Chapter 60: Laying All the Cards on the Table

In the afternoon, after some preparations, Ling Xiao and Mu Yiran set off straight for Ling Family Village.

Since the last incident, Old Master Ling’s life had clearly improved; he was full of spirit and vigor.

“Xiao Xiao, Yiran, you two are finally together again. Grandfather is truly happy for you.”

“Grandpa, I was just telling Ling Xiao on the way here that we should bring you to Jiangzhou to live with us.”

“Absolutely not. I’m used to life in the countryside. If you took me there, I wouldn’t be able to adapt. Back when I was in Jiangcheng helping your second uncle’s family, did I ever enjoy any real comfort? Now that I’m old, I’m past caring about those things.”

He paused, then chuckled once more.

“But tell me, you two youngsters, when do you plan to get married? Have a couple of chubby babies while I’m still strong enough—I can help look after them for another couple of years!”

Mu Yiran, shy by nature, blushed deeply at these words, lowering her head and murmuring softly, “I… I’ll listen to whatever Ling Xiao decides.”

Old Master Ling shot a glare at Ling Xiao. “Yiran is such a wonderful girl, and you’re still hesitating? What are you waiting for?”

Ling Xiao smiled calmly. “I’ve already proposed to Yiran, but as for the wedding itself, we’ll need to wait a bit longer.”

Old Master Ling stamped his foot in frustration. “You fool, what are you waiting for? Good things shouldn't be delayed!”

Ling Xiao’s expression grew solemn. “My parents, and Uncle and Aunt Mu's deaths, have yet to be avenged. How can Yiran and I talk of marriage so soon?”

“You silly child, getting married won’t stop you from seeking justice!”

Ling Xiao smiled faintly. “Let’s wait just a little longer. It won’t be long now!”

“Yiran, aren’t you going to say something to him?”

Yiran smiled gently as well. “He is the man I love. I respect his wishes.”

The two stood united, leaving Old Master Ling at a loss, glaring helplessly.

Mu Yiran took the old man’s hand, comforting him. “Grandpa, don’t worry. Ling Xiao will give me a grand wedding!”

“I’m just afraid I won’t live to see that day! But as long as I’m here, I’ll never let this boy let you down! Otherwise, even in the afterlife, I’d have no face to meet your parents.”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa.”

“That’s good. By the way, why did you two suddenly come back this afternoon?”

Mu Yiran was momentarily taken aback. “Ling Xiao hasn’t told you yet?”

“No, he hasn’t.” Old Master Ling looked even more confused.

Mu Yiran glanced at Ling Xiao in mild surprise, blinking, then explained, “Grandpa, tomorrow is your seventieth birthday. Ling Xiao wants to throw a grand celebration for you.”

“A birthday celebration? There’s no need for all that. I’m already so old, what’s the point?”

“There is a point. Ling Xiao... he wants to throw you a grand feast! He wants all the important people in Jiangzhou to come and celebrate your birthday!”

“Nonsense. I know Xiao Xiao’s capable now, but he’s not that remarkable. You’re both just trying to trick this old man.”

Mu Yiran smiled, lips pressed together. “You’ll see for yourself when the time comes.”

“Fine, let you youngsters have your fun. Xiao Xiao must know a few big bosses, or he wouldn’t be driving a Rolls-Royce!”

Ling Xiao suddenly spoke, “Besides those guests, I’ve also invited Uncle and his family, as well as Third Uncle’s family.”

Old Master Ling’s body trembled; his lips moved as if to speak, but he stopped himself. Clearly, he was deeply disappointed in his two sons.

“Xiao Xiao, as long as I have you and Yiran, I’m content. I don’t even want to admit I fathered those two scoundrels!”

“I know. But… they have to come! Especially… Uncle.”

Old Master Ling swallowed, his gaze complex as he looked at Ling Xiao. “You… you know everything?”

“Uncle’s greed is too blatant to miss.”

“He probably thought you were dead too, so he dared to act so brazenly! Do what you need to do. I support you! But remember, the guilty should pay. If you must go after him, so be it, but for the sake of your grandfather, spare his son and daughter.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

“Alright, handle it as you see fit! Since your parents were killed, I have no right to beg mercy for anyone! Retribution comes for all in the end—they brought this on themselves! You and Yiran, go visit your parents’ graves.”

Ling Xiao nodded and took Mu Yiran up the mountain to his parents’ graves.

Mu Yiran didn’t care about her expensive designer dress; upon reaching the graves, she immediately bent down to pull weeds and clear away dead leaves.

Ling Xiao lit spirit money and arranged offerings for his parents.

“Father, Mother, this time, I’ve brought Yiran to see you.”

In the wilderness, the breeze stirred, as if someone were answering Ling Xiao’s words.

After clearing the weeds and leaves, Mu Yiran came to Ling Xiao’s side and knelt beside him.

“Uncle Ling, Aunt Ling, please don’t worry. Ling Xiao is very capable now; you don’t need to be concerned about him anymore. We will be fine. I’ll always stay by his side.”

As Ling Xiao burned the paper money, he said softly, “Once I’ve dealt with Uncle, I plan to move my parents’ graves. The Hua family caused their deaths; even in death, they must remain hidden in this desolate place. As their son, my conscience cannot rest.”

Mu Yiran nodded. “I support you.”

Ling Xiao gave a light hum of acknowledgment. “When the time comes, I want to bury Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu beside my parents. The four of them were close friends in life; in death, they can keep each other company.”

A warm current surged through Mu Yiran’s heart. She gently took Ling Xiao’s hand in hers and pressed it to her chest.

“Ling Xiao, thank you for thinking of my parents.”

“Silly girl, even if Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu died because of my family, once you marry me, they are my parents too. There’s no need to thank me.”

“Ling Xiao!”

Mu Yiran nestled into Ling Xiao’s arms, and the sweet scent of love filled the air.

...

The two stayed by their parents’ graves until the sun set behind the western hills, then returned hand in hand.

Grandfather had already tidied up a room for the young couple, leaving Mu Yiran feeling rather shy.

Though she and Ling Xiao had finally acknowledged their feelings, they had never crossed any boundaries.

Yet, with Grandpa so enthusiastic, preparing a room for them, if they were to sleep separately, the old man might be upset!

But if they shared a bed…

This night…

Mu Yiran didn’t even dare to imagine it.

All night long, her mind was in a daze!

Yet Ling Xiao behaved nothing like she had feared—he was the perfect gentleman, holding her gently without making any untoward moves.

This left Mu Yiran a little frustrated.

She could feel the heat of Ling Xiao’s affection, so why didn’t he take the initiative?

Was she not attractive enough?

Women, after all, are prone to such tangled thoughts!