817 Reunion
...
Lu Jin had still many scars left on his body. Some of the minor injuries had healed. But the deep one was still healing under his shirt. He was paler and a bit thinner. The few scratches on his face made him look like a young man who had just come out of a disaster.
However, despite his rough figure, his eyes were bright at this moment. He let out a slight smile. It contained relief, longing, sadness, and guilt.
"Little Yin."
Lu Yin Ze's eyes heated up. It was really his brother!
He stepped forward but stopped. He did not know what kind of greeting he would do.
On the second day after he woke up, Tang Yin gave him a great news.
'Your brother is alive.'
This one message rekindled the little fire left in his heart. Although it could not lit brightly like before, it was enough to keep the darkness that was eating him away and gave him direction.
He was not alone in this world. He still has his brother. He could slowly retreat back the time that they have lost and reunited with his brother once more.
However, because of the funeral rites that he had to take care of, Lu Yin Ze had no time to ask the whereabouts of his brother.
Knowing was different than seeing after all.
Looking at his brother standing before him, Lu Yin Ze felt a rush of many emotions.
Lu Yin Ze had hated his brother long before he was released from the hospital where he was held captive. Without knowing his brother's side, he hated him and blamed him. His anger, hatred, and resentment had all been vented to his brother.
But now that he learned the truth; guilt, regret, and self-blame fulfilled his heart.
Deep inside, Lu Yin Ze knew that he dearly wanted his brother back. Despite his anger and hatred, he wanted the brother who was once his pillar to return to him.
Lu Jin stepped forward. The once unmovable cold face was soft. He looked at his little brother with nervousness.
"Can this brother of yours hug you?"
Lu Zin Ye could not speak. The thousand words that he wanted to say were stuck in his throat. His eyes blurred as he nodded.
Lu Jin closed their distance and finally hugged his little brother.
When was the last time he hugged his little Yin? It was so long ago that he could not remember. Perhaps it was before the day their mother died?
Lu Yin Ze who had hidden his tears finally burst. He clung to his brother's funeral robe.
"Brother...."
"I am finally here, Yin Ze. I am sorry. I am so sorry your big brother comes too late."
Lu Jin was sorry.
the truth that he had learned, he could not even bother to comfort his six-year-old brother who cried
so much.
He wanted to hug his brother when they stood in front of the tomb of their mother. But because of the truth that he had learned, he could not even bother to comfort his six-year-old brother who cried so much.
He wanted to shield him and protect him when his father took Lu Yin Ze and suspected his own son where their mother hid the evidence.
He wanted to explain and comfort the gloomy Lu Yin Ze who he imprisoned in the hospital. Yet could only let his brother hate him.
When their grandfather took away Lu Yin Ze, he wanted to pull him back and never let go of him. However, he knew that the more he keep Lu Yin Ze, the more he would break him.
Lu Jin never showed his love once, he could not.
He could only give his little brother pain and trauma one after another.
What kind of brother does that?
Lu Jin's hug turned tight.
He was really an irresponsible and useless brother.
Lu Yin Ze choked from sobs.
The warmth his brother gave comforted him. He thought he could give up living happily in this life. He was fine living under the nightmares without being able to be redeemed. But now that he had his brother, Lu Yin Ze had a little hope.
Lu Yin Ze thought that living the rest of his life with his brother at his side would be something he could look forward to.
After all the pain and suffering, would they finally be able to live peacefully and happily?
"Don't leave me again brother. Mother is gone, grandfather is gone. We only had each other."
Lu Jin smiled sadly. That promise....was not something he could fulfill. In the end, he had to disappoint his brother all over again.
But he promised inwardly that it would be the last time he would disappoint him.
"I'll be always at your side. I promise."
The two brothers hugged for a while. It was a hug and affection that they weren't able to give to one another after more than a decade.
Lu Jin patted his brother's back which was trembling from all the tears. His brother was still a cry baby. This realization made him smile.
Lu Yin Ze could feel his brother's gentle pat.
This made him remember his brother's habit when they were young. Whenever he cried and ran to his brother to ask for comfort, his brother would hug him and patted his back gently.
This action made Lu Yin Ze chuckle. He had tears all over his face but he was laughing.
"You still treat me like a child."
"You are still a child to me." Then Lu Jin's voice turned grave, "And you suffered a lot. All because of me and...father."
Lu Yin Ze separated from Lu Jin. He could see his brother's guilt and self-blame.
Lu Jin continued. "I did not protect you enough. No, it's not even called protection. I...I only let you suffer. I am sorry, Yin."
Lu Yin Ze shook his head. "It's all in the past. Besides, you did it to protect me. I am not able to understand it at first because I am too young and I am filled with hatred. But after it was revealed to me, I realized that it's you who suffered the most, brother."
Lu Yin Ze held his brother's shoulder and stared into his eyes. "You should not carry that man's sin. Neither should I."
These words were for both of them.
Lu Jin put his forehead on Lu Yin Ze's.
He was proud of his little brother.
Lu Yin Ze had grown up strongly without him.
"I am glad. You have grown well."
Lu Yin Ze closed his eyes and greedily absorbed his brother's affection that he never had for years.
All the people in the hall had left. Even the servants. Only Lu Yin Ze and Lu Jin remained in the hall.
Lu Jin looked at his grandfather's tomb. He paid respect and spend a long time in his deep bow.
He had so many things to ask forgiveness for. He wants to thank his grandfather who took care of his brother. He was not there when they were tortured in the Qian mansion, but he knows that his grandfather exchanged for his life to protect Lu Yin Ze.
"I will atone for my sins for the rest of my life. I would take care of my brother well and won't disappoint you. I will serve the family with my whole heart. Grandfather, please rest assured and rest well."
Lu Jin paused. He then smiled sorrowfully. "Please send my regards to my mother."
He bowed with his knees on the ground. Despite his injuries, he wanted to portray his sincere feelings.
After giving respect to Old Lu, they proceed to finish the rest of the funeral rites with just the two of them.
It was near sunset when the two finished the rest of the funeral.
The burial tomb of the Lu family was located in the mountain of L province. From where they were standing, they could see the sunset perfectly.
Lu Yin Ze and Lu Jin both stopped to admire the sunset.
The orange hue on the horizon was beautiful. The shadow of the night sky was met with orange fire. The sun rays that were starting to dissipate pierced the darkness in their hearts.
The view gave the two tranquility that they never had before.
Being at each other side after so many years, the two had realized how lovely the sunset could be.
The two were silent for a while after watching the sunset.
Lu Yin Ze turned to his brother who seemed dazed. He smiled. And that smile reached his eyes.
Lu Yin Ze breaks the silence. "I will arrange a place for you brother. Please live with me."
Lu Jin woke up from his trance. For Lu Jin, he had never watched the sunset before. So its beauty took him by surprise. He then saw the smile of his little brother.
Lu Jin was silent for a moment. He then smiled in return. "Alright."
Lu Yin Ze's smile turned deeper. As long as he had his brother at his side, he felt that he could surpass any difficulties.
It was only when Lu Yin Ze turned around that Lu Jin let the sorrow in his eyes show.
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