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Chapter 21 Part 2 Sister Reveal
The next day, Mother took leave from school, and the family busied themselves with the funeral. During this period, Second Aunt was often at Father's side; Qi frequently saw them talking privately and arguing. Several times, Second Aunt ran off in tears, Father's face drawn and heavy.
On the day of the burial, Grandma collapsed from grief at the cemetery and died shortly thereafter at the hospital. The Daoist's prediction had come true again.
Qi once more rode with the hearse as eldest grandson. Amid grief, he resolved to visit the Daoist once Grandma's rites were done. Returning to the funeral home again so soon, he was now familiar with the process and could help his parents coordinate with staff. Meanwhile, he saw Second Aunt draw Father aside again. This time Father seemed to consent to her request; she left with a conflicted look.
Qi paid no mind, focusing on tasks, when his phone buzzed: another message from that same woman who'd been texting him almost daily since getting his number teasing notes he'd ignored after his sole "Get lost." Oddly, reading them had sometimes lifted his spirits during the heavy days of mourning, so he hadn't blocked her. Today's message was strange:
"Little brother, Sis misses you… but I can't meet today! Sis has to attend a funeral!"
He didn't understand, and had no time to think there was too much to do. After Second Aunt left, Father pulled Mother aside to explain something. Mother grew increasingly upset and soon argued with him. Aunt, seeing this, went over too. Qi trusted that if they didn't tell him, Aunt would later, and kept working.
Soon Mother ran from the hall in tears, Father hurrying after. Aunt signaled to Qi, who followed her to a quiet corner.
"Aunt, what's going on? Why did Mom run out crying?" he asked.
Aunt leaned to his ear. "Your sister is coming today."
Qi reeled. Since learning from Aunt that he might have a half-sister, he'd been keen to know more, probing fruitlessly among relatives. Father and Mother had hidden it deliberately, and others seemed unaware; his curiosity had waned. Aunt's words stunned him.
"So Second Aunt's recent talks with Dad were about this?" he asked.
"You guessed right. I suspected before. The day after Grandpa died, your dad told me. Your sister is your Uncle Chen Lan's daughter. You probably don't know her name yet she bears your cousin's surname for now: Wu Xia. She'll likely change to Li soon… Li Xia, Qi. Hmph looks like your dad had this ready," Aunt said with contempt thinly veiling her admiration for Father's foresight.
"What's going on?" Qi asked, confused.
Aunt lowered her voice. "I'll keep it short. Before your sister was born, your cousin uncle had a car accident and became infertile do you understand? When your dad's marriage to your second aunt fell through, your second aunt didn't know what to do, so your cousin uncle and aunt took the baby as their own, got a birth certificate sorted back then those things were easier. Your dad and second aunt knew, but kept it secret from others mainly from your mom and grandparents. Your mom probably suspected but chose not to know she felt guilty for taking her sister's man. After Grandpa died, your second aunt wanted your sister to return to attend the funeral. You can understand her feelings, right?"
Qi nodded. "Of course. Married or not, she's a Li Grandpa's granddaughter. She should be here to burn incense and pay respects."
"Good. Blood is blood. But your dad didn't agree at first Grandpa had just passed, and he worried about Grandma's feelings. A granddaughter appearing out of nowhere could shock her. Your dad is dutiful and thorough; I agreed at the time." Aunt seemed pleased Qi was so composed.
"Now that Grandma's gone, there's no reason to keep her away. So even though your mom objected, I supported your Dad."
"Why does Mom object?" Qi asked.
Aunt looked at him oddly. "I figured with all your reading, you'd get it. Honestly, are you really confused?"
"Truly," Qi said.
She studied him. "Sometimes I don't know if you're smart or just dense. If your sister doesn't return, you're the sole heir of the Li family. The family property would all go to you. With a sister, you don't get it all. Your mom is fighting for you. That's why she objected exactly as expected."
"Property?" Qi almost fainted. He'd never thought of that. "That's years away. Mom's thinking about it now?" he sighed.
"Don't blame her mothers think of their children first. And…" Aunt paused.
"And what?" Qi asked, impatient.
"You might get another sister," Aunt said.
"What?" Qi sagged. One sister just appeared and now another?
"Your cousin, Kong Xiaoxi. I've long suspected she might be your father's as well. After Grandpa's death, your second aunt asked for a divorce and demanded custody of Xiaoxi. The timing is too convenient. With Grandpa gone, the barrier between your dad and your second aunt vanished, and she wasted no time." Aunt looked mysterious.
"You knew about Dad and second aunt all along?" Qi was stunned he'd never told Aunt what he'd seen at Father's office.
"I always knew. What's strange about it? Your dad's always kept in touch with her. That shows he's deep in feeling, not someone who forgets old love. If he weren't, I'd call him heartless and wouldn't like him… mm!" Aunt clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing she'd said too much in front of her young lover.
Qi pouted. "So Aunt is also one who never forgets old love, still hung up on my dad, huh?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Aunt belongs to you now, and you know it. This isn't the place back to work," she said, turning toward Grandma's body with remorse. Hands clasped together, she whispered, "Amitabha, Mother, forgive me I didn't mean it," and wept again.
Realizing how inappropriate their talk was before Grandma's body, Qi hurried to offer incense and pray for peace of mind.
Their exchange was but a moment in the long day. With mourners constantly arriving, neither had time to dwell on their secret feelings. Busy at their tasks, Qi and Aunt felt a brief easing when Father and Mother returned apparently Father had persuaded her at last.
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