Trafford's Trading Club

626: Chapter 39: Growing Old Together in the Mortal World 626: Chapter 39: Growing Old Together in the Mortal World When it was late at night, whether it was the autumn wind or the early winter night wind was unclear, Grandma Xiao Chun said she was sleepy and wanted to return to her room to rest.

The house began to echo with faint sobbing.

Grandma Xiao Chun gathered her sons and daughters before her and started to give instructions, mostly about the distribution of her estate.

Yet, after each received a bottle of osmanthus syrup, the sons and daughters found these things seemed indifferent.

At least, at this moment.

Whether there will be disputes or conflicts later, no one knows.

In the quiet surroundings, Grandma Xiao Chun finally closed her eyes slowly.

Luo Shan, holding back her grief, stayed by Grandma Xiao Chun’s side, listening to her heartbeat, feeling her pulse.

Luo Shan told everyone that she still had a little breath left, but she was really on the brink.

She said this was her final moments, so no one dared to leave.

…

Some people kept vigil elsewhere.

In the small courtyard outside the house, under the osmanthus trees…

This was where Luo Qiu stayed.

Tiny specks of light resembling fireflies floated in the courtyard, illuminating the soil and leaves, along with the golden-white osmanthus flowers.

“Child, when you return, take a small branch from here.

After snapping it off, it will grow again.”

“This one?” Luo Qiu nodded, “Okay.”

He watched the vague and dispersing figure of Grandma Xiao Chun; this was her soul.

Typically, souls eventually fade away unless they have something they can’t let go of.

“Do I have to carry this thing?” Grandma Xiao Chun stepped towards Luo Qiu, curiously examining the mask on his face.

Luo Qiu softly said, “I thought it would be more appropriate.”

Grandma Xiao Chun shook her head, reached out, and took it off, “No need.

You are still you.

At least I can tell, you are still you.

So, I’d rather be sent off by someone who can call me grandma, not a cold mask.”

“Then, I won’t wear it this time.” Luo Qiu nodded.

Grandma Xiao Chun held Luo Qiu’s arm, walking in the courtyard, “I don’t know what happened to you, maybe even if you tell me, I won’t understand.

But do you wear it at work?”

“Yes, considering certain situations.

Like avoiding some things.” Boss Luo nodded.

Grandma Xiao Chun stopped, looked up, smiled without speaking.

Luo Qiu exhaled, “It’s an attempt to distinguish myself.”

“But you can’t achieve that, right?”

Luo Qiu frankly said, “Indeed.

It’s been a while, sometimes…

I can’t differentiate whether I am me when I wear it or take it off.

Sometimes wearing it perhaps is just a habit.”

“I didn’t read much, lack of knowledge, can’t understand.” Grandma Xiao Chun laughed.

Luo Qiu was taken aback.

Grandma Xiao Chun continued, “But I remember your father often said, when things are incomprehensible, just go through them.

Whether you break through or not, you’ll understand.

I believe you will too.”

“He later said not to just go through but to charge ahead, when you can’t understand, use your fists,” Luo Qiu recalled.

“Really?” Grandma Xiao Chun laughed, “Sounds like something Luo Qi would say… Well, Luo Qiu, if you don’t understand, just charge ahead, if still not, using fists is fine!

Grandma supports you!

Is that good?”

Grandma Xiao Chun clenched her fist, posing encouragement…

though she was so old, ready to depart.

“Alright.” Luo Qiu slowly nodded.

“Then…

just send me this far.” Grandma Xiao Chun softly said, “Has he come to fetch me?”

Luo Qiu looked around, spotting a cluster of fireflies, “He’s always been here, waiting for you.”

Under an osmanthus tree, the fireflies gathered, transforming into a soundless presence.

He stood silently here, his eyes hollow and godless, yet just stood there silently.

He was also an old man.

This was Grandma Xiao Chun’s husband, who had left her many years ago.

His soul lingered, willingly bound to this land, becoming a wandering spirit, with memories fading over time, leaving only longing.

For years, he drifted around the house, braving rain and wind, unchanged in this affection.

Grandma Xiao Chun actually knew her husband was there, especially after she fell ill, she felt it even more.

So, she wanted to come back to this house, knowing he was waiting for her.

“Old man, did you wait long?”

Grandma Xiao Chun let go of Luo Qiu, stepping towards the man under the tree, holding his hand tightly, “Our children and grandchildren are all fine.

I can go with you now, old man.”

Grandma Xiao Chun nestled by her husband’s side, and the traces of time gradually faded from them, leaving only the most beautiful moment.

She was young, with braided hair, dimples, dressed in blue clothes and cloth shoes.

He was young too, wearing a hat with a five-pointed star, a Zhongshan suit, bright-eyed.

Back then, they made a lifelong vow.

They said, whoever dies at ninety-seven will wait three years on the Naihe Bridge.

So he waited for her all along.

“Luo Qiu.” Xiao Chun called softly.

“I’m here.” Luo Qiu replied gently.

Xiao Chun said, “Although you are not really related to our family by blood, it’s nice to have a grandson like you.”

“Blood ties?” Luo Qiu was momentarily stunned, frowning.

Xiao Chun was surprised, then shook her head, “Didn’t Luo Qi tell you, he was adopted by your grandfather?

But rest assured, you are your father’s biological child, that should be correct.”

Seeing Luo Qiu’s silent demeanor, Xiao Chun smiled slightly, “Do you feel it’s a loss for me to have said that?”

“No.” Luo Qiu shook his head, “Why would I.”

Xiao Chun gazed at the one beside her, he touched her braided hair, and she touched his forehead, their figures dispersing into specks of light.

The lights intertwined, indistinguishable, swirling upwards into the night sky.

Sparkling, radiant, before finally fading into the distant Milky Way.

The courtyard quieted again, the fragrance of osmanthus everywhere.

On the swaying branches, a faint light emitted, the last bit of firefly captured by the osmanthus leaves, then picked by Luo Qiu.

He took this longing, this reward.

…

Luo Shan staggered into the courtyard, her hand covering her lips, much like when she ran out after dinner.

She saw Luo Qiu also there, staring up at the starry sky, lost in thought.

“Grandma…

she’s gone.”

“I know.”

“What…

what are you looking at?”

“Altair,” Luo Qiu said softly, “And Vega.”

Luo Shan instinctively looked up but saw nothing, “Aren’t they supposed to meet only during the Qixi Festival?”

“Maybe it’s just a story,” Luo Qiu smiled, “If lovers could only meet once a year, that’s too pitiful.

The one who made this story…

I think they were ill-intentioned.”

“Not funny at all.” Luo Shan said with a face that was more a grimace than a smile, lightly asking, “Grandma, she’ll find my grandpa, right?”

“Certainly.”

“…Luo Qiu.”

“Yes?

What is it?”

“This time…

can you lend me something?” Luo Shan didn’t finish her sentence before leaning against Luo Qiu, “Your shoulder…

lend it to me.”