Chapter 2
As Yibo woke up, his mind was fresh and clear. He had reached a conclusion after careful consideration. He knew his father too well - he always got what he wanted. Yibo realized he had to make a choice: give up on his dream or give up on the marriage. He couldn't let things go wrong, and surrendering his dream wasn't an option.
At breakfast, his father didn't mention the marriage proposal, so Yibo took the initiative. "Dad, can I ask something?" he said, leading his father to the sofa.
"How do you know Xian Zhan's family?"
Mr. Wang smiled, "His father and I were high school friends, but we lost touch until we met again as adults. And some years back i heard his death, I attended his funeral and helped his family financially.
Later, I met his mother and...well, let's just say I got there too late to help. Xian Zhan and his mother were in debt, and I helped them out.
That's when I discovered his...condition."
Yibo's eyes widened, "And that's when you thought of marrying him to me?" Mr. Wang chuckled, "No, that thought had been in my head for a while. Xian Zhan is intelligent and talented. His mother was hesitant at first, but I convinced her. She agreed, and the rest is up to you, Son."
Yibo smirked, "Dad, if you love him so much, why not consider marrying him yourself? I don't mind having a little brother or sister to raise when you're older." Mr. Wang playfully smacked his head, "You sneaky son, how can you say such an absurd thing? I'm 52 years old, and I see Xian Zhan as a son."
He paused, "Besides, I've always loved your mother. If you still love her, why did you let her go?" Yibo's curiosity was piqued, Mr. Wang leaned back into the sofa, "It was her wish to be free again, and I just signed the papers." He shrugged nonchalantly.
Yibo chuckled, "I was just joking, Dad." Then back to our deal.
Yibo thought it was a simple arrangement - marry Xian Zhan, impregnate him, and then they could divorce and go their separate ways. The CEO position would be his, and he smiled at the prospect.
I will marry him Dad.
His father beamed with pride, kissing his forehead, which made Yibo uncomfortable. Mr. Wang laughed at his son's irritated expression.
Two days earlier, Xian Zhan returned from his studio to find his mother sitting on the couch, crying. He rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Maa, what's wrong? Are you okay?" He grabbed her hands, trying to comfort her. When she didn't respond, he asked if their grandmother was okay, worried about her health.
His mother wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.
"A'Zhan, I've done something terrible to you. You remember Mr. Wang, your father's old friend?" Xian Zhan's confusion grew as she continued. "He cleared our debts, and in return, he asked for your hand in marriage." Xian Zhan's eyes widened in disbelief. "But Maa, everyone knows he has two sons, the first son is happily married and the second one is still single.
Does he have a legitimate daughter?"
His mother avoided his gaze, and Xian Zhan's confusion turned to shock. "You.. mean Wang Yibo, the icy cold one?" His mother nodded, tears streaming down her face again. "I'm so sorry, son. I didn't mean to put you in this position. Your sister is already married, and your brother has a fiancée. You're the only option."
Xian Zhan felt like his world was crashing down.
He was being asked to marry a man he didn't know, a man known for his cold demeanor. He hugged his mother, trying to comfort her despite his own turmoil. "It's okay, Maa. I'll do anything for this family's happiness. I'll marry whoever you want me to."
He went to his room, sobbing uncontrollably that night, but he knew he had to accept his fate.
At breakfast, his mother expressed concern, "A'Zhan, are you okay? Your eyes look puffy, did you cry?"
He laughed it off, "Ahh, Maa, don't worry, I'm fine. I'm just tired and haven't had enough sleep. You know my studio is new and still struggling, but it'll get better with time. My friends are helping out."
He finished his breakfast, kissed her cheek, and said, "I'm off to work." As he turned to leave, he caught his mother's gaze and grinned, "Ahh, Maa, you have nothing to worry about. You can say yes to Mr. Wang's proposal."
With that, he headed out to his studio, leaving his mother with a mix of emotions.
Xian Zhan sighed as he arrived at his studio, his mind still reeling from his mother's revelation. He couldn't believe she had agreed to marry him off to Wang Yibo, of all people. He had always thought of Wang Yibo as aloof and cold, not someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
As he began working on a new piece, his friends, Ziyi and Hao Xuan, noticed his somber mood. "Hey, what's wrong, Xian Zhan?" Ziyi asked, concern etched on his face.
Xian Zhan hesitated, unsure if he should share his troubles. But his friends' curious gazes encouraged him to open up. "My mother wants me to marry Wang Yibo," he blurted out, his voice laced with disdain.
Hao Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. "What? That's...unexpected."
Ziyi frowned. "I thought you didn't like Wang Yibo?"
Xian Zhan scoffed. "Like him? I can't even stand him. He's so...cold and distant. I don't want to spend my life with someone like that."
His friends exchanged sympathetic glances. "Well, you can't force your mother to change her mind, but maybe you can try talking to Wang Yibo himself?" Ziyi suggested.
Xian Zhan snorted. "What's the point? He's not going to change his ways just because I'm unhappy about the arrangement."
Hao Xuan placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, we're here for you, no matter what happens. You're not alone in this."
Xian Zhan smiled weakly, grateful for his friends' support. But deep down, he knew he had to face the reality of his situation, no matter how unpalatable it seemed.
That night, Xian Zhan couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He knew he had to face Wang Yibo eventually, but the thought of it made his stomach twist in knots. As he lay in bed, he couldn't help but wonder what his life would be like married to someone he didn't love.
The next day at the studio, Ziyi and Hao Xuan tried to cheer him up with stories of their own romantic misadventures. But Xian Zhan's mind kept wandering back to Wang Yibo.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Ziyi got up to answer it, and Xian Zhan's heart skipped a beat as he heard a familiar voice.
"Yubin?" Ziyi said, surprise evident in her tone.
Xian Zhan's eyes met Yubin's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was thick with tension.
Earlier this morning his mother told him Mr. Wang phone her telling Wang Yibo will pick him latter for their first date.
And Yubin is one of their friends since University, Yubin got a PA job at Wang cooperation, that's why he ended with Wang Yibo.
"Hey, friends," Yubin said, his eyes locked on Xian Zhan. "Long time no see. I think you know why I'm here?" Xian Zhan nodded, his heart racing.
Yubin's expression was serious, and Xian Zhan knew that this visit wasn't a coincidence.
"Your mother told you, didn't she?" Yubin asked, his voice low. "About the arrangement?"
Xian Zhan nodded again, feeling a sense of trepidation.
Yubin sighed. "Look, Xian Zhan, I know this isn't ideal, but I want you to know that Wang Yibo isn't as bad as you think. He's...different, but he's got his reasons for being the way he is."
Xian Zhan raised an eyebrow. "You're defending him?"
Yubin shook his head. "No, I'm just trying to prepare you. Your first date is today, and I didn't want you to go in blind."
Xian Zhan's heart sank. He had forgotten about the date, and now it seemed like it was inevitable.
Yubin's words hung in the air, a mix of warning and caution. Xian Zhan's mind raced with thoughts of the impending date, his heart heavy with reluctance.
"Just great," Xian Zhan muttered, feeling trapped.
Ziyi and Hao Xuan exchanged concerned glances, sensing their friend's distress.
"Hey, we'll come with you," Ziyi offered, trying to sound cheerful.
Xian Zhan shook his head. "No, I need to face this alone."
With a deep breath, he stood up, his eyes meeting Yubin's. "Let's get this over with."
Yubin nodded, leading Xian Zhan out of the studio.
The bright sunlight outside was a stark contrast to the gloomy mood that had settled over them.
As they walked, Xian Zhan's anxiety grew. Where were they headed? And what did Wang Yibo have in store for him?
The silence between them was palpable, the only sound being the click of their shoes on the pavement. Xian Zhan's heart raced with anticipation, his mind filled with worst-case scenarios.
Suddenly, Yubin stopped in front of a sleek black car.