Chapter 56

Thanks for the concern, I felt much better now. 👍😀

"Didn't I tell you to behave?" Mr. Wang said to YiBo, his tone serious this time. "If you pull a stunt like that again, I will really shoot you." YiBo, kneeling on the ground and struggling to catch his breath from the pain coursing through his body, felt something heavy tightening in his chest.

He glared in his father's direction, where Lily, Aunty Bella, Tin, and Ru had already rushed to him, distressed, with Ru sobbing. Lily turned to Aunty Bella and whispered, "Please, Bella, check if he's hurt, where he was hit." The four of them began carefully examining YiBo, searching for any injury.

Mr. Wang shrugged. "Come on, it's just a scratch on his shoulder... nothing serious." He turned to one of his trained bodyguards, who was assisted by two soldiers as he stood up, wincing. "Are you okay, Gang?" he asked. "Yes, Sir, I had a bulletproof vest on," Gang replied.

Zhan, who had been struggling to free himself from Leo's grip and was flustered from the unexpected kiss, parted ways with him the moment they heard the twin gunshots and Ru's scream. Zhan, feeling both scared and disoriented, could only stare at Leo, his entire body aching.

Mr. Wang looked at Leo, saying, "You're lucky, Son. But enough is enough. If you dare to touch or kiss his 'baby husband' again, I promise I won't stop him from doing whatever he plans to do to you. Are you mad or just stupid to kiss his husband right in front of him?"

Annoyed, Mr. Wang scowled.

Leo, stubborn as ever, turned back to say something to Zhan. But before he could, Zhan slapped him, clearly furious. "How dare you touch and kiss me like that? Who gave you permission? I really hate you now, Leo. You never loved me from the start. If you did, there's no way you'd block me or avoid me whenever I needed you."

Zhan collapsed to the ground, sobbing. Aunty Yu pulled Leo away, slapping him hard to bring him to his senses, especially after seeing YiBo struggle to free himself from his family's grip to go to Zhan. Not wanting YiBo to reach Leo, she forcefully dragged him to her quarters.

YiBo, moving with difficulty, approached Zhan, kneeling down beside him as Zhan sobbed with his eyes closed. YiBo tried to lift both arms to pull Zhan to his chest, but he hissed in pain as his left arm bled. Zhan opened his eyes and looked at him, focusing on the wound rather than YiBo's face, his heart pounding. YiBo tried again, this time with his right arm, attempting to hold Zhan.

Zhan slapped his hand away without looking at his face and whispered, "Don't touch me." YiBo moved closer until their knees touched, reaching out again to touch Zhan's face. Zhan pushed his hand away once more. "I said don't touch me!" He started hitting YiBo's chest lightly, sobbing, "Are you mad or just stupid for being so stubborn? What if something… happened to you? What would… I… do all by myself, huh? Don't you… love and… care about me like you said?" He then rested his head on YiBo's chest, crying. YiBo hugged him with one arm, silently crying as well, unable to say a word.

Mr. Wang made an amused face and whispered to Gang beside him, "Er… Are they shooting a BL scene here?" "No, Sir, this is a real-life BL show," Gang replied absentmindedly.

YiBo glared at his father's direction again, and Mr. Wang rolled his eyes, whispering to Gang again.

"Hmm… is he glaring at me, or am I just imagining things?" "He's just angry, Sir," Gang replied, this time struggling to maintain a straight face.

Mr. Wang stretched, yawning, and said, "Okay, Cut! Enough of this lovey-dovey scene. The show's over. Now, I want to talk to my dear baby son-in-law, too." Grinning, he turned to Gang. "Bring him to my living room now."

As Mr. Wang turned to leave, he heard YiBo's panicked voice pleading, "Please, Dad, I'll do anything you say. I'll even return the documents I took, but please, don't harm him. I… I can't live without him… He is… my… life."

Mr. Wang turned to look at his son in surprise; YiBo had never pleaded with him over anything before. "You can come too," he said, then turned to Aunty Bella and added, "All of you." He then headed inside, followed by everyone, with Ru holding Zhan, who was wiping his tears. YiBo shot a warning look at Gang, who was about to hold Zhan's arm, making him back off. Ru, understanding YiBo's signal, moved to support Zhan. Aunty Bella held onto YiBo, telling Tin to fetch the first aid kit to treat YiBo's arm. And so, all of them went inside, everyone feeling a bit subdued.

Once everyone had entered, only Ru and Zhan were left outside. Zhan, whose heart was pounding, refused to step inside. Ru turned to look at him, and finally, he lowered his head and walked into the living room.

Inside, four soldiers stood at attention as General Wang gave them instructions. Everyone took a seat on the couch, as General never allowed anyone to sit on the floor in his presence. Zhan looked around the room, taking in every detail. His gaze fell on a large portrait of General Wang on the wall, dressed in full military attire with his cap, labeled "Lieutenant General Wang Hong II." The soldiers finished receiving orders and exited through a different door that led outside without passing through the main living room.

Once everyone was seated, a quiet settled over the room. General Wang looked at Zhan and asked, "What's your name?"

Zhan's heart raced; the General's serious tone was intimidating. He swallowed nervously and answered, "My name is Zhan."

The General continued, "And where are you from?"

"Chongqing, but we live in Beijing," Zhan replied quietly.

General Wang gestured to a chair, "Sit down." Zhan shook his head, unwilling to sit, but the General firmly insisted, "Sit in the chair." Reluctantly, Zhan rose and took a seat.

Just then, Aunty Yu entered, almost as if she'd been thrown into the room. The moment YiBo glanced at her, he immediately looked away, focusing his attention on Zhan, who was too nervous to meet his gaze. Aunty Yu was about to speak, but the General cut her off. "Yu, if you have something to say, I don't have time for it now. Clear?" She fell silent.

The General then turned his attention to YiBo, who was still watching Zhan. Zhan, however, kept his gaze down, too nervous to look anyone in the eye. Aunty Yu took in the scene, puzzled as to why Zhan, who had nearly driven her to despair over her only son, was in the General's living room today. She hadn't come to talk, but seeing the situation unfolding, she seized the moment.

Meanwhile, Aunty Bella, having spotted Zhan in the compound earlier, was still surprised to see him inside. She exchanged glances between YiBo and Zhan, wondering what was happening. Hadn't I Bo's mother told her he had gone home? Now he was back here...and the term "Husband" kept echoing in her mind. She greeted the General, "Good evening, General."

"Good evening," he replied curtly.

Aunty Yu, also curious, asked, "Bella, when did you arrive?"

"Just today," Aunty Bella replied shortly, "and how are the children?"

"Doing well," replied Aunty Yu, and they fell silent again, each lost in thought.

Zhan found himself stealing glances at Aunty Bella, unsure whether he should feel relieved or anxious. Despite her own worries, Aunty Bella managed a reassuring smile at him, which he returned half-heartedly. "Welcome, Aunty," he whispered.

"Thank you, Zhan," she replied gently.

The General cleared his throat, breaking the silence. He looked at Zhan and indicated YiBo, "Do you know that man sitting there, Zhan?"

Zhan's heart sank. YiBo could feel his own heart beating wildly, dreading this moment but knowing it had to happen. He leaned back in his chair, frustration building over the fact this conversation was happening in front of Aunty Yu. She, meanwhile, was practically bulging her eyes out, eagerly trying to understand what was happening. Zhan cast a nervous glance at YiBo before dropping his gaze once more.

General Wang's voice turned sharp. "Answer me, Zhan, or are you deaf?"

With tears welling up in his eyes, Zhan looked at YiBo, his breathing ragged with fear. Seeing how tense Zhan was, the General softened his tone and spoke calmly, "Zhan, right?" Zhan nodded as tears slipped down his face.

The General motioned for Zhan to sit next to him, and Zhan hesitantly moved over, his steps slow. The General pointed to the chair beside him, "No, sit here." Zhan looked down, moving closer to the General with his heart beating wildly.

With the room settled once more, General Wang asked, "Zhan, do you know that man?"

Zhan glanced again at YiBo, who hadn't taken his eyes off him, and whispered, "He used to live with us."

The General pressed, "What brought him there?"

Voice trembling, Zhan replied, "He was our driver."

Not just the General but even Aunty Yu and Lily shot surprised glances at YiBo, though YiBo's focus remained solely on Zhan. The General looked puzzled and asked, "Explain, Zhan."

With his head lowered, Zhan murmured, "He drove for us; my father paid him."

The General was quiet for nearly thirty seconds, then turned to YiBo with an unreadable expression, before looking back at Zhan. "How long?"

"Almost a year," Zhan replied, fiddling with his fingers.

"And he lived at your place?"

"Yes, in the workers' quarters," Zhan answered, still looking down.

Suddenly, tears filled Aunty Bella's eyes, and YiBo put his hand on his head as he struggled to process everything. The General sat in silence, perhaps thinking he'd finished his questions. But after a moment, he looked back at Zhan, "Did you know how much your father paid him?"

Zhan looked briefly at YiBo, shook his head, and whispered, "I don't know either."

The General continued, "Then what happened that brought him here with you?"

Zhan's eyes filled with tears, and in a soft voice, he said, "My father…he married me to him." He then covered his face against the couch, sobbing quietly.

Aunty Bella sat in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. Her gaze shifted between Zhan and YiBo, her mouth slightly open in shock. Aunty Yu, equally astounded, stood up, watching them both intently. Lily, meanwhile, sat with her head down, tears streaming down her face. The General placed a hand on Zhan's shoulder and asked, "What's your father's name?"

With a shaky voice, Zhan replied, "Xiao Zhen."

The General paused, nodding slowly, "The owner of Xiao Empire?" Zhan nodded.

After another moment of silence, the General stood, left the room briefly, and returned with a key, which he handed to YiBo. "Take him to your home and get ready. Tomorrow, we're all heading to Beijing."

YiBo looked at his father, who raised his voice slightly, "Didn't you hear me?" YiBo stood, glancing at his mother, who was tearful. Aunty Bella sat in shock, mouth open. The General turned to Zhan, "Get up; you're leaving, Zhan."

Slowly, Zhan rose to his feet, still with tears clinging to his eyes. YiBo glanced at his mother, who kept her head lowered. Then he looked back at his father, who returned his gaze with a pointed look. Resigned, YiBo turned towards the door, with Zhan following closely behind as they exited the living room.

Aunty Yu, unable to contain herself, asked with a trembling voice, "Brother, did you just allow him to take him back to his home? Are you sure…?"

The General cut her off, "Get out, Yu, and give me some space."

***

Leo stared at Aunty Yu, unblinking, and said slowly, "To their house? What did he go there for?"

Aunty Yu replied, "He went for driving job. The boy just told General that..." Leo kept staring at his mom, mouth slightly open. Aunty Yu added, "See, you've left me in the dark, Leo. Just where do you know this boy from?"

He gathered his courage and said, "I know him from Beijing. He's my boyfriend, and he's the one I plan to marry." Aunty Yu clutched her chin, saying softly, "Boyfriend? Well, you'd better forget him now. He's married. The boy just told General that his father arranged a marriage for him with YiBo."

Leo looked at her, stunned, and asked slowly, "He's actually married to him?" Aunty Yu replied, "That's what the boy said."

Leo turned away from her slowly, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. Driver? Could YiBo be the new driver he told me about? He shook his head, refusing to believe it. Then, he remembered his encounter with that so-called new driver the day he met Zhan at the mall. Leo felt his heart pounding. Wait, is this really happening?

Aunty Yu watched her son in silence, then said, "I see you've gone quiet. Maybe it was just a look-alike, Leo. But what would bring your boyfriend here when things were fine? It seems like something from a play..."

Suddenly, Leo turned to her, almost shouting, "He is my boyfriend, Mum, and there's no one else in the world I want more than him! I told you I would marry him when his video got leaked online—him in just tight boxers..."

Aunty Yu's mouth dropped open. In a low voice, she asked, "So it really was him in the video?" Leo said nothing. Aunty Yu nodded slowly, saying, "Well, even General doesn't know. They hid it from him... I told you, the boy claims YiBo has been living at their house as their driver for a year. Apparently, all this time he was away from home, he was staying there. Then he returned, saying his father arranged his marriage to YiBo. Yet General didn't even look at YiBo in the living room, and the boy's mother was just crying as if she didn't plan all this. So you're telling me you were actually in love with him?"

Leo gave his mom a faint smile and calmly said, "If it's true that Zhan married him, then I'm telling you, as long as I'm breathing, he won't be living as his husband. I won't let them be together, even if I never marry him. He's mad..." With that, he headed to his room as though he might fly out of the house. Aunty Yu watched him, then slowly nodded as if in deep thought, finally hurrying after him.

Ever since they left the Palace, YiBo was driving, glancing at Zhan, who turned away and refused to look at him. Anger simmered in him, his frustration rising, he's furious with Yibo... Zhan cried out in fear after YiBo swerved sharply to avoid a car. Despite the swerve, he still scraped it. Zhan quickly turned, eyes wide, watching as YiBo got out to speak with the other driver. YiBo apologized and gave the man some money for the damage, then returned to the car.

Once back, YiBo leaned his head against the seat, exhaling. Zhan was watching him, but when YiBo turned, Zhan glared and looked away. In a low voice, YiBo asked, "Would you mind driving instead?" Zhan looked at him, and YiBo nodded, saying softly, "I really can't."

Without a word, Zhan got out, switching seats with him, and YiBo input the driving directions on his phone and set it beside Zhan.

Only later did Zhan understand why YiBo couldn't drive. The whole way home, YiBo kept staring at him, unable to take his eyes off, as if his life depended on it. Zhan just focused on driving. When they finally reached home, Zhan waited for YiBo to open the gate, but seeing he hadn't, he turned to look at him. YiBo gave him a heart-melting smile, and Zhan couldn't look away. YiBo gently held his hand for a moment before getting out to open the gate.

After parking, Zhan quickly made his way to the door. However, he had to wait for YiBo to unlock it. Once inside, YiBo followed and held him back. Suddenly, Zhan broke down in tears, and YiBo pulled him close, feeling the pain in his heart as if it were his own.

In a hushed voice, he whispered, "I'm so sorry, Zhan. I'm very sorry. I never meant to hurt you so much..." Zhan cried, remembering all the pain YiBo had caused. Before he knew it, YiBo lifted him, carrying him upstairs, and Zhan clung to him in fear. YiBo took him straight to his master bedroom, where he tenderly comforted Zhan as he had wanted to all day. When Zhan finally calmed down, YiBo ran a warm bath for him, lifted him again, and carried him into the bathroom. He took care of everything, and Zhan couldn't even bring himself to look him in the eye...

That night, YiBo barely slept, his mind occupied with thoughts of his mother. Her tears haunted him, and he wanted to call her before going to bed but wasn't even sure what he would say. He lacked the courage to make the call, so he let it be. Throughout the night, Zhan lay next to him, and he didn't let go of him even once, while Zhan slept soundly.

***

At eight in the morning, YiBo called Zhuo after receiving a message from his father saying they should be ready before 9:30 and they would be picked up. When the phone started ringing, Zhuo picked up right away. After the usual greetings, Zhuo asked how Zhan was. YiBo replied, "He's fine. How is Foshan?" Zhuo answered, "I'm in Beijing, actually."

YiBo hesitated, wondering where to start, then finally said, "Erm... actually, my dad and rest ot the family are visiting Paa today, so I'm not sure how it's going to go…" Zhuo replied, "Oh, no problem; I'll inform him. Safe journey to them." YiBo said quietly, "Okay," as he began to feel apprehensive about facing Zhan's father and his own mother. Zhuo asked, "Around what time?" YiBo replied, "Around twelve." After that, they exchanged goodbyes, and YiBo hung up, leaning back into his chair.

Today, he didn't know how he'd even look at Zhan's father. He wished his own dad would agree to go without the usual entourage, but he knew that would never happen. Part of him wished his dad would let him go to the house alone without needing to take Zhan along, too. With a sigh, he got up and went upstairs to his room, where Zhan was still sleeping. Anyone could see from looking at him that it was a peaceful sleep. YiBo sat down gently at the edge of the bed, watching him without blinking, and memories flooded back from when he first started visiting Zhan's home. YiBo couldn't help but smile, longing for the old Zhan: feisty, mischievous, fiery, but without the habit of looking down on others or following bad influences.

Meanwhile, Aunty Bella was sitting on the edge of Lily's bed, leaning back in silence. After a long sigh, she softly said, "Come on, sister, you can't say you won't go, especially after the General himself said to get ready."

Lily cut her off angrily, "Is anyone forcing me to go if I say I won't? I said I'm not going, and that's final."

Aunty Bella shook her head, "I'm only concerned about your health, sister. Please, calm down and take things slowly. I've been saying this since yesterday, but you won't listen." Lily snapped, "I don't see the point of you being here, Bella. I thought you'd help me figure out how to tackle this issue, but all you do is sit there staring at people, saying nothing."

Aunty Bella sighed and said, "I just think we should approach this calmly, sister. I'm as shocked as you are. Really, I am. The boy never mentioned any marriage between them to me, and he opened up completely while staying at my house. But I think YiBo probably held him back from talking, and there wasn't much he could do. I feel that since the marriage happened, it's easier to accept, rather than finding out he's out seeking men…."

Lily just looked at her, too frustrated to say anything. Aunty Bella continued, "That's exactly why I'm trying to keep calm. Yes, it's shocking, but one has to think things through. Even though I don't approve of what YiBo did—getting married without your knowledge—it's best to handle this with caution." Lily didn't respond, as her phone began ringing. Seeing it was Nia's mom, she stared at the screen before finally putting the call on speaker. They exchanged greetings, and Lily said, "You tried calling me last night; I couldn't pick up because I took some sleep medicine. I wasn't feeling too well."

Mia replied, "Oh, sorry to hear that. Are you feeling better now?" Lily answered, "Yes, I'm improving." Mia said, "Alright, I'll be stopping by around eleven."

Lily hesitated before quickly saying, "Really? But the General and I will be heading to Beijing shortly, though we'll be back today."

Mia said, "Ah, alright, maybe after you return then. Nia can go alone if needed; she mentioned something about meeting Tin later to discuss their outfits." Lily replied, "I'll call you when we're back." They ended the call, and Lily sighed heavily, her spirits dampened.

Aunty Bella, watching her, said, "Good thing you told her that. You wouldn't want her to see you in this state." Lily remained silent. Aunty Bella added, "And with Nia planning to visit Tin, you really don't want her finding you here. It might be best for you to get ready and go to Beijing. I'm sure you'll find some peace of mind there, and we can figure out the next step."

With that, Aunty Bella stood up and headed to the bathroom.

***

Zhuo knocked on Paa's living room door and entered, sitting quietly on the carpeted floor without interrupting Grandma, who was speaking to Paa. Aunty Bing was also there, deeply lost in thought, watching Grandma closely. Grandma looked at Paa with a bit of anger and said, "Why are you looking at me like that, Zhen? I didn't ask you to call the police on my granddaughter's husband. Who told you to mess things up? I'll go to the police station myself, meet their boss, and make him fill a whole car with officers. We'll head straight to his house and teach him a lesson before taking him in."

"I'll go alone, without any escort. If we had a soldier in the family, I'd send him over to take care of him before they hand him over to the police," she added.

Zhuo just watched Grandma silently. Grandma continued, "Does he think he can beat someone and get away with it? I'm not some pushover. My granddaughter deserves justice." Zhuo responded, "But we've only heard her side of the story, not his. Grandma, let's not jump to conclusions based on one account alone."

Grandma shot him a sharp look. "May misfortune be on him and his side of the story! He dared to hit her, and you want us to wait to hear his side? Really, Zhuo? Or perhaps you're the one who put him up to this, and we don't know it?"

Paa stayed silent in the living room, and Aunty Bing was equally speechless, overwhelmed by the situation. Grandma continued, "If he hit Shu without a good reason, I'll see this case through to the end, no matter what. Not only will he get a beating, but he'll also sign the divorce papers."

Zhuo looked away and turned to Paa, saying, "Paa, Lee called me a moment ago. He said his father will be coming to meet you today around eleven."

Grandma asked, "And who is this Lee?" Aunty Bing looked up from her deep thoughts, watching Zhuo. Zhuo looked back at Grandma and replied, "Zhan's husband." Grandma's mouth dropped open as if she had just heard terrible news. After a pause, she said, "Indeed, the world has lost all sense. Now you will just sit around waiting for those villagers instead of going to work? Trouble is coming our way today."

Paa looked at Zhuo and said, "Alright, we'll be expecting them."

Zhuo stood up and left the living room. Grandma looked at Paa and said, "You're really going to sit here and wait for those villagers?" Paa didn't respond to her. Aunty Bing sighed and asked, "Grandma, what do you think we should do now?" Grandma replied, "Have Shu put on her shoes. We'll head to the police station and show them what that scoundrel did to her. Then they'll give me a car, and we'll teach him a lesson before heading to court."

Aunty Bing responded, "But she can't even stand up, Grandma." Grandma replied, "Then take a photo of her injuries and bring it with us to show them."

A soldier opened the car door for Zhan outside their house, and Zhan looked back at YiBo, who was locking the door. YiBo gestured for him to get inside, and Zhan entered the luxurious car slowly. YiBo joined him, and they drove out of the neighborhood, heading straight to the airport. They arrived at the airport just as the General's convoy did. Zhan watched the entire setup in amazement as they were taken to the VIP lounge reserved for dignitaries, waiting for their flight...

Zhanxianyibo❤️💚💛