Double Take (YiZhan FF) || Omegaverse AU

DT: Forty-Two

Xiao Zhan arrived at the airport precisely on time. As he approached the gate, he spotted LiYing, along with her parents, waiting for him. A broad smile lit up their faces upon seeing him.

"You came!" LiYing's father exclaimed, giving Xiao Zhan a hearty hug when he reached them.

Xiao Zhan chuckled sheepishly, returning the hug and patting his back awkwardly. As they released each other, he offered a warm but somewhat strained smile. "Of course, I wouldn't miss the chance to send her off," he replied genuinely, his gaze shifting to his dear friend.

"How sweet of you!" LiYing's mother commented, embracing Xiao Zhan in a tight hug. "I wish we could become a family sooner," she continued, her tone filled with affection. She then giggled before patting him gently on the back. "But I want my dear here to be worthy of your hand, son. She's going to become even more knowledgeable in the business!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Xiao Zhan smiled sheepishly, touched by their warm reception. Their kindness and welcoming attitude tugged at his heartstrings, but he knew that he would eventually disappoint them. He sighed inwardly, but he was determined not to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of the arranged marriage. For now, he would focus on resolving his own issues and come clean to everyone involved in the situation when the time was right.

Xiao Zhan then turned his attention to LiYing, who had been happily observing his interaction with her parents. He extended his hand for a handshake, which she accepted with gratitude. They shook hands firmly and exchanged warm smiles.

"Good luck over there," he encouraged, giving her a knowing smile that conveyed his confidence in her abilities.

She nodded, reciprocating his trust with her own assurance. "Thank you. I promise to do my best. And when I return, I'll be even better," she added with a playful wink.

"You better be!" he laughed, his tone playful. "I'll make sure to step up my game as well," he declared with a competitive smirk, turning their parting into a friendly challenge.

Their conversation was interrupted when the older Zhao's chimed in with amusement. "Why settle for a handshake?" her father chuckled.

"Yeah, don't be shy. We're all family here. Give him a hug, dear," her mother encouraged, laughing alongside her husband.

LiYing's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink at their suggestion. While she genuinely wanted the best for Xiao Zhan in his love life, her own lingering crush on him hadn't disappeared so easily. She averted her gaze, attempting to hide the blush that had crept onto her face.

Xiao Zhan joined in their laughter, unaware of the female alpha's embarrassment. He decided to go along with the teasing, pulling LiYing into a warm embrace.

The alpha was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise as she felt the unexpected warmth of Xiao Zhan's hug.

"It's just a friendly hug," Xiao Zhan murmured, his voice gentle, as he patted her back before releasing her.

LiYing found herself momentarily speechless by the unexpected gesture, her heart racing in her chest. Even after Xiao Zhan had released her, she remained in a state of pleasant confusion.

She finally snapped back to reality when the omega offered her best wishes. "Have a great time there," he said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat before stepping aside.

LiYing managed to smile fondly at him and nodded, her cheeks still slightly flushed. She then grabbed her suitcase and started making her way toward the gate, determined to embark on her journey with newfound confidence.

As she left, they all waved to her, their warm smiles painting a picture of support and encouragement.

.

The Zhao's kindly invited Xiao Zhan to join them for dinner, but he politely declined their offer. Although they seemed a bit disappointed, they respected his decision and told him that he should come over for dinner next time. Xiao Zhan agreed with a smile, not wanting to further disappoint the family who had been so welcoming and supportive.

As Xiao Zhan parted ways with the Zhao's, his phone suddenly chimed, jolting him out of his thoughts. His hands quickly found his phone in his pocket, and he anxiously opened a message that instantly made his stomach churn.

Xiao Zhan swallowed hard, his throat suddenly feeling dry as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. It had been a while since he had last been summoned home, and those visits had usually brought nothing but trouble. As he drove, a sinking feeling settled in his chest, and he couldn't help but anticipate the reasons behind this sudden summons.

He heaved a heavy sigh, trying to calm his nervous heart as he started the engine of his car. The drive back home took him about an hour, even though the distance was usually covered much faster. During the journey, he couldn't help but contemplate what awaited him upon his arrival, mentally preparing himself for whatever reception he might face from his family.

Upon arriving at the opulent mansion, Xiao Zhan was greeted by the maids who escorted him promptly to his father's office. He maintained a calm exterior, but underneath the facade, anxiety continued to build.

Before entering the room, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, silently hoping that his father wouldn't be scowling when he opened them. Unfortunately, luck didn't seem to be on his side that day. When he eventually opened his eyes, he was met with the sight of his father's deeply furrowed brow and clenched teeth, a clear sign of anger. Beside his father stood his wife, wearing a triumphant smirk and casting an ominous gaze in his direction.

"I must have raised you with poor hearing, I see," his father commented, his voice low and dripping with disappointment.

His wife, always quick to add fuel to the fire, reached for her husband's shoulder, her hands gliding over them as she spoke, "Oh dear, it's not your fault that he's a failure. You've been nothing but the best, and he's just ungrateful for everything you've done for him, rebelling against your wishes," she emphasized the word 'ungrateful' to further incite his anger.

The older Xiao clicked his tongue, a vein throbbing on his forehead as frustration coursed through him.

Xiao Zhan, his head lowered, remained silent. He knew better than to engage in an argument with his parents; it was a battle he couldn't win.

Suddenly, he heard heavy footsteps approaching, growing louder and closer with each passing second. He kept his head lowered, bracing for what he knew was coming. As the footsteps neared, memories of his boyfriends' faces flashed before his eyes, momentarily lightening his heavy heart. But before he could react, a searing pain exploded across his left cheek, his father's slap landing with a loud crack. Everything seemed to go silent as Xiao Zhan clutched his now swollen cheek in shock.

"I told you to convince her to stay! Look what you've done! The business is delayed indefinitely because of your incompetence!" his father screamed, his voice trembling with anger as he raised his hand again, as if to strike once more.

"You're a disgrace! A complete idiot!" he shouted before storming back to his swivel chair.

"Take it easy, honey. You'll stress yourself over someone like him," his wife cooed, her tone dripping with mockery as she sensually massaged her husband's shoulders.

"I don't want to lay my eyes on his pathetic face, or I might do something I'll regret," his father grumbled, surrendering to his wife's touch.

She smirked, rolling her eyes at Xiao Zhan, and said, "You heard your father. Get lost!" Her laughter was sinister and cruel as she shooed him away.

Xiao Zhan didn't utter a word; he knew it was futile. Despite the stinging pain in his cheek, he bowed and left his father's office without a fight.

Once outside, tears welled up in his eyes. He bit the inside of his mouth to keep from crying as he made his way to his car. Clutching the steering wheel, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He might need to get his cheek checked at a hospital, but the emotional scars ran deeper than any physical pain.

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A/N: I somehow feel Xiao Zhan's pain. Why am I like this? lmao. ANyway, I hope you liked the update. see you again on my next update! Love lots <3