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Chapter 21 Part 1 Funeral Secrets
When Qi got home, Mother was preparing dinner, and he went back to his room. As soon as he entered, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked it: another text from that unfamiliar number.
"Little brother, you're so cold… You slept with me and now you ignore me? Sis didn't even take your money."
Staring at the message, Qi thought of the sister who might exist. The word "Sis" in the text touched that hidden worry, and he hesitated.
Mother's voice came: "Qi, dinner."
He pocketed the phone and sat at the table. Perhaps relieved by her son's understanding, Mother seemed cheerful, smiling as she put food into his bowl. That smile made Qi's body react; to cover it up, he gulped down a few bites and said he was full, hurrying back to his room.
This left Mother disappointed half suspecting he still bore a grudge, half worrying that dinner didn't suit his taste. As she sat dazed at the table, the landline rang. Answering, she hurried to Qi's door, knocking urgently: "Qi, change your clothes your grandfather's had an accident, we need to go to the hospital."
Qi had just picked up a book to clear his muddled mind. Hearing Mother, he threw on a jacket and left with her.
At the hospital, Grandma sobbed uncontrollably; Aunt, who had arrived earlier, tried to comfort her, paying no attention to Qi just staying by Grandma's side. Other relatives gathered many unfamiliar to Qi.
Soon a doctor stepped out of the emergency room and delivered the usual line: "We did everything we could." From relatives and staff, Qi learned the cause cerebral hemorrhage.
Once Grandfather's death was confirmed, Grandma fainted on the spot. Father was on his way, so Mother and Aunt became the ones in charge. They conferred quickly: Aunt would take Grandma home to rest with several female relatives, while Mother and Qi stayed to process formalities and contact the funeral home.
Aunt pulled Qi aside no teasing this time and said, "Your dad's not here yet. Your mom's handling things alone. Others will help, but remember without your father, you're the eldest grandson and should step up."
After Aunt left with Grandma, the hearse arrived. By local custom, a direct relative rides with the body, so Qi, as eldest grandson, volunteered. Because of his age, a paternal uncle who lived nearby accompanied him, while Mother and others followed in separate cars.
Qi stared at Grandfather's body without a word. This was his first time seeing a dead person, but he felt no fear only sadness. His eyes grew wet. He had seldom been close to Grandfather and had always wondered why, living in the same city, they visited so rarely. The afternoon's story from Aunt had made some things clear.
Even with little contact, Grandfather had left a strong impression a feudal patriarch: authoritarian, unyielding. He remembered Father, already an adult, kneeling at one barked command. Perhaps that was why Father and Mother avoided exposing Qi to him. In family affairs, once Grandfather decided, everyone complied Aunt the sole dissenter, leaving her always semi-detached from the clan, close only to their own small household.
The uncle tried to console Qi while chatting quietly with the funeral workers. He had arrived earlier and knew more of the sudden illness: it had been sudden indeed Grandfather had been strolling with Grandma in the park when he collapsed, with no warning and no prior related medical history; even the doctors found the case unusual.
The funeral home lay on a small hill to the city's northwest. The night wind was cold. After the mourning hall was set, Mother received the arriving mourners while Qi, in mourning dress, knelt at the center burning paper offerings. Shortly, Aunt arrived after settling Grandma. Seeing the body again, she broke down, wailing until she fainted. Mother, overwhelmed greeting visitors, asked relatives and Qi to carry Aunt to a corner to rest before they returned to assist her.
Grandfather had been high-ranking and well-connected mourners came in droves, and Mother struggled to manage. Aunt recovered in Qi's arms; he wiped her tears and whispered, "Aunt, don't grieve too hard…"
"He was my father… how can I not cry… I hated him, resented him… but now he's truly gone… I… I… can't help it…" she sobbed, breaking into tears again. Qi held her, tears falling in sympathy. No one noticed them in the corner; only Mother glanced their way and, catching a glimpse, showed a hint of puzzlement.
Near dawn, Father arrived, followed by staff from Grandfather's department. He didn't speak much to Mother or Qi, immediately coordinating with the unit. Given Grandfather's rank, the department formed a funeral committee to handle arrangements. Father suggested Mother, Qi, and Aunt go home to rest.
While Aunt went for the car, Qi ducked into the restroom. As he pushed the door, someone stepped out, adjusting his clothes. They both started.
"Qi, my young friend what are you doing here?"
"Daoist Pingshan what are you doing here?"
They exchanged a look, then chuckled. "Naturally, I'm here to perform rites," said the Daoist. "My grandfather passed away," Qi explained.
The Daoist nodded, then frowned at Qi's face. Qi noticed and, recalling the man's skill, asked, "What is it do I look unwell?"
The Daoist studied him carefully. "Did your grandfather just pass away?"
"Yes, last night," Qi answered.
Head bowed in thought, the Daoist said, "Qi, forgive my bluntness your face is indeed unlucky right now. If I am not mistaken, after your grandfather, another close family member may pass away soon."
Qi was stunned and asked for details. The Daoist shook his head. "It's only my guess. I can't be certain. But if events prove me right come see me at Xiangyun Temple."
Uneasy, Qi rejoined Mother and Aunt and left the funeral home.
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