Day broke.
Professor Hu's son had made his breakfast separately, because he could only have porridge.
With the old man's health this poor, passing away in a few days would have been a release, but now he couldn't die, and even he was frustrated.
After Grandmaster and I finished breakfast, we went into the room to see him.
He was propped up in bed, looking even more listless than yesterday. His health was getting worse by the day.
I empathized strongly with others, and just looking at him made me feel awful.
"Old Xiang, I'm suffering..."
Professor Hu tilted his head and lamented tearfully, "Why can't I die?"
Grandmaster smiled helplessly. "So many people want to live but can't. This is the first time I've met someone who wants to die but can't."
Professor Hu shook his head. "I had another dream last night. I dreamed I was almost gone, but someone was standing on the other side, refusing to let me cross. What on earth is going on...?"
Grandmaster sat down and sighed. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Do you know Tang Tianming?"
Professor Hu was listless, and his thinking had slowed considerably too. Only after thinking for a long time did he answer, "I know a Tang Tianming. He donated a great deal of money to my student aid fund. I think he's the adopted son of a wealthy businessman."
Grandmaster nodded. "That's him. What dealings have you had with him?"
When Professor Hu spoke of Tang Tianming, his voice held a measure of appreciation. "That young man was very interested in the Book of Changes and certain aspects of traditional culture. He once came all the way from City A to humbly seek my guidance. Of course, I was happy to answer his questions."
"Only