815 Paying respects
Lu Yin Ze was taken aback.
Was this really Tang Yin? She surprised him many times ever since he woke up from the coma. Although it was quite confusing and a bit awkward, he accepted her warmth.
After the Tang sisters expressed their condolence, the two old heads came to him.
Old Xiong and Mistress Tang took longer in giving respects to Old Lu. They want to say many things. They want to convey their regrets and well wishes for the old man's journey to the afterlife.
The two Heads then went to Lu Yin Ze to express their support to him. Unlike the others who only expressed their condolence and support outwardly, the two old people discussed the plan of supporting Lu Yin Ze in more detail.
Lu Yin Ze felt their concern for him.
When all the heads of the four families were alive, they competed with each other strongly. There were even some rumors that the other family was trying to weaken the other. Although most of them were true, the strong bonds of the four families could be seen at this moment.
They are all part of the same legacy. Together they suffer, together they would rise.
With them helping one another, other families would not be able to touch the weakest one among them.
It was at this rare moment that Lu Yin Ze could feel the four families' unity.
He was glad that the Heads did not abandon the family his grandfather protected in all his life. Lu Yin Ze sincerely thanked them.
After the two elders left, a familiar figure came towards him.
She was wearing a black dress with long sleeves. Even in turbulent times, she still shines in his eyes.
Lu Yin Ze whose heart was dead beat painfully.
Xiong Zhi....
Lu Yin Ze was afraid to face Xiong Zhi as he was ashamed to face the other heirs.
Xiong Zhi's stoic face was still the same as ever. Although, she was slightly paler than before.
The woman and the man behind her respectfully bowed and lit incense. They take a bit longer in paying respects.
"Lu Yin Ze." Xiong Zhi's cool voice was always hard to read.
Lu Yin Ze showed a smile. "Xiong Zhi, how are you?"
He then glanced at the man who stick close to Xiong Zhi. "...And Linfeng."
"I am recuperating better. What about you?"
Lu Yin Ze smiled and forced himself to be lively. But it's too hard to fake a lively smile, "I am doing well. I would like to thank both of you for supporting the Lu empire when I was in a coma. I also heard from Tang Yin that you guys took care of my grandfather's body."
Lu Yin Ze then bowed deeply, "I know my apology of implicating you is not enough. The Lu family is heavily indebted to you. I can't thank you enough."
Xiong Zhi and Linfeg played a big role in subduing his unstoppable father. If Xiong Zhi and Linfeng did not get involved, the Lu family might have crumbled to pieces. Not only his grandfather would be dead, but he and the other heirs would have died as well.
Lu Yin Ze put his prejudice to Linfeng aside and bowed his head to him.
"Thank you for rescuing us."
Linfeng nodded. He wanted to say something but shut his mouth in the end.
Xiong Zhi held Lu Yin Ze's shoulder and straightened them for him.
"It is I who should apologize and should take the blame. Not you."
Lu Yin Ze raised his head in surprise.
What does she mean? Why was she taking the blame?
Xiong Zhi's lips showed a helpless smile, "I know beforehand how dangerous your father is. I should have been more careful. But I failed all of you. Thus, this tragedy happened. We can't avoid it. Still, their death should be not on you."
Lu Yin Ze could see the pain, guilt, and self-blame in Xiong Zhi's obsidian eyes. It reflected his own.
His pain...self-blame...guilt...and hatred towards himself.
Right, he was blaming himself. Why he was so weak? Why he was always at the mercy of others? Why he was the one being saved not the other way around?
If he was stronger and wiser enough, could his grandfather be alive today?
During the days Lu Yin Ze was recuperating at the hospital, 'What if's' and depressing thoughts filled his mind. Making the already tasteless food taste like mud.
These harrowing feelings.... this strong remorse and self-reproach would not be understood by anyone except him.
However, it was not only him. Xiong Zhi was also blaming herself for something she had no control over with.
He wanted to tell her, 'It was not on you', 'It is just the way it is', 'It happened and none of it is your fault'.
Yes, he was weak. But he never wished them to happen, right? He tried...He tried so hard to prevent it.
He had done what he could.
Lu Yin Ze could not help but tear up. Whenever he was in front of Xiong Zhi, he would be like a child. Transparent and unguarded.
He hugged Xiong Zhi and buried his silver head on her shoulders. It was just like he was brought back when he was sixteen. Weak and helpless child.
Xiong Zhi still carried a cold face. But the way she patted his back was gentle.
"It's not on you. It happened and none of it is your fault." Xiong Zhi repeated those words like a mantra which made Lu Yin Ze hug her tighter.
Linfeng who standing beside Xiong Zhi froze and was guarded. But he did not step forward to separate them.
He knows that both Xiong Zhi and Lu Yin Ze have the same grief and pain in their hearts. The two naturally understood the emotion they were keeping inside them. Having someone who understood these agonizing emotions by their side was consoling.
Linfeng knew letting the two comfort themselves and sympathize with each other was a great help towards their wounded soul.
However, when the hug takes too long, Linfeng could not finally hold it in and stepped forward.
"Alright, that's enough."
He was rough to Lu Yin Ze but gentle to Xiong Zhi as he separated them.
Linfeng added some words.
"No one blames you, Young Master Yin Ze. We helped you not because we wanted to be indebted to you. My Zhi'er and I felt responsible for what happened. We would help you to the best of our abilities."
Lu Yin Ze accepted their help. He knew letting Xiong Zhi help was a type of redemption for her. As it was the same for him.
Xiong Zhi and Linfeng expressed their condolences to him. Then many people come forward afterward.
The renowned people who came here to commiserate for the Lu family also left afterward. When the sun settled, the mountain that was crowded with many people only had a few groups left.
The heirs remained in their seats. It was their way to express support for Lu Yin Ze. But Old Xiong and Mistress Tang have to return as they were old.
This process continued for seven days.
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