The Substitute Bride - Yizhan

Prologue 💐

Looking around, Zhan expressed his irritation, "Aunt Yang Mi, these taxis are quite annoying. Why is it that they won't let us ride when we tell them we're going to?"

His Aunt Yang Mi, who is twenty-two and six years older than him, laughed heartily. She is married to his Uncle Ye Hua, who is his mom's younger brother. Yang Mi and Uncle Ye Hua are newlyweds, having tied the knot less than five months ago. Both are fresh graduates who chose to start their married life together.

"Maybe because the place we are going to is so nearby, Zhan," said Yang Mi. "And we can just walk there."

"While carrying these two large boxes of cake?" Zhan asked, eyeing the heavy boxes he was holding and then looking over at his aunt who also carried two boxes of chocolate cake.

While his uncle is working in a well-known optical shop, his wife has a passion for baking cakes. Her cakes are quite tasty and frequently supplied to friends and acquaintances.

In fact, they just went from one of his classmate's house, where his parents ordered a chocolate cake from his aunt as a gift.

"Well, you have a point. As soon as your uncle and I have some funds, I will open a bakeshop," Yang Mi said, beaming at the thought.

"I can totally see your bakeshop is definitely going to be buzzing with customers because your cakes are way more delicious than the average commercial cakes."

"Appreciate the kind words, I'll give you half a mango roll for free."

"You promised Aunt huh?"

"Absolutely. Let's head across the street now. The other side has more shade, and we can wait for a taxi there."

Yang Mi made her way to the shaded side of the street, thanks to the old trees lining it. This area isn't too busy since the houses are spacious and well-fenced. Plus, there's a stylish townhouse nearby.

Just as Zhan was about to follow his aunt, he tripped on a tiny stone and left one of his slippers behind.

"Wait a minute, Auntie," Zhan said as he put his slipper back on, when he turned around, he saw a speeding car while it was wiggling.

"Aunt Yang Mi, look out!" he shouted with wide eyes.

Yang Mi stopped in the middle of the street, unsure whether to head back or just cross over. She couldn't tell where that speeding car was headed.

It all happened so fast. Zhan's scream echoed as the car crashed into his aunt, sending her a few feet in the middle of the street from where she had been standing.

"Auntie!" Zhan cried out in shock, as he dropped the cake boxes he was carrying.

The car pulled over and the driver stepped out. But he didn't move from where he stood, he just stared at Yang Mi with a frightened expression.

"Help my aunt! Let's take her to the hospital!" Zhan cried out. He dashed toward the driver, but his legs trembled from the panic.

The driver looked his way, and they locked their eyes for a brief second. Then, without a word, the driver hopped back into the car and slammed the door shut. And to Zhan's shock, the car sped off quickly.

"Come back!" he shouted while looking around for anyone who could lend a hand. "Someone helps us!"

He hurried to where his aunt was lying. Blood was oozing from her head, and she wasn't moving at all. Zhan trembled with fear and terror as he crouched next to his aunt.

"Please, someone help us..." he cried softly.