Chapter 588 - 582_1
After this ordeal, Lin Genfa seemed much older. At an age of only thirty-something, he looked as if he were in his forties or fifties, which showed how deeply affected he was by Zhao Yunxiang’s death.
Zhao Erhu had already gone through such grief twice and understood Lin Genfa’s feelings better than most. Moreover, the bond between his brother-in-law and his sister was even stronger than the ones he had with his two previous wives. He feared that Genfa’s heartache might be even worse than his own had been. Remembering his sister’s last wishes, Zhao Erhu wanted to say something, but feeling guilty as he glanced at his wife beside him, he opened his mouth and then closed it without speaking. His wife had already done enough for his sister’s family.
Lin Yue could clearly see what Zhao Erhu was thinking. Having taken the ninety-nine steps already, only the final one remained. Holding Zhao Erhu’s hand, she looked at Lin Genfa, "Brother-in-law, now that my sister has been laid to rest and the departed has departed, you must hold back your sorrow. The mother-in-law is not in good health, and she relies on you, her son, for care. The children are also young and depend on you. Brother-in-law, you must pull yourself together, or else my sister won’t rest in peace."
Lin Genfa understood this reasoning, but having supported each other with Zhao Yunxiang all this way, it was inevitable he would mourn the loss of his bedfellow. He knew it would take some time to recover, but he had to accept the kindness of Lin Yue.
"Sister-in-law is right; I understand this principle. These days, without Erhu and sister-in-law running around to take care of things, we wouldn’t have been able to handle Yunxiang’s funeral so well. I am grateful but have little to offer in return, except to repay your kindness by working like an ox or a horse in the future."
"There’s no need for that, brother-in-law. We are family; why talk as if we are strangers? What are your plans from now on?"
"I haven’t thought much about it since the mother of my children passed away. I originally planned to go to the city for work, but I can’t leave home now with the elderly and the children here." Lin Genfa was troubled by this but didn’t consider asking Zhao Erhu for help. After all, it was after what Zhao Yunxiang did that he had left in the first place, and he truly couldn’t leave his mother or kids behind.
"Since brother-in-law hasn’t made any plans yet, why not come and help us out? You know our family business is growing and we need more hands. If you don’t mind, come and give us a hand." Lin Yue had actually been quite fond of Lin Genfa, it was because of Zhao Yunxiang that Genfa had left.
"That... let’s not. I can’t leave the elderly and the children at home, and your family’s work pays well for easier labor; you won’t have trouble finding people." Genfa naturally didn’t believe that Zhao Erhu’s family lacked for help. With the attractive work conditions and pay provided by Zhao Erhu’s family, not to mention anything else, the robust young men from the village were eager to work for Lin Yue’s family.
"True, we’re not short of labor, but we do need reliable people to manage things. Some matters can’t be entrusted to just anyone. We trust brother-in-law as family and we would like to invite you to offer your support. As for the mother-in-law and the children, bring them all with you. Our place has plenty of rooms, so living space is not a worry. Now that brother-in-law has sold the land and has no livestock at home, there’s not much to hold onto, unless brother-in-law is still concerned about the past issues."
"How could I? Sister-in-law, please don’t worry. It was your older sister who did wrong. If you can let go of it, what right do I have to keep dwelling on it? It’s just that our family has received enough of your generosity, I..."