In the evening when Zhan's parents came home, as so often Zhan's father had picked up his wife from work, the two of them of course immediately wanted to hear from Zhan how it went with Yibo. Whether he had seen him and whether the job interview had gone well, as expected.

Zhan was only too willing to tell them in great detail what had happened. In doing so, he did not leave out the conversation with Yibo's brother Wang Hai Kuan. He described exactly what Hai Kuan said and how he said it. He also said, "It sounded like a threat to me when he talked about his parents' power and wealth and what influence they have because of it."

Of course, this made Zhan's parents angry. Because Zhan is their only and dearly beloved son. And when someone threatens him, they take it very personally and don't tolerate it. Nevertheless, Zhan's mother said, "Baby, I think what that Hai Kuan said to you is worrying. But to me, it also sounds like honest concern for his little brother. However, concern does not give him the right to threaten you in any way."

"They have no idea who they'd be messing with, do they?" Zhan's father asked.

"I'm not sure dad." Replied Zhan thoughtfully. Of course, most people in this country had heard the name Judge Xiao before. Many of them also know the reputation of Zhan's father. Judge Ruthless. Judge Heartless. Or, Judge Merciless, because he always gave the maximum sentences when he sentenced someone. Even with first-time offenders, he was tough.

Zhan knew that Yibo's family knew his father's reputation. But he was also sure they didn't know what his father was really capable of. How much power and influence he has in this country. And Zhan also knows that his father would not shy away from using that power and influence against the Wang's. Because his family is above everything to him. He protects Zhan and his mother by any means possible.

"Um, Dad. I'm going to talk to Yibo about this first. I think we shouldn't assume the worst right now and wait to see what Yibo has to say about it." Tried Zhan to appease his upset father.

"You should definitely talk to Yibo about it. After all, it involves both of you." Replied Zhan's mother. Zhan's father nodded mutely and rubbed his chin.

"I will. In 4 weeks at the latest when I start my job there, I will talk to him about it. However, I hope to see him before then."

"In any case, be careful. And if there's anything, let us know right away." Said Zhan's father. He has always been the more worried of Zhan's parents. He has always been overprotective of Zhan and very sheltering of him. He was and is like a lion protecting his offspring. Especially since they learned that Zhan is one of very few men who can get pregnant.

Out of fear that something bad could happen to Zhan, he would have preferred not to let him leave the house at all, not even to go to school. It had been very stressful for Zhan, but he could also understand his dad. He knew that his father was just worried and afraid for him.

That evening they sat together in the living room and talked for a long time. About the job interview. About Yibo asking for a chance and the two of them kissing. About the conversation with Hai Kuan and about Zhan's future plans. Like the conversation he wants to have with Yibo to find out how seriously he should take Hai Kuan's words.

One thing was for sure for Zhan. He wants to be with Yibo and will not let anyone threaten him. Only if Yibo himself said he didn't want the relationship would he let go of him and try to overcome his feelings for him. Even though this seems to be almost impossible for Zhan.

After all, he has been in love with Yibo for 10 years. Never in those years did the feelings fade even a little. Instead, they grew stronger and stronger over the years, and ultimately so strong that he quit his secure job, moved to Beijing, and applied for the vacant position as Yibo's personal assistant.

And because Yibo showed him more than clearly that he is also interested in him and even asked him for a chance, Zhan will not give up so quickly anyway. Even if he suspects that it might be difficult.

In all the years he's been in love with Yibo and always fantasized about what it would be like if they were a couple, he never thought that Yibo's family could be a problem. After all, most people who meet Zhan, like him. He is always polite, friendly, courteous and decently mannered. 

Moreover, he is hardworking and smart. So there is actually no reason not to like him. Except that he is gay. He knows, of course, that especially in this country, very many are against homosexuality. That there are still many people here who have not understood that it is still love, even if it is between a same-sex couple. They still haven't understood that love is not dependent on gender.

As Zhan lay in his bed thinking about Yibo, he couldn't help but think about the kiss again and how it felt. His heart immediately began to pound violently again. He touched his lips and imagined once again what it was like when Yibo's soft full lips touched his. This made his belly tingle intensely.

Moreover, Zhan was pleased that Yibo had not forgotten him and wanted to be with Zhan. Giggling, Zhan turned over on his belly in his bed, pedaling his legs happily, and looked at the old photo that he had secretly taken of Yibo at the youth club back then. He kissed the photo and slid it back under his pillow. Then he closed his eyes and smiled, at the thought of soon being able to be by Yibo's side every day.

Early in the morning, a few miles from Zhan's house, Yibo woke up to his mother knocking on his room door and waking him for breakfast. Tired, he stretched and straightened on the bed before rising and slowly walking to his bathroom. He had hardly slept last night because he couldn't stop thinking about Zhan.

After Yibo washed his face and brushed his teeth, he went downstairs to the dining room and sat at the table with his parents. As always on weekends, Hai Kuan and his wife had also come for breakfast. This was insisted on by Yibo's parents after his brother moved to a small house nearby with his wife after their wedding.

Silently, everyone sat at the breakfast table and ate. Talking or using a cell phone while eating was forbidden in this household. At most, one would be allowed to ask about things, like the butter or sausage, jam, things like that, but any other conversations were forbidden.

After breakfast, which never lasted more than 20 minutes, everyone sat in the winter garden of the house and drank tea together. That was the time when they could talk about everything. And for Yibo this was the moment he turned to his parents after an idea came to him the previous night.

"Mom, Dad. I'd like to talk to you guys about something." He began.

"And what?" Yibo's father asked in a low voice.

"Well, as you know, lately I always work until late in the evening and then I always have to drive a whole hour home. But I'm usually so tired that it's really hard for me. Therefore, I also wanted to ask if you would agree if I moved into the city apartment? At least until things are a little more settled at work and I don't have to stay there until late in the evening." Explained Yibo.

Yibo's mother shook her head and said, "I'm against it."

"And why?" Yibo wanted to know.

"Because you are just 24 years old, unmarried and not used to living alone at all." Replied his mother briskly.

"Well honey, I don't see it that way. He just explained it, didn't he? He works late every day and then still has to drive a long way. If he's overtired, it's dangerous. He could fall asleep and have an accident. You yourself said to me just last week that you are worried about Yibo when he is always so tired still driving the car or motorcycle." Explained Yibo's father.

Hai Kuan gulped. He guessed that Yibo had another reason for wanting to leave home. He could see yesterday that Yibo was interested in Xiao Zhan, and he also knew that the two had spent a night together two years ago. But he didn't say anything and kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he just agreed with his father and said, "Dad is right. It's too dangerous for Yibo to drive that long distance while overtired."

"That's why I want to move to the city apartment. I always eat at the company or at the restaurant anyway. I would only be in the apartment to sleep. Then on the weekends, I could come here too." Said Yibo.

"Your mother and I will discuss this calmly later. You know we never make rash decisions." Said Yibo's father.

"Yeah, I know dad." Replied Yibo. He hoped his parents would talk before Yibo's mom went from drinking tea to drinking champagne. Because once she starts doing that, no one can talk to her anyway. Because then she's just looking for a second and third glass of champagne or wine. It doesn't matter, the main thing is alcohol.

Everyone in the family knows that Yibo's mother has been a functioning alcoholic for years. Yet no one says anything to her. Not even Yibo's father. Sometimes it seems to Yibo that his dad doesn't care that she drinks every day. Even when she comes to the company drunk, he says nothing and just lets her be taken home.

Yibo knows that his parents have not loved each other for a long time. They even meet with others now and then. He thinks the only reason they don't divorce is because of the company. Because in a divorce, their assets would be divided. And so would the company.

Besides, a divorce would go against what they believe in. Their ancient traditions, according to which divorce is something terrible. As if they would be outlawed because of it. Their parents modeled it for them and they carry on those values. Preserving marriage at all costs, even if they hate each other.

After drinking tea together, Yibo retreated to his room. His brother followed him and demanded an explanation from him. "Why do you want to move out so suddenly now? If it's too much for you with the driving, why didn't you ask Mom and Dad before if they would let you move out? Why are you waiting until Xiao Zhan shows up to do this?"

"What are you talking about brother?" Yibo asked. He had never been a good liar. Not when it came to his brother, he knew that. Still, he tried.

"I know about you and Zhan! I know you spent a night together two years ago! And I know you're still interested in him."

"So what? That's my business, isn't it?"

"That's what you think Yibo. But what if mom and dad find out?"

"If you don't say anything, they won't find out."

"It's not that simple."

"Yes it is. I'm not going to do it like you did back then. You gave up the man you loved. I won't give up on Zhan!"

"I haven't given up."

"Yes you have! As soon as rumors started that you were dating someone, you got scared. And when mom and dad put that private detective on you, you immediately broke up with your boyfriend. But you should have looked for solutions. You loved him, didn't you? Then how could you just give him up?"

"It was anything but easy. And I did it for him, too."

"Yeah, sure. And I'm sure he was very grateful to you for breaking up with him overnight."

"Yibo..."

"No brother. I don't let anyone stop me from doing that. I've wanted to be with Zhan for two years and I'm finally getting the chance. I want to give it a try. I want Zhan!"

"And what if mom and dad do find out?"

"Then I'll look for solutions. I won't give up!" Yibo replied in a firm voice.

Now he would wait to see how his parents' conversation would go and if he would be allowed to move out. And if they agree, he would move immediately. Because if he lives in the city apartment, he can be there with Zhan even after work and spend time with him as often as he wants. Without fear of being caught!

And this very evening, under the pretext of meeting his best friend, he wants to go and talk to Zhan. Explain to him everything that concerns his family and ask him to give him a chance anyway. Even if they could lead their relationship only secretly for the time being.

However, he also wants to tell him that he is looking for a good solution, which will allow them officially with the consent of his parents, to lead a relationship with Zhan. Because Yibo knows that he cannot and will not give up Zhan. So he has to somehow get his parents to accept Zhan as his boyfriend.