Chapter 18.1 - Living Together (1/2)

Translator: Superbulat

Under the scorching sun, the ground exuded heat like it was on fire. If one were to pour a bowl of water on the ground, it would dry up in a matter of seconds.

In such a time of the year and the lack of ice in the countryside, Father Song’s coffin was only placed in the Song family courtyard for two nights before he was hastily buried in the evening the next day.

After the villagers who had attended the funeral had dispersed, only Tang Huan, Uncle Song, Dong Minghua, and his parents remained in front of the grave.

Tang Huan was kneeling and weeping in front of the grave while Song Mo knelt beside her, with a solemn expression on his face.

“Father and Mother, you should go back first. I will accompany Jinzhi.” Dong Minghua’s heart had been aching as he stared at Tang Huan. When he realized that his parents were still here, he quickly urged the two elders to go home. Jinzhi was so sad. He wasn’t sure how long she’d be here, but he alone was enough to keep her company. He shouldn’t bother his parents. Besides, even if they had stayed, they wouldn’t have been able to help much.

The two children had been playing together since they were young. Mother Dong had watched Jinzhi grow up. The young lady was gentle and sensible. She and her husband were very satisfied with the marriage. Now that Jinzhi lost her father, she genuinely felt bad for the girl. After listening to her son’s words, Mother Dong relievedly patted him on the shoulder. She hugged Tang Huan and gently comforted her, “We cannot bring the dead back to life. Don’t be too sad, Jinzhi. After crying out loud, you have to look forward. Look, you still have your second uncle, as well as Minghua, me, and Uncle Dong. Uncle Dong and I have always treated you as our own daughter. Good girl, let’s not cry anymore, okay?”

Apart from her master, Tang Huan never liked having physical contact with other women.

She left Mother Dong’s embrace in a natural manner and said in a hoarse voice as she wiped her tears, “Don’t worry, Aunt Dong. Jinzhi understands. It’s just that I wanted to stay here with my father a little longer. You have helped me with the funeral all day. Please go back and rest.”

Mother Dong’s eyes reddened, and she couldn’t bear to persuade her anymore. She turned to Song Mo and said, “Jinzhi’s Second Uncle, Minghua’s father and I shall take our leave first.”

Song Mo nodded.

After the two left, Dong Minghua looked at Tang Huan, knelt behind her, and hesitated for a moment before saying to Song Mo, “Uncle, you haven’t shut your eyes and rested in two days. Why don’t you go back first as well? Minghua will look after Jinzhi.” Jinzhi had been keeping guard at the coffin for the past two days. Since many people attended the funeral at the Song house, he hadn’t had the chance to comfort her. He could hardly stand it any longer. She was crying so sadly that his heart was about to break. He didn’t harm Father-in-Law, but Father-in-Law died because of him. Because of this guilt, he felt even more pitiful for Jinzhi. He, Dong Minghua, vowed that from today onwards, he would end the relationship with his cousin sister that should never have existed. His cousin was only a cousin. Jinzhi was the wife he truly wanted to take care of for the rest of his life.

Tang Huan scolded Dong Minghua in her heart. ‘Uncle’? Who was he to call Song Mo ‘Uncle’? She hadn’t married him yet! Her uncle and niece’s relationship with Song Mo was enough to give her a headache. Who would have thought that she even had a childhood sweetheart fiancé? Her master was torturing her on purpose, right?

Luckily, she had gotten rid of ‘Jinzhi’s’ influence on this body in the past two days, otherwise, she might have agreed with him!

Without waiting for Song Mo’s response, Tang Huan tugged at his sleeve. “Uncle, don’t go!” Then she turned to the man behind her and said, “Minghua, please go back first. I just want Uncle to accompany me now. Although we are engaged, we still need to keep a distance…please leave.”

Dong Minghua looked at her in surprise. Jinzhi…Jinzhi didn’t want him to stay by her side?

Tang Huan had no intention of staring into his eyes in silence, so she lifted her head to look at Song Mo.

Song Mo originally wanted to agree to Dong Minghua’s suggestion for him to go back first. His niece had always been very reliant on Dong Minghua. There were times when she didn’t listen to his advice, but she would if Dong Minghua said the same thing to her. Besides, her father had just passed away. Even if the two of them hung around with each other for a while longer, no one would misunderstand about anything.

However, his niece had asked him to stay, not letting him go.

“Then you go back first,” Song Mo turned around and advised Dong Minghua in return.

When an elder had spoken, Dong Minghua had to leave, even if he was unwilling. After saying a few words of comfort to Tang Huan, he reluctantly left.

Finally, the uncle and niece were the only ones left at the silent grave.

Tang Huan moved towards Song Mo on her knees and sobbed into his arms, “Uncle, my father is gone. You’re the only family I have left. Uncle, I’m so sad…” Her small hand was pressing against the man’s chest, seemingly rubbing his firm chest unintentionally. Hmm, not bad. Despite his age, she was still pleased with his body.

Song Mo didn’t notice anything unusual. Although he had never hugged her after she had grown up, only patting her head at most, this was the child he had watched growing up after all. Now that she was seeking him for comfort while crying, how could he have any other thoughts just because of this skinship?

He hugged her and gently patted her on the shoulder. “Jinzhi, don’t cry. Uncle will take good care of you. Don’t be afraid. With your uncle around, no one can bully you.”

The man’s embrace was warm, firm, and reassuring.