By the time they entered the room, Xiao Yun was already several spoonfuls into his meal, chewing rice as he gestured with his hand.
"Come here, Zhan. Well done. You've shown the resilience of your mother," he said with his mouth half full. Even though Zhan sat where he was directed, he didn't look at the food in front of him....because not even in a dream had he imagined such a gesture from his father.
"I'm here, Baba," Zhan responded, his head bowed, as was their usual custom....born from a lifetime of distance and unfamiliarity between them.
"How are you feeling now?" Xiao Yun asked.
Zhan glanced up, puzzled, before lowering his eyes again to answer, "Better. I've recovered, thankfully."
"That's good, very good," Xiao Yun nodded, then Zhan began to shift as if to rise. He was quickly stopped by Xiao Yun again.
"No, sit down. There's food here. Do you think this was served just for me?"
Zhan glanced at the food, then at his father, aware that his son mind was full of unasked questions. But being a quiet person by nature, he didn't speak...only watched his son closely, trying to read his expressions.
"Sit and eat, especially since you're still recovering," Cunxin added gently. Zhan returned to his seat reluctantly, dragging the plate closer.
He didn't take even a spoonful, just stirred the food around while listening to the scattered conversation Xiao Yun was trying to start. None of it landed meaningfully; it all felt disconnected, like it didn't belong. He sat that way until Xiao Yun finished eating, and just as Zhan was about to rise, he was stopped again.
"Sit, Zhan. Why the rush? We need to talk," Xiao Yun said, just as Cunxin placed a cold silver cup of water before him.
"Exactly," Cunxin chimed in. "You're acting like something's chasing you, Zhan."
Silence filled the room for a moment as Xiao Yun cleared his throat deeply, preparing for the real reason behind the gathering.
"You see, Zhan, sometimes fate selects one child out of many for a unique destiny. Something good has come to us.... something that will benefit all of us. All we need is your approval, even I as your father."
As he said this, Zhan felt his heart sink. He began to silently pray that what he feared wasn't about to be said. But the words came anyway.
"The royal family of Tianjin has requested to join bloodlines with ours...for one year. During that year, I will be rewarded with wealth and prestige. You are an obedient child, and I trust you won't object. In fact, I've already sent word of our acceptance."
Zhan felt the words crash over him like a thunderstorm. He hadn't prepared for this, and his eyes brimmed with hot tears that ran down his cheeks.
He'd suspected something was coming. He knew that once this got to his father's ears, the decision was essentially final. Everyone in the room noticed the tears.
Cunxin adjusted herself and offered her own commentary:
"A good son's pride is to honor his parents' wishes. You've proven yourself as such...your father says none of your siblings ever cared for him or his concerns the way you and your mother have. That's why we're hopeful you won't disgrace us. This is a royal family requesting you as their heir's partner...this isn't a matter to debate or doubt."
Despite the tears in his eyes, Zhan looked at Cunxin. Her words weren't surprising. She knew him only from a distance...never his pain, his struggles, or his hunger. If anyone deserved blame, it was his father, who had accepted this childish gamble with open arms. Wealth had blinded him....he didn't care for his son's wellbeing, only the benefits it would bring.
"Please, father," Zhan said softly. "Don't force me into a marriage like this. No honorable person would accept such a path. If you're in a hurry to marry me off, then find someone who will marry me for genuine reasons....for love, for companionship, and for your respect....not for power. I beg you, reconsider."
Even though Zhan spoke with gentle emotion, there was a firmness in his words. Xiao Yun knew his son well...once he set his mind on something, it was nearly impossible to sway him.
But Xiao Yun's voice turned sharp and commanding.
"Zhan!" he barked. "I've heard everything you said... and I knew this is what you'd say. But I'm not asking for your opinion. I've made a decision as your father, and that decision stands. You can agree or not... it doesn't matter. Now get up and leave this room."
Zhan stumbled through a blur of darkness and dizziness. Barely able to keep his balance, he groped his way to his room and collapsed, letting out a lonely, broken sob. Once again, he found himself in a familiar place.... caught between hope and despair. If only Aunt Anu were here. If only she would return before the inevitable happened. He knew that if she were around, she'd have done everything in her power to stop this.... despite the deep tension between her and his father.
That night, not just Zhan, but even his younger siblings couldn't sleep. Zhan couldn't hide his anxiety. He cried more than he had in years, the tears fueling the fever he thought had already passed. Just as he thought he'd found a moment of peace, it hit him again, heavier.
🟢🔴🟡
The next morning, after his siblings had left for school, Zhan lay alone in bed. He watched helplessly as another day passed him by....a day that should've been spent at the school he had longed to attend. But he had no strength left to make the journey.
Cunxin entered the room quietly, carrying a silver cup and a plate of millet porridge with fried cakes.
"Eat something, Zhan. You need to put something in your stomach. Parents are to be obeyed, even when it's hard...especially when it's hard."
She added a few more words before stepping out. Zhan didn't even lift his head to acknowledge her. He felt a wave of disgust...part of him wanted to kick the tray across the room. Just this morning, he had barely managed to prepare a simple breakfast for his siblings before they left for school. No one had cared enough to even give them a handful of uncooked rice. And now here he was, being served like royalty in bed.
Fenghua flung the curtain open and walked in, her face like a stormcloud.
She glared at Zhan and said, "What is going on between you and that woman I've seen hovering around you since yesterday? Are you two conspiring against me? Planning something new behind my back? If that's the case, consider this your final warning. And that traitor you call a father... I know he's in on this. I'm going to confront him myself. After all I've done... raised you, suffered for you... and now this is how you repay me?"
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and stormed out, grumbling under her breath.
Zhan didn't know how the day ended, but to his surprise, that night Fenghua returned with her own tray of food, speaking to him softly. He didn't touched it, just like the food Cunxin had brought earlier.
Queen Zaiye reclined on a plush carpet in the private wing of the royal residence, taking a call from Sui, her daughter who was studying in Shanghai and living with her older sister, Tianni, who was married there.
Just from the way Queen Zaiye spoke, it was obvious how deeply she loved her children. It was in her nature... she lived for them.
"We're planning to visit at the end of the month... all of us, even Tianni Jie. Anshi and the rest will be on break," Sui said cheerfully.
"I hope you all arrive safely. I've really missed seeing you all together," Queen Zaiye replied warmly, ending the call and turning her attention back to Ms. Bao, who had been quietly waiting beside her.
"I'm listening," Queen Zaiye said.
Ms. Bao adjusted her posture and smiled. "You are blessed with long life and favor. Everything is going smoothly. The boy's father has agreed... you've been given permission. No one can oppose it now."
Queen Zaiye smiled with quiet satisfaction and sat upright. "Good. You've done well, Ms. Bao. Since your very first visit, I had a strong feeling you'd made the right choice. When you couldn't rest until you came and shared everything with me, I knew the boy must match what I've been looking for."
Joy filled Ms. Bao's heart. She felt the Queen was close to fully accepting her and her family into the royal fold of Tianjin.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored by your praise. Do you wish to see the boy now? Should I bring him?"
Queen Zaiye shook her head. "Not me. I think the Prince should see him first. If he's satisfied, then everything else can proceed. The only thing left is the boy's consent.... nothing can move forward without that. Everything must align perfectly for the Prince. Then we'll arrange the marriage and celebrations on their end. On our side, I want no one.... even the house lizards.... to know about this forever."
Ms. Bao bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Majesty. Everything will be handled as you've said. Shall I inform the boy and prepare him and his father.... and his stepmother....for the trip to the Prince's country?"
"Yes," Queen Zaiye nodded. "They must be ready within the week. I'll arrange the visas for you, the boy, his father, and the stepmother."
"Consider it done, Your Majesty. Thank you. I'll go now and deliver your message." Ms. Bao left with excitement and pride. She hadn't forgotten how amazing her last visit to the Prince's country had been. Despite going only to assess the Prince, she had been treated lavishly. She knew this time would be no different...she'd leave again with money in hand, as effortlessly as before.
Her heart was light, her mind clear, free from doubt or worry. All she focused on now was how smoothly everything was falling into place. The next step was to begin the visa process, just as she had promised Ms. Bao. She picked up the phone beside her and started to dial a number but paused, reconsidering for a brief moment. Then, she changed her mind and dialed Yibo instead.
As she called, she muttered under her breath in frustration. Ever since they last discussed the matter, Yibo hadn't brought it up again. When he did call, it was only for brief pleasantries or necessary updates, like someone completely uninterested. But she refused to be discouraged. She knew she was doing him a favor. Deep down, no matter how distant he acted, once he saw the boy in person, he'd come around and forget all his doubts.
She had to speak with him properly now. She knew how stubborn he could be.... what if Ms. Bao took the boy only for Yibo to refuse to see them, and the whole trip turned out to be a waste? That would be a disaster.
Meanwhile, Yibo was seated in a secluded, exclusive outdoor lounge... a spot known for its privacy and elite design, one of the finest in all of New York City.
Everything around Prince Yibo reflected his style...muted greens with touches of black. His outfit followed the same palette: tailored green shorts that ended just above the knee, a short-sleeved V-neck shirt that perfectly outlined his toned build, and high-top sneakers in a matching shade of pale green that looked brand new. On his head, a light green cap trimmed in black sat low, covering more than half his face as he leaned over a white laptop resting on his thighs. His fingers moved swiftly across the keys, a sleek black leather Rolex hugging his wrist.
His friends had organized the outing, but only after getting his approval and confirming the privacy of the venue. Judging by how detached he looked from their conversation, you'd think he wasn't one of them. Despite their lively banter and infectious energy, Yibo remained silent and aloof...just as they were used to.
He rarely participated in group chats. In fact, catching him in a full conversation was a rare stroke of luck. Not all topics could hold his attention, and he certainly didn't waste time on just anything. Even when sitting among them, he usually had a phone or device in hand, focused on something else entirely.
What kept him there that long was the atmosphere and tranquility of the place. Otherwise, they'd have to catch him at home...if he was even there.
Just then, a young woman approached. She wore a long dress, but that didn't stop certain features from drawing attention. Her scarf barely covered her neck, and her feet were perched on high heels. One glance and it was clear....she was the type the world would call a "socialite."
She walked straight up to Sikong, glaring boldly at him.
"Are you done running away from me?" she snapped.
Sikong cast a quick glance toward where Yibo was seated. But it was obvious Yibo hadn't even noticed her arrival.... or so Sikong hoped. His biggest concern was Yibo overhearing this encounter. Ever since the last incident, Yibo had been watching him closely. And the terms he'd laid down were still in place. Sikong had thought about breaking them, but his mother had urged him to hold back, to keep the peace for now.... there was a bigger goal at stake involving Yibo. If another misunderstanding arose, that plan could fall apart.
"Please, Zeng, go home. I'll meet you there, or anywhere else," Sikong said.
Zeng pulled off her sunglasses and pouted.
"You won't trick me again. You fooled me once... and that was the last time. Let me tell you something, Sikong.... I'm done with you. I'm through with your lies and games!" she yelled, her voice rising as her anger flared.
Some of those who knew about the situation between Sikong and Zeng stepped in, trying to calm her down. They begged her to leave like Sikong had asked, promising he'd follow and talk to her.
Everything was happening right in front of Prince Yibo, but he didn't react... he looked like he wasn't even there. Still, he heard it all. He didn't think it concerned him. To him, this kind of drama was beneath him... why should he waste energy on the petty squabbles of people like her?
But then Zeng's words took a sharp, disrespectful turn that made him lift his head at last. His temper stirred.
"Leave me alone, you son of a dog! You lying, cheating bastard! Worthless scum... born of shame and raised in the streets!"
Yibo closed his eyes for a few seconds. When he opened them, he stood slowly, placing his laptop aside. He began walking toward her, trying to rein in his anger.
But her words didn't stop.
"Get out of there!" Prince Yibo barked with a sharpness in his voice that silenced everyone around, including those trying to calm Zeng. She turned immediately, looking for whoever dared give her such a command, prepared to hurl more insults.... until their eyes met.
That was all it took.
The moment she looked into his eyes, the weight of who he was hit her like a wave. This wasn't someone you disrespected. His commanding presence alone was enough to break even the boldest spirit. She said nothing. Instead, she slipped her sunglasses back on, gave Prince Yibo a silent nod, and walked away quietly, but not before casting a meaningful glare at Sikong... wordlessly promising the conversation wasn't over.
Yibo's eyes locked onto Sikong, who was visibly shaken. Sikong hated that look....the way Yibo stared at him as if disappointed in someone beneath him. What burned Yibo most wasn't even Zeng's vile outburst....it was the fact that it happened because of Sikong. He saw her insults as being aimed at the whole family, and in his eyes, Sikong had brought it on himself. After all, how could she stand there and throw those kinds of words if Sikong hadn't given her reason or space to do so?
Yibo had plenty he wanted to say, but he refused to humiliate Sikong in front of others. Sikong was still his blood. Besides, his mother had warned him...over and over....not to let his temper get the best of him when it came to Sikong, especially since tensions already ran deep between Yibo's mother and Sikong's. She didn't want it to seem like she was the one influencing how Yibo treated him.
So, Yibo swallowed his anger. He walked back to where he'd left his laptop, shut it down, and picked it up. Without saying a word to anyone, he turned to leave. The moment his friends saw him walking out, they knew better than to try and stop him.
Just as he reached his car, his phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen...his mother. He didn't pick up until he was seated inside. Then he answered calmly.
"Are you okay? I didn't hear from you last night," Queen Zaiye said.
"I'm fine, Mum. My phone was off last night...we had a test, and after studying I just left it off until we got out. By then it was late," Yibo replied evenly.
"Good to hear... Now, about your marriage...I've arranged for someone. I'm thinking of sending HIM over this week so you can meet him. If it works, we'll move forward and finalize everything within two to three weeks."
Yibo blinked. He thought she had dropped the topic after their last conversation. He'd completely moved on, buried in other matters. But now....this again. Still, he had no room to protest. He'd handed over control of the matter to her, and now he had no right to challenge her decisions.
"No need, Mum. He doesn't need to come. Just leave it alone," Yibo said quietly.
There was a pause. Then Queen Zaiye's tone sharpened, as if he were standing in front of her.
"What do you mean? Has there ever been a marriage without both parties meeting each other?"
He was silent for a few seconds. Then:
"It's not an issue. He agreed without meeting me either, remember?"
She shook her head.
"There's a difference between you and him. Unless there's something you're hiding from me... Someone else you actually want to be with?"
Yibo subtly shook his head, as if she could see him.
"No, Mum. If you approve, I trust your choice. It's not something that requires deep analysis or long evaluation. It's just like a transaction...no pressure."
She was quiet for a moment, then said,
"Alright. But I'll at least send you his photo on WhatsApp. Just have a look."
Yibo didn't want to argue with her. She held a kind of authority that no one else in his life did. In his eyes, she was beyond question, beyond challenge. So, he said,
"Alright, Mum. Thank you."
She smiled faintly.
"Anything for you," she said before they both ended the call.
He lowered the phone and exhaled slowly. Just then, Ka Gang entered the car... one of the only two people in his life who knew what was really going on. But even he didn't know the full truth: that... The marriage will be only one year before everything finish.
Before Ka Gang could speak, Yibo asked,
"She did prepare anything"
Ka Gang grinned and lightly punched his shoulder.
"Golden child," he teased.
Not in the mood for jokes, Yibo clicked his tongue and stepped out of the driver's seat, walked around, and opened the passenger side door.
"Just drive us home, please," he said flatly.
Still smiling, Ka Gang slid into the driver's seat. They swapped places, and Ka Gang started the engine. As they drove off, Yibo leaned back and let himself unwind, trying to clear his head of everything....even just for a while.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛