haoxuan, however, picked him up and strode to the big bed, “I’ll leave after you’re asleep.”
At that moment, Zhan came out in his pajamas and saw them like this.
Jiyang thumped Haoxuan’s shoulder with his hand, “Get me down.”
Haoxuan also saw Zhan and nodded at him, “Hello, Mr. Zhan.”
“Mr. Haoxuan, good evening.”
Haoxuan carried Jiyang to the bed and put him down, covered him with the blanket, and said with concern, “Have a good rest. Let me know if you feel unwell. I’ll get the doctor.”
“No need. I’m fine.” Jiyang thought that Haoxuan made a fuss. It was just a minor injury. “I’m not so weak.”
“As Mrs. Wen, you must take good care of yourself.” Haoxuan was rarely serious.
The current him was completely different from the one who was always laughing and joking, which made Jiyang feel that he was not used to it.
“You stay away from me.” Jiyang could feel his hot breath.
Such close contact made Jiyang uncomfortable. After all, except for that light kiss at the wedding when they were married, they hadn’t even held hands.
“We’re a couple. Mr. Zhan can understand it.” Haoxuan smiled softly.
“You’re not spending time with your girlfriend today?” Jiyang changed the subject to let him know that there was no secret between him and Zhan.
“I have no girlfriend long ago.” Haoxuan was frank enough to admit it. The last time they made trouble in the fast food restaurant and he broke up with his girlfriend.
“Mr. Wen, you are chasing the next woman, right?” Jiyang had met several of his girlfriends.
“Mrs. Wen, I am not interested in playing through life anymore. I want to return to my family and be a good husband.” Haoxuan kept smiling and no one knew whether his words were true or false.
But in Jiyang’s eyes, it was definitely false, “Mr. Wen, come on.”
“Then Mrs. Wen, let’s wait and see.” Haoxuan got up from the edge of the bed and put his hands in his pockets, “You guys chat. I’m going to take a shower.”
Haoxuan turned to Zhan who was standing not far away, “Mr. Zhan, please take care of Jiyang tonight, Call me if you need anything. I’ll sleep in the opposite room.”
“Mr. Haoxuan, don’t worry. I will take good care of Jiyang.” Zhan nodded.
Haoxuan took one more look at Jiyang and then left.
***
After the door was closed, Jiyang heaved a sigh of relief. Zhan also walked over, “Haoxuan is quite concerned about you. It is just a minor injury. But he is so nervous. Maybe he likes you?”
“He likes me?” Jiyang snorted incredulously, “Zhan, what are you thinking? He, a playboy, will like me? He likes me while he can like many other women or men. This kind of love is so cheap. Do you want it?”
Zhan was silenced by Jiyang and felt that what Jiyang said was reasonable.
“Alright. It’s bedtime.” Jiyang was about to change into his pajamas.
Zhan lifted the blanket and went to bed. It was many years ago that they lay in the same bed.
Now that they were lying together, those school days came back to their mind.
They were both lucky to be each other’s most trusted person, and that they loved each other at all times.
“Zhan, thanks for having you with me.”
“Jiyang, thanks for having you with me.”
This night, they held hands and stayed with each other.
In the middle of the night, Jiyang was awakened by a nightmare. He screamed and sat up violently in a cold sweat, breathing heavily.
“Jiyang, did you have a nightmare?” Zhan woke up and sat up to pat Jiyang’s back.
“I dreamed about that fire again. This time, it is more real than before. I could feel the fire burning my skin…” Jiyang reached around his body as if it were burning his skin, “How much painful do you think he would have been… But I couldn’t save him, just watching him burned to ash.”
He grabbed Zhan tightly, “Zhan, he must not forgive me. That’s why it’s so hard for me to forget the fire, I dream about it over and over again, which reminds me how selfish I am!”
“That’s not the case. That fire is too traumatic for you. In fact, I will also dream about that day.” Zhan held his shoulders, “It’s all just fate. Don’t blame yourself too much.”
“This time, I heard him say in my dream that he would never forgive me. He would never forgive me …” Jiyang looked down and buried his face in the palms of his hands.
“He was so good to you. How could he say such words to you? You must have heard wrong.” Zhan helped Jiyang back to bed, “You just think too much. Let go of yourself. Let’s count sheep together. One sheep, two sheep…”
Jiyang clung to Zhan, listening to his gentle voice, and gradually relaxed himself….
***
Fortunately, today was the weekend. Zhan had thought that he could sleep with Jiyang for a longer time. But Jiyang got up at seven and went to the gym to run.
Zhan was relieved to see Jiyang listening to music and running on the treadmill. So, he went to the kitchen to help Freya prepare breakfast.
“Mr. Zhan, you can’t do that.” Freya didn’t dare to let Zhan do this, “Mr. Jiyang will criticize me if he sees it.”
“Then I’ll take out the breakfast, okay?” Zhan took the porridge out.
Jiyang and Haoxuan come to the dining room at the right time. Haoxuan looked at Jiyang, “Are you okay?”
“I am fine.” Jiyang hadn’t slept well last night. So, his face was a little pale. But he was in good spirits.
That was Jiyang. He could hide himself well during the day. But at night, when he was alone, all the loneliness surged and he couldn’t remain calm anymore. So, he broke down and vented. After venting, he would become the young master of the Song family who amazed others again during the day.
Zhan handed them the porridge.
Haoxuan said, “Thank you, Mr. Zhan.”
“Don’t mention it, Mr. Haoxuan. I even stay and have breakfast here for free.” Zhan put on a self-mocking smile.
“You are Jiyang’s best friend. Just make yourself feel at home. I would very much like you to come here frequently in the future. Jiyang will smile more when he is with you.” Haoxuan found this, and gazed softly at Jiyang, “Honey, you should smile more. You are beautiful while smiling.”
Jiyang took a mouthful of porridge and choked on what Haoxuan said.
Haoxuan hastily pulled a tissue and gave it to him, patting Jiyang’s back, “Eat slowly.”
“Why are you talking nonsense?” Jiyang glared at him, “You don’t want me to enjoy my breakfast, do you?”
“I didn’t talk nonsense. You’re my wife, and my honey.” Haoxuan looked aggrieved, “Mr. Zhan, please testify on behalf of me.”
“Haoxuan, what is wrong with you?” Jiyang was confused.
Haoxuan tasted his porridge, then said, “Honey, it’s wrong for you to act like this. I am being good to you and caring about you.”
Jiyang felt very uncomfortable, “Thank you for your concern. But please leave it to your girlfriends. I don’t deserve it.”
“I said I don’t have any girlfriends now. I’ll take good care of you in the future.” Haoxuan was not angry at all and looked at him with soft eyes.
“Come on.” Jiyang also sipped the porridge, “I don’t need it. Haoxuan, we’d better keep the previous relationship.”
“Has our relationship ever changed? We’ve always been a couple,” Haoxuan said with a grin.
Jiyang put down his spoon and stared at him with a smile, “I don’t care about you.”
Jiyang also stopped having breakfast, and said to Zhan, “Zhan, I will take you home.”
“It’s the weekend. You rest at home and I’ll go back myself.” Zhan wanted Jiyang to have a good rest at home.
“I always enjoy myself with feasting and other kinds of entertainment. The outside world suits me better.” Jiyang took Zhan’s hand, “Don’t stand on ceremony. I’m not a stranger.”
Zhan was pulled by Jiyang to leave. He turned to Haoxuan who was still eating breakfast, “Mr. Haoxuan, bye.”
“Mr. Zhan, take care, Welcome to come here later.” Haoxuan raised his hand and waved at Zhan with a smile.
***
When they walked outside the mansion and got into the car, Zhan asked Jiyang, “What are you doing? You even did not have breakfast.”
“I cannot enjoy my breakfast with him around.” Jiyang started the car and drove away from the mansion.
“Then where are you going?” Zhan was worried as Jiyang was about to go out alone.
“I can go shopping, receive beauty treatments, or have a tea. I don’t want to stay at home and face him.” Jiyang had always lived as he wished. As long as he had something to do, he would not think about other things.
As an adult, he had to persuade himself to live well and be happy.
Zhan looked at Jiyang who was smiling and in high spirit, and put on a faint smile, “It seems I am too worried.”
“I did lose my temper yesterday. But I’m fine now.” Jiyang smiled brightly at him, as if he wasn’t the one who had a breakdown last night, “A little indulgence now and then can avoid endocrine disorders.”
Zhan was amused at his humor this time.
***
Jiyang took Zhan to the Xiao’s mansion and left.
When Zhan got home, Fei threw herself into his arms, “Mommy, where were you last night? I was so scared to be alone.”
“You can sleep with Great-Grandma.” Zhan stroked her forehead and said.
“Great-Grandma is old. I didn’t want to worry her. But Grandma did fall asleep with me and told me a story.” Fei pursed her lips lightly. She also did not expect her grandmother, who had never liked her, to be so affable.
Hearing this, Zhan paused and looked up at Jingtong. Although he couldn’t forgive his parents for what they had done, he should thank Jingtong for helping to take care of Fei.
“Thank you, Mom,” Zhan said distantly.
“We are family. Don’t mention it, Zhan. When you have something to do, I’ll take care of Fei for you. Don’t worry.” Jingtong was no longer as sharp and mean as before. She smiled and was like a different person.
“Yes, Zhan, Fei is our granddaughter. You can work or spend time with Yibo as you want. Your mother and I will take good care of Fei. It is what we should do as grandparents.” Jianmin also put on a flattering smile and was in a completely different attitude.
Zhan knew that his parents had changed like this because of Yibo. He had become his wife. So, he was assuming his authority.
“Thanks for your kindness. But there is no need. Yibo said we will take Fei with us wherever we go in the future. Last night, something happened to Jiyang. It was a special situation. I will try not to bother you guys in the future.” Zhan did not want to owe them too much.
They were just trying to curry more favor with Yibo through me so that they could get more benefit in business.
I wanted to tell them not to waste their efforts. I wouldn’t help them, even if I could.
“As for Yibo, he and I have agreed to keep public and private affairs separate. I will never ask him about his work. And I don’t need him to help me with my job.”
Jianmin just forced a smile.
“If it’s all right, Fei and I are going upstairs.” Zhan picked up Fei and went upstairs, asking to Fei, “Where do you want to go today? Mommy will satisfy you.”
“Great.”
Looking at Zhan and Fei disappearing around the corner, Jingtong said to Jianmin, “Did you hear what he just said? He is not going to help you and our family. Didn’t we waste our time last night? I even did not sleep well.”
“He still holds a grudge against what we have done before. It cannot be eliminated in a short time. But as long as we have been good to him and Fei, we can slowly soften him. Anyway, we are his biological parents.” Jianmin lightly patted his knee, “And he is also a member of the Xiao family. Who else can he help except for the Xiao family? Does the Wang family need his help?”
“Besides, as long as we are good to him, Yibo will see with his own eyes and keep it in mind. Then, he will do us a favor anyway. Now, we are his wife’s father and mother. He will respect us and will not go against us in public at least, right?”
“So, we’d better help Zhan. Don’t complain. If we get rid of the resentment in his heart all these years, can’t we get benefits from Yibo?”
Jingtong nodded in agreement with Jianmin’s analysis, “You are right.”
“That is why it is said that women always have long hair but are short-sighted.” Jianmin pointed at Jingtong, as if he was saying that Jingtong was too stupid.
“Who are you talking about?” Jingtong resented Jianmin for daring to say that about her, “Haven’t I paid for you and the family after I married you? Since you think I’m so useless, then you sleep on the couch tonight!”
Seeing that Jingtong was angry, Jianmin had to apologize and hold her shoulders, “Honey, I am sorry. It’s my fault that I said something wrong. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Jingtong snorted, turned around, and ignored him.
“Come on.” Jianmin looked around, “If you are really angry, you can curse or hit me as you like after we go upstairs and close the door, Fei is still here. As her grandfather, please spare my feelings, okay?”
Jingtong still ignored him and put on a long face.
Zhan, who had changed his clothes, came downstairs with Fei. When they passed by the living room, Fei waved at them, “Grandpa, Grandma, I’m going out with mommy, bye.”
“Bye, Fei.” All at once, Jingtong and Jianmin’s serious faces softened into grins.
***
Zhan drove out and Fei was very happy.
He first took Fei to Musicque Amusement Park, where they could not only view and admire many flowers, but also feed cute animals with carrot sticks, such as alpaca, rabbit.
Fei loved feeding the animals, but was also scared.
They also went to a water slide and were on the same hovercraft, sliding down the winding channel.
For lunch, they had pizza, pasta and steak, and cream of mushroom soup.
Fei was so happy. Zhan took a tissue and wiped the corne of her lips which were stained sauce, “Look, you’re eating like a little kitty.”
“I’m so happy.” Fei said, rolling up the pasta with a fork and eating it with satisfaction.
After lunch, Zhan took Fei to Hospital and bought a basket of fruit from the store in front of the hospital and a bunch of carnations from the florist.
***
“Mommy, what are we doing in the hospital?” Fei asked.
“We come to visit a lady.” Zhan let Fei hold the flowers while he carried the fruit basket and led Fei to the hospital.
Zhan knocked on the door of Carmen’s ward and entered while Carmen happened to be alone.
Zhan walked over with Fei, Carmen’s eyes were filled with joy and surprise when she saw Zhan.
“Mrs. Jin, how are you?” Zhan put the fruit basket and the flowers down.
Since Carmen had been kind to him, Zhan was grateful and came to visit her.
“Zhan, thank you for coming to visit me. ” Carmen was touched, “Thank you for saving me yesterday.”
“It is just instinctive. You are welcome.” Zhan brought Fei in front of her and introduced, “Fei, this is Mrs. Jin.”
“Hello, Mrs. Jin.” Fei said politely.
“Hello, Fei. You’re so pretty and looks like your mother when he was a child.” Carmen studied Fei, who was cute and looked even more lovely and beautiful with red face.
Carmen took her eyes off Fei to Zhan, “Is she the child five years ago?”
“Yes. She is my baby.” Zhan held Fei’s shoulders with both hands and was proud of her, “She’s the one who brought me comfort. Otherwise, I don’t know how I would have kept going.”
“We’re the ones who are sorry.” Carmen blamed herself.
“Mrs. Jin, it has nothing to do with you. It’s my choice.” Zhan had become stronger after such a change.
Carmen still felt guilty for Zhan. But she would keep it in her mind and hope she could have the chance to make it up later.
And she was now closer to Zhan.
“You and Yibo got married and I haven’t congratulated you yet.” Carmen took off a white jade bracelet from her wrist, “I don’t know what wedding present is suitable for you. It is my small gift.”
She had intended to give the jade bracelet to Zhan after Darren and Zhan got married. But people never knew what would happen, Zhan did not marry Darren. However, Lingjiao became Darren’s wife.
It was not that she did not like Lingjiao. She just preferred Zhan subconsciously.
Zhan told Fei to go play on the couch, and then refused Carmen, “Mrs. Jin, thanks for your kindness, but I cannot accept it.”
“Zhan, don’t refuse.” Carmen insisted, “Just listen to me and take it, so that I will feel better. You do not want to take it because you are unwilling to forgive me? But it’s reasonable that you don’t forgive me.”
“No, Ayi.” Zhan changed his address to show his sincerity.
He did not get along with Lingjiao. If Lingjiao knew about it, Zhan didn’t know what trouble Lingjiao was going to make.
Of course it wasn’t that he was afraid of Lingjiao. It was just that he thought the less trouble the better. He didn’t want to tangle with Lingjiao.
“Since you are still willing to call me Ayi, then take it.” Carmen pleaded with Zhan with soft gaze, “This is a gift for your marriage. Besides, I can give my things to whomever I want. You should take it.”
Her eyes were firm and persistent. Zhan knew that if he didn’t take it, Carmen would not let go of his hand.
“Ayi, then thank you.” Zhan had to carefully put it away, thinking that he would return it to Carmen later when there was a chance, “But I don’t understand what you mean that I should take it.”
“You will understand later.” Carmen did not say more. Seeing Zhan take it, she shook her hand with satisfaction.
Was Carmen still treating me as her son-in-law? Did Carmen still think that I and Darren would be able to be reconciled with each other one day?
How was this possible? We were married and had already become strangers. We could never return to the past.
“Then Ayi, I am going to peel an apple for you.” Zhan got the apples and washed them, then peeled two apples and divided them, one for Carmen and one for Fei.
“You have some, too.” Carmen took a piece for her with a toothpick and handed it to him.
“Thanks.” Zhan took the toothpick and ate the apple.
Carmen looked at Zhan and smiled, and Zhan also smiled. They seemed to be back when they were particularly close.
“Zhan, why are you here!” Lingjiao’s appearance broke the peace.
Zhan put the glass bowl on the bedside table, looked at Lingjiao who was walking towards him with anger and hostility in her eyes, and asked rhetorically, “Why can’t I be here? Are you the one who runs this hospital?”
“You…” Lingjiao choked, and then looked at Carmen, “Mom, have you forgotten what he did to Darren five years ago? Not only did he not save Darren from death, but he betrayed Darren and gave birth to a bastard…”
Suddenly, Zhan slapped Lingjiao hard on the face, catching Lingjiao off guard.
Her face was deflected and her body tilted. Lingjiao felt her face burning badly. It hurt so much that even the root of her tongue was a little numb.
“How dare you hit me?” Lingjiao was going to lose temper. But seeing Carmen here, she could only suppress her anger.
She was always good and cute in front of Carmen. So, she couldn’t get angry to leave Carmen a bad impression.
Lingjiao immediately became a pitiful and tender woman, as if she had suffered endless grievances and made people feel pity.
“Mom, Zhan hits me. I am carrying the child of the Jin family in my belly. He is also your grandson.” Lingjiao’s eyes were filled with tears as she cried, “Mom, please get justice for me.”
“My beating you has nothing to do with Ayi. It is between us. We all are adults and can solve it ourselves.” Zhan had a powerful aura and was serious.
“Zhan, aren’t you just taking advantage of Mr. Yibo’s power? Why don’t you rely on yourself?” Lingjiao envied Zhan for being so lucky. She would never have thought of that after leaving Darren, Zhan could marry Yibo.
It was so annoying that Zhan had a bad reputation with a kid and still managed to become Mrs. Wang.
“He is my husband. What’s wrong with me taking advantage of my husband’s power? I don’t mind you taking advantage of your husband’s power, if you can do it.” Zhan put on a perfect smile, but his eyes were cold and sharp, “Lingjiao, I’m telling you, I don’t care what you want to do to me. But my daughter is my bottom line. If you dare to test my limit, I will never let you go!”
“What I said is just the truth!” Lingjiao was still stubborn and reluctant to admit mistakes, “Did I say something wrong?”
“Stop!” Carmen frowned and could not listen to Lingjiao’s words anymore, “Lingjiao, it is rude for you to talk like this, Zhan is your brother and Fei is your niece. You will also be a mother soon. Can’t you be virtuous for your child?”
Lingjiao blinked lightly and tears rolled down her fair cheeks, “From the moment he left Darren behind, he was not my brother anymore. I will not admit that a person who has no conscience regardless of Darren’s safety is my brother. Darren was the one who saved his life back then. But what did he do!”
“Mom, how can you still be so protective of him? I know you’ve always preferred Zhan. So do you want him to replace me as your son-in-law?”
Lingjiao sneered, “Stop that wishful thinking. He has married Mr. Yibo, a powerful and rich man. Do you think he will still be willing to marry into the Jin family? I’m the only one who really loves Darren. Zhan doesn’t deserve it at all!”
“Yes, I don’t deny that I prefer Zhan. Although he can’t be my son-in-law, I can regard him as my son. Is that too much?”
“And since you married Darren, I have recognized you from my heart as my daughter-in-law. I also did my duty as a mother-in-law. I didn’t let you suffer any unkindness in the Jin family and always asked Darren to care more about you and accompany you.”
“I can see how good you are to Darren. And now you are pregnant with Darren’s baby. Your father, sister, Darren and I are all grateful to you sincerely. We try our best to satisfy you. Examine your own conscience. Have I ever treated you badly in the past five years or 50?”
Lingjiao knew that the Jin family was kind and she was lucky to marry Darren. But when Zhan appeared, Lingjiao felt she would be abandoned and replaced.
“Mom, you guys haven’t treated me badly. But Zhan used to be Darren’s fiancée, and I am Darren’s legal wife now. How do you make me feel when you are so close to him? Can you spare my feelings?” Lingjiao caressed her flat belly, “Even if it’s for your grandson.”
“I fainted yesterday and Zhan took me to the hospital. He is my benefactor. As my daughter-in-law, after you came in, you not only didn’t thank him, but also shouted and spoke rudely. Have you thought about your child?” Carmen was very unpleasant.
“Mom, in a word, you don’t like me anymore because he’s back, right?” Lingjiao bit her lip, her eyes filled with tears and resentment.
“No.” Carmen shook her head, “You guys are siblings. Why can’t you get along well with each other?”
“Get along well with each other?” Lingjiao sneered, “You can ask him if he wants to get along well with me! He still loves Darren.”
“Zhan has married Yibo. It is inappropriate for you to say such words. This is not only insulting Zhan and Darren, but also insulting yourself!” Carmen thought Lingjiao was too stubborn, “You are Darren’s wife. Don’t you trust him at all? Then why can you be together? The most basic thing to love a person is trust and loyalty. If you can’t even do that, do you really love Darren?”
“I…” Lingjiao was once again silenced by Carmen’s questioning, “Mom, are you doubting my love for Darren? If I didn’t love him, I wouldn’t have said yes to his proposal shortly after he was discharged from the hospital. I even didn’t care if I could have children with him… I sacrificed so much for him. But now, you still think I do not love. him…”
“Then do you think Zhan loves Darren? If so, he wouldn’t have done something to betray Darren!” Lingjiao angrily pointed at Zhan, “Since this is how you see me, mom, then I’d better abort this child in my belly…”
Lingjiao slowly closed her eyes in pain and turned to leave. Carmen called out to her, “Lingjiao, this is your and Darren’s child. How can you be so capricious?”
“I am nothing in the Jin family, let alone him. Even if he is born, he will not be valued.” Lingjiao didn’t stay any longer and left without looking back.
Carmen frowned, closed her eyes, and grabbed the sheet tightly.
She then lifted the covers and got out of bed. While Lingjiao pulled on the door handle, she grabbed Lingjiao’s hand, “Lingjiao, you can’t do this. The baby is innocent.”
“Then am I not innocent?” Lingjiao asked rhetorically.
In fact, Lingjiao was proud inside. She was betting that Carmen cared about the baby and would not let her abort the baby easily.
“Zhan has married Yibo. He has no reason to have any affairs with Darren. There can never be anything between them! Trust me.”
Carmen assured solemnly, her eyes filled with sincerity.
“Why should I trust you?” Lingjiao looked sideways at Zhan who was standing there.
“Lingjiao, don’t be unreasonable!” Seeing Carmen speak so humbly for this, Zhan couldn’t bear it, “Don’t worry, okay? How can I give up Yibo and have an affair with Mr. Darren? I, Zhan, know exactly what I want!”
“This is our family business. It has nothing to do with you!” Lingjiao excluded Zhan.
“So what do you want?” Carmen knew Lingjiao had conditions.
Carmen could only compromise for the sake of the child, while Lingjiao relied on this child and was arrogant.
Zhan, on the other hand, was very calm, just thinking that Darren should have never seen Lingjiao like this. If Darren knew that Lingjiao was so condescending to his beloved mother, what would he look like?
“Mom, promise me that you won’t meet Zhan in the future. Even if you happen to meet him, you should leave immediately and stay as far away from him as possible. Otherwise, I won’t be as nice as I am today.” Lingjiao chuckled after stating her conditions, “Mom, I think you can definitely do it for the sake of your grandson.”
“By the way, it can only be known by us in this ward. If anyone else knows about it, I may do anything when I’m not happy.” She looked down at her hand that was stroking her belly.
It was obvious that Lingjiao was threatening Carmen. But Carmen could do nothing because she was threatened.
Seeing Lingjiao go so far, Zhan felt sad for Carmen.
Zhan took a few steps forward, ignored Lingjiao’s smug look, and said to Carmen, “Ayi…”
“That’s a very affectionate address. Zhan, how can you call my mom like this?” Lingjiao snorted, deliberately looking for trouble.
“Ayi, I think it is indeed not suitable for us to see each other again. So, I won’t bother you anymore in the future. Just take care of yourself. I hope you recover soon.” Zhan took the initiative to make his thoughts clear in front of Lingjiao, and did not want to embarrass Carmen.
Carmen also understood Zhan’s intention. Zhan was taking the initiative to draw a clear line with her, so that she could make a decision.
“Fei, let’s go.” Zhan waved to Fei to come over.
Fei jogged up and took Zhan’s hand.
“You can’t go now.” Lingjiao blocked his path, “What you said is not what she said. So, she has to say it once.”
“Lingjiao, don’t go too far.” Zhan frowned.
“Do I go too far? I’m doing this for mom’s good.” Lingjiao said with great confidence, “How can she be so close to a man who has betrayed and hurt her son? Has she ever thought about her own son? She simply can’t distinguish between the enemy and the people on her own side!”
“Zhan, this is our family business. In what capacity do you intervene in it?”
Zhan was indeed not in a position to intervene in the Jin family’s affairs, “It seems that some things can only be figured out in front of our parents when you go back to the Xiao’s mansion.”
“What do you mean?” Lingjiao’s eyes then flashed with a hint of fear.
Hepeng had been dealt with by Yibo. Lingjiao had not returned to the Xiao family during this period of time and had been staying in the Jin family, so that she would not meet Zhan.
She thought she would be safe if she hid. Unexpectedly, she still met Zhan here.
Anywhere Zhan was, Lingjiao would feel nervous and angry.
Carmen took a deep breath, “Alright. Stop talking. I promise you that I will never meet Zhan again and will leave immediately when I see him. Is it okay?”
Carmen frowned, not wanting Lingjiao to be so stubborn and not to let Zhan go.
Today, Carmen saw clearly that all of Lingjiao’s good manners were disguised. But Darren was still kept in the dark.
“Mom, please remember what you said today and do it, or there will be retribution.” Lingjiao raised an eyebrow at Zhan with a triumphant look.
“Lingjiao, are you still human? How can you treat your elders like this? She is even the mother of the man you love! Does Darren know your real face?” Zhan looked at Carmen who was sick and sad, and just couldn’t help but want to poke his nose into their business.
“I am the Jin family and Darren’s savior. They should all thank me.” Lingjiao thought she was a hero of the Jin family, and that they owed her a great debt of gratitude.
Zhan nodded with a cold smile, “Lingjiao, you claim that you were Darren’s savior. So what proof do you have?”
“I gave the umbilical cord blood to the doctor and it saved Darren. That’s the proof.” Lingjiao lied with a straight face.
She had taken Zhan’s contribution to Darren for herself five years ago. How could she admit that she was lying?
“Where is the doctor?” Zhan continued to ask her.
“I do not know.” Lingjiao looked a little impatient.
“Call him in and we’ll question him face to face to confirm who the cord blood belongs to.” Zhan smiled calmly and looked at Lingjiao, who was a little guilty.
“It’s not yours anyway.” Lingjiao gritted her teeth and denied it.
“That’s not necessarily true.” Zhan looked at Fei with soft gaze.
“Stop talking nonsense here.” Lingjiao glared at Zhan who was looking for trouble.
Listening to their conversation, Carmen thought something was fishy. So, she asked, “Lingjiao, who dose the umbilical cord blood belong to? Where did you get it?”
At that time, Darren was sick and his health was getting worse. They couldn’t find a bone marrow match. The doctor said that they could only wait.
But when Darren was in great danger, Lingjiao gave hope to them, saying that she had found the cord blood. Everyone was immersed in the joy of Darren’s salvation and didn’t go deep into what happened.
They wanted to thank the donor. But Lingjiao refused on the grounds that the donor didn’t want other to know who he was.
They then gave Lingjiao 2 million to let her give the donor to thank him.
Then they would prepare for a gift and asked Lingjiao to give the donor every year as a token of their appreciation.
Until now, they had never met the donor. Whenever they mentioned the donor, Lingjiao would change the topic of conversation.
Now that Zhan mentioned it, Carmen felt suspicious.
“Mom, no matter where I got it, it is okay that Darren is healthy now.” Lingjiao paused and added, “Mom, do you believe him or me? Please remember that I am Darren’s wife! I won’t hurt Darren anyway.”
“But…” Carmen did not doubt Lingjiao’s feelings for Darren, but her behavior.
“No buts. Everything I do is for Darren’s good.” Lingjiao interrupted Carmen’s pursuit, “Mom, take care of yourself. I’ll see you next time. And you, Zhan, hurry up and leave here!”
She didn’t want to be entangled with Carmen here. With Zhan around, Lingjiao was indeed a bit scared.
Lingjiao then pulled open the door and left in a hurry.
Carmen stood there, her mind in turmoil.
“Ayi, do not think so much. Your health is more important.” Zhan held Carmen, “I’ll help you lie down on the bed.”
Carmen lay on the bed. Her face was pale and very gloomy.
“Ayi, I’ll leave now. Take good care of yourself.”
But Carmen took his hand, “Zhan, what do you know about the donor?”
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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