Dr Yunxi walked straight into Dr Lee office, his steps quick and purposeful. When he entered, he found Dr. Lee already at work. Noticing Yunxi, he paused and said,
"He's getting better, isn't he, Doctor?"
Yunxi didn't answer. He moved closer, placed both hands firmly on the desk, and looked at him—calm, but intense, without any politeness or pretense.
"Dr. Yibo… where is his house?" he asked.
Dr. Lee frowned slightly.
"Yibo? Isn't he still around the office?"
"He's not," Yunxi replied flatly.
A hint of concern crossed Dr. Lee's face.
"I hope nothing's wrong?"
"Nothing," Yunxi said shortly. "Just tell me where he lives."
Dr. Lee sighed.
"To be honest, he's not someone who socializes much. I don't know where he lives."
Without another word, Yunxi turned and walked out. He headed straight to the parking lot, got into his car, and drove off toward Panzi's house.
At the same time, Xixue had been doing everything she could to calm Zhan, even though she herself was exhausted and overwhelmed. Eventually, realizing there was no point staying at the hospital any longer, she stepped out to settle the bills. Only Zhan's expenses had been covered—Rouxue's had not, just as Yibo had arranged.
With no car, they left the hospital on foot. When they reached the roadside, Xixue stopped a passing taxi, and together they returned home.
:
:
Panzi shook his head as he looked at Yunxi.
"I have nothing to do with this," he said. "Just like I refused to give him your address before...I still won't give you his. Honestly, how would I? Whatever happened between you people back then… that's your matter settle."
Yunxi gave him a long look, then stood up without another word. He left the house, got into his car, and drove off.
While driving, he pulled out his phone and started calling Zhan.
Again.
And again.
And again.
No answer.
Back at home, Zhan sat alone in his room, crying until his chest hurt and his body felt weak. Xixue and the nanny stayed in the living room, restless and anxious, not knowing where to begin searching for the children.
When the phone rang once more, Zhan finally picked it up with trembling hands and pressed it to his ear.
The moment Yunxi heard his breathing, his expression tightened.
"Please… calm down, Zhan," he said gently. "Your children will come back to you. He has no right to take them. We'll get them back."
Zhan didn't speak. He only wiped the tears streaming down his face.
Yunxi continued,
"Do you know where he lives?"
There was silence for a moment. Then Zhan shook his head slightly.
"I… I forgot," he said in a weak voice.
Yunxi paused.
"But if you see it… you'll recognize the house, right?"
Zhan hesitated, thinking carefully. After a moment, he answered,
"I think… I will."
"Good," Yunxi said. "Are you still at the clinic?"
"No… we came home."
"Alright," he said firmly. "I'm coming over now. But promise me something...you won't cry again. Please."
Zhan took a shaky breath.
"…Okay. I won't."
"Good. I'm on my way."
The call ended.
For the first time since everything happened, Zhan felt his racing heart slow down—just a little—and a fragile sense of calm settled over him.
***
Yibo had locked himself in his room and hadn't come out since. Mrs. Wang, weighed down by Lihua's relentless words, felt a pounding headache building in her temples. For the first time since Lihua entered the room, she lifted her gaze to look at her.
Aside from staring like a restless child, she did nothing meaningful...just sat there, watching the two boys on the bed.
Rouxue and Roulan stared back at everyone with quiet fear. Baby stood nearby, uneasy, while Lihua clicked her tongue in irritation after ranting so many curse words.
Mrs. Wang finally raised her hand and stopped her firmly.
"Lihua, please step outside. I need some peace—you're giving me a headache. Even a blind man would know whose children these are just by touching them. There's no need for any DNA test."
Lihua's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Jie, are you really asking me to leave because of these rumors? That those children belong to Yibo? Me?"
"Yes," she said calmly. "Please go outside."
A tight smile formed on Lihua's lips. "Fine. I'll leave."
She turned and walked out, stiff with pride.
Silence settled in the room.
Mrs. Wang turned her attention back to the boys, her heart softening instantly. There was something about them....something painfully familiar.
Gently, she moved closer and sat beside them.
"What would you like to eat?" she asked softly.
Neither boy answered. Roulan only shook his head faintly.
She smiled faintly, trying to ease their fear. "Should I make noodles and eggs for you?"
Rouxue turned away and lay down without a word. As she touched his forehead, her expression changed immediately...his body was burning.
She looked up at Baby. "He's very hot…"
Baby hurried over, placing her hand on his forehead too. Her face tightened.
"Mum… should I call big brother?"
"Call him," Mrs. Wang said quickly.
Baby ran out.
Moments later, she returned with Yibo. He walked in quietly, his eyes immediately locking onto Rouxue. Without hesitation, he moved to the bed, sat down, and lifted the boy gently.
"Are you feeling pain anywhere?" he asked softly.
Rouxue pointed weakly to his head, his lips trembling.
"I want to go to my Mom… please…"
Yibo closed his eyes briefly, steadying himself, then opened them.
"Alright," he said quietly. "I'll take you there."
Mrs. Wang watched him closely. "Where is Zhan?"
Yibo didn't answer directly. Instead, he rubbed his forehead and said in a low voice,
"After he handed them over… he left."
Mrs. Wang frowned. "You're lying…"
He glanced at her, then looked away.
"Mum… he didn't know I brought them. If he had known… he wouldn't have let me take them."
Her expression hardened with concern.
"Why would you do that, Yibo? Why separate children from their mother?"
He said nothing.
A cold unease spread through her.
"Yibo… tell me everything. Don't hide anything from me. What really happened?"
For a moment, he simply stared at her...unblinking. Then slowly, he sat down on the edge of the bed, his hands gripping his head as if the memories were too heavy to hold.
Mrs. Wang turned to Baby.
"Take them. Cook something for them. Let this one rest in your room."
Baby nodded quickly and helped Rouxue and Roulan off the bed, guiding them away.
When they were gone, the room fell into a heavy silence.
"I'm listening, Yibo," Mrs. Wang said quietly.
He exhaled slowly, then began.
"Mum… that day, I woke up completely normal…"
His voice was low, strained. He told her everything...every detail...holding nothing back. Even how, two days later, he gave Zhan money and told him to go home.
Mrs. Wang's eyes filled with tears as she listened. Yibo couldn't lift his head; his own tears fell freely.
"I was confused," he said hoarsely. "I never thought I could do something like that to him. After he left… I lost my peace. I haven't known peace since. I didn't tell you because I didn't know how you'd react. That's why I kept asking you to pray for me… because every time I close my eyes, I see him."
His voice broke slightly.
"I know I wronged him… He had no one. I didn't even know where to find him. If I had, nothing would've stopped me from searching. Do you remember when I asked if you had his mother's sisters number? You said no…"
He swallowed hard.
"I don't expect him to forgive me. I don't even think I deserve it. But what I don't understand… is how Aunt Lihua knew everything that happened? after all she left the house with Siya, shao and baby that day, it was only me and Zhan in the house."
Mrs. Wang looked at him, confused.
Yibo continued, his tone darker now.
"Yesterday… I overheard her on the phone."
He told her everything he had heard....every word.
"We should pretend we don't know," he added quietly. "She was shocked when he saw me, but I acted like I heard nothing. That made her relax. But whatever she's hiding… it will come out. I'll have people look into it."
Mrs. Wang stared at him, stunned. The weight of his words left her speechless.
"And Mum…" he said after a moment, his voice softer, almost pleading, "if you could talk to Zhan… maybe he might forgive me. He won't listen to me."
He hesitated, then added firmly,
"And please… don't stop me from marrying him. That's the only way I can take responsibility. I can't undo what I did… but I can stand by him now."
Mrs. Wang sighed deeply, her thoughts tangled.
"What if he doesn't want to marry you?"
Yibo paused, then answered quietly,
"Then he can leave… and I'll raise the children myself. But if he agrees… we'll build a life together. At least they'll grow up where they're loved."
She didn't reply.
Her thoughts drifted...back to Lihua.
Just then, the door opened.
Lihua walked in, her eyes swollen from anger and frustration. Shee looked directly at Mrs. Wang.
"I want to know what's happening with Shao marriage in this house," she said sharply. "I've already packed my things. If she should packs her's too, then fine..."
Yibo finally looked at her.
"A marriage doesn't end without a proper separation," he said calmly.
Lihua shot him a sharp glare and stormed out.
She went straight to Baby's room, pushing the door open. The boys lay quietly on the bed, but the moment they saw her, fear flashed across their faces.
Lihua stared at them coldly… then turned and walked away.
Downstairs, Baby stood in the kitchen, peeling eggs and stirring noodles on the stove. Lihua entered, took a cup, and poured hot water from a flask. Baby watched her carefully.
Then, casually, she opened the cabinet and began preparing tea.
"Baby," she said lightly, "that necklace I gave you on the day of Shao's ceremony… where is it?"
"In my bag upstairs," she replied.
"Go and bring it."
She hesitated. "Now?"
Lihua shot her a sharp look.
Without another word, she turned off the stove slightly and hurried upstairs.
But halfway there, something made her stop.
Her heart pounded.
Slowly, she turned back… and crept toward the kitchen wall, peeking inside.
Lihua wasn't there.
She was about to leave when suddenly
Lihua rushed back in from outside through the kitchen back door.
Baby breath caught.
She watched, frozen, as Lihua opened a bottle… and poured something into the pot of noodles.
Baby's eyes widened in horror.
Her legs nearly gave out beneath her.
Tears filled her eyes instantly.
Without a sound, she turned and ran.
Bursting into Mrs. Wang's room, she broke down in tears.
Yibo stood up immediately, alarmed.
"What happened?"
Baby dropped to her knees in the room, crying uncontrollably.
"Mum… it was Aunt Lihua. I saw her pour something… something like insect poison into the noodles I was cooking for the children."
Yibo's eyes widened in shock.
"Insect poison?!"
He moved quickly toward the door, but his mom rushed forward and stopped him. He turned to her, tense and shaken.
She looked at Baby, her voice low but urgent.
"Did she see you?"
Baby shook her head, tears streaming down her face.
Mrs. Wang swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay calm.
"Go and bring the children here. Don't say a word to her."
Yibo stood frozen, his heart pounding violently in his chest. His mother wiped her tears and looked at him firmly.
"Don't confront her. Not yet. We act like we know nothing… do you understand me, Yibo?"
He didn't respond—just stared at her, struggling to contain his anger.
Moments later, Baby returned with Rouxue and Roulan. Mrs Wang guided them gently onto the bed, her expression softening as she looked at them.
Then she turned to Baby again.
"Go throw the noodles away. Everything. And don't say anything to her."
Baby nodded, still crying, and left the room.
It felt unreal—like something out of a nightmare. If Baby hadn't gone back… will Lihua allow Baby to served that food to the children without hesitation? What kind of person does that?
Yibo couldn't speak. His throat felt tight. His mother kept wiping her tears, but they wouldn't stop falling. Her mind was in turmoil....how had things come to this? How had someone she trusted brought such danger into her home?
Downstairs, Lihua sat in the living room, sipping tea as if nothing had happened.
Baby walked into the kitchen without looking at her. Lihua watched her from the corner of her eye.
Quietly, Baby picked up the pot and the bowls, emptied everything into the trash, and rinsed the pot thoroughly before setting it back in place. Then she turned and walked out.
Lihua's voice followed her sharply.
"What happened? Did it burn? Did you leave it on the stove too long?"
Without turning back, Baby replied,
"They said they didn't want it. So I threw it away."
Then she walked upstairs.
Lihua stood there, stunned. Her face fell instantly. She rushed into the kitchen and saw the clean pot. Then she stepped outside and glanced toward the back...she spotted the discarded noodles.
His heart began to pound.
Had Baby seen her?
Cold fear spread through her as she returned inside. She prayed silently that Baby hadn't witnessed anything… that she hadn't told her sister.
Moments later, Mrs. Wang came downstairs, carrying two bottles of water. Without looking at Lihua, she heated the water and went back upstairs with a cups.
Lihua watched her carefully.
So… Baby must have told her.
She quickly stepped outside, phone in hand, and moved to the back of the house to make a call.
Upstairs, Mrs. Wang prepared tea for the boys and handed it to them gently. Yibo sat nearby, watching the children...his chest heavy with emotion.
Baby stood quietly by the wall, still shaken.
✴✴✴
Zhan sat in Yunxi's car, silent and drained. His eyes were swollen from crying, his body weak from exhaustion.
Yunxi glanced at him as he drove.
"You promised you wouldn't cry again."
Zhan looked at him quickly, his voice soft.
"I didn't… I kept my promise."
Yunxi nodded gently.
"Good."
After a pause, he asked,
"Do you know where Yibo lives?"
Zhan nodded faintly.
"GRA."
Yunxi exhaled.
"There are two...old or new?"
Zhan spread his hands helplessly.
Just then, Yunxi's phone rang. He pulled over and answered. After a brief exchange, his tone turned serious.
"Salman, I need a solid lawyer. Someone reliable. It's urgent… and I'd rather not involve my family."
Zhan watched him quietly.
After ending the call, Yunxi turned to him, his voice calm but firm.
"We'll handle this properly. Not emotionally...legally. If we rush, he might disappear with the children."
Zhan said nothing.
Yunxi continued,
"There are two clear issues: what he did to you… and him suddenly claiming the children. We'll deal with both."
After a moment, Zhan nodded softly.
"Okay… thank you."
Yunxi smiled faintly and tapped his phone as a message came in. He quickly dialed the number he received.
"Good afternoon, Barrister," he said smoothly.
"This is Dr. Luo. I'd like to engage you for a case—urgent, if possible."
After a brief discussion, they agreed to meet at a nearby eatery.
Yunxi ended the call and looked at Zhan.
"We're meeting him now."
Zhan nodded again, lost in thought.
As they drove, his mind drifted back to his twins. It felt like they had been taken from him for years, not hours. The absence hit him harder than anything else ever had.
And with it came a growing anger...deep, consuming...toward Yibo.
At the eatery…
Yunxi parked and turned to Zhan, noticing the tears forming again.
"Thinking about them?"
Zhan's eyes filled instantly.
Yunxi shook his head slightly.
"You broke your promise."
Zhan wiped his tears quickly and forced a faint smile.
"Sorry…"
Yunxi smiled back and handed him a handkerchief. Zhan took it, quietly wiping his face. The faint scent calmed him a little.
Without asking for it back, Yunxi stepped out of the car. Zhan followed.
Together, they walked into the eatery—side by side.
💚💙❤🖤