His wife shook off his hand and shouted: “I want to say this. Let everyone come and listen, let everyone judge. I’ve been in this family for 6 years, taking care of the old and the young. Isn’t my life hard? A married daughter is like water poured out. I’ve never seen a mother who doesn’t protect her son.”
Her voice attracted several neighbors. Jing Xin softly said, “Sister-in-law, please stop. I’ll graduate soon and will take care of mom. She’s old and not in good health. Please don’t cause a scene.”
Her sister-in-law looked at her in disbelief. “Tian Jing Xin, don’t try to be the good person here. Don’t you know why I’m making a scene? It’s all because of you, heartless girl. I let you go to university, gave you good food and clothes, and now you want to compete with me. You Tian family people are all heartless and unrighteous.” She sobbed loudly, resembling a bizarre hippopotamus.
At the top of the table, their father’s photo, framed in black, smiled peacefully, unaware that his wife was crying, his beloved daughter was being bullied, and his honest son had become a henpecked husband.
Ai Ping jumped to speak but was forcefully pulled upstairs by Jing Rong, and the door slammed shut. The onlookers gradually dispersed, leaving the room silent. The mother leaned on the table, sobbing, while Jing Xin hugged her, gently patting her shoulder.
Chapter Two: Encounter at the Cemetery
During the Qingming season, rain fell as travelers wandered the road. When asking for a tavern, the shepherd pointed to Apricot Blossom Village.
The Angel Mountain Cemetery on the city’s outskirts was bustling with visitors. Even after Qingming, many still paid respects, likely having traveled from afar to mourn their loved ones.
In April’s southern town, fine rain fell, cool against Jing Xin’s face. She placed a large bouquet of brilliantly blooming marigolds before a grave marked by a tombstone featuring a young, handsome boy, unaware of the surrounding pain.
Jing Xin traced his beautiful features, caressing his name on the cold stone, feeling the chill of the rain and a slight ache in her heart.
