Chapter - 99 - Doubts

Tang Li, still slightly flustered from their spooky adventure, found solace in having Yi Minghuan by her side.

Her grip on his arm tightened, seeking comfort as she leaned against him. Urging him to leave the eerie place, she said, "But I think I heard something. This place is too scary; let's go."

"Relax, I won't run..." Yi Minghuan responded, feeling a hint of self-inflicted excitement from being led by her in this manner.

"You walked so far by yourself earlier and left me there! I don't believe you now!" Tang Li retorted with irritation, her gaze intense.

'Why had he suddenly changed? He was considerate before!'

This sudden shift in behavior angered her.

Opting for silence, Yi Minghuan decided not to reveal that he had not only abandoned her but also intentionally scared her. He was not afraid of her scolding him but he feared her anger as he knew it would be challenging to placate her.

As they continued their way out of the cemetery, Tang Li occasionally glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting a ghostly figure to materialize.

Yi Minghuan, now composed, couldn't help but chuckle at her jittery behavior. Nevertheless, he felt a warmth within him—a connection with Tang Li that transcended the eerie atmosphere of the graveyard.

Exiting the cemetery, they were greeted by the familiar surroundings of the village. The moon cast a soft glow over the landscape, dispelling the earlier darkness.

The two walked side by side, the tension from the cemetery slowly dissipating.

Ten minutes later, as they reached the door, Tang Li released her grip on Yi Minghuan and called into the room, "Sister, we're back!"

"You are finally back! I was really worried," Yi Xue exclaimed as she hurried out of the house with her daughter.

Seeing the two unharmed, she sighed in relief and offered some comforting words, "Xiao Ming, I am telling you, don't worry about our parents' affairs anymore. You don't owe them anything; they are the ones who should apologize to you. You and Xiao Li are both good people and both of you just have to live your life well. Do you understand?"

Yi Minghuan nodded, smiling at the genuine care and consideration his elder sister showed him. 

He was wrong before. He still had a family member who loved him wholeheartedly and was considerate of him.

Yi Xue patted his arm with a smile, "It's getting late. Now that I have seen that both of you are good together I am going back. If you need anything, you can come to me. I don't live that far away."

"Elder Sister, you and Jiaojiao can leave after dinner. Yi Minghuan can borrow a bicycle to take you home! I'll cook the soup right away, and it'll be ready soon," Tang Li suggested, urging Yi Minghuan to keep his sister entertained.

Dragged along by her brother, Yi Xue found it difficult to leave. Considering that her daughter was hungry not too long ago, she decided to stay for dinner.

She even offered to help with the cooking. Tang Li rushed to the kitchen to prepare the meal.

"Okay, I'll have dinner at your house tonight, and I'll help with the cooking. Xiao Ming, you play with Jiaojiao. If you lift her up high and swing her she will like you." 

Yi Xue handed her daughter to Yi Minghuan, who was visibly startled but quickly embraced the little girl. When Jiaojiao gazed at him, he grinned, attempting to reassure her.

Jiaojiao remained expressionless, but at least she didn't cry.

Following his sister's advice, Yi Minghuan lifted Jiaojiao up, eliciting a low cry from her, followed by excited giggles.

"Do you want to go higher?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes!" Jiaojiao happily exclaimed.

As the sounds of laughter resonated from outside, Tang Li, busy in the kitchen, remarked to Yi Xue:

"They seem to be having a good time. I was worried that Yi Minghuan might scare Jiaojiao to tears again."

Yi Xue smiled in agreement.

Recalling their discussion in the cemetery, Tang Li hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice to ask Yi Xue, "Sister, Yi Minghuan mentioned we have a little aunt who passed away early. He hasn't seen her, but have you?"

Yi Xue was taken aback by the question but nodded. "Yes, but it happened when I was very young. I don't even remember what Young Aunt Qing looks like now."

Curiosity piqued, Tang Li pressed on, "How did she die? How old was she when she died?"

Yi Xue frowned, contemplating the past. "It seems she died of an illness. Aunt has been gone for more than 20 years. Why do you keep asking about her?"