Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Yale didn't sleep all night.

Early the next morning, he tidied up the remaining areas from last night and carefully packed his belongings back into his bag.

Creak—

The two door panels closed together, and Yale meticulously secured the old lock.

With that clicking sound, it seemed as if all memories were locked away, safely stored within.

He took a few steps back and silently gazed at the dilapidated structure before him.

This old house, forgotten for many years in the passage of time, now stood dusted off, calmly basking in the morning light.

Finally, Yale bowed deeply and turned to leave, step by step.

He likely wouldn't return again.

...

The cemetery was located in a more distant town, requiring several changes of transportation to reach it.

Fortunately, there were plenty of people returning to pay their respects, so finding a ride to the town wasn't difficult, albeit somewhat crowded.

Yale spotted the young mother and daughter from the train again, surprised that they shared the same destination.

"Mommy, that big brother looks so familiar, I think I saw him on the train..."

The little girl, with her wide, curious eyes, whispered to her mother in a hushed tone.

Yale shifted his gaze away, feeling slightly awkward, and instead focused on the scenery passing by outside the window.

Exiting the village, the road significantly improved, with the vehicle transitioning from a bumpy ride to a smoother journey. The number of shops and people lining the streets also increased.

Once again, Yale missed the chance to pet the lamb.

As he looked at the streets alongside the road, contemplating his upcoming plans and the remaining journey, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.

"Ahh!"

The little girl opposite him suddenly let out a startled cry, causing the glass butterfly she had been playing with to slip from her grasp.

As the glass butterfly was about to fall beneath the vehicle and shatter into eight pieces, time seemed to freeze for an instant in that area...

In the next second, the butterfly landed steadily on the ground.

The little girl exclaimed in wonder, picked up the butterfly from the ground, and held it up to her mother. "It's not broken at all!"

Yale retracted his slightly moved finger, his mood lifted by the child's pure joy, and he couldn't help but smile as well.

Ever since that night when he saw the Heart of Vera, his mental energy had somewhat recovered. Though it was still incomparable to his former self, it was still quite extraordinary for a human.

He could sense a thread stretching across the vast and distant cosmos, connecting to the tip of his left pinky finger and continuously tugging at him.

Once the right moment arrived, the path back would reopen.

The vehicle swayed gently as it reached its destination. Yale opened the door, stepped out, and walked into a dazzling sunlit landscape.

In this vast and sparsely populated area, fueled by an inexplicable belief, the locals were buried in the suburban cemetery after their passing. Every Qingming Festival, a great number of expatriates would return home to pay their respects.

"The total is 198 yuan. Would you like to scan the code for payment or pay in cash?"

Having selected the offerings and white flowers, Yale paid and followed the crowd into the cemetery gates.

He walked slowly along the familiar path, passing through a vast expanse of tombstones before arriving at his family's plot.

Two rows of names were engraved on the gravestone before him, slightly tilted to the left, with an empty line seemingly reserved for a third person.

"Grandma, Mom."

Yale gazed at the names for a long while, his expression gentle yet tinged with nostalgia.

"It's been a while. I'm back."

Within this burial ground lay the urns containing his grandmother and mother's ashes; perhaps soon, there would be a place for him too.

The local custom held that the deceased needed a resting place, otherwise their spirits could not find peace. Moreover, being buried alongside family members lessened the loneliness, as they remained a family even in the afterlife.

For those who dislike crowding, they purchase adjacent plots, while those without such concerns or insufficient funds share a tombstone and land.

Apologizing to avoid any resentment, Yale softly explained further.

"I'm sorry, I didn't forget about you all. It's just that an unexpected incident occurred these past three years, making it impossible for me to visit."

Three years of neglect had allowed dark green moss to grow abundantly, with a thick layer of dust covering everything, obscuring even the red inscriptions.

Fortunately, he had anticipated this scenario and prepared water, a brush, and a towel beforehand.

"I'll clean this area first, and talk to you all as I do."

Special cleaning agents were available at shops outside, very effective. Yale squatted on the steps, scrubbing away while recounting events from the past months.

"…Indeed, I went on a long journey, so far away that I left Earth altogether, quietly. Due to not finding a way back, I haven't been able to visit you all."

"It could be considered a fruitful endeavor – I learned an extraterrestrial language, secured a well-paying job, and hold a position that seems quite respected. I can now fully support myself."

With the towel, the stone revealed its original appearance. The large patches of moss were meticulously brushed off, and the dirty water trickled into the lower areas.

"The greatest gain, perhaps, was unexpectedly finding someone I truly care for."

Yale paused, wiping the sweat from his forehead, then recalled that he should inform his grandmother and mother about Xi Ze's existence.

"I'll talk about it later. I'll formally introduce him to both of you then. For now, let's focus on paying our respects."

With the final splash of water, the weathered tombstone revealed its original clean and solemn appearance.

He carefully absorbed the excess water with a towel. Under the radiant sunlight, the dampness on the stone quickly evaporated.

Upon the altar were arrayed the offerings, an assortment of clear wine and pastries. Incense smoke curled around the abundant white flowers, imbuing the scene with the solemnity of a tribute. It now truly resembled a reverent ceremony.

"How have you both fared in these past three years?"

Yale faced the tombstone, sitting cross-legged on the ground, and pondered for a moment, realizing that he had just been rather disrespectful.

Upon first encounter, one should inquire about the elder's well-being, even though one wouldn't receive a response in return.

"It's said that if one suffers in the afterlife, they would send dreams to those above, asking them to burn more paper money and incense as offerings."

He rested his cheek in his hand, his expression serene, yet a hint of melancholy flickered in his eyes.

"For all these years, you've never come to me in my dreams. I suppose you haven't encountered any troubles."

Yale gazed at the tombstone before him, allowing himself to drift through memories of the past without purpose.

They hadn't actually spent much time together, with their share of conflicts and resentment. But death was a great divide that could dissolve many grievances.

Over time, those memories had been beautified, or perhaps by his own growth and maturity, the unpleasant layers had peeled away, leaving only the warmest essence.

"That's good enough. Even if I'm not here anymore, there shouldn't be any problems."

He eventually laughed lightly, as if he had consciously crossed a mental barrier, freeing himself from the torment of unforgettable pain.

"Over here! Over here!"

The number of people paying their respects around him gradually increased. Some came alone, while others brought their families, creating a lively scene of comings and goings.

To avoid obstructing the path, Yale sat on the steps of the cemetery, one level lower than the offerings.

"Cough, let's talk about your... 'son-in-law'."

He coughed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed but still struggling to find the right words.

"Well, calling him a son-in-law isn't quite right, since he's actually a man, no, that's not it either...

Yale sighed, realizing belatedly that he was coming out in front of their graves, which might not be appropriate.

But having started, stopping halfway would only tease and show disrespect to the deceased. He gathered his thoughts and continued.

"His name is Xi Ze. He has silver hair and golden eyes, with profound features that surpass even international superstars. But he's not an actor or anything like that."

Describing his appearance was relatively easy, but when it came to his identity, Yale stumbled.

"I'm not sure if I should mention this, but he used to be a high-ranking general in the military and later became a marshal, a powerful figure that ordinary people usually only see on television."

If Grandma and Mom's spirits were still here, they'd probably think Yale had lost his mind hearing this tale.

The whole situation seemed too surreal, considering he was just an ordinary guy without any influence or power, save for a good-looking face.

Evasively brushing aside the topic of the insectoids, Yale continued his tale.

"Although he's a Marshal, he isn't that old. The average age there is over two hundred years, so we're both in our prime."

"He's incredibly tall and strong, capable of defeating an A-class alien beast with a single punch. He's invincible on the battlefield, effortlessly sweeping through hordes – I'm not talking about Ultraman here."

"But don't worry, he truly loves me and treats me well. He wouldn't treat me like one of those alien beasts."

Yale felt that his description was veering further and further from the norm, hardly reassuring for any parent!

To emphasize that he wasn't being kept or coerced, he decided to recount how they met.

"Our encounter was quite dramatic. He was near death, and I happened to pass by. On a whim, I took him in, much like when I found Tangyuan."

"I'm not sure why I had mercy on him. Perhaps it was his misery and resilience, or those bright, dazzling eyes that made me..."

Yale paused, struggling to continue. The emotions of that time had already faded into vagueness.

It might have been a fleeting moment of compassion, or simply a sudden impulse.

Life is long, after all; how could one remain perpetually cautious and rational? A sudden surge of emotion struck him, and in the next moment, he made his decision.

Regardless of the cause, the outcome was now a fact, and that was all that mattered.

"The period after saving him was quite turbulent, filled with various troubles and issues. But fortunately, we managed to overcome them all in the end."

After finding Xi Ze, his once stagnant existence was stirred into motion. Whether their coming together was a result of sheer coincidence or an underlying destiny—

"Long story short, we simply fell for each other, like two turtles falling in love with green peas over time."

Yale joked lightheartedly, though his expression was utterly sincere.

"It might sound strange, but we really did have a normal romance, and we're currently in the honeymoon phase."

"I rushed back this time without properly saying goodbye to him. His physical body there will definitely suffer, possibly being diagnosed as a 'plant bug' due to prolonged unconsciousness."

Considering this, Yale added, "In short, I need to return quickly. Otherwise, he'll definitely shed tears."

There was an undeniable scent of puppy love in his words. At first glance, one might perceive it as a sudden outburst of infatuation rather than a divine love story.

Perhaps every parent concerned about their child's romantic life would curl their lips at such a rustic love story, scoffing at the two for being foolish, naive, and overly idealistic.

It would be even more worrying when one party decides to follow the other to a faraway land.

Though they couldn't respond, Yale imagined they must be worried too. He didn't know how to reassure them, so he spoke as best he could.

"You don't have to worry. We've known each other for a long time, and we understand each other well. He's a good... person, and he's always been kind to me."

"He might sound intimidating with all those grand titles, but in reality, he's very honest and gentle. He approaches everything with great patience and meticulousness."

Counting on his fingers, he enumerated Xi Ze's merits one by one, endeavoring to convince his grandmother and mother to also adore him.

"He remembers everything I like and dislike, all the trivial daily habits, including my food preferences. If I so much as glance at something longer than usual, it would appear in front of me the next second... It can be quite overwhelming at times."

Yale let out a low cough, but the next second, he couldn't help but laugh as well, feeling somewhat melodramatic himself.

Perhaps only those who have been truly pampered and indulged to the point of lawlessness would have such troubles.

"He respects my wishes and opinions, usually not asking again about anything I've declined. He has always protected me well. Though he is mostly reticent, he never keeps many things from me."

"In ordinary times..."

Yale poured out his admiration for Xi Ze like beans from a jar, with no end in sight.

"To sum it up, he's simply wonderful. You can rest assured that I won't lead a miserable life in this foreign land."

A gentle breeze swept by, playfully tugging at the strands of hair by his forehead, offering a subtle coolness.

Leaves rustled softly as white petals were carried aloft, swirling off into an unknown distance.

Yale gradually fell silent, lost in thought as he gazed at the endless expanse of sky.

"I spoke so much just now, all incoherently. In truth, I haven't properly conveyed my own feelings."

He took a deep breath. The thought that his grandmother and mother might be listening made him feel a bit bashful, but he still spoke deliberately and clearly.

"He loves me deeply, and I love him just as much. I want to live with him and walk together, hand in hand, for a very long time."

"I mean it sincerely."

Yale emphasized earnestly, "Very, very seriously."

Unbeknownst to him, the delicate white flower behind him swayed in the breeze, its soft stem bobbing up and down as if nodding in agreement.

"I wish I could bring him here to meet all of you, if only it were possible."

A formal meeting, an official introduction, followed by a proper farewell.

Though the chances were slim, the future was always full of infinite possibilities; perhaps such an opportunity might still arise.

Lost in thought, Yale remained in a daze until the sun shifted its position, and another wave of mourners came and went. It was then that he finally snapped back to reality.

He pulled out his phone and opened his memo app, typing two words at the top of a new entry:

Last Will.

The previous transmigration had been a soul transfer. Though the body he inhabited resembled his original appearance, he couldn't deny that his physical form still existed in this world.

This time, he couldn't guarantee what would happen – perhaps there would be nothing left, or maybe just an empty corpse.

Indeed, I must handle my affairs properly.

"1st: If anyone finds my body, please don't be alarmed. Call the police and send both my phone and remains to the station. Thank you very much."

"2nd: Hello, I apologize for wasting law enforcement resources. If possible, please assist in contacting the nearest hospital. I'd like to donate all usable organs. Please take whatever you need without hesitation."

"3rd: Whether the hospital or the police take charge of my body, if feasible, cremate me and bury my ashes at Plot 67, XX Cemetery, XX Town, XX City."

"(PS: There's still some money in my account, which should cover all expenses. If there's any remainder, kindly donate it to the Hope Project or a stray animal rescue foundation. Many thanks!)"

"4th: Please don't inform those in my contact list about my passing. I've told them I'm embarking on a journey. They're all good people, and I don't wish to add more sorrow to their lives."

"5th: ..."

At this point, Yale paused, momentarily unable to think of anything else to mention.

He didn't have any significant attachments; his departure wouldn't affect anyone. All that was needed was proper disposal of his body, and he could depart from this world smoothly.

Nonetheless, he reviewed his notes and felt it might be burdensome to the police... But organ donation was a way to give back to society, so entrusting it to them seemed appropriate.

Yale paused for a moment, then asked instinctively, "What do you think?"

How could he accomplish this without disrupting others, settling himself appropriately, and then returning to the tomb behind him, to slumber eternally beneath the soil at his feet?

Amidst the mournful howling of the wind in the cemetery, the crowd had already dispersed. Only silent tombstones stood around him, unable to provide an answer to his question.

Perhaps, no response is the best response.

After some deliberation, Yale bowed his head and continued to scribble and revise on the memo, painstakingly refining this legally non-binding will.

"The land of the old house belongs to my grandmother, but it's now unoccupied—no relatives left. If the government needs to demolish it for road construction, they can proceed without issue."

He wrote succinctly for six or seven points before signing his name and identifying himself. Then, he paused, setting his phone's password to none.

A chill ran down his neck, and Yale instinctively reached to touch it, realizing the inappropriateness of his actions.

Writing a will at a gravesite – if his grandmother and mother's spirits were truly watching, his efforts just now would be in vain.

Quickly, he switched off his phone screen and began to explain.

"Well, this really isn't a suicide pact. It's just that... Xi Ze, um, he's actually an alien. To be with him, I have to abandon this body and travel across the universe."

"Just like this—swoosh, and I'd reunite with him across the cosmos."

Yale continued his explanation, until a child walked by, staring at him with curiosity.

"Big brother, what are you doing?"

But before Yale could reply, an adult glanced at him warily and quickly pulled the child away.

"Sorry, the child doesn't understand... Let's go, let's go."

Probably, his earlier monologue as if no one else was around did make him seem like a madman.

Realizing this, his eyelashes fluttered slightly, and the expression on his face faded gradually.

"Sorry..."

Yale buried his face in his arms and spoke in a hoarse voice after a long while.

In the end, he had his own hidden selfishness.

He was tired of living without family or friends, with no attachments and alone. Although he could adapt well, it didn't mean he wasn't hurt or weary.

He had to bear everything on his own, returning each time to a cold and dark rented room... These all made it increasingly difficult for him to endure the pain of depression, leading him to spend all his days in the laboratory until he eventually died suddenly.

After enduring so much loneliness, he finally waited for the warm glow of a home, waited for someone who could walk the rest of his life with him.

How could he possibly let go?

"I might not come back here again."

Yale kept his eyes tightly shut, his expression hidden in his arms, filled with guilt and reluctance, but he still insisted on whispering softly.

"I have a new home now, a place that's too far, too far away, with no return ticket."

"It's not about making choices or weighing you against others. It's just that one can't remain stagnant in life forever."

He opened his eyes, gazing at the birds soaring high in the distant branches. A faint yet resilient glimmer flashed in his eyes.

"It's time for me to set out again."

"I'm sorry."

No sooner had Yale spoken than a fierce gust of wind swept in from afar, tousling his hair and flapping his collar wildly.

"Ouch...?"

A bit of sand blew into his eyes, catching Yale off guard. He instinctively raised his hand to shield himself, and his body leaned back involuntarily. His curled-up form unfolded—

The wind carried an abundance of swirling petals that cascaded upon him like a gentle embrace.

It was as if he were being comforted in a tender hug.

Yale's pupils constricted, and he stood frozen in place.

"....Mother?"

His voice trembled slightly as he uttered the word in disbelief.

That peculiar fragrance carried a warmth, making it seem like an idle afternoon in a trance.

Golden sunlight bathed the living room as a toddler nestled in his mother's embrace, inhaling a profoundly comforting scent while drifting off to sleep with gentle pats.

Yale, in a daze, got up unsteadily and stumbled forward, reaching out to embrace an illusion that was already fading away.

It took him a long while to regain his composure. He sat back down on the steps, covering his eyes as he laughed intermittently, wiping away tears with the back of his hand.

"Did you agree, then?"

You consented to my departure in pursuit of happiness ahead, even if I'll never return and we won't meet for decades to come.

The tugging sensation on his pinky finger grew stronger, indicating a more profound attachment.

Aware that the door was about to open, Yale stood up and straightened the slightly tilted white flower. On its pristine petals were two beautiful red characters in calligraphy.

Etched upon it were the two people he cared for and worried about the most.

Once he stumbled out of their embrace into the world, now he would dash towards a bright future under their blessings.

"Mom, Grandma, I'm leaving."

Yale stood up, gazing at the tombstones before him, his eyes and brows softening into a gentle smile.

"I'll miss you both always, and don't forget to think of me too."

"Goodbye."

Whooosh—

A gentle breeze swept past, ruffling the bangs on the little girl's forehead, making her look like a startled kitten.

But she paid no attention to that. Upon witnessing what happened behind her, she jumped up and tugged on her mother's hand.

"Mom, that big brother was just standing there, but suddenly he vanished!

Just like 'whoosh', he disappeared without a trace!"

But her busy mother, unperturbed, reached out to pat her head affectionately.

"Be a good girl, and Mommy will take you to get some sugar-coated haws later."

The little girl obediently stood still, no longer fidgeting, but she still couldn't resist looking around curiously.

"Mommy, when will spring come?"

Amidst radiant sunshine and the chirping of birds, everything was in its finest form. She picked up a small flower from the ground.

"Silly child, spring has already arrived!"

Author's Note:

Here comes the payoff from the "past"!

The author firmly believes that redemption is a tightly sealed loop.

All the golden fragments have now been collected, and the SSR Yeye Card has been summoned!