Zhan and Yibo lounged in Yibo’s room, surrounded by the comforts of the lavish mansion. They had spent the afternoon indulging in a delicious lunch, and now, they were reminiscing through Yibo’s childhood memories, preserved in the form of pictures.
As Zhan flipped through the album, he couldn’t help but notice the strong resemblance between Yibo and his mother. The same bright eyes, the same mischievous grin, and the same infectious laugh. Yibo’s features were a perfect blend of his parents’, with his father’s strong jawline and his mother’s delicate nose.
Yibo, meanwhile, was busy expressing his creativity through watercolor painting. He worked diligently, his focus solely on the artwork. Finally, with a flourish, he completed his masterpiece and presented it to Zhan with a beaming smile.
“Ge! For you,” he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Zhan’s face lit up as he accepted the gift. The painting depicted four figures, each with distinct features. Zhan’s curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Who are they?"
Yibo’s response was matter-of-fact. “That’s Daddy, that’s Mummy, that’s me, and that’s gege.”
Zhan’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to comprehend the significance of the painting. “Why did you add me to it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yibo’s reply was straightforward, his words piercing Zhan’s heart. “Because you’re mine.”
The room fell silent, the only sound being Yibo’s giggles as he gazed at Zhan’s stunned expression. Zhan’s eyes remained fixed on Yibo, his mind reeling from the weight of those two words.
Finally, Yibo’s grin faltered, and he reached out to gently shake Zhan’s face. “Gege, stop staring,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Zhan blinked, his eyes refocusing on the present. He cleared his throat, his voice husky as he whispered, “Thanks, Yibo.”
Yibo’s grin returned, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “Anytime, gege. Anytime.”
As the day drew to a close, Zhan and Yibo had exhausted all avenues of entertainment, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. They had laughed, joked, and shared stories, their connection deepening in a way that neither had anticipated.
Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Wang had returned home earlier than expected, his curiosity piqued by the reports from his servants. He had heard tales of Yibo’s transformation, how this young man had brought his son out of his shell, and he was eager to witness it firsthand.
As he entered the room, he was struck by the sight before him. Yibo and Zhan were engrossed in conversation, their faces aglow with happiness. Mr. Wang’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to comprehend the transformation in his son.
He watched, mesmerized, as Yibo and Zhan interacted with ease, their laughter and banter filling the air. The tension and awkwardness that had once characterized their relationship were nowhere to be seen, replaced by a sense of comfort and understanding.
Mr. Wang’s expression softened, his eyes shining with warmth. He was impressed, truly impressed, by the impact Zhan had had on his son. He wished to express his gratitude, to offer his support and assistance, but he knew that Zhan was not one to accept help easily.
He recalled their previous encounters, how Zhan had politely declined his offers of aid, his pride and independence evident in every gesture. Mr. Wang sighed, hoping that Yibo would be able to change Zhan’s mind, to make him see the value in accepting help when needed.
Leaving the two in their own little world, Mr. Wang made his way to the kitchen, his hands moving with a sense of purpose as he prepared dinner for his son and his gege. He smiled to himself, knowing that this was a small way for him to show his appreciation, to nurture the bond that had formed between Yibo and Zhan.
