chapter 8-
Man of Virtue

"You are the reason!"

Helplessly, as he stood with tears in his eyes among the bodies of his dead wife and parents, he called for his only family member left.

"If- If only you were not born!"

What could be the reason? For a father so loving, so devoted, to say such harsh words to his child who can barely understand the meaning behind this? The kid, almost ten years old, just hid himself more behind the sofa, terrified of his own father. He didn't know what happened but when he came out from the basement that his mother asked him to hide in, the house was completely silent.

And what he saw, was horrifying.

His entire family was lying lifeless on the floor, his grandparents, his mother and his elder sister sat in middle with her eyes widen in shock. She had blood gushing out from her hands too, but the fear inside her heart was too much to feel anything else. In front of his eyes, his sister collapsed too- unconscious.

It was horrible.

Truly horrible.

"WHY YOU!"

His father was screaming, shouting, as a complete mess. But he loved him, right? The boy knew that his father definitely loved him. Though he was too scared to approach him in that moment,

He loved his father.

With slow, hasty steps he did get closer to his father and tightly held his waist as he burst crying. His father fell on his knees and picked him up in his arms, caressed his head, kissing his bruised hands.

"I am sorry- I am sorry baby. I just-"

He hugged his son more, crying as held onto him being the last string of his sanity. His eyes ran across the room that was painted crimson, as he saw a slow but painful voice. He left the boy and immediately tried to find out the source, and thank god! His daughter was also alive.

But in a very critical condition.

"Don't worry- Don't worry. I will save you both. My babies- my children..It will be over soon."

»»---------------›

Beijing, China

"I hate you!"

Xiao Zhan had enough! The man sitting next to him, scrolling through his feed, was being anything but good to him. Why did he has to accompany with him anyways?! He is good to go alone. It's not like he can run away from this anyways!

"Congrats, same."

The Wang Heir replied, bored as he opened a soda can. The drive has just begun and they were already arguing. Dylan, who took the steering wheel, was enjoying this a little too much until Yibo smacked his head from behind.

"Ah- Boss!"

"Deserved." Xiao Zhan mumbled.

The ride to the Xiao Shop continued with the soon-to-be couple arguing and the other- Dylan laughing. Xiao Zhan complaining on how- Wang Yibo shouldn't have come with him and Yibo just shrugging it off. Well, it's not like he thought that Zhan will run away in the first place. Rather, he knows that Xiao Zhan can most probably get killed if he goes fooling around alone.

"Controlling bitch!" Xiao Zhan mumbled under his breath but surprisingly, Yibo didn't respond to it. The ride went silent after that and soon enough the said couple reached the Xiao Shop.

Xiao Zhan thought that the Young Wang won't follow him inside, as he said, I don't go places that don't match my calibre but shockingly for Xiao Zhan and surprisingly for Dylan, the Wang Heir did step out of the car. The bodyguards that accompanied them brought in the gifts for the workers, as Wang Zi wanted, and waited for their boss's orders.

"Bring it in."

Wang Yibo said nonchalantly as he wore his sunglasses, walking towards the supposed store.

"Eh-?"

Xiao Zhan didn't even get a chance to cross question it as he saw Wang Yibo walking closer to his workplace. Shocked as he was, Dylan stood closely next to him and left after whispering-

"Deserved."

Workers of the Xiao Shop were more than astonished to find none other than the Wang Heir inside the store. He had somewhat twelve guards behind him who held onto piles of gifts one over another. Yibo signalled the lads to keep it all aside as he took off his glasses, having a look around the place. TheXiaoShop as it was called, was a known place for wedding planners. But that was not their main business. Apart from that, Xiao was a popular but constricted clothing brand of the capital. The supposed store had three storeys. The ground level composing of the various clothing collections introduced by the fashion designers under the Xiaos and the reception area which signed the contracts and appointments with the boss. The First floor had the working space where the employees discussed their course of work and the storage areas that held onto the raw materials. The last and the topmost floor held Xiao Zhan's personal office- which although was restricted to visit by outsiders- personal appointments and family members were an exception to it.

"W-welcome, Young Wang!"

The surprised workers were not aware of the dynamics between the Wang Heir and their owner but, it was still unexpected and visibly unbelievable to find him here.

"Everyone- even though you all already know how much importance your boss holds to me- I know you all hold questions regarding the first day of our meeting."

Yibo paused, as he chuckled while shaking his head.

"It maybe a great shock for you to comprehend about our relationship status but- trust it when I say it wasn't the whole story. Anyways, I won't interrupt it to you as we don't have much time but, I hope that you all will give your best to this wedding. And just to honour your hard work, I would like to present the gratitude from the Wang family. Dylan!-"

And being the loyal butler he was, Dylan never hesitated to do as his boss wanted. Soon enough, under his guidance, the gifts were distributed through all the employees.

Although, few of them held hostility towards the Wang Heir from their previous encounter, this gesture of gratitude washed it all away. Whilst, Xiao Zhan just stood there mute. Wasn't HE supposed to do this?! And what's wrong with HIS employees? Why are they suddenly swinging on Wang Yibo's side!!?

Because honestly, they were doing it.

Before this, they all had a villian image of the Young Wang but now!? Well, Who doesn't loves getting spoiled by gifts? So, all of them are now under Yibo's goal course. The females employees, being the member of Wang Yibo fanclub, already pull out their phones for pictures. And as, the Young Wang was in a good mood- maybe, he even let them took the liberty to take selfies.

Obviously, Who doesn't wants a selfie with Wang Yibo?!

Yubin was currently the only one who didn't near to the Wang Heir. Judgemental and impulsive as he was, Yubin still restricted closing under five metre radius from the Young Wang.

Reason? The poor boy was still fearful from that one attempted physical assault.

"Boss! Looks like your fan following is reduced to minimal after Young Mons- I mean Master's arrival. Look at these double faced bitches, They didn't even greet you! Looks like I am the only one who genuinely cares about you, Boss."

Yubin was a sweet snitcher, everyone knows. But seeing how no one heed any attention to their boss, maybe he can do some buttering and slack off working?

"He has no control over your duties, Yubin. Better stop whatever you are doing."

The scattered discussions all over the place came to an halt as soon as they heard her voice. Afterall, The temporary boss and in-charge of Sean Xiao Zhan's wedding ceremonies- Meng Ziyi was not at all lenient to them. Unlike Zhan who can rarely say 'No' to requests, Ziyi was the living epitome to 'tiring people to death' or in other words, Zhang Jingtong's carbon copy.

"I-i A-jie!" Yubin whined as his ears got twisted by his elder sister who didn't show any mercy.

"Good to see you, Zhan." She addressed to the actual owner who just greeted back. No doubt, this place was kept so strictly disciplined. Eventhough, Xiao Zhan knew that he was still the most clean freak, Meng Ziyi was not much behind in that race.

"Welcome to the Xiao Shop, Young Wang." the lady left her brother's ears as she stepped forward to greet the Wang. The other just nodded in acknowledgement and neared towards his initial position, next to his future husband.

"You are-?"

"Meng Ziyi, temporary incharge of the Xiao store and your wedding."

The lady and the Wang Heir surprisingly had a good conversation with each other. The boundaries were sharp as a knife, yes, but it still shocked Xiao Zhan as of how convincing this asshole sounded with all his words. And just like that, within next half an hour, Wang Yibo along with his people and ofcourse Zhan, decided to take their leave.

But- Jealously is a disease, isn't it?!

"You! Why did you even let me come here when you have to go around doing everything?! You didn't even let me talk to my employees and just controlled me around like a fucking doll!"

Xiao Zhan, for once again in the same day, had enough! The man- again sitting next to him- pissed him at a level that all he wanted to do was shove a shovel down his throat. But, unable to do so, he shoved the bubble tea down his own throat in anger, which Dylan bought for him moments ago. The Wang just shrugged at that and went back to his business- typing something across his cellphone.

And just like that, Xiao Zhan can't argue anymore. There was no point to it. He knows he can't win against the Wang Heir anyways so why waste energy?

Annoying bastard!

The ride once again became silent as the car soon started approaching the Wang Mansion. From the Wang's mansion to the Xiaoshop, It was almost half an hour long ride which made Xiao Zhan take a big ass yawn while rubbing his droopy eyes. Momentarily, he tried to keep his eyes open but, they just felt too heavy to stay put.

"Sleepy?" the Wang asked.

"No."

Xiao Zhan answered, trying to keep himself awake. They were going to reach the mansion soon anyways. He just needs to hang in there for a bit.

Wang Yibo didn't asked further and went back to his phone. Meanwhile, the Xiao yawned again- determined to not fall asleep, no matter what- and the very next moment, his head fell on the shoulder of Wang Yibo. Soon enough, soft snores escaped his mouth however, the Wang was not a bit affected with any of these.

Few minutes later, Wang Yibo sighed
as he put his phone inside his pocket and then adjusted the sleeping beauty properly against his shoulder, letting his body completely lean on him. Unconsciously, Xiao Zhan held onto his arms and snuggled closer, his mouth a bit open with breathing relaxed.

Seeing his mouth open like a toddler, Wang Yibo tried to shove his phone inside the Xiao's mouth but releasing how immature that was- he immediately backed off.

Dylan, who witnessed that weird thing, chuckled but soon accelerated the car and took a U-turn on Yibo's command. The car changed it's lane, clearly not going to the Wang Mansion anymore. Wang Yibo pulled out a blindfold, and put it on Zhan's eyes carefully, not to wake him up as he caressed his head and then grabbed his hairs all of sudden with a smirk up on his face.

"What a fucking Liar!"

»»

Blurry.

It's so- I am- Wait, where am I? I feel some cold wood against my body. A chair? Why? I can't feel my legs or hands. Am I dreaming right now? I want to wake up. It's so strange here. I- i want to leave. I was in car? Mom, Dad!-Anyone.I can't see- Someone's holding me- Who is it? Can you see me? Please Help me! I can't feel my senses. No, I just need to open my eyes- Yes, it will all end if I can just-Why can't I wake up? Why can't I escape this hollowness? My eyes- They are open but- My head is paining. Am I dead? No! I was with- Who was I with? Yubin, Ziyi, A-cheng?! No- I remember it now! I was with that bastard. That- that Wang Yibo! Where are you Yibo? You asshole! Y-you were supposed to protect--H-help me.

"Do you know them?"

Someone's grabbing my mouth- I don't know. I am just- A little bit. Why can't I see clearly? It's all too blurry but I can still see something. I am- I can't! There is a photo but- who is it? This man, I don't know him- not him.

"Look, Carefully! Do you know him?"

Him?! No, i dont? I don't know- I don't know him.

"Sit properly."

Someone's pulled my arm again- Yes, but it's hurting now. It's- Leave me! You are hurting me. You-You are- Someone hit something! A scream-I can hear a scream from a distance. I-i can't keep my body still- what's going on!?

"Do you know any of them? Ever met them? Saw them anywhere?"

What- I? I don't know these people. I can't- This man is unknown. No I have never seen someone like that- He is so pale. Has a tattoo- a scar. I don't- No, I don't know.

"..I-i don't know."

"Enough."

This voice! It's so familiar but- I can't remember. He said- my body. It's floating- no, maybe I am being carried by someone. My waist- It feels itchy. I want to- Wake up. Something sounded so loud- like a door closing but-Where are you? Wang Yibo you said you will keep me save- you bastard-

"Y-yibo-"

"Zhan-"

Ah it's clear- this voice. Please help me. I want to-

"Zhan!"

Zhoucheng shouted all of sudden which made the Xiao instantly wake up. With the sweat all over his body, anyone can say he just woke up from a nightmare. Xiao Zhan look at his surroundings and was flabbergasted.

Huh? Why am I in my room all of sudden? Wasn't I with..

"Thank god! I thought you were dying or something! What happened? Why were you so restless in your sleep?"
Meng Ziyi asked with worry. The Xiao got more confused. Wasn't she in the Xiaoshop?! When did she reached- huh? How Is he in the Wang Mansion?!

His thoughts were getting messed up now. He couldn't remember anything at all. Last thing he remembered, he was in a car with Wang Yibo and maybe, he dozed off?

"W-where is he? Ah- Yibo?" Xiao Zhan subconsciously asked to which Zhoucheng rolled his eyes and Ziyi smirked along with his brother popping out of nowhere.

"Hmm! Can't live a second without him now, huh?"

"Who would have thought Zhan to be the Lovesick puppy types?" They snickered at that, teasing the Xiao who glared them in response. Zhoucheng just asked them to stop with their teasing.

"It's nothing like that! I-i just--"

"Okay okay! No need to give excuses now. Your husband is downstairs, telling us not to disturb you. The Wangs are here. How come you were sleeping at this time of the day though Zhan?! It's already hours past noon!" Ziyi said, overexaggerting it.

"Be honest to us, Where did you two go for you to return so tiredly? Did you two-" Ziyi gave him a notorious smirk to which Yubin squealed while the Xiao gasped. He instantly slapped the pillow in his hands making an offended face before defending himself from such embarassing allegations.

"You! Just what the hell are you thinking?! Nothing like that happened!" Zhoucheng was ready to say something too until a voice stopped all of them.

"It did."

All four of them stopped whatever they were doing as Wang Yibo stood leaning against the door with a tray of a glass of water and some headache pills in his hand.

"Huh?"

Xiao Zhan said but before he can continue, the Meng siblings gave a hardcore fangirling squeal at that, looking at Zhan with teasing eyes before Ziyi said,

"Uhm- Looks like We aren't needed here anymore. If you will excuse us." Yubin nodded at that and they both grinned and left the room altogether. Zhoucheng was unwillingly dragged by Ziyi, although he shouted at Wang Yibo to stay away from his brother!

Okay, Why are we friends again?

Xiao Zhan thought as he saw his supposed friends to leave him behind with piled up confusion and with this arrogant Wang. Yibo closed the door and kept the tray on the table as he sat onto the sofa and pulled out his phone to make a call.

"Wait! Just what's going on?!"

Wang Yibo put his phone back and stared at Xiao Zhan looking all bored. He then sighed and got up from the sofa nearing towards the Xiao's bed. Bending a bit to reach his eye level, with his one hand holding the headboard and another in his pocket, the Wang Heir asked-

"You really don't remember anything?"

For some reason, Yibo's voice sounded deeper than usual. Maybe it was because of how close he was to Xiao Zhan's face but his breath that hit the latter's face made it somehow tensed.

"I-i..What?"

Xiao Zhan was getting nervous with that captivating gaze that the Wang held right now. What did he do for the other to look at him like that? He tried to avoid the eye contact as much as possible, clenching onto the bedsheet making small fists. Wang Yibo put his finger against his chin before grabbing it, making Zhan look at him in eyes. He leaned closer, making their nose almost touch each other as Yibo moved his face a bit, brushing that invisible border between their faces.

"You really don't remember, hmm?!" He chuckled. Hands slowly reaching to the Xiao's cheeks, he started caressing them as softly as possible.

"You are a bit forgetful aren't you?" Yibo's hands slowly dropped to Zhan's neck, making his fingernails slightly brush against that warm body, raising goosebumps and shivers all throughout the Xiao.

"Why- Y-you..."

"Hmm? Me what, manager?"

Wang Yibo made his hands, now slowly slid against the Xiao's arms, reaching for his waist as he squeezed it a bit and grazed his nose on top of Zhan's cheeks- but still not touching it, breathing slowly as his deep, resonating, uneven breath made the Xiao feel strange in his stomach.

"Y-you are too close. Ah!"

Xiao Zhan almost screamed when the Wang Heir picked him up from his waist, pulling him away from the bed. Holding him mid air, with his arms around him, Yibo made him clutch onto him. With no support to be found, Zhan has to wrap his hands around Yibo's neck and his legs around the other's waist.

"You! What are you doing?!"

Zhan shouted with fasten heartbeat and widen eyes. He was getting angry but at the same time, a strange emotion was also somewhere up there which he can't comprehend. The Wang looked indifferent. He slowly slammed the Xiao in his grasp, against the wall and leaned closer to his ear.

"Y-you I-i what are you?-"

"Shush manager! What are you so nervous about? You said you didn't remember anything so I am just trying to make you remember it."

Wang Yibo said close to Zhan's ears before slowly licking and then biting on his earlobe. Zhan made a sound at that which he would never believe he could making Yibo's eyes widen for a second there. He is very sensitive to touches and moreover, he has never been touched like that.

No, he was never that close to anyone!

"That's exactly how you were in the car- completely defenseless, needy and a total mess. I didn't think you will be so honest in your sleep manager. But looks like, You are no different in your consciousness."

Wang Yibo slid his big hands against Zhan's slender waist, making his sweater rub against his body. The Xiao was feeling extremely queasy in his stomach and a gush of adrenaline down there. No, there is no way he would let himself be swayed away! He tried to concentrate and focus his mind away from those thoughts but the Wang had some other plans up in his mind.

"See, you still didn't push me away. You know if you said no just once, I would have stopped immediately. But look at you, not even trying to deny it at all. You are one freaky guy aren't you? Strange thoughts and misleading actions?!"

Yibo smirked as he saw the other getting hit with the realisation. He was right! Zhan not once said No or even tried to push him away!
No no no! No way! Did I really get swayed away when I kept on saying I won't?! Am I that desperate??? Shit!!!!!

"You cunt!"

Xiao Zhan decided to push Yibo away but he already took few steps back, making the Xiao lose his balance and fall on the ground.

"You are weak. Still no change. Just how weak is your willpower manager?" Wang Yibo mocked. He knew that Xiao Zhan was easily flustered but- he didn't know that not just everyone made a mess out of him. And that, irked the Wang Heir in a wrong way.

"Get changed and come downstairs to meet the Wangs. Remember, Try to act less nervous. They are not your parents to just bear with it. If you keep this up, you ain't lasting two seconds in front of them. Ugh! So troublesome."

Wang Yibo decided to leave but before he can, Xiao Zhan made him stop by holding the hem of his coat, oh-so-slightly.

"Did I- I do anything stupid in the car?"

It made Wang Yibo chuckle. The manager was so easily fooled! "Well you did use my shoulder as your pillow so you better don't make me wait longer."

Xiao Zhan can't believe it. So this fucker toyed with him for that?! And as he saw that haughty Wang getting further away, Zhan screamed in his behind.

"You BASTARD!"

Atleast, that's what Zhan is suppose to know.

»»

"I don't get it. Why am I even supposed to do it? Everyone knows we are going to married and blah blah! Do I have to really learn these things?!" Xiao Zhan huffed as he looked at the list of things that Dylan delivered to him.

And he was not wrong.

After concluding the whole scenario, Wang Jiang decided that Yibo and Zhan should get married on the exact same date. He didn't postpone the initial date as it was in accordance with his conditional clause for Wang Yibo to overtake as the Chief Executing Officer. Wang Jiang asked Haikuan to confirm the details in media but surprisingly, all the misleading information regarding the Young Master of Wangs and his fiance were erased overnight. It was like all the news channels, media platforms just forgot about the whole incidence. All the pictures and videos surfacing the internet vanished in thin air. And just like that, when the Wangs realised an official statement over the whole wedding drama, the public accepted it as it is.

The Xiaos took had already their leave, as they had loads to prepare. Xiao Zhan was supposed to go with them but Wang Jiang strictly prohibited that. He said that Sean Xiao Zhan was no more just the owner of TheXiaoShop but, his future grandson-in-law. He doesn't wants any kind of security concerns regarding the boy to which, Xiao Kaicheng agreed.

The Minor Wangs, that is the other Wang relatives except the direct successors of Wang Jiang , soon arrived at the Wang Mansion. Although, Wang Jiang prohibited any other family member than the Main Family to attend the preceding ceremonies of the Wang Heir's marriage, but since the Young Wang's new fiance was inside the picture, Wang Jiang can't stop them anymore.

And so, the entire Wang Family, in other words a whole ass CROWD- had already reached the Wang Mansion to meet none other than Xiao Zhan.

"Should we do it once again, Mr. Xiao?"

Dylan Wang asked. Xiao Zhan really wanted to say 'NO.' They have already practiced this before. He just can't let go of his nervousness, is it his fault? Those people- He barely knows them!

"Don't stress yourself, Mr Xiao. Just try to relax yourself more. Boss didn't mean to overwork you. But trust him when he says that the Wangs are different than your family." Dylan reassured with a smile.

What's with him and those smiles?!
He tries to look compassionate but somehow scares me instead.

Xiao Zhan hesitantly nodded and they begun. Dylan toned down his demeanor as he took a seat on the couch. His gaze was all fixed over the other as he begun. "So you are Xiao- who are you, again?"

Wow, Xiao Zhan thought. He sounds like a whole other person!

"Xiao Zhan- Sean Xiao Zhan."

It's just an casual introduction, what can even go wrong?

»»

WHAT THE HELL?!

Xiao Zhan internally screamed as he saw more than thirty people, some old, some middle aged, some around his age, and some younger than him all assembled in the Wang Mansion's main hall. The place was an utter mess. All the gifts that the supposed family members brought in honour of the Young Wang's fiance was clogging the whole place. He was still on the first floor, on his way to meet his in-laws when his eyes fell on the insane crowd waiting for him- luxurious brands and authentic vibes- but he really doesn't wants to go down anymore.

How the hell was he supposed to handle this on his own? Especially when Wang Yibo was nowhere found?!

"Is running away allowed?"

He mumbled thinking that he can just wait for Yibo to arrive first and then meet them together but, to his bad luck, Wang Zi spotted him soon enough and with how loudly she addressed him, everyone was for sure looking at him now.

Wow, Just Wow!

"Ah- there he is, Xiao Zhan!"

So, What could he do now? An awkward, broken, unwanted, smile, ofcourse.

Wang Zi signalled him to come down and unable to do anything else anyways, Xiao Zhan took the stairs that lead him in the middle of all those people who he had no idea about. Even in the research he did over the Wang Family- he never thought to dig deeper on anyone who wasn't a member of the Wang Mansion.

And with the way they were all looking at him, he was equally unknown to them.

Xiao Zhan slightly bowed to show respect as Wang Zi approached him with a big, proud smile on her face. She locked her hands with him and pulled her soon to be son-in-law closer to the family. To his surprise, neither Master Wang Jiang nor any other men of Main family were present.

They must be in office, Xiao Zhan thought.

"Here, Meet Xiao Zhan. Your Young Wang's Husband." Wang Zi addressed him as Yibo's husband, but they are not still married? Xiao Zhan thought. However, with the way Lady Wang introduced him, she already got them married in her head- for sure. Xiao Zhan didn't want to disrespect her in anyway so he just went with the flow and bowed to whoever the Lady Wang was introducing him.

"And he is Yibo's second uncle-"

"So you are the infamous- Xiao
Zhan?"

Wang Xiaoting,Young Wang's second uncle and the son of Master Wang Jiang's younger brother interrupted. He held this cigar between his lips that released a strangely- common yet foreign- woody smell. With the way he glanced at him, Zhan knew that the elder was not a bit impressed with him but he just nodded, trying to coat his nervousness with a smile.

"Hmm. Not bad."

The man looked at Xiao Zhan from head to toe, removing his cigar and belitting it on the ash tray. Before he could say anything further, another lady spoke up. She removed Wang Zi hands from his arm and distanced her a bit, making him stand in the middle for everyone to analyse him properly.

"You are Zhang Jingtong's son eh? That wedding planner or whatever."
Xiao Zhan just nodded again. The eyes on him were getting more and more weary now.

Wang Yibo, Just where are you motherfucker!?

"Not bad looking, don't you think darling?" the lady asked to her supposed husband who just scoffed at that. The others didn't have much kind of response.

"I still wonder how you got the Young Master to like you. He loves you- something like that no? I didn't know Wang Yibo swinged that way." Wang Shuhao son of Wang Xiaoting, suddenly said as he took a step in forward to Xiao Zhan. With his gaze on him, Zhan interpreted that he was mocking him but he decided to keep quiet.

"I know right? What's your secret share with us too, Mr. Xiao? Oh- Can I address you as Mister though?" His mom asked. The tone they were using on him was weird from the start, Xiao Zhan knew that.

But this?! This was straightaway disrespecting!

"Excuse me-" Xiao Zhan wanted to speak but immediately got interrupted.

"Oh! Don't mind me, Just kidding." the lady mocked with a chuckle but Zhan knew she didn't meant it. This was getting more and more strange now. These people, who he never met before, who he never hurt in anyway, were making him feel uncomfortable for some reason.

"Ah- what's your age though?" Someone asked to which Xiao Zhan responded that he will soon complete his twenty fifth birthday.

"What? Really?! Does that mean you and Yibo both are almost the same age? You look rather younger!"

Xiao Zhan just smiled at that. This was ABSOLUTELY NOT going the way he expected. Soon the whispers around him increased. As he stood in the middle, unaware of the people around him, he was getting objectify by them.

"His tone is rather darker. Don't you think? Will he even look good alongside Yibo who is like a sparkling snow?"

"He is too tall. Huh! What a disadvantage."

"But his face is pretty no? Like if you just look at it without looking at his body, he almost resembles a girl. Haha!"

"Why? Could it be that Yibo just saw his face and ended up falling for him?!"

"Stop it. You all are making him uncomfortable. But- could it be the reason?"

The murmurs just kept increasing. So much that they weren't even trying to be subtle anymore, they were straight away measuring Xiao Zhan on personal parameters. Zhan wanted to interrupt but to his surprise, someone from the crowd of the Wangs held his hand. As he took his hands and brought them near his lips, the unknown family member spoke up.

"No doubt, you are really mesmerising. Aphrodite do has Favourites huh?"

The entire crowd shushed down- now all focused on him and this unknown man. Xiao Zhan tried to pull his hand away but the grip just tighten as the said man placed a smooth kiss over his hands.

"Pretty."

Xiao Zhan just awkwardly smiled, that kiss over his hand made him feel strangely uneasy. He thought that maybe the other will leave his hand now but instead, he just started caressing it.

"It's unfair that He gets to play with you and not me, don't you think? Damn! You are really a rare piece." The man complimented him but Xiao Zhan felt nothing to fluster about. Rather that cocky face and non consensual behaviour made him want to pull his eyes out.

But what is this-

This strange feeling?!

"You are appealing to look at but- Is it really worth it? You can't even speak for yourself. You should hang out with someone much of your type- like me you know, Mr. Xiao? I won't leave you alone. Maybe."

The man kept saying weird stuff, testing his patience, as he started getting closer to Xiao Zhan's body. Wang Zi had enough as she tried to interfere but the lady, who previously addressed Xiao Zhan held her hands again. "Relax sister-in-law, Haoxuan is just greeting his brother's wifey. He is the future partner of Wang Yibo, he can handle it."

The man, now known as Wang Haoxuan just chuckled at that and continued with the disrespect.

Xiao Zhan can answer him back. No, he can actually file a complaint for what he was doing to him but his mind wasn't cooperating as he kept swaying from reality to his subconsciousness. His head was feeling dizzy again as an unknown scene flashed through his head.

// -Hear few steps, Two- No five- No more than ten people are moving here and there. Some seem to go distant while some sound near to him.

"You really think it was possible? Huh?!" They are beating him- a man, no a woman- I don't know. Why are they not resisting? Revolting? Rebelling against it? //

It's weird but-

"Is it his power? Money?! That you cling to him for? He has no personality, so I disagree that you love him. Lust?! Is it that?! You know, you need someone to cherish you but Wang Yibo is the last person on that list. He can give you money but- no time."

Shut up already! Xiao Zhan thought. This man, he was interrupting him. He was interfering with his vision, making him feel puzzled.

"You don't seem to resist my touch either. Do you like it, Mr. Xiao?! I didn't think that, he had a thing for fags, but after seeing you, I might reconsider it now."

Wang Haoxuan was pushing his buttons now. Xiao Zhan wanted to push him away but the uncertainty between the reality and imagination was so slight that he can't even interpret half of the things. The people who were standing around him, they were the Wangs- he knew that! But soon, they all seemed to go faceless. He can't see their faces! It was changing- the place, the aura- it was all changing. A dark place, a rugged place- he can't remember where? Just where he was?

// "Waste of time!"//

"You got all mute now, eh? C'mon answer me."

// " P-please, let him go. He is- please just let him go. You can take me on his place- Ah!" he slapped her. Her head is bleeding, it is already so bruised. But who is she?

"Shut up, you bitch! We don't need worthless shits like you for our master!"//

"Seriously? You don't have a mouth or what?! Answer me, Sean Xiao Zhan."

"Enough Haoxuan! Just leave him already. You are creeping him out." Wang Anyu, the Wang Family's eldest of the third generation firmly stated trying to interfere. He almost pulled Haoxuan off Xiao Zhan but the other stopped him beforehand.

"Gege, Why are you speaking for him? I think Mr. Xiao can speak for himself. If he says, I will leave him alone. But he doesn't feels that way now, Right?"
But why was Xiao Zhan not stopping him?! The Wangs were now getting more and more astonished. The elders didn't interfere, Wang Zi was forced not to. While the youngers could feel the creepiness that their brother was showing off but- If Xiao Zhan doesn't says no, can they really interfere?!

They are not his family, yet.

Xiao Zhan, on the other hand, was completely cut off from the reality now. He felt that The walls around the Mansion started to close around him, the ceiling was leaking with something red- crimson sort of. His body was frozen and he can feel thousands of stings at the place Haoxuan was holding him at. It was horrifying. No, he shouldn't have skipped his medicines today!

"You really ain't denying it?! It's giving me wrong ideas. Would you take it if I just-" Wang Haoxuan recited as he tried to scoop his arms around Xiao Zhan's waist but before he can- his body fell few inches away from the Xiao Owner.

It's suffocating!

"You forgot you place again? Hah! You are really hopeless Haoxuan."

The silence that spread throughout the Wang Mansion was nerve wrecking. As soon as he stepped in, The sudden drop in air could be easily felt, especially by the supposed elders who got goosebumps rising all over their body. The voice that reverbed around his back made Xiao Zhan snap back to reality. The cold hand that pulled him out of that nightmare, as he felt the hard chest against his after the other guy was harshly pushed away- It was him.

It was Wang Yibo.

As Wang Haoxuan stumbled back by few inches, he chuckled in a crooked smile. But the Wangs dared not to look him in the eye. Wasn't the Young Wang out? They saw him leaving! But why is he here? If he heard everything then-

They all are doomed!

"Ah- took you long enough to arrive. You interrupted my sweet time with my brother-in-law."

It was worldwide known that Wang Haoxuan and Wang Yibo don't sit on the same table. These men, always against each other's throat, were nothing new for the family. They knew that the reason why Haoxuan was messing around with Xiao Zhan was also solely because of Wang Yibo but-

It's all fun and games only until Wang Yibo wants it to be.

"Sweet time? Don't give me that shit. Your existence is uncomfortable."

Wang Yibo retorted as he glanced at Xiao Zhan. Ah- it's the after effect. The said man looked shocked, as if he was just comprehending his surroundings. Xiao Zhan looked back at him, eyes widen and seeing that clenched jaw, disappointed gaze and feeling the harsh hold on his arm, he was sure that calling Wang Yibo annoyed would be an understatement. And that's the exact moment Xiao Zhan realised- he fucked up!

What the hell did I just do?! Was I just standing like a mannequin hearing all that bullshit without a single response?!!

"Y-yibo I was-"

"Uncomfortable you say? But he didn't felt so." Haoxuan interrupted as he smirked at Xiao Zhan. "He took it all. Whatever I said, he accepted it all without a word in his defence. Is it how you fell in love with him?! Haha! Because he can't even talk back? He just takes it all from you too huh?! Puppet-"

"Well, atleast he is not a pathetic, useless, unemployed man in his late twenties who mooches off the income of his father, no?" Wang Yibo answered making Haoxuan clench his fists.

"Imagine being so useless that you can't even understand the concept of personal space. Tch tch! How do you even graduated with that small brain of yours? You will always be a Disappointment brother." Haoxuan had enough as he charged towards the other. Wang Yibo didn't even moved, holding onto Xiao Zhan in his left arm, ready to punch the other across his face. This could end really bad, but no one dared to interfere in it.

No one interferes when the Young Wang is involved.

"Sister in law! Do something. He will- My Xuan!" Wang Eunjie shouted for help from Wang Zi knowing that Yibo will atleast stop if the woman says so but, to her utmost shock, Wang Zi just shrugged.

"Relax Eunjie, Bo is just greeting his brother. He is Young Wang's cousin, Haoxuan could handle that much, No?" Eunjie grit her teeth. This woman!

The fight accelerated quick as Haoxuan received a punch across his face, busting his lip. He tried to lunge at Yibo again, but the Young Wang just held him from his throat- choking him. Xiao Zhan was stunned seeing Wang Yibo punching his own brother that hard and now this!

Is this Normal?!

The fight was soon taking an unwanted end. And, eventhough Haoxuan said and did something that made Zhan want to slap him, he can't let Wang Yibo ruthless beat his brother to death.

"Yibo! I-i stop!"

Clutching onto his arms, Xiao Zhan did made everyone including the Wang Heir stop and look at him. The Wangs had this strange emotion up their face as Zhan pulled Wang Yibo away from the other. Seeing the annoyed expression on his face, Zhan thought that he did something that he shouldn't have done but-

Before Yibo can say anything, the sound of wheelchairs made everyone alert. It was Master Wang Jiang, followed by Li Bowen who had his gaze straight, eyes rarely ever wavering at anything. The Wangs immediately bowed in respect except the Young Wang who, instead of acknowledging his presence, left the main hall with Xiao Zhan dragged behind.

"Y-yibo, You-"

"Keep walking. Don't speak."

Oh man, he is fucked!

»»

"What did you do downstairs?! "

Wang Yibo asked calmly. He didn't shout but with the tone of it, Wasn't it obvious?! Xiao Zhan backed off, what can he even say to him? His head was low as he dared not to see him in eye. He informed me beforehand, but I still took it for granted. What can he even explain him now?

"I- just didn't know--"

"Ah- Right? You didn't know what to say or You weren't able to speak. I asked you to train well, Didn't I? And more to that, You interfered between us?!" Wang Yibo asked the other who flinched at the sudden raise of tone. The Wang heir did ask him to rehearse it, he even made Dylan act for him but, Zhan didn't think that it was actually going to be that uncomfortable. And as an end result, a fight would broke.

"But- He is y-your brother."

Xiao Zhan wanted to smack himself for taking this too lightly. He shouldn't have gone alone, or he shouldn't have let them speak that much, or he should have atleast answered back.

But what did he do?! Nothing.

He just kept standing there like a clown, mute and still. The Young Wang did say him a lot of things following that but Xiao Zhan wasn't able to listen to any of it. His mind was preoccupied with loads of thoughts, all the words from the Wangs repeating in his head like a video player.

"So? That's none of your business. I told you didn't I? This is not your family Xiao Zhan. These are the Wangs."

Then, Was it his fault? Families aren't like that! They love each other, hold deep unconditional support for each other- not straight away Disrespect and physically hurt each other!

This is not normal,
atleast not for him.

And as if, the Wang Heir could read his mind, Wang Yibo said-

"It is. Even if you don't want to accept it, It is your new normal Sean Xiao Zhan."

»»

That night in the Wang Mansion was super packed up and hectic. Rituals, functions, guests, and gossips were all over the place. Xiao Zhan was introduced to the Wang Family again. However, this time they didn't act as impulsive as before. Rather, They respected him and talked to him as they should.

Well, it was expected.

Wang Yibo is going to be the next heir of the Wang Corporations and the worst anyone can do is piss off the boss by disrespecting his life partner. Yibo won't think twice before kicking his relatives out of the family business as of present and if they piss him unnecessarily? God have mercy! Why to even get onto his bad side?

The Xiao brothers were already pretty supportive of each other. So although, Zhoucheng hated Wang Yibo from his guts, he accepted the whole thing when Zhan explained him the fake love story that Wang Yibo made up.
"Only because you want it." was what Zhoucheng said as he apologised to Wang Yibo for his rash behaviour. The brothers hugged and basically, they made up soon enough.

In the midst of all this drama, the Young Wang can't help but feel bored and ridiculous. What was with all these people and their overdramatic bonding shit? That's so lame!

Anyways, it doesn't matters.

Once he is done with this marriage, he won't have to tolerate it at all. Surprisingly, Yibo was well behaved and- A pretty good ACTOR. The Xiaos had already started trusting him and his facade of being devoted in love with Xiao Zhan was also getting believable by everyone. Unfortunately, Only Zhan knew what a shit talker he was and how much 'in love' were they.

And just like that, The night passed as soon as it arrived, with lots of family and functions that is.

Today is the day of great importance in Beijing. The Young Wang of the Wang Family and Xiao Zhan, owner of Xiaoshop will be getting married today. The news, as BREAKING as it was, spread all over the country like forest fire and some completely irrelevant and unemployed people also gave their statements on this whole thing.

Not like the Wangs or Xiaos gave a single fuck about their opinions.

"What are you exactly thinking of doing?"

"Something that will get me my Yibo back. Until I get to have him, I don't care who dies."

"Zhan Loves him! Stop this craziness and don't try to ruin his happiness!"

"B-but..But I am suppose to be his happiness right? RIGHT?! yes, If he has to be happy..He Has To Be With Me."

We all love to admire beautiful things don't we? But as the saying goes, beautiful roses are the first one to be plucked away. Poor Xiao Zhan was also caught up in a similar mess, with lots of secrets winding around him. Fucked up! people with fucked up plans- and all because, he is marrying that man.

That Man of Evil-Virtue.

______________________________________

AN☃️
Wattpad, My baby- Do you hate me or what?! 😭 You all remember that incident from the Xiao Shop?! Yep- it's gone! 🙂

Anyways, here it is.

Until then
Spread love and legs ☺️💜

______________________________________