Around three in the morning, Baby woke Zhan up. She noticed his condition had improved and he was sleeping peacefully. Zhan got up with difficulty. The pain he had been feeling in his chest since morning had greatly subsided, but overall he felt weak and his head was heavy.
He looked at Baby coldly and said, "The marriage had already arranged, Baby." As he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. Baby couldn't say anything.
Zhan lay back on the bed weakly and said, "This woman will be the death of me. Nobody wants to consider me. Nobody is willing to understand what I mean. Baby, I am afraid of her." Baby looked away without a word, feeling deep pity for him.
After a moment, Baby said softly, "Get up and prepare, Zhan. Time is passing." Zhan said nothing. He got off the bed, trying hard not to let his tears fall. He walked to the bathroom as if carried by the wind.
While Zhan was preparing, Baby brought out one of the wedding clothes made for him. She looked at him persuasively and said, "Please, Meilin, put this on. Even if you won't do makeup, I am begging you." Zhan gave a forced smile but said nothing.
After a while, he stood up and dressed in the suit outfit. Baby smiled and winked, saying, "Wow, you see how beautiful this looks on you, Meilin? Please, at least let me put some powder on you, just that." Zhan did not refuse her, even though his heart was not in it. Baby applied powder, then eyeliner and lipstick. Zhan looked very handsome, just like the groom he was. Baby tied a tie on him and looked at him with admiration.
A friend of Xixue came in with a food warmer. Seeing Zhan, she said, "What is this? Would you let some rival ruin your day? Show her she is a liar, that she is not worthy. We should go and take you to her husband's house." Baby just smiled and looked at Zhan, who refused to lift his head.
***
After they left the court, the marriage having been registered with the help of Attorney Yang-Yang, Yibo sat holding his head in the car. There were five of them in the vehicle. Yunxi was driving, Dr. Yun sat in the front passenger seat, while Attorney, Yibo, and Panzi sat in the back. Since they set off, Yang-Yang had been pressing his phone and didn't look up. The journey was very silent; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts until they arrived exactly at Zhan's house doorstep.
Yunxi parked carefully and turned off the engine. He got out first, followed by Panzi and Dr. Yun. Yibo got out, then Yang-Yang also came out, putting his phone back in his pocket. Seeing that he was about to go inside, Yibo grabbed his hand and looked at him with deeply troubled eyes. The Attorney could not meet his gaze.
With great effort, Yibo said, "Attorney... I am still confused. I think I have yet to understand the meaning of the drama that took place at the court minutes ago. Please explain it to me. I asked in the car, and you all ignored me."
Yang-Yang could not say anything. Dr. Yun clasped his hands together, looking at Yang-Yang, since Yibo was not the only one confused. He was waiting to hear what Yang-Yang would say. He had known that his friend's wedding was going to take place, coming from Chongqing, only to see otherwise.
Panzi simply smiled, leaned against the car, and crossed his arms. Yunxi walked up to Yibo and looked at him. After a few seconds, he said, "What is it that you don't understand, Yibo?" Yibo looked at him slowly and said, "Everything... I... I don't get everything."
Yunxi touched his head and said in a calm voice, "The fact is, you need to fix what you have broken. We think this is best for both of you. Attorney Yang sacrificed for you, not because he doesn't love him, but because of considerations of our world today. Zhan's peace of mind is more important than him marrying him."
Then Yang-Yang gave a forced smile, looked gently at Yibo, and said, "I have no option. He is dear to me. There are many challenges ahead for him and the little boy if they are not in your home. I don't wish that for him, and his condition doesn't need that. That is why I let go, for his happiness and peace of mind.
I know I am not making a mistake by giving up for you, because I know you love him too, and you love your son. I have long accepted that what happened between you was an accident. It was not your doing, because you are too responsible for that. You are responsible in every aspect. You are truly a gentleman. Your family is good as well. Your friendship is something to behold. I have studied you for a long time."
Yibo lowered his eyes. Yang-Yang's words made his head spin as if in a dream. After a moment, he opened his eyes and simply embraced him, tears streaming down his face. He could not say a word. Yang-Yang, feeling his heart ache for him, showed courage and said, "It is my pleasure, and a suggestion from Dr. Luo. I have done more for Zhan than this, so I know I have not fallen short. But I ask this favor: let him see us and be in our lives with Roulan, because I love the little boy."
Filled with courage and tears falling from his eyes, Yibo said, "How will I repay you, Attorney?" Yang-Yang smiled, his own tears flowing gently, and said, "By holding Meiqin with trust. Be his father, mother, and his happiness. And finally, prove to him that you are innocent. This is your destiny."
Yunxi lowered his eyes, turned quietly, and went inside, seeing that he might not bear it any longer.
✴✴✴
Xixue sat completely still after hearing Yang-Yang's explanation. She couldn't stop looking at him. Her body felt cold, and her only fear was for Zhan....how would he handle this matter? And Yibo?
She looked at Yunxi, who was sitting as well. He smiled slightly, seeing the worry on her face, and said, "Aunty, you need not worry. I know you might be thinking of how Zhan will take this, but I think it's not necessary to tell him directly. He will see for himself. And surely, I know he has a very soft spot for Yibo. The problem is that he is confused. Also, one thing about him is that he does not forget the evil done to him, no matter what, which is wrong. He needs counseling, Aunty."
Yang-Yang smiled gently and said, "Sure. Truly, the doctor said it, Aunty. I hope you understand me. I did what I did for the future. I really don't want anything that will hurt him again in life. He has had enough. God arranges everything."
Xixue said, "I am really proud of you both. People like you are rare in this world. May God reward you with the best of His blessings. Each of you has played a great role in Zhan's life. You have done for him what his own father's family and I myself failed to do. May God reward you with goodness. And one more thing, Yang-Yang: please take your wife back."
Yang-Yang shook his head gently and said, "Aunty, I don't think I will take Zizi back. I have let go of her. May God replace her with someone better for me. Perhaps the things I did to her years ago because of Zhan are the reason God allowed her to do what she wanted to me. Since I married her, she has been troubling me. I have had enough."
Xixue said, "No, don't do that. Please be patient, for the sake of the little girl between you."
Just then, Baby came out and brought food for them as Xixue had instructed her before coming to them. She set down the food but couldn't look at Yang-Yang because she still felt great shame for what she had done to him on the phone earlier, before realizing he was innocent.
She looked at Yunxi and finally said, "How are you?" He said, "How are you?" She stood up and said, "I'm fine." Then she turned and walked away. Yang-Yang followed her with his gaze, noticing she hadn't greeted him.
Yunxi looked at Xixue and said, "And lastly, Aunty, I think I have found Zhan's mother's family, if I am not mistaken, God willing." Both Xixue and Yang-Yang stared at him without blinking. He lowered his head gently and said, "But I won't reveal that to him until he has settled into his husband's home and calmed his mind. We will still go to that house, Aunty, though I haven't told them anything yet. But without a doubt, they are his mother's family."
:
:
Mrs. Wang's body shuddered upon hearing the sacrifice the Attorney had made for Yibo. She couldn't even utter a word. Her head ached from it all. His father Mr. Wang nodded at the matter, but what he didn't like was that they had acted on their own without consulting anyone....and the entire marriage arrangement for his first son had happened without him. But all the same, he was happy for his son, as he always sought his happiness. He asked for Attorney Yang-Yang's number.
Mrs. Wang kept looking at Yibo. His mood was not encouraging. Worried, she said, "What is it again, son? Aren't you happy?" He looked up at her with difficulty and said, "Mumy, he doesn't know, and I don't know how he will take this. He doesn't love me. He only cares for me because of the kids. I live off their blessing."
Mrs. Wang said, "Then you will teach him to love you, son." He couldn't say anything. After a few seconds, he stood up, came back close to her, and sat facing her. His eyes still weren't quite focused. Quietly, he said, "Mumy, how will I repay them?"
She was silent, looking at him because she knew who he meant. She smiled slightly and said, "Strong friendship with them is enough, son." Yibo lowered his eyes, thinking that friendship was too little to repay both Dr. Luo and Attorney Yang-Yang.
She sighed and said, "That's just it, Yibo. Hold these two people close in your life. You see the reward of patience? If you had continued as you started, did you think the Attorney would see you as worthy to leave him to you? Of course not. That's why I always tell you that you just have to be patient in everything in life."
He didn't say anything.
She said, "Do what you are supposed to do now. I have called Siya; they will go to your house and do what needs to be done. Because soon they will take him to that house. We have already called his mother."
⏭ ⏭
Just as Zhan did not know who he was married to, neither did Baby know. Meanwhile, preparations were underway to take him to the groom's house around five o'clock. Xixue could not find peace because she remembered that Zhan did not know that the marriage had been arranged with Yibo. She felt her heart sink. She was also afraid that his condition might worsen. Finally, she sent for Baby to come to her bedroom.
Baby looked at her and said, "Yes, Aunty?" Xixue said, "Baby, do you know who this marriage has been arranged with?" Baby shook her head in confusion, looking at her. Gently, Xixue said, "Your brother." Still, Baby looked at Xixue without opening her mouth, unable to say anything. Slowly, Xixue said, "I don't know how Zhan will take this matter. I am afraid."
Slowly, Baby lifted her head and repeated her brother's name in her heart. How come? She looked at Xixue with difficulty and said, "The Attorney?" Xixue said, "He gave him up for Yibo... For some concrete reasons which I found out to be nothing but the truth. Yibo is the only one who is the guardian of Zhan and this boy's secret. But that doesn't mean Zhan will realize that. I don't know where to even begin telling him."
Baby let out a deep sigh. Her body went cold for a moment, and she said, "Aunty, don't tell her. He should just see for himself. They will sort themselves out over there." Xixue said, "I thought as much... That's what everyone keeps telling me." Baby hesitated, unsure which feeling to feel....happiness or sadness.
Xixue said, "Get up, go and finish getting ready. Time is passing, Zhan's things have already been taken to that house." Baby stood up, her body numb, and left. Returning to the room, she continued preparing a few things for Zhan as she had told him.
Roulan came into the room wearing a suit like the one Yang-Yang had worn that day with his shoe, plus a long coat over. The clothes suited him very well. Zhan had not seen him since dawn. He drew him close and looked at him gently. "Where have you been today?"
Roulan smiled and said, "Uncle Bozai took me since this morning. We just got back. Momy, earlier Mommy told me you weren't feeling well. What happened to you?" Zhan was silent and didn't say anything. Seeing how Roulan was looking at him, he hugged him gently and said, "Ah, I'm fine now."
Roulan said, "Momy, you look very beautiful." Zhan smiled, pinched his nose, and said, "You look very beautiful too. Who brought you these clothes?" He said, "Uncle. He wore his own matching ones. I asked him, 'Where is Rouxue's?' He said he put his aside." Zhan was silent, looking at him.
Roulan took his hand and said, "Momy, what are they celebrating today?" Baby, who was nearby, kept looking at them and then slowly looked away. Only then did she truly see the wisdom in what Attorney Yang-Yang had done. It was meant to meet and embrace their child.
Zhan bowed his head, remembering the insults Zizi had hurled at the boy the other day, calling him a bastard. Tears came to his eyes, but he didn't let Roulan see.
Baby's body went cold because she was watching Zhan closely. She turned and continued what she was doing. Roulan came to her and greeted her. She hugged him with a smile on her face and said, "You're back, boy." He nodded.
Soon, the cars to take Zhan arrived at the house. Yulan's mother and another friend of Xixue gave Zhan plenty of advice. He kept his head down, listening as tears fell. He did not get the chance to hear advice from his father. Xixue only managed to say one thing to him after Yulan's mother and the others had finished: "May God bless you." That made Zhan feel very happy.
Rahel helped him up, and they headed toward the door. Baby and one of her friends followed behind. There was nothing but tears; Zhan's entire body was cold. Everyone watched him with pity. Baby, her friends, Rahel's mother (who was Xixue's cousin sister), and Rahel herself got into one car with Zhan. The rest of the groom's entourage got into the other cars.
Baby's body did not stop feeling cold until she saw that they had arrived at her brother's house. Her heart was filled with pity for Zhan, and she kept praying that Heavens would not let the shock of seeing Yibo as his husband affect him too much.
The scent of incense rose from every angle of the house. The air conditioning was on; the living room was so chill. Meanwhile, Siya, their friends, and Mrs Wang's friend were in the house waiting for the groom. Mr. Yichen and the others took Zhan to a well-furnished bedroom. His face was still covered; he didn't even notice the colors of the house. Since they arrived, his heart had been sinking, and tears wouldn't stop. His whole body was cold.
They sat him on the edge of the bed. He grabbed Baby and said in a trembling voice, "Stay beside me, please. Don't leave me." Baby sat down gently beside him, holding his hand. Zhan held onto her tightly and lay down, his body cold.
Around 7 o'clock, everyone dispersed, including Siya. Mr Yichen and the others gave Zhan more advice on how to be a good husband before they also left. The house was reduced to him, Baby, and her friend.
Zhan did nothing but cry, afraid that any moment Zizi might walk into the house. Baby grew tired of comforting him and just watched him helplessly. She knew her brother would need a lot of convincing.
She smiled slightly, just as her phone started ringing. Her friend handed it to her. She saw that Yibo was calling. She looked at Zhan before answering and putting the phone to her ear, greeting him.
There was a brief silence before he said, "Come out so you can be dropped off at home now."
She said, "Okay."
As if Zhan had heard what was said to Baby, he looked at her fearfully and said, "Who called you?" Baby lowered her eyes and said, "Your husband. We are leaving now, Meilin. May God grant you more patient." Zhan burst into intense crying and said, "I'm in trouble. Why don't you stay the night? Please don't go. Give me the phone so I can talk to him."
Baby wanted to laugh but didn't. She said, "I'll come back in the morning, Meilin." Still crying, Zhan said, "Please i beg you stay the night." Baby said, "I swear I won't stay. You better be patient until I return tomorrow. And if you make me angry, I won't come tomorrow, even in the village they don't do this anymore. You're acting like a little girl..."
Her friend just laughed because Zhan was amusing her. Baby stood up, determined, and said, "Let's go. Listen to what she's saying, like a little girl. Even children don't do this anymore, let alone a grown person." With that, Baby managed to leave, with her following. Zhan did nothing but cry, staring at the door until they left and closed it.
Baby felt deep pity for him, but she knew if she hadn't done that, he might have followed them. Outside, she saw Yibo and Yang-Yang standing by Yang-Yang's car. It seemed they were waiting. Baby lowered her head and said, "How are you, brother?" He said, "Fine."
Her friend greeted Yang-Yang and then Yibo, wishing him well in his marriage. He only smiled and couldn't say anything. Yang-Yang said, "Alright, see you in the morning, Doctor." Yibo looked at him gently and said, "Won't you come in?" Yang-Yang opened his car door, smiling slightly, and said, "I'll come tomorrow."
Yibo couldn't say anything to him. He looked at Baby and said, "Get in, he will drop you both at home." She opened her eyes slightly. Yibo stepped closer to her, worried, and said, "Did he know..." Baby shook her head at him gently. He lowered his eyes.
Her friend opened the back seat and got in. After a few seconds, Yibo looked at Baby and said, "Don't keep him waiting. Get in the car and go. See you in the morning." Gently, Baby said, "Brother, I swear I'm embarrassed of him. Earlier this morning I yelled at him on the phone. I never knew his wife had plotted against him."
Yibo opened his eyes and looked at her. She apologized, looking at him. He said, "Apologize to him if you get in the car." She was silent. He nodded and said, "Yeah, do that." Gently she said, "Okay, see you in the morning, brother." Then she got into the front seat, seeing that her friend was in the back. Yibo watched her.
As she got into the car and closed the door, she couldn't look at Yang-Yang. After he started the car without looking at her, he said, "Good evening." Only then did she look at him, and he looked back at her. She smiled, full of shyness, and said, "How are you?" He said, "Fine." Gently, she said, "I am so sorry for what I did earlier this morning. Please forgive me."
He looked at her closely, then smiled and said, "So it was you who called me?" She widened her eyes, realizing that she had been the only one going mad....he didn't even know who had called him. He smiled again, touched his head, and started the car, saying, "I bet that when we got close, you would have yelled at me again." She lowered her head and didn't say anything.
As soon as Yibo entered the house, his heart start pounding. He turned off the living room light with difficulty and went upstairs. He stood for more than a minute before opening the bedroom door where Zhan was. Zhan was sitting at the far end of the bed, curled up with his knees to his chest, sobbing.
Yibo couldn't fully enter the room. Gently, he reached his hand to the switch on the wall and turned off the bedroom light. Zhan quickly lifted his head. Yibo closed the door gently. In a trembling voice, Zhan said, "Attorney, please turn the light on..."
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