Lets get it started and enjoyyy ^^

Yibo took a deep breath and looked at his friends who were waiting for him to start talking.

"So its like this. You guys know that two weeks ago I got a nephew, Xiao Zhan. Well.... Xiao Zhan is the one I fell in love with" Yibo said as fast as he could and closed his eyes.

"Wait ... what? Xiao Zhan? As your 16 years old nephew?" Ji Yang asked confused and Yibo nodded.

"Yes. My Zhan." He said and smiled slightly.

Silence. All of his friends looked at him without speaking. Only after about 5 minuets Ziyi started.

"So you fell in love with him. And why is this something we were only get to know now? Why did you not tell us right at the beginning? We were trying to guess which girl it could be and you said nothing." Ziyi asked slightly irritated.

"Ziyi, watch your tone please. Calm down and let him explain everything. When you behave like that it will be only harder on him. He had his reasons. Even if they were baseless. Hear him out." Xuan Lu said with her gentle voice and patted Yibo's back to support him. Yibo nodded at her.

"First I did not know I fell for him. I mean I even asked Ji Yang what this feelings were. I talked with my brother and he helped me to realize. When I found out, I was scared. Not only because love between the same gender is not liked to be seen but it was also because the person I fell for was Zhan. Not because he is my 16 years old adopted nephew but because he was, no, he more or less still is in the condition where its hard to go closer to him." Yibo explained.

"I know I should have told you but I was scared... you would not want to be my friends when you found out I love a man. So I kept it a secret until I had to ask Xuan Lu a favor and she told me she already expected it because she observed me all the while...." Yibo stopped and looked at Ziyi in shock when she stood up and intended to leave.

"MENG ZIYI!" Xuan Lu almost screamed and everyone was shocked as it was not often to be seen that Xuan Lu would get loud. The called person turned around and looked at her.

"What?" she asked annoyed.

"Sit down instantly and listen to Yibo!" Xuan Lu said more calmly.

"Why should I? Did you not hear him? How he thought of us?" Ziyi asked and everyone could hear how she felt. She was hurt. Yibo felt more and more guilty.

"Can I remind you that you and Ji Yang kept your relationship a secret too? We only got to know about it a month after you started dating and it was only because Yibo accidentally saw you two kissing in an empty classroom. Only then you revealed it. And before you say it is not the same, think again! You two were scared as well! You both thought if we knew of this our friendship could change. But it didn't because we accepted it. We were happy and therefore forgave you two for keeping it a secret in front of us.

In Yibo's case it should be forgiven as well. His reason is more valid. It is true that love between the same gender is not something others would accept right away, especially here in china. Of course you will say you would accept it because we are friends but if it happen to others near you, you could look at them differently first as well. Maybe even not accepting it. No one knows and I don't want to insinuate you are like that but in order to understand Yibo a little bit I have to say it like this. And now sit down and listen to him." Xuan Lu said and looked at Ziyi sharply.

Ziyi calmed down and went back to her seat next to Ji Yang.

"I am sorry, Yibo. I was just angry because..." Ziyi started but Yibo interrupted her.

"I understand. I am sorry for keeping it a secret. I really am." Yibo apologized.

"Can we know what exactly you mean earlier with ... Xiao Zhan's condition?" Paul asked.

Everyone looked at Yibo and after the latter sorted out his thoughts he told his friends about Xiao Zhan. Him being an orphan who had a not very lovable past. Changing family every now and then because he cant speak and hid himself. That he is shy and hates being around of strangers. Even more when Yibo and Haikuan were not with him. And most importantly him being scared of woman. But he also told them how Xiao Zhan slowly changes within every day, their time together as a family and him dying to meet Yibo's friends.

When he finished his story it was quiet for some time until Paul started the first question.

"Why is he scared of woman?" he asked.

"We don't know." Yibo answered truthfully.

"And why is he not able to speak? Is something wrong with his larynx?" Ji Yang followed up. 

"Nothing is wrong with his larynx. Its a psychological problem. We need to treat this in order for him to speak. We think hypnosis might help so my brother is preparing everything right now."

"Because he is scared of woman you don't want Ziyi or me to come over to your house, right?" Xuan Lu asked gently and Yibo nodded.

Then Ziyi asked her question and the moment she did Yibo laughed out loud.

"You said there is a list of his previous families.... You promised to not look for them but I did not! So... where can I find that list and when is no one at home?" she asked and looked at Yibo.

"Ziyi!" Xuan Lu looked at her in shock. Paul and Ji Yang chuckled.

"What? I mean come one! How could they do this to a young and innocent child!? Are they even human??" she asked furious.

Yibo looked at Ji Yang. "Hey dude, don't be mad at me. You know I only love my Zhan but your girlfriend is just one of a kind so hold her tight and never let her go" he said, leaned in and gave Ziyi a kiss on her cheek.

"I agree with you but I promised my brother. So even you should not look for them" Yibo said and Ji Yang pouted.

"Only this time, Yibo...." he said while Ziyi giggled.

"I mean except for the girls when can we meet him? He wants to meet us too, right?" Paul asked curious.

"Well today. He and my brother will come together with me to the basketball training. I already told Trainer Lu so .. no girls allowed. I am sorry you two but it has to be like this..." Yibo said apologetic.

"We know..." Ziyi said and sighed.

"But still there are rules. No one is allowed to go near him without my brother or I beside him. And please to not run to him. He does not know you yet so I don't know what might happen if you start running towards." Yibo explained and the boys nodded.

"Can I know the favor you asked Xuan Lu for?" Ziyi asked.

"Zhan loves to eat the lotus soup and the soup prepared by Xuan Lu even more than mine. He wants to learn cooking it and maybe other dishes as well, so I asked if Xuan Lu would be okay with teaching him. But of course not right away." Yibo explained.

"Then what is with me? I could teach him cooking as well..." she asked and pouted.

"Babe, Xuan Lu is a gentle and calm person and you are wild and active. So of course it would be safer if she does it." Ji Yang said.

"I am wild?" She asked surprised and everyone nodded. "Well, you are probably right..." she nodded in agreement and everyone laughed.

After they finished their meal the bell rang and signaled them lessons would start in 5 minutes so they cleaned everything up and left their hideout.

After school the five friends said goodbye to each other. Xuan Lu and Ziyi promised to not go to the training after the boys had to promise to tell them tomorrow what happened. Paul announced he would join the training as a viewer and also promised together with Ji Yang they would not go to close to Xiao Zhan without permission of either Yibo or Haikuan.

When Yibo arrived at home he saw Xiao Zhan sitting in the frontyard waiting for him. The moment the younger boy saw Yibo he run to him and wrapping his arms around the latter's waist.

"It seems like you cant wait to accompany me to training but we still have to wait a few hours. Is there something you want to do in the meantime?" Yibo asked him. Xiao Zhan wrote down his answer.

>I am hungry. I want to eat.<

Yibo smiled happily realizing it is the first time for the younger boy to want to eat without someone calling him.

"Then let's see if brother finished cooking." Yibo said and they walked together to the house. At the corner of his eyes Yibo could see Mr. Li looking at them. Or more like starring at Xiao Zhan. Yibo stopped walking and directly looked to the gardener. Realizing he was caught starring he turned around instantly and went back to work.

"What's up with him ....?" Yibo mumbled slightly annoyed and followed Xiao Zhan into the house.

"Brother, Zhan said he is hungry and I am too. Is Dinner done?" Yibo asked his brother the moment the two boys entered the kitchen.

Haikuan looked up, surprised hearing that Zhan was the one who said he is hungry. "Dinner is ready in five minutes. Just wait for a little bit." he answered and smiled

"Why did you cook so much?" Yibo asked again.

"Mr. Li will join us today" Haikuan explained.

"Why suddenly? Yesterday he said he would wait and today he wants to join? Why is he even here? I thought he would only come every two days?" Yibo asked and Haikuan heard the annoyance in his tone.

"Why are you annoyed? Mr. Li is a friendly young man who doesn't like to eat alone. He told me yesterday if it is possible he wants to join dinner. I was the one who offered him he could, so of course I agreed. And as he couldn't finish his work yesterday he said he would come over today to finish it. He also said I do not have to pay him for his additional workday. But of course I will, he is working after all. What is wrong? You don't like him?" Haikuan asked his younger brother.

"I don't even know him so I cant say I don't like him. Its just .... nevermind" Yibo sighed and turned to Xiao Zhan who stood next to him.

"You want to help me to set the table?" he asked him. Xiao Zhan nodded and both of them started their work. Just when they finished Haikuan announced the dinner is ready and asked his little brother to fetch the gardener. Yibo was not happy but did like he was told and called Mr. Li.

Li Bowen walked into the dining room first and Yibo followed him in a distance. When Yibo entered he saw Mr. Li sitting close to Xiao Zhan. No right next to him, there was still an empty chair between them, but for Yibo's preference too close.

'There are seats next to my brother as well... Why does he have to sit there...'  Yibo thought getting more annoyed with the gardener. Xiao Zhan looked like he was slightly uncomfortable with someone else then Haikuan or Yibo sitting so close to him. Yibo decided he would take a seat between the gardener and Xiao Zhan. It was his seat anyway.

That way Yibo would sit next Xiao Zhan, the latter would relax and Li Bowen would not be too close to Zhan. Yibo was more or less happy with his choice.

Li Bowen on the other hand did not look like he was too happy with it. Yibo could see the gardener frowning slightly and grinned to himself.

Of course this action was not hidden from Haikuan's eyes. He only rolled his eyes and decided to talk to his little brother later about this.

The dinner proceeded quietly.

After dinner Yibo and Xiao Zhan together washed the dishes while Haikuan and Li Bowen talked for a while in the dining room

"The food was delicious. Are you always the one cooking?" the gardener asked curious and Haikuan laughed slightly.

"Most if the time, yes. Sometimes my brother will do it as well together with my son." he said.

"They seem to have a good relationship with each other. Even if they are uncle and nephew, as they are almost the same age they are closer than others."

"Right. I am happy they are. But I knew from the beginning they would understand each other." Haikuan explained.

"You knew? How come?" the gardener asked curious but Haikuan only shrugged and smiled.

Just then Xiao Zhan and Yibo came back after finishing their work in the kitchen. Xiao Zhan walked up to his father and Haikuan gave him his medicine. After taking them the younger boy looked at the clock and Haikuan had to laugh.

"Don't be impatient. Its only 2:30 pm. The training starts at 7 pm. So there is still time." He said and Xiao Zhan turned red. He took out his notebook.

>If we have time can you tell me about WangJi again?< he asked.

"You like this story that much?" he asked gently and Xiao Zhan nodded. "Alright. Hmmm... lets go to the bunny house. And Yibo, you will go and do your homework." Haikuan said and stood up. 

"Why are you guys always have so many secrets?" Yibo complained.

"We don't have many only a few. Stop complaining and go" Haikuan chuckled and left with Xiao Zhan.

Now that Yibo is alone with Li Bowen he had to ask him.

"Why are you always starring at my Zhan?" he asked him and the gardener raised his brows.

"Your Zhan?" he asked. 

"Yes my Zhan. Why are you starring at him?" Yibo asked again more annoyed than before.

"Hmmm... he is a cute and beautiful young boy so of course others would take interest in your Zhan. I like him and I want to befriend him.. is that a crime?" he asked Yibo.

"Yes, it is! Stop it. My brother told you what he is like. He also told you that you are not allowed to go too close to him!" 

"That is only half true... He said I am not allowed to go close to him if he or you are not present. But you both were earlier... And I could have chosen the seat right next to him but I did not because I take it seriously what Mr. Liu said. Moreover he did not forbid me to look at him. Even Xiao Zhan himself is not complaining about me, so why do you?"

"Because he does not realize it! And I don't like it if you are starring at him! How can you even like him if you don't know him?"

"Do I need to know him to say that I like him or not? I don't think so... some things are like this, Yibo. But don't worry I don't want to hurt Xiao Zhan. That wasn't and never will be my intention. When Xiao Zhan gets to know me more I bet we would understand each other quite well." Li Bowen explained and winked at the Yibo who got more and more annoyed.

"And now please excuse me, I need to take care of the garden as tomorrow I will not be here." he said and left with a smile.

Yibo was speechless. 'Who does he think he is? What makes him believe Zhan would like him?' he thought jealousy. He stomped angrily at the ground and went upstairs to get his homework done.

In the meanwhile Haikuan and Xiao Zhan were sitting in the bunny house where Haikuan told Xiao Zhan again the story about WangJi's life. It was not easy for him to speak about it often but he also felt more calmly after it.

When he finished the story Xiao Zhan, who sat the whole time cuddled into his father's arms, sat back and leaned his back against the fence.

>This story is beautiful but has a tragic end. I feel sorry for Wang Ji. All he did was fell in love.< he wrote and frowned a minute later.

"Why are you frowning?" Haikuan asked gently.

>Because you told me Yibo was called Wang Ji a long time ago. Which means I have to think that Yibo was the one who fell in love and the person he loved was not me. I don't really like this thought. <

Haikuan chuckled. "Let past be the past and concentrate on the future. You are the person Yibo loves and that will not change" he said and that made Xiao Zhan somehow relax.

At 6 pm it was time to get ready. Xiao Zhan is really excited but nervous as well. Yibo walked up to him and caressed his cheeks soothingly with his thumbs.

"No one will eat you up. That is my job after all" Yibo said and winked. Xiao Zhan forgot his nervousness and his face heated up. Just then Haikuan walked up to them.

"I don't know what you said to him but I am pretty sure it was nothing appropriate. Are you guys ready?" he asked after looking at his little brother in disapproval. Yibo just grinned and nodded.

"Xiao Zhan?" Haikuan asked the younger boy and he too nodded. "Good. Before we go I want you to listen to me. Xiao Zhan, if you feel only the slightest bit uncomfortable you have to tell us. I know you want to meet Yibo's friends and I know you want to see Yibo in his daily routine too but it doesn't help you if you force yourself. If something is wrong, tell us and we will go home. That will not mean you are never allowed to meet them but today will just not be the day. Alright?" Haikuan asked seriously.

Xiao Zhan agreed to it with a nod and Haikuan turned to his little brother.

"Yibo, the same goes for you. If you see or feel Xiao Zhan is getting uncomfortable, we stop this and you bring him home instantly. I will accompany you only for short time. If I see that Xiao Zhan is not alright I will take him with me and bring him home before I go to the appointment. If I see that Xiao Zhan is okay I will leave without him and it will be your responsibility to watch over him. I know I can trust you with that. Clear?"

"Crystal clear, brother. I will protect Zhan no matter what. By the way after your appointment today will we start with the hypnosis tomorrow? I know you said you need about a week but is it possible to start sooner?" Yibo asked.

"I have to decide this after today but as I have to prepare everything it will probably the day after tomorrow the earliest. We will see." Haikuan answered. "Its about time, shall we go now?" he asked and his little brother nodded.

"Come Zhan lets go." Yibo said, took Zhan by his hand and walked to his bike.

"Wang Yibo! What are you trying to do?" Haikuan asked his little brother in shock.

"Attending my training like planned?" Yibo answered confused.

"You can ride your bike but Xiao Zhan will sit with me in my car." He said.

"Come on... why? I want to take him there with my bike!" Yibo complained.

"I will not allow that! Xiao Zhan will come with me" he said firmly.

"He will come with me anyway at the end of the day because you are at your appointment when training is over. Or do you want to him to sit all alone in a taxi?" Yibo asked challenging.

".... then you will leave your bike here and come with me too. And after training both of you will take a taxi." Haikuan decided and Yibo frowned.

"Why waste money? Brother, pleaseee?" Yibo whined.

Xiao Zhan who observed the two brothers with a smile took out his notebook.

>I will go with Dr. Liu. I am too nervous to sit on that bike. But I never rode with a one in my life so can I go with Yibo after his training ends? Please?<

Xiao Zhan waited for his father to say something. The latter looked from his son to his little brother and back to Xiao Zhan. After a long time of thinking he sighed in defeat.

"Alright. Xiao Zhan will come with me now and goes back with Yibo later." He said and stroke his happy smiling son. Yibo grinned, winked at Xiao Zhan and climbed on his bike.

"See you there, Zhan" he shouted and drove off.

Haikuan went back to the house, took one of Yibo's old helmets and went back to the car.

"Here, wear this later." he said and signaled Xiao Zhan to enter the car. The younger boy did so and after buckling up Haikuan started the car and followed his little brother.

to be continued....

Well thats it for today.^^

I saw a lot of answers to my question in the last chapter about the book Zhan was reading and the right answer is among them :)

Chapter 38 seems to get longer with each day *sigh*  I am not sure how many words long it will be but pobably around 7000?...  I will just assume you are not against it ^^

By the way I am working on another story right now. I only wrote down the synopsys, the characters and the prologue and of course  many ideas of what will happen in it. I will upload it probably when this story is about to end. 

Short question for everyone: Would you read it?  *playing nervously with my fingers*

Also the next chapter  will come out on Tuesday :)) 

See you then <3 <3 <3