Wei Yumeng held the letter left by Mu Linjing and looked at Zhan Yichen's dejected expression, truly puzzled why Mu Linjing would do this.
She opened the letter and read Mu Linjing's words: "Yumeng, I'm leaving. Don't look for me. I know you must be reluctant to part with me, and I am reluctant to part with everyone. But if I stay, I will forever carry guilt. This incident, I brought trouble upon us by letting the wolf in. Mubai has told me the truth; I indirectly caused Yichen's mother's death. He doesn't believe me, and I can't blame him.
My parents had already broken off the engagement, causing the Zhan family immense shame. I also know Grandpa Zhan dislikes me and won't accept me anymore. I have no face to ask for his forgiveness.
A sparrow can't live with a phoenix. Perhaps Yichen and I should never have insisted from the start. I've delayed him for so long; it's my fault. If he still remembers me, please tell him not to be fixated and to live well.
If we are destined, we will meet again after going in circles. As for what happens next, let time decide."
Reading to the end, Wei Yumeng was filled with regret. If she hadn't stopped Zhan Yichen and had told Mu Linjing the truth earlier, perhaps she wouldn't have made this decision.
She handed the letter to Zhan Yichen, "You should read this. Linjing doesn't not love you; she feels she's wronged you."
After reading Mu Linjing's letter, Zhan Yichen's eyes were red. He too regretted not telling Mu Linjing his feelings sooner. He thought their tacit understanding was enough; Mu Linjing should have understood when he went to save her.
But he didn't know if he had overestimated their默契 (mòqì - tacit understanding) or underestimated Mu Linjing's insecurity, leading to this situation. Ultimately, it was his miscalculation.
There was a long silence between them. Wei Yumeng couldn't think of any comforting words, so she just squeezed Zhan Yichen's shoulder. "Pull yourself together. Linjing didn't say she'll never come back. When two people don't know if they should continue being together, they separate for a while. Those who are meant to be together won't get lost. Linjing needs time to heal, and you need time to adjust yourself. Besides, there are still important matters at home that you need to handle. Mohan is already preparing to hold the funeral for your mother. Let's prepare a dignified ceremony for her to pass on peacefully."
Zhan Yichen closed his eyes and nodded. "I understand, sister-in-law. You should go back. I want to stay here for a while."
Looking at the house where Mu Linjing once lived, Zhan Yichen felt her presence everywhere. Her scent still lingered in the air, as if he could grasp something with his outstretched hand.
He held Mu Linjing's letter and slowly walked through each room, finally lying down in Mu Linjing's master bedroom. Although the room was now empty, the scent of Mu Linjing's hair still lingered on the pillow.
Lying where Mu Linjing had slept, he felt as if she were still by his side.
A tear slid from his left eye to his right, then seeped into the pillow. In this empty room, he cried like a child.
He ultimately chose to respect Mu Linjing's decision and not look for her. Although if he were determined, he could find her, it wasn't what Mu Linjing wanted.
Moreover, Wei Yumeng had also advised him that when they are unsure about continuing together, separation is the best choice. During his time with Mu Linjing, they had experienced so much, and they indeed needed to sort out their thoughts.
If Mu Linjing truly felt that being with him was inappropriate, he would respect that and not force her to stay by his side.
After sleeping here, he seemed to have figured out many things. At least the sadness was no longer on his face.
Returning home, he and Zhan Mohan began preparing for their mother's funeral. Because they had kept the matter confidential, the outside world still believed Wen Yulan was presumed dead after disappearing in the shipwreck. Therefore, they simply announced that Wen Yulan's body had been found and proceeded with the funeral.
Many people came to pay their respects at the funeral. Zhan Yichen knelt before his mother's spirit, but now, there were few tears.
Perhaps due to the constant great sorrow and pain recently, he had become somewhat numb. However, in the eyes of others, this was abnormal emotional behavior. Wei Yumeng thought he hadn't recovered from the pain of Mu Linjing's abrupt departure and intended to find an opportunity to console him.
Just then, Cen Yuan came in and said that someone claiming to be from the Mu family had arrived to pay their respects and asked if they should be let in. Wei Yumeng assumed it was Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu who had come. Although she found it strange they would come to pay respects to Wen Yulan, life and death were like extinguishable lamps. Since Wen Yulan had passed away, she figured the Mu family wouldn't have much to hold onto. Therefore, she asked Cen Yuan to escort them in.
However, this time, she was mistaken. The visitors were not Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu, but Zhang Yi's family, whom she had never met.
As soon as Zhang Xinyi entered, she saw Zhan Yichen wearing mourning attire and keeping vigil. Amidst such solemnity, she gazed at Zhan Yichen's profile, her eyes shining. She wondered how such a perfect man could exist in the world.
Fortunately, she had some sense and knew to restrain herself, thus not throwing herself at him at this moment. Otherwise, she would have been thrown out by the Zhan family.
After feigning condolences to Wen Yulan, Zhang Xinyi approached Zhan Yichen and quietly knelt down.
Zhan Yichen didn't even turn his head. His voice was cold, "The deceased is my mother, and I should be here keeping vigil. But this is not your place. Please stand up and move away."
Zhang Xinyi didn't get up when told to leave. Instead, she started talking about Mu Linjing's credit card. "Brother-in-law, I heard my sister left. If she hadn't left, she should be here accompanying you, right?"
She put an arm around Zhan Yichen's arm. "But don't be sad. Although my sister left you and didn't fulfill this filial duty, I can complete these matters for her. Just treat me as your sister."
Zhan Mohan felt her touch and calmly withdrew his arm. "No need. No one can replace her. Even if she's gone, she's an irreplaceable presence in my heart."
Being as astute as he was, from their first meeting, he knew this young woman, though not old, harbored considerable ambition. Now that Mu Linjing was gone, someone couldn't wait to step into her place.
Zhang Xinyi was young but very good at using credit cards. "We are sisters. If she knew, she would definitely support me."