The Price Of Ambition (Yizhan)

Chapter 20

The expansion plans were progressing, and Wang Yibo's focus was increasingly consumed by international negotiations and logistical details. Meanwhile, Xiao Zhan was feeling the strain of managing his art studio, parenting, and supporting Yibo through the intense process.

As Yibo's business demands grew, so did the time he spent away from home. His frequent trips abroad meant that Xiao Zhan had to take on more responsibilities, and the weight of managing their household and caring for Shean and Jian was beginning to wear him down.

One evening, after Yibo returned from another grueling trip, he found Zhan waiting for him in their bedroom, visibly exhausted.

"Yibo-ge, we need to talk," Zhan said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I understand how important this expansion is, but it's been really hard for me to handle everything alone."

Yibo, tired from his travels, nodded, taking in the gravity of Zhan's words. "I didn't realize how much this was affecting you. I'm sorry. I thought I was balancing it all, but I see now that I haven't been fair to you."

Zhan sighed, feeling a mix of relief and weariness. "I know you're doing this for us, but it's tough. I miss you, and I need your help here at home. We need to find a way to make this work without putting so much strain on our family."

Xiao Zhan felt the strain of Yibo's frequent absences. Despite their efforts to balance work and family life, Yibo's burgeoning international business had led him to travel extensively.

Zhan's insecurities grew as he saw less of his husband and heard more about Yibo's time spent with Jonathan, a new business partner who was both handsome and charismatic.

During one of Yibo's trips abroad, Zhan saw a social media post featuring Yibo with Jonathan in a city far from Beijing. The image showed Yibo and Jonathan in close proximity, their interaction appearing both professional and intimate. The sight triggered Zhan's jealousy and possessiveness, emotions he had been struggling to keep in check.

Determined to address his concerns directly, Zhan decided to surprise Yibo. He booked a flight to the city where Yibo was staying, intending to see him and clarify his feelings. He felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as he planned the visit, hoping it would help resolve his growing anxieties.

Zhan arrived at Yibo's hotel unexpectedly, catching him off guard. After checking into a nearby room, Zhan made his way to Yibo's suite, clutching a bouquet of flowers. When he knocked on the door, Yibo opened it, his expression shifting from confusion to delight.

"Zhan! What are you doing here?" Yibo exclaimed, pulling him into a warm embrace. "It's been so long. I didn't expect to see you."

"I missed you," Zhan said softly, trying to mask the undercurrent of frustration in his voice. "It's been two months since you've been back, and I wanted to see you. I'm here for two days."

Yibo was thrilled to see Zhan, but he couldn't help noticing a hint of tension in his husband's demeanor. He led Zhan into the suite, eager to catch up. "Let's talk. I didn't realize how much I've missed you."

As they settled in, Jonathan too joined them, Zhan observed Yibo's interactions with Jonathan.The way Yibo and Jonathan laughed together and exchanged glances made Zhan's jealousy flare up again.

"Mr. Jonathan, I didn't expect to see you here," Zhan said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide his discomfort.

Jonathan smiled politely. "It's good to see you, Mr. Xiao. Yibo has been telling me all about you."

Later that evening, as they were having dinner, Zhan decided to confront Yibo about his feelings. "Yibo, can we talk? I've been feeling a bit left out with all your travels and the people you're meeting."