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