Free Web NovelChapter 630: Mr. Cao Passed Away, Returning to the Old Residence
After spending some time here, it was time to leave again. When they were leaving, Doudou was very reluctant to part with this new friend he had made.
However, just as they reached the next place, Yin Yang received news that the old housekeeper, Mr. Cao, from Lan City was gravely ill and wanted to see Yin Yang in his final moments.
Yin Yang had great respect for Housekeeper Cao, so he immediately took his wife and child with him.
He was aware of Housekeeper Cao’s illness before, but it wasn’t serious at first. However, as Mr. Cao got older, his health had deteriorated, and the illness worsened.
In these final moments, he wanted to see Yin Yang and Doudou.
Xu Mumu was not visiting Lan City for the first time, and on the way, Yin Yang’s face showed signs of distress. He naturally respected the old housekeeper and regarded him as an elder, hoping he could live a long and healthy life.
But now, he didn’t expect such things to happen.
The family hurried and finally arrived at the old mansion of the Yin Family. Upon entering, they could smell a faint scent of medicine in the courtyard.
"Mr. Cao." Yin Yang sat in front of Mr. Cao, feeling heavy-hearted. Mr. Cao was in very poor condition and could go at any moment...
"Young master is back, I see. And this is little master, right? The little master is very good-looking." Mr. Cao’s voice was weak, but he wore a kindly smile as he looked at Doudou. Seeing the Yin family had successors, he could die without regret.
"Yes, the child’s nickname is Doudou, and his formal name is Yin Si. Doudou, quickly call him great-grandfather." Yin Yang spoke gently, holding Mr. Cao’s hand.
"Great-grandfather." The little one was very curious about this great-grandfather. Being so young, he didn’t understand what death meant; he just knew this great-grandfather was ill, like when he saw Professor Jian and Professor Song fall ill.
"Good, good." Mr. Cao said with a smile, then with trembling hands, he pulled something out from under his pillow, "This is what the family head left before, though the master hasn’t been up to the task, and I hadn’t managed to give it to the young master before, but now it’s left for the little master."
Mr. Cao spoke haltingly, handing the jade pendant to Doudou, looking expectantly at Doudou and Xu Mumu.
Doudou looked at his mom and dad. Seeing them nod at him, the little one obediently accepted the gift, "Thank you, great-grandfather." The little one nodded obediently.
"I am happy that you all could return." Mr. Cao was growing weaker.
"Mr. Cao, please rest well for now. You’re definitely going to recover, as I’ve already arranged for the best doctors to come." Yin Yang was deeply saddened upon seeing Mr. Cao’s current state.
He had considered moving Mr. Cao to Shengjiang for retirement, but he insisted on staying, saying he wanted to watch over this old house, as he spent his life here and couldn’t bear to leave for somewhere else.
"No need, I understand, you all must take good care of yourselves." Mr. Cao said with a smile. Seeing how harmonious the couple was, Mr. Cao felt gratified. At least in this generation, the Yin Family was free from the disorder and strife. Yin Yang was capable, and the Yin Family thrived better under his stewardship.
After a short conversation, Mr. Cao finally passed away.
Seeing Yin Yang return with his child for the final time, he could die in peace.
Mr. Cao passed away, and Yin Yang instructed people to begin preparations for Mr. Cao’s funeral, then he stayed alone by Mr. Cao’s side for a long time.
Xu Mumu took Doudou to a room, which was regularly cleaned, and their clothes and such were already prepared in advance.
Doudou was quite curious as he hadn’t been here before.
"This is daddy’s old home, and daddy is not happy now. Doudou, don’t disturb him, understand?" Xu Mumu gently instructed the little one.
"Why is daddy not happy?" The little guy didn’t understand.
"Because a loved one of daddy passed away, and he’ll never see them again. If Doudou couldn’t see mommy anymore, wouldn’t you feel very sad?" Xu Mumu spoke softly.
"Yes, very sad." The little one pondered. If he couldn’t see mommy anymore, he’d surely cry and look for mommy.
"Exactly, so Doudou should be good and obedient these days, as daddy will be very busy every day." Xu Mumu patted the little one’s head. Although he was still small, he was quite clever.
Xu Mumu took Doudou to understand some affairs here. Although Yin Yang had arranged Mr. Cao’s funeral, there were still a lot of things to manage.
Mr. Cao’s grave had been prepared years ago, so there was no need to rebuild it. The grave was chosen next to the Yin family’s old master’s, that is, Yin Yang’s grandfather’s grave.
There were many household chores, and Xu Mumu took these tasks upon herself.
Those left in the old mansion were all trusted people of Yin Yang, so Xu Mumu’s words carried weight among them.
With Xu Mumu taking charge, things were no longer so disorganized, and everything became quite orderly.
Doudou obediently stayed by Xu Mumu’s side, winning the affection of the elderly of the Yin family.
Mr. Cao’s condition had been worsening for some time, and since the arrangements were in place, his passing did not leave the Yin family in disarray.
In the evening, when the kitchen brought the meals over, Xu Mumu paused for a moment. The Yin family’s affairs were quite numerous. Xu Mumu managed these matters while taking care of her son, and Doudou sat obediently, various snacks placed beside him, as he engrossed himself in a picture book.
"Madam, it’s time for dinner."
"Okay, I know. Bring the food over first; I’ll go get Yin Yang." Xu Mumu put away the account books and proceeded to take Doudou along to fetch Yin Yang.
Ever since Mr. Cao’s passing, Yin Yang had been staying there alone.
When Xu Mumu brought Doudou over, Yin Yang was sitting by Mr. Cao’s side, speaking about all the kindness Mr. Cao had shown him.
These stories were naturally known to Xu Mumu. She understood Yin Yang’s feelings, as he was not cared for by his parents much in his youth, and Mr. Cao often looked after him.
In her past life, when her parents suddenly passed, she felt even more sorrow than Yin Yang did now.
Xu Mumu brought Doudou to the door, stood there for a moment, then took Doudou back to the main hall.
"Mommy, aren’t we waiting for daddy?" The little one tilted his head, looking at Xu Mumu.
"No, we won’t wait for him. We’ll take some food to him later." Xu Mumu said gently. Even if they called Yin Yang now, he probably wouldn’t have the appetite to eat—not now. Better to let him spend more time with Mr. Cao.
"Okay." Although the little one didn’t quite understand, he obediently listened to his mom.
The Yin family’s meals were abundant, though the night’s meals were lighter. Yet even so, the little one enjoyed the food very much.
