Chapter 99 Memories

After working until late, the two finally closed their stall.

Lin Beixiu then had a moment to check his phone and saw a message from Qin Muxue sent at exactly midnight yesterday.

Lin Beixiu leaned in to listen, hearing Qin Muxue’s soft and lazy voice, along with a hint of laziness.

“Little Bei, Happy New Year.”

Blushing, Lin Beixiu accidentally listened to it a few more times and then replied with a “Happy New Year.”

Qin Muxue immediately messaged back, “You replied so late, were you helping out again?”

Lin Beixiu: Yes.

Qin Muxue: I’m a bit busy today, let’s chat later.

Qin Muxue put down her phone and tidied herself up.

At the door, there was a knock, followed by Qin Han’s voice.

“Little Xue, are you ready? It’s time to go.”

“Coming.” Qin Muxue’s mood was somewhat heavy as she pushed the door and walked out.

Seeing Qin Muxue, Qin Han couldn’t hide his emotions either, gently patting her shoulder.

“Let’s go, let’s go see your father.”

The whole family, grandparents, Qin Han, and Su Yun were waiting outside, heading to the back mountain.

The back mountain had all been bought by Grandpa Qin and transformed into a garden, all for one person, his son.

Opening the gate, the family walked on the cobblestone path lined with beautiful flowers, surrounded by a sea of flowers. In the innermost part of the garden stood a towering banyan tree.

In front of the banyan tree stood a tombstone.

Qin Hongyue’s grave, with his beloved wife Qin Han standing on the lower right corner.

Looking at the black and white photo, Qin Muxue couldn’t hold back her tears anymore.

Grandma Wang held her hand, saying, “Go on, go take a look.”

Qin Han, full of yearning, held back her tears, slowly approached, gently sweeping away the withered leaves in front of the tomb.

“Hong…”

Qin Muxue also knelt beside her, looking at the man in military uniform on the tombstone, memories of her distant childhood flooding back.

Qin Hongyue was a naval officer defending the border, and Qin Muxue rarely saw her father, especially since he passed away when she was very young.

On the first day of the lunar new year, a day meant for family reunions, the atmosphere was joyful until they received tragic news…

When a comrade arrived at their home carrying a heavy box, Qin Han fainted on the spot. At that time, little Muxue didn’t understand what was happening, and her family shielded her from the truth.

Qin Han and Grandpa Qin managed the aftermath, with the family pillar collapsing. At the same time, the company faced a crisis, on the brink of collapse. Qin Han had to focus on the company, as it was her husband’s hard work, and she couldn’t let it fail.

During that time, Qin Han moved the family away from the heart-wrenching place to the current Yuntian Mountain.

For the sake of the company, she worked long hours, gradually neglecting Muxue’s feelings. Most of the time, it was Su Yun who took care of her, and during holidays, she was left with her grandparents, causing a rift in his mother-daughter relationship.

It was only when Muxue grew up that, under her grandparents’ guidance, she visited her father’s grave and learned the truth.

Years later, their reunion was under these circumstances. She knew her father could no longer fulfill his promises, and she could never visit the seaside with him again.

Muxue also learned the truth from Su Yun.

It was during a rescue mission to save a fishing boat hijacked by pirates that Qin Hongyue, following orders, participated. Everything went smoothly until a bandit made a final desperate attack. To protect his comrades and the hostages, Qin Hongyue took the bullet…

That day, while some families were happily reunited, others were plunged into deep sorrow.

“Dad, I miss you so much,” Muxue whispered softly.

In the past, it was just her, her grandparents, but now her mother and sister were there too.

Su Yun handed them two bouquets of white lilies, and Muxue gently placed the flowers in front.

Grandpa Qin sighed deeply, recalling how he had supported his son’s decision to join the military. The older generation had endured hardships, held noble ideals, and with Qin Hongyue being his pride, he naturally agreed, allowing him to serve the country well.

This separation was permanent, but Qin Hongyue brought honor to the Qin family, brave and fearless, leaving a strong legacy.

Grandpa Qin felt the pain too, but life had to go on, and he was most concerned about his daughter-in-law and precious granddaughter.

After placing the flowers, Grandma Wang arranged the offerings in front of the tomb.

Muxue took out a clean towel she had prepared and was about to wipe the tombstone when Qin Han gently stopped her.

“Let me do it, dear.”

Looking at her mother’s red eyes and trembling voice, Muxue nodded, handing the towel to her.

Qin Han gently wiped, especially careful around the photo.

Grandpa Qin lit incense and placed it in the holder.

After finishing, Su Yun helped Muxue up, but Grandpa Qin stopped her.

“Let the couple talk.”

Grandpa Qin understood the situation well, knowing Qin Han hadn’t been back in years, there must be a lot she wanted to say.

Muxue had to leave with Grandpa Qin at that moment.

Qin Han was lost in thought, tears streaming down her face.

“Husband… I’m sorry.”

“It’s been so many years since I last visited you. Will you blame me? I miss you so much. Our daughter has grown up, but I’ve let her down.”

Qin Han poured out her grievances, expressing all the hardships she had endured over the years.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of our home.”

Qin Han regained her composure, looking deeply at the tombstone, the smoke in front gently swaying in response to the mountain breeze, as if comforting her wounded soul.

At that moment, with the mountain breeze passing by, Qin Han seemed to feel her husband’s embrace once again.

In the evening, Muxue walked alone on the path in the back mountain. The rural air was refreshing, and fireflies twinkled around.

The sky was adorned with a full moon, its hazy light dispelling some of the darkness. Muxue found herself back in the garden, sitting in front of the tombstone, tears flowing uncontrollably as she released all her sadness and grievances, finally mustering the strength to speak.

“Dad, I still can’t let go. I miss you. It’s just the two of us this time, let’s talk.”

Since she could remember, her father had taken her to the seaside. Growing up in the countryside, Qin Hongyue’s exceptional swimming skills and love for the sea influenced Muxue, giving her a longing for the ocean.

Unfortunately, she would never have the chance to visit the seaside again, and most importantly, she was missing the most important person by her side.

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