No one could quiteprehend why the usually resilient old man was crying like a child. As tears streamed down his face, he alternated between wiping them away with the sleeves of his shirt, desperately trying to regain hisposure.


    Xion rushed over to him, a hint of nervousness in her voice as she asked, “Grandpa, why are you crying on such a beautiful day?”


    The old man realized he was losing control of his emotions and quickly tried to cover his face. However, the more he attempted to hold back his tears, the more they slipped through his fingers, cascading down the wrinkles of his hands. His body trembled with sorrow, evoking a deep sense of distress in those around him.<fn16a2> Read full story at find?novel</fn16a2>


    At that moment, only Kairi could truly grasp her father’s feelings.


    She understood that he was heartbroken because her mother couldn’t witness this poignant moment herself.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Sometimes, those left behind feel a profound connection with their deceased loved ones, believing that after years of waiting for the best oue, they can finally share their joys with those who have passed on. This thought can bring a sense of relief.


    Yet, not everyone shares this perspective.


    Some might feel that the very oue their loved ones longed for is bittersweet, as they can’t experience it themselves, leading them into a deep spiral of grief.


    Mr. Elms clearly belonged to thistter group.


    In truth, Kairi also felt simrly.


    Those who dedicate their lives to martial arts often believe in the power of strength and the ability to defy fate.


    For them, the essence of altering one’s destiny lies in staying alive.


    Consequently, they tend not to believe in an afterlife.


    To them, death is akin to a candle being extinguished.


    To die means truly to die.


    If their loved ones depart with unfinished business, it bes the greatest source of regret for those still living.


    This is why Kairi refrained from trying to console her father; she recognized that if he didn’t allow himself to cry, he would struggle to heal.


    Fortunately, Mr. Elms was not a fragile soul. After shedding some tears, he felt a sense of release from the weight on his heart.


    Realizing that today was a day of great joy, he quickly wiped his tears away and, with a smile, said, “I apologize for worrying everyone. Isn’t it time to offer tea to this old man?”


    Zayne, eager to shift the mood, quickly called out, “Where’s the tea? Why hasn’t it arrived yet? I need to serve my esteemed father-inw!”


    “Coming right up!” a young man eximed as he hurried over with two cups of tea.


    Zayne gently took Kairi’s hand, and together they knelt before the old man, one on each side.


    Then, Zayne picked up one of the cups and, with both hands, respectfully offered it to Mr. Elms, dering loudly, “Dad! Please enjoy this tea!”


    Mr. Elms smiled, nodded, and epted the tea. He held the cup in one hand, using the other to open the gaiwan, savoring the warm brew.


    After finishing, Mr. Elms set the teacup aside and took the cup Kairi offered him, drinking it down with appreciation. He then turned to Zayne, his expression serious.


    Zayne replied dutifully, “Dad, I’m all ears!”


    Mr. Elms grasped Kairi’s hand and looked intently at Zayne, saying earnestly, “Your love for Kairi is what matters most. Where you both choose to live and how you live your lives is up to you. It doesn’t concern me if you don’t visit for a year, three years, or even ten. As long as you don’t stop loving her, don’t mistreat her, and if I’m still around, I won’t hold it against you if you let her return safely to the He family. If I’m not here, I trust you will allow Xion to apany her back and help care for the Elms family. Can you promise me this?”</p“zayne,>