Thanks to Zheng Ge stirring things up, even the slightest huff from Shen Lian made Chu Yilan straighten his back, dispelling much of his low mood.
The night before their trip to the cemetery, Shen Lian helped Aunt Fen count everything over several times. She had made all the food herself. Ming Mei had loved balloon flowers, so Shen Lian ordered the freshest ones for first thing the next morning.
Chu Yilan watched quietly. The hollow ache in his chest, where cold winds had once howled through, finally hurt a little less.
In truth, Chu Yilan was afraid of going to the cemetery. Before his mother and grandfather passed away, they had both told him they wanted him to live a happy, peaceful life. But life was full of things that never went as hoped.
The early autumn breeze was a little chilly. Shen Lian checked the things in the trunk, then got into the driver's seat.
There was no way he could let Chu Yilan drive in this state.
Chu Yilan had barely spoken since waking up. He gazed out the window, and Shen Lian had no idea what he was thinking.
There was no need to liven up the mood. All Shen Lian could do was stay right beside him.
The navigation brought them to the cemetery. Only when the car stopped did Chu Yilan stir slightly from his thoughts, his voice hoarse. "We're here?"
"Yeah." Shen Lian studied his expression carefully, then took out the things they needed.
Old Master Ming's grave was right beside Ming Mei's. The anniversary of his death was in early spring, but that didn't stop Shen Lian from laying out a full spread for him.
Shen Lian lit a cigarette, took a drag, and set it beside the headstone. Then he poured