CHAPTER 80

——

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains as the soft chatter of children echoed through the spacious living room. The hardwood floor was scattered with toys tiny pink socks, half-eaten cookies, picture books, and a few building blocks Yuer was fiercely guarding from his younger sisters.

Three-year-old Yuer, still chubby-cheeked and quick to pout, sat proudly like a little king on the couch, his mop of black hair a fluffy mess. Her twin sisters, Malani and Miara, were crawling around her, their one-year-old giggles the sweetest melody in the house. One had Zhan's lips and the other had Yibo's eyes but both had inherited their fathers' fire.

Zhan walked in with his hands full a milk bottle for Miara, a pacifier for Malani, and a coffee for himself. He wore pajama pants and a robe, hair messy but face glowing with peace.

From behind him, Yibo emerged, lifting Yuer effortlessly and kissing his chubby cheek. "Good morning, little general," he teased.

Yuer giggled, wrapping his arms around Yibo's neck. "I protected the toys from my sisters today!"

Zhan snorted. "You also bribed them with cookies."

Just then, the front door opened and Ayuan stepped in now 18, taller, more mature, but still with that gentle spark in his eyes that had always melted Zhan's heart.

"Good morning!" he called out.

Zhan smiled, setting down the bottles. "Finally, my eldest child returns to his old father."

Ayuan laughed and walked to them, hugging both of his parents in one swoop. But then he took a deep breath, his expression growing nervous.

"I actually have something to tell you."

Yibo, ever calm, tilted his head. "Go ahead, we're listening."

Zhan folded his arms, suspicious. "You're not moving to another country, right? Because if you are, I'll cry. Loudly."

Ayuan smiled nervously. "No, nothing like that... I just. I have a boyfriend now."

Zhan's eyes widened. "WHAT?!"

Malani and Miara jumped at his sudden outburst, both starting to cry. Yibo picked them up with ease, gently bouncing them. "Baobao, let him finish."

Zhan had his hands on his cheeks, already pacing. "My baby radish our tiny sprout has a boyfriend? I just changed your diapers like yesterday!"

Ayuan rubbed his temple. "Nana" Yibo snorted a laugh, trying to hide it behind Malani's curls.

"Who? Who is it?" Zhan asked, almost breathless.

"Jinling," Ayuan said shyly. Yes, they're cousins but Jinling and Jingyi were just adopted by Haikuan, Yibo's brother, and Cheng, Zhan's cousin."

"Jinling? Your Uncle Kuan's son?" Zhan asked, shocked.

"Baby, you're reacting like they're not allowed to be together," Yibo smiled.

"I'm just... shocked," Zhan replied, welled up with tears. He placed a hand dramatically over his chest and burst into loud sobs. "Oh my god... he's all grown up. He's dating. They grow so fast. Why didn't anyone tell me parenting was so cruel?!"

Ayuan blushed furiously, but hugged his Nana from behind. "You're not losing me, Nana. I'll always be your baby radish."

"Don't patronize me in my moment of emotional collapse," Zhan mumbled tearfully. Yibo walked over, bouncing the girls on each hip, and leaned in to kiss Zhan's forehead. "He's happy, Zhan. That's all we ever wanted."

Zhan sniffled, accepting the coffee Yibo brought him earlier. "I know. But next time, warn me. I need a tissue and an emotional support blanket."

The entire family laughed. The twins babbled, Yuer shoved a toy into Ayuan's hand with pride, and the home filled again with warm chatter and soft love. Life had taken them through storms and fire, but now this was peace.

A house full of love, a future full of memories waiting to be made.

And even though Zhan would always cry when his children grew up, Yibo would always be there. to hold him, tease him, and love him through it all.

—-

The house was full of laughter, noise, and the occasional baby cry. The twins, Malani and Miara now one year old were babbling and crawling in opposite directions like mini tornados, while three-year-old Yuer ran after them with his half-zipped pajama flapping like a cape. Zhan, with his sleeves rolled up and his hair slightly messy, looked absolutely exhausted but radiant.

Yibo appeared beside him, holding a milk bottle in one hand and a bib in the other, his shirt stained with formula. "Remind me again why we thought having twins would be a good idea?" he whispered teasingly.

Zhan laughed softly, resting his head on Yibo's shoulder for a second. "Because you were shameless and persuasive."

"Ayuan!" Yibo called out across the living room, where their now-teenage son was sitting with Andro , flipping through a game book while little Yuer clung to his back. "Can you help with your sisters for just five minutes?"

Ayuan gave a long, dramatic sigh but stood up and gently scooped up Miara. "Only because I love them and I want dinner," he said, shooting his dad's a playful look. Zhan smiled warmly—he could never get used to how mature Ayuan was becoming.

As the dinner table was finally set, the front door opened with a warm creak and in came their guests. Lay, hand-in-hand with Doctor Mianmian; Haoxuan and Jiyang—newlyweds, glowing with joy; Haikuan with his husband Cheng, and their twin Jingyi and Jinling.

Behind them, Lulu arrived with Ziyi, holding hands comfortably. Ziyi had once been Zhan's personal doctor, and now looked completely at home in their family fold.

The dinner was vibrant filled with chatter, babies passed hand to hand, and stories that overlapped with laughter. Mianmian gently checked on Yibo mid-meal, still fussing even after a year of recovery. "He's stronger than ever," she whispered to Zhan, who looked over at Yibo, pride and love softening his face.

At one point, Zhan stood by the table, lifting his glass. "To family our chaotic, loving, ever-growing family. I never thought we'd have this and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Yibo caught his eyes, mouthing, "I love you."Zhan smiled. "Forever."

—-

The doorbell rang again. Zhan, who had just finally gotten Yuer to stop throwing noodles at Miara, opened the door revealing both sets of parents, arms overflowing with bags and boxes wrapped in pastel papers and colorful ribbons.

"Grandma!" Ayuan was the first to shout, rushing forward. Katrina Zhan's mother opened her arms wide, laughing as Ayuan embraced her tightly. Yibo's parents came in right behind, Yibo's mother carrying a beautifully wrapped box taller than her granddaughter.

Yibo stood in the hallway, smiling warmly. "You didn't have to bring this much," he said, taking a few bags to help.

"Nonsense," Katrina said as she breezed past him into the cozy dining area. "We have grandchildren now. What else are we supposed to do but spoil them?"

The living room transformed into a sea of torn wrapping paper, squeals, and toddler laughter.

"This one's from us," Yibo's father said, pride in his voice. "Figured the twins might share for now."

Miara was already crawling into it, babbling to a stuffed bear.

The dinner table stretched to its limit as they all gathered. The scent of Zhan's stewed ribs mixed with the dumplings brought by Yibo's mother. Katrina had baked sweet egg tarts, and Cheng brought one of his signature light cakes, which everyone eyed but saved for dessert.

Ayuan sat beside his boyfriend Jinling, whispering jokes while making Miara giggle. Lulu helped her aunt pour tea while Haoxuan poured wine for the adults. Even Lay, who often kept to himself, looked content as he helped Doctor Mianmian soothe a crying Yuer, who got overwhelmed by too much excitement.

Zhan caught Yibo's eyes from across the table. Their fingers brushed for a moment as they passed plates and Yibo smiled.

In this warm, flickering light, surrounded by family and laughter, all the pain of the past felt like a faraway storm finally behind them.

The backyard glowed gently under a sky splattered with stars. A large bonfire crackled at the center, its golden warmth brushing everyone's cheeks as the scent of roasted marshmallows mingled with the crisp night air.

Blankets were spread over the grass, and small tables were scattered with sweets honey biscuits, candied nuts, chocolate-covered fruits, and more. The kids were in heaven. Yuer toddled between his grandparents, a stick of roasted marshmallow in each tiny hand, sticky but delighted. Malani and Miara were bundled in little coats, both sitting on Lulu's lap.

The adults gathered near the bonfire with glasses of wine in hand. Zhan leaned against Yibo, his head on Yibo's shoulder, content as soft music played in the background Ayuan's playlist looping gentle acoustic songs.

"Let's play a game!" Andro shouted suddenly from the group of teens. "Truth or dare but soft edition, grandma's watching!"

Laughter erupted. Jingyi rolled his eyes but joined in, and Jinling and Ayuan exchanged knowing smirks. The teens sat cross-legged in a circle a bit away from the fire, whispering and teasing in low voices. Every now and then, one of the adults would look over and chuckle as a shout or groan came from their game.

Haikuan and Cheng toasted quietly with Haoxuan and Jiyang, their conversation light memories shared glances of gratitude that they'd come through everything and now had nights like this.

Zhan stared into the flames, his body warm but his heart caught on a quiet ache. Yibo noticed.

"You okay?" Yibo asked softly, nudging their glasses together. Zhan smiled faintly and gave a small nod. "I was just thinking. I used to love Liying so much. She was my best friend when we were kids."

He let out a slow, deep breath. "I wonder when that changed. I wonder if she ever missed me, even once."

Yibo didn't answer right away. He just reached over, threading their fingers together.

"You're allowed to remember the good," he whispered. "It doesn't take away what she did."

Zhan leaned in and kissed his husband's temple, grateful for his quiet strength. Then, with a shake of his head and a clearing of his throat, he let the memory go just enough to enjoy the moment.

"Alright," Katrina clapped her hands, "who wants hot cocoa with extra whipped cream?"

The children squealed as Ziyi, Zhan's old personal doctor and Lulu's girlfriend, stood up laughing to help. The mood shifted easily back into warmth and joy.

As the night stretched on, Ayuan returned to sit between his parents, Miara curled in his arms, already half-asleep. Yibo leaned in to kiss Zhan's cheek.

"You built this," he said softly. "This peace. This family."

Zhan smiled through misty eyes.

"I did," he whispered. "We did."

And the fire burned steadily, the stars watching over their laughter and quiet hearts.

——

The morning sun filtered through soft curtains, casting golden streaks over the living room where toys were still scattered from last night's play. The house was quieter now most of the visitors had left at dawn, giving hugs and promises to visit again soon.

Zhan moved silently in the kitchen, tying his apron with a deep breath. The comforting scent of jasmine rice steamed into the air, while he carefully arranged stir-fried vegetables, pickled radish, and soft egg rolls in a lacquered container. He added a slice of orange cake Liying's favorite when they were children.

Yibo entered with a sleepy Miara in his arms, her face pressed against his shoulder. He paused when he saw the neatly packed food and the distant look on Zhan's face.

"You're going," Yibo said gently. Zhan nodded, closing the lid of the container.

"I don't know what I'm hoping for," he whispered. "But I feel like I need to see her. Just once, as her brother."

Yibo stepped closer. "Then let me come."

Zhan looked up and smiled sadly. "No, baobei. I need you to stay here. Take care of the girls. I'll be home soon."

Yibo hesitated, searching Zhan's eyes, but nodded. He cupped his husband's cheek and kissed his forehead gently. "If she hurts you again"

"She already did," Zhan cut in softly, "but today... I'm not there for revenge."

With a final look, Zhan turned and left. The drive to the prison was quiet. The city blurred past his window, but all he could see were old memories braiding Liying's hair when they were little, her laughter when they used to dance in their room, the way she used to hug him tight when she was scared.

But those memories were like glass. Beautiful, but already broken.

⸻

In the visitation room. The air smelled sterile, the walls bare and gray. A metal table separated them. Liying was led in, her uniform crisp, her scar from the burn stretching down her cheek like a silent brand. She sat down slowly, her eyes falling on the container of food. She didn't touch it.

Zhan said nothing at first. Neither did she. Minutes passed like hours, until Zhan finally spoke. "I cooked your favorite," he said softly, not meeting her eyes. "Like I used to. Remember? On your birthday. You cried when I made the cake too sweet." Still nothing.

Zhan swallowed and looked up. "I don't know if you care anymore. I don't even know who you are now. But. I still needed to try."

Liying's jaw clenched. Her hands were folded tightly on the table. "I didn't come here to forgive," Zhan continued. "I came here to bury it. The past, the pain. I need to stop carrying it, Liying. I need to stop hating you, because it's killing me slowly."

She looked at him finally eyes empty, or maybe just tired. "You hate me," she whispered. "Everyone does."

Zhan's voice cracked. "I loved you." Silence fell again. Long. Harsh. When the guard called time, Zhan stood. He left the food behind, untouched.

As he turned to go, he looked back once, and for a second just a second, he saw Liying's shoulders tremble as if she was finally cracking. But he didn't stay to watch.

He walked out into the morning sun, the cold air biting but his chest just a little lighter.

The metal doors of the prison clicked shut behind him with a final, echoing clang. The sound vibrated through Zhan's chest like the last beat of a painful song. The gray sky above had started to clear, sunlight slowly bleeding through thick clouds. As he stepped into the open air, the wind brushed across his cheeks and he realized they were wet. He hadn't even noticed he was crying.

His steps faltered just beyond the gates. Slowly, he turned back toward the building. That cold, merciless building now held the girl he had once loved more than anyone. A sister who had once clung to his hand through every storm, only to become the storm that nearly destroyed him.

Zhan stood in silence. A single tear slid down, then another, tracing the curve of his jaw, slipping into the collar of his coat. But there was no anguish in his eyes now. No fury. Just grief, and something softer, quieter. Acceptance.

He whispered aloud, voice trembling but steady."This is the last tear I'll shed for you, Liying. Not because I don't care. But because I've carried your shadow for too long." He paused.  "I'm happy now with my family. A husband who loves me without question. Children who know only kindness. I hope one day, you'll find your own kind of peace. Maybe even your own family."

He paused, wiping his face slowly, the final streak of saltwater cleared with the back of his sleeve. "Goodbye, Liying."

A soft, almost wistful smile tugged at his lips as he turned, back straight, steps lighter. With each footfall, the weight lessened. The ache in his chest unraveled thread by thread.

He walked toward his car, parked at the edge of the hill where the sky opened wide, and the wind no longer whispered with bitterness, but with hope.

Zhan didn't look back again. He didn't need to.

—-

Laughter echoed from the living room where little feet pitter-pattered across the tiles, Yuer squealing as she ran from her twin sisters, Malani and Miara, who toddled after her on unsteady legs. Ayuan sat nearby, Jinling beside him, the two sharing snacks while pretending not to watch the chaos with soft smiles.

Zhan stepped through the front door, the scent of his home enveloping him like a hug baked bread, chamomile tea, and a faint hint of Yibo's cologne.

He was immediately greeted by the sound of Yibo's voice. "There's my lovely husband," Yibo grinned, stepping out from the hallway, sleeves rolled up and a dish towel over his shoulder. "How was it?"

Zhan's eyes glistened, but this time with peace. He walked into Yibo's arms and wrapped his own around him tightly, burying his face into the crook of his neck.

"It's done," he whispered. "I let it all go."

Yibo kissed his temple gently, then the corner of his eye, catching the last trace of tears. "I'm proud of you."

They stood there for a long moment, just breathing together, the children's joyful noise filling the house like music.

Later that evening, they all gathered in the backyard under the orange and lavender sky. A picnic blanket stretched across the grass, food and drinks laid out, the kids chasing fireflies as the first stars began to appear.

Their parents were there, sharing quiet stories and warm drinks. Haoxuan and Jiyang cuddled together on the porch steps, while Lay and Mianmian sat hand in hand beside them. Haikuan, Cheng, and Lulu helped the kids light sparklers, while Ziyi took photos of everyone, laughing at the blur of toddler energy.

—

Zhan sat beside Yibo, leaning into his side, a soft blanket draped over their laps, their twins asleep in their arms. Yuer sat curled on Zhan's legs, sucking her thumb. Ayuan lay on the grass beside them, holding hands with Jinling under the stars.

"I never thought we'd have this," Yibo murmured quietly.

Zhan turned to look at him, brushing a hand over his cheek. "You fought for this. We both did. And now we're here."

Yibo smiled, eyes glassy. He leaned in and kissed Zhan slowly, lovingly, their children nestled between them like living proof of everything they'd overcome.

As the night deepened, laughter carried across the garden, like a melody only families forged by love and resilience could know. No more shadows. No more ghosts. Just now. Just home.Just forever.

"The hands that once trembled from pain now hold joy without fear."

The End