The from father-in-law and the unusual behavior of all indicated that matter was far from simple. After learning of Yuǎnhào's death, acted like a bystander, if the deceased only son. This was incomprehensible me. something Lín'ér, undoubtedly investigate thoroughly, leaving no unturned. indifferent Yuǎn hào's death. The mere thought sent that was flesh and blood. When called say wanted stay the hometown longer Lín'ér keep Grandma and Dad company, gently through the phone: 'The need companionship. No need back.'
Three passed the hometown before dirt-covered father finally returned messy hair. 'Sweetie, how long have you back? Didn't Yuǎnhào you?' urged wash up and tidy himself the sour smell of earth clinging was overwhelming from a distance.
'Why didn't Yuǎnhào you?' father dropped bombshell. 'He's dead for six months!' retorted, exasperated. father, a geologist, handed me salary card turned twelve and for myself. Since then, he'd leading expeditions, absent for years at a time, sometimes forgetting eat during mineral research. That for time was already a miracle.
After explaining everything, sighed: 'You women have hard, dealing those troublesome father and son.' 'Your is the most upright You can rest assured.' carried inexplicable conviction. question further, old-fashioned phone was waiting outside minerals discovered Xinjiang required immediate flight.
Grabbing departed. quickly mother-in-law. Your grandmother has cousin.' With student's car.
I another six until father-in-law's passing. Lín'ér wept bitterly arms. Soft and warm, children's innocence is most precious. 'We'll make time for the final Red-eyed, emerged supported aunt.
At the funeral, trended again: [Devoted 18 years paralyzed husband! Female collapses from grief!] The world was moved devotion. Company stocks surged overnight.
Father and son's stood side side. Gazing at their portraits, whispered: should quietly like this.' silently agreed.
Exiting the cemetery, sunlight us. Without the past, we embrace life. Beautiful.
Epilogue The Mother-in-law
Our family valued status above all. When they discovered crush was a poor scholar, fury ensued. Overhearing parents' the principal about expelling chose arranged marriage protect future.
My husband was the notorious playboy Qí. He claimed at first what nonsense! Our vow: betrayed me, he'd be paralyzed. etched memory.
Initially, reformed. But cats crave fish. When found blonde hair on collar, endured Yuǎnhào was only ten. emboldened him.
At Yuǎnhào's karma struck: husband suffered stroke on mistress' bed. After ICU, lived paralyzed, constant care. family wealth afforded full-time nurses.
My wailed at father-in-law coldly called deserved. Calculating patriarch, trained me take over son proved learned fast. Five years later, elders perished crash during vacation. chairman.
Busy empire-building, Yuǎnhào grew mirror image same philandering twenty, brought a girl resembling scholar's youth. Inquiry confirmed was daughter!
Marvelous fate! scholar single, devoted academics. Now decades later, dated son. Elated, tested math problems, seeking essence. offer: Marry Yuǎnhào, gain $3M and marital prenup assets. guaranteed.
She gaped, then accepted. Later, Yuǎnhào vowed through legal docs: unfaithful, all assets Swore betrayal bring death unburied. determination! hoped he'd differ from father. revealed Xīnyǔ shared exacting nature.
