Upon hearing the news, Ruan Jiujiu instinctively looked at Cheng Jun.
He was holding a bag of Marisela snacks1Must be a regional snack or smthn idk, Google didn’t show anything about that, and a few accidentally spilled out as he answered the phone. The peculiar rustling sound of Marisela snacks hitting the ground strangely contrasted with Xiao Fan’s voice, creating a scene that seemed like a comical yet sorrowful stage play.
Cheng Jun paused briefly, his face devoid of any expression. He appeared indifferent, and his initial reaction was to pick up the fallen Marisela snacks and throw them in the trash.
The screen of his phone was still lit.
Xiao Fan was still waiting for Cheng Jun’s response on the other end of the line. The background noise from the hospital could be heard, as if there were family members arguing with doctors, making the office even more silent.
Cheng Jun slowly placed the bag of Marisela snacks on the desk and then said, “Cremation.”
It was like sealing a business deal, straightforward and decisive.
…
During the journey accompanying Cheng Jun, the two maintained a continuous, wordless silence.
Father Cheng’s body had been transported to the crematorium for cremation. The crematorium wasn’t far from their location, just a twenty-minute drive away, and they soon arrived.
As they got out of the car, several middle-aged individuals were standing at the entrance. The expressions on their faces varied, and they seemed to be in a hurry. In contrast to Ruan Jiujiu and Cheng Jun’s simple attire, they appeared more polished and well-dressed.
Ruan Jiujiu instinctively tugged at Cheng Jun’s sleeve.
“Why didn’t you tell us, nephew, that you wanted to cremate your father?” a slightly chubby woman with high cheekbones said, dabbing her eyes symbolically with a handkerchief. “It’s a pity; he never had a good life, and just when his son started doing well, who would have thought he would leave so soon?”
“Yes, it’s such a shame.”
From their words and expressions, Ruan Jiujiu didn’t feel that they were mourning for the deceased, but rather for the money they hadn’t enjoyed.
Cheng Jun completely treated them as if they were invisible and walked towards the entrance without acknowledging them.
Xiao Fan was the first to step forward, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses with his fingers, his briefcase tucked under his arm. He approached the two of them with a polite demeanor. “Boss, Madam.”
Ruan Jiujiu nodded. “How is Uncle Cheng doing now?”
“He’s been taken care of. The cremation will start shortly.”
Several people around him quickly joined in, striking up conversations with Cheng Jun. Ever since the news about Jia Cheng came out, they couldn’t sit still.
In the early years, they were all considered middle-class families. Father Cheng, who had made his fortune and married a beautiful woman, had succeeded in business and found his place in the steel jungle. There had been many snide remarks back then, but now, just as many people were eager to take advantage of the situation. Initially, Father Cheng had offered help, but later on, he had a bad temper and couldn’t stand it anymore, so he cut off contact with them after a big fight.
Over the years, some of them had made money in business, while others had found wealthy partners. In any case, they were all living relatively comfortably. When they heard about Father Cheng’s divorce and separation from his son, they took pleasure in his misfortune and said it was karma. When they heard that Father Cheng’s company was in trouble, they attributed it to the shady business he had done in the past.
After enjoying the jokes for a while, they stopped paying attention to Father Cheng. Who would have thought that suddenly, Jia Cheng, the CEO, would emerge, and that he was none other than the quiet and reserved Cheng Jun, the youngest of the Cheng family?
They were astonished.
They had been trying to connect with Cheng Jun through various opportunities, but they didn’t know where he lived. They couldn’t even get past the company’s gate, let alone meet him in person. It was impossible to even think about it.
Coincidentally, after waiting for so long without being able to contact Cheng Jun, they finally received news of Father Cheng’s passing and, after many years, had a chance to see Cheng Jun.
The child who had been quiet and reserved back then, with nothing remarkable except for his handsome face, had grown into an outstanding individual. Even his wife standing beside him was an extraordinary beauty. The couple, dressed very modestly, stood at the entrance of the funeral parlor but appeared like celebrities. They were extremely eye-catching wherever they went, leaving the others in awe.
The Cheng family didn’t have such outstanding genetics when it came to looks. In the end, it was because Father Cheng had married a beautiful woman, which made them envious and jealous.
Their excitement, which was at odds with the solemn atmosphere of the funeral parlor, was most evident as they stared at Cheng Jun as if he were a delicious piece of wagyu beef. They couldn’t take their eyes off him.
Ruan Jiujiu felt very uncomfortable.
She had never imagined that, in the midst of her family member’s passing, these people would still be focused on other things.
Cheng Jun turned his head to look at Xiao Fan and said, “Find a new burial plot.”
“Alright.”
Cheng Jun’s mother was originally supposed to be buried in the ancestral grave, but no one in the family recognized her. They believed she was from another region and her presence would disrupt the Feng Shui. So, Father Cheng had her buried in a plot with good Feng Shui. Later on, Cheng Jun moved his mother’s grave to another location, and while Father Cheng visited it in the earlier years, he gradually forgot about it. When he learned of Cheng Jun’s decision to move the grave, he only mentioned it briefly and didn’t bring it up again.
Now, Cheng Jun’s responsibility for his father’s funeral didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to bury his father’s grave next to his mother’s monument.
Cheng Jun tightened his grip on Ruan Jiujiu’s hand, as if to reassure her, and they entered the gate.
Xiao Fan had no reason to stop them. He smiled faintly, his lips curved slightly. Standing in front of the group, he said, “Today is a funeral, and I hope that everyone will prioritize the deceased. We can discuss other matters later.”
One of the men in the group said, “Who do you think you are? You’re blocking our way here.”
“I’m not anyone special,” Xiao Fan replied casually. He adjusted his glasses. “Of course, if you have trouble figuring out how to handle the estate in the future, you’re welcome to come find me. Although my legal team may have high fees, we are very diligent in our work.”
“You!”
“Based on my previous temper, I might have asked, ‘What are you, and why are you causing a scene here?'”
Xiao Fan spoke politely and courteously. “But now, my temper is better, and I won’t resort to violence. Otherwise, I’d have to compensate you for the medical expenses if I broke your leg. It wouldn’t be cost-effective.”
Xiao Fan’s words caused a subtle change in the expressions of the people present.
His smile was cold as he responded, “People bring all sorts of garbage to the boss’s side. Just because he doesn’t speak doesn’t mean we are like wooden stakes.”
Ruan Jiujiu followed Cheng Jun into the funeral parlor, and she didn’t see the others following them closely, which made her somewhat relieved.
She lowered her voice and said quietly, “Cheng Jun, are those relatives okay? Could they be like Qu Wei, getting too close to us?”
Cheng Jun’s steps were steady.
He spoke slowly, “Qu Wei is Qu Wei, but there won’t be a second Qu Wei.”
Qu Wei could still be dealt with, but those people weren’t even worth his attention.
Ruan Jiujiu hesitated and said, “But…”
Cheng Jun tightened his grip on her small hand. His hand was warm and dry as he held her hand back, making her feel very reassured.
“I’ve said it before; you don’t need to worry about these things.”
She paused for a moment, looked up, and met his lowered gaze. Their eyes locked, and Ruan Jiujiu knew that her current sense of gratitude was somewhat untimely. She was about to smile, but quickly suppressed it, only whispering softly, “I understand.”
Cheng Jun didn’t want her to worry about these things, so she decided not to worry.
Thinking about the people at the entrance, Ruan Jiujiu couldn’t help but think of her own relatives from her previous life. It seemed like they were the same, coldly watching her parents’ divorce, coldly watching her when she was unwanted. Some people might have pitied her, but as soon as they thought about being responsible for her in the future, they all withdrew their hands.
Ruan Jiujiu pondered this and couldn’t help but ask, “Why is it like this? Is it mutual influence? In such situations, it’s not just one person’s indifference, but the indifference of everyone.”
Cheng Jun glanced at her.
“Not really. Some indifference is innate, and some is forced.”
The cremation was a surreal ritual.
The people who went in were of various sizes and shapes, but after being reduced to ashes, they all became a heap of soil with no distinctions.
Xiao Fan had arranged the cemetery. Father Cheng’s ashes were placed without a ceremony, so the whole process was silent and swift. In the evening, as the sun gradually set, the beautiful twilight cast its golden light on the ground. The tombstones in the cemetery were illuminated, devoid of sorrow and instead filled with the grandeur of the setting sun.
Ruan Jiujiu stood there, quietly watching the burial process.
Cheng Jun, with one hand in his pocket, watched as the earth was being piled up, and a tombstone was erected. The words on the tombstone were simple, and they didn’t mention the names of Cheng Jun and Cheng Jun’s mother.
Xiao Fan’s words successfully persuaded a few people to leave, but there were still a few stubborn ones who followed to the cemetery and pretended to place a bouquet of small daisies.
The daisies drooped their heads and shivered in the wind, making the scene even more desolate.
The husband and wife completely ignored them throughout, with Cheng Jun showing no emotion, successfully deterring anyone who wanted to strike up a conversation.
While Cheng Jun was on the phone talking to someone else, a tall and thin middle-aged man initiated a conversation.
“You’re still young, you don’t understand what family means. Look at Cheng Jun now, he’ll definitely regret it. What does it mean when the tree wants to be quiet but the wind won’t stop blowing, and the child wants to be nurtured but the parents are absent? Cheng Jun is still young, and he’s holding it all in. The hatred between relatives can be so deep. You should persuade him, don’t let him be stubborn. Our big family will always welcome him.”
Ruan Jiujiu felt like throwing up.
The group of people looked at her, who remained obediently silent throughout, thinking she was some kind and innocent daughter of a wealthy family who believed whatever was said.
That’s how Cheng Jun’s mother was deceived and manipulated by them in the first place.
Ruan Jiujiu gave a cold laugh.
“Big family? When Cheng Jun lost his mother and was driven out by his stepmother, who among you stood up for him then?”
“His mother’s body hasn’t even turned cold, and his father has already obtained a marriage certificate with another woman. Did any of you come forward to say a word against it? In the past, you didn’t consider yourselves as elders, and now you expect others to cater to you? Do you think you’re raising a pet, calling it when you’re happy and kicking it when you’re not, and not allowing the other party to hold a grudge?”
“Hey, young lady, watch your language!”
Ruan Jiujiu spoke rapidly and sarcastically, causing them to blush and feel uncomfortable, but they couldn’t lose their temper with Ruan Jiujiu. They were left red-faced and seething, with no way to respond.
“What’s wrong with the way I’m speaking?”
Ruan Jiujiu stood with her hands on her hips and didn’t notice that Cheng Jun had already hung up the phone and was silently watching her from behind, his eyes burning.
She continued angrily, “I married Cheng Jun, and I only acknowledge him as my husband. If he acknowledges anyone else, that’s his business. What does it have to do with me?”
If it weren’t for the fact that it was inappropriate to argue in front of the grave, Ruan Jiujiu had more words to retort with. She had witnessed how Cheng Jun’s father treated him in the past. Now these people wanted a share of the pie. In comparison, they were even worse than Qu Wei. At least Qu Wei knew how to please and maintain appearances, not tearing things apart.
They really thought they could come here to take advantage, as if Cheng Jun is a fool with too much money.
Ruan Jiujiu was about to continue with a few more sharp remarks when the hood of her hoodie was pulled up by someone and tugged backward. Subconsciously, she followed the force and moved back until she was behind Cheng Jun.
The fiery chili pepper that was ready to explode a moment ago had instantly transformed into a powerless little lamb.
Cheng Jun shielded her behind him.
His face remained expressionless, and he couldn’t be bothered to spare them any extra glances.
“Now that the visit is over, let’s leave here,” he said.
“Nephew…”
“I believe Xiao Fan has already expressed what needed to be said,” Cheng Jun interrupted coldly. He stared at them with icy eyes, his pupils extremely dark, sending shivers down their spines.
“His meaning is my meaning. Do you still remember what happened with Third Uncle back then?”
“…”
They fell silent instantly, exchanging looks without saying a word.
Then, they awkwardly forced a laugh, their faces turning pale. Despite their desire to benefit from Cheng Jun’s wealth, their lives were more important, and Cheng Jun’s gaze was no joke.
They bid their farewells with embarrassment and quickly turned to leave. They scurried away as if their backsides were on fire, and before long, they were nowhere to be seen.
Ruan Jiujiu stood behind Cheng Jun, watching the embarrassed figures of those people as they left. She asked in a dazed manner, “What happened with Third Uncle? Why did they react as if they had seen a ghost?”
“He wanted to get close to a wealthy family’s young lady and did something excessive. Within a few days, someone came knocking at his door, and he was nearly crippled,” Cheng Jun explained.
Ruan Jiujiu was shocked. “Would you do something like that too?”
Cheng Jun replied, “Hmm.”
Ruan Jiujiu exclaimed, “Hmm?!”
Cheng Jun glanced at her sideways and said in a soft tone, “Can’t even tell it’s a joke. Illegal and unethical actions should not be done.”
Ruan Jiujiu said, “You really scared me.”
Indeed, Cheng Jun was the least domineering CEO.
The cool night gradually deepened, and a cold breeze began to blow. The chilly wind brushed past her ears, making it feel like a ghost was whispering in her ear. Ruan Jiujiu shivered as she imagined it.
Cheng Jun put his arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“Okay… I understand.”
The two of them walked down the road. Ruan Jiujiu couldn’t help but ask, “They won’t come back to bother us again, right?”
“They won’t,” Cheng Jun replied calmly, “Just as you said, you only acknowledge me as your husband.”
Ruan Jiujiu remained silent.
In an instant, a blush spread across her cheeks.
When she had said that sentence herself, she didn’t think there was anything wrong with it. However, when Cheng Jun repeated it, it felt as if she was confessing her feelings, and Ruan Jiujiu’s cheeks felt like they were on fire. She wished she could immediately step forward and cover his mouth.
“Don’t mention it!” she exclaimed.
Cheng Jun was dead serious. “But those were your words.”
“I don’t care. I just don’t want you to bring it up.”
Ruan Jiujiu reached for his lips, but Cheng Jun grabbed her wrist. His grip tightened, causing Ruan Jiujiu to stumble and fall into his arms, pressed tightly against him. She instinctively tilted her head upward and found Cheng Jun gazing at her. The Ruan Jiujiu who had just moments ago been struggling to break free suddenly fell silent.
The way he was looking at her was too tender, making her heart skip a beat, as if it wanted to leap out of her chest.
Cheng Jun spoke softly, “The way you just argued so passionately makes me want to kiss you.”
If it weren’t for the inappropriate setting in the cemetery, he might have actually kissed her.
Ruan Jiujiu’s face turned so red it could almost boil water. Why did Cheng Jun always say things that made her heart flutter when she least expected it?
She quickly broke free from Cheng Jun’s embrace and said, “Let’s go home quickly.”
Cheng Jun obediently let her lead the way, and the two of them walked down the slope of the cemetery, one in front and one behind.
The last sliver of sunlight was gradually swallowed, and the sky darkened, with scattered stars lighting up the sky to guide their way back.
Ruan Jiujiu absentmindedly patted her pocket and suddenly realized her phone was missing. She exclaimed in surprise, searching up and down but couldn’t find it. Strange, just a moment ago, her phone was in her pocket in front of the tombstone.
“Oh, my phone!”
“What happened?” Cheng Jun asked.
“I think I must have dropped it on the way when we were walking. It’s okay; you wait here, and I’ll be back soon.”
It was just a few steps away, and she instructed Cheng Jun not to move. She hurried back to the tombstone. The daisies were drooping, swaying in the wind. Ruan Jiujiu gradually slowed her steps, pushed the drooping daisies aside, and placed the bouquet she had bought in the center. The fresh petals were well-hydrated, and they were in full bloom.
A soft voice sounded beside her, “It’s alright, leave it like this. Fresh or withered flowers, in a day or two, there won’t be much of a difference.”
Ruan Jiujiu was so startled that she nearly screamed.
In the silent cemetery, hearing someone else’s voice suddenly was a very eerie experience, especially since Ruan Jiujiu had no idea that there was anyone else around.
She picked up her phone from the ground and stood upright. About a meter or two away from her, there was a woman dressed in a somewhat outdated high-necked long dress, with low-heeled shoes. Her black hair gently swayed in the wind, and in the darkness, her features were somewhat blurry, but her unique and beautiful eyes were unmistakable. There was something familiar about them.
She reminded Ruan Jiujiu of Lin Daiyu2a famous literary character in Chinese literature, primarily known for her role in the classic novel “Dream of the Red Chamber”; she is known for her ethereal beauty and her melancholic, fragile personality. Her character represents the delicate and ephemeral nature of beauty and love., with her eyes that were full of emotions and tears, slightly lowered but exuding a sense of ethereal charm.
In such a setting, it was easy for Ruan Jiujiu’s imagination to run wild.
She cleared her dry throat and asked, “Are you… here to visit Mr. Cheng too?”
“No,” the woman shook her head, “I’m just passing by.”
“Oh.”
Seeing her standing alone in front of the tombstone in the cold wind, Ruan Jiujiu added, “It’s getting late, you should go back soon. It’s not good for your health to be out in the cold.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the woman smiled faintly.
“I really like you.”
Startled by the unexpected confession from the mysterious woman, Ruan Jiujiu was taken aback.
“Uh… thank you?”
“You should head back now,” she waved her hand.
The cold wind grew even sharper, causing Ruan Jiujiu to shrink her head. She nodded, put her phone back in her pocket, and quickly headed toward where Cheng Jun was. Cheng Jun was on the phone, turned sideways, and had been speaking for a while. When Ruan Jiujiu reached him, he hung up the call.
Ruan Jiujiu turned back, but the mysterious woman had already disappeared.
Cheng Jun followed her gaze and asked, “What are you looking at?”
“…Nothing, I just saw someone strange.”
Ruan Jiujiu muttered to herself, finding the woman’s sudden appearance and disappearance quite eerie, as if she had encountered a ghost.
“By the way, who were you talking to on the phone?”
“It’s nothing, just some lingering matters to handle. Let’s go.”
Author’s note: Whom did Jiujiu see? I think most of you can guess~ _(:3∠)_
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