After I Was Gone, Mr. Song Said He Loved Me - Chapter 25 - I've Fallen

Grandfather used to say that Deer Skull Cliff was a place blessed by feng shui, nestled against green mountains and facing the sea. It was the best resting place after death.

It seemed my dad was causing quite a commotion, as he was shoved out by two security guards from inside.

“Damned heartless bastards, aren’t you afraid of desecrating your ancestors?”

“What the hell, a place we’ve had for decades, and you think you can just take it?”

My mom kept pulling at my dad, trying to stop him from cursing.

I hurried forward to help my mom hold my dad back. “Mom, what’s going on with Dad?”

My mom frowned and sighed, “The spot we had at Deer Skull Cliff was reclaimed by the government. They say they’re building a public burial ground, and those already buried there must either relocate or buy a plot at the current price, which isn’t cheap. It starts at eighty thousand, and for a better location, it can be hundreds of thousands.”

“Your dad is stubborn, thinking Deer Skull Cliff was always a place where you could just dig a hole and bury someone. He says they’re inflating the prices, and he won’t listen to any explanation, so he started arguing.”

As my mom explained, my dad kept stretching his neck to shout at the entrance.

“Dad, Dad, calm down. Yelling won’t solve anything.” I grabbed my dad’s arm and tried to lead him outside.

Regardless of the reasons, such public outbursts are really uncouth, especially in front of Song Yu. I was embarrassed beyond belief.

At that moment, a man and a woman, both staff members, stepped out onto the steps at the entrance. The woman looked at us disdainfully. “Yelling won’t help. We don’t make the decisions here. If you’re capable, go find the mayor. Why argue with us?”

The man chimed in, “We’ve told you it’s government land. If you have money, pay the price. If not, relocate the grave. What’s there to argue about?”

My dad’s face turned beet red, pointing angrily at them. “I’ll pay your grandmother’s leg! Government land means you can inflate prices, pushing our ancestors to the corners and saving the good spots for officials, right?”

“Dad, Dad, let’s not argue. I’ll pay for it. Don’t get upset.” I tried to calm him down by offering to pay, hoping to avoid escalating the situation.

My dad pushed me away, scolding me as well. “Hmph, you’re quick to pay up. You’re just eager for the Bai Family to end, aren’t you?”

Standing aside, I was anxious and speechless. I knew my dad’s stubbornness had kicked in again.

In the minds of the elders, the feng shui of the ancestral grave directly affects the descendants’ prosperity and fortune. Though our family isn’t very wealthy, we can afford a burial plot. From what my dad said, it seems the spot that should have belonged to us was taken, and that’s why he’s upset.

The man, seeing my dad’s persistence, bluntly said, “Sir, I’ll be honest with you. That land is reserved for the leaders. If you’re smart, pay up quickly, and we can find a spot for you. Otherwise, once the city’s documents are approved, you won’t get a spot even if you have the money, understand?”

“What construction company is so bold? They can order relocations before the government’s official approval?” Suddenly, a male voice approached, and Song Yu walked towards us, hands in pockets, exuding a cold aura.

The two staff members exchanged glances, but their tone remained firm. “Who are you? What nonsense are you spouting?”

Song Yu chuckled, adjusting his glasses. “Not to mention whether the long-standing grave site contract can be smoothly approved, even if it is, the contractor must co-sign relocation agreements with the original deceased’s families. You currently have no land approval documents, no burial ground planning, let alone formal construction.”

“And yet you dare to pre-sell the land? Who gave you that authority?” Song Yu’s gaze turned icy, as if the surrounding air had frozen.

The two exchanged a look, whispered something, and then turned back inside, no longer engaging with us.

My dad wanted to continue arguing, but my mom and I stopped him. However, he refused to listen, insisting on getting an explanation.

“They’re just following orders. Causing a scene here won’t help,” Song Yu glanced at my dad, speaking calmly.

My dad listened, still fuming, and glared at Song Yu. “Then what do you suggest? Let them take the land without explanation and push us out?”

I looked at Song Yu with hope, placing all my trust in him. Though I knew it was selfish, I had no other option.

Song Yu’s gaze briefly met mine, sensing my pleading look. After thinking for a moment, he said to my dad, “I’ll have someone inquire about who approved this land.”

I was overjoyed, almost rushing to hug Song Yu.

For some reason, just his casual assurance made me feel particularly at ease, as if all difficulties would be resolved.

My dad, hearing this, didn’t continue to make trouble. Though he’s impulsive, he’s also lived a long life and can recognize that Song Yu’s demeanor and presence are not ordinary.

If he says he’ll inquire, there’s likely to be progress.

After all this commotion, it was already past 10 PM. Song Yu found a decent hotel in town and booked three rooms.

My parents shared one room, and Song Yu and I each had our own.

After washing up, I sent Song Yu a text message, expressing my gratitude.

Song Yu replied with just two words: “Come over.”

Seeing those two words, my face flushed hot to my ears. After hesitating for a while, I finally put on a bathrobe and went to his room.

Song Yu’s door was ajar, clearly expecting me to come.

I pushed the door open and entered. The lights weren’t fully on, just a dim glow.

After a few steps, I saw Song Yu leaning against the headboard, talking to someone on the phone. His hair was half-dry, likely just after a shower.

“Alright, let me know once you find out. Yes, as soon as possible.”

Judging by his tone, he was discussing my grandfather’s burial ground issue.

Seeing me, Song Yu hung up the phone and lifted half of the blanket. I hesitated for a moment, then obediently climbed onto the bed and wrapped my arms around his waist.

Song Yu wasn’t surprised by my initiative. Instead, he asked in a confident tone, “Have you thought about how to thank me?”

I buried my head in his shoulder, not speaking.

Then the wall light suddenly dimmed. My heart tightened, and my breathing quickened. Just when I thought Song Yu would start his usual antics, he instead pulled me into his arms and said warmly, “Get some sleep. Tomorrow we have your grandfather’s funeral.”

My defenses shattered instantly, my nose tingling with emotion, and I nodded heavily.

That night, I slept soundly.

Song Yu’s embrace was warm and solid, giving me a temporary sense of reliance and protection, making all the bad things seem less significant.

I’m very grateful to him.