For a brief moment, Zhan's mind froze, as if his brain had shut down. Everything went still. He could no longer process anything clearly; only Ms. Bao's words echoed loudly in his ears. They repeated themselves over and over again before he could even begin to comprehend what she meant.
"He'll offer himself....his virginity....and his whole body....to the Prince of Tianjin for a full year."
That was the message, right? Zhan asked himself, stunned. He slowly raised his eyes, dazed, and locked them onto Ms. Bao's face. Did she even understand the weight of what she was saying? Was she in her right mind?
There was no trace of humor or jest in her expression....only unwavering seriousness and a clear desire to be understood. For the first time, Zhan found his voice.
"I don't understand, Ms. Bao. I really don't understand what you mean."
She smiled, trying to soothe him.
"You understand, Zhan. You're just in shock. And honestly, anyone would be. An opportunity like this doesn't just fall into anyone's lap. You have two days to think about it. We leave in five days with whoever agrees."
A lump formed in his throat. He finally saw the full picture: they were preying on the desperate....orphans, the poor, people like him. And when the world is filled with people who will trade anything for comfort, everything becomes easy for predators like this.
Despite all his patience and gentleness, he could never accept this. His dignity wasn't something he was willing to sell. If Ms. Bao had any other ideas about who he was or what he might agree to, she needed to be corrected....firmly. He didn't want this kind of talk to ever come up between them again.
Yes, he wanted to marry one day, but not like this. Not now. His life was already burdened enough with hardships, and as far as he could tell, marriage was just another trap...another source of stress and sorrow. Why would he agree to fall into the same misery he'd seen others drown in, like Fenghua and all those women his father kept bringing home?
"Marriage, as far as I've come to understand it, happens when two people love and accept each other. One sends a proposal, and if the other agrees, it happens. That's all. There's no condition like, 'after this amount of time, this specific thing must happen.' Marriage should be a lifelong commitment. So I'm sorry, Ms. Bao. I won't do it. Not now. You should find someone else. I'm sure many would accept. I'm heading home. Goodnight."
Ms. Bao looked at Zhan with surprise. She hadn't expected this much clarity or depth from him. For all the time she had spent around him, she could testify that he carried his poverty with quiet strength. He wasn't flashy, but he had never seemed the type to reject such an offer.
Realizing he truly meant to leave...and that letting him go could mean losing a rare and valuable opportunity....Ms. Bao sprang to her feet and called out to him before he made it out the door. She stepped in front of him, her voice now soft and pleading.
"Zhan, come on. I chose you because I believed in you, because I passed over hundreds of others. You care about your siblings, don't you? I thought you'd be willing to sacrifice your own comfort for their well-being. Would you rather keep living like this forever when there's a clear way out? It's just one year. One year and your entire life could change. What are you really giving up?"
Zhan's eyes, filled with unshed tears, looked at her again. It hurt to see how deeply convinced she was....how little she seemed to understand who he really was. If they had shared a closer, more personal relationship, he would have told her what he really thought. But she, like most people, had assumed money trumped everything....even dignity.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Bao. Like I said, I can't do this. Please choose someone else. I'm sure you'll find someone willing." With that, he turned and left the house, the cool night air wrapping around him like a curtain. Her words clung to him more tightly than he had expected, echoing in his mind.
Just as he was nearing the door to his home, he thought he heard his name. The voice sounded familiar....too familiar. He froze, listening. Then the person stepped in front of him.
It was Nanjue.
He wore casual clothes, but even at a glance, his air of confidence and wealth was unmistakable. Nanjue gave him a charming smile, and Zhan instinctively averted his eyes. There was something about him....something too sharp, too polished. Even his greetings came slowly to Zhan's lips, as if forced.
Nanjue answered warmly, his gaze fixed on Zhan's face. Beyond physical beauty, he saw in Zhan a natural grace and quiet strength....qualities that Zhan himself didn't even know he possessed. His aloofness and quiet nature were oddly captivating. Even his silence spoke volumes.
"You haven't seen me in two days....did you even try looking for me?" Nanjue said, flashing a slight smile and brushing his hair back. His words scattered the thoughts already parading in Zhan's mind. He nearly looked up in surprise but chose to ignore him instead. Why would he have looked for him? Even if he knew where he was, did he deserve to be sought out?
Nanjue's smile widened, unfazed by Zhan's coldness.
"I knew you don't know where I'm living, huh? And you didn't bother to ask for my number either, not even once. Honestly, someone with a name like Zhan, someone like a royal blood....it's rare to come by. But here I am again, showing up a second time. Looks like you're in a rush though. Can you spare me ten minutes of your time?"
Zhan shook his head quickly, signaling no. As much as he respected Nanjue, he wasn't in the mood for small talk today. Nanjue fell quiet for a moment, clearly a bit disappointed, but then shrugged.
"Alright, no worries. Maybe I'll catch you another time… or maybe just give me your number?"
Before Zhan could answer, his father stepped out of the house. The moment Zhan saw him, he knew things could escalate. So he quickly replied,
"Let's meet the day after tomorrow. No problem."
Nanjue smiled, genuinely pleased by the response.
"I'll look forward to it. Thank you."
Zhan's father had already reached them, so Zhan quietly slipped into the house, leaving Nanjue behind. Whatever was going on, he didn't want himself involved.
▪️🔸▫️🔹
He hadn't exactly quit his job at Ms. Bao's house, but something inside him refused to return. To him, everything had its place....his job, their conversation, the lines between them. But the heaviness of what had been said left him drained. The next day, he had neither the strength nor the heart to show up for work.
His absence unsettled Ms. Bao more than she cared to admit. Her first fear was rebellion....Zhan turning against the plan. By the next morning, she'd decided to take the matter directly to Queen Zaiye, hoping a solution could be found.
As always, the Queen received her confidantes in a private chamber filled with discretion and security. Dressed in regalia fit for her station, Queen Zaiye stood tall and composed while Ms. Bao knelt respectfully before her, head bowed, having just finished her full report.
Queen Zaiye paced slowly, digesting the information. She knew Ms. Bao wouldn't be this unsettled unless the boy was truly something rare. He'd met all the criteria, passed every test they'd set. Even the Queen herself was surprised that someone from their land could reject such fortune. To her, this offer was not just a proposal....it was a privilege. No one in the royal clan, not even in her wildest dreams, had dared pursue or even imagine marrying someone of such humble roots. Her son was valuable, and anything....or anyone....connected to him must also carry value.
"Did you speak to his father? What did he say?" the Queen asked.
Ms. Bao shook her head quickly, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I completely overlooked that. But now that you've mentioned it, I'll go right away. I won't waste another second....I'll speak to his father."
The Queen allowed a faint smile in her thoughts, though her expression gave nothing away. She walked to one of the chairs, retrieved a leather purse, and continued speaking.
"Make it clear to the boy's father that we are seeking this union for his son to a Crowned Prince of Tianjin. Even if the boy refuses, his father's consent will suffice. I no longer wish to negotiate with the child. I only need one thing... a photo. I want to see him properly. I need to be sure that he matches my son in every way."
She took out a bundle of crisp bills... thousand-note denominations... and handed them to Ms. Bao. With shaking hands, Ms. Bao received them gratefully, bowing repeatedly before rising with excitement and leaving the room. She tucked the money into her handbag, determined to ensure that everything proceeded as planned. Success was within reach, and she wasn't going to let it slip away.
💚🦁❤️🐰💛🐢
When Ms. Bao arrived at Zhan's house, he was lying in bed, half-asleep. He thought he heard her voice, but knowing she had no reason to be there, he stayed put. He was alone in the room, waiting for Monday to resume school. All his younger siblings were away at lessons.... it was Sunday.
Outside, Ms. Bao had settled into the sitting room of the second wife, Cunxin. At that moment, Xiao Yun sat slouched on one of the couches, still fuming after an argument over rice. Cunxin had refused to share her meal, citing his failure to provide groceries for the last three days. He'd threatened violence, but she'd ignored him. Hunger had humbled him. With no money in his pocket, he wouldn't dare ask Fenghua for food either. Since marrying again, she'd drawn a boundary he couldn't cross. She'd tells him she left him with Cunxin.
He rubbed his stomach, cursing poverty for the hundredth time. He'd never imagined falling this deep into misery. Just then, Cunxin opened the curtain and entered the room with Ms. Bao.
"There's a visitor who wishes to speak with you," Cunxin said and walked off to store her excess soup in the bedroom. He followed her with his eyes, swallowing hard... the aroma had already filled the room, reigniting his hunger.
Ms. Bao's warm greetings brought him back to the moment. He focused on her, replying with guarded politeness, unsure who she was. She decided not to prolong the formalities.
"I'm the woman Zhan works for... the house where he's employed."
He adjusted his sitting posture, heart slightly heavy, while part of him hoped that she had brought Zhan's wages to him. It had been two days since he'd shown up. Maybe she came to settle up, and maybe... just maybe... it would ease the sting of those with the requested name changes and cultural adjustments: empty days.
"Oh… well… welcome. I hope all is well?" Xiao Yun said.
Ms. Bao offered a polite smile as she settled into the seat.
"All is well, I bring only good news," she said.
Her words sharpened his focus. She reached into her bag...the same notes that Queen Zaiye had given her....and pulled out a neat bundle of cash. She set it gently beside Xiao Yun. His eyes trailed over the money, surprise etched across his face as questions stirred in his mind.
"Could this be Zhan's wages? But wait....he's been earning big money like this and never once thought to show any sympathy? Or is today the day fate exposes his secret? Am I finally seeing what he's been hiding?"
"These," Ms. Bao said smoothly, "and more....much more....can be yours. All you have to do is agree to the matter I've come to discuss."
Intrigued by the mention of money he might own, Xiao Yun leaned closer, placing a hand over the money, adjusting his robe again.
"What sort of matter are we talking about here?"
Ms. Bao didn't hold anything back. She explained everything....how she and Zhan had talked at her residence, how he had refused, and what her proposal entailed. She ended by laying out the vast wealth and opportunities Xiao Yun would receive if he supported her cause.
Not only Xiao Yun, but even Cunxin....who had been in the bedroom all along...had quietly crept into the sitting room, drawn by the conversation. She listened, eyes darting as her mind raced to devise a way to ensure her husband didn't miss this chance.
"What in the world!" Xiao Yun exclaimed. "I had no idea Zhan held such resentment toward me. If I had, I'd have dealt with him long ago! So the boy has no love for me at all?"
He glanced at Cunxin, who had now seated herself beside him, trying to join in the conversation.
"Honey," she said quickly, "don't let this opportunity pass you by! Even in dreams, someone rarely stumbles upon such fortune."
"If I let this slip away," Xiao Yun muttered, "then I deserve to be counted among the hopeless. Zhan will learn a lesson...what's he ever done for me in over a year that now I should ignore this opportunity?"
Ms. Bao cut in quickly.
"Please, Mr. Xiao Yun, don't take it out on him. Everything must happen with his consent. Try approaching him gently, as his father he might agree. I've tried everything I could think of, but he still refused. It was love that made me choose him among so many. I want this goodness for him."
Xiao Yun tugged at his robe and sat up straighter, snorting through his nose.
"So now I need to plead with my own son? Look, if I'm his father, then go tell Her Highness... or better yet, take me with you... I'll speak to her myself. I'll try reasoning with him once, but if I sense he's trying to drag us down, then he'll feel the consequences. But you.... thank you. Not many would bring fortune this close and still look out for us."
They parted ways, each filled with hope. Ms. Bao didn't even ask to see Zhan, nor did he know she'd been there.
Xiao Yun stood up, unusually weighted by emotion, as he tucked the money into his pocket. As he prepared to leave, Cunxin softened her voice.
"Dear, aren't you going to eat before heading out?"
He shot her a glare.
"Eat what? You keep it. Eat until you burst. You think I'm a beggar? Look at me...I'm success in the making. Luck follows my bloodline."
"Please don't be upset," she said quickly, "don't throw away our chance. You know women are better at persuasion. I've already thought of a way to handle Zhan, but I need you to stay calm."
Mentioning "handling" Zhan piqued Xiao Yun's interest. He knew Cunxin was clever. He softened, voice low and thoughtful.
"So what's the plan?"
She stood up in a hurry.
"You know he's been down lately, like he's unwell. And this house doesn't exactly serve nourishing meals. Right now, he's probably lying there hungry. Let me serve you both some food. You talk to him while you eat, work the topic in naturally."
Xiao Yun burst into laughter.
"Cunxin! Mischief and brilliance...you've got both!"
He returned to his seat as Cunxin giggled and headed to the kitchen. She returned with two plates of rice, stew, salad, and meat, setting them in front of him before going to call Zhan.
Zhan was lying on the bed when he heard a voice outside...one that had never passed by their room, let alone entered. He sat up, surprised to see the woman the house children called "Aunty Bride."
She approached, stopping just by his side.
"Hello, Zhan. How's your health?"
He was struck again by surprise. He forced a nod and added,
"Feeling much better."
"I'm glad to hear that," she smiled. "Your father… well, he's sorry. He hasn't been good at showing care. Sure, he doesn't have much money to support the family, but he could at least check on you. Right now, he's really worried. He wanted to come himself but felt ashamed for not buying medicine when you first got sick."
"My father?" Zhan blurted out, eyes flicking to Cunxin.
She nodded with a smile.
"Yes, him. His problem is that when he's broke, he pushes everyone away instead of just explaining. He asked me to bring you. He wants to see how you're feeling."
Zhan nearly froze. It didn't add up. Something wasn't right. His gut told him this was a setup. After more than twenty years of living with that man, he knew better than to trust sudden kindness. Something was being hidden. Still, he stood up slowly and followed her.
Whatever this is… I'll find out soon enough.
He thought.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛