Old Han

The next day the two women just lazily stayed at home.

While they were having a tea, one of the helpers removed the old newspapers below the table. Han Meixiu saw something in the title of one of those thus she stopped the helper and took the newspaper.

Madam Liu who was reading the recent one peeked and saw what she was holding.

"Something interesting?" She asked.

"It's about the former head of the Han Family." Han Meixiu answered and she opened the page containing the article of the said piece of news.

"Oh,." The older woman said and returned her focus on what she's reading. She didn't want to ask further because she might spill some things she's not supposed to. She could only mask it by being uninterested.

Han Meixiu continued to read the content. It mentioned that the Old Han was currently sick in bed and no one seemed to visit him. It also mentioned how the powerful man from before fell in disgrace after committing crime after crime.

The thought that her grandfather was sick and no one even cared, made her heart tinged. She remembered what her cousin told her.

'If they're not also in prison, other distant Han members disappeared.'

That night, both women talked to their husband about the Old Han's issue.

Madam Liu consulted her husband if she did the right thing for not commenting about the Old Han. Mr. Liu complimented her for being able to control herself.

He also said that it's up to their son how he would inform Han Meixiu about it.

*

In the younger couple's room…

Liu Zijian who just finished taking a bath was walking leisurely towards his wife who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Han Meixiu was thinking on how she would ask Liu Zijian about her plan of visiting the Old Han.

When she felt his presence coming nearer, she knew she needed to ask him right away before she missed the timing.

"Zijian…Can I visit my grandfather? He's sick." She said hurriedly.

The young man who was about to pull her closer as he already lifted his arms froze for a while.

When Liu Zijian didn't answer, Han Meixiu stood up and shortened their distance.

She could smell his masculine scent mixed with the body wash he used.

She hugged him and enjoyed his warmth as she rubbed her head on his body.

She's simply a fast learner. The advice of her Mommy Yi from before was something worth a shot to try. If she wanted a favor or request, there were several ways to make her husband agree. She chose this kind of act for now.

His wife being affectionate like this, he could never say no. Although he's not against her visiting the Old Han, he just didn't want showing his wife to people she didn't deserve to meet.

"Okay. But visit him in the afternoon." He said. He needed to properly 'arrange' her visit.

There should be no unnecessary people loitering around. The news about the downfall of the Han Family was still circulating around. Even though Han Meixiu wasn't always visible as member of the Han Family in the past, there were still some people who could recognize her and might inconvenience her.

Mr. Liu arranged these necessary precautions after madam Liu handed him her plan on how she would spend the month with her daughter in law thus the two were able to enjoy their time together.

But since Han Meixiu's request to visit the Old Han wasn't part of that plan, Liu ZIjian needed to ensure her visit to be hassle-free. He needed time to do so thus afternoon visit would be viable.

"Sure,.." She smilingly said and initiated the kiss.

Liu Zijian wouldn't be Liu Zijian if he would let this chance pass. He responded with more intensity to seal the favor.

*

Han Huang was clearly counting his days on that hospital bed. It seemed that he already lost his spirit.

There was simply no reason for him to stay alive or to even wish a longer life.

Thus whoever came inside he didn't pay any attention. He was blankly looking outside the window. There was nothing spectacular outside but it could actually help him travel into his self-made world.

Normal simple sickness of someone in prison couldn't stay in a hospital outside the prison itself. Since he was confined here, it simply meant he's severely sick.

The doctor told him about his findings but he didn't pay attention to him. He was thinking what's the point of understanding his sickness if eventually he would die soon.

He heard the opening and closing of the door but didn't bother to look until he heard the person spoke.

"Grandfather…"

It was a soft voice.

He thought he was hallucinating since he's nearing his death bed thus he stared at the young woman blankly for a good few minutes.

Ever since he was imprisoned no one ever called him this way. Although the voice was subtly shaking there was warmth, kindness and most of all respect – something that he lost after he was convicted.

"It's me. Han Meixiu."

The old man didn't respond. He just looked at her.

"I read you're sick so I decided to visit you." She continued. "I hope you get well soon."

She smiled as she walked near his bed.

She took one of his hands and uttered softly.

"Take care."

She then bid her goodbye and turned around. When she was almost at the door, he called her.

"Han Meixiu…"

She stopped and turned around. She waited for him to continue.

He gestured her to sit down and she obediently did.

"You married Liu Zijian, right?" He asked without looking at him. His voice although hoarse it was firm but compared to before it was lacking an authoritative tone.

"Yes." She answered shortly. She knew it wasn't good that she didn't inform her grandfather about her marriage. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell you."

"Since you decided to severe your relationship with the Han Family, it's normal."

Han Meixiu was surprised with her grandfather's answer. She was actually expecting him to berate her.

"I have a favor to ask." He gently said and he looked at her.

The younger woman met her grandfather's gaze and waited for him to continue.