Chapter 35: Paying Respects
The reason Mei Fang suddenly turned around just now was because he suddenly remembered that Lin Youxis mother also died in a car accident, just like his own mother had said before. The injured person also looked like they had wounds from a car accident.
Although this happened when Lin Youxi was only three or four years old, she might have recalled this familiar scene.
So, after seeing that patient and hearing the boy crying, Lin Youxi suddenly thought of her own mother and became sensitive and unreasonable.
She was the troublemaker who was always criticized by the teacher in kindergarten, constantly doing things to seek attention, even if it caused others displeasure, she didnt care.
This is the tragedy of growing up in a family without maternal love. No matter how much Mei Fang and Xia Yuan bring friendship and love to Lin Youxi, it is difficult to help her heal.
If you plan to be friends with Lin Youxi for a long time, you must be mentally prepared for this.
Oh, my misplaced sympathy! Why do I always bring trouble upon myself!?
Although Mei Fang kept lamenting his own misfortune in his heart, his actions were sincere.
He never let go of Lin Youxis hand.
The location of Heaven Cemetery is already in the suburbs of Baimei County, and you have to take a bus from the bus station like going to Jiangcheng.
Mei Fang was familiar with the transportation in his hometown and quickly found a bus that could go to the cemetery.
Before getting on the bus, Mei Fang reminded Lin Youxi, Since were going to visit your mothers grave, do you want to buy something to bring to her?
Lin Youxi shook her head, I dont know what my mom likes. My dad always brings a lot of things when he pays respects, and I cant remember.
A sentence unintentionally spoken by a child suddenly made Mei Fang, who was already an adult in mind, feel a pang in his nose.
Yes, her mother passed away when she was only three years old.
It has been six or seven years, can she still remember anything about her mother?
Its okay to buy something you like, like fruits. As long as its something you like, your mom will definitely not dislike it.
Lin Youxi nodded, then took out three coins from her crumpled pocket.
This was originally money to play games with you Ill buy an apple. Can I buy an apple with three yuan?
No need, you dont have to pay this time. Mei Fang said, You keep the money and treat me to the arcade in the future. Ill buy the apple for you.
I want to go too!
Lin Youxi obediently followed behind Mei Fang. Mei Fang let Lin Youxi pick her favorite apple, and he also took two and weighed them together. Seeing that the store also sold some paper flowers, he bought a bunch of yellow paper flowers from the store and asked for a plastic bag to pack them together.
Why are you so rich? Lin Youxi curiously asked Mei Fang, Didnt you always say that uncle and auntie only spoil Little Ya and dont give you any pocket money?
Well, about that
Mei Fang couldnt tell Lin Youxi that the money came from selling their retired account to their classmates. After all, the equipment in that account was all handcrafted by Lin Youxi, and Mei Fang was only responsible for providing strategies.
I discovered that my dad had hidden some money, so I secretly took it.
Lin Youxi reminded Mei Fang, Stealing money from home is not good. Uncle Mei will be sad.
Well, ill-gotten gains are still ill-gotten gains. Im just seeking justice.
But, I also feel sorry for Uncle Mei. He said he handed over his salary card.
Lin Youxi sighed, Aunt Mei is too strict with Uncle Mei. He doesnt have any freedom.
Thats the pressure of being parents
Well, when I grow up, I wont be like that. If I get married, my husband and I will manage our own money.
Mei Fang couldnt help but chuckle after hearing that.
What husband? You play too much Fantasy Westward Journey. Normal people dont call their spouse husband.[1]
Then what should I call him?
Of course, its husband and wife
But Uncle Mei and Aunt Mei usually call each other by their names, like Lijun and Xiaoxia. Like that
Thats true.
This was indeed a knowledge blind spot for Lin Youxi.
Her family didnt have any reference.
Then, Mei Fang, your and Xia Yuans names are so short. Will you not be able to use intimate nicknames when you get married?
Mei Fang thought for a moment, But Xia Yuan already has a nickname, its called Yuan Yuan.
Oh, I see! Then in the future, your wife will be called
No, you cant call her that! I dont like that name!
The two children playfully exchanged words in the bus, making everyone in the front and back seats laugh.
When they arrived at the cemetery, it was already dusk. The damp air made people feel a bit restless, but fortunately, Lin Youxis mood had become much more relaxed.
Do you remember where your moms grave is?
Of course, I come here with my dad many times a year.
Lin Youxi counted on her fingers, We come on the Winter Solstice[2], New Years Eve[3], Qingming Festival[4], Moms death anniversary, and the Ghost Festival[5]. Thats 5 times a year. This time I came alone, so I can come 6 times this year.
Thats a lot.
Mei Fang seemed surprised.
So, you usually come to sweep the grave twice a year, which shows that your father loves your mother very much.
Mm. Lin Youxi nodded. Even though my father doesnt say it, I know. Even if hes busy with work, he still brings me to sweep the grave every year Were almost there, look, its the third row in front, with the lion statue facing backwards.
Lin Youxi skillfully led Mei Fang to her mothers cemetery. There was a black and white photo of her mother on the tombstone. She had long, beautiful black hair, full apple cheeks revealing a set of neat white teeth, and her radiant smile left a deep impression.
Lin Youxis mother passed away in 2000, before she could experience the rapid development after the millennium.
Its not the season for grave sweeping right now, and there arent many people in the cemetery. Only faint firecracker sounds can be heard in the distance.
It seems like someones family member has passed away.
Most children would be scared to death here, but Lin Youxi is not an ordinary child.
Neither is Mei Fang.
Mom, Ive come to see you. I didnt come with Dad this time.
The two of them placed the apples they brought as offerings, and Lin Youxi placed a bouquet of yellow flowers in front of her mothers grave, covering it with a plastic bag. With her hands clasped together, she knocked her head against her mothers grave three times.
Why are you doing it so forcefully
Dad said the louder the knock, the more the people below can hear it.
Lin Youxi smiled and touched the red bump on her head, then gave her place to Mei Fang. Why dont you say hello to my mom too? This is your first time here, my mom doesnt know you.
Since Mei Fang came to accompany Lin Youxi to sweep her mothers grave, he naturally didnt mind.
He knelt in front of Lin Youxis mothers grave, imitating Lin Youxis actions from earlier, clasping his hands together and knocking his head against the grave three times.
Hmm
Mei Fang also touched his slightly red forehead, while Lin Youxi laughed loudly beside him.
Hahaha, youre too forceful! Youve cracked my moms tombstone.
No way Hurry up and introduce me to your mom!
Afterwards, with a smile on her face, Lin Youxi knelt down beside Mei Fang.
Beside Mei Fang.
Shoulder to shoulder.
Translators Notes:
She said Fujun () and its a traditional and less common way of addressing ones husband just like in their game, Fantasy Westward Journey. Winter Solstice: https://en. wikipedia.org/ wiki/Dongzhi _(solar_term)Not the regular New Year but the Chinese New Year. Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day is the day when families visit the tombs of their ancestors to clean the gravesites and make ritual offerings to their ancestors. (ref: https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/ Qingming _Festival) Ghost Festival: https://en. wikipedia.org/ wiki/Ghost_ Festival
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