Chapter 6
"Son, do you remember that you're married?" Yibo's father asked over the phone. "What happened, Father?" Yibo replied. His father continued, "You've been married to this boy for two months now, but you haven't lived with him for a week. Xian Zhan is a good kid, he's never complained about you, and what about our deal? Will you fulfill your end of the bargain until I hand over the CEO position to you? Won't you do the right thing?"
Yibo's father raised his voice, but Yibo remained silent until he finished speaking. Then, he responded, "Dad, this project is holding me back, and I need to solve the problem. I'll try my best to finish and come back. And Xian Zhan, as you said, he's okay. We talked before I left." Yibo added with a hint of sarcasm, "And yes, Dad, I know I'm married. I know you won't let me forget."
Yibo's father chuckled over the phone, "Son, when will you come back?" Yibo took a deep breath before answering, "Dad, I can't say for sure now, but as soon as I finish, I'll try to come back immediately." His father replied, "Okay, Son. I love you, take care of yourself, and don't worry about your husband. I'll continue to take care of him." Yibo smiled, "I love you too, Dad." They exchanged goodbyes and hung up, still smiling.
After placing the phone on the couch, Wang Yibo's mom sat beside him, sipping orange juice. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you really going to live with that boy as your life partner?" Wang Yibo massaged his temples and replied, "Mom, please, that boy has a name - Xian Zhan." He continued, "I don't know what the future holds, but right now, Xian Zhan is my husband. You should accept that and respect him as your son-in-law."
His mom curved her mouth to the side and remained silent, shaking her leg as she continued drinking her juice. Wang Yibo studied her before changing the subject. "Mom, what about your marriage? We haven't heard anything." She snorted, "That man is a total jerk. I can't marry him." Wang Yibo grinned, "Mom, just give up and go back to Dad. You know he cares about you and still loves you. If you go back, everyone will be happier."
His mom looked at him, "Are you trying to convince me for your dad's sake?" Wang Yibo giggled, "No, Mom, I just want to see my family together." She shrugged her shoulders, "I'll think about it, but your father has to work for it. I won't give him another chance easily."
Just then, the door from the outside opened, and Wang Yibo's nieces, Wang Mei and Wang Fei, ran to him, hugging his body. He kissed their foreheads and listened as they excitedly told him about their trip to the park with their mom. After each of them had a turn sitting on his lap, Wang Yibo carried them to his room. He had come to Shanghai that morning to spend quality time with his family, whom he hadn't seen in a while.
"Dad, I'm off to work," Xian Zhan said to his father-in-law, Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang looked at him with concern, "How's your headache?" Xian Zhan had returned home from work with a headache the previous night, but he had taken medicine and slept well, waking up feeling fine. He smiled reassuringly, "I'm okay, Dad. Thanks for taking care of me.
Mr. Wang ruffled his hair, "you really like it Long huh? At one glance no one will say you're a man," and then he kissed his forehead, feeling relieved. "Did you have breakfast?" Xian Zhan smiled shyly, "I'll grab something at the studio. I'm in a hurry. There's a customer waiting for me." Mr. Wang nodded, "Okay, take care of yourself. I'm heading to the company too. Your husband left me with a lot of work to do." Xian Zhan just smiled and didn't respond.
As he rode to the studio in the car, he thought about his so-called husband, Wang Yibo, and couldn't help but laugh. He had almost forgotten he was married if not for the ring on his hand. It had been two months since their wedding, and he hadn't seen or heard from Wang Yibo at all. No calls, no messages. It was as if he didn't exist.
Hao Xuan called him and asked when he will arrived at the studio, "I'm on my way, Xuan. Apologize to him for me. I'll be there in 10 minutes." Mr. Lee, the driver, chuckled and said, "Some people have no patience at all, Young Master." Xian Zhan pouted, "Mr. Lee, please stop calling me that. Just call me Xiao Zhan." Mr. Lee smiled, "I can't call you by your name directly, Mr. Wang wouldn't like that." Xian Zhan thought for a moment, "Then Mr. Xian is okay. Yes, Mr. Xian, that's better." Mr. Lee smiled and nodded.
Xian Zhan arrived at the studio, apologizing to the costumer for his tardiness. The costumer smiled understandingly, "No worries, I know you're a busy man." Xian Zhan smiled back, "Thanks for understanding. Let's get to work."
As they began their session, Xian Zhan's mind wandered back to Wang Yibo. He couldn't believe it had been two months since their wedding, and he still hadn't seen or heard from him. It was as if Wang Yibo had vanished into thin air.
Just then, Hao Xuan asked, "Xian Zhan, is everything okay? You seem a bit distracted."
Xian Zhan snapped back to reality, "Yeah, everything's fine. Just a bit tired, that's all."
After the session, Xian Zhan returned to the car, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Wang Yibo. Mr. Lee noticed his expression and asked, "Mr. Xian, is something bothering you?"
Xian Zhan sighed, "It's just my husband, Wang Yibo. I haven't heard from him in two months. I don't even know where he is."
Mr. Lee's expression turned sympathetic, "I'm sure he's busy with his work, Mr. Xian. He'll come back to you when the time is right." Xian Zhan nodded, hoping Mr. Lee was right.
Little did he know, Wang Yibo was indeed busy, but not in the way Xian Zhan expected.
Wang Yibo was sitting in a meeting room at his mother's company, surrounded by his team and investors, discussing his latest project.
He had been working non-stop for months, trying to meet the deadlines and expectations of his company. He had barely had time for himself, let alone his husband, Xian Zhan.
As the meeting adjourned, Wang Yibo's assistant approached him, "Sir, you have a call from your father." Wang Yibo sighed, knowing that his father would likely scold him again for neglecting his family responsibilities.
He took the call, listening to his father's stern words, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration.
Meanwhile, Xian Zhan was back at the Wang residence, having dinner with his father-in-law. They chatted about their day, and Xian Zhan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, he can't believe he's missing Wang Yibo's presence.
He wondered when he would see his husband again, he knew their marriage was just a mere formality.
As the night drew to a close, Xian Zhan retired to his room, feeling a sense of loneliness wash over him.
He looked at the ring on his hand, a symbol of his marriage to Wang Yibo, and wondered if they will ever love each other.
Little did Xian Zhan know, Wang Yibo was thinking of him too, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the distance between them. He longed to see his adorable and beautiful husband, it's the time to hold him in his arms and fulfilled his promise he made to his Dad.
But for now, he was trapped in his own world, struggling to find a balance between his work and his ambition.
Today, Xian Zhan wanted to visit his parents' house. He missed his family, especially his mother. Although they talked on the phone, it was better to see her face-to-face. His brother and sister were meeting outside, despite having only met twice before. So, he got up early from his studio, leaving the work to Ziyi, Hao Xuan, and Ji Yang, who came by from time to time when he had the chance.
When he knocked, Zhuo Cheng, his brother, opened the door. They embraced each other, tapping each other's backs. When they parted, Zhuo Cheng teased him, saying, "Your Royal Highness, the great Wang Yibo's husband!" Xian Zhan grinned and said, "Stop it, Cheng."
"A'Zhan!" he heard his mother's voice. He left Zhuo Cheng and ran to his mother, hugging her tightly. Tears gathered in his eyes as his mother circled her hand around his back. "A'Zhan, my child, how are you doing there? Are they treating you right?" Xian Zhan blinked his tears away and said, "Maa, don't worry. I'm doing perfectly fine. Mr. Wang treats me like his own son, and Wang Yibo is away on business." They parted, and she showered his face with kisses, making Xian Zhan giggle.
They sat and chatted together as a happy family, and Xian Zhan felt incredibly happy to be with his loved ones after so long. When they finished dinner at 7 pm, his brother dragged him to the bar, where they met Ji Li and Hao Xuan. As they sat together, ordered drinks, and chatted, Xian Zhan realized he didn't remember the last time he had alcohol. Now, after four glasses, he was feeling tipsy.
Hao Xuan, also in a tipsy state, noticed a young woman sitting alone on a chair, wearing a sleeveless brown gown with her hair loose but not very long. There was a normal cocktail cup on the table in front of her, and she was sipping slowly.
Hao Xuan nudged Xian Zhan, pointing to the woman. "Hey, look at her. She's beautiful, isn't she? Will you like to try?" Xian Zhan followed his gaze, his eyes locking onto the woman's graceful profile. She seemed lost in thought, her eyes gazing into the distance. "Yes, she is," Xian Zhan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
As they continued to chat and enjoy their drinks, Xian Zhan found himself glancing at the woman more frequently. There was something about her that drew him in, a sense of melancholy and longing that resonated with him. He wondered what her story was, what brought her to this bar alone tonight. Suddenly, the woman's eyes met Xian Zhan's, and she smiled softly. Xian Zhan felt a jolt of electricity run through his body, as if she had seen right through him. He returned her smile, feeling a connection he couldn't explain.
Xian Zhan's heart raced as he excused himself from the table, his eyes fixed on the woman. He felt a sudden urge to talk to her, to know her story and what brought her to this place. His brother scowled at him, "Zhan, what are you doing? Don't forget you're married." Xian Zhan neglected his brother's warning.
As he approached her, he subtly hid his wedding ring in his pocket, tucking it out of sight. He didn't want to burden her with his complicated life, at least not yet. "Hi," Xian Zhan said softly, not wanting to startle her. "May I join you?" The woman looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Please do," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Xian Zhan sat down next to her, feeling a strange sense of comfort in her presence. "I'm Xian Zhan," he said, extending his hand. "Yue," she replied, her hand touching his briefly. As they began to talk, Xian Zhan discovered they shared a love for art, music, and literature. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the countryside.
Xian Zhan found himself opening up to Yue in ways he never thought possible. As they chatted, Yue's eyes sparkled with amusement, and Xian Zhan found himself laughing along with her. Yue leaned in closer, her voice taking on a playful tone. "So, Xian Zhan, what do you like to do for fun?" Xian Zhan's heart skipped a beat as he met her gaze. "I enjoy painting and playing the guitar." Yue's eyes lit up. "That's amazing! I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar." Xian Zhan's face lit up with enthusiasm. "I could teach you sometime!"
As they continued to talk, their bodies leaned in closer, their faces inches apart. The air between them was charged with a palpable attraction. Without hesitation, Xian Zhan reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Yue's ear. Her skin felt soft and warm to his touch, and he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. Yue's eyes locked onto his, her gaze sparkling with mischief. "You're trouble, aren't you?" she whispered. Xian Zhan's heart raced as he nodded, his face inches from hers. "Maybe a little."
The bodyguard, who had been discreetly watching Xian Zhan from afar since their marriage, quickly dialed Wang Yibo's number. "Sir, it's me. I have an update on your husband's whereabouts." Wang Yibo, who had just arrived from Beijing and was relaxing in the back seat of the car, replied sternly, "What is it?"
"He's at a bar, sir. And he's...flirting with a woman." The bodyguard hesitated. "I'm sorry, sir. But I'm telling you, he's quite taken with her. And he's drunk, sir. He doesn't know what he's doing." Wang Yibo's face darkened as he listened to his bodyguard's report. "He's flirting with a woman?! In a drunken state?!" His voice rose in anger, and he slammed his fist on the car's armrest.
The driver, sensing his boss's mood, stepped on the gas, speeding towards the bar. As the car screeched to a halt outside the bar, Wang Yibo burst out, his eyes scanning the room for his husband. And then, he saw them - Xian Zhan and the woman, their faces inches apart, their lips almost touching. Wang Yibo's anger boiled over, and he strode towards the pair, his presence commanding attention.