The three of them arrived at Grandpa’s village at exactly ten o’clock. Yu Kaixuan drove the car directly to the temple at the foot of the ancestral grave mountain. From afar, they could see Uncle and his two sons waiting there in heavy cotton coats. Seeing Brother Erkai’s car, they waved repeatedly.

After brief pleasantries and small talk, they first moved the ritual items for burning into the temple. Inside the temple was a fire pit specifically for burning paper money. In earlier years they could still take things up the mountain to burn, but later, fearing forest fire hazards, the forestry administration managed things strictly, so they unified to burn at the foot of the mountain. After burning, they would pack up the ashes and bring them to the graves.

Yu Kaixuan first laid several layers of bamboo pulp yellow joss paper at the bottom of the fire pit. Uncle then poured a thin layer of gasoline on top. He struck a match and threw it in. The flames leaped up, and then Wen Wen threw in the prepared offerings for the deceased one by one.

Stack after stack of paper bills, bag after bag of paper ingots, bundles of yellow joss paper, fake books and fake computers bought from the funeral supply store, even a fake pink iPhone 15—Wen Wen threw them all in. She said those were things Auntie would like. Grandma had loved raising flowers and plants all her life. Wen Wen had Xiao Jiu throw paper-made peonies and roses into the fire one by one. Yu Kaixuan had even managed to buy paper-made succulent plants, but Wen Wen wouldn’t let them burn them, saying they were too ugly and Grandma would find them distasteful.

The fire burned for nearly a full hour. Everyone silently watched the dazzling array of sky-high priced gifts turn to ashes, each person’s face glowing red and solemn, as if the fire were a magical medium that could truly burn and send the living’s overwhelming nostalgia and guilt to the other end where the deceased were, letting them feast abundantly and prosperously, ideally even more dignified than when they were alive.

Finally, Brother Erkai used a tree branch to stir the ashes. After they had completely cooled, he packed them in reinforced bags, then brought the offerings, and the group set off up the mountain.

The Wen family’s ancestral graves were halfway up the mountain. Not very high, but because snow had accumulated for half the winter and no one had cleared it, the path was extremely difficult to walk. Uncle led the way with his two sons. They all farmed year-round at home, had great strength, and were familiar with the mountain paths. They led them along a relatively easier route. Occasionally encountering areas with thick snow, they would clear it with the shovels they carried.

By nearly noon, they finally arrived at the ancestral graves. Grandma and Auntie’s graves were right next to each other. They hadn’t been built very well back then—the grave mounds were small and messy. A few years ago, Wen Wen had spent a lot of money to replace them with oversized tombstones. They looked a bit ridiculous, but she didn’t care. She wanted to outdo all the other ancestors in this graveyard.

After briefly clearing the surrounding weeds and accumulated snow to clear out a space, they set out the prepared fruit, pastries, steamed buns, and other offerings, sprinkled the burned ashes on the grave mounds, and placed two bouquets of artificial flowers. Then Yu Kaixuan poured two cups of liquor and sprinkled them on the grave mounds, muttering a string of memorial opening remarks. He was practiced and skilled at this, speaking off the cuff.

Finally, and most importantly, they would take turns speaking to the deceased. Every year was the same.

First was Yu Kaixuan. A thick cotton mat was spread in front of the graves. He knelt on it, back straight, first kowtowing twice toward Grandma’s grave, then saying in a loud voice a passage that was more or less the same every year. He said, Mom, thanks to your blessing, we’re all doing pretty well this year. Wen Wen is doing well, Xiao Jiu is doing well, the bathhouse is doing well. You enjoy your blessings over there, don’t worry about us.

Then he turned to look at Auntie’s tombstone beside him. His tone softened, as if coaxing a child, saying, Xiao Ya, how was your year? Counting up, you’d be in your early forties this year too, right? Goodness, in a flash even you’ve reached middle age. Have you gotten married over there? If you’re looking, find someone who treats you well, young, handsome. Money doesn’t matter—if you need money, contact Brother in your dreams, Brother will send it to you. Also that phone, use it all you want. When the new model comes out next year, Brother will buy it for you again.

Yu Kaixuan suddenly paused. His voice trembled and deepened, then continued, Xiao Ya, Brother says this every year, don’t find it annoying, but if I don’t say it, my heart feels blocked… Back then I was just one step too late. Every day and night I regret it. If only I’d gone earlier, it would have been better. Don’t blame Brother… Ah, I won’t say more!

Yu Kaixuan fiercely wiped the corner of his eyes, abruptly stood up, tilted his head back to let the cold mountain wind blow, and said it was Xiao Jiu’s turn now.

Yu Jiuqi nimbly knelt down, respectfully kowtowing several times to each side, then said the words she had prepared long ago.

She said, Grandma, Auntie, I dreamed of you both recently. You looked just like in the photos, haven’t changed at all. Grandma, you’re still so well-dressed, Auntie is still fair and clean and so beautiful, just with longer hair. In the dream you asked me, Xiao Jiu, is your mom still so thin lately? Does she still cry often?

Yu Jiuqi turned her head slightly to look at Wen Wen behind her, saw her body tremble, turned back, and continued, At that time my alarm woke me up, so I didn’t answer you. Grandma, Auntie, Mom is much better now. She doesn’t avoid eating like before, and doesn’t cry as much. She’s pretty good at finding ways to enjoy herself. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Mom.

Then she kowtowed twice more and stood up.

Last was Wen Wen. She stood for a while, then slowly knelt down, but couldn’t kneel straight. A cold mountain wind carrying fine snow blew over, scattering her loose hair. The body inside her oversized down jacket seemed to sway along with it.

She knelt slightly crooked for a while, took a light breath, and finally managed to speak. As soon as she opened her mouth, her words were incoherent and trembling. She said, Mom, another year has passed… Mom, it’s been almost 25 years, how did it go by so fast… Mom, does your back still hurt? My back has started hurting lately too.

That’s all she said. She suddenly stopped there, then turned her head with difficulty to look at the other side. Without saying anything, tears fell. She bit her lip, her pale face trembling in small movements. After a while, she was able to speak, but only said a few words.

She choked out: “Ya, Sister is here…”

Then Wen Wen suddenly broke into sobbing cries, her whole body collapsing on the ground. Her crying grew louder and louder, turning from whimpering into heart-wrenching wails. Everyone around hung their heads or looked elsewhere, not immediately going to comfort her, each controlling their own emotions while also letting her vent for a while.

Everyone understood that principle—the meaning of solemnly mourning the dead is to let the living’s footsteps be lighter.

The louder and more resounding the crying, the more strength there was to go on living.

Xiao Jiu had never seen Wen Ya, but had once seen her photos and personal belongings in Wen Wen’s bedside drawer.

There were two photos together—one of the two sisters, one of mother and three daughters. They must have been taken on the same day, still summer, with a windowsill full of blooming flowers in the background, yet not a single flower was as beautiful as their smiles. Wen Wen looked more like Grandma—bright and alluring. Wen Ya took after Grandpa more—a quiet, dignified little girl with a chubby face when she smiled.

Wen Wen had also saved Wen Ya’s self-introduction from her high school yearbook—just a letter-sized form with zodiac sign, blood type, interests and hobbies, and even a column asking who she admired most. Seventeen-year-old Wen Ya had written “sister.” There was also a column asking who she loved most. She had also written “sister.”

That paper was already wrinkled, but Wen Wen still kept it in her bedside drawer. Whenever she opened it, she could see it.

Xiao Jiu knew that every morning when she woke up, she would open that bedside drawer, sit there in silence for a while, before starting her day.

Like being sentenced to some long-term punishment, forcing herself not to forget anyone, and not to forgive anyone either, including herself.

After a long time, after letting Wen Wen cry alone for a while, until she was clearly exhausted, Yu Kaixuan gave Xiao Jiu a look. Xiao Jiu went over to help Wen Wen up, saying Mom it’s too cold, say goodbye to Grandma and Auntie, we need to go down the mountain.

Wen Wen leaned on Xiao Jiu, holding her hand, borrowing her strength to stand up. Before leaving, she took one last look at Auntie’s tombstone and muttered something to herself in a low voice. It wasn’t very clear, weak and feeble, but Xiao Jiu heard every word.

Wen Wen said: “Wait for me, wait until I outlive him…”

Xiao Jiu shuddered, nearly unable to stand steady, hurriedly gripping her mother’s hand tightly. Mother and daughter’s ten fingers interlocked, not knowing who was supporting whom.

Going down the mountain was quick. They arrived just in time for lunch. Aunt had prepared a table full of country dishes at home and specially brought out her home-brewed liquor. But the three of them didn’t have much appetite. Yu Kaixuan also declined drinking, saying he still had to drive back and didn’t feel comfortable letting Wen Wen and Xiao Jiu drive the country’s snowy roads. After eating simply, they left. Before leaving, Yu Kaixuan gave each of Uncle’s two young grandsons a large red envelope.

The road back was quiet and peaceful. Wen Wen fell asleep in the car. Yu Kaixuan played an album of errenzhuan he loved listening to, sung by Meng Huihong’s teacher. Xiao Jiu could understand it too—it told a touching story of long-separated spouses reuniting.

Xiao Jiu sat in the back leaning sideways, squinting at the scenery outside in a daze. Midway she took out her phone and looked at it, pausing at that abruptly ended sarcastic remark, thinking about whether to say something, but ultimately didn’t reply.

By the time they reached the city district, it was already past four in the afternoon. Yu Kaixuan drove the car directly to Wendu Water Resort, saying he had already had Xu Ming arrange for the best scrubbing masters. Let’s all have a good soak and wash, then liven things up.

In northeastern folk culture, there was an unwritten custom—every time after sweeping graves or paying respects at ancestral tombs, they would go to the bathhouse for a thorough wash, washing away bad luck, scrubbing off misfortune, and continue living life energetically and happily.

Bitter cold and steaming heat were always two sides of the same coin in life.

Wendu Water Resort had about a dozen hot spring pools of different temperatures and effects combined. In the entire nearly 20,000 square meter bathing center, the hot spring pools alone occupied one-fifth of the total area. Yu Kaixuan as usual went to the crowded and lively old-style large pool. Wen Wen liked soaking in the high-temperature pool of over forty degrees. Xiao Jiu couldn’t stand the heat, so she chose a relatively isolated medicinal pool.

After soaking, they went together to the steam room for a while, lying on the scorching hot rock floor each playing with their phones without talking, waiting until they were drenched in sweat and thoroughly steamed, then went separately to get scrubbed.

The scrubbing auntie had watched Xiao Jiu grow up and knew what day it was today. While scrubbing, she teased her, telling her jokes about southern tourists who came to get scrubbed, making Xiao Jiu laugh nonstop. Wen Wen lying next to her had no reaction though, only telling the scrubbing master behind her to use more force, she could take it.

After finishing, Meng Huihong called out in the family group chat, telling everyone to come to the fourth room on the third floor. She had the kitchen make some special barbecue, come eat and drink a bit. Wendu Water Resort had five game rooms total. Besides basic mahjong machines and table games, each game room had its own special features, like a pool table or murder mystery games. The fourth room was a KTV.

When Xiao Jiu and Wen Wen arrived, everyone had already gathered, even Ge Fan had come downstairs from above following the barbecue smell, holding a plate of edamame eating while sitting at the song selection station singing. After finishing, he even complained about Wendu Water Resort’s KTV’s poor sound effects.

Yu Kaixuan wasn’t pleased to hear this. Sitting cross-legged on the carpet in his shorts eating skewers, he asked: “What’s wrong with the effects?”

“Dad, not to criticize, but your song list is too old, the sound system quality is poor, and the microphone signal is bad—two meters away it gets choppy and cuts out.” Ge Fan dodged over toward Brother Erkai and snatched a lamb skewer, quickly moving away. “Compared to our Lesheng Huang, it’s far behind!”

Yu Kaixuan glared at him, then looked up gnashing his teeth: “That broken KTV of yours will belong to me sooner or later too.”

“Soon.” Ge Fan hummed. “I heard Old Wang’s been tight on cash lately, can barely pay wages. He might really sell off the KTV.”

“Then keep your ears open and ask around!”

“Okay.”

Meng Huihong pursed her lips disapprovingly: “Take it easy. Step too big and you’ll trip. Three floors of business is enough. Add two more floors—have you thought about how big the cost would be?”

Yu Kaixuan had a strong obsession with expanding Wendu Water Resort. He’d been eyeing those two floors above for a long time. He’d even figured out how to arrange things after taking them over. He’d mentioned more than once wanting to separate the guest rooms and manage them independently as a hotel-style operation, then add a children’s playground and private cinema. That was his ideal configuration for a comprehensive entertainment bathing center.

But at today’s occasion, Brother Erkai didn’t want to argue about this. He turned his head and muttered: “Ah, you don’t understand anything!”

“I don’t understand?” Meng Huihong grabbed a crawfish to peel, jerking her chin toward the opposite side. “If you don’t believe me, ask her if it’s reliable?”

Wen Wen across from them had been focused on cracking sunflower seeds, not very interested and hadn’t joined the conversation, but she knew Meng Huihong was deliberately passing the conversation to her, so she just said: “I don’t care, just don’t delay my dividends.”

Although Old Man Wen had given the bathhouse to Yu Kaixuan back then, he still left Wen Wen a small portion of shares. Not much, but enough to support her lifestyle.

Meng Huihong retorted: “When have we ever shorted you?”

Wen Wen got serious: “Did you give me the second quarter this year?”

Yu Kaixuan said: “Didn’t we use it first to buy Ge Fan’s wedding house? We’ll give it to you after New Year.”

Wen Wen was stunned: “Ge Fan’s getting married?”

Ge Fan, who had been quietly enjoying the drama on the side, never expected the gossip to land on him. Instinctively, he first looked up at Yu Jiuqi across from him, who was also watching the elders bicker. Inexplicably panicked, he shouted who asked you to buy a wedding house, who’s getting married, there’s no such thing!

But nothing could ignite parents’ chatting enthusiasm more than young people’s romantic gossip. Despite Ge Fan’s shouting and resolute resistance, the topic only escalated, finally sweeping away the gloom that had hung over the whole family all day. The atmosphere finally warmed up.

Meng Huihong said she was worried Ge Fan couldn’t find a partner, thinking it would be better to buy a house first to help find a wife. Wen Wen nodded saying that made sense, then her eyes lit up, saying the front desk’s Xiao Man was still single, why not try matchmaking? Meng Huihong perked up completely, got invested, turned to ask Xiao Jiu, saying you have a good relationship with Xiao Man, go help Auntie ask if she’d be interested?

Before Xiao Jiu could speak, Ge Fan suddenly stood up, irritated, saying: “Xiao Jiu, come outside with your brother for a minute!”

Xiao Jiu couldn’t stop laughing: “What for?”

Ge Fan hesitated, then said: “Wendu Water Resort’s barbecue is dry and tasteless. Let’s go to the food street and buy a couple roasted pigeons!”

Xiao Jiu went reluctantly, dragged out by Ge Fan. They put on their down jackets and headed out. Passing by the first floor front desk, they saw Sister Xiao Man was there. Teasingly, Xiao Jiu said should we go ask?

Ge Fan pulled her over in one motion, hooked his arm around her neck, and forcibly dragged her out.

Pushing open the door, cold wind rushed in through the open collar. Xiao Jiu gripped her down jacket’s fur collar with both hands, teasing him with a laugh: “Why are you getting flustered?”

“Not flustered. Just craving a cigarette, came out to smoke first.” Ge Fan casually asked: “Do you want one?”

Yu Jiuqi was stunned for a moment, blinked: “I don’t know how.” Then changed the subject, “Sister Xiao Man is pretty nice though. Were you shy just now?”

At that moment, an urgent car horn suddenly sounded from across the street, abruptly piercing through the cold air, like urging, like provocation.

But Ge Fan still had his arm around Xiao Jiu’s neck and hadn’t let go. He ignored the horn, turned and asked her: “You really think Xiao Man and I are suitable?”

Xiao Jiu hunched her shoulders and nodded: “Sure, suitable.”

Ge Fan’s grip suddenly tightened a bit, pulling Yu Jiuqi closer. Just about to say something, that urgent horn sound pierced through again from across the several-meter-wide street.

Once, then again, irritating.

Ge Fan abruptly turned to look, suddenly paused, and muttered to himself in a muffled voice: “Why did he come back?”

“Who?”

“Sun Xi.”

Yu Jiuqi was suddenly shocked. Following Ge Fan’s shoulder, she glanced over and saw his black SUV parked across the street, headlights on, window half-lowered. He turned his head, looking over darkly. Despite the distance, those blazingly bright eyes were still hard to ignore.

Her heart thundered. Was he crazy? Why was he blocking the way here?

Ge Fan suddenly let go of Xiao Jiu, saying: “This guy probably came looking for me. I’ll go see.”

Yu Jiuqi didn’t make a sound, just watched as Ge Fan took several big steps over, standing in front of his car, saying something to him through the half-lowered window. Midway he even looked back at Xiao Jiu, and then for some reason, he actually went around and got in the passenger seat.

Sun Xi rolled up the window, while turning his head to look at her with an ambiguous expression, then drove off with Ge Fan.

What the hell did he want!

Yu Jiuqi stood there frozen for a while. After that car disappeared, she unlocked her phone and quickly sent Ge Fan a WeChat message asking: [Why did you go with him?]

[He said he had something.] Ge Fan replied.

Immediately after, he added: [You go back to the game room first, it’s cold outside.]

Yu Jiuqi pressed: [What does he want?]

After several long minutes, the phone finally flashed. Ge Fan suddenly asked without warning: [How does Sun Xi know you have his WeChat?]

Yu Jiuqi’s mind went buzz: [What did he say?]

Ge Fan replied: [He said you two have known each other for a long time.]

[Said you two are pretty close.]

Yu Jiuqi felt her hands were shaking. People going in and out who were acquaintances greeted her, but she couldn’t even squeeze out a fake smile.

She steadied herself, exited the chat with Ge Fan, flipped to Sun Xi’s, and urgently sent two messages.

She knew Sun Xi had a habit of checking messages while driving. She knew even more that at this moment, this bastard was waiting for her message.

Then she’d give him what he wanted.

First asking: [Sun Xi, what are you doing? What did you tell my brother?]

Then apologizing: [Fine, last night I had a bad tone. I take back everything I said this morning too. I admit I’m hypocritical, I’m selfish, I’m fickle, I’ve wronged you, wronged you multiple times, okay?]

Then coaxing: [Calm down, let’s talk properly, can we?]

Sun Xi didn’t reply.

Yu Jiuqi paced back and forth at the entrance of Wendu Water Resort. She didn’t know how many rounds she’d walked when her phone finally lit up.

She opened it, but it was Ge Fan, just one sentence.

[Did you two elope together, Xiao Jiu?]

Yu Jiuqi’s face turned deathly pale. Gritting her teeth, she was silent for a while, then sent Sun Xi one last message.

She said: [Sun Xi, you fucking bastard, you dare try to ruin my life!]