"Are you all right?"
Zhan lifted his eyes to the person speaking. A strikingly handsome man was looking down at him with evident concern.
"You appeared to have fainted for a brief moment," the man said, maintaining his hold on Zhan. "I-I am alright, th-thank you," Zhan responded, his eyes lingering on the tall and attractive figure before him. He could not recall having been introduced to this guy earlier. Perhaps this one came late to the party.
"Anytime. Do you want to get out—" the man was unable to finish his sentence as Yibo's hand firmly gripped his shoulder, indicating his arrival.
"Thank you, Darren," Yibo said, taking Zhan from Darren's hold. He wrapped his arms around Zhan in a possessive manner. "I'll take care of my fiancé."
Not wanting to create a scene, Zhan refrained from objecting to Yibo's hold on him despite his irritation.
"Congratulations, man," Darren Wang said, a broad smile revealing deep dimples on both sides of his face. He reached out to Yibo for a handshake, and following a firm exchange, he turned to Zhan, reaching for his hand and bringing it to his lips in a courteous manner.
"Where have you been all my life? How could fate be so unfair?" Darren said in dramatic humor. His eyes were sparkling as he stared at Zhan with obvious admiration.
Zhan was speechless. Darren's lips were warm on his skin. And he hasn't yet recovered from the shock of Yibo's announcement. Zhan smiled appreciatively at Darren, but his expression dimmed when he turned to face Yibo.
"Get me out of here," Zhan whispered in a hostile tone. He was aware that many people were eager to offer their congratulations. He was thankful to Darren for guiding him to a secluded spot when his vision dimmed for a few seconds.
Yibo gently tapped his friend on the shoulder and said, "The responsibility to explain falls on you, my friend. We will be stepping out for a while."
"No problem," Darren said, still smiling, and then added, "I can't believe you've got all the luck, man. Don't let this one go or else..." he left the statement hanging with a playful threat.
"Find your own, Darren. I don't share what's mine," Yibo answered playfully, but there was a notable intensity beneath his words.
"Shut up, you two!" Zhana couldn't help but snort. "You are talking as if I'm not here... it's like you're not talking about me. And I am not yours!" His stare was piercing as it focused on Yibo.
"Whew!" Darren raised his hands in the air. He looked at Yibo and said, "You have quite a challenge on your hands, man. I'll take care of our friends," He then smiled gently at Zhan before walking away.
Zhan abruptly turned, making his way to the garden. However, Yibo caught his arm and pulled him into the guest room.
"Let go of me, what the hell!" Zhan exclaimed, trying to leave, but Yibo promptly closed the door.
"Calm down, please?"
"No!" he snorted. "You expect me to calm down after what you did? You have no right to announce that absurd engagement!"
Yibo showed no signs of being affected by his anger, leaning against the door with ease. "Would you prefer that I announce my engagement to your cousin?"
"Yes! No!" Zhan groaned in irritation. Yibo smiled faintly at the anger and confusion in Zhan's face, he was strikingly beautiful, even in his fury.
"See?"
"See what? I don't see anything good in what you did!" Zhan said. "How can I explain what you did to everyone? To your parents? To my parents?"
"I have no problem with my parents, sweetheart—"
