Chapter 126: Entrusting an Orphan Before Death

“Su Yan, my house is just ahead.”

Sun Mang limped off the rickshaw, pointing excitedly at the large gate not far away, completely forgetting the fact that Su Yan “could not see.”

Soon, the two arrived at the courtyard entrance.

Sun Mang's house was much cleaner than she had imagined; even though the iron gate was old and rusted, there wasn't a speck of dust to be found.

It was definitely wiped down frequently.

It was a simple, square courtyard consisting of four main rooms and two side rooms.

The courtyard was quiet.

Sun Mang cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Grandma, I’m back! Su Yan is here to visit us!”

A moment later, a door opened.

An elderly woman in her 70s with a head of silver hair walked out.

She was somewhat thin, wearing a set of dark blue coarse cloth clothes, the cuffs of which had faded slightly from being washed so many times.

Even though her face was covered in wrinkles, one could still see the elegant beauty of her youth.

With a smile, Grandma Sun first gave her grandson a doting look, then her kind gaze fell upon Su Yan.

“Grandma, this is Su Yan, the one I always mention to you,” Sun Mang introduced happily.

Su Yan didn't know exactly how much he had told Grandma Sun about her, so she simply greeted her in a well-mannered and poised manner.

“Hello, Grandma Sun.”

“Good, good. Come in and sit quickly.”

Grandma Sun’s smile seemed to grow even warmer.

This was Su Yan's first time visiting a classmate's home, so she had specifically bought some fruit and pastries on her way here.

“It’s enough that you came; there was no need to spend so much. And this little Mang, really, why didn't you know to stop little Su?”

“Grandma, you know I can't stop Su Yan.”

Sun Mang became even more unrestrained in front of Grandma Sun, speaking without any hesitation.

Although Grandma Sun grumbled, there was nothing in her gaze but pure doting.

“I'll go brew some tea for you both.”

“Grandma, please don't trouble yourself.” Su Yan wasn't thirsty, and besides, the elderly woman was quite old, not to mention Sun Mang was jumping around beside her.

Sun Mang, who had been sitting nearby cradling his large foot, sensed that Su Yan seemed to be “looking” at him. Realizing what was happening, he immediately stood up.

“Grandma, how about I do it?”

“You don't know how to brew tea.” Having said that, Grandma Sun went straight to the kitchen.

“Su Yan, my grandma is an incredibly warm person. She’s happy you’re here,” Sun Mang said with a grin, seemingly having forgotten his pain.

Su Yan thought of Granny Li, and then looked at the carefree Sun Mang; he truly was someone living in bliss without realizing it.

“Where are your parents?”

Sun Mang stretched and replied casually, “They died long ago. I don't even remember what they looked like. Grandma raised me.”

Although Su Yan had already vaguely guessed, hearing him say it out loud still brought a strange sensation to her heart.

In a short while, Grandma Sun walked in carrying a cup of steaming tea.

“This is my specialty, jujube tea. Little Su, please try some.”

Grandma Sun approached Su Yan and set down the teacup.

Su Yan was about to thank her when her breath hitched.

Her vision beneath the black cloth fell upon Grandma Sun's cheek, and her expression shifted slightly.

Grandma Sun seemed to sense something, but a smile remained on her face, allowing herself to be observed.

“Su Yan, I told you she has good taste! My grandma hasn't brewed jujube tea for a guest in a long time!” Sun Mang continued to say with a grin.

“Quick, try it.”

Su Yan immediately composed herself and picked up the teacup under Grandma Sun's earnest gaze.

The aroma of jujube was rich and sweet; it was indeed delicious.

But now, she couldn't bring herself to smile.

“It’s very good.”

Grandma Sun was very happy. “Little Mang, go out and buy some groceries. Grandma will make something delicious for you both at noon.”

This time, Su Yan did not refuse, but instead allowed Grandma Sun to make the arrangements.

Sun Mang finally remembered his aching foot and began acting spoiled toward Grandma Sun.

“Grandma, my foot is chafed.”

Grandma Sun had actually seen it long ago, but she had more important matters at hand, so she had endured without showing concern.

“Come inside. Grandma will apply medicine first, then you can go buy the groceries.”

Sun Mang lingered, wanting to say something more, but Su Yan spoke up at that moment.

“Sun Mang, listen to Grandma.”

“Fine.”

This time, Sun Mang agreed exceptionally readily, without even a single protest.

Su Yan saw a look of relief on Grandma Sun's face.

As the grandmother and grandson went into the house, Sun Mang's boisterous shouting continued to drift out.

“Ow, ow, ow! Grandma, go easy!”

“You're a grown man; if you can't handle a little pain, how will you manage in the future?”

“We'll talk about the future later. Right now, I'm just afraid of pain.”

“You... you'll never grow up as long as you're by my side.”

“Hehe, well, I am your grandson after all.”

Listening to the conversation between the elderly woman and Sun Mang, Su Yan's heart grew increasingly heavy.

A few minutes later, Sun Mang limped out of the inner room first, greeted her, and then rushed out of the house in a flurry.

Soon, only Su Yan and Grandma Sun were left in the house.

Grandma Sun sat down beside Su Yan. “Little Su, you've realized it, haven't you?”

Su Yan was slightly stunned.

To avoid the possibility that she had misunderstood the old woman's meaning, she chose to remain silent.

Grandma Sun continued on her own, “Actually, I sent Little Mang away on purpose. I know that God hasn't left me much time.”

“Grandma, please don't say that.” Su Yan truly didn't know what to say in such a moment.

Judging from Grandma Sun's physiognomy, her lifespan indeed would not exceed one month.

“Little Su, you don't need to comfort me. This old woman has lived long enough to make up for it. My only remaining worry is Little Mang. That child has had a hard life; he lost his parents early and has been living with an old woman like me.”

“Grandma, don't think that way. Sun Mang is very happy with you.” Su Yan was absolutely certain of this.

Grandma Sun only smiled. “Before, I was always worried about what the child would do if one day I was gone. But ever since I heard Little Mang talk about you, I knew that you are the benefactor God arranged for him.”

By the end, the old woman could not hide the emotion in her voice.

Su Yan immediately understood why this elderly woman had insisted that Sun Mang bring her back.

“Grandma, Sun Mang and I are classmates. I don't have that much power to be his benefactor.”

“You do! Little Su, I assume you've heard from Little Mang about my family's situation. Actually, there are things even Little Mang doesn't know. I have kept the secret because I was afraid the child is too simple and wouldn't know how to navigate the road ahead. But things are different now. Even if I cannot watch over him, knowing he has a friend like you allows me to depart in peace.”

As she reached the end, Grandma Sun's voice choked up slightly. She stood up and, ignoring Su Yan's attempts to stop her, knelt before her.

Entrusting a legacy on one's deathbed—this was the only thing she could do for her grandson.

“Su Yan, I know this is difficult for you, and I know I shouldn't use moral kidnapping like this. But this old woman truly has no other way. I only ask that you protect the last shred of the Sun family's bloodline.”

(End of Chapter)