"The Forced Bond" (Yizhan) Mpreg.

6

Late in the evening, Granny returned to the sitting room where Bei sat, talking on the phone with her husband Kai Xu, who was arriving early the next morning for the wedding. In a low, concerned voice, she said, “Hubby, it seems Zhan won’t be getting married this time either.”

Kai Xu, shocked and alarmed, asked, “What happened this time? Is Zhan okay? This is upsetting news.”

Bei couldn’t bring herself to say much, only that her worry for Zhan was growing. This time, what Sen Nan had done had struck him deeply. No one had ever disrespected him like this. The incident, involving Sen Nan stripping Zhan of his dignity in public, had humiliated them all. Neither Bei nor Yi had known how to handle it at the time.

Unable to sit still in the sitting room, Granny retreated to her room. Fang, who was waiting for her, brought over the oil and hot water she used nightly to massage Granny’s legs. Seeing Granny enter, Fang grabbed the items and moved toward her room, but Bei stopped her and took the items herself, saying, “I’ll do it myself tonight. Go and rest.”

Taking the items, Bei entered Granny’s room. She found her sitting silently on the edge of her bed, letting out a deep sigh. For the first time that evening, Granny felt her anger subside. At least now, Zhan would truly be theirs. No one would torment him anymore. However, she couldn’t help but worry about Yibo’s aloofness, arrogance, and his young age compared to Zhan. She feared Zhan might only see Yibo as a younger brother, which could strain their relationship. But no matter the concerns, the marriage was going to happen. Granny resolved that everything would work out in time. She would not push them too hard; they’d let things settle naturally after the wedding.

Looking at Bei, Granny gestured for her to sit beside her and said, “Come here and sit with me. Let’s celebrate this good news. After all, you’ll officially be the sister of the groom tomorrow.”

Bei was confused and asked, “I’m glad Sen Nan and Zhan aren’t getting married, but how can we celebrate when Zhan is still upset? I know he didn’t call off the wedding on his own—it was because of what happened.”

Granny allowed herself a faint smile. Stretching her legs onto the small coffee table in front of her, she said, “Massage my legs for me; I’ll need them fresh for tomorrow. I’ll be moving around the house to welcome guests. And worry no more—your father has arranged everything. Tonight, your father Han formally asked for Zhan’s hand in marriage on Yibo’s behalf. So tomorrow, there will be no further drama. The marriage will be finalized. From now on, Zhan is ours, and Yibo will be his rightful husband.”

Bei froze in shock, her hand dipping Granny’s feet into hot water too quickly. Startled, she exclaimed, “Granny, marriage between Zhan and Yibo?”

Granny pulled her foot back, replying, “Are you trying to scald me? Don’t hurt me before I get to see their children. Yes, Zhan and Yibo are getting married tomorrow, and I’ll live to see their happiness.”

Granny explained everything to Bei, who couldn’t contain her joy. Despite her concerns about the challenges they might face due to their age difference and their reserved personalities, she was overjoyed. For her, Zhan and Yibo were the perfect match. Rising from her seat, she said, “Thank you, heavens, for this blessing.”

Rushing to Zhan’s room, Bei found him lying on the bed, already in his sleepwear. Jumping onto the bed, she hugged him tightly and said, “I love you, Zhan. I love you so much!”

Zhan, half-asleep, opened his soft eyes slightly, glanced at her, and murmured, “I love you too, but I’m tired. Let me sleep.”

Bei giggled with delight, saying, “Sleep well, Mr. Xiao Wang.” But Zhan didn’t hear her; sleep had already claimed him.