"Really?" Ziyi is on the other line in an excited voice. her voice bubbling with excitement. "Oh, Zhan, I can't tell you how relieved I am! Mama mentioned that Lan Wang Yibo will be at the airport to meet me, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it..."
"Oh, well, Don't worry, I'll be right there with you when you meet him," Zhan encouraged. "But Grandpa's lawyer is supposed to pick me up at the airport, as Dad told me."
"Whatever," Ziyi exclaimed, sounding like a little kid. "The best part is that we have plenty of time together on the plane. Plus, it really comforts me to know that you're in China as well."
💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️
It was the night before the cousins were set to return home to China when Zhan received an unexpected visitor. "Zhoucheng? Please, come in!" Zhan exclaimed, surprised to see him. "Make yourself comfortable," he added, gesturing towards the wicker chair on the balcony.
"Thank you, Zhan," said Zhouceng smiling.
"What brought you here? Do you need something from me?" Zhan asked straightforwardly as he took a seat in the chair across from him.
Zhoucheng smiled for a moment before speaking. "I-I can't just let her go that easily, Zhan." He was talking about Ziyi, his girlfriend. "I'm coming with you..."
"What!" Zhan exclaimed, sitting up straight.
"She told me you are going, too. Though for another reason. And I want to go back to China with you."
Zhan sighed heavily. "Oh, Zhoucheng. As much as I wish Ziyi wouldn't marry Lan Yibo, there's really nothing I can do since Ziyi never listens to my advice.
I'll catch the next flight. My dad owns a house in the City, and my aunt is looking after it. I'll stay there while I figure out how to convince Ziyi to run away with me.
"I doubt that." Zhan said.
"Considering that China is many miles away from the US, maybe Ziyi's mother won't have the power to manipulate things from such a distance."
"Oh, dear..."
"Please, Zhan," Zhoucheng begged. "I know Ziyi loves me and I love her just as much. You've already helped us find a way to be together, please help us completely. I can't figure out why she won't defy them..."
Zhan took a moment to breathe. He wanted to share that his Aunt Linran had physically punished her daughter several times whenever she was unhappy with Ziyi's behavior. On top of that, she frequently used emotional manipulation, implying that if Ziyi's father would just think things through, their lives would be much easier. She wishes she wouldn't have to do a double job as a nurse in a hospital and a nanny for the remaining few hours from day to night.
"Does Ziyi have any idea about this?" asked Zhan.
"I told her first. She completely freaked out, insisting that her mom would be furious if she found out I was following her. But honestly, I just couldn't let her go that easily. I love her so much, Zhan. I can provide for her. I can take care of her. I have a steady job at the bank..."
Zhan nodded in agreement. He first met Zhoucheng when he opened a savings account at the bank where Zhoucheng was employed. Zhan was taken aback when Zhoucheng reached out to him over the phone. Following that, Zhoucheng came to visit, and Zhan found himself quite fond of him as a friend. Zhoucheng had such a charming and lovable personality. Things took a turn when Zhoucheng began to express his feelings for Zhan.
Not wanting to lose a friend, Zhan carefully avoided saying he didn't want anything from Zhoucheng and he only wanted friendship. He cleverly introduced Zhoucheng to Ziyi. He set up gatherings for the three of them but conveniently found excuses to bail at the last moment, leaving Zhoucheng and Ziyi to spend time together and grow closer.
He was right all along. His cousin and Zhoucheng are now a couple. Things were going wonderfully for them until Lan Quiren encountered Uncle Lujin again. Then her social climber and ambitious Aunt would not manipulate everything.
He paused to take another deep breath. "All right let's head to China together. But first, we need to discuss all the plans, Zhoucheng. Please share your address and phone number in Beijing, and I'll get in touch with you as soon as I finish my business there."
Zhoucheng's face brightened, he immediately broke into a smile and filled with hope.
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