Chapter 16 – The Reason

The pale purple flower fell from Grandma He’s hand, drooping on the bedsheet. Xiang Ning bit his lip, held He Rong’s hand, and placed the flower in Grandma He’s hair, making her look peaceful and serene.

The autumn sun was not harsh, and the new tombstone glowed softly. He Rong held Xiang Ning’s hand as they knelt down, surrounded by a silent crowd in black and white, making Grandma He’s smile on the tombstone stand out brightly.

The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving He Rong and Xiang Ning standing in front of the tombstone in silence. Behind them, He Mingde, with tear-streaked face, supported Xu Hui, who seemed to have cried herself out.

He Rong glanced over, patted Xiang Ning’s hand, and whispered, “Let’s go.”

He turned to face Father He, his eyes cool and distant. “What brings you here?”

Father He choked, his head held high. “What are you talking about, you brat!”

“I naturally assumed you didn’t have the face to see Grandma,” He Rong said without a hint of respect. “If I had done something like that, I wouldn’t dare show up.”

He slightly tilted his head toward Xu Hui and asked, “Don’t you think so, Aunt Hui?”

Xu Hui avoided his gaze, too afraid to speak. A few people who knew the situation were still around, pointing and whispering discreetly.

He Rong noticed them but paid no mind. He stood straight, towering over Father He, who was now much shorter. “You should go home. I think Grandma would not be at peace if she saw you.”

He gestured to the cemetery manager standing behind him. “This is my father. He and my grandmother have some unresolved issues. It’s best if they don’t see each other again.”

The manager bowed and agreed.

Father He’s beard trembled with anger. He opened his mouth but no words came out. Xu Hui’s hand clung to his arm as if trying to tear it off. He glanced at her; her face was deathly pale, her eyes averted.

From his angle, he could only see her trembling lips.

“Mother is here too. Would you like to see her?” He Rong’s lips curved into a smile, but his hand, holding Xiang Ning’s, was cold and stiff. He pointed to a white tombstone not far away, indicating for Father He to look. “See? You won’t forget the place, will you?”

His voice was like a demon rising from the depths, each word sharp and icy, cutting into them like knives. Father He shivered, struggling to support the weakened Xu Hui, unable to move.

He Rong continued, his voice directed at Xu Hui, who was now sobbing. “Mother would be so happy to see Aunt Hui, knowing someone is here to keep her father company.”

“Don’t you think so, Aunt Hui?”

The whispers around them grew louder, making Father He and Xu Hui want to sink into the ground. They couldn’t stand it any longer and left the cemetery, dragging each other away.

He Rong’s smile faded. He turned to the cemetery manager and repeated, “Don’t let them in.”

His grip tightened, and Xiang Ning looked at him with concern. He Rong came back to his senses and gave a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Xiang Ning nodded, holding his hand tightly.

The dead are gone, but the living must go on.

Grandma He’s will was clear and detailed, written when she was still lucid, held by a trusted lawyer. When it was revealed, He Mingde, seething with anger, couldn’t say a word. He Rong, his expression calm, tossed the property deed to him. “Father now lives with Aunt Hui. You can’t be without a home. So, I’ll have this property notarized and give it to you.”

The lawyer adjusted his glasses, his eyes downcast, and said nothing.

Xu Hui clung to Father He, afraid he might faint from anger. He Rong, however, wasn’t done. “Grandma’s will is clear. All company affairs are to be handled by me. Father, if you have nothing important, don’t come to the company.”

He paused, smiling. “From now on, we have no relationship.”

He raised his hand, signaling the security guards. Father He couldn’t bear the humiliation and left, cane in hand, without looking back.

Of course, he didn’t forget the property deed.

After a winter, the affairs of the He family were truly in He Rong’s hands. Xiang Ning wasn’t idle either. He had been spending time with Zhou Yi, and the company suddenly sent a letter. Director Lin intended to send Zhou Yi to an audition.

Zhou Yi hesitated for days before finally coming to Xiang Ning to discuss it.

The hesitation vanished when he learned that Ye Wu was one of the judges.

Xiang Ning was watching TV with a cat in his lap, half-listening to Zhou Yi’s rambling. Zhou Yi had been excited ever since he got the news, talking non-stop for two hours. The cats, who had been chasing each other, were now exhausted and asleep.

There was a commotion at the door. Xiang Ning’s eyes lit up, and he left Zhou Yi to go see. He Rong closed the door, greeted him with a weary smile, and without a word, pulled him into a tight embrace.

Xiang Ning blushed, hugging him back and nuzzling affectionately.

He Rong was busy, and Xiang Ning didn’t want to go to the company, fearing he might be a burden. The house had been quiet, and only Zhou Yi’s visit brought some life to it.

“Bored?” He Rong asked, hooking his hand and hanging his coat on the rack.

Xiang Ning shook his head, taking the briefcase and holding it, his eyes on the man’s slightly stubbled chin, feeling a pang of concern.

He Rong noticed and couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss the corner of Xiang Ning’s mouth. When he looked up, he saw Zhou Yi sitting on the sofa.

He nodded at Zhou Yi and went to the study.

Zhou Yi, blushing, looked at the even redder Xiang Ning and teased, “You and President He have a great relationship.”

Xiang Ning glared at him and threw a pillow.

“How long have you been together?” Zhou Yi couldn’t resist asking, leaning closer with his cup of water.

Xiang Ning held up five fingers.

“Five years?” Xiang Ning shook his head.

“Five months?” This time, it was right.

“Ah…” Zhou Yi sighed, lost in thought. Xiang Ning ignored him. He Rong came out of the study, looking at Zhou Yi without speaking.

Zhou Yi, sensing the mood, quickly got up to leave.

Once the door closed, He Rong moved the sleeping cats to a different spot. Xiang Ning’s eyes followed him, finally landing on himself.

He Rong reached out and touched his hair, sighing. “I’m so tired.”

Xiang Ning made him lie down, lifting his head and gently massaging his temples. He Rong looked up at him, finding every part of Xiang Ning beautiful, even the way he was now secretly pursing his lips.

He touched the small mole under Xiang Ning’s eye and said, “Do you know why I asked you to marry me?”

Xiang Ning stopped his hands, shaking his head.

“At first, it was just that the misunderstanding was interesting. Then I saw you at the sanatorium. Grandma had a sharp eye; if she liked you, you must be a good person.”

“I didn’t have to marry you, but the sun was so bright that day, and by the time I came to my senses, I didn’t want to change my mind.”

He Rong closed his eyes, his fatigue fading. “At first, you just suited me in every way, but before I knew it, my heart was firmly tied to you.”

Xiang Ning’s face was as red as if he had just drunk strong liquor. He touched He Rong’s face, took his hand, and wrote, “I like you too.”

He Rong waited for him to finish, holding his fingers. Xiang Ning hesitated, slowly spreading his fingers to intertwine with He Rong’s, their hands clasped together.

The cats, now awake, meowed for food. He Rong ignored them, pinching Xiang Ning’s chin and leaning in for a wet kiss. Xiang Ning closed his eyes obediently, and they shared a deep, wet kiss.