Chapter 155: Reunion
Upon hearing Chu Hongyi’s words, Yiyi couldn’t help but glance at him, sensing a warmth in his demeanor. However, he wasn’t wrong; although she had never met Old Mrs. Chu, she was her grandmother.
Ding Yuejun felt a touch of emotion upon hearing this.
"Thank you." Nevertheless, she was somewhat puzzled, "My mother never told me about her own matters; what she mentioned to me most was about embroidery."
Listening to this, Chu Hongyi couldn’t help but say, "Perhaps in those past years, things were tense, so the old lady never talked about the past. After all, the Chu family attracted quite some attention, and those years were indeed hard to get by." After saying this, he curiously asked, "What is your mother’s name? I’m not sure which elder in the family she is."
Ding Yuejun then mentioned the old lady’s name, just a single character, Lan.
Chu Hongyi was utterly shocked hearing this, "What... Your foster mother is Chu Lan?"
Seeing Chu Hongyi’s reaction, Ding Yuejun was puzzled but nodded, saying, "Yes, that’s what my mother told me."
"You... You’re actually the daughter of Aunt Chu Lan." Chu Hongyi still couldn’t quite process it, finally asking urgently, "Where is Aunt buried? Could you take me to see her?"
Seeing Chu Hongyi’s mournful expression, Ding Yuejun couldn’t help but remember Old Mrs. Chu, her expression also full of sadness. However, seeing that the old lady finally has family members seeking her, she felt happy, knowing that someone still remembered her mother.
"Mother is buried in Luwei Village, not in the town. If you want to go, we can go there tomorrow."
Chu Hongyi nodded urgently, "Alright."
Wu Yongcai witnessed the reunion scene between the two, commenting aside, "It’s good that you siblings have recognized each other, so don’t be too sad."
Hearing this, Chu Hongyi looked at Wu Yongcai and said, "I really must thank Boss Wu."
"No need to thank me; being able to help Manager Chu is my honor."
The Chu family was a giant in Shangjing. Despite enduring several ups and downs and struggling even to make ends meet, they eventually persevered. Though their influence has waned, they are still a renowned family in Shangjing.
Chu Hongyi chuckled at these words but said no more.
Yiyi immediately noticed Wu Yongcai’s increasingly respectful attitude towards her mother. Previously, although he was amazed by her mother’s embroidery, he didn’t have this attitude. Now, knowing her mother was also Chu family, his demeanor changed significantly.
Seeing this, Yiyi’s eyes reflected contemplation; it appeared that the Chu family had a significant background, or else Wu Yongcai wouldn’t have this attitude.
The next day, the group set off directly to Qingshan Village.
"Just ahead, almost there."
Ding Yuejun led the way, navigating twists and turns to arrive at Old Mrs. Chu’s resting place.
"It’s been a while since I came. The surroundings have grown wild with grass again." While speaking, Ding Yuejun began to clear the grass. Luckily, she had experience and knew to bring a sickle, making it easier to cut grass and vines.
Seeing Ding Yuejun busy, Chu Hongyi hurried up to help.
"No need, Brother Hongyi, let me handle it."
Clearly, Chu Hongyi wasn’t someone accustomed to this kind of work, so naturally, Ding Yuejun wouldn’t let him do it. During the journey, he had said much and finally asked her to call him Brother Hongyi. After hearing it many times, she eventually agreed, and calling him brother now felt natural.
Yiyi also chimed in from the side, "Yes, Uncle, let me help instead." With that, she was already helping Ding Yuejun clear the weeds.
Of course, Chu Hongyi wouldn’t just stand there watching. Despite being unskilled, he still did what he could.
Once the area was cleaned, Ding Yuejun took out incense sticks and offerings, beginning to light incense for Old Mrs. Chu. She whispered a few sentences, assuring her not to worry, that both she and Yiyi were doing well, and lastly mentioned the Chu family visiting, telling her that everyone still remembered her.
After Ding Yuejun finished lighting incense, Yiyi hurriedly went forward, leaving Chu Hongyi to be the last.
"Aunt, didn’t expect reunite under the scene of separation by life and death. I still remember when you gently told stories to me and Brother Gang Yi..."
Toward the end, Chu Hongyi was really somewhat sorrowful.
Though he remembered few childhood things, he had firmly held onto memories of Chu Lan, possibly due to her gentleness or her beauty. But now, the lively aunt in his memories had turned to dust, which truly was melancholic.
Seeing Chu Hongyi’s sorrowful expression, Ding Yuejun felt somewhat sad as well.
In the end, it was Yiyi who consoled, "Mom, Uncle Chu, surely grandma wouldn’t want to see you sad, so don’t cry anymore; crying too much isn’t good for your health."
"Indeed, Mother never liked seeing me cry since I was young." Ding Yuejun said, wiping her tears.
Chu Hongyi also gathered himself, bowed respectfully, and then stood up.
On the way back, Chu Hongyi and Ding Yuejun became closer, "Yue Jun, you should come back to Shangjing with me. After all, Aunt was a Shangjing native; you two also ought to return there."
Listening to this, Ding Yuejun felt full of hesitation.
But Yiyi straightforwardly said, "Uncle Chu, I’m about to take my college entrance exams, so I don’t want to be rushing around places in the short term. Let’s discuss everything after my exams are over."
With Yiyi saying this, Chu Hongyi didn’t persuade further, but he invited them to Shangjing on the weekend.
To this, Yiyi still nodded; weekends are only two days, they could go and return immediately without affecting any work.
Just as the trio descended the mountain, they bumped into Mo Guowei.
"Yue Jun..."
Seeing the increasingly youthful and pretty Ding Yuejun, and then glancing at Chu Hongyi beside her, Mo Guowei was filled with bitterness, "You... how have you been lately?"
However, Ding Yuejun didn’t even glance at Mo Guowei, turned away and left.
Of course, Chu Hongyi didn’t ask anything, simply following Ding Yuejun away.
Watching the group walk away, Mo Guowei’s face was a blend of gloom.
Elsewhere, once the three reached the clothing store, Ding Yuejun went into the kitchen to busy herself.
Yiyi wanted to help but was left to chat with Chu Hongyi.
"Yiyi, next weekend when we go to Shangjing together, I’ll introduce you to the Chu family members. There are many folks who want to meet you both."
Yiyi didn’t refuse, smiling and nodding, "Sure, I’ll go over with Mother then. It will be livelier with more people around."
After finishing a meal, Chu Hongyi then headed back.
Wu Yongcai returned the following day, paid the remaining amount, and took all five dresses away.
"Yiyi, you’ve been tired today as well, so quickly head back to your room to rest."
"Alright."
These past few days, she had been exerting herself mentally and physically, truly feeling exhausted.