CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36 FAULT LIES WITH ONESELF AND INESCAPABLE FATE

After packing the items away, she stored them directly into her space. Since Old Master Chu had been wholeheartedly devoted to the original owner, she resolved that these matters would end here.

Because the train to the countryside departed at ten in the morning, Hua Wanqing had arrived early in his car.

Since practicing feudal superstitions was now forbidden, Yunyi only brought the wine Old Master Chu used to enjoy and the pastries she had bought from the department store the previous day.

Only when she got into the car did she realize Gu Peiyan and another young man were also inside.

Hua Wanqing introduced them, "Yunyi, this is Gu Xibei."

Upon hearing the name, Yunyi knew who he was; he was the person Old Master Chu had treated.

Looking at Gu Xibei, Yunyi felt somewhat conflicted.

Because Old Master Chu was saving Gu Xibei, the car he was in had been intercepted. Consequently, Old Master Chu lost his life saving Gu Xibei’s father, Gu Peiyan.

Perhaps Old Master Chu had no regrets, but due to her grandfather’s death, the original owner eventually lost her will to live.

The original owner had passed away; Yunyi became the beneficiary of the good fortune Old Master Chu had traded his life for.

Gu Xibei, seeing Yunyi frown, thought the young woman was blaming him. "I am Gu Xibei," he said. "I am very sorry about what happened to Grandpa Chu. Rest assured, from now on, you are my own sister. Should you encounter any problems you can’t solve, you can contact me."

Yunyi naturally understood what Gu Xibei meant.

Perhaps Old Master Chu had his own private reasons when he agreed to the Hua Family’s request to treat Gu Xibei, or when he saved Gu Peiyan on the return journey. However, she believed that even without such considerations, Old Master Chu would have acted in the same way.

Yunyi was not the original owner, nor did she want to morally bind others. "Comrade Gu," she said, "I believe my grandfather would have made the same choice regardless of who was involved. You don’t need to blame yourself."

Half an hour later, the group arrived at the cemetery. Even though she wasn’t the original owner, her eyes couldn’t help but redden at the sight of the tombstone.

She opened the wine she had brought, poured a cup, and then arranged the various pastries.

After Hua Wanqing, Gu Peiyan, and Gu Xibei made their promises once again before the tombstone, they retreated a short distance, leaving Yunyi time to speak privately with Old Master Chu.

Yunyi lifted her wine cup. "Grandfather, may I call you that? Although I am not her, I have become her. Thank you for everything you’ve done for her, and for me."

After speaking, she poured the first cup of wine before the tombstone.

She then recounted everything that had happened in recent days to Old Master Chu. After saying all that needed to be said, she respectfully offered the three cups of wine.

She stood before the tombstone for a long time. "I’m going to the countryside today. I’ll come to see you again when I return to the Capital."

After saying this, she bowed deeply and then turned to leave.

Once they were back in the city, Gu Peiyan and Gu Xibei exchanged a few pleasantries with Yunyi before getting out of the car partway through the journey.

When the car started again, Hua Wanqing said, "That young man from the Sun Family has been involved in some illicit dealings at his workplace. Charged with multiple offenses, he’ll soon be sent to the Northwest for re-education."

Yun Yiyi immediately understood. The Hua and Gu Families must have intervened, but Sun Ruiming brought this upon himself. If he had acted uprightly, others wouldn’t have found any leverage against him.

Seeing the young woman offer no opinion, Hua Wanqing thought, She’s truly composed. As expected of a child raised by Old Master Chu. Impressive.

He then spoke again, "Shen Zhongyang suffered a stroke and is hospitalized. His condition is reportedly severe. The despicable acts the Shen Family committed previously have been exposed. This time, not only is the evidence substantial, but numerous former victims have also come forward. The Shen Family is doomed."