After I Was Gone, Mr. Song Said He Loved Me - Chapter 27 - As for the Rest, It's Not Your Concern

The moment my eyes met Song Yu’s, I felt a sudden rush of emotion, my vision blurring as unfamiliar feelings sprouted like bamboo shoots after a rain.

They grew and spread.

I’ve always been quite independent. As a child, my father and grandfather were often out at sea fishing, and my mother was busy selling seafood in town, leaving little time to spend with me. I was sent to school in town and lived in the dorms, rarely coming home. I learned to handle everything on my own, swallowing my grievances without complaint.

This was the first time I felt the warmth of being protected and favored, a feeling both strange and comforting, softening my heart.

It wasn’t about money, looks, or family background. It was a pure, simple affection.

I realized I was falling for him.

The fat funeral director was still talking beside me, but I wasn’t listening. My mind and heart were focused on the man across from me.

The funeral director handed me a map of the burial ground, speaking in a flattering tone, “Mr. Bai, the Deer Skull Cliff area is still under planning, but I’ve selected a new spot for your grandfather. See if it meets your satisfaction.”

I took the map and opened it. It was our original location, nestled against the green hills, facing the sea.

“How much will this cost?” I asked cautiously.

If Deer Skull Cliff was indeed under government control, there would surely be a price, and it wouldn’t be cheap.

Although Song Yu had given me a lot of money, I never felt comfortable spending it. If the cost was too high, I’d have no choice but to use it.

“No cost,” Song Yu said as he approached.

I followed him with my gaze, momentarily at a loss.

Song Yu took the map from my hands and smiled casually, “A friend of mine’s construction company has secured the independent development rights for this area, so…” He glanced meaningfully at the funeral director, “No one else has the authority to set a price.”

The funeral director nodded obsequiously, his demeanor as humble as a watchdog.

If I was confused before, now I was shocked.

Deer Skull Cliff, a stretch of land along the coastline, spans thousands of acres. The independent development rights for such a vast area must have cost a fortune!

I looked at him, words failing me. I wanted to thank him, but those words felt too inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude. My eyes welled up again.

Song Yu patted my shoulder, urging, “Don’t just stand there. Your father and the others are waiting in the car. Let’s get your grandfather properly laid to rest first.”

I clutched my grandfather’s urn tightly, hesitating before asking, “What about you? Are you heading back to Hai City?”

“Yes, but you can stay here for a week.”

I nodded, reminding him, “Drive safely.”

Song Yu looked at me, paused for a moment, then smiled and said goodbye before leaving.

The burial went smoothly, and my father even managed a rare smile.

Because of this, some relatives began to see me in a new light. At the wake, many who rarely interacted with us approached me, praising my success in the big city and asking if I could help their children.

I could only smile awkwardly, not daring to say much.

To avoid further questions, I excused myself early.

I walked along the dirt path by the fish pond, letting out a long sigh as I glanced at the bright midday sun.

Song Yu should be nearing Hai City by now.

After some deliberation, I decided to call him.

He answered quickly, though his voice sounded distant, as if through a car’s Bluetooth system.

“President Song, are you still on the road?”

“Yes.”

That simple response left me unsure of how to continue, holding the phone awkwardly.

After a few seconds of silence, Song Yu asked, “Is there anything else?”

I bit my lip, speaking earnestly, “President Song, about today…”

“If you’re calling to thank me for your grandfather’s burial ground, there’s no need,” Song Yu interrupted, his tone calm. “I told you, you’re my personal public relations. Your ability to handle negotiations and projects is what’s important. Ensuring you can work without worries is my responsibility as your employer.”

“As for the rest…” Song Yu’s voice deepened, “It’s not your concern.”

I stood there, stunned, the phone numb in my hand, unable to respond even when he said goodbye.

The breeze rippled across the fish pond, sending waves toward me.

I stared at the ripples, lost in thought, replaying Song Yu’s words in my mind.

It turned out he did all this because I was still of use to him, not out of personal sentiment. Not even as a friend.

To him, I was just a tool for handling discreet matters, someone who could be replaced by anyone else.

As for the rest, it truly wasn’t my concern.

I couldn’t help but laugh at my own naivety, foolishly thinking I could be someone important to Song Yu.

I didn’t stay long in my hometown. After my grandfather’s seven-day memorial, I left.

During this visit, although my father still wasn’t fond of me, he didn’t treat me as harshly as before. I knew he still cared, even if just a little.

Before leaving, I secretly gave my mother fifty thousand yuan for household expenses. It wasn’t Song Yu’s money; it was what I’d saved from working at the bar.

At first, my mother refused, but when I mentioned Bai Fei’s future schooling and living expenses, she eventually accepted.

I knew how hard it was to be looked down upon for wearing shabby clothes, and I didn’t want my sister to suffer as I had.

With everything settled, I boarded the train back to Hai City.

Since Song Yu left, we hadn’t been in touch.

I hesitated, wondering if I should tell him I was returning. After some internal struggle, I couldn’t resist calling him.

He answered just as the ringing was about to end.

Hearing his voice, my breath caught, and I stiffly said, “President Song, I’m returning to Hai City today. I’ll be back at work tomorrow.”

I’ve always felt the term ‘work’ didn’t quite fit me, as my duties seemed to consist solely of attending social events.

“What time will you arrive in Hai City?” Song Yu asked.

I glanced at my ticket, “Around three in the afternoon.”

After a brief pause, Song Yu said, “Then come to Huanya first. I have something to discuss with you.”