Lin Chuchu's eyes stung terribly. She hugged the person tightly and said in a hoarse voice.
"Mom, Grandpa... he's gone."
"You're lying to me, your grandfather isn't dead, he definitely isn't dead..."
Mu's mother muttered to herself, tears streaming down her face.
Grabbing Lin Chuchu's hand, he said, "You're lying to me, aren't you? Your grandpa said just a few days ago that he wanted to see Tiananmen Square, watch the flag-raising ceremony, and see the leaders when you came back..."
How could they have died so suddenly? They hadn't even had a chance to enjoy their retirement, and they hadn't even had a chance to fulfill their filial duties. How could they have died like this?
Lin Chuchu pulled the person into her arms, holding her even tighter; Mu's mother's hands were so cold.
Mu's mother finally couldn't hold back and burst into tears.
The crying woke Grandma up. She stared blankly at the ceiling, without tears, her whole body dazed and confused.
If Liu Jiarui hadn't seen it, she wouldn't have known that her grandmother had woken up.
Lin Chuchu wiped away her mother's tears and whispered something to her.
"Mom, you have to hang in there and take good care of yourself. Grandma is counting on you now."
Mother Mu's spirits lifted, she took a few deep breaths, and managed to force a smile.
As she approached her grandmother, Mu's mother took her hand and said, "Mom..."
She had barely uttered a single call when her voice choked up again.
Grandma turned her head and patted her on the head.
“I’m fine. After the IV drip is finished, let’s go home and bring the clothes I prepared for your dad. The old man has been clean his whole life, so we should let him leave this world clean.”
The clothes prepared are funeral clothes. People of their age usually prepare clothes in advance, not just the old man's, but she's also dressed in them.
I just didn't expect that the old man would be the first to leave.
The room was quiet, and Liu Rong and Liu Jiarui didn't know how to offer any words of comfort.
Lin Chuchu, however, thought of the rice porridge in the lunchbox.
The aroma of millet porridge wafted out as the lunchbox was opened.
"Grandma, Mom, please eat something first. There are still many things that need your decision-making."
Mother Mu couldn't eat and tried to shake her head, but her grandmother grabbed her hand. "Help me up. Let's eat. We can't go hungry. We can't fall down. If we fall down, people will laugh at us."
Grandma's voice trembled, but her face remained calm.
Lin Chuchu was surprised that her grandmother was the first to recover.
Lin Chuchu became even more worried.
Grandma drank half a bowl of porridge, and seeing Lin Chuchu's expression, she knew what Lin Chuchu was thinking.
"Chuchu, don't worry. Your grandparents will never be defeated. Rest assured, I will live well and take good care of this family for your grandfather."
She refused to believe that her grandson could be a traitor who betrayed the country, and she wanted to wait for Mu Chen to return so she could hear his explanation in person.
Lin Chuchu nodded and said nothing more. Soon, Mu's mother finished her porridge, put away the lunchbox, and after a while, their IV drips were finished. Liu Rong paid the fees, and the family left the hospital.
Lin Chuchu held Xiaobao, and Liu Jiarui held Dabao. They were sure to make a fuss when they woke up.
Mr. Mu was still nowhere to be found; at this moment, he was in contact with his father-in-law's comrade-in-arms.
He has now informed his elder brother's family, and they are on their way to Beijing.
We can't have a big celebration, but those who are supposed to attend will still be there.
When he dragged his tired body back to the door of his old home, he heard the crying of two children inside. His eyes softened, and he pushed open the door and went in.
He wanted to be frank and let those who were watching from behind the door see that the Mu family had not fallen.
Even if Mu Chen is truly a traitor, the Mu family has done right by heaven and earth.
I have a clear conscience, and I am even more worthy of the Party.
While Mu's mother and grandmother were comforting the two children, Lin Chuchu was cooking for the family in the kitchen.
Liu Rong and Liu Jiarui have already left, refusing to stay for dinner no matter what.
When Mu's father returned, Mu's mother, with red eyes, went over and asked, "How did it go?"
“I called my older brother and the others. They bought plane tickets and will be back the day after tomorrow.”
Mr. Mu took Da Bao from the funeral home. “I’ll go to the funeral home tomorrow to send the body there. The time is set for seven days from now… I’ve already notified my comrades-in-arms, but I don’t know if they can come.”
Although things aren't as strict as before, Mu Chen is still considered a traitor to the outside world. He doesn't know if these people will come. If it were before, he would definitely want to stay as far away from them as possible.
Mu's mother nodded. "Mom and I have discussed it. We'll go get Dad a new set of clothes tomorrow."
Mr. Mu nodded, looking at his mother with concern, "Mom, how about my wife and I go tomorrow, and you stay home to look after the two kids?"
Grandma shook her head. "No, I have to go with you."
Grandma's face was calm, showing no emotion, but everyone knew that she was the one who was most heartbroken by Grandpa's death; she just kept her grief to herself.
Just then, Lin Chuchu called from the kitchen that dinner was ready.
At the dinner table, everyone was in a bad mood. The two little ones stopped crying and fussing, as if they knew that no matter how much they cried, their beloved great-grandfather would never come back.
After dinner, Mu's mother and grandmother coaxed the two children to sleep.
Lin Chuchu quietly left the room and went to the yard. Mu's father was standing in the yard in a daze. There was an unfinished chess game on the table in the yard. It was the chess game that Mu's father and grandfather had played together the night before last.
In just two days, the once joyful courtyard has become so quiet.
The laughter and joy of the past are like a dream, leaving only longing behind.
Lin Chuchu stood with him for a while.
“Dad, I’ve messaged my bosses and told them the time. I’ll take this opportunity to test their attitude.”
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