In Between Us || Zhanyi

|| 39 ||

[A/N: Here I like to add a small note that cards and accounts Zhan talking about all were Zhan procured on Yibo's own name (it said Yibo had those under his authority), additional to it Zhan had also given Yibo access to his own belongings too. So whether any transaction Zhan would not get any notification, untill or unless definitely he sneaked into the statements.]

"He paid for the hostel fees by himself?" Zhan stopped himself, as he didn't find any word to clear his confusion.

"Exactly," Kuan continued. "What kind of husband lets his partner struggle like that? And to top it off, you know what happened today? That f*cker probably had seen him with me and now that f*cker threatened him not to interact with me. Can you imagine? Controlling his every move, probably treating him like some property. It's disgusting."

Zhan's stomach churned, Kuan's words slicing into him like jagged glass. Kuan unaware of the fact that the husband, he was cursing so casually, had supposedly sitting in just front of him and ironically the same whom he was complaining.

Zhan felt a surge of anger on the fact how a stranger portrait his image.....so low.....so cheap 

"Honestly, I've always thought his husband is pretty heartless, letting him go through all that....... You know," Kuan said with a bitter laugh, oblivious to Zhan's turmoil, "I wouldn't be surprised if Yibo's husband doesn't even see him as a person but just a pleasure toy. Just a pretty thing to keep around, to fulfil his needs & thirst. Cheap, filthy men like that..."

"Enough!" Zhan snapped, his voice sharper than he intended.

Kuan blinked, taken aback by the sudden outburst. "Xiao, are you—"

Zhan's gaze hardened as Kuan's words lingered, but he maintained his composure. "I think we should not discuss someone's private matters like this," he said firmly, his tone carrying a quiet authority.

Kuan blinked, surprised, before nodding in understanding. "You're right, sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I carried away. It's just... Yibo is..." Kuan paused, searching for the right words. "He's extraordinary. Sharp, talented, hardworking—but there's more to him than meets the eye. I've seen him break down more than once, and it's heartbreaking, and when in the morning you said, you will assist him, I just thought you should know. Maybe you can help him in ways I couldn't."

"Xiao!!!!," Kuan continued earnestly, leaning forward, "everyone knows you're the best when it comes to guiding students to success. You've got the connections, the strategies. We've seen how even the most overlooked students have shone under your mentorship. You have that toughness that can change a student's whole life. You can do the same for Yibo—help him reach his potential. Only you can give him that boost, push his self-esteem, inspire him to live for himself...........and maybe eventually give him the courage to free himself from this marriage "

The compliment was meant to be flattering, but for Zhan, it only deepened the ache in his chest. Behind the pain, however, a small spark of possessiveness flared. He looked at Kuan sharply "Feels like all you want his marriage to be called off" Zhan said his voice laced danger but Kuan was completely oblivious taking it as Zhan's teasing....."It is not like that, it just I care for him"

 "Why do you care so much about Yibo?" Zhan couldn't help but probe more

"I don't know. I just feel a connection to him. If I'd had the chance, I would've taken him under my wing long ago," he admitted with a faint smile.

The remark struck Zhan like a slap, igniting a deep, irrational anger. "Is that so?" he said, his voice colder than he intended.

"Of course," Kuan replied, his tone brightening with an air of confidence. "But then again..." He paused for dramatic effect, his lips quirking into a teasing grin. "Being a father to a 16- or 17-year-old boy would be a bit much for me, don't you think?"

(Kuan intending when he first meet Yibo, when Yibo used to deliver paper at his home. As when Yibo entered college, he was already adult)

Zhan froze, his mind stumbling over the unexpected words. "Father?" he repeated, bewildered.

Kuan chuckled at Zhan's reaction. "Yeah, what else? Yibo's like a little brother to me. There's no law about adopting siblings, so if I wanted any guardianship, I'd have to be his father. And, well.......that's a bit too much responsibility for someone as young as me, don't you think?"

Zhan's jaw tightened, his irritation boiling over. Before he could formulate a response, Kuan added with a sly grin, "But hey, maybe you could have adopted him as a son. You've got the exact attitude of being a strict father."

The joke hit Zhan like a punch to the gut, his rage spilling over. "What rubbish!!!!," he barked, louder than he intended.

Kuan startled, blinking at Zhan's uncharacteristic outburst. "Whoa, calm down! I was just joking."

Zhan stood abruptly, his expression unreadable. "If that's all, you can leave now. I have work to do," he said curtly, motioning toward the door.

Kuan hesitated, clearly confused but choosing not to push further. "All right. But think about what I said. Yibo could really use someone like you in his corner."

Zhan nodded, his voice quiet. "I'll see what I can do."

Kuan stood, stretching. "Thanks, man. You're the best. And hey," he added, smirking, "if you need tips on being approachable, let me know. That whole 'stern professor' vibe can be intimidating."

Zhan gave a boring smile, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind. Now get out of my office before I start charging for therapy sessions."

"Alright, alright," Kuan said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, Zhan, Yibo's lucky to have someone like you."

Lucky? The word echoed bitterly in Zhan's mind as he watched Kuan walked away. As Kuan left, Zhan's thoughts tangled, creating a mess of guilt, anger, and determination. He remained seated, staring blankly ahead. His hands trembled slightly as he clenched the armrest.

'I need to make him speak............at any cost!!!!! but mark one thing ' Xiao Wang Yibo ', I am not going to leave you, nor let you leave me.....You are my husband.....You are MINE'..............Zhan thought, there was a flare inside him.

...To Be Continued

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