Until Next Time - Yizhan

Chapter Five

BOLD ITALIC illustrates Yibo's subconscious mind, where he engages in conversations with his late grandfather, Lan Xie Yun. 

Zhan turned to his cousin while they strolled along the tarmac toward the airport's arrival area and asked, "How do you recognize the one who's coming to pick you up?"

"I think the man will be holding a sign with my name on it," answered Ziyi looking at the pavement. She was anxious about meeting the man her parents had chosen for her. "That's what Mama told me, but honestly, I really hope he doesn't show up."

You're really lucky if he didn't come! Speaking of which, I haven't noticed anyone else around... Oh, is that the person meant to pick you up? Zhan indicated a man inside the tarmac, holding a sign with his cousin's name.

"Y-yes, I think so... but why is he waiting inside the tarmac?"

"Come and let's meet your soon-to-be fiancé," He pulled his cousin's hand towards the man holding the placard. "Your future fiancé must really be something to meet you right inside the tarmac."

With just a nod, Ziyi replied, a sign of her resignation. She led her cousin over to the man who stood by the car.

"Good morning," said the man as he approached, Zhan was sure was the driver. "I am Mr. Lan Yibo's driver."

"I-I'm Ziyi," Ziyi weakly introduced herself in accented Mandarin. "He is my cousin Zhan."

Zhan's voice carried a hint of disappointment as he asked, "Are you the only one going to pick her up? I was expecting Mr. Lan Wang Yibo to be here too."

"He's with me," the driver said. "However, he's inside the building right now. He was speaking to someone a little while ago and told me to wait here for Ms. Ziyi."

With a casual shrug, Zhan glanced at his cousin. "So, is this the moment we say our good-byes? Looks like I won't meet your fiancé after all. Come on, get in the car..."

"W-what about my luggage?" Ziyi asked anxiously and clearly reluctant to be separated from her cousin.

"Don't worry Ms. Ziyi I'll handle it for you. Please hop in the car and I'll bring the car to the front parking lot. Just wait for me inside while I grab your luggage. Sir Yibo will be joining us shortly." The driver smiled and said as he opened the back seat door for her.

"'B-bye, Zhan," said Ziyi in a trembling voice. "How can I see you again?"

"You remember Grandpa San's old house, right? If you ever need me, that's where I'll be. Just ask your fiancé to take you there, alright?"

Ziyi nodded, feeling a wave of emotion as she fought back tears. From that moment forward, she would face the journey alone to meet the man she would suppose to be a fiancé.

Zhan waved at Ziyi as he spotted his cousin getting into the car, then he carried on walking towards the arrival area. He let out a sigh, feeling grateful that his parents aren't like Linran and Lujin. While Lujin is genuinely kind, he lacks common sense and is unable to protect his child from his wife's manipulative ways.

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Zhan had already left the baggage claim and exited the arrival terminal. Stepping outside, he eagerly looked around for his grandpa's lawyer. While he was pushing the cart, he looked around. He made a swift turn and inadvertently hit a man exiting the airport's private office with his cart.

If the guy hadn't been able to keep his balance, Zhan likely would have knocked him over, and Zhan guessed the man was in a rush to leave. And it must have been painful when the cart hit him.

"I-I'm s-so—" Zhan couldn't complete his sentence when the man sneezed loudly, startling him. "Pay attention! Watch where you're going! You might run into someone and cause an accident!" It was quite painful when the front of the cart slammed into its leg.

"You just appeared out of nowhere!" Zhan snapped back, his intended apology caught in his throat due to the man's aggressive demeanor. "I'm the one who's been hurt, and you're still pointing fingers at me?" the man snarled.

Zhan opened his mouth to say something in retaliation. But whatever he was going to say couldn't come out of his mouth. He found himself staring at the most handsome man and he was mesmerized by the most attractive man he had ever laid eyes on. The fury on the man's face somehow only enhanced his undeniable charm.

"Come on, just move!" the man kept sneezing. He shook his head and turned his back on Zhan. "This world is packed with morons..." he muttered as he walked away.

"What!" Zhan exclaimed, regaining his composure. But the man had already made his way toward the parking area next to the building.

"So rude!" he yelled, unsure if the man even heard him.

Zhan pushed his cart forward, feeling a surge of irritation towards the man. He had just met what he considered the most attractive and stunning man in the world... and also the rudest!

His eyes narrowed in annoyance. What was it about seeing a good-looking guy that caught him off guard? But he wasn't just an ordinary handsome man, Zhan's other mind protested. There was something about that guy that he couldn't explain.

He brought the cart to a halt at the edge of the sidewalk and scanned the area. It wasn't long before he spotted a middle-aged man waving a small sign with his name on it. "Over here, Attorney!" he called out to the older man.