The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the Wang Mansion, casting a warm glow over the dining room. The table was set for breakfast, filled with an array of delicious dishes. The family was gathering, the air filled with laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed tea.
Xian Zhan was in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Wang prepare the final touches. The chef's are standing aside watching "Mom, you've outdone yourself again," he said with a smile, arranging the fruit platter.
Mrs. Wang chuckled. "Well, I had a good helper this time. It's nice to have you here, Zhan. It feels like a true family."
Just then, Wang Yibo walked in, holding Shean's hand. The little boy's eyes lit up at the sight of the breakfast spread. "Daddy, can I have some of those pancakes?" he asked, pointing excitedly.
Xian Zhan ruffled his son's hair. "Of course, Shean. But let's wait for everyone to sit down first."
They all took their seats around the table, with Mr. Wang at the head. "Good morning, everyone," he greeted, his smile broad. "It's wonderful to see us all together like this."
The breakfast served and they dig in, their conversations blending into a harmonious symphony of family chatter.
As they began to eat, Mrs. Wang turned to Shean. "So, Shean, how is school? Are you making lots of friends?"
Shean nodded enthusiastically, his mouth full of pancake. "Yes, Grandma! I have a new friend named Timmy. He's really funny."
Wang Yibo chuckled, his eyes softening as he watched his son. "That's great to hear, Shean. Maybe we can invite Timmy over for a playdate soon."
The conversation flowed effortlessly, topics ranging from work to hobbies to childhood memories. It felt as though all the tension and misunderstandings of the past had melted away, replaced by genuine affection and camaraderie.
After breakfast, Xian Zhan and Wang Yibo took Shean to the garden to play. The little boy ran around, chasing butterflies and laughing with pure joy. Yibo pulled Zhan into a gentle embrace, resting his chin on Zhan's shoulder.
"I'm so glad you're here," Yibo murmured. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Xian Zhan leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his husband's love. "I love you, Yibo ge. We've been through so much, but we're stronger because of it."
They shared a tender kiss, the garden around them bursting with the colors of blooming flowers. The sight of Shean playing happily added to their sense of contentment.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Mrs. Wang and the head of chefs Ji Yang mother were chatting over tea, reminiscing about their own children's early years.
Mr. Wang was in his study, reading the morning newspaper, a satisfied smile on his face as he listened to the sounds of family life filling the house.
As the day unfolded, the family enjoyed a leisurely afternoon. They played board games, shared stories, and took a walk around the neighborhood. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, their love and unity shining through.
As evening approached, they gathered in the living room for a movie night. Shean snuggled between his parents on the couch, his eyes wide with excitement as the movie began. The adults shared a bowl of popcorn, the occasional playful argument about movie choices adding to the fun.
By the time the credits rolled, Shean was fast asleep, his head resting on Xian Zhan's lap. Yibo gently picked him up and carried him to bed, tucking him in with a kiss on the forehead.
Returning to the living room, Yibo took Zhan's hand and led him to their bedroom. They stood by the window, looking out at the moonlit garden.
"Today was perfect," Zhan whispered, leaning his head on Yibo's shoulder.
"It was," Yibo agreed. "And we'll have many more perfect days, as long as we're together."
They shared a quiet, intimate moment, the peace and happiness of their family wrapping around them like a warm embrace.
Xian Zhan stood in the middle of his art studio, surrounded by canvases and sculptures. His phone buzzed on the table, displaying a message from his colleague in foreign country. He opened it and read the contents with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
New York Art Residency Program accepted your application. Six-month residency starting in two months. Congratulations!
Xian Zhan's heart raced. This was a dream opportunity, but it meant being away from Wang Yibo and their son, Shean, for six long months. He sighed and sat down, lost in thought.
At the Wang Corporation, Wang Yibo was in a meeting with his executive team. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the message from Xian Zhan.
We need to talk tonight...Important.
Yibo's mind raced with possibilities, but he pushed it aside to focus on the meeting.
That evening, they sat across from each other in their bedroom. Xian Zhan looked at Wang Yibo, trying to gauge his mood.
"Yibo ge, I got accepted into the New York Art Residency Program. It's a six-month program starting in two months," Xian Zhan said, his voice tinged with both excitement and worry.
Wang Yibo's face remained impassive, his icy demeanor returning. "That's... great news, Zhan. But six months? Away from home?"
Xian Zhan nodded. "I know it's a long time, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my career. I've been working towards this for years."
Yibo clenched his jaw, his possessiveness and jealousy bubbling under the surface.
"What about Shean? What about us?"
"I've thought about that. We can arrange for Shean to spend time with both our families. And we can video call every day. It's not ideal, but it's manageable," Xian Zhan said, reaching out to hold Yibo's hand.
Yibo pulled his hand away, standing up to pace the room. "Manageable? Do you think it's that easy? You'll be on the other side of the world. How do you expect us to stay connected?"
Xian Zhan's eyes filled with tears. "Yibo ge, I love you. But I also have dreams and ambitions. I need your support, not your doubts."
Wang Yibo turned to face him, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not doubting you, Zhan. I'm afraid of losing you. We've just gotten through so much. I don't want to risk it."
Xian Zhan stood up and embraced Yibo, resting his head on his chest. "You won't lose me. This is just a temporary challenge. We can get through it together."
Yibo sighed, wrapping his arms around Zhan. "I want to support you, Zhan. But it's going to be hard."
"We'll find a way," Xian Zhan whispered, holding him tightly.
As the departure date approached, Xian Zhan began preparing for his move to New York.
He made arrangements for his studio back home, ensuring that his work would continue in his absence. He decided to leave the studio in the capable hands of Hua Xuan and Ziyi, two trusted colleagues and long friends who were well-acquainted with his vision and style.
On his last day at the studio, Xian Zhan gathered Hua Xuan and Ziyi. "Thank you both for taking over while I'm away. I trust you to handle everything with care. If you need anything, I'm just a call away."
Hua Xuan smiled reassuringly. "We'll take good care of it, Zhan. Don't worry."
Ziyi added, "We've got this covered. Focus on your residency and come back with lots of inspiration."
Xian Zhan nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. He knew his studio was in good hands but couldn't help feeling a twinge of guilt about leaving.
Meanwhile, at home, the atmosphere was tense as Yibo and Xian Zhan prepared for the upcoming separation. Despite their efforts to stay positive, the strain was evident.
One evening, as they lay in bed, Yibo held Zhan close. "Promise me, no matter how hard it gets, we'll always find a way back to each other."
Xian Zhan kissed him softly. "I promise, Yibo ge. Always."
As the departure day arrived, Xian Zhan said his goodbyes to Shean, who was too young to fully understand but sensed the change. The family gathered at the airport to see him off. Hua Xuan and Ziyi were there as well, offering their support.
Yibo hugged Xian Zhan tightly, after a lot of kisses his voice thick with emotion. "Have a safe trip, Zhan. We'll manage here. And remember, we're just a call away."
Xian Zhan nodded, his eyes misty. "I'll miss you all so much. Take care."
With one last look, Xian Zhan boarded his flight, leaving behind the life he had built with Yibo and Shean, hopeful for what lay ahead in New York.
Back home, Yibo and Shean settled into their new routine. Despite the challenges, they found solace in their family and the support of their friends.
Hua Xuan and Ziyi kept the studio running smoothly, and Yibo focused on his work, determined to keep their lives balanced until Xian Zhan's return.
The separation was difficult, but it was a testament to their commitment to each other and their individual dreams. They knew that, with patience and trust, they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.
The first few weeks after Xian Zhan's departure were challenging. Yibo, accustomed to having Zhan by his side, found the absence difficult to adjust to. Each morning, he would wake up to an empty side of the bed and a quiet house. It was a stark contrast to the lively energy Zhan brought.
Yibo threw himself into his work at Wang's Cooperation, immersing himself in meetings and projects to distract from the ache of Zhan's absence. He found solace in the rhythm of the office, but the evenings felt empty.
---
Meanwhile, in New York, Xian Zhan was fully immersed in his residency program. The city's vibrant art scene invigorated him, and he found himself inspired by the new surroundings and opportunities. He threw himself into his work, exploring various techniques and styles, and occasionally spoke with Hua Xuan and Ziyi, who kept him updated on the studio back home.
He would call Yibo every evening, sharing snippets of his day and trying to bridge the gap created by their separation.
Their conversations were a mix of excitement and longing.
"Yibo ge, you wouldn't believe the gallery I visited today," Xian Zhan would say, his voice animated. "It's so different from what we have back home. I can't wait to show you everything when I return."
Yibo's responses were warm but tinged with an underlying sadness. "I wish I could be there with you, Zhan. It sounds amazing. Shean misses you, too. It's not the same without you."
Back home, Yibo struggled with balancing his responsibilities as a father and a CEO. He found himself relying more on his family's help, especially on weekends, when the mansion was filled with the bustling activities of daily life.
One Saturday morning, Yibo was attempting to bathed his Son and make him eat breakfast, both his parents were in Shanghai for a quick visit. Lu Jie and Zhuo Cheng visited. They noticed Yibo's stressed demeanor and offered to help.
"Yibo, let us take Shean for a few hours. You look like you could use a break," Lu Jie said kindly.
Yibo gratefully accepted their offer. "Thank you. It's been harder than I expected, but I'm managing."
As Yibo sat down with a cup of coffee, he received a video call from Xian Zhan. The sight of his husband's face brought a smile to his lips, though he could see the exhaustion in Zhan's eyes.
"Everything going okay there?" Yibo asked.
Xian Zhan nodded. "Yes, but I miss home. I'm learning a lot here, but it's not the same without you and Shean."
The conversation was filled with shared memories and plans for the future, providing a small comfort for both.
One evening, as Yibo was reviewing documents in his office, he received an unexpected call from Xian Zhan's mother, Mrs. Xian. She had been busy with her own affairs but wanted to check in on Yibo.
"Yibo, how are you holding up? I've been meaning to call and see how you and Shean are doing," she said warmly.
Yibo appreciated the call and updated her on the day-to-day life at the mansion. "We're managing, but it's tough. Shean misses Zhan a lot."
Mrs. Xian sighed. "I understand. It's never easy being apart. Just remember, this separation is temporary. Zhan is doing something important for his career, and he'll be back soon."
Her words were comforting, and Yibo felt a renewed sense of hope. He continued to focus on his work and family, finding strength in the support of those around him.
As the months passed, Xian Zhan's residency was coming to an end. He had achieved a lot but was eager to return home. He was excited about reconnecting with his family and sharing his experiences. However, a lingering concern weighed on him: how would Yibo react to his return?
One evening, Yibo received a surprise package from Xian Zhan. Inside was a beautifully painted canvas depicting a scene from their home. It was a heartfelt reminder of their love and life together.
Yibo's eyes welled up as he took in the details of the painting. He realized just how much he missed Zhan and how deeply he cherished their relationship.
Determined to make things right, Yibo decided to plan a special welcome home for Xian Zhan. He enlisted the help of Shean and their close friends to organize a small but heartfelt homecoming celebration.
The day of Xian Zhan's return arrived.
The mansion was filled with anticipation as Yibo, Shean, and their friends prepared for the homecoming. Yibo had arranged a beautiful setup in the garden, complete with fairy lights and a banner welcoming Zhan home.
When Xian Zhan finally walked through the door, his heart swelled with emotion. The sight of Yibo, Shean, their families and their friends waiting for him made all the separation worth it. They embraced, tears of joy mingling with laughter.
The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration. Xian Zhan shared stories of his time in New York, and Yibo recounted the challenges and triumphs of managing their lives without him.
As they sat together, enjoying the food and company, Yibo took Xian Zhan's hand and whispered, "Welcome home, Zhan. I'm so glad you're back."
Xian Zhan smiled, leaning in for a kiss. "I'm glad to be back. I missed you all so much."
Yibo kiss his knuckles and learned to whisper in Zhan ears, "My bunny wife, be ready later to pay for all the 6 months Papapa we have missed," Zhan eyes widened and he quickly shy away smiling, Yibo smirk and wink at him before he continue eating his food...Satisfied.