Just as Xia Liang and her daughter were immersed in a pleasant outing, almost forgetting the passage of time, a sudden phone call shattered the tranquility. Xia Liang's heart tightened when she saw the caller ID showed Xia Dahe. She answered the phone, only to hear Xia Dahe's voice choked with emotion, barely able to utter a complete sentence.
Xia Liang's heart clenched. She quickly comforted him, "Dad, calm down. Let's talk about it slowly." Although her voice trembled, she tried her best to remain calm so as to offer her father some support.
Xia Dahe paused for a long time on the other end of the phone before finally managing to utter those heartbreaking words: "Your grandfather is gone." Xia Liang was instantly stunned. Although she knew that her grandfather wasn't as close to this family as he was to his other uncles and aunts, the bond of kinship always remained, and a complex emotion welled up in her heart.
Xia Liang had no time to wallow in grief. She quickly dialed her brother's number and told him briefly and urgently, "Grandpa has passed away. Come back immediately." Although she had some resentment towards her grandfather, all her resentment seemed insignificant in the face of life and death.
Xia Liang took a deep breath, wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and turned to the two children, saying, "Children, we have to go back to the village. There's something very important at home." Her voice carried a hint of determination. Although the children might not fully understand what had happened, they could sense their mother's seriousness and sorrow.
The family hurriedly ended their trip and embarked on their journey back to the village with heavy hearts. Xia Liang's heart was filled with memories of her grandfather, and she also pondered how to get through this difficult time with her family.
After receiving Xia Liang's call, Xia Rong rushed back without stopping, but the journey was long, and it wasn't until the third day that he arrived with his wife and children. They drove two cars, accompanied by several security company personnel, taking turns driving to ensure they got home as quickly as possible.
Upon arriving at her hometown, Xia Rong immediately inquired about Xia Liang's current situation. Xia Liang replied softly, "They're performing a ritual now." This is their local custom. When an elder passes away, scriptures are chanted for at least three days to help them find peace. Xia Liang's tone revealed respect for the traditional ceremony and her sorrow for her grandfather.
Xia Rong nodded, stepped forward to light incense, and paid his respects to his deceased grandfather. He saw his father, Xia Dahe, standing to the side, his eyes red, clearly from grief and exhaustion from the past few days. Xia Rong's heart was also filled with mixed emotions. Although he knew that the old man hadn't been as close to them, his siblings, as he had been to his other cousins, blood ties and family affection made it impossible for him to remain indifferent.
Xia Rong stepped forward and gently patted Xia Dahe's shoulder, whispering words of comfort: "Dad, please accept my condolences and take care of yourself." His words were full of concern for his father and a sense of responsibility for his family.
Although Old Man Xia had shown some favoritism towards his grandchildren during his lifetime, at this moment, the bonds of family tightly bound everyone together. Xia Rong and the other family members faced this sorrowful moment together, supporting each other and overcoming the difficulties together.
After the funeral and a few days of rest, construction on Xia Dahe's house resumed, and the familiar sounds of hammering and workers talking filled the air once more. Xia Liang, however, decided to seize this opportunity to continue their rural adventures with the children and enjoy time together.
Xia Liang reflected deeply on the past few years. She and Gu Yanxiao had been busy with work and their own affairs. Although they could see their children every day when they came home, they had never had a real family trip together. She realized that a family needs not only daily companionship, but also shared memories and experiences to deepen their emotional bond.
Xia Liang decided to stop waiting for so-called "opportunities" and instead actively create time to spend with her family. She began planning a family trip, wanting to create wonderful memories for her children and also make up for the regrets she and Gu Yanxiao had felt.
Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang decided to stay in their hometown and wait for their new house to be completed. For them, this land was more than just a home; it held their emotions and memories. Although the new house would take some time to finish, they were willing to stay and witness its completion.
Tian Longhui and Zhou Xiong stayed behind to assist Xia Dahe, while Chen Yanling and the other entourage decided to return with Xia Liang and Xia Rong. Xia Rong had considered the comfort of his sister and family before their journey, specifically choosing spacious and comfortable minivans to ensure a convenient and comfortable trip. On the return trip, they again rode in the two minivans; although there were many people, there was enough space for everyone to travel comfortably.
After a long journey, Xia Liang returned home exhausted. She didn't say much, simply greeted her family, and went to her room to rest. When she woke up, warm sunlight streamed through the curtains and onto the window. She found Gu Yanxiao standing quietly by the window, his figure appearing exceptionally soft in the light and shadow.
Gu Yanxiao turned around, his eyes filled with guilt, and said softly, "I'm really sorry I couldn't go back with you for the funeral this time." Xia Liang looked at him, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. She understood his helplessness and felt his concern.
Xia Liang smiled gently, her voice carrying a hint of ease and tolerance: "It's alright. Actually, if it happened to be that time, I might not even want you to go." She knew that Gu Yanxiao had already used up his annual leave for the year, and if it weren't for that, he would definitely have insisted on going back with her.
Gu Yanxiao sat on the edge of the bed, gently holding Xia Liang's hand, wanting to convey more comfort and support. Xia Liang sensed his intention and smiled, changing the subject: "I'm hungry now, let's go downstairs to eat."
Gu Yanxiao stood up, carefully helped Xia Liang put on her slippers, and said gently, "Let's go. Aunt Wu has already prepared the meal and is keeping it warm in the pot, just in case the food is cold when you wake up."
The two went downstairs together and entered the cozy dining room. Aunt Wu had already prepared a sumptuous dinner, waiting for them. Xia Liang and Gu Yanxiao sat around the table, enjoying the warmth of home and the delicious food; all their fatigue and unhappiness vanished with the warm atmosphere.
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