Fated Bonds

Chapter 4: "Crossing Paths"

The days dragged on for Xiao Zhan as he navigated the storm of emotions swirling within him. Classes continued, but his mind was often elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of the impending marriage to Wang Yibo. His friends noticed the change in him, the way his laughter had faded, replaced by a pensive silence. Despite Yubin’s reassurance, Zhan couldn’t shake the anxiety that gripped him.

As the week passed, Zhan’s parents made arrangements to introduce him to Yibo. They insisted on a casual dinner at their home—a way for the two families to meet before the wedding plans solidified. Zhan dreaded the thought of it but knew he had little choice. If this was the path laid out for him, he would have to walk it, even if it felt like stepping into a fire.

On the night of the dinner, Zhan paced in his room, anxiety coiling tighter with each passing minute. He stared at himself in the mirror, adjusting his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. “You can do this,” he whispered to his reflection. “It’s just dinner.”

But it was so much more than just dinner. It was a pivotal moment that would set the course for his future.

His parents called him down, their voices echoing through the house. Zhan took a deep breath and made his way to the dining room, where the table was elegantly set. His mother had gone all out—fine china, candles flickering softly, and a sumptuous meal that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. It felt more like a celebration than a simple introduction.

As he entered, he spotted Wang Yibo seated at the table, a picture of composure. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his dark hair neatly styled, and a faint expression of indifference on his face. Zhan’s heart raced. This was the man he was supposed to marry—yet he looked so untouchable, so remote.

“Zhan, there you are!” His mother beamed, pulling him into the room. “Yibo, this is our son, Xiao Zhan.”

Yibo’s dark eyes flicked toward him, and for a brief moment, Zhan felt as though he were under a spotlight. “Nice to meet you,” Yibo said, his voice steady and cool. He extended a hand, and Zhan shook it, surprised by the firmness of Yibo’s grip.

“Nice to meet you too,” Zhan managed to reply, his voice barely above a whisper.

The dinner began with small talk, Zhan’s parents guiding the conversation. They discussed the weather, college life, and business ventures, attempting to create a comfortable atmosphere. But as the minutes ticked by, Zhan felt the tension in the air. Yibo was polite but distant, answering questions with curt responses. It was as if a wall had been built between them, one that Zhan couldn’t see a way to break down.

“Yibo, I heard you’re quite the student,” Zhan’s father, Xiao Huang, remarked, trying to draw Yibo out of his shell. “What are you studying?”

“Business,” Yibo replied, his tone flat. “I’m already involved in the family company.”

“Impressive,” Zhan’s mother chimed in. “You’re following in your father’s footsteps, I see.”

“Family tradition,” Yibo stated, his eyes drifting to the window, where the moonlight illuminated the garden outside.

Zhan shifted in his seat, feeling an ache of disappointment. He had hoped for at least some connection, some spark that would make this situation feel more bearable. But Yibo’s demeanor felt impenetrable, like an ice fortress.

After a few more awkward exchanges, Zhan decided to speak up. “So, Yibo, what do you like to do in your free time?” he asked, forcing a smile.

Yibo turned his gaze back to Zhan, assessing him for a moment. “I don’t have much free time,” he said simply. “But when I do, I prefer to stay at home.”

Zhan’s heart sank. “Oh, really? What do you do at home?”

“Read,” Yibo replied, and Zhan noticed the slight twitch of his lips—a hint of a smile that quickly faded. “And work out.”

“Sounds… nice,” Zhan said, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

“Oh, I love fiction! There are so many amazing stories out there.” He paused, hoping for a flicker of interest from Yibo. “What if we read a book together sometime?”

Yibo’s expression remained neutral, but Zhan caught a flicker of annoyance before he masked it. “I don’t have time for that,” he replied, his tone clipped.

Zhan felt the heat rise to his cheeks, embarrassment flooding over him. He had tried, hadn’t he? He glanced at his parents, who were exchanging worried glances. This wasn’t going well, and he could feel the tension crackling in the air. The dinner felt more like an interrogation than a friendly introduction.

After the main course, Zhan excused himself to the kitchen, needing a moment to breathe. As he rinsed his hands in the sink, he caught his reflection in the polished metal. **What was he doing?** This was supposed to be a meeting to set the foundation for their future, and instead, it felt like they were already falling apart.

“You okay?” came Yubin’s voice from behind him. Zhan turned to see his friend standing in the kitchen doorway, concern written all over his face.

“I don’t know,” Zhan admitted, his voice wavering. “This is so awkward. Yibo barely talks, and when he does, it feels like he’s uninterested in everything.”

Yubin stepped closer, his expression softening. “Maybe he’s just nervous. It’s a lot for both of you. It might take time for him to open up.”

“Time,” Zhan echoed bitterly. “But what if there’s nothing to open up to? What if this is all just a formality?”

“Then you’ll find a way to make it work,” Yubin replied confidently. “You’re strong, Zhan. You’ve dealt with so much already. You can handle this.”

Zhan managed a small smile, appreciating Yubin’s unwavering support. “Thanks, Yubin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Just then, Zhan’s parents entered the kitchen, bringing with them an air of urgency. “Zhan, come back to the table,” his mother said, her voice tinged with tension. “We need to discuss some things.”

Zhan nodded, his heart racing. He followed them back to the dining room, where Yibo sat alone, his gaze directed out the window. The moment felt heavy, charged with unspoken words and emotions.

As Zhan took his seat, he stole a glance at Yibo. “So, what do you think of the dinner?” he asked, trying once more to bridge the gap.

Yibo turned to him, and for a brief moment, Zhan thought he saw something soften in his expression. “It’s fine,” he replied, his voice low. “Your parents are… hospitable.”

Zhan opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Xiao Huang spoke up. “Now that we’re all together, we should discuss the wedding plans.”

Zhan felt his heart drop at the mention of the wedding. It was happening. This was real, and there was no turning back now.